• Description of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Discipline Policy, and Code of Conduct

    Approved by the Manasquan Board of Education August 20, 2024

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Description of Student Rights

    Students at Manasquan High School have the right to:

    1. a quality education
    2. be recognized as an individual with unique needs, aspirations and competencies
    3. attend Manasquan High School without fear or abuse
    4. expect fair and equitable treatment by staff and peers
    5. confidentiality regarding student records as per federal and state laws
    6. due process appeal procedures and policies
    7. parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures
    8. advance notice of behaviors that result in suspensions and expulsions that have been identified pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37–2
    9. education that supports students' development into productive citizens attendance in safe and secure school environments
    10. attendance in safe and secure environment
    11. attendance at school irrespective of students' marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood
    12. due process appeal procedures and policies, pursuant to 6A:3–1.3 through 1.17; N.J.A.C. 6A:4;     and, where applicable, 6A:14–2.7 and 2.8, and 6A:16–7.2 through 7.5
    13. parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures established pursuant to 6A:16–       6.2(b)3, this section, and 6A:16–7.2 through 7.8
    14. protections pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 34 CFR   99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, Protection of Pupil Rights; 34 CFR Part 98, Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing; P.L. 104–191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; 45 CFR 160, General Administrative Requirements; 20 U.S.C. § 7165, Transfer of school disciplinary records; 42 CFR Part 2, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records; 18A:40A–7.1, Confidentiality of certain information provided by pupils, exceptions; 6A:16–3.2, Confidentiality of student alcohol and other drug information; 18A:36–19, Pupil records, creation, maintenance and retention, security and access, regulations, nonliability; 2A:4A–60, Disclosure of juvenile information, penalties for disclosure; N.J.A.C. 6A:32–7, Student Records; 6A:14–2.9, Student records; as well as other existing Federal and State laws and rules pertaining to student protections.

     

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Responsibilities

    Students at Manasquan High School have a responsibility to gain full measure of benefit from their education experience. Students at Manasquan High School have a responsibility for their own actions and a responsibility for accepting appropriate consequences in a gracious fashion. You have a responsibility to perform your best academically, arrive at school and classes on time, and be in attendance daily. Students at Manasquan High School have the responsibility to display kindness and consideration to all staff and peers.

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Discipline Policy

    The objective of the Manasquan High School discipline policy is two-fold. First, it is to ensure the maintenance of an orderly school environment that is conducive to student learning. Second, it is to teach students to be proactive and to take responsibility in all types of situations. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to disrupt the education of other students. Students who disrupt the education of others will be subject to the disciplinary code as published. The discipline policy is intended as a guideline for administrative action; however, the administration retains the right to modify it or use discretion when and where necessary.

    This policy establishes a system of Lunch Detention (LD), After-School Detention (ASD), Saturday Detention (SD), In-School Suspension (ISS), and Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). Students will be assigned detention or suspension in accordance with the list of disciplinary infractions (see list on following pages). Inappropriate behavior may impact student privileges, as determined by building administration, for example, any student assigned to ISS/OSS may not participate in any co-curricular activity until the suspension is served to its completion.

    Please note, “Administrative Review” may involve teachers, parents, guidance counselors, the Child Study Team, and any others involved, as deemed necessary by staff and administration. This may also include members of law enforcement.  The Manasquan High School staff and administration work together to help the students understand the Code of Conduct, as such administrative discretion may be used in determining appropriate discipline/ consequences for a student.

