Student Responsibilities

     The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has identified certain rights and responsibilities of students in the Public School System. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, and conformance to school rules and regulations.  Most importantly, students share a responsibility with the administration and faculty to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

     No student has the right to interfere with the education of his/her fellow students.  It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all others who are involved in the educational process. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.

     It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following:

• Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves accordingly.
• Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.
• Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.
• Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.
• Comply with Commonwealth and local laws.
• Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.
• Attend school daily and be on time at all classes and other school functions.
• Make up work when absent from school.
• Pursue and attempt to successfully complete the courses of study prescribed by the Commonwealth and local school authorities.

NOTE:    The school district has a written policy for discipline and attendance.  This policy, the High School Codes of Conduct is approved annually and is distributed to all students.

Acceptable Computer Use Policy

1. Students are responsible for adhering to all Upper Moreland School District Internet guidelines and policies and to the school's Code of Conduct.
2. Transferring copyrighted materials to or from any Upper Moreland School network without expressed consent of the copyright holder is a violation of federal law and is prohibited.
3. Students using the Internet accept the responsibility to keep all inappropriate material from entering the school network.
4. Use of the district computer system, to include electronic mail and other network communications facilities, to harass, offend, or annoy other persons is forbidden.
5. Students using school district computer facilities may not allow any other person to use their password or to share their account. It is the student's responsibility to protect his/her accounts from unauthorized use by changing passwords periodically and using passwords that are not easily guessed.
6. Any attempt to circumvent system security, obtain or use others' passwords, or in any way gain unauthorized access to local or network resources is forbidden.
7. Use of the district's computer system for commercial gain or profit is not allowed.
8. Students using the network within the Upper Moreland School District may not move, repair, reconfigure, modify, or attach external devices to the systems.
9. First priority for use of the Internet within the Upper Moreland School District's computer facilities is afforded to those students who have an educational need. The Upper Moreland School District may impose time restrictions on use of the computer system to insure equity of use.
10. The Upper Moreland School District may modify these guidelines at any time. Students using the school district’s computer facilities are responsible for reading and observing these newer rules as well.

Computer Ethics/Etiquette
Engagement in the following behavior will result in discipline appropriate to the level of offense and/or loss of network privileges for a minimum of one marking period:

• Writing and/or sending abusive messages to others
• Using inappropriate or vulgar language (accessed, written, or printed)
• Transmitting personal address and/or phone number of self, other students, or staff
• Failing to report activities of others which may be questionable
• Disruption of the network, e.g., sending E-mail messages or broadcast messages; annoying other users using the talk or write functions
• Use of system for commercial gain or profit
• Giving password to another user
• Use of another individual's account or access
• Accessing "chat" rooms or talking in real time
• Accessing web sites in questionable subject areas without permission from staff
• Using the system not in support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives of Upper Moreland
• Accessing blogs/forums/social networking websites (i.e., MySpace, Xanga, Facebook, MyYearbook, Friendster, and Bebo) is not permitted unless it is used as a source for research assigned by a teacher.  A note from the teacher supporting specific use will be required.

Computer Security/Ethical Violations
Engagement in the following behavior will result in discipline appropriate to the level of offense and/or loss of network privileges for a minimum of one term (semester):

• Downloading or uploading documents without permission
• Misleading staff about document transmission requests
• Invasion or violation of system security
• Demonstration or exploitation of security weakness to other users
• Altering passwords or accounts of other users
• Transferring files from one user to another
• Offering access to any individual outside of the Upper Moreland School District
• Moving, repairing, reconfiguring, modifying or attaching external devices to the system

Discipline for Major Computer Security/Ethical Violations
Engagement in the following behaviors will result in discipline appropriate to the level of offense and/or permanent loss of privileges, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities:

• Assessing and/or transmission of material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations, including but not limited to copyrighted material, illegal activities, threatening or obscene material, or material protected trade secret
• Entering the system in an unauthorized capacity, such by identifying oneself as an administrator or teacher user
• Vandalism, such as attempting to or actually harming or destroying data of another user, the NetWare system, internal system, connected agencies or any other connected networks. This includes but is not limited to the uploading/downloading, sharing or creation of computer viruses, or "Trojan horses”
• Breaking in or attempting to break into another computer system
• Writing and/or running programs that would violate network security
• Destroying or altering hardware and/or software of the system
• Refusal to cooperate with system administrator

