Student Behavior & Discipline
Behavior Contract
Each student admitted to the Lincoln High School and his/her parent/guardian, must agree to sign and adhere to a "Behavior Contract."
Behavior Expectations
The Principal may suspend and/or expel any student who engages in one or more of the following activities. The behaviors may take place:
* while in school;
* on school grounds;
* in school vehicles;
* during a school-sponsored activity;
* off school property or outside of the school day but would have a significant disruption to the school environment and/or the safety of others.
- Willful disruption on the part of the student which required the attention of school personnel.
- Serious violation in a school building or on school property which includes: carrying, bringing, using or possessing a weapon, the sale of drugs or a controlled substance or the commission of an act which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault; as defined by Colorado State law and School Board Policy.
- Refusing a reasonable request.
- Any participation in gang related behavior on school premises. This may include, but not be limited to wearing or carrying overt gang paraphernalia, making gang-related gestures, or the writing of gang graffiti. Lincoln High School has a zero tolerance stand with regards to gang related activity.
- Causing or attempting to cause damage on school property or stealing or attempting to steal school property of value.
- Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property or stealing or attempting to steal private property.
- Physical violence.
- Commission of any act, which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law.
- Violation of criminal law.
- Violation of the school's smoking and use of tobacco policy.
- Violation of building regulations.
- Throwing objects outside of supervised school activities that can cause bodily injury or damage property.
- Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures towards other students, school personnel, or visitors to the school.
- Engaging in verbal abuse; i.e., threats, name calling, ethnic, or racial slurs, or derogatory statements addressed to others that cause disruption of the school program or provoke violence.
- Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or other objects of value from an unwilling person or forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.
- Lying or giving false information, either verbally or in writing, to a school employee.
- Scholastic dishonesty which includes but is not limited to cheating on test, plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
- Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority.
- Behavior which is detrimental to the welfare, safety, or morals of other students or school employees.
- Repeated interference with the school's ability to provide positive, safe educational opportunities with other students. If a student is sent home or is given a leave of absence, parent contact will be made. When students are sent home for the day, it affects attendance and is considered an unexcused absence.
Capturing Kids Hearts - Social Contract
At Lincoln High School, staff are committed to providing a safe, supportive culture where students are accepted for who they are and given the opportunity to thrive. Capturing Kids Hearts is one of the programs we use to do just that. While we implement many parts of the Capturing Kids Hearts program, the Social Contract is one of the foundational pieces on which we build our school and classroom cultures. The Social Contract is designed to let everyone know what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Students have a voice in the creation of the Social Contract and commit to hold themselves and other accountable to those behaviors. The primary questions that are considered during the creation of the Social Contract are:
- How do you want me to treat you?
- How do you want to treat each other?
- How do you think I want to be treated?
- How will we handle violations of the contract?
Using the Social Contract, students and staff are able to focus on self-regulation, empowering positive choices and taking responsibility for behavior in a supportive environment. Students new to Lincoln High School will be introduced to the Social Contract by a student ambassador, who will explain what it is, how it was developed, and how it is used.
Discipline - Key Terminology
Key Terminology
- Alcoholic Beverage
- An alcoholic beverage is an intoxicating liquid, wine, brewed or malt beverage regulated under the Liquor Code of The State of Colorado.
- The use, possession, or distribution of any alcoholic product on school property, or at any school-sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Possession does not require ownership.
- Assault, Sexual. Physical contact of a sexual nature where there is no consent.
- Attack on Staff/Student. Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon staff or upon a student.
- Bullying. The use of coercion or intimidation to obtain control over another person or to cause physical, mental, or emotional harm to another person, either through written, verbal or electronically transmitted expression or by means of a physical act or gesture. Bullying is prohibited against any student for any reason, including but not limited to any such behavior that is directed toward a student on the basis of his or her physical appearance, academic performance or any basis protected by federal and state law, including disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry or the need for special education services, whether such characteristic(s) is actual or perceived.
- Closed Campus Violation. Leaving school property without administrative permission, going to cars during school hours without permission.
- Defiance of Authority. Willful refusal or failure to follow a reasonable directive given by staff.
- Disrespect. Any intimidating, insulting, or verbally abusive behavior directed toward a member of the school staff.
- Disruptive behavior. Actions that interfere with the effective operations of the classroom or the school.
- Ditching. Absence from class without permission.
- Dress Code. See pages 19-20.
- Drugs
- Drugs are defined as all controlled substances prohibited by law; edibles containing controlled substances, all “look alike” drugs; all synthetic drugs; all alcoholic beverages; tobacco, tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes; any drug paraphernalia (including hooka and vape pens and other electronic smoking devices); and any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy.
