BLACK MESA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
PO BOX 97
PINON, ARIZONA 86510
928-674-3632

STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS
700Page 2
701PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGEPage 2
702PHILOSOPHYPage 2
703TEACHER STATEMENT OF BELIEFPage 3
704HISTORY AND ORGANIZATIONPage 3
705REGISTRATION/ENROLLMENT Page 3
706HEALTH SERVICES Page 4
706STUDENT ATTENDANCEPage 4
707STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Page 4
708DRESS CODE Page 5
709MEALS Page 6
710MEDIA RELEASE Page 6
711TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Page 6
712STUDENT SAFETYPage 6
713EMERGENCY SHELTER Page 7
714ELECTRONIC DEVICES/EQUIPMENT USAGE Page 7
715EXTRA CURRICULUM ACTIVITIES Page 7
716SCHOOL VISITS Page 8
717FUNDRAISINGPage 8
718STUDENT PERSONAL PROPERTIESPage 8
719SCHOOL PROPERTY Page 8
720STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZURE Page 9
725BULLY PREVENTION Page 10
730DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES Page 13
731MINOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES Page 13
732MEDIUM BEHAVIOR OFFENSES Page 13
733MAJOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES Page 14
734EXTREME BEHAVIOR OFFENSES Page 14
735DUE PROCESS Page 15
740GLOSSARY Page 15
DISCIPLINE CONTRACT Page 18

SECTION 700 - STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK

700MISSION STATEMENT
Black Mesa Community School will enhance students' abilities to successfully compete with confidence in a multi-cultural society.
701.1MOTTO:"Developing Self Confidence for Life Long Learning"
701 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
701.1 In order for students to succeed in school, they must be provided with a safe environment that promotes learning. At Black Mesa Community School, we have high expectations of our students both academically and behaviorally. It is an extremely important part of a total educational program to guide students in developing self-discipline.
701.2 To accomplish this goal, rules and consequences must be clearly stated and adhered to. Discipline is the responsibility of everyone on the school grounds, school buses and at home. Good discipline and learning go hand-in-hand. To this end, students must be encouraged to become self-disciplined and behave with attention to both personal goals and concern for others.
702PHILOSOPHYBack to Table Of Contents
702.1NAVAJO - Dzi?yíjiin Bi'ólta' Bindii'a'
Ólta'gi éí bee da'iináanii dóó adahwiis'áágóó bee náás adoodáá?ii bína'niltin. Ádi?'ídl?, k'é, ?ádóone'é, dine, dóó a?'?? dine'é ídlínígíí yaa ákonízin doolee?. Náásgóó bee iiná doolee?ígíí biniiyé bíhwiidoo'áá? biniiyé íhoo'aah haz'?. Ólta'gi éí ádi?'ídlí, ádá nitsáhákees, t'áá'?tsxoní bich'?' ha'ahóní dóó yá'át'ééhgo ádaanitsáhádees á?chíní yíhwiidoo?'áá? dóó néididooléé?. Ak'i'diitá ago hózhóogo yigáá? doolee?.
Niha'a?chíní díí bik'ehgo Diné bi'í'ool'??? dóó a?'?? dine'é bi? nilíi doolee?.
  • Niha'a?chíní éí dine be'e'él'?' dóó nihookáá' dine'é bi? nilíi doolee?.
  • Niha'a?chíní ahi?han', ooch'?h, ahí'iidzóóh, na'alkaah, dine kééhatí?gi naalkaah, ats'íís baa'áháyá, ádaa'áháhá, dilní bee na'a'né, ats'íístah halzééh bína'niltin bitsésiléi biihilyé.
  • Niha'a?chíní ólta'gone' yíhoo?'á?'ii, iiná yi?'ahiih yidooléé?.
  • Niha'a?chíní éí anídahazt'i'góó hasht'éé yoodlíí? doolee?.
  • Niha'a?chíní bidziilgo nitsékees doolee?.
  • Niha'a?chíní t'áábí óhoo'aah yíneedlí? doo.
702.2ENGLISH
Black Mesa Community School's philosophy is to provide students with the necessary tools for survival and educational prosperity in a multi-cultural society; promotion of pride in self, family, clan, tribe, and the United States; and development of skills to be more than competent and content in their vocations and professions. The educational atmosphere of the school is to foster self-esteem, self-determination, self-control, and positive self-image in each student.
The goals will be accomplished by the following program objectives:
  • Students will demonstrate respect for the Navajo culture and multi-cultural society.
  • Students will demonstrate the basic skills of communication, arts, mathematics, science, social study, health, safety, music and physical education.
  • Students will demonstrate the integration of classroom education to their knowledge of life, community and world.
  • Students will demonstrate problem-solving strategies.
  • Students will demonstrate the attainment of higher order thinking skills.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to be independent learners.
703TEACHER STATEMENT OF BELIEFBack to Table Of Contents
Black Mesa Community School teaching staff believes in providing an enriching, supportive and limitless learning environment for students to achieve their goals.
