LYNN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lynn, Massachusetts

LETTER TO PARENT

Dear Parent:

 

A committee composed of parents, students, teachers, School Committee members and school administrators has prepared a revised discipline code for our city’s schools.  The purpose of the policy and code is to provide the educational community of Lynn with a set of guidelines which will, if followed, offer and environment conducive to an effective learning experience for every pupil in the system.

 

The most effective education takes place when the home and school work together harmoniously for the well being of the child.  The new discipline code provides the framework through which parents, School Committee members, students, teachers and school administrators can make a difference in enhancing the educational opportunities for every child attending the Lynn Public Schools.

 

The Discipline Policy is on file in the office of the principal.  It includes the search and seizure and drug policies as well as Chapter 766 Special Education Regulations concerning discipline.  This policy is subject to on-going review and may be viewed by parents upon request.

 

Please sign the statement below and have your son/daughter return to his/her homeroom teacher.

 

I have read the Discipline Code with my child and intend to cooperate, to the best of my ability, with the school officials to enforce this policy in order to promote ideal conditions for learning.

 

 

Parent’s Signature:___________________________________Date:___________

 

Student’s Signature:__________________________________Date:___________

 

 

PLEASE DETACH THIS ENTIRE PAGE AND RETURN IT TO YOUR HOMEROOM TEACHER, SIGNED APPROPRIATELY BY YOU AND YOUR PARENT.

 

 DISCIPLINE CODE

 

The following list of school-related problems if presented at this time to indicate the possible or potential effect on your child’s education.  A cooperative effort by pupils, parents, teachers and school administrators in following these rules and regulations will lead to a high standard of behavior and will result in excellence in the education of Lynn’s children.  The administrator in charge of discipline shall determine which option to select.

 

 

1.0              Attendance-related problems

1.1              Truancy

-         Detention; parental conference; subject to conditional suspension and/or court.

1.2              Skipping Class

-         Detention; parental conference; subject to conditional suspension.  (Refer to Attendance Policy) The teacher has the right to give a “zero”/no credit for each act.

1.3              Unexcused Absence (10 times per quarter)

-         Teacher/Principal conference re: status.  (Refer to Attendance Policy) Tardiness (Unexcused)

1.4              Tardiness (Unexcused)

1.4a     Over 10 Minutes to Class

-Detention; parental conference; subject to conditional suspension.

1.4b     Under 10 Minutes to Class

-After school session; detention after 3 times; conditional suspension after 5 times.

1.4c     To school

-1 time…1 detention; 2 – 4 times…2 detentions; 5 or more times…3 detentions; parental conference; subject to conditional suspension. (Principal’s option)

1.5              Dismissals (All dismissals must be granted or denied by the Principal or his/ her designee)

1.5a     Illness

-Parent or guardian to pick up pupil; possible medical documentation.

                        1.5b     Other than Illness

                                    -24-hour notice to school desirable

1.6              Use of automobile during school hours is strictly prohibited.

-         Conditional suspension.

1.7              Closed Campus (All students shall remain on school property the entire school day.)

-         Conditional suspension.

1.8              Failure to Return Warning Notices, Report Cards, Notes or Notices

-         After-school session; detention; parental notification; parent must send note. (Refer to Attendance Policy)

1.9              Failure to Report to Homeroom

-         Conditional suspension.

1.9a     Failure to Report to Office Upon Arriving Late to School

- Conditional suspension.

 

2.0              Classroom Incidents

2.1              Cheating

-         Teacher’s option to give “zero”.

2.2              Forgery of School Documents

-         Conditional suspension.

2.3       Class room Misbehavior

-         After-school session; detention.

2.4        Continual Misbehavior – Same Offense

-         Conditional suspension; appropriate alternative services.

2.5        Refusal to Meet Minimum Standards of the Class.

-         After-school session; detention; conditional suspension.

2.6       Failure to Return Loaned School Equipment, Books or Any School Property

-         Hearing; payment; non-release of all records; and possible criminal prosecution

2.7        Failure to Report back to teachers (Non-Academic)

-         Two (2) after-school sessions; subject to detention.

2.8        Insubordination or Disrespect

-         Conditional suspension.