- Use, possession, or distribution of any substances which are, contain, or have the appearance of narcotics, controlled dangerous substances, or drugs (prescription or nonprescription) used outside their legal medical purposes; possession of drug paraphernalia is strictly prohibited on school property or at any school sponsored function. Possession does not require ownership.
- Use, possession, distribution or sale of “look-a-like” drugs such as caffeine, which are non-controlled substances but which are, in finished container, packaged in a container which, bears markings or printed material similar to that accompanying or containing a specific controlled substance, or which are represented, implied, or thought by the involved parties to be a controlled substance shall be treated as an infraction in the same way as possession, use, distribution or sale of the controlled substance would be treated.
- Distribution. Dispensing or conspiring to dispense with or without the exchange of money; drugs, narcotics, controlled dangerous substances, paraphernalia, inhalants, alcohol, edibles, or any substance having the appearance of these items.
- Electronic Devices. Includes but not limited to the following: cell phones, Chromebooks, pagers, walkie talkies, boom boxes, Walkman’s, iPods/M3P Players, laser pointers, CD players, headphones, and other audio equipment. At the teacher’s discretion and based on the student’s behavior, music devices with earphones may be used in the classroom as long as volume is kept down and is not able to be heard by others. Please note: This is a privilege that can and will be revoked based on academic performance, attendance, and classroom behavior. Chromebooks are to be used for academic reasons only. Chromebook activity is monitored – no gaming, movies, social media, etc. - otherwise this privilege will be revoked.
- Fighting. Mutual aggression in which both parties have contributed to the situation by physical action.
- Forgery/Fraud. Falsifying signatures or data on official records.
- Harassment. Activities, both physical and verbal, that are intended to be offensive to one’s race, religion, heritage, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical characteristics, or disability, excluding sexual harassment. This includes, but is not limited to, hurtful name calling, text messaging, teasing, gossiping, defaming, humiliating, making fun of personal characteristics, poking hair pulling, excessive tickling, and ostracizing.
- Harassment, Sexual. Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favor, and other inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that unreasonably interferes with the learning environment. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to the following: sexting; requesting or distributing nude photographs; verbal harassment or abuse; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implications; unwelcome touching; suggestion or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, job, etc.
- Inappropriate Behavior. Activities that are unsafe or unacceptable in a school environment such as inappropriate internet searches or usage; littering; failure to return forms, books, or equipment; throwing snowballs; running in the halls; horseplay; play fighting; etc.
- Leaving class without permission. Walking out of class without the teacher’s permission unless the student is removing him/herself from a situation and going to get help.
- Plagiarism. Copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own.
- Public Display of Affection. Displays of affection such as hand holding, kissing, touching, etc.
- Racial/Ethnic Slur. Slurs against any individual for any reason will not be tolerated.
- Reckless driving. Driving on school property in such a manner as to endanger persons or property.
- Tardiness. An unexcused tardy describes a student who is late to class or school.
- Theft. Unlawful taking of property or obtaining property by false pretense.
- Threat to Staff/Student(s)/School. A communicated threat to commit violence that may incite fear or significant disruption
- Tobacco. Possession or use of tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia, including smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes/smoking devices, vapes, and/or matches/lighters by students in a school building, on a school bus, or on property owned by, leased by or under the control of the school district is prohibited and considered a summary offense.
- Truancy. Absence from school without permission.
- Vandalism. Intentional destruction of defacement of any school property, property of another student, or staff member, including gang graffiti.
- Violation of Suspension/Trespassing. Present on a school campus or at a school activity while on suspension or expulsion.
- Vulgarity/Profanity. Language that is inappropriate, disgusting, or repulsive to the senses.
- Weapons.
- Possession or use of weapons, “look-a-likes”, toys, replicas of weapons is forbidden on school property and/or during any school function.
- The term use shall include, but not be limited to, displaying, handling, loading, operating, pointing, selling, distributing, discharging, or threatening to do one or more of these actions.
- Weapons shall include, but not be limited to, firearms; knives; metal knuckles; rifles; shotguns; pistols; revolvers; daggers; cutting instruments or tools; noxious, irritating, or poisonous gases; poisonous drugs or other items fashioned with the intent to use or sell or to harm, threaten or harass students, staff members, parents, or other persons within or on school property
- Willful disobedience/insubordination. Purposely not following directions of staff or breaking school rules; refusal to do as asked or directed to do by staff; repeatedly failing to comply with minor infractions or directions.