704HISTORY AND ORGANIZATION
704.1The Black Mesa Community School is the 5th Navajo Contract School and the 33rd Contract in the United States during March 29, 1977. Black Mesa Community School is currently a Grant School, P.L. 100-297 under the Indian Self Determination Act of 1975 and serves kindergarten to eight grade students. A Grant School..."...enable tribes and local communities to affect the quantity and quality of educational services and opportunities which will permit Indian children to compete and excel. The US Congress affirmed the reality of the special and unique educational needs of Indian people, including the need for programs to meet the linguistic and cultural aspirations of Indian tribes ad communities."
704.2During the Fall of 1973, the first full time staff members were employed to create a curriculum and to develop the facility. Rough Rock School agreed to fund the first year of operation with Title IV funds on August 12, 1974. A Four Corners Grant provided 10'x30' trailers that were unfurnished and had no utilities, heating and cooking facilities. In 1976, the Indian Health Services drilled a well and installed a generator at the school.
704.3The Black Mesa Community School received a new school building construction in 1982 and completed the project in 1983 with a complete package of utilities. The employees and students move into new school building during the summer of 1984 and begin classes in August. Four small trailers and one 2-bedroom trailer were brought in for teacher housing. The additional two new portable classroom buildings were brought in and installed in 1986 for student use. In 1989, BIA transferred five used trailers for school employees. In 1989, three new portable classroom buildings were brought in for student use due to increase of enrollment. Staff housing construction took place and was completed in the Spring of 2003. At the completion of housing construction, there are 10 new housing units made available for staff use. Due to deteriorations of seven old trailers, they were replaced. In 2006, the transportation building was constructed and being used to house and maintain the buses and school vehicles.
705REGISTRATION / ENROLLMENTBack to Table Of Contents
705.1New student enrollment requirements: Certified copy of the student's Birth Certificate, Certificate Of Indian Blood (CIB), Social Security Number, Free-Reduced Meals, Title IX, Health Consent, Transfer of Records, Discipline Contract, Immunization Record, if applicable Power of Attorney, Sports Permission Slip, and Physical Exam for Sports. Withdrawal form, official transcript in a sealed envelope, and prior School history of the last three years attended. Measures will be taken for history of improper behavior or having had consecutive suspensions/attnedances, a behavioral contract will be developed with the Principal, counselor, parent and student. All these documents are protected by federal laws, Individual With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts of 1974 (FERPA).
705.2A child must be 5 years old by December 31st to enroll in Kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be 6 years old by December 31st. Middle school student maximum age requirement is 15 years old August 1st. Special enrollment may be considered early age enrollment at the discretion of the principal.
705.3The School maintains health records on each child. An immunization record must be updated and on file before the child can start school.
705.4The Navajo Nation discourages transfers from one school to another, particularly transfers which occur during the school year and may jeopardize the student's academic progress per CJY-37-05 118.D School Attendance.
706 HEALTH SERVICES
706.1 All parents must complete a medical history form for each child. Provide chronic illness/conditions with guidelines. Individual care plan will be developed for these conditions.
706.2 Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 15-344, provides for the administration of prescription, patent, or propriety medications by school employees. The law delegates authority to establish policies and procedures to local school district governing boards.
  1. Do not send medications with the student to school.
  2. Parent must bring the medication in it's original conatainer with a dispensing pharmacy label to school along with instructions and a signed parental consent form for the medication.
706.3 When deemed neccessary, showers are available to students. Small children may be assisted and supervised by a school personnel.
706STUDENT ATTENDANCEBack to Table Of Contents
Attendance is highly encouraged. It is the responsibility of the parent, child and school.
706.1Absenteeism - the following guides will be followed:
  1. Student attendance will reflect students' grades.
  2. Three tardies equal one absence.
  3. Student will be dropped from school on the third consecutive unexcused absence.
  4. Medical/Religious Traditional practices/events require for a written excuse note from parent with dates of events.
706.2Tardiness - is discouraged.
Students should be in their seat ready to work no later than 7:45 am. If students come to school after 7:45 am, then they must first report to the Administrative Receptionist. The following plan has been established to control tardiness:
  1. Three tardies equal one day of absence.
  2. After 3rd tardy, a letter of notification will be sent to parents.
  3. After the 6th tardy, parent will be required to meet in conference with the counselor and submit a written plan of action to the Principal detailing what corrective actions are being taken.
  4. A referral may be made to the tribal court for consistent tardiness.
706.3Early Release/Check Out During School Hours - Parents are required to sign the check-out form at the Administration Office for early release before students will be allowed to leave the campus.
706.4A mandatory attendance up to 12:00 pm is required for a student to be counted as present.
706.5Daily Instructional Schedule, Kindergarten to Eighth Grade.
Grade Level Class Begin Time Class End Time
Kindergarten - 8th Grade 8:45 am 3:00 pm
707STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCTBack to Table Of Contents
707.1Shall follow and obey all policies and procedures of Black Mesa Community School.
707.2Shall be respectful, polite and positive to everyone and self.
707.3Shall respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, native language, religion, and disability.
707.4Shall practice honesty and trustworthiness.
707.5Shall be confident, secure and self-disciplined.
707.6Shall set goals and plan to achieve.
