Sikeston R-6 has the authority to discipline for student conduct that is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools as provided by state law. School officials are authorized to hold students accountable for misconduct in school, on school property, and during school-sponsored activities. Students who engage in significant acts of misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the education of District students will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion. However, no student will be confined in an unattended locked space except for emergency situations while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officials.

Students forfeit their right to a public school education by engaging in conduct prohibited in Regulation 2610, the code of student conduct, and/or state or federal law. Disciplinary consequences include, but are not limited to, withdrawal of school privileges (athletics, intramurals, student clubs and activities and school social events); the reassignment of the student to another school; removal for up to ten (10) school days by building principals; extension of suspensions for a total of 180 days by the Superintendent; and longer term suspension and expulsion from school by the Board of Education. See also, Policies 2610, 2662, and 2663.

Removal of any student who is a student with a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is subject to state and federal procedural due process rights. See policy 2672 and its corresponding regulation.

All students attending school in District schools will be expected to accept the obligation and responsibility to attend school on a regular basis and to comply with Sikeston R-6 School’s discipline code set forth in Regulation 2610. Those students who choose not to fulfill their responsibilities at school will be held accountable for their conduct. Consequences for individual acts of misconduct are calculated to discipline the student, to deter future misconduct, and to provide a safe and positive environment in which students can learn. Students who engage in significant acts of misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the educational environment of district students to the extent allowed by law will be subject to discipline up to and including expulsion.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

It is the policy of the Sikeston R-6 School District to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement including, but not limited to, the crimes Sikeston R-6 is required to report in accordance with law. 

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of Sikeston R-6 School’s policy.

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten days or expulsion of any student who Sikeston R-6 is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

Documentation in Student's Discipline Record

The principal, designee or other administrators or school staff will maintain all discipline records as deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the schools and in accordance with law and policy 2600 and 2610.

Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district‑sponsored activity, or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee.  In addition, Sikeston R-6 may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student’s access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school, if appropriate.

In accordance with law, any student who is suspended for any offenses listed in ' 160.261, RSMo., or any act of violence or drug-related activity defined by policy 2673 as a serious violation of school discipline shall not be allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any district property or any activity of Sikeston R-6 Schools, regardless of whether the activity takes place on district property, unless one of the following conditions exist:

1. The student is under the direct supervision of the student's parent, legal guardian, custodian or another adult designated in advance, in writing, to the student’s principal by the student's parent, legal guardian or custodian, and the superintendent or designee has authorized the student to be on district property.
2. The student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in Sikeston R-6.
3. The student resides within 1,000 feet of a public school in Sikeston R-6 School District and is on the property of his or her residence.

Students who are suspended from school will not be allowed to earn credit for course work completed during the term of the suspension.  The Alternative Education Program is not a suspension, so far as make-up work is concerned.

If a student violates the prohibitions in this section, he or she may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, "Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences," listed below.

Prohibited Conduct

The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct as well as potential consequences for violations.  Building-level administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in the building.  All consequences must be within the ranges established in this regulation.  In addition to the consequences specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement as required by law and document violations in the student's discipline file pursuant to law and Board policy.

1. Alcohol (see Board policy 2640)
   1. Possession use or attendance under the influence of any alcohol product on school grounds, bus, or any school activity.

      First Offense:

      10-45 days out-of-school suspension OR 3 days out-of-school suspension and 5 days behavioral intervention assignment. Enrollment, attendance and successful completion of drug/alcohol prevention and education program provided by Sikeston R-6. Suspension Alternative The student must admit to being in possession, use or attendance under the influence of any alcohol product on school grounds, bus or any school activity. The student will be placed in out-of-school suspension for a period of 3 days. On the first school day following the out-of-school suspension, the student will report to the Alternative Education Center for a 5-day behavioral intervention assignment. The student may be reassigned to the base school following successful completion of this assignment. The student will participate in the drug/education program through its completion. While in the program, the student shall receive a 5-day out-of-school suspension if the student misses any scheduled appointments with the program. OR 10 days Behavior Intervention-first disciplinary offense while attending a high school or junior high school at or above a level II infraction.

      Subsequent Offense:

      11-90 days out-of-school suspension and/or assignment to an alternative education program.

