Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017
SECTION IV
DUE PROCESS/SUSPENSION PROCEDURES
Suspension
If a student‘s behavior warrants suspension from school activities due to its seriousness or
frequency, the student and the parents or guardians will be given the reasons for the suspension
in person (if possible) and in a letter. Before imposing suspension, the student will be told
what he/she is accused of and what the accusation is based upon, and the student will have the
opportunity to respond to the charge. Reasons for suspension include, but are not limited to,
fighting, possession of drugs or alcohol, acts of vandalism, destruction or theft of property,
disrespect for school staff members, smoking, and the possessions of weapons or explosives.
The length of the suspension will be determined by the serious and frequency of the behavior.
Parents/guardians will be notified at the time of the suspension, and a parent conference will be
arranged. Suspensions will be documented by letter.
Expulsion
The District must provide educational services/programs for an expelled student until the
student graduates from high school or reaches the age of 20, unless the student has waived his
rights to a free public education. An expulsion of a student with a disability must be handled in
accordance with State and federal regulations, along with District policy and procedures.
Reasons for Suspension or Expulsion
New Jersey law provides guidance with regard to the reasons for which a student may be
suspended or expelled from school. A student may be suspended or expelled for good cause
that shall include, but is not limited to:
Continued and willful disobedience, or defiance of authority;
Conduct, determined by the Principal, which constitutes a continuing danger to the physical
well-being of other students;
The habitual use of profanity or obscene language;
Vandalism of school property;
The physical assault, robbery, or attempted robbery of other students or staff;
Participation in or inciting demonstrations involving the unauthorized occupancy of school
buildings;
Inciting truancy by other students;
Possession of a weapon;
The illegal possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or
controlled substances on school property, school bus, or at any school function; and
Other behaviors that are deemed inappropriate by administration or staff.
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