Discipline - Rubric
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**Please note that this Rubric serves only as a guide that presents potential options and is not all inclusive. Each disciplinary situation will be evaluated and dealt with accordingly.
Suspension/Expulsion
According to Colorado Statutes, the following may be grounds for suspension or expulsion from a public school:
- Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority.
- Willful destruction or defacing of school property.
- Behavior on or off school property that is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other pupils or school personnel including behavior that creates a threat of physical harm to the student or other students.
- Declaration as a habitually disruptive student a student may be declared “habitually disruptive” if three times during the course of the school year the student causes a material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at school activities or events.
- The use, possession or sale of a drug or controlled substance as defined by state guidelines.
- The commission of an act that if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault.
- The carrying, bringing, using, or possessing dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or school district.
- Carrying, using, actively displaying, or threatening with the use of a firearm facsimile that could reasonably be mistaken for an actual firearm in a school building or in or on school property.
- Repeated interference with a school's ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.
- Failure to comply with immunization requirements. In this case, any suspension, expulsion, or denial of admission shall not be recorded as disciplinary action but may be recorded in the student's immunization record with written explanation.
- Making a false accusation of criminal activity against a district employee to law enforcement or to the district.
- According to the Exceptional Children's Act, the following may be grounds for expulsion from or denial of admission to a public school or diversion to an appropriate alternate program.
- Physical or mental disability such that the child cannot reasonably benefit from the programs available.
- Physical or mental disability or disease causing the attendance of the child to be inimical to the welfare of other students.
Suspension/Expulsion Process
Procedure for Suspension of 10 Days or Less
Notice: The principal, designee, or the superintendent shall at the time of the contemplated action, give the student and parent/guardian notice of the decision to take steps toward suspension or expulsion. Such notice may be oral or in writing. If oral, such notice will be given in person. If written, delivery may be by US mail ―addressed to the last known address of the student or his parent/guardian.
Contents of Notice:
The notice will contain the following basic information:
- A statement of the charges against the student.
- A statement of what the student is accused of doing.
- A statement of the basis of the allegation. Specific names may be withheld if necessary.
Informal Hearing: The student will be given an opportunity to explain his/her actions and to give his or her version of the events. The administrator may allow the student to call witnesses or may personally call the accuser or other witnesses. The administrator may hold a more extensive hearing in order to gather relevant information prior to making a decision on the contemplated action.
Timing: The notice and informal hearing should precede removal of the student from school. There need be no delay between the time notice is given and the time of the informal hearing.
If the Student's Presence in School Presents a Danger. Notice and an informal hearing do not need to be given prior to removal from school where a student’s presence poses a continuous danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process. In this case, an informal hearing will follow as soon after the student’s removal as practicable.
Notification Following Suspension: If a student is suspended, the administrator delegated the authority to suspend will immediately notify the parent/guardian that the student has been suspended, the grounds for such suspension and the period of such suspension. The notification will include the time and place for the parent/guardian to meet with the administrator to review the suspension.
Removal from School Grounds. A suspended student must leave the school building and the school grounds immediately after the parent/guardian and administrator have determined the best way to transfer custody of the student to the parent/guardian.
Readmittance: No student will be readmitted to school until the meeting with the parent/guardian has taken place or until, in the opinion of the administrator, the parent/guardian has substantially agreed to review the suspension with the administrator. However, if the administrator cannot contact the parent/guardian or if the parent/guardian repeatedly fails to appear for scheduled meetings, the administrator may readmit the student. The meeting will address whether there is a need to develop a remedial discipline plan for the student in an effort to prevent further disciplinary action.
Make-Up Work. Suspended students will be provided an opportunity to make up schoolwork during the period of suspension, so the student is able to reintegrate into the educational program of the District following the period of suspension. Students will receive full or partial academic credit to the extent possible for makeup work which is completed satisfactorily.
Procedure for Expulsion or Denial of Admission
In the event that the Board of Education contemplates action denying admission to any student or prospective student or expelling any student, the following procedures will be followed:
Notice. Not less than five (5) days prior to the date of the contemplated action, the Board of Education or an appropriate administrative officer of the District will cause written notice of such proposed action to be delivered to the student and the student’s parent/guardian. Such delivery may be by United States mail addressed to the last known address of the student or the student’s parent/guardian.
Emergency Notice. In the event it is determined that an emergency exists necessitating a shorter period of notice, the period of notice may be shortened provided that the student or the student’s parent/guardian have actual notice of the hearing prior to the time it is held.