2.9        Sent to Office Twice in One Day.

-         Conditional suspension.

 

3.0              School Dress Standards shall be Appropriate for the School Setting and:

3.1              Clothing shall not be present health or safety problems, or in any way disrupt the learning process.

3.2              Students are not to bring any object to school which detracts from learning process or endangers health or safety.

 

4.0              School Incidents (Other than Classroom)

4.1              Cafeteria Offense

-         Detention (see specific offense).

4.2              Corridor Offense

-         Detention (see specific offense).

4.3              Library Offense

-         Loss of library privileges (see specific offense).

4.4              Extracurricular Events

-         Possible loss of eligibility.

4.5              Off Campus

-         Possible suspension; loss of co-curricular eligibility.

4.6              Illegal Gambling

-         Conditional suspension.

4.7              Unauthorized Demonstration

-         Suspension determined by the principal.

4.8              Dangerous Operation of Vehicles on School Property (including, but not limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades/skates, etc.)

-         Conditional suspension; police notification; and possible prosecution.

 

5.0              Vandalism and Property Damage

5.1              Intentional

-         Full suspension; restitution.

5.2              Unintentional

-         Hearing; possible suspension; restitution.

5.3              Destruction of Personal Property

-         Full suspension; possible court action by victim, with School Department cooperation.

5.4              Graffiti/Defacing Property

-         Detention; full suspension; full restitution; and possible prosecution.

 

6.0              Assault and/or Assault and Battery on School Property or at any School-Related Event, including Athletic Games

6.1              On a School Department Employee

-         Full suspension from the school; possible court action by employee, with School Department cooperation; subject to immediate expulsion by principal pursuant to M.G.L. 71, S.37H.  Police Notification.

6.2              On a Pupil

-         Conditional suspension; reassessment of assignment; subject to full suspension; possible court action; subject to expulsion.  Police Notification.

6.3              Fighting between Pupils

-         Conditional suspension.

6.3a     Third Person Involved

-         Full suspension.

6.4              Verbal Harassment or Threat to persons and/or property

-         Hearing; possible suspension, subject to expulsion and/or police notification.

6.5              Swearing at a School Employee

-         Detention; conditional suspension.

6.6              Use or Possession of a Dangerous Object or Weapon

-         Confiscated; consequences consistent with local ordinance; full suspension; subject to immediate expulsion by the principal pursuant to M.G.L. 71, S.37H.  Police notification.

6.7              Possession of a Firearm (M.G.L., Ch. 269, S. 10)

-         Police notification; prosecution; subject to immediate expulsion by principal pursuant M.G.L. 71, S.37H.

6.8              Hazing

-         Full suspension; police notification; prosecution.

 

 

7.0              Sexual Harassment

- Parental conference; suspension; possible expulsion; refer to police.

 

8.0              Arson and Fire-Related Incidents

8.1              Fire

-         Notify Fire Department; full suspension; prosecution; possible expulsion.

8.2              False Alarm

-         Full suspension; prosecution; possible expulsion; and full restitution.

8.3              Fire Extinguisher

-         Full suspension; and full restitution.

8.4              Fireworks

-         Conditional suspension; demand source.

8.5              Smoking on School Property

-         Conditional suspension.

 

9.0              Stealing

9.1              Larceny

-         Full suspension; restitution; prosecution.

9.2              Stealing

-         Conditional suspension; restitution.

 

10.0          Trespassing (Ch. 272 #40 ; 266 #120)

10.1          Non-School Age Offender

-         Prosecute.

10.2          Pupils from Other Schools

-         Police notification; subject to full suspension; possible court action.

10.3          Second Time Trespassing

-         Police notification; subject to expulsion; possible court action.

 

11.0          Use of Drugs and Alcohol (as well as sale and/or distribution)

11.1          Voluntary Disclosure – Mandatory counseling

11.2          Non-Voluntary Disclosure

11.2a   First Offense; Notify Police Designee

- Three-day suspension; mandatory treatment referral subject to expulsion by principal pursuant to M.G.L. 71, S.37H.