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Violations of Student Behavior and Conduct

    Student Behavior and Conduct: Level I Infractions

    Infraction

    1st Action

    2nd Action

    3rd Action

    Tardiness to class (defined as arriving after the bell

    Policy #5240

    Defined as 3 infractions:

     

    Teacher Detention

     

    Defined as 5 infractions:

     

    1 Hour After-School Detention

     

     

    Defined as 10 infractions:

     

    2 Hour After-School Detention

     

    Failure to wear or present a Student ID

    Policy #5517

    Warning

     

    *per marking period

    Lunch Detention

     

    *per marking period

    1 hour After-School Detention

     

    Each subsequent offense results in a 2-hour After-School Detention

     

    *per marking period

    Classroom disturbance which disrupts instruction

    Policy #5560, Policy #5600

    Teacher Detention

    1 Hour After-School Detention

    2 Hour After-School Detention

    Violation of electronic use policy

    Policy #2361, Policy #7523

    Eating or drinking where prohibited

    Policy #5600

    Lunch Detention

    1 Hour After-School Detention

    2 Hour After School Detention

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Excessive horseplay (classroom, hallways, cafeteria and other school areas without injury)

    Policy #5600

    Inappropriate public displays of affection

    Policy #5600

    Use of inappropriate language

    Policy #5600

     

    Student Behavior and Conduct: Level II Infractions

    Infraction

    1st Action

    2nd Action

    3rd Action

    Cuts to class, study hall, or detention

    Policy #5600

     

    Serve original detention where applicable

     

    2 Hour After-School Detention

     

    Administrative Review

     

     

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    Serve original detention where applicable

     

    1 Day of In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    Serve original detention where applicable

     

    2 Days of In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

    Unauthorized contact and acceptance of delivery of food items from outside vendors

    Policy #5600

     

    2 Hour After-School Detention

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    2 Days of After-School Detention

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    Up to 3 Days of After-School Detention

    or

    Up to 2 Days In-School Suspension

     

     

    Administrative Review

    Unauthorized parking on school grounds

    Policy #5514

    Unauthorized electric vehicles on school ground as defined by Board policy

    Policy #5514

    Opening or propping an exterior door open without staff supervision.

    Policy #7440

    Repeatedly disruptive behavior that substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority in class and ability to instruct, which gives rise to the removal from class.

    Policy #5560, Policy #5600

    Indecent gestures, abusive/indecent language, insubordination directed at students

    Policy #5600

    Possession or dissemination of inappropriate materials

    Policy #5600

    Failure to follow the Dress Code

    Policy #5511

    Sharing/Misuse of elevator access

    Policy #5600

    Misconduct on student transportation, endangering the safety or well-being of self or others, includes but is not limited to, horseplay, inappropriate language, increased volume, misuse of electronics

    Policy #5600

    2 Hour After-School Detention

     

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    Up to 2 Days of After-School Detention

     

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

     

    Up to 2 Days In-School Suspension

     

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Student Behavior and Conduct: Level III Infractions

    Infraction

    1st Action

    2nd Action

    3rd Action

     

    Forgery of notes or fraud

    Policy #5701

    2 Days of After-School Detention

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    2 Days In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    3 Days In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Inappropriately touching

    Policy #5751

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    1 Day In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    3 Days In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Gambling on school property

    Policy #5600

     

    Acts of graffiti

    Policy #7610

     

    Open defiance towards a staff member (insubordination)

    Policy #5600

     

    Violation of the acceptable use policy for access to information, software, and computing board policy

    Policy #2361

     

    Conducting inappropriate acts on school property that can be a disruption to learning and/or potential harm to others, including gang related activity, graffiti, tagging and displaying of gang colors/ paraphernalia

    Policy #5615

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    3 Days of In-School Suspension

    and

    loss of computer privileges for 10 days

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days of In-School Suspension

    and

    loss of computer privileges for 20 days

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days of Out-of-School Suspension

    and re-entry conference

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Inciting a riot, e.g. food fight

    Policy #5600

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    3 Days Out-of-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

     

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    10 Days Out-of-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

     

     

    Theft

    Policy #5600

     

    Physical aggression, including but not limited to pushing, shoving, and tripping.