Contents of Notice. The notice will contain the following basic information:
a. A statement of the basic reasons alleged for the contemplated denial of admission or expulsion.
b. A statement that a hearing on the question of expulsion or denial of admission will be held if requested by the student or parent/guardian within five (5) days after the date of the notice.
c. A statement of the date, time and place of the hearing in the event one is requested.
d. A statement that the student may be present at the hearing and hear all information against him or her, that the student will have an opportunity to present such information as is relevant and that the student may be accompanied and represented by a parent/guardian and an attorney.
e. A statement that failure to participate in such hearing constitutes a waiver of further rights in the matter.
Records. At least two business days in which school is in session prior to the expulsion hearing, all records intended to be used as supporting evidence must be provided to the student or their parent/guardian. If a record is discovered afterwards, the record must be provided to the student or their parent/guardian as soon as possible.
Conduct of Hearing. A hearing may be requested by the parent/guardian. Such hearing will be conducted by the superintendent, unless the superintendent was involved in investigating or reporting an incident that led to the hearing. In such a case, the superintendent will delegate their ability to conduct the hearing to a designee who was not involved in investigating or reporting such an incident. The hearing may be conducted in open session or may be closed except to those individuals deemed advisable by the superintendent but including in all events the student, the parent/guardian and, if requested, the student’s attorney. Such individuals as may have pertinent information will be admitted to a closed hearing to the extent necessary to provide such information.
During the hearing, the District will have the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the student has violated one of the grounds for expulsion in the school District’s policy and state law. Testimony and information may be presented under oath. However, technical rules of evidence will not be applicable, and the superintendent may consider and give appropriate weight to such information or evidence he or she deems appropriate. The student’s written statement, if any, may be presented as evidence in accordance with applicable law. The student or representative may question individuals presenting information.
A sufficient record of the proceedings will be kept so as to enable a transcript to be prepared in the event either party so requests. Preparation of the transcript will be at the expense of the party requesting the same.
The superintendent will prepare specific factual findings, issue a written decision within five (5) business days after the hearing, and provide the written decision to the student or parent/guardian.
Appeal. Within 10 (ten) business days after the decision of the superintendent, the student may appeal the decision to the Board. Failure to request an appeal within 10 (ten) days will result in a waiver of the right to appeal and the superintendent’s decision will become final.
If an appeal is properly requested, the Board will review the record concerning the expulsion or denial of admission. The record includes notices and other documents concerning the challenged action, the transcript of the testimony, if any, the hearing exhibits, the findings and recommendation of the superintendent, the superintendent’s written decision, and other documents concerning the challenged action. The student may be represented by counsel at the appeal. Representatives of the District and the parents may make brief statements to the Board, but no new evidence may be presented unless such evidence was not reasonably discoverable at the time of the hearing. Members of the Board may ask questions for purposes of clarification of the record.
The Board will make final determination regarding the expulsion or denial of admission of the student and will inform the student and his or her parent/guardian of the right to judicial review.
Information to Parents. Upon expelling a student, District personnel shall provide information to the student’s parent/guardian concerning the educational alternatives available to the student during the period of expulsion, including the right to request that the District provide services during the expulsion. If the parent/guardian chooses to provide a home-based education program for the student, District personnel will assist the parent/guardian in obtaining appropriate curricula for the student if requested by the parent/guardian.
If a student is expelled and is not receiving educational services through the District, the school district shall contact the expelled student’s parent/guardian at least once every 60 days until the student is eligible to re-enroll to determine whether the child is receiving educational services. District personnel need not contact the parent/guardian after the student is enrolled in another school District or in an independent or parochial school, or if the student is committed to the department of human services or sentenced through the juvenile justice system.
Readmittance. A student who has been expelled shall be prohibited from enrolling or re-enrolling in the same school in which the victim of the offense or member of the victim’s immediate family is enrolled or employed when:
a. the expelled student was convicted of a crime, adjudicated a juvenile delinquent, received a deferred judgment or was placed in a diversion program as a result of committing the offense for which the student was expelled.
b. there is an identifiable victim of the expelled student’s offense; and
c. the offense for which the student was expelled does not constitute a crime against property.
If the District has no actual knowledge of the name of the victim, the expelled student shall be prohibited from enrolling or re-enrolling only upon request of the victim or a member of the victim’s immediate family.
No student will be readmitted to school until after a meeting between the principal or designee and the parent/guardian has taken place except that if the administrator cannot contact the parent/guardian or if the parent/guardian repeatedly fails to appear for scheduled meetings, the administrator may readmit the student.
