Also see: Behavior & Conduct || Attendance
The purpose of discipline at FRCS is:
- To assist students in understanding that their choices result in consequences, both positive and negative, and that those choices affect those around them
- To assist students in their training for a lifetime of living under authority
- To help students understand the heart of their heavenly Father, in that He disciplines us for our good because of His great love for us (Hebrews 12:8)
- To provide an orderly and safe learning environment, free of unnecessary distractions, that is conducive to academic achievement
Review Committee
The review committee of Front Range Christian School is made up of staff members who meet as needed to help provide clear, fair, and consistent enforcement of the policies of the school as outlined in this handbook. When a student has violated these policies, he/she may be required to meet with the committee as part of determining consequences. Prayer is a critical part of every decision the review committee makes.
FRCS will provide firm, just, and consistent discipline, tempered with love. We will maintain standards of behavior with kindness, love, and a genuine regard for the student. However, when disciplinary action becomes necessary, FRCS reserves the right to have full discretion in the discipline administered in conjunction with parental notification (excluding corporal punishment). The review committee will report its recommendations to the Principal who will then determine final consequences.
Academic Integrity
In order to provide clarification, cheating is defined as, but not limited to, the following:
- Copying answers from the book
- Giving answers to other students
- Copying answers from a friend
- Copying answers from a solutions manual
- Performing group work to determine answers when individual work is required
- Using calculators, cell phones, or other electronic devices that are not allowed
- Using copies of tests not allowed by the teacher
- Filling in answers when grading in class
- Not counting off for answers that the student knows are wrong, when grading in class
- Plagiarism (see description below)
- Not citing borrowed information
The Consequences for Cheating
Student will fail the assignment by receiving a “0.” Further consequences (based on a student’s prior record of behavioral issues) may follow as determined by the review committee or Administration such as withdraw/fail, loss of credit, detention, a parent conference, removal from the class, or recommendation for expulsion.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism constitutes a serious breach of scholarship. It is unethical to take another person’s work, ideas, or writings and use them as your own, without giving or citing the original source. That means that students cannot copy information from a parent, classmate, internet site, or book and present it as their own creation. All information must be cited in the proper format with credit assigned where deserved. (NOTE: the junior/senior high campus utilizes TurnItIn, an online resource that offers source verification.) Plagiarism is here defined as presenting as your own work someone else’s thoughts or ideas; summarizing, restating, or using six or more verbatim words in a row from another’s work without quotation marks; or failing to correctly credit an author. In addition, the student may not just string together a collection of properly cited quotations as his/her own work. The student must use quotations and documented paraphrasing to provided evidence and support for his/her own ideas, thoughts, arguments, and analysis. If part of the student’s work is plagiarized, the entire assignment will be treated as plagiarized. (See also Technology Use Policies section of the campus wide policies.)
Mobile Phone and Smart Devices Policy
This policy applies to any personal electronic smart device including phones and smartwatches. FRCS maintains a phone-free campus, and students are not permitted to have a phone, smartwatch, or other smart device in their possession during school hours (from 8:00am to 3:00pm). This policy does not apply to the computing devices required for junior and senior high students which include laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets.
Phone-Free School
Students in grades 7-12 may not have a phone or smartwatch in their personal possession during school hours (neither on their person, in their locker, nor in their bags or backpacks). Students may choose to leave their device at home, in their vehicle, or turn devices into the school as part of the phone collection process at the beginning of each first period class. Phones and devices which are turned into the school will be stored at the front desk, and students will be able to collect their devices at the conclusion of the school day or as they sign out and leave campus. In the event that a student needs to contact a parent, he/she may make a phone call from the front office at any time on a student phone dedicated solely for that purpose. Similarly, parents may contact the front office at any time if they need to speak directly to their student.
Consequences
If a student is found to be in possession of a phone or smartwatch, then it will result in the following consequences:
- The first violation will result in a $15 fee being assessed to the student’s account. The student’s device will be collected, and the student will be allowed to get their phone or device from the front desk at the end of their school day.
- The second, and any subsequent violation, will result in a $25 fee, and the student’s parent or guardian will need to collect the phone directly from the principal through an in-person meeting. If a student is in frequent and repeated violation of this policy, then further disciplinary action, such as detentions, may be issued.
