MLS Code of Student Conduct

Martin Luther School
Code of Student Conduct
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Be Safe, Be Respectful,
Be Responsible

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Student Rights and Responsibilities
2018 - 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to MLS………………………………………………………………………………… 5
MLS Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………...5
School Calendar………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………… 8
What is the Code of Student Conduct...…………………………………………………………..8
What is a positive, safe, respectful and responsible environment………………………………...8
Use of surveillance equipment…………………………………………………………………… 8
Important Numbers………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Behavior Expectations and Responsibilities……………………………………………………....9
Responsibilities of Everyone……………………………………………………………………...9
Responsibilities of Teachers and Classroom Staff………………………………………………..9
Responsibilities of Administration ...……………………………………………………………10
Responsibilities of Students ……………………………………………………………………. 10
Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians and Advocates …………………………………………..10
School Attendance ……………………………………………………………………………....10
Classroom Placement…………………………………………………………………………….11
Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………11
School Hours……………………………………………………………………………………..11
Emergency School Closing………………………………………………………………………12
Lunch Program …………………………………………………………………………………12
Visitors to Campus ……………………………………………………………………………..12
Technology Resources …………………………………………………………………………13
Wellness Policy..…………………………………………………………………………………14
Procedures for Dispensing Medication at School..………………………………………………15
Non-prescription Medication ……………………………………………………………………15
Emergency Medication ………………………………………………………………………….16
Communication ….………………………………………………………………………………16
School Wide Positive Behavior Support Program ………………………………………………16
Safe Crisis Management (SCM)…………………………………………………………………17
Non-Discrimination Statement…………………………………………………………………..17
Academic Program………………………………………………………………………………17
Field Trips……………………………………………………………………………………….17
Physical Education………………………………………………………………………………17
Report Cards/Individual Education Program……………………………………………………18
Revaluation Process……………………………………………………………………………..18
When does the Code of Student Conduct Apply………………………………………………..19
Referrals to Law Enforcement…………………………………………………………………..19
Violations of the Code of Student Conduct……………………………………………………..19
Bullying/Cyberbullying………………………………………………………………………….20
Transportation…………………………………………………………………………………...22
Controlled Substances…………………………………………………………………………...22
Dress Code………………………………………………………………………………………22
Physical and Verbal Aggression…………………………………………………………………23
Harassment………………………………………………………………………………………23

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TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED
Leaving Campus…………………………………………………………………………………24
Property Destruction……………………………………………………………………………..24
Public Displays of Affection……………………………………………………………………. 24
Smoking and Tobacco……………………………………………………………………………24
Social Media……………………………………………………………………………………..24
Weapons………………………………………………………………………………………….25
Disciplining Students with Disabilities…………………………………………………………..25
Categories of Problem Behavior…………………………………………………………………28
Glossary………………………………………………………………………………………….30
Appendix A (MLS Consequence Categories...…………………………………………………..32
Appendix B (PBIS Minor Problem Behaviors, Corrective Consequences)……………………..34
Appendix C (PBIS Major Problem Behaviors, Corrective Consequences………………………38

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Welcome to Martin Luther School

This code of conduct has been prepared to provide you with information regarding the
procedures, programs and expectations of Martin Luther School. It is our intent to provide a
welcoming, nurturing, structured, and safe environment for all students and staff members, as
well as a resource for our families and school districts.

Throughout the school day students are encouraged to follow our PBIS expectations. These
expectations are be safe, respectful and responsible. Students have access to many staff and
supports, including their classroom teams, clinical staff, school administrators and others in our
program. As a school philosophy, we believe our students can achieve if they are provided with
supports for their success.

Martin Luther School Objectives

Objectives define, in a general way, the direction of our efforts. Martin Luther School’s program
is designed to:

 provide an environment where the student's emotional, cognitive and social
development is the primary concern;

 provide an environment where the opportunity to succeed is promoted;
 provide a curriculum that emphasizes knowledge and understanding in the areas of

reading and literacy, communication, and math reasoning and computation as well as
the sciences, humanities and technology;
 encourage a close relationship between home and school;
 provide for the development of values and the development of a positive self-concept;
 recognize and understand each student's needs, interests, background, motivation and
goals as well as his/her stresses, frustration and fears.

Please review this information with your child and refer to this handbook often. Do not hesitate
to contact your child's teacher, social worker, school counselor, or principal if you have any
questions or concerns about the school program.

We look forward to a successful and productive school year.

Sincerely,

Maria Kreiter, Director of Martin Luther School
Dr. Darlene Beasley, Principal

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INTRODUCTION

Martin Luther School strives to provide each student with a safe school environment. Students,
parents, staff, and the community must work together to help each student be safe, respectful,
and responsible. This behavior will allow everyone to do their best each day.

WHAT IS THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT?

The Code of Student Conduct informs students of foundational rules of the school. Again these
rules show a student can follow the Code and be safe, respectful, and responsible. The code tells
students what they are responsible for, important facts about missing school, what distracting
behavior is, and ramifications if a rule or rules are broken. Any student, who attends school at
Martin Luther School, is required to follow these rules.

WHAT IS A POSITIVE, SAFE, RESPECTFUL AND RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENT?

All staff work to make the school a welcoming, friendly, safe and respectful. Students, parents,
faculty and staff, and the community work together to make the school the best place it can be.
Distractions, such as being unkind, and argumentative, can make the school a place where
students are not comfortable learning. School administration is responsible for making the school
the best place it can be.
Students can help by remembering to:

 Be safe, respectful and responsible
 Attend school regularly and on time
 Be prepared for class, including completing assignments and bringing supplies
 Speak positively and supportively to others
 Do not do engage in anything mean or offensive behaviors
 Dress according to school dress code
 Be responsible for your own work
 Follow the rules of your teacher and classroom staff
 Respect and accept everyone’s uniqueness
 Express your feelings or what you need in helpful and appropriate ways
 Resolve disagreements in peaceful and safe ways

VIDEO SURVIELLANCE

Video surveillance provides a tool for monitoring activity on Silver Springs-Martin Luther
School property to further protect the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and visitors.
Video surveillance is a valuable deterrent to inappropriate behavior and is a significant factor in
protecting Silver-Springs-Martin Luther School assets. This system shall not replace the need
for the ongoing oversight by school supervision/security staff. School administrators will ensure
that due diligence is observed in maintaining general campus security.

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Notice of use of video cameras for safety and security purposes will be provided to students,
parents and staff in appropriate handbooks on an annual basis. Signage, indicating the use of
video cameras, is displayed outside and within Martin Luther School Buildings. The use of
video surveillance on buses and transportation vehicles is the responsibility of the district of
which the student resides (home district).