Procedure for Crimes of Violence or Unlawful Sexual Behavior
The following procedures will apply when the District receives notification that a student has been charged in a juvenile or District court with a crime of violence or unlawful sexual behavior, as those terms are defined by state law.
- The Board or its designee will make a preliminary determination whether it will proceed with an expulsion hearing, based on the following factors:
- Whether the student has exhibited behavior that is detrimental to the safety, welfare and morals of other students or school personnel.
- Whether educating the student in school may disrupt the learning environment, provide a negative example for other students or create a dangerous and unsafe environment for students, teachers and other school personnel.
- If it is determined that the student should not be educated in the schools of the District, the District may suspend or expel the student, in accordance with the procedures set forth above.
- Alternatively, suspension or expulsion proceedings may be postponed, pending the outcome of the court proceedings. If the suspension or expulsion proceedings are postponed, the student will not be permitted to return to school during that period. An appropriate alternative education program, including but not limited to, an online program authorized by state law or a home-based education program will be established for the student during the period pending the resolution of the juvenile proceedings. The time that a student spends in an alternative education program will not be considered a period of suspension or expulsion.
- If the student pleads guilty to the charge, is found guilty or is adjudicated a delinquent juvenile, the Board or designee may proceed to suspend or expel the student following the procedures set forth in these regulations.
- Information regarding the details of the alleged crime of violence or unlawful sexual behavior will be used by the Board or its designee for the purposes set forth in this policy, but shall remain confidential unless the information is otherwise available to the public by law.
Tardy Policy
Please see Attendance Section.
Physical Intervention
In dealing with disruptive students, any person employed by the school may use reasonable and appropriate physical intervention or force as necessary for the following purposes:
- to restrain a student from an act of wrong-doing.
- to stop a disturbance threatening physical injury to others.
- to obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects upon a student or within the control of a student.
- for the purpose of self-defense.
- for the protection of persons or property
Any such acts are not in conflict with the legal definitions of child abuse and shall not be construed to constitute corporal punishment. No corporal punishment shall be administered to students by any school employee.
Safe2Tell
As part of the Safe Schools Act, it is critical that students and staff feel safe at school. Verbal or physical threats towards students or staff will not be tolerated at Lincoln High School. Some examples of a verbal or physical threat are a student saying to a classmate that they are, “going to kill/shoot them,” or pretending that they are shooting or stabbing someone. These examples are considered to be serious threats and may result in suspension or expulsion from school. Any student who is threatened in this manner is encouraged to report the threat to a staff member immediately.
If the student does not feel comfortable reporting to a staff member, he or she may call Safe2Tell. Safe2Tell® provides students with a way to report any threatening behaviors or activities endangering them or someone they know, in a way that keeps them safe and anonymous. It is important to realize that telling isn’t “snitching”. Telling is when you need to keep yourself or someone you know safe from threats, harmful behaviors, or dangerous situations.
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To make a report, call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free. Web tips can also be made at: www.safe2tell.org or download the Safe2Tell app on the Apple App Store or Google Play to submit a tip. Remember, your identity is safe. No one will ask for your name or phone number. There is no caller I.D., no call tracing, no call recording, and no call forwarding. Safe2Tell only wants to hear your concern and try to help.
Any party reporting to Safe2Tell remains UNKNOWN and is protected by Colorado State Law, C.R.S. 07-197.
Right to Searches
The Principal or her designee may search a student or a student’s personal possessions on school grounds or during a school activity held off of school premises if there is reasonable suspicion for believing that the student is concealing materials of which possession of are prohibited by School Board Policy or which are otherwise detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of other students or staff.
Regarding searches:
- Searches shall be made in the presence of an adult witness of the same sex as the student in question.
- Searches of the person of a student could include:
- Searches of the student’s exterior clothing including the pockets, jackets, shoes, hoodies.
- Searches conducted by use of a scanning wand.
- Any object in the possession of the student, including but not limited to a purse, briefcase, backpack, shoes, or coat.
- No strip searches or pat downs can be carried out by a school employee.
- Student desks, workspaces, lockers, vehicles parked on school property, etc. can be searched when the person conducting the search has reasonable suspicion.
- Anything found during a search which is dangerous to others or prohibited at the school shall be seized by school staff. At this point, it can be used as evidence in a suspension or expulsion hearing or may be turned over to law enforcement personnel.
Weapons in School
Please see District Policy information on our website: fortmorgank12.com.
Substance Policy
Please see District Policy information on our website: fortmorgank12.com.