Behavior

General Categories of Misconduct

By Colorado law, a student may be suspended or expelled for behavior which constitutes any of the following:

1. Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority;

2. Willful destruction or defacing of school property;

3. Behavior on or off school property which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other pupils or of school personnel, including behavior which creates a threat of physical harm to the child or other children;

4. Serious violations in a school building or in or on school property, including but not limited to,

   1. Carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon (as that term is defined in section 22-33-106[1][d], Colorado Revised Statutes) or bringing a firearm (as that term is defined in 18 United States Code Section 921(a)(3)) to school without the authorization of the school or the district;

   2. The sale of a "drug" or "controlled substance" (as those terms are defined in section 12-22-303, Colorado Revised Statutes);

   3. The commission of an act by a student at least 10 years of age which, if committed by an adult would be robbery pursuant to title 18, article 4, part 3 of the Colorado Revised Statutes; and

   4. The commission of an act by a student at least 10 years of age which, if committed by an adult would be assault pursuant to title 18, article 3, part 2 of the Colorado Revised Statutes (other than third degree assault).

5. Declaration as an "habitually disruptive student", (which is defined in this regulation); and/or

6. Repeated interference with a school's ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.

NOTE: Where a student commits acts outlined in 4a through 4d or is declared to be a "habitually disruptive student," EXPULSION IS MANDATORY under Colorado law.

Administration, Deans, Teachers, and Staff should use/incorporate preventative and intervention strategies such as Restorative Practices, counseling, or other approaches to address student misconduct and should impose proportionate disciplinary interventions and consequences in response to student misconduct. As part of the district’s governing principles in regards to student discipline, Vista Peak Prep believes that:

1. Discipline should be employed  for one of two purposes: 1) as a tool for learning OR 2) as a means to maintain a safe learning environment.

2. Effective classroom management and thorough engagement of students in learning are among the most effective ways to reduce behaviors.

3. Adults have a responsibility to be sensitive to students’ individual needs and circumstances and to make sincere efforts to work with students in a responsible way.

4. Discipline should not be viewed as a means for condemnation or retribution.

5. Possible consequences for behavior infractions will be dependant on:

   1. Behavioral history of student (for the current academic year)

   2. Circumstances surrounding behavioral infraction/incident

      1. Events preceding the infraction

      2. Impact on the learning environment

      3. Number and/or type of items within possession (person, backpack, purse, locker, vehicle, etc)