Activity Code

The Upper Moreland High School believes it is important to maintain a co-curricular program to enhance the regular curricular program. Participation in these co-curricular activities is a privilege which students earn through appropriate behavior, conduct, and attitudes. Consistent with our district's philosophy, the guidelines and regulations contained herein represent responsibilities to which students must adhere, in order to participate in the co-curricular program.
While this policy encompasses student responsibilities related to school attendance and overall behavior, we are most concerned with the involvement of our young people with drugs and alcohol. As stated in the Code of Conduct, "Possessing, using, transmitting, manufacturing, or being under the influence of any drug or mood altering substance and/or alcoholic beverage on school premises, in one's locker or book bag, in one's vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity, or conspiring to do any of the above acts" is a violation of school policy.
Any participant in a school activity who violates this Code may be suspended from participation in activities for a minimum of the remainder of that current activity season. Students may be suspended from an activity at the beginning of a season if the violation occurs between seasons. Students who participate in extracurricular activities are representatives of the district 24 hours a day and are, therefore, subject to the Code even outside of school hours and off school premises and are subject to the same consequences as if it happened in school.
By being allowed to participate in a school activity, the student agrees to follow the guidelines outlined in this Code and accept the responsibilities set forth herein.

Specific to Athletes:
Participants in the interscholastic athletic program must abide by the PIAA, Suburban I, and Upper Moreland School District requirements concerning the eligibility of students which include, but are not necessarily limited to age, amateur status, attendance, health, transfer, academic performance, conduct, and out-of-season regulations.
Participation in two sports within the same season is not permitted.
A student may not participate on a day that he/she has been absent from school, unless such absence was prior approved by the school.
A student arriving at school after 9:00 am (excluding a doctor’s appointment, attending a funeral, or participating in a college visitation) may not participate in practice or a contest that day.
A student on suspension from school (in-school or out-of-school) may not attend practices and may not compete while on suspension. This ban shall begin on the first day that the suspension is being served, and remains in effect until the day on which classes are to be resumed.
Displays of unsportsmanlike conduct or the use of profanity toward an opponent, teammate, official, or coach will result in counseling by the coach and possible suspension from the team by the coach or the Director of Athletics. Athletes removed from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will receive a mandatory minimum one game suspension. This suspension shall commence with the first scheduled game following the ejection.
Team members are expected to be present at all practices, team meetings, and contests unless excused by the coach. This also includes post-season playoff competition.
Students quitting a team make themselves ineligible for any other sport during that season. However, students who try out and are "cut" from a team are eligible to try out for and participate in another sport.
All team members are to travel to and from away contests by means of the transportation provided by the school district. Exceptions to this requirement will be made for emergency purposes only and must be pre-approved by the Director of Athletics.
Athletes are responsible for returning all uniforms and equipment that were issued to them. Failure to do so will result in a financial obligation equal to the full replacement cost of the item.
The hope is that all persons in our school community will be supportive in helping to establish a positive, meaningful, healthy, and safe atmosphere for our students and families. Students involved in extracurricular activities and benefiting from their privileges should be committed to the same sense of purpose.

Attendance Policy

School attendance is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents or guardians. A student who fails to meet the requirements for daily attendance may impede the learning process. This policy addresses the minimum attendance requirements necessary for the awarding of credits for scheduled courses. During a full year course, if the absences not covered by a doctor's excuse total more than twenty days, no credit will be awarded.

Excused Absences
The Board of School Directors of Upper Moreland Township, consistent with Pennsylvania law and regulations, will not condone nor permit absences from school for an unlawful reason and will not issue credit if minimum student attendance is not achieved. Therefore, every student enrolled in the public schools of Upper Moreland Township will be in daily attendance except for the following reasons:

• Personal illness
• Quarantine of the individual or home
• Death in the immediate family
• Educational trip (one educational trip per school year, not to exceed five school days, with his/her parent/guardian, and with the prior approval of the administration)
• Exceptionally urgent reasons - must pertain to student
• Religious holiday
• Suspension from school
• Required court appearance
• College visitation (with approval)
• In the case of the exceptional student (special education), where absence is caused by or directly related to the student's exceptionality
• Religious instruction - at the written request of a parent, students may be excused for up to 39 hours of religious instruction per year

Absences for the above reasons, when verified in accordance with Part B below, will not be counted against the student, although work missed must be made up in accordance with Part E below. All other absences, which occur without prior administrative approval, will be unexcused for all purposes.

Once a day of absence has been determined to be unexcused, students shall:

• Have their marking period final average lowered by four points in all courses rostered in that marking period
• Be assigned to one full-day Saturday detention
• Have their parent/guardian notified of the actions taken

Each subsequent unexcused absence will result in an additional four point reduction in the current marking period final average of all rostered courses and an assignment to in-school suspension. Parents/guardians will be notified of the actions taken. After the third unexcused absence in a school year, the student and his/her parent/guardian will be given notice of the following procedure:

• For students less than 17 years of age, the next unexcused absence will result in a criminal complaint being filed without warning for non-compliance of the compulsory school attendance laws.
• For students 17 years of age or older, the next unexcused absence will result in a forfeiture of his/her right to a public education for the remainder of the semester, subject to applicable due process procedures. No credit for the semester will be earned.