IMPORTANT NUMBERS 610-825-4440 ext. 405
610-825-4440 ext. 425
Elementary School: Hess Centre Main Office 610-825-8614
Middle School: Harrison Centre Main Office
Fax

Interim Director of MLS Joan Plump [email protected] ext. 318
Principal of Martin Luther School Dr. Darlene Beasley
Administrative Assistant, Hess Damallie Musisi [email protected] ext. 366
Dean of Academics Dr. Scott Van Vooren
Dean of Students Lisa L. Hand [email protected] ext. 405
Administrative Assistant, Harrison Adele Graffeo
Director of Admissions Amy Grossman [email protected] ext. 440
Assistant Principal, Harrison Joanna Kramer
Supervisor of Clinical Services Dr. Christine Blaine [email protected] ext. 403
Supervisor of Curriculum Kathleen Drennan
Instructional Technology Coordinator Maryellen Martin [email protected] ext. 425

[email protected] ext. 417

[email protected] ext. 439

[email protected] ext. 480

[email protected] ext. 445

[email protected] ext. 438

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBLILITIES

Responsibilities of Everyone

 Respect all members of the school and community
 Maintain a positive school environment by being safe, respectful, and responsible
 Communicate Code of Student Conduct expectations to all students and staff
 Motivate students to live up to the expectations through positive reinforcement
 Use good judgement to deescalate minor incidents from becoming major problems

Responsibilities of Teachers and Classroom Staff

 Respect all members of the school community
 Implement the Code of Student Conduct and all disciplinary procedures in a fair and

consistent manner
 Maintain a positive school climate by modeling core expectations of being safe,

respectful and responsible
 Teach PBIS expected behavior and positively reinforce rules of conduct
 Communicate the Code of Student Conduct expectations to student and

Parents/Caregivers
 Hold students accountable for disorderly conduct in school and on school grounds
 Use professional judgment to deescalate minor incidents from becoming major problems

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Responsibilities of Administration

 Respect all members of the school community
 Implement the Code of Student Conduct and all disciplinary procedures in a fair and

consistent manner
 Maintain a positive school climate by modeling being safe, respectful and responsible
 Provide students and parents whose first language is not English with translation and

interpretation services free of charge
 Inform all school personnel, parents/guardians and students of discipline policies
 Review and act upon allegations and requests from school personnel concerning

violations
 Teach PBIS expected behavior and positively reinforce rules of conduct
 Maintain a learning environment that encourages academic and behavioral success
 Hold students accountable for disorderly conduct in school and on school grounds
 Address rule violations with multiple strategies to keep students in school
 Use professional judgement to deescalate minor incidents from becoming major problems

Responsibilities of Students

 Respect all members of the school community
 Understand and comply with school rules and climate expectations as outlined in the

Code of Student Conduct
 Maintain a positive school climate by modeling being safe, respectful and responsible
 Comply with the school’s attendance, dress code, unlawful harassment, and bullying

policies
 Behave in a manner that focuses on academic and behavior success
 Be responsible and accountable for following rules

Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians, Educational Decision Makers and Advocates

 Respect all members of the school community
 Respect, understand and support school rules and regulations
 Respect, understand and support the policies of Martin Luther School
 Recognize and understand that school personnel must enforce school rules
 Teach children to respect the rights of others and follow school rules and PBIS

expectations
 Emphasize the importance of being prepared for school and adhering to school rules to

foster academic and behavioral success

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

Regular school attendance is required and critical to school success. The compulsory attendance
laws of Pennsylvania require that students be in attendance in school until the age of sixteen.
Curricula are planned and taught along a continuum of learning activities. The intent is that each

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day’s lessons are building upon prior lessons and learning. Students who are absent miss key
aspects of the learning process.
We recognize that student absences do happen. These “excused absences” apply under
circumstances such as illness, injury, death/funeral-related absence, education-related trips or
activities, suspension, and religious holidays. If your child will be absent due to illness or to
an appointment please contact the school office at 610-825-4440 ext. 405 before 8:00 AM. A
written or emailed notice from a parent or guardian must be submitted to the school immediately
upon the student’s return to school. Such notice must include a valid telephone number or other
means of contact for verification purposes. The student/family has three days from the date of the
absence to provide documentation to the school for an excused absence. After the third day, the
principal or dean of students has the discretion to approve or deny the absence note.

A student who is absent from school without a valid excuse is considered “truant” Your home
school district will be notified of unexcused absences during the school year, develops a pattern
of absences or is absent more than three consecutive days without a written doctor’s excuse. All
truancies are be reported to the home school district.

CLASSROOM PLACEMENT

Teachers, specialists, school counselors, and administrators collaborate for each child’s
classroom placement. Every child’s academic strengths, social and developmental maturity,
behavior plan, and other abilities and needs are reviewed to create the optimal educational
experience. Class groupings are frequently reevaluated based on each student’s progress and
success.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation is provided by your home school district. Martin Luther School is not able to
communicate with drivers prior to their arrival at school in the morning or once they leave in the
afternoon. Please contact your home school district when your child's transportation is late.

Students are admitted to the school building beginning at 8:15 AM. Students are required to
report directly to the assigned school building. Students arriving after 8:45AM and their
transportation attendants must report to the school office where they will be recorded present and
given an admittance slip.

SCHOOL HOURS

School hours are set to comply with the educational regulations established by the Pennsylvania

Department of Education:

8:00 AM School Office Opens - Staff arrive

8:15 AM Students Arrive

3:00 PM Student Dismissal

4:15 PM School Office Closes

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EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING
School closing information will be broadcast on local Philadelphia television channels.
However, if your local school district decides to open late or dismiss early we will accept or
dismiss students as necessary. Every effort will be made to contact you if your child is being
picked up early from school. Martin Luther School will follow all directives given by local
emergency personnel.

School closing will also be announced via One Call. These announcements will be sent to your
primary phone number as indicated on the student information sheet. You may add additional
contact numbers by contacting the school office at 610-825-4440 ext. 405.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Martin Luther School participates in the National School Lunch program. Applications for free
and reduced-price meals are available from the school office. As part of this program Martin
Luther School has developed and implemented a Wellness Policy. This policy includes
restrictions on sugar, sodium and fat content in many food items and encourages the use of
whole grain items. It is the intent of this policy to improve the general well-being, mental and
physical capacity, and learning ability of each student, as well as afford them the opportunity to
fully participate in the education process. To further support this policy we do not celebrate
children’s birthdays with classroom parties or food treats. Parents/Caregivers are asked to refrain
from sending in food items for birthdays or other celebrations. Holiday celebrations during the
school year will be planned by the Food Services Manager and will follow the current policy.

For students who wish to buy lunch at school and who are not eligible for a free or subsidized
lunch, parents/caregivers will be billed monthly. Students may opt to bring lunch from home.
Please provide a nutritious well-balanced meal. Students may not bring candy, gum or soda for
lunch. All items must be in cardboard and plastic containers and may include only plastic
utensils.

Martin Luther School also provides a school breakfast program. For students who wish to buy
breakfast at school and who are not eligible for a free or subsidized lunch, parents/caregivers will
be billed monthly.

VISITORS TO CAMPUS

Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit Martin Luther School and meet with teachers,
classroom staff and administrators. Visitors to campus must present themselves to the school
office with proper identification such as a driver’s license or other form of picture ID. Upon
presentation and review of proper identification using the Raptor System, along with a reason for
the visit, the office will issue a visitor’s badge.

Intensive Case Managers, Behavior Specialists, Children and Youth Workers, County Mental
Health Workers or other professionals working with the students must arrange visits through the
student’s School Social Worker. Proper identification is required before a visitor’s badge will be

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issued using the Raptor System. Any unscheduled visits of the above mentioned people will
result in the visit being denied. To guarantee a visit please be sure to prearrange any visits
needed with the students School Social Worker.

TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES
All students and parents/guardians are required to sign the Acceptable Use of Technology
Agreement prior to accessing Martin Luther School network resources.

