Discipline Tables

Descriptions of response levels can be found below the discipline tables. You may also click directly on the response level to see its description.

 

DISCIPLINE TABLES: Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 | Type 5

RESPONSE LEVELS: Level A | Level B | Level C | Level D | Level E | Level T




Discipline Tables




Type 1 Behaviors

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Tardy to School, Bus or Class
 100 Arriving late to school, bus, class or activity. A No No No
Noncompliance With a Reasonable Request
 102 Not following the reasonable request of a teacher, administrator or staff member. A No No No
Agitating Other Students 103 Unwanted and/or unreciprocated picking on or bothering of other students.
 A No No No
Profane or Indecent
Language		 104 Using profane or indecent language, such as cursing. If directed at teacher, staff member or administrator, see Code 301.
 A No No No
Possession of Fireworks 106 Knowingly possessing fireworks. Fireworks will be confiscated and not returned.
 A No No No
Dress Code Violation 107 Wearing clothing that does not comply with the school's Standard School Attire policy or requirements for appropriate dress.
 A No No No

 

 

Type 2 Behaviors

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Repeated Violations of a Pattern of Same Type 1 Behaviors, With Evidence of Implemented Interventions 200 Three or more of the same Type 1 behaviors occurring within one quarter that continue after interventions addressing the specific behavior have been implemented. Interventions must be documented in the referral and in Support and Intervention.
 A, B, T No No No
Possession of Tobacco Products 202 Possessing any tobacco products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, vapor or e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco. All items will be confiscated and not returned. Students under 18 will be issued a citation.
 A, B No No No
Electronic Devices 203 Using a cell phone, electronic device, or the internet for non-educational purposes or without the permission of the classroom teacher or school administrator.
 A, B No No No
Disruption of Classroom 204 Continuously and intentionally disrupting the classroom learning environment to the extent that the learning of other students or the routine functioning of the class is significantly impaired. The discipline referral must describe the significant impairment to the learning or routine functioning of the class.
 A, B No No No
Gambling 208 Betting on games or activities for money or things of value.
 A, B No No No
Drug Paraphernalia 210 Possessing any material used to produce or consume illegal drugs. Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to, bongs, roach clips, miniature spoons and pipes used to consume illegal drugs. All items will be confiscated and not returned.
 A, B No No No
Cutting Class 211 While on school property, failing to attend a scheduled class or activity without authorization. If student is not attending any classes while in the building for the entire school day for five days, truancy protocol should be triggered.
 A, B No No No
Inappropriate Physical Contact With Other Students 212 Engaging in unwanted minor physical contact with another student such as pushing, bumping or touching.
 A, B, T No No No

 

 

Type 3 Behaviors

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Repeated Violations of a Pattern of Same Type 2 Behaviors, With Evidence of Implemented Interventions 300 Three or more of the same Type 2 behaviors occurring within one quarter that continue after interventions addressing the specific behavior have been implemented. Interventions must be documented in the referral and in Support and Intervention.
 B, C, T Yes No No
Profane or Indecent Language Towards Teacher or Staff
 301 Directing profane or indecent language toward a teacher, staff member or administrator. B, C, T Yes No Yes
Leaving School Grounds or Bus Without Authorization
 302 Leaving school grounds without the permission of school officials. Exiting the bus at an unauthorized stop or jumping from exit doors or windows. B, C, T Yes No No
Noncompliance With an Administrative Directive or an Assigned Disciplinary Response
 303 Repeatedly refusing to follow an administrative directive or to comply with an assigned disciplinary response. Repeated could be defined as repeated defiance happening in one event or multiple incidents over a period of time.
 B, C Yes No No
Vandalism Under $1000 304 Willfully destroying or defacing school or personal property. The damage caused is less than $1000. A child's willingness to repair property damaged or to make restitution will be taken into account in determining appropriate level of response.
 B, C, T Yes No No
Theft Under $1000 305 Taking the property of another individual or the school without permission, with the intent of depriving the owner of the property. The value of the property taken is under $1000. A child's willingness to return or replace item taken or make restitution will be taken into account in determining the appropriate level of response.
 B, C, T Yes No No
Falsifying School Records 306 Falsifying or altering school records, including, but not limited to, written, electronic or digital school records. This does not include cheating.
 B, C Yes No No
Inappropriate
Sexual Behavior		 307 Engaging in mutual activity of a sexual nature that does not meet the criteria of harassment or sexual assault. First offense for sexual intercourse should range between 1-3 days of OSS including a Restorative Conference with guardians upon returning to school.

