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Christina School District - NEWS

Christina Board Amends Student Code of Conduct for Youngest Students
The Christina Board of Education voted unanimously on October 13 to amend the 2009-2010 Student Code of Conduct as it applies to Kindergarten and First Grade students charged with Level III offenses.

Under the approved amendment to the Code of Conduct, a separate category addressing Kindergarten and first grade students has been added, with revised consequences for a first or second offense. For example, a Kindergarten or first grade student charged with a Level III offense for the first time will now face 3-5 days out-of-school suspension and referral to school based counseling, but will not be required to be alternatively placed. The recommendation changed the language to read “Possible recommendation for alternative placement.”

As part of the motion to adopt the amendment, the Christina Board made the decision retroactive to the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

The Christina School District Student Code of Conduct outlines student rights and responsibilities for grades Kindergarten through 12. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct is given to each student upon school entry. Orientation to the Code of Conduct is held in each school at the beginning of the school year. Many offences and their consequences outlined in the Christina Student Code of Conduct have been determined by Delaware State Code.

The Christina School District Student Code of Conduct is intended to promote safe and positive school environments, where student safety is not compromised by others, and learning is not disrupted by inappropriate behavior.



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1) I do not and cannot speak for the Board. This blog reflects my personal views on the issues that continue to prevent all CSD children from attaining a world-class education.

2) I was elected to this unpaid position by constituents who wanted Accountability, Transparency, a return to Best Practices, and Bold Leadership in a time when many feel that public education is failing our children. I pledged my support to all of the students of the Christina School District and I will fulfill that promise.

3) Our district has been thrust into the national spotlight by a disciplinary action taken in accordance to the district Code of Conduct, a document owned fully by the Board of Education.

I support my district administration in their diligence to adhere to the prescribed policy; however, I share the belief that Zero Tolerance policies do not consistently work. In fact, our district's utilization of Zero Tolerance policies was among the catalysts for my campaign in the first place. I am passionate in my efforts to resolve those policies that are simply flawed.

Zero Tolerance became the cry of the day following the Columbine Massacre. Though I was not a part of the board at that time (and am only three months into my term,) I am guided in my knowledge that many such policies were implemented across the nation to ensure the safety of ALL students. It is without doubt that the goal of the our district has always been to maintain the safety for our students and staff.

It is and always has been my promise that I will endeavour to change those policies that are not rooted in reason and to create a mechanism for common sense when needed.

Tonight, I re-affirm that promise to you.

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