Middle School Code of Character

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El Distrito Escolar de Upper Darby está comprometido con la inclusión y con garantizar que todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad tengan acceso a información importante. El Manual para estudiantes y familias de UDSD está disponible en varios idiomas para adaptarse a nuestra población diversa. Si necesita acceder a este documento en un idioma que no sea inglés, haga clic en el botón de accesibilidad (figura de palo) que se encuentra en la parte superior derecha de esta página y seleccione el idioma de su elección. Comuníquese con Aaronda Q. Beauford, Directora de Comunicaciones, en abeauford@upperdarbysd.org si tiene alguna pregunta, comentario o sugerencia relacionada con la traducción de este documento.

আপার ডার্বি স্কুল ডিস্ট্রিক্ট অন্তর্ভুক্তি এবং নিশ্চিত করতে প্রতিশ্রুতিবদ্ধ যে আমাদের সম্প্রদায়ের সকল সদস্যের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ তথ্যের অ্যাক্সেস রয়েছে। ইউডিএসডি স্টুডেন্ট অ্যান্ড ফ্যামিলি হ্যান্ডবুক আমাদের বিভিন্ন জনসংখ্যার জন্য বিভিন্ন ভাষায় উপলব্ধ। আপনি যদি ইংরেজি ছাড়া অন্য কোনো ভাষায় এই নথিতে অ্যাক্সেস করতে চান, তাহলে অনুগ্রহ করে এই পৃষ্ঠার উপরের ডানদিকে পাওয়া অ্যাক্সেসিবিলিটি বোতামে (স্টিক-ফিগার) ক্লিক করুন এবং আপনার পছন্দের ভাষা নির্বাচন করুন। এই নথির অনুবাদ সম্পর্কিত যেকোন প্রশ্ন, মন্তব্য বা পরামর্শের জন্য অনুগ্রহ করে Aaronda Q. Beauford, যোগাযোগের পরিচালক, abeauford@upperdarbysd.org-এ যোগাযোগ করুন।

Āpāra ḍārbi skula ḍisṭrikṭa antarbhukti ēbaṁ niścita karatē pratiśrutibad'dha yē āmādēra sampradāẏēra sakala sadasyēra gurutbapūrṇa tathyēra ayāksēsa raẏēchē. I'uḍi'ēsaḍi sṭuḍēnṭa ayānḍa phyāmili hyānḍabuka āmādēra bibhinna janasaṅkhyāra jan'ya bibhinna bhāṣāẏa upalabdha. Āpani yadi inrēji chāṛā an'ya kōnō bhāṣāẏa ē'i nathitē ayāksēsa karatē cāna, tāhalē anugraha karē ē'i pr̥ṣṭhāra uparēra ḍānadikē pā'ōẏā ayāksēsibiliṭi bōtāmē (sṭika-phigāra) klika karuna ēbaṁ āpanāra pachandēra bhāṣā nirbācana karuna. Ē'i nathira anubāda samparkita yēkōna praśna, mantabya bā parāmarśēra jan'ya anugraha karē Aaronda Q. Beauford, yōgāyōgēra paricālaka, abeauford@upperdarbysd.Org-ē yōgāyōga karuna.

Học khu Upper Darby cam kết mang tính toàn diện và đảm bảo rằng tất cả thành viên trong cộng đồng của chúng ta đều có quyền truy cập vào những thông tin quan trọng. Cẩm nang Gia đình và Sinh viên UDSD có sẵn bằng nhiều ngôn ngữ để phù hợp với thành phần dân cư đa dạng của chúng ta. Nếu bạn cần truy cập tài liệu này bằng ngôn ngữ khác tiếng Anh, vui lòng nhấp vào nút trợ năng (hình que) ở phía trên bên phải của trang này và chọn ngôn ngữ bạn chọn. Vui lòng liên hệ với Aaronda Q. Beauford, Giám đốc Truyền thông, theo địa chỉ abeauford@upperdarbysd.org nếu có bất kỳ câu hỏi, nhận xét hoặc đề xuất nào liên quan đến bản dịch tài liệu này.

تلتزم منطقة مدارس داربي العليا بالشمولية وضمان حصول جميع أفراد مجتمعنا على المعلومات المهمة. يتوفر دليل الطالب والأسرة في UDSD بعدة لغات لاستيعاب تنوع سكاننا. إذا كنت بحاجة إلى الوصول إلى هذا المستند بلغة غير الإنجليزية، فيرجى النقر فوق زر إمكانية الوصول (الشكل الملصق) الموجود في أعلى يمين هذه الصفحة واختيار اللغة التي تختارها. برجاء الاتصال بآروندا كيو بوفورد، مديرة الاتصالات، على abeauford@upperdarbysd.org لطرح أي أسئلة أو تعليقات أو اقتراحات تتعلق بترجمة هذه الوثيقة.

taltazim mintaqat madaris darbi aleulya bialshumuliat wadaman husul jamie 'afrad mujtamaeina ealaa almaelumat almuhimati. yatawafar dalil altaalib wal'usrat fi UDSD bieidat lughat liaistieab tanawue sukaanina. 'iidha kunt bihajat 'iilaa alwusul 'iilaa hadha almustanad bilughat ghayr al'iinjliziati, fayurjaa alnaqr fawq ziri 'iimkaniat alwusul (alshakl almulsaqa) almawjud fi 'aelaa yamin hadhih alsafhat waikhtiar allughat alati takhtaruha. biraja' alaitisal barwnda kiu bufurd, mudirat alaitisalati, ealaa abeauford@upperdarbysd.org litarh 'ayi 'asyilat 'aw taeliqat 'aw aiqtirahat tataealaq bitarjamat hadhih alwathiqati.