*A referral to DCS will be made. Elementary OSS may only be used to allow time to create a safety plan to meet the needs of the students involved.

 B, C, D, T Yes No Yes*
Indecent Exposure 308 Intentionally exposing body parts generally considered private. For shirts exposing cleavage, use Code 107 (Dress Code).
 B, C, T Yes No No
Offensive Touching 309 Engaging in unwanted or offensive touching of areas generally considered private.
 B, C, T Yes No No
Fighting 311 Mutual participation in an incident involving physical violence.

*Elementary students may only receive OSS if fight results in injury.
 B, C, D, T Yes No Yes*
Alcohol or Drug-Like Substance: Use or Possession, Under the Influence 312 Possessing, using or being under the influence of substances that have the potential to intoxicate. A collaborative referral may be required. Students violating this code are not eligible for First Time Drug Offender Program.
 B, C, T Yes No No
Threats, Class 1 313

A threat to cause harm to students, staff or school in which no plan exists to carry out the threat. The threat must be one that would cause a person to reasonably fear bodily injury.

A Building Level Threat Assessment must be completed.

 B, C, T Yes No No
Possession of a Non-Lethal Weapon or Replica of Lethal Weapon
 314 Possessing a non-lethal weapon, weapon replica, stun gun, BB gun, air gun, air soft gun, pellet gun, cap gun or toy gun. Water guns are excluded. B, C, T Yes No No
Possession of Other Weapons 317 Possessing an instrument capable of causing serious bodily injury, such as a knife, Taser or pepper spray. Weapons will be confiscated and turned over to the appropriate authorities.
 B, C, D, T Yes No No
Trespassing on School Grounds 318 Entering and remaining on school property or during school-sponsored activities without authorization. Parents will be called. If student remains on campus, law enforcement may be contacted.
 B, C Yes No No
Inappropriate Physical Contact Toward School Staff 319 Engaging in intentional physical contact with MNPS staff that does not rise to level of causing bodily injury (pushing, tripping, running into and biting).
 B, C, T Yes No No
Gang Activity: Recruitment, Display or Possession of Symbols or Paraphernalia
 320 Displaying gang symbols, gang paraphernalia or participating in the recruitment/initiation of a student into a gang (violent or disruptive group). B, C, D, T Yes No No
Use of Tobacco Products 321 Using any tobacco products, including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, vapor or e-cigarettes, or chewing tobacco. For the first offense, a B response will be used. All items will be confiscated and not returned. Students under 18 will be issued a citation.
 B, C, D, T Yes No No

 

 

Type 4 Behaviors

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Harassment of School Staff 400 Repeated incidents of intentional verbal, electronic, sexual, or physical harassment or intimidation directed at teachers, administrators or school staff. Documentation of incidents must be included in referral.
 C, D, E Yes Yes No
Assault of a Student 401 Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly committing an unprovoked physical attack on another student. Minor physical contact, such as pushing or shoving, does not constitute assault. Students may not receive the same disciplinary consequence for their involvement in an altercation if the school administrator determines they acted in self-defense to protect themselves from physical harm (TCA 49-6-3401).

Response E may be used if the assault or the resulting injuries are severe. When response E is used, evidence documenting the incident's severity and any resulting injuries must be included in the discipline referral.

 D, E Yes Yes Yes
Under the Influence of Illegal Drugs 402 Being under the influence of any illegal drug(s) while on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities. A collaborative referral will be made for any student found in violation of this code. If it is the student's first offense of under the influence of illegal drugs offense, the student qualifies for the First Time Drug Offender Program.
 C, D, E Yes Yes No
Threats, Class 2 403 A threat to cause harm to students, staff or school. The threat must be verbal or written and include a detailed plan. Evidence must support that the threat is actually or potentially harmful or lethal to the safety of other students in the student's school as determined by the results of a Building Level threat assessment. The Building Level Threat Assessment must be completed within 24 school-day hours from when school administrators are made aware and the student returns to school.  A District Level Threat Assessment can be conducted with approval from the Chief Officer of Student Services.

In determining whether an E response should be used, a threat assessment must be conducted to determine whether the threat is credible.
 D, E Yes Yes No
Threats by Electronic Transmission 404 A student who transmits, by an electronic device, a credible threat to cause bodily injury or death to another student or school employee and creates actual disruptive activity at the school that requires administrative intervention.
 D, E Yes Yes No
Bullying 405 Any intentional act that is severe, persistent or pervasive and substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits, opportunities or performance, and has the effect of:
  • Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property
  • Knowingly placing a student(s) in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student's property
  • Causing emotional distress to a student(s)
  • Creating a hostile educational environment
Bullying incidents must be reviewed for civil rights violations. If bullying is repeated over time and persists after documented administrative intervention, expulsion may result.