Absence Verification
When a student returns to school after an absence, a written excuse must be provided by a parent/guardian. This excuse must be for one of the permissible reasons for absence stated in Part A above in order for the absence to be excused. Unless a written excuse is presented within three school days after the student returns to school, the absence will be counted as unexcused. A doctor's excuse may be required for any absence due to illness or injury that is three or more consecutive school days in duration and/or for a student who is consistently absent from school (ten or more days) in order for the absences not to be declared unexcused. Any students absent from school and involved in illegal activities during school hours will have their absence recorded as a day truant from school.
Class Cuts
Students who are present in school on a given day but are illegally absent from a scheduled class are subject to the following penalties:

• 1st Cut - four percentage points deducted from marking period final average, parental notification by the teacher, and assignment of one 90-minute Saturday detention
• 2nd Cut - four additional percentage points deducted from marking period final average, parental notification by the discipline office, and assignment of one 180-minute Saturday detention and two days of in-school suspension
• 3rd Cut - four additional percentage points deducted from marking period final average, and two days out-of-school suspension with required parent/guardian conference prior to reinstatement
• 4th Cut - loss of course credit and assignment to closed study in lieu of affected course for the remainder of the semester, with parent notification of action taken

It should be noted that the above stated penalties are imposed separately and independently for each course rostered. Percentage points deducted for class cuts are distinct for any similar deductions imposed for days of illegal absence from school. The loss of points for class cuts is recognition of the fact that regular attendance is an important part of the educational process. Since daily student participation is a recognized component in the determination of final grades, grade reduction for class cuts is an appropriate action.

Lateness to School (Tardiness)
A student's late arrival to school will be excused for the following reasons only:

• Personal illness
• Quarantine of the individual or home
• Death in the immediate family
• Unusual weather conditions
• Exceptionally urgent reasons - must pertain to the student
• Religious holiday
• Required court appearance
• In the case of an exceptional student (special education) where the tardiness is caused by or directly related to the student's exceptionality

Students arriving late for school should present an excuse note to the Attendance Office upon arrival. In order for the lateness to be classified as "excused", the note must be signed by the parent/guardian and must state the reason for lateness. If such a note is not presented at the time of arrival, it is the student's responsibility to bring it to the Attendance Office on the next school day. Failure to meet this requirement will result in:

• The assignment of one 90-minute Saturday detention
• The classification of the lateness as "unexcused" with a grade of “zero” given for any missed work

Any cumulative lateness in excess of five days will require a medical note in order to be recorded as excused. On the sixth day and for subsequent lateness, a student will receive an administrative detention, unless excused by a medical note. Excessive lateness will result in a required parent conference and disciplinary action. If lateness continues after the parent conference, percentage points will be deducted from final marking period averages for those classes affected by the lateness’s. Percentage points deducted for excessive lateness are distinct from any similar deductions imposed for class cuts or days of illegal absence from school. Three or more unexcused lateness’s to school disqualifies a student for the perfect attendance award.

College Visitations
Normally, college visitations by juniors and seniors will be scheduled during non-school time. If the visitation cannot be so scheduled, one day prior to the visitation the student must present to the proper authority a letter from the college or a parent requesting the visitation. If prior approval is not received, the days will be declared unexcused absences. A maximum of two days' absence per year is permitted for this purpose.

School Sponsored Activities
A student must be present in order to participate in any school-sponsored activity for that day. A student in-school or out-of-school suspension may not attend or participate in any extra-curricular activities during the length of the suspension. The Code of Conduct will apply to all school-sponsored activities

Dismissal During School Hours
Attempts should be made to schedule all medical and dental appointments at times other than the school day. A student who needs to be excused for a part of the day for such an appointment must present a written request from his/her parent/guardian, and must subsequently file a note from the doctor verifying that the appointment was attended. A student who has an excusable appointment is to attend classes until the time of dismissal and then return after the appointment, unless medical reasons prevent such a return. Early dismissals other than those outlined above will be granted only for emergency reasons. All missed class assignments must be made up in order for the student to receive full credit.

Cheating and Plagiarizing

Cheating and plagiarizing are dishonest. Students who elect to engage in this behavior are attempting to get something for little or no effort. These actions can result in students gaining an unfair advantage over those who do honest work. When students cheat or plagiarize, they avoid real challenges, real learning and real growth by circumventing true academic challenges. Cheating and plagiarizing undercut the trust and openness which underlie the thoughtful collaboration and sincere debate which are the basis of a true education. Ultimately, only a refusal to indulge in or tolerate cheating or plagiarizing will bring these actions to an end.
At Upper Moreland High School cheating includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying homework
• Having parents or tutors complete assignments
• Copying from the test or quiz of another student
• Offering or receiving  information about the content of tests or quizzes
• Bringing in and using unauthorized information during a test, including information stored on a calculator or computer
• Passing information to or receiving information from a classmate during a test
• Intentionally exposing a test paper to the view of classmates
• Submitting another’s work as one’s own
• Doing another person’s assignment for him/her
• Presenting collaborative work as independent work
• Copying answers from answer guides in a text

