MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Wheaton Woods Elementary School
Discipline Policy
The staff of Wheaton Woods Elementary School implemented a program that impacts student behaviors.
The program is Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) which incorporates Comprehensive Behavior
Management System [CBMS]. This program promotes the following message: that staff, students and their
parents work together so all students make good choices during their school day and follow Wheaton Woods’
PBIS expectations along with parent support, ensures that every student has the following rights:
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Our Student Rights
The right to be happy and to be treated with respect at Wheaton Woods. This means that no one has the
right to hurt my feelings with words or by touching me in an inappropriate way.
The right to be safe by showing responsibility. This means that no one has the right to hit me, kick me,
push me or hurt me in any way.
The right to hear and be heard and demonstrate a positive attitude. This means no one has the right to
yell or make loud noises.
The right to learn in school by staying on task. This means that I will be free to express my feelings and
opinions without being interrupted or punished. I will do my best and never give up on learning.
Wheaton Woods School Standards
All students will be expected to demonstrate the PBIS expectations as developed and agreed by the
students of Wheaton Woods
Be considerate to others who are working
Walk quietly and safely in the halls
Be considerate of school property and the belongings of others
Respect everyone and show respect for myself
Be truthful and think about my choices
Comprehensive Behavior Management System [CBMS]:
Staff uses the CBMS to help students learn to change inappropriate behaviors in a positive way. Below is a
short description of how this program works. This system helps students and staff monitor student behavior. It
includes a Behavior Tower that has the following levels that can also be determined by colors.
 On task behavior
 Verbal warning for problem behavior
 Time out if problem behavior continues or become major(disrupts the learning)
 Parent Notification or Administrative Referral
A monitoring tool is posted in every classroom. A behavior plan is used by all teachers. This way, students
are given the same message throughout the day, “Follow ROAR expectations.” Having a consistent plan in
place reinforces the message to students that they are expected to make good choices throughout their school
day.
Parents are contacted early in the process and are involved in the problem solving process.
Administrative Referral:
When school staff member has followed the Comprehensive Behavior Management System and the student has
not changed his/her behavior, the student meets with the administrator. The parent is notified by phone and the
student may complete ROAR School-wide Expectations Reflection Response. A copy is given to the teacher
who will send a copy home with the student and keep a copy for the teacher . The expectation is that the
behavior of the child will change with communication with the parent.
Immediate Administrative Referral:
Immediate referral to the principal or assistant principal and the use of consequences will result when student,
staff or building safety is an issue. Examples of this type of behavior include extremely disruptive behavior,
physical or verbal abuse, leaving the school without permission and vandalism.
Bullying: If you feel your child is being bullied, please contact an administrator to discuss the issue and to
receive the “Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form” (MCPS Form 230-35). An investigation
will take place as soon as the form is received by an administrator and feedback will be given to the parent once
an investigation is complete.
Suspension: Out of school suspensions may only be given when it is determined by the administrator that a
behavior is disruptive and detrimental to the operation of the school. Please review the electronic version of
the Student’s Guide to Rights which is available at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/students/rights/
School events outside of the school day and PTA events:
Students must be chaperoned and accompanied by a parent or responsible adult during school events. Parents
are not permitted to drop-off and pick-up their children at after school, evening, and PTA events.
MAJOR INFRACTIONS AND INTERVENTIONS
Staff will use the student referral forms to communicate serious infraction and major concerns to the homeroom
teacher, administration, and parents. Parents will be contacted by school staff and notified of serious incidents
or recurring problematic areas. There is no after-school detention program at Wheaton Woods Elementary
School. However, in certain situations, parents may be contacted so students may stay after school to complete
community service or complete class work missed due to a teacher referral.
INFRACTIONS REQUIRING POLICE REFERRAL AND RECOMMENDATION FOR EXPULSION
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Bomb/Facsimile Possession or Bomb Threats
Evidence of Intent to Distribute or Distribution of Intoxicants
Possession of Firearms, including starter guns
Violent Physical Attack on a Student or Staff Member (requires medical attention outside of school
health room)
Weapons Used to Cause Bodily Harm/Injury
INFRACTIONS
The actions listed are forbidden and are subject to a serious consequence:
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism
Physical Attack on a Staff Member
Bullying (including electronic bullying)
Possession of Intoxicants
Computer Abuse
Sexual Harassment/Offenses/Activity
Vandalism
Theft
Extortion
Burglary
Fire setting
Threat (verbal, electronic, written)
Hazing
Verbal Abuse
Possession of any Weapon or Toy Weapon
Hate/Violence
Physical Attack on a Student
Gang-Related
HIERARCHY OF CONSEQUENCES
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Immediate intervention by adult on the scene to stop Major Behaviors
a. Verbal warning
b. Time out of class
c. Student- Teacher-Administrator Conference
d. Student- Teacher-Administrator-Parent Conference
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Discussions and conferences with the student regarding the incident will result in
consequences appropriate to the infraction (removal of privileges, making
amends, community service at school, etc.).
3.
The student’s homeroom teacher will always be notified via the student referral
form and with follow-up conversation with administration.
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Staff and/or administrators will inform parents of major infraction by phone or in
writing and will require parents to come to the school for a conference. When
informed by writing, parents should sign and return the referral form. A signature
means the parent is aware of the infraction and understands the consequences for
the actions/behaviors.
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Repeated referrals and conferences may result in the development of a behavior
plan or contract to modify student behavior.
6.
Major infractions that are disruptive and detrimental to the operation of the
school may result in:
a. In-school suspension (teacher provides work), supervised with
an administrator
b. Out-of-school suspension
c. 10-day suspension with recommendation for expulsion
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Major infractions include:
a. Bomb/Facsimile Possession or Bomb Threats
b. Evidence of Intent to Distribute or Distribution of Intoxicants or Drugs
c. Possession of Firearms, including starter guns
d. Violent Physical Attack on a Student or Staff Member
e. Weapons Used to Cause Bodily Harm/Injury
Out of school suspensions may only be given when it is determined by the principal
that student behavior is disruptive and detrimental to the operation of the school.
PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT APPEALS AND GRIEVANCES
If a student feels that a disciplinary action resulting from the above infractions is not fair,
he/she can take the following steps:
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Talk it over with the adult involved.
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Talk it over with the homeroom teacher and/or counselor.
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Make an appointment to talk with an administrator. A conference will be
set as soon as possible.
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All suspensions may be appealed to the principal, field supervisor of
Student Services, or the Board of Education.
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Student signature
Date
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Parent signature
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Daytime telephone number
Parent and child have signed and agree that they have read and discussed together the
Discipline Policy and the child understands the expectations for behavior.