Student Handbook » Marion Community Schools Rules, Consequences, and Supports (PK-12)

Marion Community Schools Rules, Consequences, and Supports (PK-12)

Jurisdiction of Schools

Marion Community Schools students are reminded that the following MCS rules apply to them not only during school hours and on school grounds, but also from the time they leave home in the morning until they return home in the evening (whether the student is walking, driving, or riding the bus). School rules also are in effect at all school events, even those held off school property. All rules are also in effect during summer school. (IC 20-33-8-14)
 
Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function is prohibited, whether or not such illegal activity is specifically mentioned in the following rules.
 
Particularly, we note that the rules referring to cigarettes and the possession and/or use of drugs — including alcohol, marijuana, and improper use of prescription drugs — will be enforced whenever the school is responsible for the student, whether or not he or she is on school property at the time.
 
Students may also be subject to discipline when they commit other offenses away from school which may reasonably be interpreted as adversely affecting school climate.
 
Particularly, we note that bullying behavior will not be tolerated, and Indiana law mandates that schools investigate any reports of bullying behavior by staff or students.

Levels of Disciplinary Consequences and Supports

  • School personnel and parent
  • Conference with student
  • Referral: Administration, social worker, counselor, or support staff.
  • Time-out: The removal of a student from classes for one-half day or less.
  • Detention: Detainment of a student for disciplinary reasons that takes place before, during or after school hours.
  • School Behavior Agreement with student/parent: A written statement listing steps to be taken to improve behavior or attendance. The statement also describes the support to be provided by school staff and/or parent as well as the date when the contract will be reviewed.
  • Intervention Assistance Team: A meeting of school personnel, parents, and other individuals to consider the behavior and/or progress of the student and make recommendations.
  • Restricted activity: The denial of participation in school activities.
  • School/community service: Assignment of student to perform school/community service.
  • Saturday/evening school:  Detention programs on Saturday or other non-school hours. (not covered in bullet 3 listed above)
  • A combination of any Level 2 option and Level 1 conference/parent contact. 
  • Other options as discussed among parent, teachers, and administrators.
  • Grade advancement: Board Policy 5410
  • Placement of student in an in-school suspension program for one-half day or more with a parent contacted.
  • Placement of a student in-school suspension program for one or more days with a parent contacted.
  • Placement of a student in a specially designed in-school class or program.
  • In-school community service.
  • Placement as outlined above and in combination with levels 1 and 2 consequences.
  • Suspension from class by the teacher – A teacher may exclude a student from participation in any educational function under that teacher’s charge and supervision for a period not to exceed one school day when a student interferes with the educational function of which the teacher is then in charge. 
  • Contact BMV for the learner’s permit or driver’s license to be denied. IC 20-33-2-11
  • Suspension with parent conference or the parent may attend school with the student for one school day.
  • For each day of suspension four hours of community service may be served.
  • Suspension with parent conference and contractual agreement. 
  • May be in combination with Levels 1, 2, and 3 consequences.
  • Student Study Team (SST).
  • Modified schedule.
  • Student Study Team (SST).
  • School probation with referral to social worker. School probation is a probationary period of time (to be determined on an individual basis by the teacher and administrator) in which the student must exhibit behavior free from trouble. Failure to do so will result in more severe consequences.
  • School probation with referral to a community agency such as juvenile court or Safe Futures.
  • School probation may be in combination with Levels 2, 3, and 4 consequences.  
  • Placement in alternative programs within the local school setting.
  • Placement in alternative programs outside local school setting.
  • Conditional school (able to attend school based upon set conditions).
  • Referral for weekend at the Grant County Juvenile Detention Center.
  • Procedure with request for expulsion meeting.

Attendance Violations

Good attendance is essential if students are to achieve and reach their potential. With a few exceptions, all children ages 7 through 17 are required by state law to attend school (Indiana Code 20-33-2).
 
You must be present and in attendance a minimum of 90% of school days during the school year to be eligible to participate in school functions that take place outside of normal school hours. (Examples include, but not limited to attendance/participation at: skating parties, school carnivals, sporting events, clubs, plays, productions, dances, prom, walking in graduation, etc.) The percentage will be computed at the end of each of the nine weeks starting at the beginning of the school year. The student would be unable to participate until the next nine weeks attendance is figured.  First nine weeks participation will depend on the fourth nine weeks from the prior year. This includes all unexcused absences (truant, unverified, unexcused). This does not include co-curricular participation.
  1. Tardiness: A student who comes to school within the first half of the day is considered tardy. A student who comes to school any time after the first half of the day is considered absent one-half of the day. (min. 1 max. 5 – see note listed below*)

  2. Excessive Absence: Frequent or prolonged absences that are felt to adversely affect the student’s education. (min. 1 max. 5 – see note listed below*)