Plagiarism:    As a form of cheating, is defined as “the act of using another person’s expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source.” Acts of plagiarism include but are not limited to:

• Reproducing another person’s work, whether published or unpublished, including using materials from any source that distributes prepared research papers
• Submitting, as one’s own, any academic exercise prepared totally or in part by another
• Allowing another person to alter or revise one’s work substantially and then submitting it as one’s own
• Using another person’s written words or ideas without properly acknowledging the source
• Failing to acknowledge study aids or common reference source
• Failure to acknowledge and cite all sources, including the sources of ideas, and all electronic sources
• Failure to acknowledge a source of information, regardless of intention
• Paraphrasing:

SAMPLE:  “Slant lines and an oblique form of expression ensure the oddness of surface in Dickinson’s poems; the resonant forms of her language stand for her conviction of the baffling eccentricity of life and thought” (from the introduction to her poems in The Harper American Literature)
Plagiarized: Emily Dickinson seems to use slant rhymes, oblique language, and punctuation to show that she finds life baffling.
NOT Plagiarized: The editors of Emily Dickinson suggest that she used slant rhymes, oblique language, and punctuation to show how baffling she found life (Harper American Literature 1171).

Preventative/Proactive Measures to Minimize Cheating or Plagiarizing:

• Submit original work
• Put away all notes, keep an eye on one’s own paper, work in silence, and refrain from leaving one’s seat once an exam has begun
• Place the names of all participants on any collaborative assignments or experiments
• Use an MLA format in all classes
• Submit a bibliography before the completion of any research paper
• Document all sources used
• Mention sources in the text of the document
• Consult the teacher if unsure about a question relating to the originality of one’s work

Consequences of Cheating or Plagiarizing: 

• Level III disciplinary responses according to the Disciplinary Code of Conduct.

Classroom Attendance

       Regular attendance in classes is an important part of the educational process.  Students illegally absent from a class will have their parents notified, will be assigned Saturday detention(s), and will have four (4) percentage points deducted from their marking period final average.  These penalties will be assessed for each illegal absence from class. 

Conduct

       The behavior of students should reflect the standards of good citizenship expected in a democratic society.  Self-discipline is one of the most important goals of education.  While education is the right of American youth, it is not an absolute right; consequently, it will be denied to any student whose behavior does not merit his or her continuation in school.
             Students attending Upper Moreland High School are expected to exhibit behavior appropriate to an educational setting.  The staff expects every pupil to be courteous to fellow students, to teachers, to substitute teachers and to all other members of the school staff.  Courtesy and respect should be extended to visitors in classes, in the halls, in the cafeteria, in assemblies, and at athletic contests.
            The Board of School Directors, in compliance with state law, annually reviews and adopts their policies concerning student behavior.  These policies are contained in the High School Code of Student Conduct copies of which are provided to all students at the beginning of each school year.  Information in this document outlines what is acceptable behavior as well as what actions will be considered infractions of the rules.  In addition, disciplinary responses for inappropriate behavior are listed.
            Proper student behavior should extend beyond the environment of the normal school day.  School-related activities are only successful if acceptable conduct is exhibited by all individuals in attendance.
Athletic Events
       The following guidelines for athletic contests are to be adhered to by every contestant and spectator alike to ensure that our athletic program is a credit to our school and the community:

• Visiting teams are to be honored guests of the home team and should be treated with every courtesy.
• Unsportsmanlike or unfair tactics are not to be used
• All decisions of the game officials should be respected.
• Every student spectator represents his/her school as much as the contestants and should behave accordingly.
• Disrespectful behavior directed at officials, visiting players or fans will not be tolerated.
• Any spectator who continually evidences poor sportsmanship will be denied the privilege of attending future contests.
• Students may not attend extra curricular activities if they are not present in school that day.

Social Events

• Only students of Upper Moreland High School and their guests will be admitted to dances, concerts, or any other functions that are given by the high school.  An event attendance form must be filled out for all non-UM students at least two days prior to the event.  Event forms are located in the Main Office.
• Once a student and his or her guest enter the event, they may not leave and return again.
• All school rules are in effect.  Any infraction of school rules at an evening event will be dealt with in the same manner as if it happened during the school day.

Detention Hall – Saturday
Students accumulating lateness’s not covered by a parental note, illegal absences, or class cuts will be assigned Saturday detention(s). These Saturday detentions will be held four times a year.  The dates for the 2005-2006 school year are as follows:

1. November 10
2. April 5
3. January 26
4. June 7
   Cutting a Saturday detention will result in an out-of school suspension.