Silver Springs-Martin Luther School has the right to examine, monitor, and regulate all files,
communications, and activity on its network resources. All files, communications, and activity
transmitted or otherwise conveyed by Silver Springs-Martin Luther school network resources are
not private and are open to review. Any student, staff member, agency employee, or visitor who
operates any technology while on our campus, regardless of ownership of the technology, must
abide by this Agreement at all times.

Silver Springs-Martin Luther School complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act
(CIPA) and uses filtering that blocks Internet access to content defined in CIPA. Any
unauthorized attempt to by-pass the filter is a violation of this Policy and subject to loss of
privilege and/or disciplinary action.

Network Resources may NOT be used to:
1. Participate in any illegal purpose as defined by state and federal law
2. Participate in commercial, for-profit purposes, product advertisement, or political lobbying
3. Distribute hate mail, discriminating remarks, offensive inflammatory communications or
offensive language or graphics
4. Intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, or data belonging or other users
5. Abuse, modify, or destroy or attempt to modify SS/MLS network resources, hardware, software,
and the configuration of the same,
6. Download, upload, create, or distribute unauthorized and/or obscene materials, games, programs,
software, or other electronic media
7. Impersonate another user or use pseudonyms
8. Participate in fraudulent copying, communications or modifications of materials in violation of
copyright laws
9. Disrupt the work of other users
10. Bully or cyber bully, threaten or harass any individual

Students are prohibited from accessing or viewing the following content while using SS/MLS
network resources on our campus or while participating in MLS-sponsored programs:

 Sites with nudity and/or pornography
 Sites which promote violence
 Sites which provide information on performing criminal or unethical acts
 Sites which promote or provide information on the use of illegal drugs
 Sites advocating or promoting discrimination or intolerance
 Sites which promote gambling
 Sites which promote possession or the use of illegal weapons
 Sites containing materials that are harmful to minors
 Sites that promote social networking, chat rooms or personal email

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 Sites containing materials which are demeaning, harassing, abusive, threatening, or embarrassing
to users

 Any other sites that SS/MLS may deem, on a case-by-case basis, to be inappropriate in a school
setting

The electronic information available to students does not imply endorsement of the content by
SS/MLS, nor does SS/MLS guarantee the accuracy of the information received on the Internet.
SS/MLS shall not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to
the Internet on a student’s personal device. SS/MLS makes no warranties of any kind, whether
expressed or implied, for the network and Internet service it is providing.

Failure to abide by any of the above guidelines will result in immediate revocation of
Internet access at Martin Luther School for a specific length of time.

WELLNESS POLICY

The Silver-Springs-Martin Luther School (SS/MLS) Wellness Policy is designed to promote the
physical health of the children and adolescents who are students of the program. This policy
addresses the issue of childhood obesity through procedures designed to avoid unhealthy weight
gain and is monitored through the Silver Springs Health Care Management Committee,
comprised of representatives from the Martin Luther School, Residential Treatment Program,
Administration and Health Care Services.

The policy addresses goals in five areas:
1. Nutrition Educations
2. Nutrition Promotion
3. Physical Activity and Education
4. Guidelines for Food Provided on Campus
5. Other Activities Designed to Promote Child Wellness

Each goal describes a measurable action. This policy and attainment of these goals are reviewed
annually during a Wellness Committee meeting that includes staff members from Martin Luther
School and the Residential Treatment Program.
Nutrition Education – The goal of nutrition education is to teach, encourage and support healthy
eating habits and to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives.

 Nutrition Promotions – all foods available to the students during the school day are
offered to student with consideration for promoting student health and reducing
childhood obesity and gall with the federal guidelines of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids
Act (2010)

 Physical Education and Activity – Martin Luther School Students are given daily
opportunities for physical activity during the afternoon hours on school days through a
range of on-campus activities including but not limited to swinging, and playing on the
outdoor playgrounds and ball field, basketball, track and through regularly scheduled
physical education classes. Structured physical education classes are scheduled during the
school week for forty five minutes each week. In addition, there is a 20 minute structured
recess period per day amounting to one-hour and ten minutes per week of physical
activity and games for all students.

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 Guidelines for Food Provided on Campus – SS/MLS sets guidelines for foods and
beverages that are made available to children in the program

PROCEDURES FOR DISPENSING MEICATION AT SCHOOL

Martin Luther School strongly recommends that medication be given in the home.
Parents should confer with the child’s physician to arrange medication time intervals that avoid
school hours whenever possible.

For prescription medications to be given continuously:

1. Child’s physician must complete a Martin Luther School Authorization for Prescription
Medication form.

2. Parents must sign the Martin Luther School consent form (the Health Care Services
Director will process forms for Silver Springs students.)

3. Any medication to be given during school hours must be given delivered directly to the
Martin Luther School nurse or given to the bus driver who will give the medication to a
Martin Luther School staff member. Children may not bring in any medication.

4. Medication brought to school must be in the original container from the pharmacy with
the current date (good for 30 days only.)

5. A Prescription Medication Log is kept for each child receiving prescription medication
during school hours.

6. Prescribed Medication will be administered to each student by the School Nurse in the
school Health Care Office at the designated time each day.

7. In the absence of the School Nurse, medication will be dispensed by a Martin Luther
School staff member trained to administer medication.

For Prescription medication to be given for short periods of time:

1. Medication must be delivered directly to the School Nurse. Medication must be in the
original container from the pharmacy with the current date (good for 30 days only.)

2. A signed request from the student’s parent or guardian must accompany the medication
to be administered.

3. Only the amount to be given during school hours should be delivered to school
4. The medication will be administered to the student by the School Nurse in the Martin

Luther School Health Care Office at the designated time each day.
5. In the absence of the School Nurse, medication will be dispensed by a Martin Luther

School staff member trained to administer medication.
6. Medication given for short periods will be logged on the Daily Medication Log.

Non-prescription Medications:
Non-prescription medication will be administered only with written doctor’s orders.

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EMERGENCY MEDICATION

Medications may be kept on hand to be administered in emergency situation such as bee stings,
allergies, and diabetic shock. In order for your child to be able to receive such medication:

1. The child’s physician must complete a prescription Medication form.
2. Parents must sign consent form (Health Care Services Director will sign forms for Silver

Springs’ residents).
3. Medication should be delivered directly to the School Nurse or Martin Luther School

Director.
4. Medication must be properly labeled with the student’s name, medication name, dosage

purpose and current date (good for 30 days only).
5. Medication will be stored in a locked cabinet in the Health Care Office.
6. When such medication is given, the following will occur:

 The parent/caregiver will be notified
 The medication will be charted on the daily Medication Log, as well as on the

student’s chart.

COMMUNICATION

In order to keep our parents informed about your child’s progress and our school. We will send
you a daily point sheet, monthly calendar, letters, flyers and newsletters of events and other items
that we would like to bring to your attention. In addition your child’s teacher and other school
supports will contact as needed. Our One Call Now system will be used to call you about
important notices and emergencies. Please impress upon your child the importance of taking all
notices home. Check your child’s belongings for notes and notices.

SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PROGRAM

Our school is participating in a very important school-wide initiative Positive School Wide-
Behavior Intervention Support (SWPBIS). It is a program designed to teach responsibility, safety
and respect for all at Martin Luther School. The overall goals of PBS are aimed at increasing
and supporting positive behaviors school-wide and decreasing those disruptive behaviors which
interfere with classroom instruction and create a negative school environment.