707.7Shall keep all personal items (toys, games, ipod, etc.) at home.
707.8Shall respect the rights of classmates, employees and others.
707.9Shall always have a hallway pass.
707.10Shall act mannerly in the hallways, lunchroom, bathrooms and on the playground.
707.11Shall remain on school campus at all times.
707.12Shall keep your physique to yourself.
707.13Shall take only the things that belong to you.
707.14Shall protect all school property.
707.15Shall use appropriate language.
707.16Shall stay drug free.
707.17Shall play only in designated playground areas.
707.18Shall play non-violent games.
708DRESS CODEBack to Table Of Contents
Black Mesa Community School students are expected to dress in appropriate clean clothing. This reflects pride within themselves and pride in their school. The dress code is established to help ensure an atmosphere conducive to learning. It is both the parents' and the student's responsibility to ensure compliance with the dress code.
708.1Appropriate Clothing for Boys:
  1. Long slacks or jeans, clean and in good repair; no holes.
  2. Shirts are to be worn tucked in and appropriately fit.
  3. Tank tops and net shirt are not allowed, unless worn over shirt with sleeve.
  4. Appropriate shoes.
  5. Bib overalls must be fastened and secured by both straps
708.2 Appropriate Clothing for Girls:
  1. Long slacks or jeans, clean and in good repair, no holes.
  2. Skirts and dresses if 3" above the knee or longer.
  3. Blouse must cover the shoulders and must overlap the pant or skirt with sleeves.
  4. Appropriate shoes.
  5. Bib overalls must be fastened and secured by both straps.
708.3 Unacceptable and Unallowable Clothing:
  1. Clothing that displays gang-related and/or inappropriate languages or pictures.
  2. Loop or dangling earrings-safety reasons.
  3. Sagging pants and other oversized clothing.
  4. Sunglasses, hats and caps.
  5. Tattoos and other forms of body decoration/piercing.
  6. Chains that are longer than 18".
709MEALSBack to Table Of Contents
The school will provide nutritious meals.
709.1Breakfast and lunch will be prepared in accordance with Child Nutriion Program Guidelines under the Arizona Department of Education.
709.2School will provide meals to students who are participating in school authorized field trips, sports and emergency shelter.
710MEDIA RELEASE
Black Mesa Community School publicize students' outstanding achievements and activities through various media. This may include, but is not limited to, honor roll lists, yearbooks, photographs and videos of classroom and/or extracurricular activities. In addition, exemplary student work, student pictures and student's first and last names may be published on school-sponsored websites and other publications. Parents, legal guardians, or eligible students may take a written request to the principal of the school where a student is enrolled within 10 days of enrollment or the first 10 days of the academic school year to request that such information not be published or used on any school-sponsored websites.
711TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Black Mesa Community School provides transportation to and from school.
711.1Violation of school bus rules may result in suspension of bus privileges. Refer to Section 730 Discipline Procedures. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right nor a requirement.
711.2Have your child ready and on time at the bus turn around location. There will ba maximum of a three minute wait time.
711.3Parents/Guardians are allowed to accompany their child on the school bus for school purposes onlyl, if seating is available.
712STUDENT SAFETYBack to Table Of Contents
The safety of the students is assured through close supervision in all the school buildings and grounds through special attention to the following:
712.1The school maintain a safe school environment. Safety expert will conduct periodic inspections of the physical condition of all buildings and grounds.
712.2School personnel and students will observe safe practices, particularly in those areas of instruction or extra-curriculum activities that have high risk factors.
712.3Students will be provided safety education pertaining to particular subjects such as laboratory courses in science, health and physical education.
712.4School will be alert for suspicious strangers loitering in or near school buildings and grounds or sitting in parked vehicles nearby. Principal or Delegated Personnel shall notify the police department if circumstances seem to warrant such action.
712.5School personnel will instruct students not to accept gifts or automobile rides from strangers and to inform parents, teacher or other school personnel of any suspicious strangers.
713EMERGENCY SHELTERBack to Table Of Contents
Due to unforseeable situations where a student is unable to go home, the student will be accommodated a safe shelter.
714ELECTRONIC DEVICES/EQUIPMENT USAGEBack to Table Of Contents
Electronic devices/equipment are school properties intended for official school business.
714.1Students are permitted to use the school phone only for emergency purposes and/or to notify parents.
714.2No personal ELECTRONIC DEVICES/EQUIPMENT usage during instructional time.
714.3School is not liable for any personal electronic devices/equipment lost, stolen, confiscated or damaged.
714.4School may confiscate the personal electronic device/equipment upon violation. The item(s) will be labeled and identified and given to principal for safe keeping. At such time the parent is the only person to retrieve the device after a conference.
714.5Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child's teacher before/after instructional time. No phone calls or texting your child's teacher during instructional time.
715.5Technology/Internet Usage: BMCS may provide Internet access, desktop computers, iPads, online collaboration capabilities, message boards, email and more.
  1. All technologies provided by the school are intended for educational purposes. All users are expected to use good judgement and to follow the specifics of this document as well as the spirit of it: be safe, be appropriate, and be kind; use common sense and ask if you do not know. All students are required to sign the BMCS user policy.