*Elementary student OSS only if repeated over time and persists after documented administrative intervention.

Hazing is an intentional or reckless act on or off MNPS property, by one student acting alone or with others, directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student, or that induces or coerces a student to endanger that student's mental or physical health or safety. Hazing does not include physical contact associated with athletic events, training or with competition conducted under a coach's or sponsor's supervision.
 C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Cyberbulling 406 Using technology, including, but not limited to email, cell phones, voicemails, texts, photos, video messages, instant messaging, defamatory websites, social networking sites, online personal polling sites or journals to bully another student. See the definition of bullying above.

*Elementary OSS only if repeated over time and persists after documented administrative intervention.
 C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*

 
 
Harrassment

 

Based on a student's real or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, disability or ancestry.

Harassment is misconduct that:

  1. May be perceived or described as bullying, hazing, or cyberbullying, discrimination or intimidation

  2. Is based on a student's real or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, disability, or ancestry, and

  3. Creates a hostile environment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent to interfere or limit a student's ability to participate in school services, activities, or opportunities. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents.

Includes codes: 407, 408, 409.

*Elementary OSS only if repeated over time and persists after documented administrative intervention.

 

Based on a student's real or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or appearance.

Harassment is misconduct that:

  1. May be perceived or described as bullying, hazing, or cyberbullying, discrimination or intimidation

  2. Is based on a student's real or perceived sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or appearance; and

  3. Creates a hostile environment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive and objectively unreasonable to interfere or limit a student's ability to participate in school services, activities, or opportunities. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents.

Includes codes: 410, 411.

*Elementary OSS only if repeated over time and persists after documented administrative intervention.

 

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Harassment Based
on Race, Color or National Origin
 407 See definition above. C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Harassment Based
on Religion or Creed
 408 See definition above. C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Harassment Based
on Gender, Gender-Identiy or Sexual Orientation
 409 See definition above. C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Harassment Based
on Disability
 410 See definition above. C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Sexual Harassment
 411 See defintion above. C, D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Assault of a Teacher or Staff 412 Any act, intentional or unintentional, that causes or has the potential to cause physical injury to a teacher or school staff. An assault is more than incidental contact. Pushing or bumping a bus driver while the bus is operating constitutes assault of staff.
 D, E Yes Yes Yes
Extreme Disruption
of the School Environment or Bus		 413 Disrupting the school environment or bus to the extent that the safety of other students is at risk. The discipline referral must include evidence of actual disruption and actual risk of harm. Starting a fire or igniting fireworks constitutes extreme disruption. Using technology to access and alter student records or electronically tampering with MNPS technology systems and services (including but not limited to electronic records, databases, networks, and cloud services) in a manner that impairs normal school functioning constitutes extreme disruption.

*Elementary administrators should use crisis response team.

 C, D, E Yes Yes No*
Group Fighting 414 Three or more students engaging in a physical altercation. The altercation may include more students against a few students or multiple one on one fights.

*Elementary students may only receive OSS if the fight results in injury.
 		D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Repeated Violations 415 Repeated violations of a pattern of the same Type 3 Behaviors, with evidence of implemented interventions.
 C, D, E Yes Yes No
Gang Intimidation 416 A gang-involved student behaving in a way that would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to any person. Evidence must be provided in the referral showing that a student is gang-involved and intimidation is gang-related.
 C, D, E Yes Yes No
Off Campus Behavior: For a felony charge under T.C.A 49-6-3051(b) OR An act committed against a member of the student's school community that poses a threat to the safety of the school 417 Students may be subject to disciplinary action for off-campus behavior when:
  • The student's behavior results in a felony charge under T.C.A. 49-6-3051(b): murder, rape, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, felony reckless endangerment and aggravated sexual battery and the student poses a threat to the safety of other students or staff.
  • When a student commits an act against a member of the student's school community that poses a threat to the safety of other students or school staff in the student's school as determined by the results of a Building Level Threat Assessment. The referral must include a specific description of the safety threat posed to students or staff.
 C, D, E Yes Yes No
Sexual Assault 418 Unwanted sexual contact with the use of force against a person's will or when the victim is unable to give consent that poses physical, emotional or psychological distress or injury upon the victim.
 D, E Yes Yes Yes
Robbery 419 Intentionally or knowingly taking the property of another person by use of violence or with the use of a weapon.
 D, E Yes Yes Yes
Reckless Endangerment 420 A reckless action in which the behavior causes serious injury or may potentially cause serious injury. The potential harm must be foreseeable by a reasonable person.