As part of our school’s School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS) universal
(Tier 1) support, we use several interventions to support student behavior, such as expectations for
behavior, consistent teaching of behavioral expectations and responding to problem behavior, and data-
based decision-making. These interventions are Tier 1, or “universal,” meaning that all students in our
school receive them. For about 80% of our students, the Tier 1, universal interventions will be enough to
support their behavior. About 20% of our students will need additional interventions in order to
demonstrate expected behaviors at school. Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a second layer (Tier 2) of
intervention for these students. This means that in addition to the universal interventions they
receive as part of Tier 1, they also receive additional interventions to support their behavior
through CICO at Tier 2. The combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions will be enough to
support the behavior of about 15% of students. About 5% of our students will need even more
supports (Tier 3), which are individualized to the student’s needs.

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SAFE CRISIS MANAGEMENT (SCM)

Martin Luther School has adopted the Safe Crisis Management (SCM) Program from JKM
Training INC. The purpose of the SCM Program is to provide professional training that is based
upon an uncompromising respect for the dignity of all persons and a recognition that best
practice training contributes to safety, positive growth and improved performance. It is based on
the following:

 Universal principles and practices.
 Prevention strategies
 De-escalation strategies
 Emergency safety physical interventions
 Function based behavior support planning
 After incident procedure

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
MLS does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, sexual
orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status or condition
protected by law.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The curriculum offered at Martin Luther School is designed to meet Pennsylvania Standards.
Additionally, the program is individualized to meet each child's Individual Education Program
(IEP). Students receive instruction in Literacy, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Skills,
Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education, Library Skills and Computers.

Field Trips
Field trips are recognized as a valuable part of each student's school experience. Field trips are
scheduled to support the curriculum. Details about field trips will be sent home in advance of the
trip. Students must return a signed permission slip to participate. Phone permission is not
acceptable. Additionally, students must be able to demonstrate safe, respectful and responsible
behavior.

Occasionally, trips that are entertaining in nature as well as educational will be scheduled.
Attendance on these trips is a privilege and tied to the Martin Luther School Behavior Support
program. Parents/Caregivers will be notified in advance if their child is eligible to attend one of
these trips. Students must return a signed permission slip for these trips.

Physical Education/Sports Activities
Students participate in Physical Education and structured physical activities throughout week.
You will be notified of the exact days. Students are to wear appropriate clothing and footwear
for physical activity. Sneakers are required for all activities in the gym. Excuses from physical
activity must be given to the School Nurse.

Report Cards/Individual Education Program
Each student's Individual Education Program (IEP) is reviewed annually (more often if
necessary). Parents/Caregivers will be notified in advance of this meeting. Please do not

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hesitate to contact your child’s classroom teacher and/or home/school visitor to arrange a team
meeting.

Report cards are sent home three times per year. In addition to the report card you will receive
documentation indicating what progress has been made on your child’s IEP goals.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The purpose of the annual IEP meeting is to determine whether the goals for your child are being
achieved and to revise the IEP when appropriate. Parents and legal guardians are critical
members of the IEP team and are expected to attend their child’s meeting. Parents and legal
guardians are welcome to bring a friend, advocate or other agency representative to the meeting.
Please call our Special Education Supervisor if you plan to invite other individuals to IEP
meetings.

An IEP meeting can be called at any time during the year if a teacher, parent, or legal guardian or
other individual involved feels a student’s IEP is not meeting the needs of the child. If goals set
for the student are no longer appropriate or if you are concerned about your child’s IEP. It is best
to discuss your thoughts with his or her teacher and /or school counselor to determine the best
course of action.

The IEP team includes: the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child; at least one special
education teacher of the child, or if appropriate, one special education provider of the child; a
representative of the public agency who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of
specially-designed instruction and knowledgeable about the general curriculum and availability
of resources of the public agency; an individual who can interpret the instructional implication of
evaluation results; and, at the discretion of the parents or legal guardians or agency, other
individuals who have knowledge of or special expertise regarding the child.

The IEP must include a statement of the child’s present levels of educational performance;
measurable annual goals including benchmarks or short-term objectives; the special education
and related services and supplementary aids to be provided to the child; an explanation of the
extent to which the child will not participate with children in regular education classrooms; any
individual modifications in the administration of state or district-wide assessments of student
achievement that are needed for the child to participate in the assessment; the projected date for
the beginning of the services and modifications along with the frequency, location and duration
of the services and modification; a statement of how progress toward the annual goals will be
measured and how the parents will be regularly informed of this progress. For students who
have reached the age of 14, the IEP must also address transition needs. The IEP Team will also
determine whether a child is eligible for extended School Year services.

An IEP meeting may also be called if a child’s behavior necessitates the use of a physical
management intervention (restraint).

Reevaluation Process
Reevaluations are conducted at least once every two years. The reevaluation process begins with
a review of existing data about the student. The IEP team must decide if any additional
information is needed to determine: 1) if the student continues to have a disability and the

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students’ educational needs; 2) the present levels of academic achievement and related
developmental and functional needs; 3) whether the student continues to need special education
and related services; and 4) whether any additions or changes to special education and related
services are needed to allow the student to meet the measurable annual goals.

The IEP team may make a recommendation for additional testing. If it is determined that
additional data is needed, parental consent will be obtained and appropriate tests and other
evaluation instruments will be administered.

WHEN DOES THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT APPLY?

The Code of Student Conduct applies to all students while traveling to and from school, using
any mode of transportation, as well as during school related events. Additionally, the Code
applies to off ground and after-hours behavior if there is a connection to the learning
environment and the school is disrupted.

REFERRALS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Some infractions of the Code of Student Conduct may also be crimes. A referral to the
appropriate law enforcement agency will be made by Martin Luther School Administration when
deemed necessary.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT

The Code of Student Conduct defines specific acts which are considered violations of expected
student behavior. School rules come from many sources including State Law, Silver Springs
agency policy and Martin Luther School guidelines and regulations. These violations are
examples of those acts which disrupt the school environment and instructional process. The aim
of this section is to provide school personnel, parent/guardians, students and the community a
clear understanding of code violations and resulting disciplinary actions.

A major consideration of the Code of Student Conduct is to identify appropriate disciplinary
actions to encourage safe, respectful and responsible student behavior. The severity and
frequency of the misbehavior and the age, maturity and disability of the student are considered in
defining appropriate disciplinary action. It is understood that the severity of a violation of the
Code necessitates disciplinary actions that are appropriately severe. While administrative
personnel bear the major responsibility for effectively carrying out the discipline policies, the
entire staff plays a vital role in resolving problems and influencing student behavior.

The following pages list and define major violations. Possible disciplinary actions for major
violations are found in Appendix (B) and are in accordance with the PBIS program and are
addressed and assigned by the Dean of Students or designee. Minor violations of this code of
conduct will be handled by the classroom staff and/or person in authority in accordance with the
PBIS minor corrective consequences found in Appendix (B).

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Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy
Bullying is defined as an intentional behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates a student, either
physically or emotionally, and can happen while at school, in the community, or online. Those
bullying often have more social or physical “power”, while those targeted have difficulty
stopping the behavior. The behavior is typically repeated, though it can be a one-time incident.

