Student Behavior Expectations

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

All student phones are expected to be in the phone home box during class. If a student’s phone is seen or heard during class (not in the box, they must report to the main office to turn it in for the remainder of the day and receive a CP arrow on their card and a CP violation logged in Infinite Campus. If a student reaches a 4th CP violation (and any violation thereafter), they must turn in their phone to the office for 5 full days before getting another try.

“Tech on Task”

The expectation at Finest is that all technology is “on task.” In most cases, a student can use their personal device for classwork as long as the device remains “on task” with the work assigned for that day’s lesson. A student who does not follow this expectation with their personal tech devices will be asked to put that device away or, insome cases, turn it into the main office if there has been a recurring problem with tech off task.  

In the same way, school Chromebooks are expected to be used appropriately and remain“on task.” Students who do not follow this expectation and/or have repeated instances of nappropriate use or care of the chromebook may lose the privilege of using it. All school devices are monitored with a software called GoGuardian.

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, students, 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 the 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.
• The Student has an opportunity to tell “their side of the story.”
• Staff members take turns discussing events with the 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 support does the student need to be successful?
• At the conclusion of discussion, the student (and parents/guardians) are excused from the room for deliberation.
• The Appeals Board makes a determination and writes up an Appeals Contract. 
• The student and parents/guardians are called back to the room to review the plan, clarify instructions, and sign the form. 

No drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is allowed on school property.

Finest utilizes a vape detection system in our student restrooms. When a vape detection occurs, any student utilizing the restroom at that time may be escorted to the office and asked to hand in their vape. If needed, a search, including the use of a metal detecting wand, will be conducted and the parent/guardian will always be notified. All Englewood/School Board policies are followed if a search occurs.

Non-Drug Vape- If the vape appears to be non-drug related, the following steps will be taken. In all cases, the vape will be confiscated.

• First Offense: The student receives an X on their card for the period that the vape was discovered and serves RESET (ISS) for the next 4 class periods. 
• Second Offense: The student receives an X on their card for the period that the vape was discovered and serves RESET (ISS) for the next 7 class periods (or their full schedule). 
• Third Offense and beyond:  The student receives an X on their card for the class period that the vape was discovered and is assigned 1 day of out-of-school suspension and an appeal/re-entry meeting to discuss the student’s placement at Finest. *If future vape offenses occur the number of OSS days increases. 

At Finest, we value student identity and expression and simultaneously desire to offer every student a healthy and safe school environment in which to learn.

Coverage expectations: To promote a respectful and inclusive learning environment, all students are expected to wear clothing that is not see-through and appropriately covers the chest/torso as well as the buttocks. This guideline applies to all students, regardless of gender identity or body type. Attire that reveals more than two inches of cleavage is not considered appropriate for the school setting. Tops must be at least 8 inches long and completely cover the sides of the breasts. Clothing must also fully cover the buttocks at all times, whether standing, sitting, or moving. Shorts, skirts, dresses, and other garments must be of sufficient length and fit to ensure that no part of the buttocks is visible. Garments that reveal buttocks or are excessively short are not permitted. Our intent is not to shame or target individuals, but to maintain a focused academic environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected.

Content expectations: Content displayed on clothing while on school property is expected to not include:

• Images or language that insult or diminish the identity of another human
• Violent language or images
• Images or language depicting drugs or alcohol (or any illegal item or activity)
• Hate speech, profanity, pornography
• Images or language that creates a hostile or intimidating environment
• Any clothing that reveals visible undergarments
• Swimsuits (except as required in class or athletic practice)

Additionally:

• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or could be used as a weapon are not allowed.
• Students may not wear any item that obscures the face or ears (except as a religious observance).
• Bandanas may not be worn at school. 

Adult response to dress code concerns: If a student's clothing does not meet these  expectations, they will be privately and respectfully asked to make an adjustment. This may involve changing into other clothing, using a provided cover-up, or contacting a parent or guardian if needed. Repeated violations may result in further discussion with school staff and on the third violation, the student will be required to attend an appeal (Restorative Conversation).

We ask students and families to partner with us in upholding these expectations as part of our shared responsibility to support a healthy and professional school climate.

Disruptive Behaviors: Our staff seek to offer a safe, stable and nurturing learning environment for every student. In addition to the discipline arrow on the card, if a student’s behavior persists to be disruptive, or is initiated at a level that is disruptive to others,  the teacher will address the student’s behavior, offer solutions, and take action to resolve the concern (Ex: move the student to an assigned seat, have a private min-conference with the student to problem-solve, identify if social/emotional support is needed). If a student’s disruptive behaviors persist, the teacher may give an X-arrow on the card, which signifies that this point cannot be earned back.

