Discipline Policy

  • Student Conduct

    Standards for acceptable conduct are necessary to provide an atmosphere that is conducive to the learning process. San Leandro High School has established such standards, in accordance with the goals and philosophy of the school, that are intended to provide such an atmosphere as well as to help instill a sense of character and self-discipline in our students. These standards are realized through the combined and cooperative efforts of faculty, students, and parents. While the uniqueness of the individual case will determine the appropriate procedure, it is the responsibility of the teacher to resolve behavioral problems at the classroom level whenever possible. It should be emphasized, however, that both the Counseling staff and the Assistant Principals have the responsibility to provide support and service which the teacher may require. Such a policy is intended to enhance an effective learning relationship between teacher and student. All resources should be utilized in attempts to solve the problem. Parents should be involved at an early stage; all school personnel should be utilized, if necessary, to identify the problem and effect a positive behavioral change. Recognition of a developing problem and prompt remedial action can often prevent serious behavioral problems from emerging.

SLHS Community Virtues

  • We are lifelong learners.
    We are leaders in training.
    Don't be part of the problem. Be part of the solution.
    Failure is not an option.
    Respect is a sign of strength.
    Discipline yourself so no one else has to.
    Stay calm at all times.
    If you have a goal, nothing is impossible.
    We come from greatness.
Aligned with our virtues, all students are expected to S.A.I.L and follow our SLHS expectations.

Closed Campus

  • San Leandro High School is a closed campus. Students must remain on campus throughout the school day, including nutrition breaks. Parking lots and the front of school are off limits to students during school hours, including passing periods and nutrition breaks. The only exceptions are students enrolled in special programs such as the Regional Occupational Center Program (ROP). Any student leaving campus must have an ROP pass or a PERMIT TO LEAVE issued from the Attendance office. Students leaving without a pass will receive a cut and are subject to search upon return. The pool area, back field and the back gate are all off limits during lunch time.
    • SIGN OUT BEFORE you leave for an appointment (doctor/dentist, illness, or for personal reasons)
    • SIGN IN when checking back into school or coming in late Students are not allowed to leave to go get food for lunch. Students caught leaving campus or returning to campus will be issued at minimum a detention the first time. Progressive discipline will follow. If parents choose to bring students food during lunch, they must bring it so that students have time to eat during designated lunchtime.

Hate Language/Hate Motivated Behavior Policy

  • “All pupils have a right to participate fully in the educational process, free from discrimination and harassment.” (State of California Education Code, Sec. 45) In support of the Education Code and the San Leandro Unified School District’s Board Policy 6.2(18) San Leandro High School does not tolerate any form of hate language and/or hate motivated behavior. Such behavior is defined as verbal harassment and/or acts which degrade an individual on the basis of personal characteristics or status. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, race, ethnicity, culture, heritage, sexuality, or religion. Students who engage in such language or acts will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or expulsion (see also page 14, Discipline Code). If you feel that your child is a victim of bullying behavior, please contact the office.

Hallway Behavior and Hall Passes

  • Students are not to be out of class without a visible pass and should not be out the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of class time. Students out of class will be stopped by campus supervisors and asked to produce a hall pass and a student I.D. card. Students without an appropriate pass or identification will be subject to disciplinary action. While in our halls and common areas demonstrate, safety, accountability, integrity, and leadership.

Dress Standards

  • It is our intention to maintain a safe, non-disruptive environment so that students may focus on learning. Students who wear inappropriate, distracting, or revealing clothing will be referred to the office to make arrangements to change into other clothing. Disciplinary action for disruption of school activities and/or defiance may also be assigned. If a student does not have appropriate clothing to cover up, i.e. jacket, longer shorts, etc, that student must call home so that someone can bring clothes or that student must remain in ISS for the remainder of the day. Dress that is not appropriate includes: shirts that reveal midriffs or cleavage, half-shirts, halters, clothing which endorses cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs, or has pictures or writing on it which is in poor taste, or clothing that is too revealing. Additionally, all underwear must be covered by outerwear. This includes jeans sagging below underwear and shorts (buttocks portion exposed). Pajama bottoms and bed slippers are prohibited. Further, this policy prohibits clothing or clothing arrangements that may appear to be gang-related.
    • Footwear will be worn at all times for reason of health and safety.
    • Clothing that is intimidating, harassing, degrading and in conflict with the mission of the school will not be allowed.
    • Hats: While students have permission to wear hats in common areas, teachers and office personnel have the option to prohibit and enforce a no-hat rule in their classroom or office (with the exception of religious head covering).  Failure to remove hats or head coverings/headgear in those classrooms and offices not allowing them will be viewed as defiance and treated with the appropriate discipline.  Sunglasses are permitted outside only and are not to be worn inside of the building at any time.
    • Use of Profanity: In support of the Board Policy of San Leandro Unified School District, San Leandro High School does not tolerate the use of profanity in classrooms or on the school grounds.  Students who engage in this behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension

Gang-Related Conduct and Activities

  • (Approved: 8/21/90, Board of Education)
    Gang-related conduct/activities on all school campuses and during all school sponsored activities are a threat to the safety of others and are strictly prohibited.  The Board of Education intends to maintain campuses, which are safe, secure and peaceful in accordance with the California State Constitution. Gang-related conduct/activities may include, but are not necessarily limited to: graffiti, apparel, colors, hazing, initiations, whistling, hand signals, clothing arrangements, trademarks, accessory items or any other symbols or actions which would denote membership in such a group identified by the administration or by law enforcement.  Students may not wear altered hats or bandanas of any color on campus. The Board finds that such gang-related acts, activities or appearances create a clear and present danger for the commission of unlawful acts on school premises, or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.  Students who engage in District determined gang-related activities shall be subject to disciplinary procedures outlined in Board Policy 6.2(8) including suspension or expulsion from school.
    • Gang-Related Violations: First Offense = Conference with administrator, parent, police officer, campus supervisor and student (a change of clothes is required immediately if gang-related clothing is involved).  A gang conference form will be kept on file in the AP office, possible 1-3 days suspension. Second Offense = Outside counseling offered , 2-4 days suspension. Third Offense = Police notification, 3-5 day suspension, possible transfer.
    • Non-Students are not permitted on campus. They will be asked to leave with the understanding that a second violation will result in an arrest. We do not issue guest or visitor passes for Non-Students or adults who do not have a valid reason to be on campus.
    • Bicycles and Skateboards Used for Transportation: Bicycles are not allowed in the hallways at any time. Bicycles which are ridden to school MUST be parked in a bike rack and may not be ridden or walked through the campus during school hours. Skateboards which are ridden to school MUST NOT be ridden on campus.
    • Banned Items: There is no valid reason for a student to have some objects on campus although parents may allow their student to possess them off campus. Aside from obviously banned items such as weapons, while on campus students must not possess paraphernalia associated with drug use, felt marking pens or spray paint associated with graffiti, pornographic pictures or reading material, fireworks of any type, or heavy jewelry or other accessories that can be used as weapons. Should a student choose to bring them to school anyway, the school is not responsible for their loss. The school will confiscate any electronic devices that do not belong on campus.
    Students who have electronics confiscated will be able to retrieve it at the end of the day the first time. The second and subsequent times, parents must pick up. Progressive discipline will also be implemented.

    Confiscated Items may be picked up in the Assistant Principals’ office. Every effort is made to keep confiscated property secure, however, the school is not responsible for items that may become lost or misplaced.

Public Displays of Affection (P.D.A.)

  • Excessive P.D.A’s are prohibited. Students that are behaving inappropriately (prolonged touching or kissing) will be warned the 1st time.  Parents will be contacted the 2nd time. The 3rd time, progressive discipline for defiance will follow.

Teacher Responsibilities

  • CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE – REFERRAL

     
    PROCEDURE
    In order to guarantee students' rights due process, teachers will follow a program of positive, progressive discipline. Exceptions include violence, intoxication, weapons or drugs. Good judgment must be used when handling discipline. Classroom matters include misbehavior, leaving class without permission, improper language, tardies, violation of school or class rules, and failure to serve detention.
     
    In order to guarantee students' rights due process, teachers will follow a program of positive, progressive discipline. Exceptions include violence, intoxication, weapons or drugs. Good judgment must be used when handling discipline. Classroom matters include misbehavior, leaving class without permission, improper language, tardies, violation of school or class rules, and failure to serve detention.
     
    Parents should be involved at an early stage; all school personnel should be utilized, if necessary, to identify the problem and effect a positive behavioral change.  Recognition of a developing problem and prompt remedial action can often prevent serried behavioral problems.
     