  2. The BMCS network is intended for educational purposes only.
  3. All activity over the network or while using the school technologies will be monitored or retained.
  4. Access to online content via the network will be filtered in accordance with our policies and federal regulations, including the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
  5. Users are expected to follow the same rules for good behavior and respectful conduct online as offline.
  6. Misuse of school resources can reslult in loss of computer privileges.
  7. BMCS makes a reasonable effort to ensure users' safety and security online, but will not be held accountable for any harm or damages that result from use of school technologies.
  8. Users of school network or other technologiesa are expected to immediately alert school personnel of any concerns for safety or security(duty to inform).
715EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESBack to Table Of Contents
Black Mesa Community School students have an opportunity to participate in variety of programs including: students government, student yearbook production, fall /winter /spring sports (boys/girls cross country, boys/girls basketball, volleyball, track/field, softball).
715.1Athletic/Activity Eligibility
  1. It is mandatory to have a completed Physical Examination form before participation.
  2. Weekly Eligibility Forms are to be completed by the coaches or sponsors for all participants.
  3. Students failing a class subject are ineligible to participate in any activity for one week.
  4. Student will be notified by Monday, 12:00 noon, of any incomplete assignments required and/or until 3:00 pm on Friday to rectify any problems to participate in the next game. The classroom teacher will make the FINAL decision concerning the student's eligibility, 24 hours prior to the activity.
  5. Ineligible students may not travel with the team.
  6. Each participating students must read and sign an Academic Contract and Student Athletic Form for all activities.
  7. Sports uniforms should be worn only for the games and trunks should be knee length.
  8. All scheduled games are subject to change without proir notice.
  9. All participating students/parents must abide by the BMCS Student Ahtletic Policy and Procedures Handbook.
716SCHOOL VISITSBack to Table Of Contents
The Black Mesa Community School welcomes parents to participate in their child's education.
716.1All parents and visitors are to sign in at the office upon arrival.
716.2All parents and visitors are to be escorted to visit the classroom. All parents and visitors are prohibited to wander and confront other students and/or staff.
716.3Parents are encouraged to leave small children at home while parents participates in instructional class time.
716.4Parents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their child's teacher to conference.
716.5Parents, students and visitorsshould model positive professional behaviors in the school environment. any violation and aggressive behavior(s) will be reported to Navajo Nation Police.
717FUND RAISINGBack to Table Of Contents
Findraising activities are encouraged to promote healthy living educational practices.
717.1All fundraising activities shall be during non-instructional hours.
717.2All proceeds will go to Student Activity Fund. All bookkeeping will be kept by the Student Activity Fund Sponsor(s).
717.3Parents and students are encouraged to volunteer. (All volunteers are subject to a background check as stated in the BMCS Background Check Policy).
718STUDENT PERSONAL PROPERTIESBack to Table Of Contents
Student personal belongings/property are student's responsibility. BMCS is not liable for any personal property that may be lost, stolen, confiscated or damaged.
719SCHOOL PROPERTYBack to Table Of Contents
BMCS desires a safe and clean environment. We would like all students, parents and visitors to respect school property by protecting our harmonious institutuion.
719.1Parent/Guardian Liability: Under Arizona Law, (A.R.S. 15-843) the parents/guardians of minors who cut, deface, or otherwise damage any school property shall be liable for all damages caused by their children.
719.2Property damage(s) restitution may be applied if your child destroys and damages school property. Estimate cost of repairs will be provided by Facility Management upon property damage(s) and a restitution contract will be initiated to recover the cost of damage(s).
720STUDENT SEARCH AND SEIZUREBack to Table Of Contents
720.1The School has recognized that maintaining security and order in the schools requires a certain degree of flexibility in school disciplinary procedures, and the School has respected the value of preserving the informality of the student-teacher relationship pursuant to 469 U.S. 339-340.
720.2Students possess the right of person as well as freedom from unreasonable search and seizure of property guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This individual right, however, is balanced by the School responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all its students and staff.
720.3School employees may conduct searches when they have reason to suspect ("Reasonable Suspicion") that the health, safety and welfare of students or staff may be in danger. Any school employee making a search or seizure will follow these guidelines:
  1. General search of school property (including personal items found on school property) may be conducted at any time when there is reasonable basis for school employees to suspect that something may jeopardize the School, staff, or student's health, safety, welfare and mission, or violates a law or school rules is on school property. This search of school property may be made without the student being present.
  2. Illegal items (firearms, weapons, drugs, alcohol) or other possessions reasonably determined to be athreat to the safety, security of others, or might possibly interfere with school purpose, may be seized by school employees.
  3. Items which are used to disrupt or interfere with the educational process may be temporarily removed from a student's possessions.
  4. A student's person may be searched by School employees when there is reasonable basis to suspect that the students has on his/her person illegal items, items that may interfere with School purpose, which may constitute evidence of the violation of a School rules, or which may present a danger to student or others. Searches of students should only be conducted with another staff member present and both staff members should be of the same sex as the student to be searched, unless exigent safety concerns requires otherwise. Strip searches are not allowed except in the most extreme case where there is an imminent extreme danger to the student or others. Law enforcement should be called to conduct highly intrusive searches.
