PCMS Discipline Talks ( 2013-2014)

1. PCMS Discipline Talks (2013-2014) Top Ten Topics to be discussed:

2. 1. Why are rules so important in school? • Your theories or ideas … • Chaos theory • Safety • Productivity factor • Rule of thumb – What are our best families in Pickens County doing?

3. PCMS Mission Statement The mission of the Pickens County Middle School Community is to prepare our students for high school graduation and future success by inspiring them to become responsible learners and productive members of society.

4. PCMS Vision Statement Graduation and Life Preparation for All!

5. 2. Student Concerns or Incident Report (Blue Sheets) • Research shows that the best and safest schools have high student involvement in student governance • Appropriate use of the student incident sheets • Interact Council (formerly YouthAct) • Students can express their concerns to the teachers and the principal • School Safety Patrol (protects the school) • Meeting next Monday in the cafeteria at the 8:10 a.m. bell for students selected for the Interact Club and any students interested in the PCMS Safety Patrol.

6. 3. Be A Dragon “Dragon Bees” School Wide Discipline Program • Be Respectful • Be Responsible • Be Safe • Matrices or reminder signs posted throughout the school

7. 4. Bullying • Bullying is the number 1 discipline problem for middle school students according to most national research studies • Defined in the Student Code of Conduct as“an act which occurs on school property, on school vehicles, at school, bus stops, or at school related functions or activities, or by use of data or software that is accessed through a computer, computer system, computer network, or other electronic technology (social media) that is “any willful attempt or threat … or display of force such as would give the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm (p. 12).” • Three incidents of bullying in a school year results in alternative discipline school consequence pursuant to a tribunal (p. 12).

8. 5. Sexual Harassment • Defined as • Verbal or written harassment or abuse • Pressure for sexual activity • Repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implications • Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implicit or explicit threats… • Could result in criminal charges

9. 6. Tobacco Products and Paraphernalia • Not allowed on school grounds • Not allowed at school activities • Impairs a student’s physical well-being • Negatively affects student athletic achievements • Negatively affects student attendance due to increased number of absences • Second hand smoke is just as dangerous • Will result progressive discipline consequences

10. 7. Alcohol, drugs, weapons and other inappropriate substances • Most cases … • result in a discipline tribunal • result in suspension from public schools • result in criminal charges • permanently affects a student’s academic career

11. 8. Bus behavior and discipline • Safety on the school bus is imperative • Students must follow the directions of the bus driver at all times • 2nd offense > bus safety class w/ the principal and parent and 3 days off the bus) • 5th offense could results in a bus tribunal and permanent suspension off the bus for the school year

12. 9. Student Dress Code Be Careful of the following: A. Articles that may reasonably be considered to be a safety hazard or potential weapon; B. Any tattoo, hair style, hair color, make-up, clothing, inappropriately worn clothing, jewelry, or body decoration that interferes or disrupts any legitimate function of the school; C. Visible body piercing jewelry or other ornamentation is limited to the ear; all other body piercing jewelry or ornamentation that is visible or pierces the tongue is prohibited. Clear piercing retainers are limited to the nose only; D. Obviously oversized, over-length, or baggy clothing items (pants must be worn at the waist, no sagging allowed);

13. Student Dress Code (cont’d) E. In order to ensure modesty, garments that expose the midriff or chest area, see-through or mesh clothing that expose the midriff or chest area, halter or tank tops, pajamas, sleep or loungewear (shirts, blouses, and dresses must cover the abdomen, chest area, back and shoulders. Shirts must cover the waistband of pants, shorts or skirts, with no midriff or chest area visible while standing, sitting, with arms extended above the head or while bending over); F. Running shorts, tennis shorts, running tights, or short shorts; G. Hats, caps, bandanas, and other head covering may not be worn inside the school building except for religious or medical purposes;

14. Student Dress Code (cont’d) H. Coats and jackets exceeding knee length may not be worn in a building; I. Footwear is required and must be safe and appropriate for indoor and outdoor activities; J. Clothing and accessories such as jewelry, patches, backpacks, and notebooks must not display (1) racial or ethnic slurs, (2) hate speech, #3) gang affiliations, or, (4) vulgar, obscene, subversive, sexually explicit, implicit or suggestive languages or images, nor should they promote products that students may not legally buy such as alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, etc.; K. Garments, jewelry, body art and tattoos that communicate gang allegiance may not be worn at school, and no item may be worn in a manner that communicates gang affiliation;

15. Student Dress Code (cont’d) L. Dresses and shorts must be worn at an appropriate length. The school administration will determine this on a case-by-case basis; M. Prohibited items include: shoes with cleats or wheels; large, long or heavy chains, studded or chained accessories; dog collars; baby pacifiers; sunglasses inside the building except for health purposes; skin tight outer materials such as spandex, yoga pants, jeggings or leggings; and, garments with holes above the knee. Remember – Dress for Your Success!

16. 10. Important issues in the Student Code of Conduct: • Out of school suspension> no credit for any reported grades during suspension for grades 6-12 • Too many unexcused absences could lead to a student becoming ineligible for Good Attendance and Behavior Field Days each nine weeks. • Excused absences or checkouts > medical, illness, death, religious, court summons, unsafe conditions, and military leave • Excessive and unexcused tardies or early checkouts > can result in truancy court • Students assigned to ISS will not participate in or attend extra-curricular, co-curricular, or athletic events until ISS is served. • New BYOD Policy (see next slide)

17. Bring Your Own Device Policy Use of an electronic device or cell phone during regular school hours unless authorized by an instructor or administrator is not allowed. Cell phones and other electronic devices taken up by school personnel are subject to search by administration. Violations of this policy will be subject to the BYOD policy (see pp. 32-34).

18. PCMS students are … • Respectful • Responsible • Safe • Motivated • Passionate • Focused on learning • And cool!

19. Great Rewards for Great Behavior • Dragon Scales for Dragon Store gifts • Renaissance and Business Partners gift cards (i.e. gold, silver, and red credit cards) • Good Attendance and Behavior Days (field days, animal shows, movie and popcorn social during the school day) • Principal’s Students of the Week (20 Dragon Bucks for School Store)

20. The End!