    The following sequence of due process procedures is to be used in progressive discipline. Exceptions are to be referred directly to the Assistant Principal. The steps to follow for each infraction are:
    • Identify and define the problem and attempt to resolve the problem at the earliest stage with teacher/student counseling and reminding    of the expectation appropriate behavior.
    • Impose teacher consequence (detention).
    • Teacher/home contact (request conference, phone contact).
    • Consequences for not following School Wide Expectations
    • Possible Consequences for violations of our violations will depend on the severity and is in accordance of Ed. Code and aligned to our district discipline matrix. HS Discipline Matrix
    • Verbal Warning and Reminder of the Expectation.
    • Removal from the Learning Environment to the Think Tank to Contact Parent and reflect on Behavior.
    • Issued School Detention Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:10-4:00 pm
    • Possible Suspension if violation of Ed. Code 

Discipline and Severance of Attendance

  • Suspensions

    The Board of Education holds all personnel responsible for the proper conduct and control of pupils while under the legal supervision of the school, and supports all personnel acting within the framework of State and Federal law and district policy. Pupils shall be suspended when other means of correction fail to bring about proper conduct or when the immediate safety of staff and students are in danger. For the purposes of this policy, “suspension” is defined as removal of a pupil from ongoing instruction for adjustment purposes but does not include removal from the class for the remainder of the class period more than once every five school days.

    Exclusive Causes for Suspension

    In order to suspend or recommend expulsion, the Assistant Principal must determine that the pupil has committed any offense specified in Class 1 below, or determine that the pupil has committed any offense specified in Class 2 below and (1) that other means of correction are not feasible or have repeatedly failed to bring about proper conduct, (2) that due to the nature of the violation, the presence of the pupil causes a continuing danger to the physical safety of the pupil or others.
    • Class I Offenses
      • Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person. Possessed, sold, otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any such object, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred by a school administrator.
      • Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind. Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled alcohol beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered, or otherwisefurnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.
      • Committed robbery or extortion.
    • Class 2 Offenses
      • Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.
      • Stole or attempted to steal school property or private property.
      • Possessed or used tobacco, except as provided in rules and regulations adopted by the governing board.
      • Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
      • Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.
      • Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teacher,administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

    Sexual Harassment

    Effective January 1, 1993, the State of California Education Code has been amended to specify disciplinary actions for students involved in committing sexual harassment. The Education Code defines sexual harassment as:“unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature made by someone...in(an)...educational setting under several conditions including the following: if the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile...educational environment,”then sexual harassment has been committed.

    The law also now adds that a pupil may be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion for sexual harassment.

    Suspension by Teacher

    A teacher may suspend from the class for the day of the suspension and the day following for either a class 1 or class 2 offense, providing the following is completed before the teacher leaves school or the day:

    Immediately report the suspension and send the student to the Assistant Principal. As soon as possible, the teacher shall ask the parent or guardian of the pupil to attend a parent-teacher conference regarding the suspension. An assistant principal will attend the conference at the teacher’s request, and whenever practical, a school counselor or school psychologist shall attend the conference.

    Work Assignments

    The teacher of any class from which a pupil is suspended may require the suspended pupil to complete any assignments and tests missed during the suspension. Students who are pending expulsion and are removed from campus are still SLHS students until expelled by the board. You must provide homework/long term assignments for them. These assignments can be alternative assignments and projects. If the student completes these assignments, the teacher must issue a grade for their work.

    Appeal of Suspension

    If suspension is ordered by an Assistant Principal,the pupil or pupil’s parent or guardian shall have the right to request a meeting with the Principal. The meeting shall be held within three (3) school days of the time such request is received. If the Principal determines that the penalty imposed was inappropriate for the violation, all records and documentation concerning the suspension shall be revised to indicate only the facts leading to the penalty imposed or destroyed if it is determined that there was no basis for suspension.

Parking-Student

  • Student parking will be in the south shop parking area and in the parking area between the gym and the tennis courts. The speed limit on campus is 5 miles per hour.

Sexual Harassment Policy

  • Sexual harassment violates Title VII or the Civil Rights Act of 1964, regulatory guidelines of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, California law and District Board policy. Therefore, sexual harassment will not be tolerated.
     
    Examples of Sexual Harassment:
    • Unwelcome leering, sexual flirtation or propositions
    • Unwelcome sexual slurs, epithets, threats, verbal abuse, derogatory comments or sexually degrading descriptions
    • Graphic verbal comments about an individual’s body or overly personal conversation
    • Sexual jokes, stories, drawings, pictures or gestures
    • Spreading sexual rumors
    • Teasing or sexual remarks
    • Touching an individual’s body or clothing in a sexual way
    • Cornering or blocking of normal movements
    • Displaying sexually suggestive objects in the educational environment

Rules & Policies