    Policy #5600

     

    Any threat made against/towards a student, staff member, or other persons

    Policy #8468

     

    Abusive, indecent language and/or gestures which provokes conflict and/or violence, including those towards staff

    Policy #5600

     

    Destruction or loss of school, district and/or another person’s property, intellectual property

    Policy #5513, Policy #5600

     

    Destruction or loss of school, district and/or another person’s property, intellectual property

    Policy #5513, Policy #5600

     
     

    Tobacco use, vaping and/or possession of related paraphernalia (referral to the Student Assistance Counselor is required as well)

    Policy #5533

     

    Leaving campus without authorization

    Policy #5230

     

     

    Student Behavior and Conduct: Level IV Infractions 

    Infraction

    1st Action

    2nd Action

    3rd Action

     

    Verbal or criminal physical assault of an individual, including but not limited to staff, guests, or parents/guardians. 

    Policy #5612, Policy #5600

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension & 5 Days In-School Suspension

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    10 Days Out-of-School Suspension with re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Physical altercation/ fighting, defined as fighting or provoking a fight. This is the mutual engagement in a physical confrontation that may result in bodily injury. It is recognized that one student may initiate a fight, and another may defend, but all students who fight will be suspended. 

    Policy #5600

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    10 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Recording students/staff and sharing their actions (altercations, jokes, conversation, etc.) with others without the permission of the student and their parent/guardian via social media, text, e-mail, and any other method. 

    Policy #5516

    Activation of false alarm, bomb threat or other disaster alarm

    Policy #8420

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    10 Days Out-of-School Suspension with re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Intimidation, extortion, coercion, and/or harassment of any type (sexual, racial, bias, etc.): including, but not limited to, the use of any cyber-related dissemination as a mode of communication

    Policy #5751, Policy #5512

    Possession, sale and/or use of alcohol or drugs, refusal to undergo substance abuse screening (illegal, dangerous, counterfeit or substance believed to or represent drugs)

    Policy #5530

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    5 Days Out-of-School Suspension & 5 Days In-School Suspension

    and

    referral to Student Assistance Counselor  

     

    Administrative Review

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    10 Days Out-of-School Suspension

    and

    referral to Student Assistance Counselor

    and

    re-entry meeting

     

    Administrative Review

    Use/possession or distribution of a dangerous/deadly weapon

    Policy #8467, Policy #5613

    Counselor/CST Check-In

     

    Up to 10 Days In-School or Out-of-School Suspension & Administrative Review pursuant to Law and Board Policy

    Possession and/or use of firearm/fireworks

    Policy #8647, Policy #5611

     

    Expectations While Serving Lunch, After-School or Saturday Detention

    • Students must report to detention on time.
    • Monitors should be always treated with the utmost respect.
    • Upon arriving
      • Students are required to sign in.
      • Students will proceed to place their cell phones in the designated holder.
    • Students are expected to maintain a quiet and focused atmosphere, refraining from talking aloud or engaging in any disruptive behavior.
    • Students may utilize their time by completing assigned work, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly.
    • Please note that detention takes precedence over all non-academic activities. It is crucial that students prioritize their commitment to attending detention and fulfill their obligations accordingly.
    • For students that fail to serve the detention, the administration will promptly contact the parent or guardian to address the situation. In such cases, additional disciplinary measures will be implemented as deemed necessary.
    • Failure to comply with these rules will result in further disciplinary consequences.

    Expectations to Observe During In-School-Suspension

    • Students are to report to ISS on time.
    • Monitors should be always treated with the utmost respect.
    • Upon arriving
      • Students are required to sign in.
      • Students will proceed to place their cell phones in the designated holder.
    • Students are expected to maintain a quiet and focused atmosphere, refraining from talking aloud or engaging in any disruptive behavior.
    • Throughout the day, the student's school counselor and/or case manager will request to meet with the student.
      • The Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) will meet with students based on the nature of the infraction.
    • Please note that ISS takes precedence over all non-academic activities. It is crucial that students prioritize their commitment to attending detention and fulfill their obligations accordingly.
    • Students are excluded from all school-sponsored activities, both during and after school hours, for the duration of the suspension period.
    • For students that fail to serve their ISS, the administration will promptly contact the parent or guardian to address the situation. In such cases, additional disciplinary measures will be implemented as deemed necessary.
    • Failure to comply with these rules will result in further disciplinary consequences.