11.2b   Second Offense; Notify Police Designee

- Five day suspension; doctor’s note; possible referral to Department of Social Services subject to expulsion by principal pursuant to M.G.L. 71, S.37H.

11.2c   Third Offense; Notify Police Designee

- Full suspension; possible referral to Department of Social Services subject to expulsion by principal pursuant to M.G.L. 71, S.37H

 

11.3          Continual Highs or Intoxication; Notify Police Designee

-         Full suspension; subject to expulsion.

11.4          Suspected Use of Drugs/Alcohol

-         Contact parent; recommend referrals.

 

12.0          Continuous Delinquent Behavior

-  Court action; referral to alternative program; possible expulsion.

-  If principal does not expel the student, the School Committee may expel the student

 

13.0          Felonies (Ch. 71, S. 37H1/2, Ch. 380- of 1993)

13.1          Issuance of a Felony Delinquency Complaint

-         Subject to suspension for a period to be determined by principal

13.2          Conviction of a Felony or upon and Adjudication or Admission of Guilt to a Felony Delinquency

-         Subject to expulsion by principal

 

 

 

 

DEFINITION OF TERMS

 

 

1.         AFTER-SCHOOL SESSION – Disciplinary time enforced by teacher.

 

2.         DETENTION – Disciplinary time enforced by principal or his/her designee.

 

3.         HEARING

a.                   Informal – Discussion held immediately after the offense

b.                  Formal – Discussion held following notification of the parent or guardian of any violation which may require a full suspension.

 

4.                  CONDITIONAL SUSPENSION – A period of time, not to exceed five (5) days,

            in which the pupil may not attend school (appropriate services).

 

5.         FULL SUSPENSION – A formal hearing in the office of the Superintendent/ designee, with the time and date determined by the Superintendent/ designee. At this hearing, the period of time during which a student may be removed from school is determined. Such suspension may exceed five (5) days. A student who has received two full suspensions shall be referred by the principal to the Lynn Alternative School or for expulsion.

 

6.         EXPULSION – A hearing before the principal and/or School Committee for possible permanent removal from school, with all decisions complying with Massachusetts law.

 

7.         EXCLUSION – A transfer of a pupil to another educational placement (to be determined by the Superintendent, his designee, or the School Committee.)

 

8.          RESTITUTION – Payment for loss or damage to personal or school property.

 

9.         CONFISCATION – Any personal property which can be used to disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school, or which poses a threat to others, must be returned at the close of the day to student or parent. All illegal objects or weapons will be presented to the appropriate public safety department.

 

 

 

STUDENT APPEARANCE  (Adopted by the School Committee June 8, 2006)

Students will be expected to keep themselves well groomed and neatly dressed at all times.  Any form of dress or hairstyle which is considered contrary to good hygiene, or which is distractive or disruptive in appearance, and detrimental to the purpose or conduct of the school will not be permitted.  Disruptive clothing is considered, but not limited to, clothing with obscenities, fighting words, incitement, or defamation written on it.

 

A.      The following guidelines shall determine dress and grooming:

1.      Decency

2.      Neatness

3.      Cleanliness, and

4.      Suitability for school.

 

B.     The following are not suitable, or in good taste, for school and should not be part of student’s attire or grooming:

 

1.      Hats, bandannas, headbands, scarves, gloves, wristbands, doo-rags, skullcaps, hoods and wavecaps are not to be worn in school.  Such items must be kept out of sight.

 

2.       

a.       Tank tops, halters, mini-skirts, shoulder-less tops, halter-top dresses, tube tops or tops that bare the midriff, spandex or skin-tight clothes (regardless of length) may not be worn.

b.      Regardless of style, all shirts must be tucked in, and beltline visible.

c.       Pants must be worn at or above the waistline.

 

3.      Shirts advertising tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or advocating drug use, or those with obscene printing, violence of any kind, or printing considered by the principal to be inappropriate, will not be permitted.

 

4.      See-through articles of clothing will not be allowed.

 

5.      Shoes that pose a safety problem, or contain metal cleats, taps, or wheels are not permissible.

 

6.      Use of all electronic devices, including cell phones, is not allowed on school property during school hours.  Violation of this policy will result in immediate confiscation of the item, parental notification as well as possible conditional suspension.  If these items are brought to school they must remain out of sight and off.