Toys, Gadgets, and Other Devices
The use of toys, gadgets, and other devices (including, but not limited to spinners, clickers, bouncing balls, etc.) is strictly prohibited in classrooms and during chapel and assemblies. These devices are a distraction to teachers and other students and should be left at home. Any toys, gadgets, or devices found at school will be confiscated and turned into the office. Parents who wish to claim these devices may contact the office to arrange for pick up. The devices will NOT be returned directly to the student. Use of any of these gadgets or devices on campus is considered a Category I infraction.
PDA (Public Displays of Affection)
Students should remember that their school campus is a community made up of other students as well as adult leaders. Students are to exercise self-control in their actions and refrain from public displays of affection that could be considered offensive or distracting. Examples of inappropriate PDA include, but are not limited to kissing, extended hugs, making out, fondling one another, holding hands, etc. When students choose to display affection for one another to the degree that it is considered a distraction or makes others uncomfortable, then consequences will be imposed. All teaching and administrative staff have the right to determine if certain actions are considered inappropriate and may impose consequences which may include, but are not limited to: a verbal warning, parent contact, detention, suspension, and a parent/teacher conference. This policy applies to all school functions and activities, whether on or off campus.
Appropriate Common Area Behavior
When in the common areas of the school, students are asked to refrain from behavior that could be distracting, disruptive, or offensive to other students and faculty. While this seems broad, please remember that this is a school and a modicum of self-restraint and respect for others is expected. As examples, students should refrain from “lounging” on common area furniture, throwing personal items across common areas, “stealing” another’s belongings and hiding them, and other types of general “horseplay.” While many of these behaviors may seem fun, they can be disruptive the learning environment and may cause others offense.
Behavioral Categories
Misconduct has been classified and divided into three categories, depending on the severity of the violation.
Category I
Category I problems involve classroom/hallway behavior and require resolution by a teacher, but may involve the parents or Administration. A Pink Slip or Family Portal notification may be issued, but is not always required. Activities that violate Category I rules include, but are not limited to:
- Hallway and bathroom violations or disturbances
- Unintentional misuse or damage of property
- Eating and drinking (except water bottles)—these are not allowed anywhere in the building except the commons.
- Tardiness
- Disrupting the learning environment
- Writing and passing notes
- Throwing snowballs, rocks, dirt, etc.
- Any other minor disturbances that prevent order in and out of the classroom
Category I Consequences are generally assigned by the teacher but may be determined by the Principal and/or review committee, including, but not limited to, loss of privileges, isolation from other students, academic loss of grade points, detention, additional work, replacement of property, parental notification, etc. Recurring violations will result in more severe consequences as outlined in Category II.
Category II
Violations of Category II include activities and attitudes that show a lack of respect for authority or peers. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lying
- Slander
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Stealing
- Physical aggression or horseplay
- Disrespect to staff or students
- Deliberate disrespect for property
- Direct disobedience
- Habitual late, incomplete, or missing assignments
- Habitual tardiness
- Obscenity, profanity, vulgarity
- Excessive absences
- Truancy
Category II Consequences: The student will receive a Pink Slip or parents will receive a Family Portal notification listing the disciplinary action that is forthcoming. Disciplinary action includes, but is not limited to, the following as determined by the Principal and/or the review committee: detention, removal from the class, or withdrawal/fail (including loss of credit), academic loss of grade points, replacement of property, loss of privileges (including extracurricular activities such as D.C. trip, spring Practicum, athletics and arts programs, events, field trips, etc), report to parents and proper authorities, probation, and in or out of school suspension. Recurring Category II offenses will result in more severe consequences, which could include expulsion.
Category III
Category III includes violations of U.S., state, or city laws, including activities that seriously threaten the safety of the student or others, show gross lack of respect for authority or property, or violate biblical and moral codes of conduct. These include, but are not limited to:
- Defacing school property
- Viewing, possession, or distribution of pornography (also see Internet Acceptable Use Policy)
- Sending or distributing texts, messages, and photos which include sexually explicit language, profanity, or inappropriate content
- Leaving campus without permission
- Fighting and other excessive physical abuse
- Participation in immoral or illegal activities
- Possession or use of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, drugs, or any related paraphernalia
- Possession of any weapon or explosive
- Sexual harassment or misconduct
- Frequent and repeated violation of Category II rules
- Bullying (See the “Bullying” section in School-Wide Policies)
Category III Consequences: Offenses will result in immediate suspension of some type and/or expulsion along with notification of parents and proper authorities. Other consequences may include loss of privileges (including extra-curricular activities such as D.C. trip, spring Practicum, field trips, etc.); probation; loss of leadership roles; withdraw/fail, including loss of credit; or other disciplinary action as determined by the Principal or review board.