Martin Luther School is committed to providing a safe, respectful and responsible learning
environment for each student in our educational program. We recognize that bullying creates an
atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe, respectful and responsible
environment necessary for successful learning and may lead to more serious violence.
Students are expected to respect the rights of others and ensure the school atmosphere is free
from bullying. Cognitive limitations, communication difficulties or behavioral and mental health
concerns do not exclude an individual from these expectations. An act of bullying by either an
individual or a group of individuals is expressly prohibited on school property, at school
functions and on transportation to and from school. This policy applies not only to individuals
who directly engage in an act of bullying, but also to individuals who, by their indirect behavior,
condone or support another individual’s act of bullying.

Bullying occurs when an individual or a group of individuals engages in written or verbal
expression or physical conduct that:

 will have the effect of physically harming an individual, damaging an individual’s
property or placing an individual in reasonable fear of harm to his/her person or damage
to his/her property

 is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive such that the action or threat creates an
intimidating, threatening or abusive environment for an individual; or has the effect of
substantially negatively impacting an individual’s emotional or mental well-being.

Cyberbullying is defined specifically as electronically sending or posting harmful or cruel text or
images using the Internet or other digital communication device.

Cyberbullying can include:
 Sending cruel, vicious or threatening e-mails
 Creating websites that have stories, pictures and/or jokes ridiculing others
 Posting pictures of other individuals online with derogatory phrases or questions
attached to them
 Using someone else’s e-mail to send vicious or incriminating e-mails to others
 Using instant messaging tools to harass others

Every staff member and student is responsible for immediately reporting any acts of possible
bullying they have observed of which they have been made aware. Parents/Guardians or any
other individual may also report possible bullying to any staff member regardless of where the
possible bullying may have occurred that may affect the school environment.
Staff members are required to report possible bullying to the Climate Officers, Dean of Students
and/or Principal as soon as possible after witnessing, becoming aware of, or receiving a report of
an incident. The report is made verbally to the above named staff and in writing using the
Educators Handbook program. The staff member is responsible for writing a detailed description

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that includes the sequence of events, phrases or language used and parties involved. Climate
Officers, Dean of Students or Principal will inform the school counselor or designee that a
report of possible bullying has been made.

The Dean of Students or designee will promptly take interim action to prevent bullying during
the course of an investigation if appropriate. Climate Officer(s) or designee(s) initiate(s) an
interview or investigation process and notifies school counselor(s) or designee(s) that an
investigation has started. Dean of Students or designee contacts parents/guardians by phone or
email immediately after the initial interviews to inform them that there is an allegation of
bullying and that staff members are currently conducting interviews and gathering fact from all
participants involved.
A report outlining the results of the initial investigation will be passed on to the Dean of
Students or designee and the school counselor(s) or designee(s). Upon receiving the report the
Dean of Students works with the classroom team and cluster, including the school counselor(s),
school psychologist and climate officers to further investigate and interview the individuals
involved in the incident in order to determine whether the allegation is founded or unfounded.

If it is determined that the accusation is unfounded, the Dean of Students or designee will
contact the parent/guardian after the investigation is complete. The parent/guardian will be
notified of the results of the investigation and given the school counselor(s) or designee(s)
contact information if there are questions or concerns.

If it is determined that the accusation is founded, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to: school counseling, a conference with
parents/guardians, loss of program privileges, transfer to another group, program or means of
transportation, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, in-school suspension, out-of-school
suspension, referral for counseling, therapy, hospitalization in the community or referral to law
enforcement officials.

Once the appropriate disciplinary or corrective action has been determined, a letter is sent to the
accused student’s school district by the Director of Martin Luther School reporting both the
disciplinary and corrective action plans developed and timeline for delivery.

In the event that a participant does not respond to the initial action plans developed to correct
bullying behaviors, the Supervisor of Clinical Services or designee initiates a clinical analysis of
motivators and precursor behaviors and formulates a prevention plan and intervention and post-
intervention behavioral strategies that make up an appropriate alternate intervention plan.
If problems persist and a participant continues to engage in bullying behaviors and incidents, the
Martin Luther School team schedules a meeting with the parent/guardian, the home school
district and the participant to develop a more intensive plan.

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Transportation

Daily transportation to and from school is the responsibility of the home school district in which
your child resides. Martin Luther School works closely with the home school districts to ensure

arrival and departure times are consistent with the school’s daily schedule and calendar.

Students must observe the following rules and regulations while in transition to and from
school:

 Keep hands/feet and objects to yourself
 Stay seated until you arrive at your destination
 Use kind words
 Use inside voice
 Keep the bus neat and clean
 Follow directions
 Pick up your trash

Any problems or concerns you have with a student’s transportation should first be brought to the
attention of the appropriate personnel in the home school district. The Martin Luther School
Transportation Coordinator available at 610-825-4440 ext. 425 can assist further with any
questions you may have. If it is necessary to change the schedule or means of transportation for
the student, please notify Martin Luther School and the home school district transportation
office in advance. Transportation during field trips or other school sponsored event is the
responsibility of Martin Luther School.

Controlled Substances

Martin Luther School is a drug-free school zone. Possession, sharing, selling, using or
displaying illegal substances including firecrackers, alcohol, illegal drugs and paraphernalia are
prohibited from all school property and school-sponsored events. Any violations of this will
result in a large point fine and police involvement.

Dress Code

Martin Luther School requires a uniform standard of dress. Students are required to wear a plain
navy blue or burgundy shirt to school every day. Any violation of this will result in a point fine
and delay of activities.

Best Practice:
 Clothing or jewelry depicting obscenities, alcohol and illegal substances or deemed
inappropriate when reviewed by the school administration, are not permitted.
 Hoops and long dangling earrings or necklaces are not permitted.
 Hats, hoodies, bandanas, and athletic sweatbands may not be worn in the school
building*
 Skirts and shorts must reach mid-thigh
 Pants are to be free of holes and tears

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 Undergarments may not be visible.
 Sneakers are preferred and required on gym days. Shoes must be closed toe every day.
 Outerwear should be worn outside only.

For special events such as field trips and assemblies, a different standard of dress may be
permitted. Parents/Caregivers will be notified in advance.

In an effort to support the student’s success with wearing their uniform daily, Martin Luther
School will provide students with shirts. On occasions when a student has forgotten to wear
their uniform shirt one will be provided for them and laundered after use.

*For students with religious or special needs please communicate with your special education
team to document these needs in your student’s IEP.

Physical and Verbal Aggression

Physical and verbal aggression of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes threatening to
hurt or physically harm another person in any way on school grounds or during any school-
sponsored activity. Under Pennsylvania State law a person has committed aggravated assault if
he/she attempts to cause or intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to
another student, school employee or volunteer.

Harassment

It is the goal of Martin Luther School to provide a positive academic and behavior environment
that is free from all forms of harassment for all students and staff. The law does not permit-nor
will Martin Luther School- tolerate harassment of staff members or students by other staff
members or students of Martin Luther School.

Harassment consists of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is based on
a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender or disability. Harassment may
include derogatory remarks, epithets, offensive jokes, the display or circulation of offensive
printed, visual or electronic materials or offensive physical actions.

Sexual harassment deserves special mention. Sexual harassment may include but not limited to
sexual propositions, innuendo, suggestive comments, sexually-oriented jokes or teasing or
unwelcome physical contact such as patting, pinching or brushing against another.

Students who feel they have been harassed should report this to any staff member. It is the
responsibility of the staff member to notify the Dean of Students and/or the Principal. A
substantial complaint will result in disciplinary action that could include suspension, expulsion,
loss of privileges and/or appropriate legal investigation.

