Rules and Regulations - Riverside Middle School

RIVERSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL
DISCIPLINE CODE
Riverside Middle School believes in the rights of individuals to study for scholastic
achievement while conforming to standards of conduct and behavior that must be met by
all students.
Our purpose is not to punish but to develop within the student a sense of responsibility
for education without interference from students who will not obey rules established for
the good of the total student body.
Most disciplinary problems should be handled among the teacher, student and parent in a
calm reasonable manner. Teachers may assign lunch detentions, after school detentions,
time outs, group silent lunches and other discipline as he/she deems appropriate. This
philosophy assumes that effective discipline leads to increased maturity and desirable
behavior on the part of the student. Nevertheless, there are problems which necessitate
rapid deterrent action if they affect the learning opportunities of other students. Students
are expected to conduct themselves at all times and places in a manner that will be in the
best interest of the school. When behavior gets out of line, discipline referrals are in
order.
After-School Detention is an after school opportunity for the student to read, study or
prepare homework. The time and place will be determined by grade level. (Students will
be given 48 hours notice to get transportation.)
In School Suspension (ISS) is temporary removal of a student from his/her regular
classes. The student will be isolated in an environment that does not allow interaction
with other classmates during the day. Students will be required to do assigned work under
the supervision of an in-school supervisor.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) is the temporary removal of a student from school.
Administration will notify in writing the parent/guardian, giving the reason for
suspension. A conference shall be set. (If parent can’t meet, a telephone conference will
be expected.) During OSS, the student will not be allowed on school grounds unless
reporting for a scheduled conference with an administrator.
Parents may appeal discipline decisions to the principal. After an appeal to the principal,
parents may appeal to Dr. Lee D’Andrea at Anderson School District Four Office (403-
2000).
Level I: Disorderly Conduct
Disorderly conduct is a disruption of the normal operation of a classroom. Teaching
teams should deal with the situation, and have the authority to recommend ISS or OSS if
approved by the administration.
1. Disturbing the learning process/Failure to obey classroom rules
Teacher Actions: Conference with the student, Notify the parents,
Lunch detention, After-school detention,
Assign ISS, Conference with student/parent
2. Cheating

Teacher Action
First Offense - take paper, give 0, notify parent
Second Offense - Take paper, give 0, notify parent, give up to 3 detentions or up to 1 ISS
Third Offense - take paper, give 0, parent conference, up to 5 detentions, or up to 2 days
of ISS.
3. Lying/Dishonesty/Forgery
Teacher Action
First Offense - student conference - 3 detentions
Second Offense - Notify parents – 1-2 days of ISS
Third Offense - Parent Conference – 3 days of ISS
4. Obscene Gesture or Profanity (Verbal or Written)
Teacher Action
Student Conference - notify parent
Up to 3 detentions or 2 ISS
5. “Off Limits” Area of School Building
Teacher Action
First Offense - Student Conference
Second Offense - Notify parent - 3 days detention
Third Offense - Parent Conference - up to 2 days ISS
6. Disrespect (Teacher, staff, school official)
Teacher and Administrator Actions:
Student Conference, notify parent, Up to 5 detentions, 2 ISS or OSS
7. Public Display of Affection (holding hands, continual hugging, kissing)
Teacher Action
First Offense - Student Conference
Second Offense - Notify parents
Third Offense – 2 days ISS
8. Cell Phones
Communication devices are not allowed on the school campus. The school principal or
his designee will have the authority to limit or confiscate communication devices. A
student who is in violation of this policy is subject to the following penalties:
First Offense– Confiscation, return to parent whenever they can pick it up. Sign a cell
phone contract.
Second Offense– Confiscation, return to parent whenever they can pick it up. Student
loses recess for 30 school days.
Third Offense– Confiscation, return to parent whenever they can pick it up. Loss of
recess for remainder of school year.
Fourth Offense – Confisication, return to parent whenever they can pick it up. Loss of
school priviliges for remainder of school year.

Fifth Offense – 2 days OSS (No OSS Camp)
Communication devices will be allowed for field trips that extend beyond the school day.
The sponsor will determine the rules and regulations for its use. In these instances, the
student must keep the phone turned off and stored out of sight during normal school
hours.
School personnel and/or the school district are not responsible for the loss or
damage of any communication device brought onto school property or for those
confiscated.
9. Dress Code Violation
The basic responsibility for the appearance of the students at Riverside Middle School
rests with the parents/guardians and the students themselves. Students are expected to
dress neatly and appropriately at all times. Proper dress enhances student learning by
avoiding possible disruptions caused by inappropriate clothing.
In order for dress not to interfere with student learning, these guidelines must be
followed:
• Shoes must be worn at all times.
• Hats and other head wear may not be worn in the building unless the principal has
designated a special day.
• Sunglasses are not allowed unless prescribed by a physician.
• Bare midriffs, see-through garments, bare backs, pajamas spaghetti straps, halter tops,
baggy armed sleeveless shirts, and tank tops are not allowed. (the top must touch the
bottom)
• The length of shorts, skirts and dresses must not be shorter than 4 inches from the knee
(even if tights or leggings are worn underneath). The physical education teachers will
determine appropriate shorts for PE classes.
• No ”sagging” of pants or shorts will be allowed. The waist band of pants and shorts
must be worn on the waist.
• Students must not wear any article of clothing bearing any words or phrases which are
obscene, vulgar, or otherwise in bad taste which may cause a disruption to the
learning process. Included are t-shirts and other items advertising or promoting
products which are illegal for students to use or gang related attire.
• Students’ hair must be of natural color.
• No low cut or revealing tops.
• No facial piercings (which includes nose, lip, brow or tongue)
The administration reserves the right to modify the dress code throughout the year as
needed.
First, second, & third offense—Notify parent and make corrections to the dress code. If
corrections can’t be make, student will stay in ISS.
Fourth Offense—ISS
Level II
Will be dealt with by Administration.
It is legal to search a person, their locker or book bag while on campus.

