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Revised Oct. 29, 2003.
In order to establish and maintain a positive learning environment, Acton Public Schools expect behaviors that reflect mutual respect, cooperation and tolerance. Students are not to engage in actions that infringe upon the rights of others. Behaviors that threaten the safety, property or self esteem of others are subject to severe disciplinary action. Surveillance cameras may be used to help protect safety and property.
Each of the behaviors below may result in a suspension from school, and the student may be subject to expulsion. Parents/ guardians are expected to meet with school administration prior to the student's returning to school. Legal action may follow any of these behaviors and financial restitution will be required as appropriate.
While on school property, including school buses, and while at a school-sponsored event, students shall not, regardless of quantity, use or consume, possess, buy, sell or give away any beverage containing alcohol, marijuana, steroids or any controlled substance as defined under Mass. General Laws, Ch. 90D, or inhale the vapors of any intoxicating substance such as glue, nitrous oxide and the like, sometimes referred to as 'huffing'. Possession of drug paraphernalia is prohibited.
Violations will be treated as follows:
- The Acton Police will be called in accordance with the Chief of Police and Superintendent of Schools Memorandum of Understanding.
- Your parents will be called to take you home. You are placed under automatic suspension.
- Any substance or paraphernalia found will be turned over to the Acton Police for analysis.
- Violators will be subject to criminal prosecution as well as any school consequences.
- All cases involving alcohol and illegal drugs are referred to the Student Assistance Team.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently affirmed the constitutionality of the Massachusetts "school zone" statutes, M.G.L. 94C, §32J, which establishes a mandatory two-year penalty for any person convicted of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute within 1000 feet of a school. The ruling removes all doubt about the legal status of the statute. (Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
Possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in any building or any school bus or on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school, including while in attendance at any school sponsored or related event, is a crime punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. Possession of any weapon in school will minimally warrant a suspension from school and may be subject to expulsion and possible legal action. (Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
A hostile physical altercation including pushing, shoving or wrestling.
(Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
This may include but is not limited to threatening language or behavior, assault, inappropriate touching, intentionally impeding movement, continuing comments, gestures, or written communications of a suggestive or derogatory nature. (Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
Threats of violence or threats to damage property directed toward any member of the school community. (Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
A school bus is an extension of the school. Students are expected to follow the school standards of behavior on the bus. Remember the bus driver must be in charge of the bus and its passengers in order to ensure student safety. The driver will report any problem to the administration, and disciplinary action will be taken. This could include losing bus privileges for a period of time. (Return to Serious Behaviors and Consequences.)
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Chief of Police and Superintendent of Schools, mandates that the school report the following incidents to the police department:
- possession, use, or distribution of alcohol by a student;
- possession, use, or distribution of an inhalant or any controlled substance, as defined in M.G.L. c.94C;
- any incident in which any individual is reasonably believed to be selling or distributing drugs or alcohol;
- any incident involving intentional assaultive or negligent behavior that results in personal injury;
- possession of a weapon, as defined in the school handbook;
- any incident involving domestic abuse, dating violence, or a violation of M.G.L. c. 209A order;
- any incident involving the serious physical or sexual abuse of a child (in addition to a report filed with the Department of Social Services);
- any incident involving an actual or suspected hate crime or violation of civil rights;
- any incident resulting in significant damage to municipal or private property;
- any bomb threat, fire, threatened or attempted firesetting, threatened or attempted use of an explosive device or hoax device;
- kany creation or possession of a "hit list" of individuals targeted for violence or death;
- any threat, direct or indirect, against a student, school personnel or other school employee;
- any incident of "hazing", involving a threatened or actual risk of physical or emotional harm to a student;
- any sexual assault, rape or incident of gender-based harassment.
(Return to the top of Rules and Regulations.)
If you feel that you have been unjustly accused you have the right to appeal. This process is explained under the section Student Rights and Standards of Conduct, Student Rights. Any student who has been expelled from school shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent. The expelled student shall have ten days from the expulsion date in which to notify the Superintendent of the appeal. The student has the right to counsel at this hearing. (Return to the top of Rules and Regulations.)
On November 22, 2003, the Senate and House of Representatives passed a new law, Chapter 385 of the Acts of 2002 which takes effect February 27, 2003. The law requires schools to obtain all available criminal offender record information about any and all volunteers and employees who "may have direct and unmonitored contact with pupils" under the schools' supervision.
For example, parents who volunteer as field trip chaperones, library or office assistants, or lead nature walks will now have to submit to the "CORI" process before any involvement in the schools. All CORI information is confidential and privacy will be maintained. Only a very few staff will have access to the CORI information which will be stored in a locked secure site in the Central Office.
CORI forms will be distributed to ALL volunteers through the school office. Forms must be completed and returned as soon as possible. According to the law, the criminal history check must be completed prior to volunteer service. Once the initial "CORI" check is done, it must be completed every three (3) years.
Volunteers with specific questions or concerns are encouraged to contact either the Principal of the School of Deputy Superintendent of Schools, George Frost.
(Return to the top of Rules and Regulations or to the first page of Acton Public Schools: Student Rights and Standards of Conduct.)
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