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Leaving Campus

Students may not leave the school grounds during the school day or during school sponsored
activities without parent/guardian and administrative approval. Any violations of this will result
in a large point fine and possible police involvement.

Property Damage

Students are expected to act responsibly with school property and the property of others.
Students who deliberately destroy property resulting in repair will be given a point fine and may
result in student compensation for the cost of repair.

Public Displays of Affection

Students should refrain from touching behaviors (hugging, kissing, touching) that invades an
individual’s personal space or environment. This type of behavior is not allowed on campus or
at school related events. Being overly affectionate in school is not an acceptable practice.
Inappropriate behavior in this regard will not be allowed and will result in disciplinary action.

Smoking/Tobacco Policy

Martin Luther School is a smoke-free environment. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on
school property and during school-sponsored events. If a student is found with banned
substances in their possession, the products will be confiscated and parents/guardians will be
notified. Any violations of this will result in a large point fine and notification to the
parents/guardians.

Social Media

Social media outlets are powerful communication tools that may have a significant impact on
our organization and student reputations. Even when a student’s use of social networking and
electronic communications takes place completely outside of school hours – as personal
activities should-what is communicated may have an effect on Martin Luther School at large.

 Students must adhere to the Martin Luther School Acceptable Use Policy
 Students may only use school network to access approved educational websites
 Students must conform to the Terms of Use for any website they access
 When outside of school students are responsible for their own behavior when

communicating with social media
 Students will be held accountable for the content of the communications they post on

any social media outlet that directly address any event, person or policy sponsored or
represented by the Silver Springs agency or Martin Luther School
 Students may not disrupt the learning atmosphere, educational or behavior programs,
school activities or the rights of others
 Students must use good judgment; if actions impact the learning or work environment,
our policies pertaining to bullying and/or harassment will be enforced

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 Students may be personally liable for any electronic posts that are considered
defamatory, proprietary, pornographic, harassing, libelous, copyright infringement,
creating a hostile learning environment or otherwise unlawful

 During the school day, as well as during all Martin Luther School sponsored activities,
students are not to access social media outlets using any personal electronic device in
accordance with the Acceptable Use of Technology Policy. Non-compliance will result
in disciplinary action including, not limited to confiscation of the device as well as
administrator and parent/guardian notification

 The internet is not an anonymous outlet. Everything on the Internet can be traced back
to its original author. Posts from one forum are easily replicated into others through
reposts and/or references

 Students should have no expectation of privacy in any personal communication or post
made through electronic communication devices while using school computers, iPads,
cell phones or other data devices

 Student accounts

Weapons

The possession, use or display of weapons or potential weapons are not permitted on the Martin
Luther campus or at any Martin Luther School sponsored activity and will result in serious
consequences including a large point fine, parent/guardian involvement, suspension and police
involvement.

DISCIPLINING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Suspensions from School for less than 10 School Days for Students w/Disabilities

Martin Luther School may suspend students with disabilities and cease educational services for
up to five consecutive school days or 15 cumulative school days in one school year without
providing special education procedural safeguards.

When a student commits a violation which may result in a suspension from school, the Dean of
Students or designee may suspend the student without the approval of the LEA subject to the
provisions of the law regarding students who receive special education services from Martin
Luther School.

Prior to the suspension a student must:

Be given oral notice of the violation of the Code of Conduct and be given an opportunity to tell
his/her side of the story.

Generally, the notice and opportunity to tell his/her side of the story (parent/guardian should
attend in person or by phone if feasible) should precede the student’s removal from school.
However, if this is not feasible, or if the immediate removal of the student from school is

25

necessary to protect the safety of individuals, property, or the integrity of the educational
process, the necessary notice and opportunity to tell his/her side of the story will follow as soon
as possible.

In all events, an attempt will be made to notify the parents/guardians by phone to request that
the suspended student be picked up from school. Students, whose parents cannot be reached by
phone, will be retained at school until the end of the school day.

When a student is suspended there will be a written follow-up notification of the suspension
sent to the parent/guardian and LEA. Notification will state the cause, duration of the
suspension and the date of return. The Parent/Guardian will be required to bring the student to
school for a reinstatement meeting with the IEP team.

If a student commits a violation that requires a 10 day or more suspension or may result in a
change of placement, Martin Luther School must convene a Manifestation Determination
meeting within 24 hours of the misconduct, and invite the parents/guardian. The Team must:

A. Provide written notice to the parent/guardian of the recommended disciplinary action
and the date of the proposed Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting.

B. During the IEP/Manifestation Determination meeting, the IEP team will review the
student’s most current evaluation, IEP and placement to determine if the referred
misconduct is related to the student’s disability. Two questions are to be answered by
the school team at the manifestation meeting: (1) is the conduct caused by, or did it have
a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability? or (2) was the conduct in
question a direct result of the school’s failure to implement the student’s IEP?

C. If the school team determines that the student’s behavior is NOT a Manifestation of
the Disability, school administration may apply the Code of Student Conduct. In no
event, however, may the student be suspended without the LEA providing appropriate
educational services for 10 consecutive or 15 cumulative school days in a school year.

D. A Notice of Educational Placement (NOREP) must be issued by the LEA with the
results of this determination and copy of the Procedural Safeguard Notice (PSN) must
be given to the parent/guardian.

*If a parent or caregiver disagrees with the decision,
they can request an expedited due process hearing.

E. If necessary, the IEP team reviews and revises the existing behavior intervention plan
or, as necessary, complete the functional behavior assessment and intervention plan to
address the misconduct.

F. If the student’s behavior IS a Manifestation of the Disability, the proposed
disciplinary action is voided and the team must immediately take steps to remedy any
and all deficiencies in the IEP. A functional behavioral assessment (FBA) must be
conducted and a positive behavior support plan must be implemented. If an FBA and a
positive behavior support plan were completed, the IEP team must review and modify
them as necessary.

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G. School personnel may unilaterally remove a student to an interim alternative educational
setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is
determined to be a manifestation of the child’s disability if the child:
1. Carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school, on school premises, or during
a school function under the jurisdiction of Martin Luther School;
2. Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled
substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the
jurisdiction of Martin Luther School; or
3. Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school
premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of Martin Luther School

Suspension for Special Education Students Identified as Intellectually Disabled
Martin Luther School can only suspend students identified as having an Intellectual Disability
with either written agreement of the parent/guardian or the written approval of the Bureau of
Special Education of the Pennsylvania Department of Special Education (PDE).
The misbehavior of a student who is classified as intellectually disabled is a “special
circumstance” if it involves illegal drugs, weapons, selling prescription drugs, or “serious
bodily injury”. If the student’s misbehavior is one of these “special circumstances”; Martin
Luther School can immediately move the student to an alternative educational setting for up to
45 school days even if the student has an Intellectual Disability and even if the school
agrees with the parent/guardian that the misbehavior was a “manifestation” of the
student’s disability.

