Advisory Lesson

November 7th

Topic:  Discipline information from the Deans in hopes of reducing detentions and suspensions.    

Objectives:

1. Discuss common behavior infractions and consequences

2. Explain rationale for rules

Activities:  Go over the following behaviors

1. Recording fights

2. Vaping - Juuling

3. Leaving campus

4. ID cards

Notes:

The Deans have noticed a general lack of knowledge about some important rules at school that carry tough consequences for students who violate them.  In an effort to save students from detentions and suspensions, we will take some time today to discuss common issues and why these rules were put into place in the first place.

1. Recording fights (refer to pg. 30 in planner):

The deans are seeing an increase in students recording fights that occur at school.  It is important for students not to participate in the “Bystander Effect” when they see a fight.  They need to get an adult immediately to help stop the fight as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of someone being injured.  Recording a fight is a violation of another student’s privacy and carries the same punishment as actually fighting: a minimum 3-day suspension and 30-day activity suspension.

*There is no need for students to record fights for evidence; school cameras will provide all the necessary video footage security needs.

2. Vaping/Juuling are tobacco products, which fall under Drug and Alcohol offenses at school (refer to pg. 27 in planner):

Vaping and juuling are illegal for anyone under the age of 21.  All tobacco products pose harmful risks to our bodies and are highly addictive, which is why vaping and juuling are not allowed at school.  If a student is caught, there is a minimum 3-day suspension and 30-day activity suspension. A second offense can carry a 5-day suspension and 60-day activity suspension.  For repeated offences, an alternative placement may be considered.

*Vaping is one of the most common violations this year.  Protect your health and don’t risk getting a suspension – don’t use these products.

3. Closed Campus Violation (refer to pg. 30 in planner):

The school is responsible for your wellbeing during the school day; when you go off campus, you are putting your health and safety in jeopardy.  Leaving campus (skipping) is considered an unexcused absence, which means a teacher can deny a student the ability to make up any missing work from that absence.  A student will be assigned either ISS or After School Student Assist (ASSA) for any unexcused absence.

*Skipping classes negatively impacts grades, attendance rates and creates unnecessary conflict with teachers.

4. Student ID cards:

Students must have their ID on them at all times during school and at school events.  If a staff member asks you for your ID, and you do not have it, you can be issued a detention.  Student ID cards are important for safety reasons. ID cards allow staff to quickly identify who is, and who is not, a DDHS student.  This process ensures our ability to protect all students and staff by getting rid of people who should not be on campus.