 

7.      Non-prescribed dark glasses are not to be used in school.  If prescribed, a doctor’s statement must be on file in the nurse’s office, or with the principal, and recorded in the office.

 

8.      Metal studs or chains placed on gloves, coats or any part of pupil’s clothing, including shoes, which may cause danger to other students and school personnel, or may cause damage to school or personal property, are not allowed.

 

9.      Clothing which is considered by the principal to be gang-related or in gang-related “colors” will not be permitted.

 

C.     The following items are acceptable/suitable as determined by the principal / designee:

 

1.      Knee length shorts are permissible in the months of September and June at the secondary level.  At the elementary level, shorts may be worn at the discretion of the principal.

 

2.      Any student violating this policy will have his/her parent notified to bring in the appropriate clothing.

 

3.      Any student sent home because of inappropriate clothing will be expected back in school, without delay, properly dressed for class.  Any time missed will be considered an unexcused class absence.

 

4.      Violation of these regulations shall be addressed immediately and the cooperation of the student and his/her parents sought from the principal or his/her designee. Repeated offenses may result in progressive discipline up to and including conditional suspension.

 

 

 

ATTENDANCE

 

A.        Daily attendance of all who are enrolled in the Lynn Public Schools is required in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth and the School Committee rules.

 

B.         It is the responsibility of the administrator and teachers to know which students are either absent from school or missing from assigned classes.

 

C.               Chapter 766 regulations shall be considered and applied in all instances involving students with special educational needs.

 

D.               Attendance at school is mandated by State law, subject to the following:

 

1.                  All school absences require a note explaining the absence.  School absences are defined as follows:

 

a.                   Documented Absence (JUSTIFIED):

-Illness covered by a doctor’s note, a note regarding illness from the parent or guardian, death in the family, religious holiday, school sponsored activities as approved by administration, college or military recruiter visits with approval from the administration, absence occurring when a student is in custody of court or law enforcement authorities, and absence resulting from participation in a work-study program under the supervision of the public school.  The administration reserves the right to request a doctor’s note.  In case of an emergency, a waiver may be granted by a school administrator.

 

                       

b.                  Documented Absence (NON-JUSTIFIED) and Undocumented Absence (NON-JUSTIFIED):

- Seven (7) documented absences (non-justified) or seven (7) undocumented absences (non-justified) will result in an “F.”  All other absences not covered above, including truancy, class cuts, suspensions, and family vacations are not considered legitimate reasons for class absences in a given quarter. 

 

2.                The school administration should make every effort to ensure attendance by careful daily and quarterly monitoring of attendance records.  After (5) undocumented absences, a parent will be notified by a phone call and letter indicating excessive absences from class.  Copies of the letter will be sent to the student’s guidance counselor and vice-principal responsible for student attendance. Parents are urged to contact the vice-principal’s office when they become aware that their child has accumulated five (5) undocumented absences from class.

 

3.                Upon returning to school after an absence, a student is required to present a signed note of explanation from the parent or guardian stating the reason and date of the absence.  This note must be presented to all classroom teachers.  A physician’s note will be require for absences of five (5) days or more in any one school quarter, or in the case of prolonged illness which may result in an absence of five (5) or more consecutive days. School officials reserve the right to investigate the authenticity of parental notes.

 

4.                Pupils may not attend or participate in school events if they are absent on the same day of the activity, unless permission has been granted by the school principal or designee prior to the specific event or function.

 

5.                  To insure fairness, a Review Board of administrators will meet to evaluate extenuating circumstances pertaining to absences prior to final marks being recorded.  The appeal should be initiated within five (5) days of the receipt of report card. 

 

6.                  In accordance with Section 315.1(c) of Chapter 766 regulations, “Any child who has been absent without a medical excuse more than fifteen (15) days in any quarter” may be referred by the principal to the 766 Chairperson for evaluation.

 

7.                  The School Department does not condone family or students scheduling vacations while school is in session.  Student absence because of a family vacation is not considered “DOCUMENTED” absence and therefore the school is not required to provide assignments or make-up work for students who go on vacations while school is in session.