    Expectations While Serving Out-of-School Suspension

    • Students are excluded from all school-sponsored activities, either during or after school hours, for the duration of the suspension period.
    • Students are prohibited from any Board of Education property for the duration of the suspension.
    • A parent may come to pick up assignments. Students are required to complete and turn in all completed work.
    • A mandatory re-admittance conference will be held with a school administrator, counselor, student, and parent(s) at the time of return.
    • Students will be required to meet with a counselor once they have returned to discuss and reflect on the nature of their infraction.

     

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Participation

    Student participation including but not limited to MHS Athletics, Marching Band, Dance, Chorus, clubs or extra-curricular activities, proms, special events such as senior trip/ picnic, senior-parent brunch, field trips, assemblies, dances, talent shows, and graduation ceremony: Students who pass beyond a certain threshold of discipline may not be permitted to participate. 

    Thresholds of Discipline

    • 10 days of cumulative discipline (any combination of OSS, ISS, ASD or Saturday Detention)
      • Places students on a 5-day probation from any of the above listed activities
      • In addition, students must satisfy completion of the issued number of student discipline from principal
    • 20 days of cumulative student discipline
      • Prohibits the student from attending any of the above listed activities for a period to be determined by the principal
      • In addition, students must satisfy completion of the issued number of student discipline from building principal

    Thresholds of Attendance 

    Policy #5200

     

    • 10 days unexcused absences from daily attendance
      • Places student on a 5-day probation from any of the above listed activities
    • 20 days unexcused absences from daily attendance
      • Student will not be permitted to participate in any of the above listed activities
        • Students who pass beyond a certain threshold of attendance will not be permitted to participate as indicated below

    5 Days Unexcused Late

    10 Days Unexcused Late

    15 Days Unexcused Late

    20 Days Unexcused Late

     

    1 Hour After-School Detention

     

    2 Hour After-School Detention

    5 Day Suspension from Extracurricular Activities

     

     

    Saturday Detention

     

     

    Saturday Detention

    Suspension from Extracurricular Activities for Remainder of School Year

    10 Unexcused Absences

    20 Unexcused Absences

    8 Unexcused Absences (Semester Course)

    16 Unexcused Absences (Semester Course)

    5 Day Suspension from Extracurricular Activities

    Suspension from Extracurricular Activities for Remainder of School Year

    Loss of Credit

    Loss of Credit

     

    Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) Guidelines

    Student assistance programs are designed to help students and their families with problems affecting their personal lives and academic performance. The Student Assistance Counselor’s (SAC) role is to enhance and support students’ success in the school environment. There are a range of school-based prevention and intervention services offered to assist students with personal problems and encourage them to build upon their strengths.

     

    The Student Assistance Counselor will:

    1. Identify students who may need assistance through referrals from teachers, parents, peers, or self-referrals by the students themselves.
    2. Conduct a preliminary assessment to understand the nature and extent of the student’s needs, assessing the student’s the student’s emotional, social, academic, and behavioral needs through interviews, observations, and possibly standardized assessments, while evaluating the risk of harm to self or others, especially in cases involving substance abuse, depression, or anxiety.
    3. Create an individualized intervention plan based on the assessment. This may include counseling, referrals to external resources, or academic support, working with the student to set realistic and achievable goals.
    4. Counseling sessions may also focus on teaching coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and social skills as needed.
    5. Regularly monitor the student's progress and adjust the intervention plan as needed, by scheduling follow-up sessions to ensure the student is meeting their goals and receiving the support they need.