Discipline

 Our climate and culture is maintained by our 3 Golden Rules:  

An Appeals is a Restorative Justice process where a student meets with a group of teachers and/or students to discuss a violation of school rules.

Appeals are a meeting between staff, student, and possibly parents to explore an event and develop a plan to move forward.

• The student's Family teacher should be present and their availability can impact how quickly an Appeals is scheduled?
• The student should speak with Family teacher prior to meeting and be completely honest about the events.
• Parents are invited but not required to attend. 
• Evidence may be presented at the appeals by any party. 

Types of Appeals

•  Academic Appeals
  • Student is Below 90% points in at least one class at the end of a session.
  • Student has been Below 90% for multiple sessions, even after interventions have been implemented.
  • Lack of Overall Progress over a given period of time.
• Behavioral Appeals
  • Anti-Social violation
  • Drugs or Alcohol violation
• Re-Entry
  • Students returning after a long absence

Appeals Process

• Always includes Family Teacher unless not possible.  If not possible, another staff member represents the student.
• Usually take place at a table, not behind a desk, where all participants are equally seated.
• Student has an opportunity to tell “their side of the story.”
• Staff members take turn discussing events with student and asking questions. 
  • Parents/Guardians can participate, but can not “dominate” the discussion.  It is the student’s appeals, not theirs.
  • Areas discussed include:
    • What happened?
    • Who was involved?
    • Who was impacted or harmed by the event?
    • Are there any previous concerns or patterns?
    • Is there a way to move forward and what is needed for this to occur?
    • What possible supports does the student need to be successful?
• At conclusion of discussion, student (and parents/guardians) are excused from the room for deliberation.
• The Appeals Board makes a determination and writes up a Appeals Contract. 
• The student and parents/guardians are called back to the room to review the plan, clarify instructions, and sign the form. 

A student may receive an "X" on their card by any staff member their actions warrant them unable or unwilling to remain at school at that time.  When a student receives an "X" they are expected to report immediately to the Front Office where their parents/guardians will be notified and they will be sent home for the day.  Students receiving an X may not return to class the same they day they receive the mark, but may return the following day.  If a student receives an "X" in their last scheduled class period of the day, they are required to miss the following school day before returning.  Students returning from an "X" are not required to meet with a member of administration or have an Appeals.  

Examples of reasons a student might receive an "X" include, but are not limited to: 

• Skipping class and attempting to remain on campus. 
• Being in an area a student is not allowed to be without supervision. 
• Having an elevated level of agitation and unable or unwilling to utilize available resources. 
• Multiple refusals to follow directions. 

Colorado's Finest is a tobacco-free campus.  Possession or use of any form of tobacco, including vape pens, whether containing tobacco product or not is strictly forbidden.  

• Consequences for violating the smoking/vaping policy are as follows: 
  • First time-Items are confiscated, student receives and "X," and are sent home. 
  • Second time- Items are confiscated, student receives and "X," and are sent home. Student must also complete 5 hours of Community Service prior to returning to school. 
  • Third time- Items are confiscated, student receives and "X," and are sent home. Student must sit out awaiting an Appeals.

If a tobacco or vape item is reviewed by Law Enforcement and determined to contain an illegal substance, such as THC, the student would face an Appeals for further disciplinary actions.