In this week's newsletter (read it here) Christine Carver addressed an incident that took place in Parloa Park this week.
Carver said, "The incident in Parloa Park this week was of significant concern. Because it has been asked of me more than once in the last few weeks, how can the school provide discipline for something that happens off school grounds? Shouldn't parents just address it?
CT State law and Board of Education policy 5114 define the discipline of out-of-school conduct as such:
"Students may be suspended or expelled for conduct off school grounds if such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violative of a publicized policy of the Board. In making a determination as to whether such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the Administration and the Board of Education may consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to, the following factors: (1) whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school; (2) whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement; (3) whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence, or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined in section Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-38, and whether any injuries occurred; and (4) whether the conduct involved the use of alcohol."
Many incidents, especially those that involve violence, cause significant disruption in the school environment as many of the issues spill into the school setting. Often threats continue, students continue to speak to the incidents, etc. We hope parents also take these incidents seriously and provide home-based consequences for actions. Please take this opportunity to speak with your child about how conduct outside of school could affect discipline in school."
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