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CATEGORIES OF PROBLEM BEHAVIORS
Category One
Martin Luther School lists and defines minor problem behaviors as Category One infractions and
are subject to the SWPBIS universal (Tier 1) corrective consequences located in Appendix B.
Some examples are listed below:

 Non-Compliance (Refusing to wear a school shirt, not following directions)
 Cursing (Student uses foul language when talking to staff)
 Property Misuse (Unapproved websites, Possession of a cell phone)
 Out of Area (Walking out of class without permission)
 Play Fighting (Horseplay or roughhousing, pushing or shoving)
 Bus Write-up involving a minor behavior (out of seat, cursing at driver)

Category One behavior is addressed and assigned actions by the classroom team/school
personnel and may be documented in Educators Handbook ©

Category Two
Martin Luther School lists and defines major behaviors as Category Two infractions and are
subject to the SWPBIS corrective consequences located in Appendix C. Some examples are
listed below:

 AWOL (Student is off campus, student refuses to return to assigned area)
 Physical Aggression (Punching, hitting, stabbing (pencil, scissors etc.), biting, kicking)
 Stealing (Student takes Teacher’s/Student’s personal property without permission with

the intent of keeping it)

Category Two behaviors are addressed by the Dean of Students or designee and documented in
Educators Handbook©. Enhanced supports and an IEP meeting may be offered for Category
Two misconduct. Additional actions may be assigned as necessary by the Dean of Students or
designee.

Category Three
Martin Luther School lists and defines major behaviors as Category Three infractions and are
subject to the SWPBIS corrective consequences located in Appendix C. Some examples are
listed below:

 Property Destruction (Breaking window, desk/chair, Destroying smartboard or lap top)
 Bus Write-up involving a major behavior (fighting on bus)
 Homicidal Ideation (Talking about, considering or planning a homicide)
 Verbal Threat (Statement of intent to harm others)
 Safety Threat (Student pulls the fire alarm when there is no fire, Student uses the fire

extinguisher when there is no fire)

Category Three behaviors are addressed by the Dean of Students or designee and documented in
Educators Handbook©. Enhanced supports and an IEP meeting may be offered for Category
Three with the possibility of an In-School Suspension assignment by the Dean of Students or
designee. Additional actions may be assigned as necessary by the Dean of Students or designee.

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Category Four
Martin Luther School lists and defines serious major behaviors as Category Four infractions and
are subject to the SWPBIS corrective consequences located in Appendix C. Some examples are
listed below:

 Bus Write-up involving a major behavior
 Weapons Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs (Gun, knife, alcohol, tobacco, drugs (marijuana,

prescription drugs)
 Safety Threat (Serious verbal threats made with specificity)

Category Four behaviors are addressed by the Dean of Students or designee and documented in
Educators Handbook©. Enhanced supports and an IEP meeting are required for Category Four
with the possibility of an Out-School Suspension assignment by the Dean of Students or
designee, which may include a manifestation determination meeting conducted by the IEP team.
Additional actions may be assigned as necessary by the Dean of Students which may/will
include police involvement for illegal activity.

Category Five
Martin Luther School lists and defines serious and repeated major behaviors as Category Five
infractions and are subject to the SWPBIS corrective consequences located in Appendix C. Some
examples are listed below:

 Bus Write-up involving a major behavior (Student has a weapon or drugs on the bus)
 Weapons Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs (Gun, knife, alcohol, tobacco, drugs (marijuana,

prescription drugs)
 Safety Threat (Serious verbal threats made with specificity)
 Physical aggression (repeated or resulting in serious injury)
 Privacy Violation (Views, uses, makes or distributes images or video of anything illegal.

i.e. pornography, physical aggression)

Category Five behaviors are addressed by the Dean of Students or designee and documented in
Educators Handbook©. An IEP and manifestation determination meeting is required for serious
and repeated Category Five infractions with an Out-School Suspension assignment by the Dean
of Students or designee. A Category Five infraction may begin the process of recommending a
change in placement to the home school district. Additional actions may be assigned as
necessary by the Dean of Students which may/will include police involvement for illegal
activity.

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GLOSSARY

Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs – Possession of and/or use of banned items such as alcohol, tobacco
and drugs (prescription or over the counter)

AWOL – the student is known to have left the Silver Springs – Martin Luther School campus
or is “out of area” for 15 minutes or the student is not visible to staff such as student is off
campus or has been refusing to return to the assigned area for more than 15 minutes.

Bullying - An intentional behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates a student, either physically
or emotionally, and can happen while at school, in the community, or online. Those bullying
often have more social or physical “power”, while those targeted have difficulty stopping the
behavior. The behavior is typically repeated, though it can be a one-time incident such as
asking for something in exchange for not calling them names, threatening to harm someone if
they report you to staff or repeatedly teasing and threatening a targeted student.

Cyberbullying – Bullying that occurs through electronic communication devices including but
not limited to social networking, e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging, tweets, blogs, photo
and video sharing, chat rooms, dash boards, or web sites.

Disruption – Student engages in a behavior that causes and interruption in a class or activity
such as loud talking, yelling, screaming, humming, whistling, noise with materials (tapping
pencil, crumpling paper loudly), out of seat for more than 30 seconds

Harassment – Unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, physical or visual, that is based on a
person’s race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender or disability. Harassment may
include but is not limited to derogatory remarks, epithets, offensive jokes, the display or
circulation of offensive printed, visual or electronic materials or offensive physical actions.

Homicidal Ideation
Talking About, considering or planning homicide

In-School Suspension – The temporary placement of a student in a supervised area within the
school

Manifestation Determination – A process, required by the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA 2004), which is conducted when considering the exclusion of a student
with a disability that constitutes a change in placement.

Out-of-School Suspension – A student’s temporary exclusion from the school, school grounds,
and all school related activities by a building administrator for a period not to exceed (5) school
days, cumulative (15) school days.

PBIS – Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

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Physical Aggression – Hostile, destructive, and/or violent behavior that has potential to injure
a person of damage and object such as punching, hitting, stabbing (with pencil, scissors etc.),
spitting, biting, kicking throwing object (directed at other person), tripping or hair pulling.
Property Destruction – Deliberately destroying property resulting in the need for repair.
Property Misuse – Using equipment with disregard to intended purpose, not causing
significant damage during school hours such as unapproved websites, unsafe behavior with any
equipment, possession of cell phone, DS, PSP, tablet MP3 players, electronic devices,
Safety Threat - An act that endangers or threatens to endanger the school community at large
such as pulling the fire alarm, possession of a lighter, use of fire extinguisher when there is no
fire, drawing of a picture with a plan to hurt anyone or threaten the safety of the school, serious
verbal threats with specificity, student brings a weapon.
School Community Member – Any member of a school community, including but not limited
to teachers, paraeducators, mental health techs, students, administrators, contracted employees,
visitors, and parents/guardians.
School Grounds/Property – Any property owned or utilized by Martin Luther School or Silver
Springs agency.
Stealing – The unauthorized taking or possession of school property or property of another
person.
Verbal Threat
Engaging in any vocalization stating intent to harm others.
Violation of Privacy – Student engages in inappropriate contact or conduct of an intentionally
sexual nature with another student, adult or self, either consensual or non-consensual such as
touching another student’s private area, sexual gestures, purposefully exposing private area to
others or masturbating in public.