  3. Unexcused Absence: Failure to report to school with an approved excuse or parent call. (min. 1 max. 5 – see note listed below*)

  4. Cutting Class: Failure to report to class/school and without an approved excuse. Students are to remain on school grounds unless permission to leave is granted by the school administration. (min. 1 max.5 – see note listed below*)

  5. Habitual Truant: According to the Indiana Department of Education, truancy is defined as “a student’s absence from school without the permission of a parent/guardian.” Further, Indiana Compulsory Attendance Code 20-33-2-11 “defines a child who is habitually truant as a student who is chronically absent, by having unexcused absences from school for more than ten (10) days of school in one (1) school year.” Any absence from school beyond ten (10) days requires a doctor’s note or is considered unexcused. (min. 3 max 6)
* NOTE: Students who violate Rule 1 will be referred to intervention assistance teams to seek solutions to the problem. Students who do not respond to disciplinary consequences in Levels 1-3 may be referred directly to Level 5. Level 4 will be used only in rare circumstances.

Behavior Violations

Repeated violations of rules that students are expected to follow consistently. Students who continue to violate the rules will receive more severe consequences. (min.1 max. 6)
MCS Dress Code Policy Discipline Procedures
 
The administrator will choose an option at designated level for each offense. Students are eligible for suspension for insubordination following the 8th dress code violation. Steps will be repeated each semester.
 
  • First Violation = Disciplinary Level 1
  • Second Violation = Level 1
  • Third Violation = Level 2
  • Fourth Violation = Level 2
  • Fifth Violation = Level 2
  • Sixth Violation = Level 2
  • Seventh Violation = Level 3
  • Eighth Violation = Level 3
  • Further violations will be considered insubordination
A student will not use any object that has no educational purpose and may distract from teaching and learning during school hours. These items may be taken and kept until the end of the school year.  
 
Examples include, but are not limited to: 
  1. Toys: Use of any toys, games, etc., without permission of the administration (toy weapons may result in more severe consequences, levels 1-5). (min. 1 max 2)

  2. Radio or any Listening and Recording Devices: Use of radio, media player, or other electronic devices without permission of the administration. (min. 1 max 2)

  3. Pagers / Cellular Telephones: Use of a telephone, pager, or similar device during school hours. (min. 1 max. 3) See Board Policy 5501. 

    1. First Offense: Parental notification and parental pick up.
    2. Second Offense: Parental notification and parental pick up.  (Level 2 Offense)
    3. Third Offense: Parental notification and parental pick up.  (Level 2 Offense)
    4. Fourth Offense: Parental notification and parental pick up.  (Level 3 Offense)
    5. Fifth Offense: Parental notification and parental pick up; and, further disciplinary action. 

      Additionally, any student who refuses to surrender an electronic device to a staff member when directed or those who continue to violate this policy will receive (Level 3) disciplinary action.  
  4. Other: Use of any object that could disrupt the normal order of school to include, but not limited to, personal security alarms, look-alike beepers, digital cameras, laser lights or other electronic devices/toys, matches, lighters, or personal grooming items.
Electronic devices will be considered as in use if they are “on” or in sight during school hours. Items will be confiscated and may be returned to parents at the discretion of the principal/designee. (min. 1 max 3)
A student will not lie or cheat. (min. 1 max. 4)
 
Examples include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Altering Report Cards or Notes: Tampering with report cards, official passes and notes in any manner, including changing grades, or forging names to excuses. (min. 1 max. 4)

  2. False Information: Making false statements, written or oral. (min. 1 max. 4)

  3. Cheating: Violating rules of honesty such as copying another student’s test, assignment, etc. (min. 1 max. 4)

  4. Plagiarism: Using the work of others or published work, including electronic plagiarism. Plagiarism may cause student to fail course. (min. 1 max. 4)
A student will not behave in a disrespectful manner towards staff or an adult in authority. (min. 1 max. 5) 
 
Examples of disrespectful behavior include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Walking Away: Leaving while a staff member or adult in authority is talking to the student. (min. 1 max. 5)

  2. Talking Back: Responding orally in a rude manner to a staff member or adult in authority. (min. 1 max. 5)

  3. Inappropriate Gestures, Language and/or Actions that can be viewed as Obscene or Rude. (min. 1 max. 5)
A student will obey the lawful direction of any staff member or adult in authority during the time the student is in school or participating in a school activity. (min.1 max.5) 
 
Examples of insubordination include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Failure to Comply with Direction or Instruction of a Staff Member or Adult in Authority: Failure to follow any reasonable direction given by a staff member or adult in authority. (min. 1 max. 4)

  2. Refusal to Work in Class: Failing to do assigned work in class or complete homework. (min. 1 max. 4, 5-Student Study Team)