* Elementary students may receive up to two days OSS for safety planning purposes only.

 		D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Fighting: Repeated 421 A middle or high school student who participates in three or more fights during the current year is subject to a five day suspension, or expulsion as determined by the executive principal. An elementary student may receive OSS for up to two days for three fights and five days for a fourth fight. D, E Yes Yes Yes*
Vandalism Over $1000 423 Willfully destroying or defacing school or personal property. The damage caused is over $1000. A child's willingness to repair the damage or make restitution will be taken into account in determining the appropriate level of response. D, E Yes Yes No
Theft Over $1000 424 Taking the property of another individual or of the school without permission with the intent of depriving the owner of the property. The value of the property is over $1000. A child's willingness to return or replace an item taken or make restitution will be taken into account in determining the appropriate level of response. D, E Yes Yes No
Refusing or Fleeing Drug or Weapon Search 425 A student who refuses to submit to a drug or weapon search when requested is in violation of this code. Reasonable suspicion of drugs or firearms must exist for expulsion. A student violating this code is not eligible for the First Time Drug Offenders Program. C, D, E Yes Yes No

 

 

Type 5 Behaviors

 
Zero Tolerance Offenses

A Zero Tolerance (ZT) Offense requires an expulsion of not less than one calendar year (180 school days) under Tennessee State Law. However, the director of schools or the designee may modify the length of the expulsion on a case-by-case basis through the appeals process or through a request for modification. The following are Zero Tolerance offenses under Tennessee Law.

 

Behavior

Code

Definition

Response

Middle and High OSS

Middle and High Expulsion

Elementary OSS
Rape 501 Committing oral, anal or vaginal penetration with use of force, against a person's will or when the victim is unable to give consent. E Yes Yes Yes*
Attempted Homicide 502 Attempting to kill another person. E Yes Yes Yes*
Homicide 503 Killing another person. E Yes Yes Yes*
Drugs 505 (ZT)

Unlawful possession, use or distribution of drugs on school grounds, including any controlled substance, controlled substance analog or legend drug (prescription drug). Prohibited drugs include, but are not limited to, ketamine, bath salts and salvia. Distribution of drugs is defined as the intentional exchange of any prohibited drug for money or other benefit. A collaborative referral will be made for any student found in violation of this code. If it is the student's first offense under unlawful possession and use, not distribution, of drugs, the student qualifies for the First Time Drug Offender program.

After completion of the 1st Time Drug Offender program, a 30-day follow up with parent and student to determine what additional services were offered and whether the student/parent participated/completed the services/support provided.

 E Yes Yes Yes
Aggravated Assault of Teacher, School Staff or a School Resource Officer (SRO) 506 (ZT) Intentionally or knowingly
  1. Causing serious bodily injury or
  2. Committing an assault with a deadly weapon of a teacher, school staff, or SRO.

"Serious bodily injury" is injury that requires more than basic first aid. A "deadly weapon" is a weapon, such as a firearm or knife, that is designed to inflict serious bodily injury.

 E Yes Yes Yes
Explosives 507 (ZT) Possession of any destructive device, which includes any explosive, incendiary device or poison gas, including bombs, grenades, rockets, missiles, mines and similar devices. Possession of fireworks altered or modified to constitute an explosive may be considered a Zero Tolerance offense only if the altered fireworks are identified as an explosive by law enforcement officials. Fireworks are not considered an explosive. E Yes Yes Yes
Firearm 508 (ZT) Possession of a firearm or bringing a firearm to school. This includes, but is not limited to, handguns, rifles and shotguns. As required by state and federal law, any student who brings a weapon to school will be referred to law enforcement. E Yes Yes Yes

  

 

Response Levels




Level A: teacher, student, parent, school staff

  1. All relevant stakeholders (the teacher, student(s), or any other adult) involved in the behavior incident share their perspective on what happened and how they were impacted. The intent is to achieve resolution through mutual understanding and respect. Classroom expectations should be discussed and reiterated at this time.

