• Wilbur L. Cross High School Discipline Policy

    The cornerstone of Cross’ discipline policy is that each student has the right to learn in an atmosphere free from disruption. It is therefore the responsibility of staff to help create a climate at Cross in which students can mature educationally and emotionally as they gain knowledge, self-control, and self-confidence.  Students are also expected to help take responsibility for their successful completion of high school by respecting others’ rights to a safe and comfortable school environment. The following guidelines clarify rules and regulations that are in effect at Cross and in NHPS.

    The rules and regulations not only apply to student behavior while at Cross, but also extend to any situation that may occur on the way to or from school, at extracurricular activities or impacts the school community. During orientation and the first days of school, students will review the Code of Conduct and the Wilbur Cross Discipline Policy so that they understand what constitutes serious violations of the discipline policy and the consequences for such violations. Any infraction outlined in the discipline policy will result in a referral and disciplinary action. 

    Every rule and policy cannot be stated. Exceptions will be handled at the discretion of the principal. The policies and consequences outlined below and/or in the Student & Family Handbook are recommended minimum consequences and are aligned with the new NHPS Code of Conduct. Each offense will be handled on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the severity and frequency of noncompliance.

     

    School’s Right to Search 

    A student may be searched if reasonable grounds exist for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated either the law or the rules of the school. The scope of the search must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction. Refer to the NHPS Student/Parent Handbook for additional details. 

    Security Cameras 

    Security cameras are in use and are monitored by security personnel throughout Wilbur Cross High School. Access to Security Cameras and recordings are restricted to Security personnel, School Resource Officers and Administrators only.

    Classroom Discipline 

    Teachers are responsible for maintaining discipline in their classrooms. A teacher may use a series of consequences to sanction students who fail to act in an appropriate manner.  If a student continues to obstruct the learning process, he or she will be referred to the appropriate Student Intervention Specialist, administrator or to security.  If a student is removed from the classroom, the teacher will seek the assistance of an administrator, Student Intervention Specialist or security officer in cases where the student must be escorted from the classroom. A written referral should be sent ASAP following the incident. Additionally, the teacher should call home to speak with parents/guardians regarding the situation that occurred and log the incident and follow up communication into PowerSchool.

    Classroom management and discipline is essential for effective learning. Students are expected to cooperate with their instructors to maintain an orderly learning environment. Students who show disrespect to the instructor, teacher, or peers, who refuse to obey a reasonable request by a staff member, or who disrupt the classroom environment will be referred for disciplinary action. 

    Please refer to the Discipline Guidelines above for more information.

    Vandalism/Fire Alarms

    Vandalism, the destruction or defacing of school property, will not be tolerated. Students and parents will be held financially responsible for damages. Knowingly misusing fire and safety devices installed for the protection of the building’s occupants is illegal and will result in prosecution.

    Tobacco, E-Cigs, Alcohol and Controlled Substances

    The possession, sale, distribution, or use of controlled substances (drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, E-cigs, vapes) will not be tolerated on school property or at any school activities. The police will be notified as required by law. Refer to Wilbur Cross Discipline Policy and the NHPS Student/Parent Handbook for further details.

    Weapons and Dangerous Instruments Policy

    The Board of Education is concerned about the safety and welfare of all students and school personnel in school and at school-sponsored activities. For this reason, the Board prohibits student possession and/or use of weapons or other dangerous instruments in any school building, on school grounds, in any school vehicle, or at any school-sponsored activity. Possession and/or use of any dangerous weapon by a student are grounds for immediate suspension, arrest and referral for expulsion of a student. 

    Suspensions

    In-school suspensions (ISS) may be used for minor infractions or re-engaging interventions at the discretion of an Administrator or the Student Intervention Specialist. Students will be escorted by security or students will be assigned to report to the ISS room when directed. Once a student enters the ISS room, he/she will be asked to surrender their cell phone to be placed in a locked box. Refusal to surrender a cell phone will result in an OSS and parents/ guardians will be notified. Students must bring work, or work will be assigned to them.

    Under some circumstances, it may be necessary to issue an out-of-school suspension (OSS). Refer to NHPS Student/Parent Handbook and the NHPS Code of Conduct for a complete explanation of the rules and procedures regarding OSS.

    Unless expulsion is mandated by a specific offense, every attempt will be made to keep students in a learning environment before a recommendation for expulsion is considered. However, the School Board may expel a student from school when the student has repeatedly refused or neglected to obey rules, or the student has engaged in conduct while at school which endangers the property, health or safety of others. 

    Students who are suspended or expelled are not to enter the school grounds for any reason without the prior approval of an administrator. Students who wish to pick up assignments or personal property should arrange for someone else to pick up the item. If this is not possible, then prior approval from an administrator must be obtained. Suspended or expelled students who willfully enter school grounds without prior permission may be treated as trespassers and may be subject to arrest.

    For more information regarding Wilbur Cross's Discipline Policy & Guidance, please refer to the Wilbur Cross Student & Family Handbook.