   2. Sales, purchase or distribution of any alcohol product on school grounds, bus, or any school activity.

      First Offense:	10-90 days out-of-school suspension, expulsion.
      Subsequent Offense:	11-180 days out-of-school suspension, expulsion.

2. Arson - Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate.
Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate.

3. Assault
   1. Using physical force, such as hitting, striking or pushing, to cause or attempt to cause physical injury; placing another person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury; causing physical contact with another person knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative; or any other act that constitutes criminal assault in the third degree.

      First Offense:	In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
      Subsequent Offense:	Assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

   2. Knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury or death to another person, recklessly causing serious bodily injury to another person, or any other act that constitutes assault in the first or second degree.

      First Offense:	10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
      Subsequent Offense:	Expulsion.

4. Automobile/Vehicle Misuse – Un-courteous or unsafe driving on or around district property, unregistered parking, failure to move vehicle at the request of school officials, failure to follow directions given by school officials or failure to follow established rules for parking or driving on district property.

First Offense:	10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
Subsequent Offense:	Expulsion.

5. Bullying and Cyberbullying (see Board policy - 2655) – Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft or property damage; oral, written or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.

First Offense:	Detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

General

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Sikeston R-6 School District prohibits all forms of bullying. Sikeston R-6 Schools also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.

Definitions

Bullying – In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying – A form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.  Sikeston R-6 Schools may prohibit and discipline for cyberbullying that originates on any District campus or at a District activity if the electronic communication was made using the school's technological resources, if there is a sufficient nexus to the educational environment, or if the electronic communication was made on Sikeston R-6 School’s campus or at a District activity using the student's own personal technological resources. Further, students who engage in significant acts of misconduct off campus which materially and adversely impact the education of District students will be subject to discipline.

School Day – A day on the school calendar when students are required to attend school.

Designated Officials

The principal of each building is hereby designated as the individual to receive and investigate reports of bullying. Each building principal shall designate at least two teachers or administrators in the building who are authorized to receive and investigate reports of bullying in the principal's absence or at the principal's discretion.

Sikeston R-6 Schools compliance officer appointed in policy 1300 will serve as Sikeston R-6wide anti-bullying coordinator. The anti-bullying coordinator will receive all completed investigative reports from all buildings and analyze the reports to identify any information that would inform Sikeston R-6 School’s anti-discrimination and anti-bullying education and training programs. In addition, the anti-bullying coordinator will assist in making any relevant reports as required by state and federal law.

Reporting Bullying

School employees, substitutes or volunteers are expected to intervene to prevent student bullying, appropriately discipline the perpetrator, assist the victim and report the incident to the building principal or designee for further investigation and action. Any school employee, substitute or volunteer who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee. Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal or designee.

If the bullying incident involves students from more than one district building, the report should be made to the principal or designee of the building in which the incident took place or, if more appropriate, to the principal or designee of the building attended by the majority of the participants in the incident.

Investigation

Within two school days of receiving a report of bullying, the principal or designee will initiate an investigation of the incident. Reports that involve students from multiple buildings will be investigated cooperatively by the principals of each building involved, or those principals may request that Sikeston R-6 School’s compliance officer designated in policy 1300 conduct the investigation. If at any time during the investigation the principal determines that the bullying involves illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation as described in policy 1300, the principal will report the incident to the compliance officer designated in that policy, who will assist in the investigation. If the alleged bullying involves a special education student or a student with disabilities, the principal will also notify the special education director.

The investigation shall be completed within ten school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the principal will decide whether bullying or harassment occurred and, if so, whether additional discipline is warranted in accordance with Sikeston R-6 School’s student discipline code. The principal will generate a written report of the investigation and findings and send a copy of the completed report to Sikeston R-6 School’s anti-bullying coordinator. The principal or designee will document the report in the files of the victim and the alleged or actual perpetrator of bullying. All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.

If the incident involved allegations of illegal discrimination or harassment, the principal's decision may be appealed in accordance with policy 1300. Student discipline may be appealed when allowed by law in accordance with Board policy.

The principal or other appropriate district staff will work with victims and their families to access resources and services to help them deal with any negative effects that resulted from the incident.