 

E.                Religious holidays will not count against a student’s perfect attendance record.

 

F.                All students who participate in school-sponsored activities or field trips will be responsible for all missed school assignments.

 

G.               The previous policy relative to grade point reduction for undocumented absences is void.

 

 

LAWS

 

A.        Hazing

 

The following statute of the Commonwealth is required to be included and followed by each school in its student handbooks and rules and regulations:

           

Chapter 269

Section 17.  whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

 

The term “hazing” as used in this section and in section eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.  Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this section.

 

Section 18.  Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in Section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable.  Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

 

Section 19.  Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.

 

Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership.  It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

 

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

 

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students.  The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

 

B.                 Smoking

 

On June 18, 1993, the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71, Section 37H, was amended to state that the Superintendent shall publish policies pertaining to the conduct of teachers and students.  Said policies shall prohibit the use of any tobacco products within the school buildings, the school facilities, or on the school grounds, or on school buses by any individual, including school personnel.

 

The Lynn Public Schools accepts this law as binding on its students and employees.

 

   C.     The Gun Law (M.G.L., c. 269, s.10 “j”)

     

“Whoever, not being a law enforcement officer, and notwithstanding any license obtained by him under the provisions of Chapter one hundred and forty, carries on his person a firearm as hereinafter defined, loaded or unloaded, or other dangerous weapon, in any building or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, college or university without the written authorization of the board or officer in charge of such elementary or secondary school, college or university shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.  For the purpose of this paragraph, “firearm” shall mean any pistol, revolver, rifle or smoothbore arm from which a shot, bullet or pellet can be discharged by whatever means.”

 

Any officer in charge of an elementary or secondary school, college or university, or any faculty member or administrative officer of an elementary or secondary school, college or university failing to report violations of this paragraph shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

 

1.                  Students responsible for violating this law will be subject to suspension, expulsion and prosecution. (Due process will apply.)

 

2.                  The School Committee adopts this policy with intent that it applies to all levels of our school system.

 

3.                  For the purposes of this Code, the possession of a replica of a firearm, with the intent to intimidate, frighten, or coerce either students or staff, is to be considered a reason for possible expulsion.

 

D.        Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37H

 

1.      The following are specific grounds for possible expulsion by the school principal:

                 

a.                   Possession of a dangerous weapon (including but not limited to a gun or knife)

b.                  Possession of a controlled substance (including but not limited to marijuana, cocaine, heroine)

c.                   Assault of a principal, assistant principal, teacher’s aide or other educational staff

2.      All offenses are subject to expulsion if they occur on school premises, or at school sponsored or school related events, including g athletic games.

 

3.      Any student charged with assault, as described above, or charged with possession of a dangerous weapon or a controlled substance shall be notified in writing of an opportunity for a hearing, when a student may have representation along with the opportunity to present evidence, and/or written testimony, and witnesses at the hearing before the principal.

 

4.      Following expulsion by principal, the student may appeal to the Superintendent within (10) calendar days after the expulsion.  The student has a right to counsel and the right to present oral and written testimony at the hearing.

 

E.        Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 37H ½

 

1.                  The principal may suspend a student upon the issuance of a criminal complaint charging that student with a felony, or upon the issuance of a felony delinquency complaint against that student, if the principal determines that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school.  The length of the suspension is within the discretion of the principal.

 

2.                  The principal may expel a student upon either (1) the student being convicted of a felony, or (2) an adjudication or admission in court of guilt with respect to the felony or felony delinquency, if the principal determines prior to the expulsion that the student’s continued presence in school would have a substantial detrimental effect on the general welfare of the school.

 

3.                  The student has the right to appeal the suspension or expulsion to the Superintendent in writing no later than (5) calendar days following the effective date of the suspension or expulsion.  At the hearing, the student has the right to present oral and written testimony and has the right to counsel.

 

4.                  The Superintendent has the authority to overturn or alter a suspension or expulsion decision.  The Superintendent’s decision shall be the final decision of the city with regard to suspension or expulsion.

 

5.                  Upon an expulsion of a student under this section, no school or school district shall be required to provide educational services to such student.