  3. Refusal to Serve Detention: Failure to serve detention as directed. (min. 1 max. 4, 5-Weekend Detention Center)

  4. Refusal to Participate in In-school Alternatives: Failure to report to in-school alternatives as directed by a staff member. (min. 1 max. 4)

  5. Refusal to Report to Office: Failure to report to the administrative office as directed by a staff member. (min. 1 max. 4)

  6. Refusal or Failure to Identify Oneself: Failure to identify oneself when requested by a staff member or adult in charge. (min. 1 max. 4)

  7. Failure to Participate in an Alternative to Suspension Program. (min. 1 max. 4)

  8. Failure to Comply With School Behavior Agreement. (min. 1 max. 4)
A student will not use profane or obscene language or make obscene gestures. (min.1 max. 4)
 
Examples include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Swearing: Saying anything that conveys an offensive, obscene, racially offensive or sexually suggestive message or is in poor taste for a school setting.

  2. Obscene Gestures: Making any sign that conveys an offensive, obscene, or sexually suggestive message.

  3. Derogatory Written Materials: Having any written material or pictures that convey an offensive, obscene, threatening, demeaning, or sexually suggestive message.

  4. Directed at Staff Member: Writing, saying, or making gestures that convey an offensive, obscene, or sexually suggestive message toward a staff member.
No student may disrupt class, school, or school-sponsored event. (min. 1 max. 4) 
 
Examples include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Chronic Talking: Repeated talking in the classroom without permission.

  2. Horse Play: Rough or noisy play or pranks.

  3. Harassing/Teasing/Instigating: Pestering or tormenting.

  4. Refusing to Remain in Seat: Getting out of seat or moving seat without permission of staff member.

  5. Rude Noises: Making any unnecessary noise.

  6. Leaving without Permission: Leaving the classroom, building, or assigned area without obtaining approval of the teacher and/or administrator.

  7. Chronic Lack of Supplies: Repeatedly reporting to class without necessary materials such as books, technology, or class supplies.

  8. Bus Rules: See Transportation Guidelines.

  9. Other: Any other action that disrupts or interferes with educational activities or the school environment.
A student will not threaten another student or staff member or other person. (min. 2 max. 5)
 
Examples of prohibited actions include, but are not limited to: 
 
  1. Threats made against a Student, Staff Member, or Other Person: Threatening to strike, attack, or harm any staff member.
A student will not cause or attempt to cause physical injury to other students, staff members, or others. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 6) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
 
Examples include, but are not limited to:
  1. Fighting: Physical contact by pushing, shoving, or hitting, whether or not injury occurs, is prohibited.

  2. Shoving and/or Kicking: Pushing and/or kicking anyone.

  3. Hitting, Biting, Spitting, or Other Conduct that causes or May Cause Injury, or Harassment to another Student or Adult: Hitting, biting, spitting, or throwing objects at a student or adult.

  4. Throwing Objects: Throwing any object that may cause injury in any part of the school, on school grounds, at school events, or in school vehicles.
A student will not engage in the improper use of technology. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 5) (7-12 min. 3 max. 5)
 
Examples include, but are not limited to:
  1. Damaging or disrupting hardware or software.

  2. Entering or retrieving pornographic material, inappropriate text/files (including files that may contain derogatory or inflammatory racial, ethnic, or religious slogans or symbols), or files carrying viruses.

  3. Violating copyright provisions.

  4. Accessing school records or another person’s information or files without permission.

  5. Other improper use of equipment.

Severe Violations

The following severe violations will result in school consequences, security staff will be notified, and police may be contacted. Parents will be notified if possible. Any violation of any state law may result in arrest. 
(min. 1 max 6)
 
  1. This rule applies when a student is:

    1. On school grounds immediately before or during school hours, immediately after school hours or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group (including summer school);
    2. Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;
    3. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event;
    4. Using property or equipment provided by the school; or,
    5. Using data or computer software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, or computer network of the school corporation.

  2. Bullying by a student or groups of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other student through overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal or written communications transmitted, and/or physical acts committed, or any similar behavior, including instigating, is prohibited.

  3. Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts of bullying are taking place should report the matter to the school principal or designee. (Click here for report forms.) School personnel will investigate all reports of bullying.

  4. Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator.  This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation.

  5. Educational outreach and training will be provided to school personnel, parents, and students concerning the identification, prevention, and intervention in bullying.