  5. The School maintains ownership of student lockers. The School may and will search student lockers on a periodic basis to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all students or to discover evidence of violations of School rules. General searches of lockers may be made without notice; however, any such search must still be used on a Reasonable Suspicion. The students should therefore adjust his/her expectations of privacy with respect to lockers accordingly. The personal footlockers or luggage items of students are subject to search if there is reasonable basis to suspect that lockers or luggage contain illegal items, items that interfere with school purpose, or evidence of the violation of a school rule.
  6. Motor vehicles parked on school property may be searched by school employees when there is reasonable basis to suspect the health, safety, or welfare of students might be in jeopardy, or when there is reasonable cause to believe that a search evidence of the violation of a school rule.
720.4Student Interrogation and Arrest
  1. While the student is within the care of custody of the School, it is the responsibility of the School to make an effort to act on behalf of the parents with respect to interrogation by law enforcement officials. A parent may and a school staff member will be present during these interrogations, except when interviews are conducted by a child protective services worker pursuant to A.R.S. 8-224(b) or similar Navajo or federal statute.
  2. When a student is taken into custody (arrested), the arresting officer shall be requested by the School to notify the student's parents or guardians. The arresting officer shall be responsible for the care and custody of the student and shall be responsible for reporting the arrest to the parents. However, the School personnel shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that parents have been notified of the fact that the student has been taken into custody. School personnel shall cooperate with the police. When an arrest is formally made, the School and its employees no longer exercise jurisdiction or control of the student.
725BULLY PREVENTIONBack to Table Of Contents
725.1Bullying/Harassment
ARS 15-341 (2005)"requires the governing board to prescribe and enforce policies and procedures that prohibit pupils from harassing, intimidating or bullying other pupils on school grounds, on school property, at school bus stops or at school sponsored events and activities. The policy must include procedures for confidential reporting to school officials, a requirement that school district employees report suspected incidents, a formal process for the documentation of reports, a formal process for investigation of suspected incidences, disciplinary procedures for pupils who have admitted to or been found to have committed incidents, and consequences for false reports of incidents".
725.2Hazing
ARS 15-2301 (no date available)"requires every institution of public education to adopt, post, and enforce a hazing prevention policy as outlined within this statute".
725.3Purpose: The Black Mesa Community School has a responsibility to provide a safety and health learning environment where students feel secure.
725.4Goals
  1. Build a positive school environment
  2. Raise awareness of the effects of bullying
  3. Develop prevention measures for bullying
  4. Identify school-wide, classroom, and individual interventions for bullying
  5. Implement student activities that address bullying
  6. Initiate, implement, and enforce a school anti-bullying policy
725.5Definitions
  1. BULLYLING is intentional harmful behavior initiated by one or more students and directed toward another student which causes fear, distress and harm. Bullying exists when a student with more social and/or physical power deliberately dominates and harasses another who has less power. Bullying is unjustified and typically is repeated.
  2. BULLY is one or more persons who intentionally intimidate or harm another student; has power or social support. The harm caused by the bully can be physical or emotional or both.
  3. VICTIM is the student who is being bullied and less power or social support and often blames him/herself for the abuse.
  4. BYSTANDER is one or more students who stand on the sidelines and witness acts of bullying and might actively provide encouragement and support to the bully; might not intervene or seek help because they fear for their safety; they think they will lose friends; they might become a bully's target; or they could be labeled a "tattletale"
  5. CYBERBULLYING is a form of indirect or social bullying that uses technological communications (text or messaging) to humiliate, harass, embarrass, tease, intimidate, threaten, or slander one or more students. Cyber-bullying use instant messages, text messages, email, chat rooms, cell phones, and personal websites or blogs. Cyber-bullying is the act of being cruel to other by sending or posting harmful material or compromising photographs online or through a cell phone.
  6. COUNSELOR is an employee who is designated and appointed by the Principal to control and implement the student behavior problems at the school.
Back to Table Of Contents
725.6Forms of Bullying
  1. Physical - Physical bullying involves harmful actions against another person's body. Examples include: biting, kicking, pushing, pinching, hitting, tripping, pulling hair; any form of violence of intimidation. Physical bullying also involves the interference with another person's property, such as; damaging or stealing.
  2. Verbal - Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in an unkind or hurtful way. Examples include: sarcasm, teasing, put-downs, name-calling, phone calls, spreading rumors or hurtful gossips.
  3. Emotional - Emotional bullying involves behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass a person. Examples include: nasty notes, saying mean things using technology (e.g., cyber-bullying using emails, instant messaging, chat rooms, text messaging), intentional exclusion from games or activities, tormenting, threatening, humiliations or social embarrassment.
  4. Sexual - Sexual bullying singles out a person because of gender and demonstrates unwarranted or unwelcome sexual behavior. Examples include: sexual comments, abusive comments, unwanted physical contact.
  5. Racial - Racial bullying involves rejection or isolation of a person because of ethnicity. Examples include: gestures, racial slurs or taunts, name-calling, making fun of customs/skin colors/ accent/ food choices.