  2. The teacher will check-in with the student periodically to ensure the relationship has been restored and to encourage continual relationship building

  3. Parent(s) should be notified to:

    • Alert them of the infraction

    • Get parental perspective on solutions (parent voice)

    • Share the outcome of the restorative intervention

    • To encourage at home support for the identified classroom expectation

    • To discuss, if necessary, the need for additional supports for the student (ex: social worker, S-Team, 504 Team, restorative assistant, counselor, psychologist or cluster support team)

    • Additional supports may also be needed to support the classroom environment and/or teacher

  4. Interventions will be documented in S & I.




Level B: Administrative Referral

  1. Administrator will hear the student's side of the story and provide an opportunity to write a statement.

  2. The administrator will provide the student an opportunity to right the wrong and repair the harm.

  3. A plan will be created to support the student's needs through providing interventions and support. Staff determines whether to involve a school social worker, nurse, school guidance counselor, psychologist, behavioral analyst, S-Team, 504 Team, IEP Team, or cluster support team. If school-based resources are unable to address the student's needs, a collaborative referral is created.

  4. All interventions should be documented in the student management system (Infinite Campus) and provided to the parent or guardian.

  5. If necessary, the administrator will have a conversation with the parent or guardian to discuss the student's needs and how to best support the student.

  6. If necessary, in-school suspension (ISS) of up to two days or comparable services may be utilized for middle and high school students. One (1) day of ISS may be used for elementary students. ISS does not take the place of a collaborative referral.




Level C: Suspension Option

  1. Steps one through five are repeated from Level B.

  2. If necessary, administrator may:

    • Give middle school and high school students ISS or comparable services for one to three days OR one to three days of out-of-school suspensions (OSS), not to exceed a total of three days.

    • Give elementary students one to two days of ISS OR, after obtaining supervisory approval, one to two days of OSS, not to exceed a total of two days.

  3. A formal restorative conference must occur upon return from suspension with all necessary parties to modify the student's plan of support. Parents/guardians, student, teacher(s), relevant support staff and community supports must be invited.




Level D: Suspension Option

  1. Same as Level C, except that administrator may:

    • For elementary students, give one to two days of ISS and/or one to two days of OSS if the offense is eligible for OSS. The combination of ISS and OSS may not exceed a total of two days.

    • For middle and high school students, give ISS or comparable services for one to three days and/or OSS for one to five days if necessary. The combination of ISS and OSS may not exceed a total of five days for middle and high school students.

      • Code 414 ONLY - Group Fight violations, up to a 10 day suspension option may be used in lieu of expulsion for middle and high.

  2. When choosing a higher-level response within the range of possible responses, an administrator must consider:

    • The student's age, health, disability, decision-making ability and prior intervention history.

    • The student's willingness to repair the harm.

    • The seriousness of the act.

    • The harm caused or the potential to cause harm, including any injuries caused.

    • The extent of actual disruption to the learning environment.

  3. Upon return from suspension, a restorative conference must occur and a collaborative referral must be made. A plan of support for the student must be created.




Level E: Expulsion Option

  1. Same as level D, except that administrator may expel a middle or high school student if necessary. Elementary students may not be expelled, except for Type 5 Behaviors.

  2. Expulsion Documentation: All interventions utilized prior to expulsion must be clearly documented in the Student Management System (Infinite Campus). All reasons for expelling a student rather than using a lower level of response must be clearly detailed.

  3. Upon return from expulsion, a formal restorative conference must be held with appropriate individuals including parent/guardian, student, teacher(s), relevant support staff and community supports.

Expulsion is a measure of last resort. Prior to expulsion, all of the following factors must be considered:

  • the student's age, health, disability, decision-making ability and prior intervention history

  • the student's willingness to repair the harm

  • the seriousness of the act

  • the harm caused or the potential to cause harm, including any injuries caused

  • the extent of actual disruption to the learning environment

  • whether the act was intentional.

Zero Tolerance Offenses as defined by state law require a level E response. All Zero Tolerance offenses require a mandatory expulsion of 180 school days.




Level T: Transportation Suspension Option

For certain behaviors occurring on the bus affecting student safety, a student may be suspended from the bus for a maximum of three days. The T response may only be used for behavior occurring on the bus. When a student is suspended from the bus, they may still attend school but parents are responsible for transportation. Recognizing that some students do not have alternate transportation when suspended from the bus, a bus suspension will only be used if the bus driver has not been able to address the student's behavior by reminding the student about behavioral expectations on the bus, having a restorative conversation with the student, changing the student's assigned seat, and calling a parent/guardian to address the concern. The bus driver will utilize restorative approaches to behavior when the bus is in a safe and secure location prior to initiating a referral to school administration. The driver's discipline referral to the school will include interventions tried prior to referral.