  6. All schools in the corporation are encouraged to engage students, staff and parents in meaningful discussions about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent organizations already in place in each school.
Entering any school property or into school facilities without proper authority. This includes any entry into school buildings, school grounds, or school activities during a period of suspension or expulsion. (min. 2 max. 6)
Playing a game of skill or chance for money or anything of value. (PK-6 min. 1 max. 4) (7-12 min. 1 max. 5)
This includes using or possessing any explosive amusement device or ammunition. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 4) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
Using any motorized or self-propelled vehicle on or near school grounds in a reckless manner or as a threat to health and safety, or as a disruption to the educational process. (min. 4 max. 6)
Causing damage, vandalizing school property, or the property of others. The family will be held financially responsible for damages. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 4) (7-12 min. 4 max. 6)
Having in one’s possession matches or lighter. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 5) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
Possession and/or use of tobacco, including cigar, cigarette, pipe, snuff, chewing tobacco or any other matter or substance that contains tobacco, nicotine, nicotine delivering devices, chemicals or devices that produce the same flavor or effect of nicotine substances; and other tobacco or nicotine innovations. Tobacco products, or any likeness thereof; and, matches/lighters will also be confiscated. (min. 2 max. 5)
Assisting or participating in unauthorized control of property belonging to any school, any organization, or any individual or group without prior permission. Also, possession of stolen property, or taking or accepting stolen property generally valued at less than $250. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 4) (7-12 min. 3 max. 5)
Engaging in electronic related crimes. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 4) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
Participating in inappropriate sexual behavior including sexual harassment or public indecency on school property, at school activities, going to or from school events, or at any time where the behavior may interfere with school purposes. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 6) (7-12 min. 4 max. 6)
False fire alarm or false emergency call. False fire alarm will result in a referral by the administration to the Marion Fire Department to write a citation. (PK-6 min. 3 max. 4) (7-12 min. 4 max. 6)
Possession, viewing, picture texting and/or distribution of pornographic material which would reasonably be considered offensive by community standards for students, which are without redeeming social value, or which contain language considered to be vulgarity or profanity. (PK-6 min. 1 max. 4) (7-12 min. 2 max. 5)
Engaging in fighting or tumultuous conduct and/or making unreasonable noise that disrupts the educational atmosphere and refusing to cease the disruption when requested. (PK-6 min. 2 max. 6) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
Group or gang involvement includes, but is not limited to, group or gang-related coercion; intimidation; display of group or gang colors and paraphernalia; use of recognized group or gang signs, graffiti, related paraphernalia; and/or involvement in activity which incites any racial or ethnic group. (PK-6 min. 3 max. 6) (7-12 min. 3 max. 6)
Causing the death of another person, or having knowledge of another person’s intent to violate or violation of this rule and failing to report the information to a school administrator or teacher. (min. 6)
Knowingly or intentionally touching another person in a rude, insolent or angry manner. This includes causing or attempting to cause physical injury or behaving in such a way that could reasonably cause physical injury to students, staff or others. This also includes, but is not limited to, rape, molestation or criminal recklessness. (min. 5 max. 6)
Possession, purchase, or sale of a knife, weapon, explosive, chemical agent dispenser, destructive device, or other object that can reasonably be considered a weapon. If weapons are confiscated, they will not be returned. They will be given to the proper authorities for disposal. (PK-6 min. 4 max. 6) (7-12 min. 5 max. 6)
Setting fire to or damaging any school building or property, or having knowledge of another person’s violation or intent to violate this rule and failing to report the information to a school administrator or teacher. (min. 5 max. 6)
Possession, use, under the influence, and/or sale of illegal narcotics, prescription, over the counter medication or drugs such as steroids, marijuana, barbiturates, amphetamines, alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, inhalants, or any substance that is represented to be a narcotic/drug or alcoholic beverage. This includes paraphernalia and improper use of over-the-counter medications. (min. 5 max. 6)
 
See Board Policy 5525.
Assisting or participating in theft, theft by force and/or theft, repeated petty theft, possession of stolen property and/or taking or accepting stolen property generally valued in excess of $250. (min. 5 max. 6)
Possession of a loaded or unloaded firearm, taser gun, electronic stun gun, or any weapon or device that expels a projectile by the action of an explosive, or having knowledge of another person’s violation or intent to violate this rule and failing to report the information to a school administrator or teacher. (min. 6)
 
Possession, purchase and/or sale of any item represented to be a firearm or any weapon or device that expels a projectile by air. (min. 5 max. 6)
Involvement in any conduct on school premises during a school function or event, or on the way to and from school or at a school event, or at any time or place which violates local, state, or federal law where such conduct poses a danger to the health, welfare, or safety of students, staff, visitors, or interferes with school purposes. (min. 5 max. 6)
Threat of engaging in a law violation of any kind that constitutes a danger to the safety of others or is an interference with school purposes. (min. 4 max. 6)
A person who communicates a threat to another person with the intent that the other person engage in conduct against his/her will, or the other person is placed in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act. (min. 5 max. 6)
Violation of a level 5 probation agreement for rules 13 through 36 with consequence of 6. (min. 4 max. 6)

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