Detention Hall - Weekday
Students who do not adhere to school rules and regulations concerning proper behavior may be assigned to an after-school detention by a key teacher or building administrator. Students absent from school on a day when they are scheduled to serve a detention have the responsibility of automatically reporting to the detention on the next day that they are in school.  Failure to report on time to detention hall will result in additional disciplinary action.  Students must have all detentions served or be up-to-date by the end of each marking period to receive their report cards.  Students who have more than 3 detention cuts in a marking period may not participate in any extra curricular activities until the detentions are served.

Electronic Devices

Use of cellular phones during school hours (between 7:15 am and 2:10 pm) is prohibited.  A violation will result in the confiscation of the device until a parent conference takes place.  Continued violations of this rule may result in further disciplinary action.
                                                                                                                   

Fighting

        Fighting on school property will not be tolerated.  Violators will be subject to 5 days of out-of-school suspension, 5 days of detention upon their return, and referral to the local district judge for prosecution under the disorderly conduct statute.

Language

       Inappropriate or obscene language in the hallways or classrooms will not be tolerated.  Students who use inappropriate language will be assigned a detention on the day of the occurrence, and a report will be forwarded to the discipline office for review and possible further action.

Lateness To Class or Homeroom

         It is each student's responsibility to arrive at classes and homeroom on time.  A student is considered to be late for class or homeroom if he or she is not in the assigned room when the bell rings.  Student lateness is subject to disciplinary action by the classroom or homeroom teacher. 

Leaving School Property

         Students are not to leave school property during school hours without a pass from an administrator or a pre-approved early dismissal pass.  Leaving school property will result in suspension and possible loss of driving privileges.

Lockers

         During the first week of school, students will be assigned hall lockers by their homeroom teacher.  Lockers are to be used for storage and the protection of student's personal property.  The school cannot assume responsibility for the contents of student lockers.
         Lockers do not belong to students; they are considered to be school property.  School authorities may search a student's locker and seize any illegal materials.  Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary, juvenile, or criminal proceedings.
         Students may not put their personal locks on a hall locker.

Locker Rooms

         All students are assigned to a locker in the physical education locker room at the beginning of each school year.  Students participating in sports may also be assigned a locker in the team locker room at the beginning of each sports season.  The following rules must be followed by all students:

• The physical education locker room is open only to students who have physical education classes when those classes are scheduled.  The team locker-room is open only to members of athletic teams when games or practices are scheduled.
• No food may be eaten in the locker room.
• All lockers and the locker room must be kept clean.
• Articles found in lockers not officially assigned to a student will be removed, held for a reasonable length of time, and if not claimed, will be disposed of.
• Students are encouraged to keep physical education lockers locked at all times.  Money or valuables must be left with the coach or physical education teacher for safekeeping, since the school does not assume responsibility for articles left in lockers.

     As with hall lockers, physical education and team lockers may be searched by school authorities.  Students may not put their locks on a physical education or team locker.

Personal Audio/Video Devices

     Personal audio/video devices (radio, CD player, I-Pod, tape player, PDA, etc.) are not to be used anywhere in Upper Moreland High School prior to 2:10pm during a regular school day.
      Students are expected to remove and place out of sight any audio/video device prior to entering the building. Failing to follow this rule can result in administrative detentions and confiscation of the items. Repeated offenses may result in disciplinary action.
      Any student who brings a personal audio/video device to school does so at his/her own risk.  The school accepts no responsibility for the theft or damage of any such item

School Dress

       All students are expected to dress in good taste and to wear attire that is safe to the wearer and to others, not likely to cause damage to property, and is not unduly distracting to the orderly teaching/learning process.  In addition, students are expected to avoid extremes in dress and grooming which might distract teachers and other students in classroom situations and thereby interfere with the teaching and learning processes.
       The following dress does not meet the above stated standards is therefore considered inappropriate attire for Upper Moreland High School:

• Articles of clothing that have indecent, suggestive, hateful , biased, or offensive writings, pictures, or slogans
• Pajamas/slippers
• Exposed underwear
• Bare midriffs
• Spaghetti straps
• Tank tops
• Hats
• Bandannas

       For special functions (i.e. school dances, field trips, special theme days) students are to conform to the type of dress deemed appropriate by the sponsoring organization.
       To deal with continuous change in fashion, the administration reserves the right to exercise discretion in determining what is appropriate dress and grooming.  Some mode of footwear must be worn.
       Students who do not dress in good taste may be required to remove or cover the offending dress to comply with the aforementioned regulations regarding school dress.
      Graduation is a very dignified formal affair, and as such students participating in the ceremony must wear the caps and gowns provided by the independent supplier hired by the district.  In addition, honor stoles and tassels will be worn by honor society members.  No jewelry, symbols, cards or displays of any kind are permitted to be worn over the cap or gown by any student participating in the ceremony.  Furthermore, shoes and appropriate garments under the gown will be required as outlined by the high school administration.

