Rule Violation and Consequences
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
INTRODUCTION
The goal of discipline at American International School of Costa Rica is to maintain order while teaching young people to make responsible choices and to learn that their decisions have consequences. Students attending AIS are expected to understand and follow common rules of respect, courtesy, the rights of others, and safety. These are discussed with the students the first day of school.
The Citizenship Code of AIS
AIS promotes an environment where everyone is a good citizen and is appreciated regardless of race, religion, personal beliefs or individual differences. All members of the school community are expected to be good citizens. Good citizenship includes the following:
Courteous: Offer to help without being asked. Be kind to people and try to prevent problems.
Positive Attitude: Be willing to learn and look at the benefits from learning something new. Understand that there are positive outcomes from every situation and be aware of them.
Respectful: Show consideration and appreciation for others. Treat others, as you would like to be treated.
Responsible: To meet the expectations of the faculty and staff. Be conscientious of and comply with school rules and policies. Take ownership for one’s actions.
Honesty: Take responsibility for what you say and what you do. Be truthful to yourself and others.
Self-discipline: Meet your responsibilities and goals without being reminded to do so by your friends, parents or staff. Do what you say you are going to do.
Kindness: Volunteer to assist others when needed. When relating to others, be thoughtful, helpful, tolerant and accepting.
Courage: Stand up for what you believe is right in the face of resistance.
While we expect everyone to adhere to the above stated principles, there may be times when this is not the case; therefore we are addressing the following behaviors, which are unacceptable. The stated consequences will go into effect if any of these behaviors is exhibited.
SCHOOL AIDE DISCIPLINE
The foundation at school wide discipline starts in the classroom. Each teacher is required to discuss appropriate behavior with his/her students and then clearly post a set of classroom rules that each student should respect. All faculty and staff are empowered to set rules and standards of appropriate conduct in their respective areas. The Code of Conduct is based on promoting positive behavior change rather than punishing misbehavior, however misbehavior will have certain consequences.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO POSITIVE BEHAVIOR CHANGE
When a student behaves inappropriately, it is the responsibility of the teacher to identify and discuss that behavior with the student, discuss appropriate expectations, and come to an agreement regarding positive change.
Administration and faculty members are empowered to implement appropriate measures to maintain structure and order in his or her classroom, including, but not limited to:
• Communication
• Verbal Warning
• Student Conference
• Call home to parent
• Referral to principal or psychologist/counselor
• Conduct Reports (also available for teachers to assign)
• Contracting
• Suspension out of school
• Recommendation to the Board for permanent suspension
Consequences for inappropriate behavior are designed to educate students that their behavior
affect them as well as the community and how they can make better choices in the future.
The School Board or Administration may from time to time establish new policies relating to student discipline.
Inappropriate / Aggressive Behavior: When a person acts contrary to normal social standards and intentionally harms another person physically or verbally. Intentionally vandalizing the environment is also considered aggressive behavior.
First offense: verbal warning, and possible further consequences as deemed necessary by teacher, principal and/or director.
Second offense: meeting with director and parents and detention.
Third offense: one-day suspension.
*Physical fighting is an exception and will be subject to a minimum one-day suspension.
Inappropriate Language: The use of language which is considered offensive is not permitted on campus.
First offense: verbal warning, and possible further consequences as deemed necessary by teacher, principal and/or director.
Second offense: meeting with director and parents and detention.
Third offense: one-day suspension.
Theft: When a person takes something that doesn’t belong to him/her without permission.
First offense: meeting with director and parents and detention.
Second offense: one-day suspension.
The following are examples of major infractions. Violations of these standards will result in a conduct report and/or immediate suspension, along with a meeting of the discipline committee.
• The possession of any implement that could be used as a weapon.
• Theft and vandalism to school property and/or property of others.
• Forgery of school documents.
• Inappropriate behavior, remarks or bullying that demean an individual on the basis of their race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, background, of disability.
• Aggressive, violent, or potentially dangerous behavior (fighting).
• Possession or use of cigarettes, alcohol, or illicit drugs in school or out of school while wearing on a school sponsored activity.
• Possession of pornographic, material physically or via the Internet.
• Leaving school without permission or skipping classes.
• Insubordination; failure to respect reasonable directions.
• Failure to attend detention.
• Inappropriate, threatening or obscene use of the computer and the Internet.
SCHOOL RELATED SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
No student, regardless of age shall possess, give, receive, purchase, sell, or distribute any illicit
drug or alcohol, or consume, or be under the influence of any illicit drug or alcohol in any of the
following instances:
a. on school property
b. on a school bus
c. during the course of any school-sponsored activity such as an athletic contest, field trip, or social functions.
A failure to comply with this policy will result in immediate suspension and behavioral probation. The student will also loose the privilege to participate in extracurricular activities and school functions.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
After the immediate suspension of a student, the following procedure will be followed for determining appropriate disciplinary action (based on Decreto Ejecutivo Nº 31635 -MEP Reglamento de Evaluación de los Aprendizajes FEBRERO, 2004 EVALUACIÓN DE LA CONDUCTA articles 56-89)
• The parent will be notified in writing immediately of the suspension, and the student and parents may request the hearing of the Faculty Disciplinary Committee.
• If requested, the hearing will take place within eight (8) school days of the offense.
• The student and parents are expected to attend this meeting of the Faculty Disciplinary Committee. During the meeting the student may briefly summarize the events leading to his/her suspension.
The Faculty Disciplinary Committee will mandate corrective action for the student.
BEHAVIORAL PROBATION
In the case of serious and/or chronic misbehavior, a student may be placed on behavioral probation at any time during the school year. Conditions of probation will be set in writing at the discretion of the school administration, in the form of a contract between the student, the parents and the school. The contract may include mandatory counseling as one of the conditions.
INDEFINITE SUSPENSION
Serious misconduct, or failure to fulfill the contract terms of behavioral probation within the specified time, is considered grounds for indefinite suspension. In such cases, the student is suspended until the end of the academic year, and may not be re-admitted for the following academic year. Students however, will not be denied their assignments. They will be sent via e-mail or a parent or guardian can pick it up in the main office. Failure to comply will result in failing the courses. Admission for a subsequent school year is at the school’s discretion.
FACULTY DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
A Faculty Discipline Committee convenes to hear student challenges and evaluate suspensions for re-admission or continued suspension.
The Faculty Disciplinary Committee is composed of the following members:
• Five (5) members of the teaching staff, counselor and Principal.
• The Director will make the final decision on all suspensions and re-admissions of students. The committee’s recommendations will be given considerable consideration in the decision.