The goal of the Upper Darby School District is to ensure that this document is usable to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability. Smore helps the District provide this The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant document to our community. Smore is guided by the WCAG 2.1 level AA success and conformance criteria and readability considerations such as font type, size, color, contrast, and considerations for a screen reader, motion detector, and voice-to-text software. Visitors to this document are able to access a customizable bar that lets users adjust font size and enable high contrast mode and use a screen reader, enhancing the visual accessibility of this document. Please contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, at abeauford@upperdarbysd.org with any questions, comments, or suggestions related to accessibility of this document.

This document is subject to periodic revisions and updates. We strive to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date; however, changes may occur over time and without prior notice. Please consult the latest version of this document for the most current information.

While we strive to ensure the accuracy and quality of our content, there may be occasional errors or inaccuracies. If you come across any mistakes or issues, please contact us to let us know: Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, abeauford@upperdarbysd.org. We appreciate your feedback and will do our best to address any concerns promptly. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in improving our work.

Upper Darby School District STUDENTS have the responsibility to:

• contribute to maintaining a safe, supportive and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect and dignity to other persons and to property

• practice respectful, responsible, and safe behaviors

• arrive on time, prepared to actively participate in their learning

• work to their potential both inside and outside of the classroom

• respect school property and ensure that safe conditions continue in our school.

• know the rules and expectations for their behavior

• ask questions when they do not understand

• seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline

• work to develop strategies to control anger/frustration

• maintain behavior that is free from all forms of bullying, harassment, and discrimination

• empower students to utilize elements of restorative justice to resolve conflict

Upper Darby School District EDUCATORS have the responsibility to:

• establish and maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students

• establish an environment that is culturally sensitive

• model and teach positive expected behaviors across all areas and disciplines

• know school expectations, policies, and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner

• effectively communicate with students, families, administration about academic and behavioral concerns

• Be aware and informed of your own professional responsibilities

The Upper Darby School District has the shared belief that families and students are an integral part of the disciplinary process. All conduct matters are in compliance with local, state and federal laws. The Upper Darby School District wants all stakeholders to be aware that they have the right to appeal any disciplinary action which can be initiated through contacting school and district-level administrators.

Resident students have the right to a free, appropriate public education until age 21 or graduation from Upper Darby School District, whichever occurs first.

In cases where discipline is being considered, each student will have a fair chance to have their side of a controversy considered.

The Upper Darby School District does not discriminate against any student on the basis of race, creed, handicap, nationality, or sex. If there are any concerns regarding such matters, they should be referred to the student’s teacher or guidance counselor. If the concern cannot be resolved at this level, the building administration can be asked to participate in resolving the problem. In line with school district organization, the Director of Secondary Education can be involved in any matter not resolved at the building level.

This Code of Character has been prepared in accordance with local, state and federal laws, which define student rights and specify the need for a comprehensive discipline policy. Special Education students are subject to all parts of the Code of Character. The District complies with all aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Pennsylvania Department of Education Special Education Regulations.

Responsibilities of the Student (Board Policy 235):

Attendant upon the rights established for each student are certain responsibilities, which include regular attendance; conscientious effort in classroom work and homework; conformance to Board policies and school rules and regulations; respect for the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process; and expression of ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.[4][7][8][9][10][11]

It shall be the responsibility of the student to:[7]

1. Be aware of all policies, rules and regulations and Code of Student Conduct for student behavior and conduct him/herself accordingly. Each student shall assume that, until a rule is waived, altered or repealed in writing, it is in effect.[10]

2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.

3. Dress and groom to meet standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.[12]

4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school.

5. Comply with federal, state and local laws.

6. Exercise proper care when using district facilities, school supplies and equipment.[13]

7. Attend school daily and be on time to all classes and other school functions.[9]

8. Make up work when absent from school.

9. Pursue and attempt to satisfactorily complete the courses of study prescribed by local school authorities.

10. Report accurately in student media.[11]

11. Not use obscene language in student media or on school property.[11]

Behavior(s) of concern of this policy may result in disciplinary action, consistent with the Code of Student Character and Board policy.[10][14]

Behaviors of concern will occur in the classroom. All teachers are encouraged to employ positive classroom management strategies within the classroom, in addition to making notes of student behavior.