Examples of disruptive behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Escalated Disrespect
• Harassment/Name Calling
• Inappropriate drawings/writing
• Inappropriate computer/internet use 
• Persistent documented distracting behaviors

Defiant Behaviors: Our staff seek to offer a safe, stable and nurturing learning environment for every student. Defiant behaviors are those that reflect a disregard for classroom and school-wide expectations, including persisting in distracting/disruptive behaviors despite staff intervention. In this case, the student will receive an “X” on their card and meet with an administrator to discuss the student’s choices and the impact of those choices. When a student receives an “X”, they will not return to their regular classes that day. Instead, the following steps will be taken.

First X- Student completes a reflection sheet to process the situation and the actions they and others took that resulted in them being asked to leave class and meet with an administrator to discuss. The student will then serve the next 4 class periods in RESET (ISS). Students in RESET must turn in their cell phones to the front office and be respectful, cooperative and productive in order to earn their return to classes. In most cases, the administrator will facilitate a restorative conversation with the student and the staff member or student they were in conflict with. Often, students will also meet with their counselor when they are in RESET.

Second X- Student completes a reflection sheet to process the situation and the actions they and others took that resulted in them being asked to leave class and meet with an administrator to discuss. The student will then serve the next full school day in RESET (ISS). Students in RESET must turn in their cell phones to the front office and be respectful, cooperative and productive in order to earn their return to classes. In most cases, the administrator will facilitate a restorative conversation with the student and the staff member or student they were in conflict with. Often, students will also meet with their counselor when they are in RESET. Ex: If a student is assigned RESET at the end of period 2 for their 2nd X, they will serve RESET period 3 through the end of that day and then finish up periods 1 and 2 in RESET the following day so that their full schedule is completed. Being in RESET at finest does not impact the student’s access to CTE or CE classes.

Third X- Student completes a reflection sheet to process the situation and the actions they and others took that resulted in them being asked to leave class and meet with an administrator to discuss. The student is then assigned one full day of Out of School Suspension. When an out-of-school suspension occurs, the student must schedule an appeal/re-entry meeting with their family teacher and this appeal must occur before the student can return to classes in person.  If a student is assigned an out-of-school suspension, they may not attend off-campus CTE or CE classes during that suspension and may not be on any Englewood Schools property without a scheduled meeting that includes an administrator. 

Examples of defiant behavior include but are not limited to: 

• Skipping class
• Cheating
• Forging Card
• Gang Representation
• Racial or Discriminatory remarks
• Bullying
• Use/Possession of tobacco
• Insubordination
• Theft
• Intimidation
• Profanity toward staff
• Vandalism
• Persistent documented Disruptive behaviors

Dangerous Behaviors: Our staff seek to offer a safe, stable and nurturing learning environment for every student. If a student chooses to engage in dangerous behavior, school administration, district security,  and likely law enforcement will be involved in responding. These behaviors will result in suspension and/or expulsion and often also include being ticketed and/or arrested by law enforcement officers. 

Examples of dangerous behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Possession of Alcohol
• Possession of Drugs
• Intoxication
• Threat
• Sexual Harassment
• Fighting
• Assault/Battery
• Possession of Weapon

When a report is made that a student has engaged in anti-social behavior, a Finest administrator will meet with the student and take a written statement regarding their concerns and including their own actions as well as the actions of others. Then, if there is reasonable cause to interview other students or staff, the administration will do so and collect written statements from those who were involved or witnessed the situation. The administrator may also review school camera footage to confirm the reports. In some cases, a metal detecting wand may be used if the student is believed to have items on their person that are prohibited at school. In addition to the metal detecting wand, the administrator may ask the student to empty their pockets, remove their shoes and provide their bags/backpack to be searched. The student’s parent/guardian will be notified if a search occurs. If a student refuses to cooperate with a search, district safety and security personnel will be notified and the student will receive suspension days per the school board policy. Students and families are encouraged to cooperate with the investigation processes at Finest. We know that circumstances can be stressful and frustrating, and we ask for your trust in our good intentions and best efforts as we work to investigate any concerns. 

If a student is being suspended by the administrator, their parent/guardian on file in Infinite Campus will be notified. Formal notification will also be provided in the form of a letter and the student’s attendance will be marked as OSS. The student’s family teacher will schedule the appeal/re-entry meeting, which the student must attend prior to re-entering their classes at Finest. Students are encouraged to complete assigned work while they are out for their suspension and any points earned during this time go to the bottom of the card and count for graduation, but not towards their 90% for the session. In extreme situations, a suspension can lead to a recommendation for expulsion from Englewood Schools. In this case, all district and school board policies are followed.

When a student engages in anti-social behavior that results in a suspension of one or more days, they will be required to attend an anti-social appeal led by their family teacher and joined by other staff and administrators. At this meeting, the student is invited to share the details and context of their behavior that resulted in the suspension and establish a plan to repair the harm. We use 5 restorative questions to guide this conversation in an effort to give the student the opportunity to take responsibility and make a plan to move forward successfully.