1. Fighting
First Offense - 3-5 days of OSS
Second Offense - 5 days of OSS/ Behavior Contract/ Guidance referral
Third Offense - Recommendation for Expulsion
Students involved in a fight will undergo 30 school days of anger management and
decision making training during recess time.
2. Tobacco (possession)
Students shall not be permitted to use or possess products or paraphernalia while on bus,
school grounds or attending a school related function.
First Offense - 2 OSS
Second Offense - 3 OSS & Guidance referral
Third Offense - 5 OSS / Behavior Contract
Fourth Offense- Recommendation for Expulsion
3. Distribution, possession, or use: of materials or substance unauthorized by
Administrators (video games, CD players, I-Pods and laser lights)
Materials will be confiscated, turned into to Office.
First Offense - Warning/Confiscation/Parent Notification to pick up material
Second Offense - 1 week recess detention/Parent Notification to pick up material
4. Being in unauthorized area (outside of school building)
First Offense - 1 days ISS
Second Offense - 3 days ISS
Third Offense – OSS Camp
5. Threat Against Others
Persons guilty of carrying messages between disagreeing students may be assigned
either ISS or OSS.
6. Bullying or Harassing other students
First Offense - Notify Parents, Guidance/Administrative referral
Second Offense - 2 days ISS
Third Offense – OSS and Behavior Contract
Fourth Offense- Recommendation for Expulsion
7. Abusive Language to Staff/Extreme Disrespect
First Offense - Notify Parents/3 days OSS
Second Offense - 5 days OSS, recommendation for Expulsion
8. Refusal to obey School Personnel (Administration, teachers, chaperones,
substitute teachers, staff)
First Offense - Notify parents - 2 days OSS
Second Offense - 3 days OSS
Third Offense - 4 days OSS / Behavior Contract
Fourth Offense - Recommendation for Expulsion

9. Cutting Class
First Offense - Notify Parents - 1 day ISS
Second Offense - 2 days ISS
Third Offense – OSS Camp
Cutting Class/Leaving Campus-OSS Camp
10. Disrupting assemblies, classes or other school functions
First Offense - Notify Parents –2 days loss of recess
Second Offense - 1 day ISS
Third Offense – OSS Camp
11. Acts detrimental to welfare of the school , bullying, sexual, physical and verbal
harassment
Punishment will be based on the severity of the offense - Board policy will be strictly
enforced. Allegations will be investigated according to Board Policy, those found
guilty will be brought to the Board.
First Offense-Parent notification/ ISS depending on severity
Second Offense- ISS/ OSS depending on severity/ Behavior Contract
Third Offense-OSS/ Recommendation for Expulsion
12. Possession, Distribution or Use of Intoxicant
Expulsion will be recommended
13. Vandalism
Notify parent, Restitution ISS or OSS
14. Stealing (theft)
First Offense - Notify Parents - Restitution and 3 days ISS
Second Offense - Restitution - and 3 days OSS
Third Offense - Restitution - and 5 days OSS
15. Biting
Out-of-School Suspension
Inappropriate use of internet or websites
Notify parents, ISS or OSS and loss of internet privileges.
Level III Criminal Conduct
Criminal in nature that would cause immediate danger to students, faculty and staff.
Intervention of law enforcement may be used. Expulsion from school will be more than
likely recommended.
Acts may include:
1. Assault and battery
2. Extortion
3. Bomb Threat

4. Possession, use or transfer of dangerous weapons including knives.
5. Major vandalism
6. Arson
7. Possession, use, or transfer of unauthorized substance (pills, medicine, alcohol).
8. Verbal or physical assault toward any one
9. Falsely pulling a fire alarm
10. Violation of the District Drug Policy
Students are not allowed to possess, use, transmit or be under the influence of any
narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic
beverages, or intoxicant:
1. on school grounds
2. at a school related activity
Out of School Suspension
Students under Out Of School Suspension are not allowed on school grounds except for
prearranged conference with an administrator. Students will lose school privileges – pep
rallies, field trips, field days, dances, block party, bingo party, etc.
Make up Work for Suspension
It is the student’s responsibility, upon return from suspension to make arrangements for
make up work. Work missed must be made up within 10 school days or student will
not receive credit for work missed.
Eligibility Under Out of School Suspension
Students under Out of School Suspension are
not allowed to participate in any school related activity during their suspension and
lose school privileges for the rest of the year (pep rallies, field trips, field days,
dances, etc). The only way to regain those school privileges is by successfully
completing OSS camp.
OSS Camp
OSS camp began at RMS during the fall of 2003 as an alternative to out of school
suspension. Over the years the number of students suspended during the school year has
decreased dramatically. The
camp is designed to give students who get out of school suspension an opportunity to
keep up with their academic work and earn their school trust and privileges back. Each
day in camp the student will be required to do physical fitness exercises, academic work,
and community service work. The student will be isolated from the student body and
supervised by the school Resource Officer and the ISS supervisor.
If a parent chooses to send their child to OSS camp, the following are the guidelines:
All sessions will be for 5 consecutive days.
Students will arrive and leave school like they would any other school day.
Students may not participate in any after-school activities during the first 3 days of OSS
camp.
A dress code will be required.

Once a student successfully completes a session, all school privileges are reinstated.
Students may only attend OSS camp for 2 sessions during the year.
Any students not completing their session, will assume their previous OSS days and lose
privileges for the remainder of the school year.
The Administration reserves the right to adjust the disciplinary action for any
behavior violation based upon extenuating circumstances.