Consequences

Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with Sikeston R-6 School’s discipline code. Such discipline may include detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, expulsion, removal from participation in activities, exclusion from honors and awards, and other consequences deemed appropriate by the principal or superintendent. Sikeston R-6 will also contact law enforcement when required by law or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when appropriate.

Even in situations where Sikeston R-6 does not have jurisdiction to discipline a student for bullying, such as when the acts take place off campus and there is an insufficient nexus to Sikeston R-6 Schools, the principal or designee will take appropriate actions to assist student victims. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, contacting the parents/guardians of the victim and the alleged perpetrators, communicating that this behavior is not allowed on district grounds or at district activities, notifying the appropriate district staff to assist the victim, and taking additional action when appropriate, such as notifying law enforcement or social media companies of inappropriate online activity.

District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be disciplined or terminated. Discipline may include suspension with or without pay, a negative evaluation, prohibition from being on district property or at district activities, mandated training or other appropriate remedial action. Volunteers who violate this policy will no longer be permitted to volunteer.

Policy Publication

Sikeston R-6 shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes and volunteers about this policy and Sikeston R-6 School’s prohibition against bullying. A copy of this policy shall be included in student handbooks and posted on the Sikeston R-6 website.

Training and Education

Sikeston R-6 School’s anti-bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of bullying.

Sikeston R-6 Schools will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students every year. The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for facilitating the discussion. Methods may include but are not limited to: assemblies; homeroom presentations; class meetings; team or club meetings; special presentations by counselors, social workers or mental health professionals; and open-house events. When practical, parents/guardians will be invited to attend.

In addition to educating students about the content of this policy, Sikeston R-6 Schools will inform students of:

1. The procedure for reporting bullying.
2. The harmful effects of bullying.
3. Any initiatives the school or district has created to address bullying, including student peer-to peer initiatives.
4. The consequences for those who participate in bullying or engage in reprisal or retaliation against those who report bullying.

School counselors, social workers, mental health professionals, school psychologists or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to:

1. Cultivating the student's self-worth and self-esteem.
2. Teaching the student to defend him- or herself assertively and effectively without violence.
3. Helping the student develop social skills.
4. Encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control.

Additional School Programs and Resources

he Board directs the superintendent or designee to implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying. Such initiatives may include educating parents/guardians and families on bullying prevention and resources.

6. Dishonesty – Any act of cheating, lying, whether verbal or written, including forgery.

First Offense:	Nullification of forged document. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Nullification of forged document. Detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.

7. Disrespectful Conduct or Speech (see Board policy 1300 if illegal harassment or discrimination is involved) – Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person that is in violation of district policy or is otherwise rude, vulgar, defiant, considered inappropriate in educational settings or that materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
Subsequent Offense:	Detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

8. Disruptive/Argumentative Behavior – Conduct or verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language that disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Examples of such activities would include, but not be limited to, students talking in class without permission, students coming to class without books, pencils, paper and other items for use in class, students leaving seat without permission, running in building, disturbingly loud talking or yelling, minor vandalism, cheating, students refusing to do assigned learning tasks, cursing, using abusive language with fellow students and disrespectful to school personnel.

First Offense:	Teacher reprimand, conference with parents, loss of “free” time, assigned classroom tasks, after-school detention, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Teacher reprimand, conference with parents, loss of “free” time, assigned classroom tasks, after-school detention, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.

9. Drugs (see Board policies 2640 and 2870)
   1. Possession, sale, purchase or distribution of any over-the-counter drug, herbal preparation or imitation drug.

      First Offense:	In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
      Subsequent Offense:	1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

   2. Possession of or attendance while under the influence of any unauthorized prescription drug, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act.

      First Offense:

      45-180 days out-of-school suspension. Must pass approved drug test prior to return to school. Failure to pass an approved drug test within ten (10) days of the scheduled return-to-school date will result in an out-of-school suspension of 20 days. OR 10 days out-of-school suspension. Enrollment, attendance and successful completion of drug prevention and education program provided by Sikeston R-6. Suspension Alternative The student must admit to being in possession of or attendance while under the influence of any unauthorized prescription drug, narcotic substance, un-authorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substance or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (hereafter “drug”). The student and parent/legal guardian agree to waive their right to appeal the suspension, if suspension length is appealable, to the Board of Education. The student will be placed on out-of-school suspension for a period of 10 days. Upon date of incident, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the appropriate personnel from Sikeston R-6 Schools (hereafter “District”) will: Contact Sikeston R-6 School’s student drug and alcohol collection vendor (hereafter “vendor”) and advise that the student has chosen the suspension alternative for first-time drug possession/ influence; Provide the vendor with pertinent student data; and Provide the vendor with information on the identified drug or drugs, if known. The vendor will make contact with the student and parent/legal guardian to schedule the first drug screen to assure the student is no longer under the influence of the identified drug or drugs. In addition, the vendor will initiate contact with the drug prevention/education program (hereafter “Program”) and establish the contact date, time and place for the student’s initial session. The remainder of the sessions will be determined and scheduled during the student’s initial session with the Program provider. On the first school day following the out-of-school suspension, the student will report to the Alternative Education Center for a 10-day behavioral intervention assignment. The student may be reassigned to the base school following successful completion of this assignment and negative drug screens that have been administered by the vendor. Upon return to the base school, the student will continue to submit to up to 50 drug screens while enrolled in Sikeston R-6. The student must also continue attending and successfully complete the Program. While in the Program, the student shall receive a 35-day out-of-school suspension if: A random drug screen or test conducted by the vendor is reported positive at any time during this procedure; The student misses any scheduled appointment with the Program provider; or The Program is not completed by the schedule determined during the student’s initial session with the Program provider. In order to return to school from a 35-day out-of-school suspension, the student must be tested by the vendor and show a negative drug test to the appropriate assistant superintendent within 10 days prior to the scheduled return date. Failure to pass Sikeston R-6-provided drug test within 10 days of the scheduled return-to -school date will result in an out-of-school suspension of 20 days.

      Subsequent Offense:

      45-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. District-provided drug test prior to return to school. Failure to pass an approved drug test within 10 days of the scheduled return-to-school date will result in an out-of-school suspension of 20 days. Student may be required to return to school through an alternative education program.

10. Extortion – Threatening or intimidating any person for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value.

First Offense:	Teacher reprimand, conference with parents, loss of “free” time, assigned classroom tasks, after-school detention, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Teacher reprimand, conference with parents, loss of “free” time, assigned classroom tasks, after-school detention, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.

11. Failure to Care for or Return District Property – Loss of, failure to return, or damage to district property including, but not limited to, books, computers, calculators, uniforms, and sporting and instructional equipment.

First Offense:	Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Restitution. Detention or in-school suspension.

12. Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences – Violating the conditions of a suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary consequence including, but not limited to, participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity or being on or near district property or the location where a district activity is held. See the section of this regulation titled, "Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences."
    As required by law, when Sikeston R-6 considers suspending a student for an additional period of time or expelling a student for being on or within 1,000 feet of district property during a suspension, consideration shall be given to whether the student poses a threat to the safety of any child or school employee and whether the student's presence is disruptive to the educational process or undermines the effectiveness of Sikeston R-6 School’s discipline policy.

First Offense:	Verbal warning, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled.
Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled.

13. False Alarms (see also "Threats or Verbal Assaults") – Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening or disturbing people, disrupting the educational environment or causing the evacuation or closure of district property.

First Offense:	Restitution. Conference with parents, loss of “free” time, after-school detention, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program or 1-45 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Restitution. In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

14. Fighting (see also, "Assault") – Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

First Offense:	Conference with parents and/or juvenile authorities and/or law enforcement officials, loss of "free" time or detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Conference with parents and/or juvenile authorities and/or law enforcement officials, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

15. Gang-Related Activity – As used herein, the phrase "gang-like activity" shall mean any conduct engaged in by a student 1) on behalf of any gang; 2) to perpetuate the existence of any gang; 3) to effect the common purpose and design of any gang; or 4) to represent a gang affiliation, loyalty or membership in any way while on district property or while attending a district function. These activities include recruiting students for membership in any gang and threatening or intimidating other students or employees to commit acts or omissions against his/her will in furtherance of the common purpose and design of any gang. For purposes of district policy, the term "gang" shall be defined as any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of a criminal act, which has a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of gang activity.