      Students may be searched by the administration to detect the possible possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons, or stolen property.
Lockers belong to the school district and are provided to the student only for limited purposes. The administration has a right to inspect a student's locker at any time.
Automobiles may be searched by the administration to detect the possible possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons, or possible stolen properties or for any other reasonable suspicion.

 Sexual Harassment

     Sexual harassment is not tolerated at Upper Moreland High School.  Sexual harassment, a Level III offense in the High School Code Of Student Conduct is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other physical conduct of a sexual nature on school grounds, at a school activity, or when a student is on his/her way to or from school.
            Any student who alleges sexual harassment by another student or by any staff member of Upper Moreland School district should direct his/her complaint to a teacher, counselor, nurse, or administrator.  The complaint will be immediately reported to the Principal who, after investigation, will discipline any student found guilty of sexual harassment.

            Students who must bring skateboards, roller blades, or any other such equipment to school are to carry these items into the building and immediately store them in their lockers where they must remain until the end of the school day.  Under no circumstances may these items be visible in or used in the building or on the campus during school hours.  The penalty for failing to follow this rule is three (3) administrative detentions and confiscation of the item.
            Any student who brings a skateboard or any other such equipment to school does so at his/her own risk.  The school accepts no responsibility for the theft or damage of any such item.

            It is the policy of the Upper Moreland School District that the possession or use of tobacco by students is prohibited on school grounds, in school district vehicles, and in school district buildings. Violations will be reported to the local District Court for prosecution under Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Section 6306.1 and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $50.00 plus the cost of prosecution. Students will also be suspended out-of-school for a period of two full days on the first offense. Subsequent offenses will result in further out-of-school suspensions.
            Students found in an area where smoking has recently occurred are subject to a ‘reasonable cause” search for tobacco items. Searches of this nature are outlined in Section VI Subsection B of the High School Codes of Conduct.

Disciplinary Responses and Procedures
The behaviors listed in each level are only examples. There may be other behaviors of a similar nature, which are not listed but are included within each level.

LEVEL I
Minor misbehavior on the part of the student, which interferes with the orderly operation of the school and its activities including but not limited to:

• Classroom disturbance
• Misuse of library privileges
• Unexcused classroom lateness
• Misconduct on a school vehicle
• Violation of radio/headset policy
• Misuse of cameras, video recording devices, etc.
• Selling items on school grounds without the prior authorization of the building administration
• Failure to provide a written excuse from parent/guardian for an absence from school
• Taking food or beverages into a classroom or other academic areas
• Violation of Computer Use Guidelines or Computer Network and Internet Misconduct
• Bullying
• Inappropriate use of skateboards during school hours
• Other behaviors of a similar nature.

Such misconduct may result in one or more of the following disciplinary responses:

• Verbal reprimand
• Individual teacher detention(s)
• Written record maintained by staff member and report filed with discipline office
• Parental contact by telephone or letter
• Counseling
• Loss of privileges
• Assignment to administrative detention(s)
• Confiscation (returned to parent)

Continuation of Level I misbehavior will result in disciplinary responses appropriate for Level II actions.

LEVEL II
Misbehaviors that are frequent or serious in nature or which tend to disrupt the learning climate and/or orderly operation of the school or its activities included but not limited to:

• Misconduct anywhere on school grounds or school property, such as in classrooms, assemblies, hallways, library, cafeteria, gymnasium, and lavatories
• Misconduct on a school vehicle
• Presence in unauthorized areas of building or school grounds during school hours
• Inappropriate and/or suggestive behavior during the school day or at school activities or on the bus
• Cutting Class
• Improper dress (including offensive clothing, hats, headbands, bandanas, etc.)
• Cutting a teacher's detention
• Leaving class for any reason without teacher permission
• Inappropriate language while on school grounds or at school function
• Failure to follow the directive of a staff member
• Possession on one's person or personal property or in one's locker of a paging device without the prior approval of an administrator (Possession of a paging device: Pennsylvania Public School Code Section 131317.1 - The possession by students of paging devices is prohibited on school grounds, school buses, and at school-sponsored activities without the prior approval of school authorities.)
• Possession by students of cigarettes, cigars, pipes or smokeless tobacco on school district property or at school-sponsored activities
• Violation of Computer Use Guidelines or Computer Network and Internet Misconduct
• Other behaviors of a similar nature
• Bullying
• Continued Level I misconduct

Such misconduct may result in one or more of the following responses:

• Assignment to administrative detention(s) or closed study hall
• Saturday detention
• Parent/guardian contact
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension – Parent conference must take place before student is reinstated
• Behavior modification contract
• Loss of privileges
• Confiscation (returned to parent)

Continuation of Level II misbehavior will result in disciplinary responses appropriate for Level III actions.

