Chapter 6: PROCEDURES FOR TAKING ACTION ON SUBSTANTIATED INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

Section 2. Guidelines for Specific Responses to Inappropriate Behavior

Suspension: The purpose of suspension is to protect the student body, school personnel and property, the educational environment, and the orderly process of the school. Suspension is considered a temporary solution to inappropriate behavior until the problem that caused the suspension is corrected. The length of a suspension should be short, usually one to three school days, but may extend to ten school days.

The selection of appropriate interventions and consequences for substance abuse must be considered very carefully depending upon the severity of the behavior and potential safety concern for others in the school. The first action must be to conference with the parent or guardian and appropriate law enforcement representatives in an effort to direct the student to appropriate addiction services. Referral to tobacco cessation services/treatment and substance abuse treatment services shall be a priority intervention strategy for these behaviors.