First Offense:	After-school detention, parent/principal/ student conference, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or assignment to an alternative education program.
Subsequent Offense:	Assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

16. Harassment, including Sexual Harassment (see Board policy 1300)
1. Use of material of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal, written, or symbolic language based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Examples of illegal harassment include, but are not limited to, racial jokes or comments; requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome sexual advances; graffiti, name calling; or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts based on a protected characteristic.

   First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
   Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out -of-school suspension, or expulsion.

2. Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or that is based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Examples include, but are not limited to, touching or fondling of the genital areas, breasts or undergarments, regardless of whether the touching occurred through or under clothing; or pushing or fighting based on protected characteristics.

   First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
   Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

17. Hazing (see Board policy 2920) – Any activity that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity. Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

First Offense:	In-school suspension or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

18. Incendiary Devices or Fireworks – Possessing, displaying or using matches, lighters or other devices used to start fires unless required as part of an educational exercise and supervised by district staff, possessing or using fireworks.

First Offense:	Confiscation. Warning, principal/student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

19. Public Display of Affection – Physical contact that is inappropriate for the school setting.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-10 days out -of-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program.
Subsequent Offense:	Detention, in-school suspension, 5-10 days out-of-school suspension, or assignment to an alternative education program.

20. Referrals (Habitual) – An excessive number of referrals to the office will be treated as a major disciplinary problem, if in the principal’s opinion, the excessive referrals are disruptive and causes a dysfunctional use of time that causes disruption to the educational process.  Additionally, historical information contained in a student’s discipline file may be reviewed to determine if there is evidence of a pattern of unacceptable behavior.  This information may be used in conjunction with current information to determine a disciplinary action.

First Offense:	Conference with parents, loss of "free" time, after-school detentions, principal/student conference, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-45 days out-of-school suspension, and conference with juvenile authorities.
Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or expulsion, and conference with juvenile authorities.

21. Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material – Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury.  This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value.  Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

First Offense:	Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, parent conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation. Detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

22. Sexual Activity – Acts of sex or simulated acts of sex including, but not limited to, intercourse or oral or manual stimulation.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	Detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

23. Tardiness – Arriving after the expected time class or school begins, as determined by Sikeston R-6.

Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures Grades K-4
Number of Morning Tardies	Discipline for Morning Tardies
2-10	Letter to parent.
11 or more	Letter to parent & referral to Juvenile Office.
Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures Grades 5-6
2	Letter to parent.
3	Office referral & reprimand & letter to parent.
4-5	1 lunch detention & letter to parent.
6-10	1 day in-school suspension and letter to parent.
11 or more	1 day in-school suspension, letter to parent & referral to Juvenile Office.
Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures Grades 7-8
Number of Morning Tardies	Discipline for  Morning Tardies
1, 2 & 3	Warning/Reprimand.
4	1 lunch detention & letter to parent.
5	2 lunch detentions.
6	1 day in-school suspension.
7	1 day in-school suspension.
8	2 days in-school suspension.
9	2 days in-school suspension.
10	3 days in-school suspension.
11  or more	3 days in-school suspension & referral to Juvenile Office.
Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures Grades 9-12
Number of Morning Tardies	Discipline for  Morning Tardies
1	Warning.
2	Warning.
3	1 lunch detention.
4	2 lunch detentions.
5	3 lunch detentions.
6	4 lunch detentions.
7	1 after-school detention.
8	2 after-school detentions.
9	3 after-school detentions.
10	1 day in-school suspension.
11 or more	1 day in-school suspension & referral to Juvenile Office.
Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures BARC
1	Warning.
2	1 lunch detention.
3	1 lunch detention.
4	1 lunch detention.
5 or more	1 lunch detention.
If excessive tardiness continues, the student will be referred to in-school suspension.
Morning Tardy Discipline Procedures New Horizons
Number of Morning Tardies	Discipline for  Morning Tardies
1	Warning/Reprimand.
2	1 lunch detention.
3	2 lunch detentions.
4	1 day in-school suspension.
5	2 days in-school suspension.
6	3 days in-school suspension.
7 or more	Out-of-school suspension.

24. Technology Misconduct (See Board policies 6230and 1442 and procedure PR 6230)
    1. Attempting, regardless of success, to: gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; use district technology to connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; copy district files without authorization; interfere with the ability of others to utilize district technology; secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; introduce computer viruses, hacking tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto or using district technology; or evade or disable a filtering/blocking device.

