Conduct and Dress

Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful

Guiding children toward self-discipline with the gentle hand of encouragement will help our students develop responsibility, proper behavior, and good citizenship.

The Code of Conduct pertains to the following board policies: 210, 218, 218.1, 218.2, 218.3, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 231, 233, 247, 248, and 815. A more detailed explanation of classification of actions and disciplinary responses can be found in the Pennell Student Handbook.

Bus Conduct

Students are assigned to ride school busses that will pick them up and drop them off close to their homes. Bus numbers and stops are published and sent home before the opening of school. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than their assigned bus without the approval of the transportation department and written communication to the school. Students are expected to listen to the bus driver and follow the bus regulations at all times to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Regular walkers are not permitted to ride school buses.

Dress Code

Students should dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves and learning. They will be expected to adhere to the Penn-Delco School District’s school board dress code policy listed below.

Student should be well groomed, clean, and neatly attired when in school or at school functions.
Students are not permitted to wear outer jackets and coats in school.
Headwear (hats, scarves, bandannas, etc.) is prohibited during school hours.
Sneakers or shoes must be worn at all times (flip-flops are not permitted).
Clothing that espouses violence, hatred, and prejudice, exhibits alcohol or drugs or is found to be offensive is prohibited.
Students are not permitted to wear extreme fashions (bare midriffs, halter tops, tube tops, tank tops, short-shorts) or worn styles (holes, rips, etc.)
All shorts, skirts, etc. must be no less than “finger-tip length” of the wearer.
Students are not permitted to wear extremes in apparel, jewelry, or grooming which are distractive, disruptive, disrespectful, revealing, or unsafe.
Students may not wear “heelies” or shoes that contain wheels.
Undue attention to an individual’s dress, which detracts from the seriousness of the instructional process, is to be avoided.
Clothing which exposes bare shoulders, armpits, midriffs, and/or other is prohibited.
Clothing which exposes excessive areas above the knee is prohibited.
All pants or shorts must be worn above the waist. Excessively baggy style pants or any, other which expose significant areas below the waist, are prohibited.
Undergarments should not be exposed.

If, in the opinion of the administration and faculty, a student’s dress is disruptive and distracting, parents will be notified and students will be removed from the classroom until properly attired. Student dress affects attitude, behavior, and accomplishment. Research has shown that how students dress and prepare for school affects their perception of school importance and often contributes to better behavior as well.

In-School Suspension

On occasion, in order to maintain greater control and guidance over students who have seriously violated school regulations, in-school suspension may be assigned by the school administrators. Students warranting an in-school suspension will be retained at school during the normal school hours. A suspended student will report each day of his/her suspension to the office with enough class work assignments to constructively occupy his/her time. Students may not attend school functions or participate in school activities while on suspension. Suspended students must assume responsibility for making up all the schoolwork missed.

Out of School Suspension

Exclusion from school for a period of one to ten consecutive school days. In the most serious cases of school infractions, or after repeated in-school suspension, students may be suspended from the school by the Principal or Assistant Principal. Students may not attend school functions or participate in school activities while on suspension. Suspended students must assume responsibility for making up all the schoolwork missed.

Expulsion

In cases of student behavior where actions would endanger or impair the safety and welfare of other students, faculty, or school property, the administration will recommend expulsion of the student. Expulsion is exclusion from school by the Board for a period exceeding ten (10) consecutive school days. The Board may permanently expel from the district rolls any student whose misconduct or disobedience warrants this sanction. No student shall be expelled without an opportunity for a formal hearing before the Board, a duly authorized committee of the Board, or a qualified hearing examiner appointed by the Board, and upon action taken by the Board after the hearing.

Infractions and Responses: Elementary Pupils

Level 1

Behaviors classified at this level represent infractions of established procedures which regulate the orderly operation of the school and its education process. The frequency of their occurrence shall determine the appropriate disciplinary response and their reclassification at a higher level.

LEVEL 2 Elementary Infractions and Disciplinary Responses
INFRACTIONS	DISCIPLINARY RESPONSES
• Violation of hall, bathroom, and/or common area expectations • Inappropriate use of school property or facilities • Disrespect of students and/or adults • Disruptive behavior in school or on school district transportation • Violation of student dress code • Cheating or lying • Technology violation • Physical contact • Inappropriate language • Littering	• Verbal reprimand • Seat change • Behavioral contract • Restriction of privileges • Special written assignment • Time-out • Counseling • Parent contact or conference • Clean-up and/or payment of damage • Detention • Teacher behavioral management system • Bus privilege loss or seat assignment • Student reflection form • Student conference • Zero and/or redo assignment • Change of attire • Recess and/or lunch detention • Confiscation of items – not to be returned

Level 2

Behaviors whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning, climate of the school and/or affect the student’s own education is included in this level. Some of these infractions may be the result of a continuation of behaviors.

LEVEL II Elementary Infractions and Responses
INFRACTIONS	DISCIPLINARY RESPONSES
• Continuation of Level I behaviors • Noncompliance with school rules • Use of profanity or obscenity • Forgery	• Continuation of Level I responses • Out of School Suspension • In School Suspension • Exclusion from extracurricular activities • Exclusion from school activities • Exclusion from field trips

Level 3

These acts are more serious because they may pose a threat to the health and safety of others in the school. Some may be considered criminal acts and police may be contacted.

LEVEL 3 Elementary Infractions and Disciplinary Responses
INFRACTIONS	DISCIPLINARY RESPONSES
• Continuation of Level I and II behaviors. • Noncompliance with school rules • Violation of the tobacco use policy • Threats to others • Stealing • Out of the designated area • Physical/Verbal/ and/or written intimidation • Fighting/Physical aggression • Destruction of school property • Harassment • Indecent exposure • Possession or distribution of pornography • Violations of acceptable use policy • Use of profanity or obscenity • Forgery/Plagiarism	• Continuation of Level I and II responses • Police involvement • Restitution of damages • Referral to outside agency

Level 4

These acts are those which result in violence against another’s person or property which pose a threat to the safety of others in the school. These acts may clearly be criminal in nature and police involvement may occur.

LEVEL 4 Elementary Infractions and Disciplinary Responses
INFRACTIONS	DISCIPLINARY RESPONSES
• Continuation of Level III behaviors • Ethnic Intimidation • Extortion • Bomb threat • Threat to school or students • Violation of weapons policy • Violation of drug and alcohol policy • Violation of acceptable use policy • Assault/battery • Vandalism/Property destruction • Arson • False fire alarms • Theft or possession of stolen property	• Continuation of Level I-III responses • Expulsion • Alternative placement • Board referral • Police involvement

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