Suspensions

• Suspension is assigned by the building administrator and will be no less than one (1) and no more than ten (10) school days. One day is defined as 7:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
• Students are allowed to make up work missed during suspension. Tests should be scheduled after school in a designated location.
  • Prior to suspension, the student will:
  • Be informed of the misconduct and presented with supporting evidence.
  • Be allowed to explain his/her side.
  • Receive a hearing as soon as practicable, especially if immediate removal is necessary.
• In all cases, administrators will attempt to contact parents immediately. Written notification will be mailed within 48 hours.
• Suspended students may not participate in school activities and must attend a readmittance meeting with their parent and assistant principal after 7:30 AM on the day of return.
• A student may be suspended/excluded from all extracurricular activities for up to one year for violating the Student Behavior Code.
• Conduct leading to suspension may include, but is not limited to:
  • Threatening physical harm to self or others
  • Physical assault
  • Theft or attempted theft
  • Property damage
  • Defiance or verbal abuse of staff
  • Possession or use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or unauthorized medications
  • Being under the influence of substances
  • Other violations are listed in the Infractions Table

Social Suspension

Social Suspension prohibits attendance or participation in:

• Extracurricular events
• Co-curricular events
• Senior activities
• Graduation ceremony

Parking privileges will also be revoked.

• A student receives a 30-day Social Suspension if assigned to TAC or OSS more than 4 times combined in a school year.
• More serious offenses may result in an immediate 90-day Social Suspension.
• The suspension duration includes all weekends, holidays, and vacation days.
• Additional suspensions are added to the end of the original suspension period.
• Excessive unexcused tardies or 15+ unexcused absences may also result in Social Suspension

Notification of Suspension

Students will not be released early from school without parental knowledge. If necessary, police involvement may be requested.

Due Process Procedures

For Suspensions of 10 Days or Less, the administrator must ensure:

• The student is given oral or written notice of the charges.
• If denied, the student is told the evidence and given a chance to explain their side.
• Notice and a hearing should occur before removal when possible.
• If immediate removal is needed, a hearing must follow as soon as practicable. Parents/guardians must receive notice in their spoken language within 48 hours.
• Short-term suspension does not prevent escalation to long-term suspension if warranted.

For Suspensions Over 10 Days (Long-Term) Implemented by the Superintendent and School Committee:

• Students receive a written statement of the reason for suspension.
• Students may request a public or private hearing with the School Committee, including the right to counsel.
• Students are entitled to:
  • A hearing with representation
  • The ability to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses
  • A complete and accurate record of the hearing
  • A written decision based solely on the hearing record
  • Copies of all documentation at no cost
  • Record forwarded to the Commissioner of Education in the event of appeal

Appeals Process for Disciplinary Action If a parent/guardian or 18-year-old student believes a disciplinary action was unjust, they may appeal as follows (within 3 days of notification):

• Contact the administrator who issued the discipline and request a meeting.
• If unresolved, contact the Principal’s Office for an appeal.
• If still unresolved, contact the Superintendent’s Office.
• If necessary, request a meeting with the School Committee. Appeals of School Committee decisions may be brought to the RI Department of Education or the court system. Contact the Superintendent's Office or legal counsel for guidance.