       First Offense:	Restitution. Principal/Student conference, loss of user privileges, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Restitution. Loss of user privileges, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

    2. Grades K-8 Using, displaying or turning on pagers, phones, personal digital assistants, personal laptops or any other personal electronic devices during the regular school day, including 30 minutes before school start time, class change time, mealtimes or instructional class time, unless the use is part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the principal.

       First Offense:	Confiscation, 1 day after-school detention.
       Second Offense:	Confiscation, 1 day in-school suspension.
       Third Offense:	Confiscation, 3 days of in-school suspension.
       Fourth Offense:	Confiscation, 5 days of in-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or assignment to an alternative education program.

       Grades 9-12 Students will be allowed to use cell phones during non-instructional school time (during lunch and between classes) or as part of the instructional program, required by a district-sponsored class or activity, or otherwise permitted by the building principal.

       First Offense:	Confiscation.
       Second Offense:	Confiscation and parent/guardian will pick up phone.
       Third Offense:	Confiscation, 1 day after-school detention.
       Fourth Offense:	Confiscation, 2 days after-school detention.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or assignment to an alternative education program.

    3. Nuisance Items – Possession or use of items such as toys, games, portable media players that are not authorized for educational purposes.

       First Offense:	Confiscation, 1 day after-school detention.
       Second Offense:	Confiscation, 1 day in-school suspension.
       Third Offense:	Confiscation, 3 days of in-school suspension.
       Fourth Offense:	Confiscation, 5 days of in-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or assignment to an alternative education program.

    4. Violations, other than those listed in (a) and (b) above, of Board policy 6320, PR 6320, or any policy or procedure regulating student use of personal electronic devices.

       First Offense:	Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Restitution. Loss of user privileges, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

    5. Use of audio or visual recording equipment in violation of Board policy 1442.

       First Offense:	Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-90 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation. Principal/student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.

25. Theft
    1. Theft, attempted theft or knowing possession of stolen property when the value of such property is less than $150.

       First Offense:	Return of or restitution for property. Conference with parents, loss of “free” time, after-school detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Return of or restitution for property. In-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, or 1-45 days out-of-school suspension.

    2. Theft, attempted theft or knowing possession of stolen property where the value of such property is more than $150.

       First Offense:	Return of or restitution for property. Assignment to an alternative Education program or 10-45 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Return of or restitution for property. 10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

26. Threats or Verbal Assault – Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
Subsequent Offense:	In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

27. Tobacco
    1. Possession of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may only be possessed in accordance with district policy 2870

       First Offense:	Confiscation of tobacco product. 5 days in-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation of tobacco product. 10 days in-school suspension.

    2. Use of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, or other nicotine-delivery products on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may only be used in accordance with district policy 2780.

       First Offense:	Confiscation of tobacco product. 5 days out-of-school suspension. OR 1 day out-of-school suspension and 4 days in-school suspension. Enrollment, attendance and successful completion of drug prevention and education program provided by Sikeston R-6. Suspension Alternative The student must admit to using prohibited product on district property, district transportation or at a district activity. The student will be placed in out-of-school suspension for a period of 1 day. The student will participate in the drug prevention and education program through its completion. While in the program, the student shall receive 3-day out-of-school suspension if the student misses any scheduled appointments with the program.
       Second Offense:	Confiscation of tobacco product. 10 days out-of-school suspension.
       Subsequent Offense:	Confiscation of tobacco product. 11-15 days out-of-school suspension and/or assignment to an alternative education program.

28. Transportation Misconduct (see Board policy 2652) – Any offense committed by a student on school-sponsored or school-authorized transportation shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student's assigned school. In addition, transportation privileges may be suspended or revoked.

29. Truancy (see Board policy 2310) – Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardians and the school administration; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians.

