The goal of our Keene Middle School educational program is to encourage independence, responsibility and self discipline which are characteristics of a mature person. While discipline does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. Since an orderly atmosphere is essential, if learning is to take place, these guidelines are for the personal welfare of the students as well as for the common good of the entire school. 1. Respect for persons whether they be teachers, other students, staff or visitors is a basic requirement. 2. Respect for personal and public property is expected of all students. 3. A suitable educational atmosphere must be maintained to create a situation conducive to learning. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for: unexcused and/or excessive tardiness, unexcused absences, bus and bus room misconduct, lunchroom misbehavior, loitering, vandalism, smoking, drugs and noncompliance with accepted standards of behavior. Students smoking on school property are subject to legal action and a $100 fine. State law mandates that no smoking be allowed within school buildings at any time and on school property during designated times. Students will be subject to disciplinary action for: unexcused and/or excessive tardiness, unexcused absences, bus and bus room misconduct, lunchroom misbehavior, loitering, vandalism, smoking, drugs and noncompliance with accepted standards of behavior. Students smoking on school property are subject to legal action and a $100 fine. State law mandates that no smoking be allowed within school buildings at any time and on school property during designated times.

If it is necessary to detain a pupil after school for disciplinary or academic reasons, the student's planner will be stamped by the teacher. A twenty-four hour notice does not need to be given unless there is no late bus or unless a student will miss the late bus. Repeated failure to report for a teacher detainment will result in a referral to an administrator.

Students issued an office detention for transgressions against a school rule will be required to remain in the detention room until 3:25 p.m. All rights to school transportation on that night are forfeited, thus placing the responsibility for transportation upon the parents. It is our belief that this policy has contributed in a large measure toward creating an orderly school atmosphere in which students are better able to learn. Parental cooperation in enforcing the detention policy is most important to the school climate. A negative attitude toward school policies is often reflected in children's behavior. The Keene Board of Education, in giving its approval to the detention period, does not sanction the furnishing of transportation for those pupils who are being detained after school.

General/Penalty Office Detentions Each student (bus or walker), who is to be detained, will be given written notification at least one day preceding such detention. It will then be the responsibility of the student to give this notification to his or her parents so that proper transportation may be arranged. This notification is to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the office no later than 9:00 a.m. of the day on which the detention is to be served. Any detention notices not returned by this time will result in an additional detention period. The detention period will be held after school from 2:25 to 3:25 p.m. Penalty detentions will be issued for a violation of a General Detention or any violation of a more serious nature which would warrant special parental notice. Any student who is absent from school on an assigned detention day will be scheduled on the next available day.

When circumstances concerning a pupil's behavior indicate that serious control problems are evident, the principal or assistant principal may place the student on a school disciplinary probation status. Parents are notified and warned that suspension from school is imminent without satisfactory progress toward improved control. While the student is on disciplinary probation:

1. The student in suspended from after school privileges. This includes; sports participation, intramurals, club membership, dances, field trips and school assemblies.

2. After school bus room privileges are also denied unless the student is detained after school by a teacher.

3. Student movement around the building is controlled. All corridor passes issued to this student are to be countersigned by principal.

Continued infractions of school rules and/or the disregard for the interest and well-being of others will result in an extended period of detention, assignment to I.S.S., or out-of school suspension. Suspension of at least one day will be assigned for violation of penalty detentions. (Further information with regard to I.S.S. or suspension may be found in the Student Planner).

Incentive detentions may be issued as a method to correct situations which result from a student's failure to comply with certain regulations. Included in such situations would be the failure to return required forms, absence excuses or other similar situations. These incentive detentions are to be served, if the situation is not corrected before the detention date. All incentive detentions must be brought to the parent's attention.

Threats of aggression, acts of violence, harassment or any physical or verbal means of intimidation are in direct conflict with the code of conduct for students at Keene Middle School. It is, therefore, our policy to treat such actions severely. Any threats of aggression, acts of violence or any physical means of intimidation during school related activities will automatically result in a minimum of a three day suspension from class and/or school. School related activities include the school day, after school functions, and movement to and from school.

The State of New Hampshire forbids smoking in all public buildings. As a result there will be no smoking at Keene Middle School or on its premises. This ban will also include the possession of any tobacco products including chewing tobacco. Those students not complying with this policy will be subject to disciplinary actions. Smoking may lead to a $100 fine (N.H. State Law).

Students found to be under the influence or in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs will be handled with firmness and with a commitment to intervention and treatment. This policy will be enforced as stated by school board policy and will result in suspension and notification of the police. Reinstatement will be contingent upon parent involvement and a conference with the proper school authorities.

No student should be made to feel uncomfortable because of remarks or touching directed to or about the student in a sexually offensive manner. This is sexual harassment. Students are encouraged to discuss harassment, from a peer or an adult, with their parents and/or any school personnel, such as a teacher, counselor or administrator, with whom the student feels comfortable. The teacher, counselor or administrator shall immediately involve the building principal for appropriate resolution. A copy of Keene Board Policy #4124/5147 on sexual harassment can be obtained by contacting SAU #29 Title IX Compliance Administrator, Patricia Trow Parent, Manager of Personnel Services at 34 West St, 357-9007.

Weapons on school premises or in connection with school activities may lead to dangerous and violent behavior and will not be tolerated. Keene School District policy #5110 and various state and federal laws provide for substantial sanctions for the possession of weapons, including mandatory suspension or expulsion from school and the filing of a report to applicable police authorities. A copy of policy #5110 and/or related laws pertaining to weapons and violence on school premises is available from the Superintendent's office.