At the beginning of the year, students attend a grade and gender specific Discipline Assembly presented by the administrators. Many of the following topics are discussed, as well as the “no tolerance” sexual harassment policy at Bret Harte.

The Bret Harte Five

1.  To promote a positive learning environment, students will show respect toward all adults, peers and classroom visitors.

2.  Students will come to class with all required materials, enter and exit the classroom in an orderly manner, and be in their assigned seats and ready to work when class begins.

3.  Bathroom passes will not be available during academic time, including two period core classes, except under exceptional circumstances (medical circumstances).  Students are to plan accordingly.

4.  To maintain a safe and healthy atmosphere, candy, gum, sunflower seeds, and other food or drink may not be consumed in class, or in the hallways.

5. To emphasize an academic atmosphere, the following items are not to be displayed on campus, including during lunch or passing periods: Sports caps, head coverings, scooters, skateboards, skate shoes,  Yugio cards, electronic devices (i.e. pagers, cell phones, CD players, portable video games), or other items which are a distraction.

Bret Harte’s Progressive Discipline Policy

Level 1: Inappropriate Behavior

            Behavior Description:

·        Cutting class

·        Unauthorized attendance at school activity

·        Disruption (behavior which interferes with the educational process)

·        Defiance (to willfully go against the authority of teacher, administrators or other school personnel

·        Littering

·        Loitering

Sequence of Actions:

·        Step One: Student/Teacher conference

·        Step Two: Parent/Teacher conference

·        Step Three: Teacher detention with parent notification

·        Step Four: referral to an administrator for disciplinary action

Level 2: Seriously Inappropriate Behavior

            Behavior Description:

·        Gambling

·        Fighting

·        Smoking and/or possession of cigarettes

·        Hazing

·        Disruption and defiance (includes not serving the assigned Administrative Detention)

·        Behavior dangerous to other students or staff

·        Habitual profanity

·        Instigation or crowding around a fight

·        Being in the presence of students committing any of the following acts: gambling, using drugs ore alcohol, arson and vandalism

·        Other disruptive behavior (e.g. hanging out in the P.E. area)

Sequence of Actions:

·        Suspension for 1 to 5 days

Level 3: Extremely Seriously Inappropriate Behavior

            Behavior Description:

·        Assault on staff member or other person

·        Possession of a weapon

·        Vandalism

·        Arson

·        Possession of drugs/alcohol

·        Under the influence of drugs/alcohol

·        Battery

·        Threats to staff member

·        Extortion

·        Stealing

·        Sale of drugs

Sequence of Actions:

·        All of the above behaviors require a five day suspension, referral to the Police Department and/or OPS School Safety office, and/or a referral to the DHP (Discipline Hearing Panel) for consideration of expulsion.

Detention

After school administrative detention was established to deal with minor offenses.  Students assigned to detention receive notice of their day at least one day prior to serving the detention. Students who fail to serve their detention will be suspended.

School Security Officers

Bret Harte has four security officers who work to maintain a safe and secure school environment for the students. They help students in front of school, during lunchtime and during the passing period.