LEVEL III
Any act against or affecting persons (including self) or property, the consequences of which do not seriously endanger the health or safety of others including but not limited to:

• Falsifying teacher and/or parent signatures or altering documents signed by them
• Cheating
• Plagiarism
• Rude and/or disrespectful behavior toward a staff member
• Serious classroom disruption which interferes with learning
• Use of profanity, vulgarity, obscene words or gestures; racial or ethnic slurs, or other derogatory actions
• Bullying
• Truancy
• Gambling
• Striking matches or igniting lighters
• Possession of, smoking, or use of tobacco products on school district property, on school buses, or while under school supervision
• Possession or use of fireworks including novelty items such as snappers, poppers, sparklers, stink bombs, and smoke bombs
• Theft of property belonging to others, such as the district, school employees, or students
• Participation in an organized day of student absence
• Violation of Computer Use Guidelines or Computer Network and Internet Misconduct
• Continued Level II misconduct
• Other behaviors of a similar nature

Such misconduct may result in one or more of the following responses:

• Assignment to administrative detention(s) and/or closed study
• Receive a "zero" for work as a result of cheating (including plagiarism)
• Placement in homebound instruction or other alternative education program
• Referral to appropriate outside agency
• Referral to law enforcement authorities
• Loss of privileges
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension - Parent conference must take place before student is reinstated
• Recommendation for expulsion

LEVEL IV
Acts of violence, acts which result in harm or damage to another's person or property, acts which pose a threat to the health or safety of others in the school, or criminal acts, on school property, in school vehicles, or at school functions, or affecting school property or persons, such as students, school employees, or invitees. Most of these acts are criminal in nature and are so serious that they require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and expulsion by the Board of School Directors.
These include but are not limited to:

• Possession on one's person or personal property, in one's locker, or in one's vehicle of a dangerous instrument or weapon while on school grounds or under the jurisdiction of the school. A weapon includes but is not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku stick, brass or metal knuckles, spiked jewelry, firearm, shotgun, rifle, look-a-like gun, chemical agent such as mace, explosive device, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. Included in this behavior is the use of common items (jewelry, compasses, pencils, select sports equipment, etc.) to harm or attempt to harm others.
• Possessing, using, transmitting, manufacturing, or being under the influence of any drug or mood altering substance and/or alcoholic beverage on school property, in one's locker or book bag, on one’s person or personal property, or in one's vehicle or at any school sponsored activity, or conspiring to do any of the above acts. Included in the classification of "drugs" are all controlled substances, any synthetic chemical, which has the same effect as a controlled substance, and any item, which is represented as, or believed to be a controlled substance.
• Possession, distribution, or use of over-the-counter drugs. The school nurse may authorize a student to possess and use over-the-counter drugs.
• Possession, distribution, or use of inhalants and other prescription drugs. The school nurse may authorize a student to possess and use inhalants and other prescription drugs.
• Attacking, fighting, striking, attempting to strike or harm, threatening (written or verbal or physical), and /or intimidating a student, while on school grounds or under the jurisdiction of the school or stemming from an event at school, even if the attack occurs off school property or after hours. Any person who is assaulted has the right to file charges with the proper authorities.
• Attacking, striking, attempting to strike or harm, pushing, threatening bodily harm, or harassing (verbally or in writing or physically) a school district employee, school board member, or guest of the school district, whether on or off property. Any person who is assaulted has the right to file charges with the proper authorities.
• Destruction of, attempt to, and/or threat to destroy school district property or property of a school district employee
• Theft or attempted theft and/or participation in the theft of property belonging to others, such as the district, school employees, or students
• Breaking or entering any school district building or vehicle
• Interfering with the safe operation of a school district vehicle or jeopardizing the health and/or safety of the passengers
• Tampering with/falsely activating a fire alarm or safety device
• Deliberate and serious disruption of school or a school-sponsored activity
• Throwing of objects without the legitimate purpose (including food, food containers, or utensils in the cafeteria)
• Vandalism
• Misusing 9-1-1 phone number
• Making bomb and similar threats
• Serious violation of Computer Use Guidelines or Computer Network and Internet Misconduct
• Other behaviors of a similar nature
• Continuation of Level III misbehavior

Such misconduct may result in one or more of the following responses:

• Immediate removal from school
• Referral to appropriate outside agency
• Referral to law enforcement authorities
• Out-of-school suspension with parent conference to discuss conditions for possible reinstatement
• Recommendation for expulsion
• Loss of privileges for a minimum of (90) days
• Possession of a weapon in school, on school grounds, while in transport to or from school, or at school-sponsored events will lead to a ten day suspension and a formal due process hearing and may result in an expulsion from school for at least one year

Criminal Law Consequences
Possession of weapon on school property: Legislature has mandated that the commission of this offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree and will be punishable by a maximum of five years imprisonment and/or imposition of a $10,000 fine.
Aggravated assault upon school personnel: A misdemeanor of the first degree will be punishable for not more than five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine. For a subsequent conviction or finding of delinquency, the Code states the sanction to be a felony of the third degree with a maximum of seven years imprisonment and/or a $15,000 fine.
Fighting or acting in a violent or threatening manner while in a public school building: A summary offense punishable according to theguidelines for a charge of disorderly conduct. Subsequent convictions are pursued as first-degree misdemeanors.