    Attendance Discipline Procedures Grades K-6
    Number of Absences	Excused	Discipline for Unexcused Absences for Grades K-4	Discipline for Unexcused Absences for Grades 5-6
    1	n/a	Letter to parents	Letter to parents
    2	n/a	Letter to parents	Letter to parents
    3	n/a	Letter to parents	Letter to parents
    4	n/a	Letter to parents & contact School Social Worker	1 day ISS, letter to parents, & contact School Social Worker
    5	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	Letter to parents	1 day ISS & conference between principal/designee & parents; Informal Referral to Juvenile Office and letter sent by Juvenile Office
    6	n/a	Letter to parents	1-day ISS
    7	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	1 day ISS
    8	n/a	Letter to parents	1 day ISS
    9	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	Letter to parents	1 day ISS
    10	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	Letter to parents	1 day ISS; Referral to Juvenile Office. Parent & child being placed on informal supervision/probation through the Juvenile Office.
    11-14	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	Letter to parents, update social worker, and update to Juvenile Office	1 day ISS, update social worker, & update to Juvenile Office
    15 & subsequent offenses	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	Letter to parents, update social worker, and update Juvenile Office	1 day ISS, update social worker, & update Juvenile Office; Juvenile Office will refer to the County Prosecutor

    
    

    Attendance Discipline Procedures Grades 7-12
    Number of Absences	Discipline for Excused Absences	Discipline for Unexcused Absences
    1	n/a	1 day after-school detention/ISS
    2	n/a	2 days after-school detention/ISS & letter to parents
    3	n/a	1 day ISS & letter to parents
    4	n/a	1 day ISS, contact parents by telephone/letter to parents, & contact Social Services, if needed, or School Social Worker
    5	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	1 day ISS, parent conference with principal/designee; Informal Referral to Juvenile Office and letter sent by Juvenile Office
    6 & Subsequent Offenses	n/a	Options: Assignment to 1 day ISS; alternative education program; Children's Division hotline
    7	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	1 day ISS
    8	n/a	2 days ISS
    9	Letter to parents using the standard form attendance letter	2 days ISS
    10	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	3 days ISS; Referral to Juvenile Office. Parent & child being placed on informal supervision/probation through the Juvenile Office.
    11-14	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	3 days ISS & update to Juvenile Office
    15 & subsequent offenses	Principal/Designee contacts parents & the absences require verification. If satisfactory verification is not made, absences may be treated as unexcused.	3 days ISS & update to Juvenile Office; Juvenile Office will refer to the County Prosecutor

30. Unauthorized Entry – Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker, or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance.

First Offense:	Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
Subsequent Offense:	1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

31. Vandalism (see Board policy 5270 and procedure PR 5270 – Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to Sikeston R-6 schools, staff or students.

First Offense:	Restitution. Conference with parents and/or juvenile authorities, and/or law enforcement officials, detention, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
Subsequent Offense:	Restitution. 11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

32. Weapons (see Board policy 1432) – District considers a weapon is defined to mean one or more of the following:
    1. A firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921.
    2. A blackjack, concealable firearm, firearm, firearm silencer, explosive weapon, gas gun, knife, knuckles, machine gun, projectile weapon, rifle, shotgun, spring gun, switchblade knife, as these terms are defined in § 571.010, RSMo.
    3. A dangerous weapon as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2).
    4. All knives and any other instrument or device used or designed to be used to threaten or assault, whether for attack or defense.
    5. Any object designed to look like or imitate a device as described in 1-4.

    Pursuant to the Missouri Safe Schools Act and the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, any student who brings or possesses a weapon as defined in #1 or #2 above on school property will be suspended from school for at least one (1) calendar year or expelled and will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities. The suspension or expulsion may be modified on a case-by-case basis upon recommendation by the superintendent to the Board of Education. Students who bring or possess weapons as defined in #3, #4 and #5 and not otherwise included in #1 and #2, will also be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school and may be referred to the appropriate legal authorities.      

    Possession or use of any weapon as defined in Board policy 1432 other than those defined in 18 U.S.C. ' 921, 18 U.S.C. ' 930(g)(2) or ' 571.010, RSMo.

First Offense:	Conference with parents and/or juvenile authorities, and/or law enforcement officials, in-school suspension, assignment to an alternative education program, 5-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
Subsequent Offense:	11-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

1. Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. ' 921 or any instrument or device defined in '010, RSMo., or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. ' 930(g)(2).

   First Offense:	One calendar year suspension or expulsion, unless modified by the superintendent on a case-by-case basis.
   Subsequent Offense:	Expulsion.

2. Possession or use of ammunition or a component of a weapon.

   First Offense:	In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
   Subsequent Offense:	1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

Board Approved Date: August 01, 2024