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School Discipline/Procedures

NORMS & EXPECTATIONS

At Clifford Elementary School, we want to make sure that we have a community based on caring and respect for all of Clifford, which includes students, staff, and parents. In order for this to happen, we have come together to develop ways to encourage positive behavior that fosters a safe environment both inside and outside the classroom. 

One way this is demonstrated is that each classroom develops their own set of norms (rules) to show the accepted way in which we should all behave and treat each other and to be responsible in the classroom. Teachers will inform parents about their set of norms at back to school night, so parents can be supportive and act in partnership with the teacher with the classroom behavior. Parents are expected to know these norms, go over them with their child, and encourage the child to follow them. In addition to classroom norms there are school norms as well that help all students show respect and safety. The following are the three forms of norms school wide.

Be safe

  • I will play in a safe way and use my best judgment.
  • I will follow school rules on the playground, in the classroom, throughout the school, and on school field trips.

Be responsible

  • I will always be prepared to learn by coming to school on time with all my materials.
  • I will leave toys and any items that interfere with learning at home

Be respectful

  • I will act in a kind, courteous, and inclusive way to other children and adults.
  • I will peacefully resolve conflicts by talking and listening to the other person.
  • I will treat materials, the school building, and the outdoor environment with respect and care.
  • I will listen to all adults and follow their directions.
  • I will do my best to help others feel that they belong to our community.

ASSEMBLY EXPECTATIONS: 

Assemblies are opportunities for the Clifford community to recognize the talents of our fellow students, show our spirit, or learn something from a presenter. Parents will always be welcomed in attending an assembly that showcases your child. Being a responsible audience member means showing your polite attention, applauding and laughing at appropriate times, and taking care of your restroom needs before or after the performance. Students who are unable to follow assembly guidelines will lose the privilege to attend the next assembly or logical consequence (detention, or removed) and a call home.

PERSONAL PROPERTY: 

Valuable personal property is NOT permitted on campus.

DETENTIONS: 

Detentions will be assigned as needed and they will be communicated to families of students by the teacher or administrator assigning the detention. 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/CONSEQUENCES: 


The following policies and consequences are intended to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning and to preserve and protect the rights of all Clifford students. 
According to State Education Code, any student may be suspended for, among other things: 

  • Causing, attempting to cause or threatening to cause physical injury to another person
  • Possessing, selling or otherwise furnishing any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object 
  • Possessing, using, selling or arranging to sell a controlled substance 
  • Robbery, extortion, theft, vandalism, habitual profanity or vulgarity
  • Harassment, sexual or otherwise, committing an act of hate violence 

An expulsion hearing is also a possible consequence for the above infractions. 
The principal or assistant principal will make a judgment as to the severity of a fight or other disruptive behavior. The following are possible consequences: 

  • Principal or assistant principal will notify parents
  • Behavioral contract 
  • The child may be suspended from school for up to 5 days 
  • The police will be contacted 

  • Teacher, Administrator conference

If a student chooses to break a school standard, the following consequences may occur: 

  • Phone call to parents 
  • Teacher, Administrator conference 
  • Behavior contract established 
  • Assigned a detention 
  • Time out ---sometimes in an alternative setting 

HARASSMENT/BULLY BEHAVIOR:
 

Harassment/bully behavior is any kind of continuing behavior that is unwelcome and makes you feel uncomfortable. 

  • Don’t ignore or rationalize the incident
  • Report the incident to a teacher, yard duty person, administrator, or your parent immediately
  • Tell the harasser how you feel and that you want the harassment to stop

If you have witnessed somebody being harassed or bullied, please support the person. You can do this by talking to the victim privately and encouraging the victim to report the incident, report the incident yourself, or by including the victim in your activities. 
The Redwood City School District will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any student. A student shall not intimidate or harass another student through words or actions. Such behavior includes but is not limited to: direct physical contact--such as hitting or shoving; verbal assaults--such as teasing or name-calling; and social isolation or manipulation.

The Student Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion
  • Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the principal, assistant principal, teacher, or any staff member.
  • Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of bullying in a thorough and confidential manner

If the reporting student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal.

PROHIBITED ITEMS/CONTRABAND: 


Laser pointers, matches, lighters, shaving cream, water balloons, water pistols, spray deodorant containers, perfume or cologne bottles, and any other item(s) that may be considered dangerous or disruptive to the learning environment, shall be considered contraband. 

  • Weapons are strictly forbidden. Knives, BB guns, sling shots, etc. are not allowed. The consequence is an automatic referral to the office and a possible expulsion hearing. 
  • 
Contraband list is subject to change should the administration decide to add anything that becomes dangerous or disruptive.
  • All contraband will be confiscated and returned to the student at the discretion of the Administration. The Administration reserves the right to exercise discretion regarding disciplinary measures. Parents or guardians will be notified and a detention or suspension will be given depending on the item.


 

SKATEBOARDS, INLINE SKATES, AND SCOOTERS: 

Skateboards (including longboards), inline skates, and scooters are not allowed on campus. Students who do not follow these guidelines will have their items confiscated and parents will be contacted.


 

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: 

Substitute teachers are Clifford guests, and we expect students to go above and beyond in making their visit to Clifford a positive one. A student whose name is written down by a substitute teacher will automatically receive a phone call home, in addition to a possible disciplinary consequence. 

Searches – The Clifford School administrators have the right to search students when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated either the law or the rules of the school. Students refusing to be searched will be suspended (CA Ed Code 48900 k)

Misbehavior While Coming to or Going Home From School:

California Education Code 48900 states that students may be suspended or expelled for inappropriate behavior while coming to or going home from school.