Pink Slip/Family Portal Notification
A Pink Slip is a written report of misconduct from the attending teacher or staff person that is signed by an administrator. The student will receive one copy and the office will hold the duplicate copy. The student must obtain a parent signature and return his/her copy to the office the following school day. Note: Parent notification and documentation may also be accomplished via the Family Portal, in lieu of a paper Pink Slip.
If a Pink Slip is not returned within 2 days, an additional one will be issued and recorded on the student’s records.
Detention
Detentions are assigned using a Pink Slip, which outline the date, time, place, and person in charge of the detention as well as any fees associated with the detention. Students must appear on the date assigned. Students who miss a detention for any reason, other than illness or medical appointment, will be required to serve two detentions; additional consequences will also be assigned and parents will be contacted by Administration. Students participating in after-school activities (sports, etc.) must still serve the detention.
Detentions are held before school or on Saturdays, and they require a fee ($15 for each detention). If a student arrives late to a detention he/she will be required to make up that time and receive a subsequent detention as assigned by the Administration. An additional fee may be assessed.
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary probation may be invoked when a student has not brought a noted problem under control, or after a student has been suspended from school. Probation may also be invoked when a student has accumulated four or more Pink Slips during a grading period for disciplinary or academic reasons. Probation is intended to allow for a mutual effort on the part of both the school and home to correct the deficiency in question. It is expected that the deficiency will be improved to a satisfactory level. If not, the Principal or review committee will decide if the student should remain at Front Range Christian School. The Principal must approve recommendation for dismissal. Student activities will be limited. This may include elimination from sports, special trips (D.C., spring Practicum, leadership, etc.) No refunds will be given for trips or extracurricular activities that are missed due to disciplinary probation. All positions of trust and responsibility must be relinquished during a probationary period.
This will last for a minimum of nine academic weeks and may carry over to a new school year. If, during the course of the probationary period, the student shows lack of progress, he/she may be recommended for immediate expulsion from the school.
Administrative action placing a student on probation for the second time in two consecutive semesters constitutes a recommendation by the review committee to the Principal that the student be dismissed or withdrawn from the school.
Suspension
In-School Suspension
This is the removal of a student from the classroom for a predetermined period of time. Daily work assignments must still be completed and turned in.
Out-of-School Suspension
This is the removal of the student from school for a specified number of days. While on suspension, a student is not allowed on campus at any time before, during, or after school and at lunch, unless otherwise instructed by the Principal.
The Principal has the authority to suspend a student immediately under emergency circumstances without review committee recommendation. “Emergency Circumstances” are left to the discretion of the Principal, but likely involve Category II or Category III violations. Otherwise, out of school suspensions shall be invoked through review committee recommendation and after due process. All school work must still be completed and turned in. The length of suspension will be determined by the Principal based on the infraction. Very specific changes in attitudes and actions will be expected prior to readmission. A readmission meeting with the Principal and/or review committee will be necessary for the student to return to school. When a student is re-admitted to school, he/she may be placed on probation.
Withdrawal Pending Expulsion
Students/families who choose to withdraw pending an expulsion hearing are subject to the same restrictions and conditions listed for expelled students.
Expulsion
All expulsions will be invoked through the review committee and Principal recommendation after appropriate due process, except for emergency circumstances. In certain circumstances, the Principal may invoke suspensions immediately, prior to committee decisions on expulsion. See Suspensions for more details.
Expulsion may be recommended by the review committee if the student’s behavior is preventing classroom instruction, for violation of Category II or III rules, for unresolved disciplinary or academic probation, or for failure to correct the deficiencies specified in probationary admissions. When expulsion is recommended, a date of withdrawal from school is set; the expulsion date may be immediate. Expulsion requires the approval of the Head of School. When a student has been expelled, he/she is no longer allowed on campus at any time before, during, or after school, including lunch.
Abatement of Tuition and Fees
There shall be no abatement or refund of tuition and fees for any period of time a student is subject to probation, suspension, or expulsion. Each family is responsible for tuition and fees for the entire semester should they choose to withdraw, or if expulsion occurs before the conclusion of that semester.