  6. Silent - Silent bullying involves behavior that upset, exclude, or embarrass a person. Examples include: making mean faces, cruel gestures, ignoring, and writing mean notes.
  7. Hazing - Is the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as a way of initiating a person into a group.
725.7Identifying the Bullying
  1. Thrives on feelings of dominance, seeks attention and exhibits negative and/or strong moods
  2. Displays aggressive behavior and a conscious desire to put others under distress
  3. Lacks empathy, compassion, and respects the needs and rights of others
  4. Views weaker peers as targets and shows highly manipulative behaviors by cleverly using peers to perform tasks
  5. Falsely blames, accuses, or criticize others
  6. Tends to inflict harm on students in the absence of adults
  7. Avoids accepting responsibility for behavior and uses excuses to justify behavior
Back to Table Of Contents
725.8Reasons Why a Student Might Be a Bully
A student might become a bully because he/she has been abused or bullied; think bullying is an easy way to get what is desired; find bullying leads to popularity; desire to look tough or be in charge; not realize certain behavior cross over the line and become bullying; feel justified in harming others and rationalize the behavior with excuses; enjoy inflicting power on others and causing extreme fear; suffer from poor parenting and aggressive behavior modeled in the home; and failure of a school to implement and enforce effective bullying plan.
725.9Identifying a Student as a Victim
  1. Appears unwilling, reluctant, or afraid to attend school which causes higher absenteeism
  2. Preoccupied and fails to concentrate on academics
  3. Submits incomplete homework or shows a drop in grades
  4. Prefers isolation, exhibit low or poor self-esteem and feels rejected by others/peers
  5. Easily distressed and shows symptoms of depression, sadness or anxiety
  6. Refuses to discuss problems
  7. Has missing or damaged property/possessions
  8. Has unexplained bruise and/or cuts and complains of headaches, stomachaches, often to see the nurse or be excuse from classroom
725.10Interventions
  1. All employees need to recognize the difference between harmless horseplay and bullying behavior to be aware bullies are often adept a justifying or denying bullying situations.
  2. All employees must monitor and supervise the "hot spots" on campus and in reported areas where bullies target victims.
  3. Governing Board members and administrators need to educate all students, parents and employees on what bully is, the impact of bully, and how to reduce and stop bullying on the school campus. The use of resources can be DVDs, books, articles, games, or presentations.
  4. All employees shall promote acceptable behavior and respect of others in classrooms, halls, gym, lunch room, playground area and on buses.
  5. The employees need to teach the students:
    1. how to identify and recognize signs of bullying
    2. remind the student to sit near supervising adults if they fear becoming a victim
    3. to report bullying behavior to an adult in charge
    4. how to intervene correctly and provide incentives for intervening
    5. seek assistance when they recognize it might be unsafe to intervene in a bullying situation
    6. assure them that telling is not tattling
    7. inform them that observation can encourage bullying
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725.11Incident Reporting Procedures
  1. All employees shall report, in writing, any bullying situation incidents that occurs on the school campus, on school buses and/or school-owned vehicles. Negligent of reporting may subject an employee to disciplinary action or termination of employment.
  2. When reporting, employee must identify director indirect bullying behaviors. Direct bullying behavior would mean name-calling, taunting, teasing, damaging belongings, etc; and indirect bullying behavior would mean cyber-bullying, spreading rumors, deliberate group exclusion, etc.
  3. An employee will submit a detailed incident report to the Hearing Officer whom will follow the discipline procedures of the policy. The Hearing Officer will evaluate all information and response to the incident accordingly.
725.12Special Education Students
Federal Law provides several procedural safeguards for special education students and their parents/legal guardians which govern the resolution of disagreements regarding the placements or change of placement for special education students. Copies of these safeguards are provided to the parents/legal guardians of special education students on a regular basis as required by law. If a disciplinary action constitutes the placement or change in placement for a special education student as defined by Federal Law, these procedural safeguards, which may include medication and the entitlement to a hearing, will govern. Persistent disciplinary issues will be addressed in the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
730DISCIPLINE PROCEDURESBack to Table Of Contents
The Principal and Counselor will have the primary supervisory responsibilty over the implementation and operation of the student behavior policy and procedures.
731CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT ISSUES TO BE HANDLED BY TEACHERS (MINOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES)
731.1The following types of behavior shall be the responsibility of the classroom teachers:
  1. Breaking classroom rules.
  2. Disrupting a classroom/assembly/lunchroom.
  3. Violation of uniform/dress code.
  4. Throwing objects (e.g. papers, erasers,etc. that are not an extreme safety hazard).
  5. Running in the classrooms, hallways, or sidewalks.
  6. Being in hallways during non-designated times.
  7. Horse playing.
  8. Use of or bringing personal items from home (toys, roller blades, skateboards, scooters, laser pointers, cologne, perfume, etc. - item will be held by teacher).
  9. Having food, drinks, candy, chewing gum, ect. in non-designated area.
731.2CONSEQUENCES FOR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT ISSUES: Teachers msut document all intervention.
  1. 1st offense - Parent notification and 1 dsy of detention.
