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The Wauwatosa School District recognizes and accepts its responsibility to create, foster, and maintain an orderly
and safe school environment, conducive to teaching and learning. Every member of the school community is
expected to cooperate in this central mission. All staff members must use their training, experience, and authority
to create schools and classes where effective learning occurs.
The District has a responsibility to its students, as a group and as individuals, to provide the opportunity to attend
school as free as reasonably possible from unnecessary and unwarranted distraction and interference from
students who, for whatever reason, are unruly, disruptive, dangerous, or interfere with the teacher's ability to teach
effectively.
Students have a responsibility to:
A. Demonstrate respect for people, property, and the learning environment;
B. Come to school, and to every class, ready to learn;
C. Show kindness and courtesy to others by treating them with dignity
D. Demonstrate effort by listening carefully and following instructions;
E. Make positive contributions to the school learning environment;
F. Follow all school rules.
Parents should be aware of their children's activities, performance and behavior in school and are asked to
cooperate and consult with the school to prevent or address problems.
A teacher employed by the District may temporarily remove a student from the teacher's class if the student
violates the terms of this Classroom Code of Student Conduct. In addition, long term removal of a student will be
possible if the building administrator upholds a teacher's recommendation that a student be removed from the
class for a longer period of time. Removal from class under this Code does not prohibit the District from pursuing or
implementing other disciplinary measures, including but not limited to detention, suspension or expulsion, for the
conduct for which the student was removed.
Definitions
For the purpose of this Code:
A. "Classroom" is defined as any class, meeting or activity, which students attend, or in which they participate
while under the control or direction of school authorities.
B. "Teacher" is defined as a person holding a license or permit issued by the State Superintendent whose
employment by a school district requires that s/he hold that license or permit.
"Teacher of the class" means the regularly assigned teacher of the class, or any teacher assigned to teach,
monitor, assist in or oversee the class. This definition includes, without limitation, any assigned substitute
teacher, proctor, monitor, or group leader.
Reasons for Removal from Class
A student may be removed from class for conduct or behavior which:
A. Violates the District's policies regarding suspension or expulsion;
B. Violates the behavioral rules and expectations set forth in the student handbook of each school;
The expectations for student behavior as outlined in each school's student handbook will be explained and
discussed with the students at the beginning of each school year. Administrators or their designee will review
the handbook requirements with students. Parents and students will review, sign and return the contract in
the student handbook.
C. Is disruptive, dangerous, or unruly;
Behavior that is considered disruptive, dangerous, or unruly includes, but is not limited to:
1. Distracting noises;
2. Use of vulgar, abusive or inflammatory language;
3. Bullying or threats;
4. Inappropriate touching;
5. Chronically talking out of turn;
6. Defiance of and/or disrespect toward the teacher;
7. Fighting or violence toward others.
D. With the ability of the teacher to teach effectively.
Behavior that otherwise interferes with the ability to teach effectively may include, but is not limited to:
1. Acts which disrupt a classroom activity;
2. Habitual tardiness;
3. Refusal to comply with a direct request;
4. Habitual refusal to engage in class activities.
In addition, there may be grounds for removal for behavior, which does not necessarily violate the provisions of (A)
through (D) above, but are inconsistent with basic classroom decorum. Such behavior may, in the determination of
the teacher, warrant removal because of its interference with the ability of others to learn effectively.
Student Removal from Class and Due Process
A. The teacher will send the student to the building principal or designee and immediately inform him/her of the
reason for the student's removal from class.
B. The office will be called and informed that a student is on the way to the office or designated area, or, if
necessary, the student will be escorted.
C. The building administrator or designee shall inform the student of the reason(s) for the removal from class and
of any evidence against the student. In all cases, the student shall be given the opportunity to present his/her
version of the situation.
D. If the building administrator or designee is not available immediately upon the student's arrival, the student
shall wait in a designated area until the administrator or designee has been notified of the removal from class.
Parental Notification and Written Documentation
A. The teacher will notify the parent/guardian as soon as possible by telephone that the student has been
removed from the classroom. The teacher shall keep written notes regarding unsuccessful attempts to
contact the parent/guardian.
B. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the student's removal, a teacher will complete a more detailed written
explanation and forward it to the building administrator or designee. The teacherwritten explanation, which
includes reference to the portion of the code of conduct that was violated, shall serve as appropriate
documentation of the incident and shall be kept on file.
C. The school will mail documentation to the parent within three (3) school days of the removal.
D. If the student removed from a class is also subject to disciplinary action (i.e. suspension or expulsion) or
removal to an alternative educational setting for the particular classroom conduct, the student's
parent/guardian shall also be notified of the additional disciplinary action in accordance with legal and policy
requirements.
Alternate Placement Guidelines
A. The building administrator or designee shall place a student who has been removed from a class by a
teacher in one (1) of the following alternative educational settings:
1. Another class in the school or another appropriate place in the school
2. Another instructional setting
3. The class from which the student was removed, if, after weighing the interest of the removed student,
the other students in the class, and the teacher, the principal or designee determines that readmission
to the class is the best, or only, alternative
4. An alternative education program approved by the Board
B. When making placement decisions, the building administrator or designee shall consider the following
factors:
1. The reason the student was removed from class
2. The type of placement options available for students in that particular school and any limitations on
such placements
3. The estimated length of time of placement
4. The student's individual needs and interests
5. The frequency of rules violations
6. The relationship of the placement of any disciplinary action
7. Severity of offense
8. Likelihood of students continuing to demonstrate inappropriate behaviors
This code recognizes that most student removals from a classroom setting will be for a short duration. Removals
for repeated rules violations may lead to lengthier placement option consideration.
All placement decisions shall be made in accordance with State and Federal law and established School Board
policies. The principal or designee will consult with other appropriate school personnel as the principal or designee
deems necessary when making or evaluating placement decisions. A student's parent/guardian and the student
will also be consulted regarding student placement decisions when determined by the principal or designee to be
in the best interests of the persons involved or when required by law.’
Students with Disabilities
The code of conduct is applicable to all students. However, a student with a disability may be removed from class
and placed in an alternative setting only to the extent allowed by State and Federal laws and regulations and
established School Board policy.
The Classroom Code of Conduct adopted by the Board shall be published in student and staff handbooks and
distributed annually.
The School District does not discriminate in the administration of disciplinary actions on the basis of sex, race,
religion, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, pregnancy, marital or parental status, or physical, mental,
emotional, or learning disability.
Sec. 120.13, Wis. Stats.
Sec. 118.164, Wis. Stats.
Sec. 118.13, Wis. Stats.
The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Approved/Adopted: July 13, 2009 |
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