• Seat Change

• Proximity

• Alternative Assignment Choice

• Non-verbal Prompt

• Verbal Redirection

• Restate Expectations

• Positive Reinforcement

School authorities may search the person, the possessions of, and/or the locker assigned to any student. School authorities may take temporary possession of and safeguard any materials, which are considered to be evidence of the commission of an offense or of other improper activity.

In general, searches should be based on reasonable suspicion that material will be produced, which evidences the violation of the Upper Darby School District Middle Schools’ Code of Character and/or a violation of applicable law, statute, or regulation. Prior to an individual locker search, the student shall be notified and be given an opportunity to be present. However, when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that a locker contains materials that pose a threat to the health, welfare, or safety of the school population, student lockers may be searched without prior warning.

Custody and control of student lockers are shared jointly by the Upper Darby School District Middle Schools and the assigned student(s). Although students have a legitimate expectation of privacy in a school locker, the expectation should be minimal. Under certain circumstances, the interests of the Upper Darby School District to search a locker or lockers will clearly outweigh the intrusion into the privacy rights of students.

Deterring drug possession and use is a compelling concern for school officials. Appropriate searches are permissible to both discover the evidence of drugs within the school and to warn students that bringing drugs to school will not be tolerated. Canine sniff searches will be used to minimize the intrusiveness of any mass or school-wide search.

Students who attend dances at Upper Darby School District Middle Schools and prom(s) off-site will be searched at the door as part of our standard procedure. Students who are found in possession of materials that violate the Upper Darby Code of Character will be subject to school discipline.

Physical restraint may be used for, but not limited to, the following reasons: defense of self or others, removal of students from the educational setting, or detaining a student while awaiting the arrival of school administrators or police.

Staff members may use reasonable force as is necessary to protect themselves from attack, protect another person or property, quell a disturbance threatening physical injury to others, and/or obtain possession of dangerous objects.

As part of our PBIS framework, UDSD provides interventions for students who do not respond positively to school-wide expectations and procedures. Students demonstrating the need for additional behavioral support may be referred to the Tier II team. The procedures are as follows:

Behaviors that impede the orderly classroom procedures which include, but are not limited to the below examples. These behaviors will be addressed by an individual teacher. If Tier I behaviors persist, teachers may issue an administrative referral.

Teacher redirection, Student reflection, Mediation/conflict resolution, Teacher Led Restorative Conference, Classroom management system, Behavioral referral (based upon occurrence frequency), Family communication, Provide student access to Student Support Service Team, Apology of Action, Teacher Reflection (before/after school, or during lunch), Learning Community Consultation. The building administration reserves the right to provide intervention for Tier I behaviors of concern.

Board Policy 221

Board Policy 237

Board Policy 815

Behaviors that disrupt the learning climate of the school include, but are not limited to the below examples:

Teacher-led Restorative Conference with Staff/Family, Mediation/conflict resolution, Family communication, Provide student access to Student Support Service Team, Teacher Reflection (before/after school, or during lunch), Center Team Consultation, Learning Community Consultation, SAP Referral. The building administration reserves the right to provide intervention for Tier II behaviors of concern.

Behaviors that may pose a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of a member of the school community include, but are not limited to the below examples:

Parent contact by administration, Administrative Disciplinary Conference, Administrative Reflection, Social Worker referral, SAP referral, SST referral, SAIC/SAIP, Restorative Conference with Students/Family, Mediation/conflict resolution, Center Team Consult, Out of School Suspension, Contacting law enforcement, Criminal Prosecution, Restitution.

The Principal (or designee), in consultation with the Superintendent (or designee), may recommend expulsion, or a referral to AEDY (must meet application criteria).

Board Policy 204

Board Policy 237

Board Policy 204

222-AR-0. Tobacco/Nicotine

Policy 810-AR-3

*Any violation of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code constitutes a Tier III violation.

Acts that pose a direct threat to the health, safety, or welfare of others in the school include, but are not limited to the following examples:

Policy 249- AR- 0

222- AR-0

218.1-AR

*All employees of the Upper Darby School District have a responsibility to promptly refer any suspected or confirmed action, which could constitute a Tier III Violation to any available administrator, school safety officers, and Children and Youth Services (CYS) as a mandated reporter. Upper Darby School District recognizes the potential for behaviors to warrant a referral to our SST team for examination into providing the student with additional support. Additionally, violations of the UDSD MS Code of Character may result in an informal hearing with the Director of Secondary Education.

The purpose of a Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) is to assist a student in improving their attendance. A SAIP is typically created with a student’s support system—including parents/guardians, school counselors, IEP case managers, and building administrators. A SAIP is recommended for students who are habitually absent from school. Additionally, a SAIP may be recommended for students who are chronically late to school or students who are frequently cutting class.

Edward Marshaleck

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

emarshaleck@upperdarbysd.org

610-622-7000 ext. 3213

Dr. Brian Ursone

Director of Pupil Services

bursone@upperdarbysd.org

610-789-7200, ext. 3216

Kelley Simone

Director of Secondary Education

ksimone@upperdarbysd.org

610-789-7200, ext. 3295