Students committing serious offenses and/or those students who continue to disregard school rules and regulations will be placed on suspension. While suspended, a student may not attend any school functions. This ban begins on the first day that the suspension is being served and remains in effect until the day on which classes are to be resumed.  Students in violation of this prohibition policy will lose the privilege of attending  school functions for the remainder of the semester.      

Students arriving at school after homeroom period must report to the attendance office for a pass to be admitted to class.
            A note signed by the parent or guardian stating the reason for lateness is required in order for the lateness to be classified as “excused.” Five “parent excused” notes will be accepted each semester.  After five lateness’s the student will receive an administrative detention assigned for the same day as the lateness.  Additional lateness’s can only be excused with a doctor or dentist’s note or a court subpoena.
            Students who arrive late to school (unexcused) after 11:00 am will not receive credit for the day.  The day will be carried as an unexcused absence and the student will receive additional disciplinary action.  Students who arrive late to school and fail to check in at the attendance office will receive two administrative detentions.
                        Excessive lateness will result in a required parent conference and disciplinary action.  If lateness’s continue after the parent conference, percentage points will be deducted from final marking period averages for those classes affected by the lateness’s. Three or more unexcused lateness’s will disqualify a  student for the “Perfect Attendance Award.”

Students needing to contact their parents during the school day may use the free phone in the main office. For an emergency during the school day, parents should contact the high school main office at 830-1500 and not through the student’s cell phone.

                        School bus riding is a privilege that can and will be revoked if the rider fails to observe the rules of good conduct and safety.  Each bus student will be issued a bus pass and must carry it in order to ride the bus. Bus drivers will make regular checks of bus tickets; only students who have been issued a bus pass will be permitted to ride to and from school.
            A schedule of buses used to transport students engaged in after school activities is developed and posted on a yearly basis.
            Maintaining good order on a school bus requires the cooperation of students, parents, teachers, principals and bus drivers.  To ensure maximum safety of bus riders the following rules are in effect consistent with the High School Code of Student Conduct for Upper Moreland students:

• All students transported by school bus are required to have some identification which must be presented to the bus driver upon request.
• Buses will depart five minutes after dismissal time from the same location each day.
• Pupils are encouraged to arrive at the bus stop on time and respect the property surrounding the bus stop; keep noise to a minimum; enter the bus in an orderly manner and cooperate with the bus driver who is responsible for safety.
• Eating, drinking or gum chewing is prohibited while on a school bus.
• All bus riders shall be seated.
• Seating is at the discretion of the driver, unless a seating plan prepared by the building principal is deemed necessary.
• Passengers to be discharged at bus stops shall remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
• All passengers shall be seated while the bus is in motion.
• No passenger is permitted to extend his or her head or arms from any bus window.
• Smoking on a school bus is prohibited.
• Throwing objects of any kind is prohibited while in a school bus or while passengers are boarding or alighting busses.
• Yelling, shouting, excessively loud talking which could distract the driver is prohibited.
• Spitting is prohibited.
• Pets are not permitted on a school bus.
• Running after a school bus is prohibited.
• Students must ride their assigned bus only.
• *Using profanity or obscenities is prohibited.
• *Fighting is prohibited.
• *Vandalism is prohibited.
• *Carrying of firearms or other weapons is prohibited.
• *Interfering with the safe operation of a bus or jeopardizing the safety of all passengers and riders is prohibited.
• *Assaulting any school district employee, school board member or student is prohibited.
• *Possession of alcoholic beverage or narcotics is prohibited.

(* Violation of State Laws)
             In enforcing the above rules and regulations, the bus  
driver, personnel assigned to bus duty, and principals shall adhere to the following procedures:

• Penalties for violations will be consistent with those listed for the various levels of discipline as listed in the High School Code of Student Conduct for Upper Moreland Township Schools.
• If a violation of any rule occurs when students are returning home, the driver will notify the transportation office immediately who will notify the principal in order that the parent(s) is notified.
• Notification of the results of any action taken for any of the above violations will be sent by the assistant principal to the bus driver, transportation department and parent.

Anyone in school buildings without permission is considered to be trespassing. Anyone caught trespassing on school property may be prosecuted for trespassing.