  2. 2nd offense - Parent notification and 2 days of detention.
  3. 3rd offense - Parent notification/Discipline Contract.
  4. Other consequences might include writte assignments, or other consequences the Hearing Officer and/or teacher feel are appropriate based on their knowledge of a situation.
731.3DETENTION RULES FOR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT ISSUES: Student will be accompanied/monitored by the Teacher in their classroom.
  1. Students must report on time to room designated for all days assigned and must sign in.
  2. No talking during detention.
  3. Students must remain seated.
  4. Students must bring work or independent reading.
NOTE: Failure to comply with detention rules will result in additional consequences at the discretion of the Teacher.
732MEDIUM BEHAVIOR OFFENSES
732.1Medium behavior offenses result in a referral (without a 1st/2nd contract) and include:
  1. Obscene language, materials, gestures or behavior.
  2. Attendance problems/ditching (on or off campus).
  3. Defiant or disrespectful behavior, insubordination.
  4. Bullying (threatening, extorting, etc.).
  5. Excessive horseplay.
  6. Throwing objects (e.g. rocks,sharp items, etc. that pose an extreme safety hazard).
  7. Deceitful behavior (false accusations, forgery, plagarism, lying, cheating, etc. - restitution may be arranged).
  8. Stealing (petty theft).
  9. Public display of affection (intimate gestures, kissing, passion marks "hickeys").
  10. Use of or possessing cellular phones or electronic devices.
732.2CONSEQUENCES FOR MEDIUM BEHAVIOR OFFENSES
  1. 1st offense - Parent notification and Discipline Contract, 4 days detention.
  2. 2nd offense - 3 days suspension, parent notification and Discipline Contract.
  3. 3rd offense - Short term home suspension (not to exceed 8 days).
  4. 4th offense - Immediate expulsion.
733MAJOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSESBack to Table Of Contents
733.1Major offenses result in a referral (without a 1st/2nd contract) and include:
  1. Fighting/Battery, regardless of who started the fight (employing hostile contact in which at least one party or both individuals have contributed to a situation by verbal action and/or bodily harm).
  2. Shoplifting.
  3. Vandalism and property damage.
  4. Stealing (grand theft).
  5. Triggers false fire alarms.
733.2CONSEQUENCES FOR MAJOR BEHAVIOR OFFENSES
Homework will be provided and issued to all students who are home suspension. Parents will be responsible for the completion fo homework assignment. If the parent does not wish to participate in their child's discipline contract, the child may be expelled at the discretion of the Principal.
  1. 1st offense - 3 days home suspension/re-entry conference with parent/student/administrator, a discipline contract will be required.
  2. 2nd offense - 5 days home suspension/re-entry conference with parents/student/administrator, a discipline contract will be required.
  3. 3rd offense - 8 days home suspension.
  4. 4th offense - Immediate expulsion.
734EXTREME BEHAVIOR OFFENSESBack to Table Of Contents
734.1Severe offenses result in an immediate referral and include:
  1. Abuse of any Teacher or Employee
    1. A.R.S. 15-507
    2. Abuse of a teacher or school employee in school:, the statute states, "A person who knowingly abuses a teacher or other school employee on school grounds or while the teacher or employee is engaged in the performance of his/her duties is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor".
  2. Dangerous weapons - Possession or use of any weapons in school, including but not limited to any guns, slingshots, knife, etc. per ARS 13-3102.
  3. Substance abuse - Possession, distribution, promotion, selling or sue of controlled substances such as drugs, alcohol, inhalants, tobacco, lighter, etc. per ARS 12-3405.
  4. Bomb threats.
  5. Malicious premeditated assualt.
  6. Gang related activities.
  7. Arson.
  8. Chronic disruptive beahvior.
  9. Sexual or physical abuse of students.
  10. Date rape or statutory rape.
  11. Sexual harassment or sexual intimidation.
734.2CONSEQUENCES FOR EXTREME BEHAVIOR OFFENSES
  1. 1st offense - Immediate expulsion and proper authorities shall be notified.
734.3LOSS OF PRIVILEGES
  1. Loss of field trip, student activities and other privileges, upon suspension of 5 days or more.
    1. The five (5) days is an accumulative amount, it may be five one day suspensions.
    2. Privileges are lost for the remainder fo the school year.
735DUE PROCESSBack to Table Of Contents
Each student does have the right to due process as set forth in 25 CFR Part 42.
735.1A submission of a written notice of charges within five (5) working days to a hearing. It shall include reference to the regulation allegedly violated, the facts alleged to constitute the violation, and notice of access to all statements of persons relating to the charges and to those parts of the student's record which will be considered in rendering a disciplinary decision.
735.2A fair and impartial hearing prior to the imposition of disciplinary action absent the actual existence of an Emergency situation seriously and immediately endangering the health or safety of the students or others. In an emergency situation, the official may impose disciplinary action not to exceed a temporary suspension, but shall immediately thereafter report in writing the facts (not conclusions) giving rise to the emergency and shall afford the students a hearing which fully comports with due process, as set forth herein, in five working days.