 

F.         Massachusetts General Law Chapter 71, Section 37H (e)

 

1.                  When a student is expelled under the provisions of Section 37H, no school or school district within the commonwealth shall be required to admit such student or to provide educational services to said student.

 

2.                  If a student does apply for admission to another school or school district, the superintendent of the school district to which the application is made may request and shall receive from the superintendent of the school expelling said student a written statement of the reasons for expulsion.

 

G.       Graffiti/Defacing School Property

 

Graffiti and any defacing of school property is prohibited.  The School Department hereby incorporates the Lynn City Ordinance with all its applicable fines and possible prosecution into this policy.  Full restitution will be required in every instance of such violation.  (See Discipline Code for consequences of violation.)

 

1.                  Spray Paint Cans/Magic Markers

 

All magic markers and spray paint cans are banned from school premises, unless previous approval is granted.  Students found with such in their possession will be in violation of this rule.  IF a teacher/coach/advisor requests work such as posters, signs, etc. to be produced by magic marker pens, etc., the makers must be kept in the teacher’s possession until such time as the project has been completed.  The markers must be immediately returned to the teacher/coach//advisor.  Students found in possession of markers or spray paint cans, without clearly expressed permission of a teacher/coach/advisor, will be subject to the following:

 

a.                   Immediate confiscation of markers, cans or objects;

b.                  Detention, full suspension, full restitution and possible prosecution

 

2.                  Full restitution is defined as any and all removal and cost to restore the damaged area/property to its original condition.

 

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

 

In order to maintain the educational process and insure the safety and welfare of all members of the Lynn school system, the following rules shall apply to the search of school property of individuals.

 

1.                  At the discretion of the principal, general and individual searches may be conducted by the principal or his designee when reasonable suspicion exits.

 

2.                  When there are reasonable grounds to believe that a student is in possession of weapons, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, stolen property, explosives or other illegal paraphernalia, a student may be searched by any school authority in a manner reasonably related to its objectives.

 

3.                  Search of an area assigned to a member of the Lynn Public Schools should be made in the presence of a witness and when reasonably possible, in the presence of a person involved.

 

4.                  A copy of master keys and/or copy of combinations for locks for student lockers are retained by the school.

 

5.                  Items or possessions reasonably determined to be a threat to the health and safety or security of others maybe be seized by the school authorities.

 

6.                  Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from student possession.

 

7.                  The above may be done by any authorized personnel without prejudice.

 

 

DUE PROCESS

 

            Conditional/Full Suspension

 

1.                  An oral or written notice of the charges presented to the student.

2.                  An explanation of the basis of the accusation.

3.                  An opportunity for the student to present his/her view of the situation.

 

 

EXPULSION

 

1.                  Written notice of the charges.

2.                  The right to be represented by a lawyer or another person serving as an advocate for the student.

3.                  Adequate time to prepare for the hearing.

4.                  A reasonably prompt written decision, including the specific grounds for that decision.

5.                  Examination of the student’s record and review of public documents. (Refer to full expulsion policy.)

6.                  Right to question witnesses.

 

HARASSMENT

 

Harassment on the basis of race, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or disability is illegal and will not be tolerated.  We expect all students, employees, parties contracted by the Lynn Public Schools, and other members of the school community to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner with respect, dignity, courtesy, and fair treatment for all individuals in the school community.

 

Any individual who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have engaged in any form of verbal or physical harassment will be subjected to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion.

 

Any student who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment should feel free to discuss the matter with a trusted adult and/or file a complaint in person or in writing.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

 

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention from anyone with whom the student may interact in the course of receiving an education in school or at school-sponsored activities.

 

Incidents of sexual harassment may include verbal harassment-(derogatory comments, jokes slurs or remarks, questions of a sexual nature), physical harassment-(unnecessary or offensive touching) or visual harassment-(offensive posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawing, looks or gestures).

 

Sexual Harassment by a Student – Any student who feels that he/she has been the victim of sexual harassment by another student should report the incident to a teacher, counselor or school administrator.  Students should feel comfortable in seeking the help of a responsible adult.  All reported incident should be investigated by the pr