Steps in the Office

When students are sent to the office the school staff will follow the Steps in the Office discipline procedures. We expect parents to support the staff and administration as they implement these procedures. Anytime through the "office steps" process the administration may start the process of expelling a student. A student may be expelled for significant disruption of the educational process, harm or harshness to fellow classmates, harm to self or significant disrespect. A student may also be expelled if the school is unable to meet the needs of the student as it relates to behaviour.

Step 1:

The student receives a Study Hall assignment specific to the problem and will spend time reflecting on the activity which caused the discipline. At this point a form letter will go home with the student's explanation of what happened. This will also be signed by the principal. A parent's signature will be required and this letter will be returned to the office.

Step 2:

Once again, a form letter will go home to the parents to inform them of the situation and a parent's signature will be required. In addition, the student will serve an after school detention from 3:15-4:15 and will require a ride home.

Step 3:

The student will be given a two day in-school or out of school suspension (at the discretion of the administrator). Once a suspension / step 3 is given, the student and parent(s) will be required to meet with a member of the administration, member of the Program Committee and member of the Board of Directors (Discipline Committee) before the student is allowed to return to classes. The student will not be permitted to return to class unless this meeting occurs.

Step 4:

The student will be given a 5 day out of school suspension. At this point a behavioural contract will be drafted with the parent(s), teacher and principal. The student, parent(s), and Discipline Committee will meet again prior to the student returning to classes. The student will not be permitted to return to class unless this meeting occurs.

Step 5:

The student will be given a 10 day out of school suspension. The student, parent(s), and Discipline Committee will meet again prior to the student returning to classes. The student will not be permitted to return to class unless this meeting occurs.

Step 6 - Expulsion:

The involved staff and the Discipline Committee will meet with the parent(s) to inform them of the recommendation for expulsion and to exhaust any alternative solutions. The Board of Directors will be presented with a summary of this meeting and make the final decision. A Board of Directors representative and the administration will meet with the parent(s) to inform them of the final decision. The Board of Directors will allow only one appeal should the parent(s) choose to appeal the decision. Upon the final decision of hte Board and one appeal, the decision will be final and the student will be expelled from HMDCS.

Please Note:

In certain discipline situations, the administration reserves the right to adjust discipline steps and consequences as they feel it applies to the misbehaviour. Again, parent support and cooperation is expected.