735.3The right to have present at the hearing the student's parent(s) or guardian(s) or his/her designee and to be represented by lawyer or legal counsel of the student's choice. Private attorney's fees are to be borne by the students and parents.
735.4The right to provide witnesses on the student's behalf and to confront and examine all witnesses.
735.5The right to a record of hearing of disciplinary actions, including written findings of facts and conclusions in all cases of disciplinary actions.
735.6The right to administrative review and appeal.
735.7The student shall not be compelled to testify against him/herself.
735.8The right to have allegations of misconduct and information pertaining thereto expunged from the student's school record in the event the student is found not guilty of charges.
740GLOSSARYBack to Table Of Contents
The following are prohibited and will be cause for disciplinary action.
740.1Items harmful or disruptive in a school environment:
  1. Skateboards, roller blades, heelys, bikes.
  2. Musical/entertainment devices.
  3. Water devices.
  4. Food items, etc..
740.2Disorderly conduct while on school property - Any behavior and language disruptive to the educational process and may endanger others while on school property.
  1. Abusive/Obscene language or geastures toward students - use of abusive, profane language, production or possession of obscene writing or pictures; and obscene gestures.
  2. Non-compliance with the published school bus rules.
  3. Verbal abuse (profanity) towards a school personnel per ARS 15-507. School personnel may use reasonable force to protect self, students, other personnel, etc. per ARS 15-843.
740.3Throwing/Shooting Projectiles - This includes such items as snowballs, water balloons, water guns, paper clips, paper wads, rubber bands, and other items that may cause injury.
740.4Truancy - Unauthorized absence from class or school grounds with a pass or permission.
740.5Fighting - Physical contact with the intent to do bodily harm or encouraging and initiating a fight.
740.6Assualt - Unprovoked force or violence to do harm t another person or persons.
740.7Harassment - A willful act which causes mental or physical distress to another person or persons while on school grounds or school buses.
740.8Theft - Possession or knowledge of stolen school or personal property.
740.9Vandalism - Destruction of school or private property.
740.10Insubordination - Failure to obey a reasonable request by a school employee. Open defiance toward authority.
740.11Dangerous Weapons - Possession or use of any weapon in school, including but not limited to any guns, slingshot, knife, etc. per ARS 13-3102.
740.12Substance Abuse - Possession, distribution, promotion, selling or use of controlled substances such as drugs, alcohol, inhalants, tobacco, lighters, etc. per ARS 12-3405.
740.13Forgery - Signing, altering, or making notes of school documents without authorization from the school personnel and parents (contact phone numbers to be on the notes).
740.14Scholastic Dishonesty - Plagarism or cheating in completing assignments and test taking.
740.15Dress and Appearances - Oversized trousers hanging below the waist; gang-related writing, pictures, and graffiti; impudent, profane, violent or sexual connotations; promotions of drugs and alcohol on T-shirts and personal belongings displayed in public; wearing caps, hats and headbands; untucked long shirts and T-shirts.
740.16Public Displays of Affection - Kissing, close embraces and intimate body hugs.
740.17Petty Theft - Is the taking of another person's property without that person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.
740.18Grand Theft - Grand theft is a crime of taking someone else's property against their will with the intent of permanently depriving them of the property.
740.19Threats, Intimidations and Physical Abuse of school employees.
740.20Bullying - Roughly being pushy by intimidation or threats; manipulative behavior whether if it is physical, verbal, emotional, sexual and racial; taking or damaging student's items by force.
740.21Shoplifting - Stealing items during the school's sponsored field trips and/or during the athletic participation.
740.22Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) - The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to address concerns about children's access to obscene or harmful content over the internet. CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools or libraries that receive discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program - a program that makes certain communications services and products more affordable for eligible achools and libraries. In early 2001, the FCC issued rules implementing CIPA and provided updates to those rules in 2011. For additional information visit: www.fcc.gov/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act
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The Black Mesa School Board of Directors and the Principal of the school reviewed, understood, and approve the policies and procedures set forth by the teachers, employees and parents of the Black Mesa Community School.
All employees of the Black Mesa Community School will abide by all policies and procedures. Everyone is accountable and must stay in compliance with the procedures, otherwise the consequences will be void.
AUTHORIZATION & APPROVED BY BLACK MESA COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD:
School Board President School Board Vice President
School Board Secretary School Board Member
Acknowledged By Principal
BLACK MESA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
P.O. BOX 97
PINON, ARIZONA 86510
928-674-3632

DISCIPLINE CONTRACT

School Year 2016-2017
I am the parent of_____________________________ . My child and I have read and do understand the Black Mesa Community School Student and Parent Handbook which, including procedures and consequences. I understand a Disciplinary Plan of Action will be activated in accordance with the disciplinary policy consequences, if my child chooses not to comply with the rules and policies of the School.
Parent Signature:   Today's Date:
I understand and will adhere to all rules and consequences set forth by the Black Mesa Community School, academically and behaviorally.
Student Signature:   Today's Date:
I will use proper and fair judgment in referring and reporting inappropriate behaviors in accordance with the discipline policy and consequences as outlined in the Student and Parent Handbook.
Teacher Signature:   Today's Date:
 
Concurred By Principal   Today's Date
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