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32

Appendix A

(MLS Consequence Categories)

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34

Appendix B

(PBIS Minor Problem Behaviors, Corrective Consequences)

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Martin Luther School
Defining Minor Problem Behaviors
Type of Infraction/ Definition/ Possible Actions

Minor Problem Definitions Examples Possible Actions
Behavior

(Teacher/Aide
respond in class)

Disruption Student engages in a  Loud talking
Non-compliance
behavior that causes  Yelling  Ignore (for 2-5 min.
Cursing an interruption in a
class or activity after  Screaming duration)
3 prompts  Humming  Praise around
 Proximity control
 Whistling  Active supervision
 Award small blue
 Noise with materials

(tapping pencil, paws to other

crumpling paper loudly) students for self-

 Out of seat for more managing
 Remind of
than 30 sec.

Refuses to follow expectations
 Verbal redirection
directions after 3  Not completing
prompts assignments when

 directed to do so (warning)
  Reteach appropriate
Verbal refusal to follow
 through behavior
 Sleeping – fails to wake  Points not earned
up, fails to get back to  In-class time out
work
(time away; can earn
After given a direction,
does not follow through points if instructions

Refusing to wear a are followed)
 Restore environment
school shirt when it is
(clean up if a mess is

offered made)

 Recess time (delay

start by 5–10 min.)

 Activity period time

Student engages in  Student uses foul (delay start by 5-15
verbal or written language when talking
inappropriate to staff min)
language after 3  Call home
prompts  Student writes curse
word on a piece of

paper

Using equipment with  Unapproved websites

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Property Misuse disregard to intended  Unsafe behavior with
purpose, not causing any equipment
significant damage
after 3 prompts  Possession of cell
phone, DS, PSP, tablet,
Using personal MP3 players, electronic
technology without devices, during school
permission hours

 Overflowing the toilets
 Writing on desks or

walls which does not
cause permanent
damage

Out of area  Student leaves  Walking out of the class

the designated without permission

area without  Leaving the cafeteria

permission, or without permission
 Student  Leaving the playground

separates without permission

him/herself

from the group

during transition

periods without

permission, or
 Student is

anywhere other

than where

he/she is

supposed to be

without

permission,

BUT remains within
sight of staff

Play fighting Engages in physical  Horseplay or
contact without the roughhousing (slapping,
intent to do harm pushing, shoving,
wrestling)

 Shoving or pushing
 Touching others

without permission

37

Bus write-up During bus ride  Student is cursing at the
involving a minor student engages in driver
behavior any of our defined
minor behaviors  Student is out of their
seat

 Student is non-
compliant with
directions

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Appendix C

(PBIS Major Problem Behaviors, Corrective Consequences)

39

Martin Luther School
Defining Major Problem Behaviors
Type of Infraction/ Definition/ Possible Actions

Major Problem

Behavior Definitions Examples Actions Possible Additional

(Addressed by that MUST Actions

Administrator) be assigned

every time

3 Minor Child has engaged in  Student was Reteach  Reteach
Incidents the same minor
behaviors at three out of area at appropriate appropriate
different intervals behavior
throughout the day 10 am, at behavior
 Engage in
12:30 pm

and at 2:15.

This problem solving
combination  Point fine of 25

constitutes a points
major  Large point fine

incident of 50 points
 Delayed start or

Loss of loss of recess
 Loss of Daily

AWOL The child is known to  Student is daily Activity Period
 Delay Start to
have left the Silver off campus activity
Activity Period
Springs - Martin Luther  Student has  1-day suspension
School campus, or
 The child is “out been from school store
refusing to
of area” for 15 return to the privileges (for the
assigned
minutes area for week)
 The child is not more than 15  Clinical Services

visible to staff Consult
 Nurse Consult
minutes  Parental

conference or

Hostile, destructive,  Punching 50 point phone call

Physical and/or violent behavior  Hitting fine Administratively
Aggression Assigned
that has potential to  Stabbing Delay of  Assigned direct
injure a person or (with pencil, daily
damage an object activity eye supervision
scissors etc.) Nurse (delivered by
 Spitting administrator)
consult  Removal from

 Biting

 Kicking

classroom

 (delivered by

40

 Throwing administrator)
 Loss of off-
object
campus
(directed at
privileges
other person)  Flagged as

 Tripping bullying behavior
 Physical
 Hair pulling
Restraint
Stealing The unauthorized  Student 25 point
taking or possession of fine (delivered by
Violation of school property or takes the
Privacy property of another teacher’s administrator)
person  Stealing Protocol
Property personal
Destruction Intervention
property
(assigned by
without
administrator,
permission
delivered by
with the
behavior analyst)
intent of  Major point fine

keeping it of 200 points

 Student (delivered by

takes another administrator)
student’s  Recommend

property suspension to

without district (delivered

permission by administrator)
 Parent
with the
Conference
intent of
(delivered by
keeping it
administrator)
Student engages in  Student 50 point  Police

inappropriate contact or touches fine involvement for

conduct of an other illegal

intentionally sexual students’ activity(delivered

nature with another private areas by administrator)
student, adult, or self,  Sexual  Daily search and
either consensual or
gestures safety
non-consensual
check(delivered
 Purposefully
by administrator)
exposing

private areas

to others

 Masturbatin

g in public

Deliberately destroying  Breaking a 50 point

property resulting in the window, fine
need for repair desk, or

chair

 Destroying a

41

smartboard

or laptop

 Writing on a

wall, desk,

or door with

things that

could cause

permanent

damage

 Breaking

eyeglasses

Bus write-up During bus ride student  Student is (follow
involving a
major behavior engages in any of our involved in a action of

Verbal Threat defined major fight on the major

Homicidal behaviors bus offense)
ideation
 Student has
Self-Injury
a weapon on

the bus

 Student

brings drugs

on the bus

Student engages in  “ I am going 50 point
vocalizations stating to kick you” fine
intent to harm others.
 “ I am going

to punch you
if you don’t

stop talking
to me”

Talking about,  Stating “ I Clinical
considering, or Services
planning homicide am going to consultation
kill you”

 Drawing a

picture of

killing others

The act of  Cutting or Clinical

deliberately harming th burning Services

e surface of your own yourself consultation

body.  Breaking the Nurse
skin with a Consult

pencil

 Scratching

skin with an

object

 Head

banging

42

Suicidal ideation Talking about,  Stating “I Clinical
considering, or Services
planning suicide am going to consultation
kill myself”

 Stating “ I

wish I was
dead”

 Stating “I’m

going to

shoot
myself”

Suicide attempt A non-fatal, self-  Wrapping a Clinical

directed, potentially sweatshirt Services

injurious behavior with around ones consultation

a verbalized intent to neck Nurse
die as a result of the  Tying shoe Consult
behavior; might not
result in injury. laces around

ones neck

 Wrapping a

cord around

ones neck

Weapons Student is in possession  Gun 200 point  Parent
fine Conference
Alcohol, of a knife, gun, or other  Knife Police
tobacco, and object capable of Consultatio  Recommend
drugs causing bodily harm  Brass n suspension to
knuckles district
Safety Threat
 Screwdriver

 Nail file  Police

Possession of and /or  Alcohol 200 point involvement for
use of banned items illegal activity
 Tobacco fine  Daily search and
safety check
 Drugs Nurse
(prescription Consult

or over the

counter)

An act that endangers  Child pulls 200 point
fine
or threatens to endanger the fire Daily search
and safety
the school community alarm when check

at large there is no

fire

 Student

brings a

lighter

 Student uses

the fire

extinguisher

43

when there
is no fire
 Student
draws a
picture with
a plan to hurt
anyone or
threaten the
safety of the
school
 Serious
verbal
threats made
with
specificity;
child brings
weapon

44