Effective Behavioral Support

School Wide Expectations

  • Be Safe
  • Be Respectful
  • Be Responsible
  • Follow Directions the First Time

We will use two methods to reinforce appropriate behavior:

Talon Tickets

Talon Tickets will be used to encourage safe, respectful, and responsible behavior. They will be used as incentives in the following ways:

  • Monthly school-wide rewards and drawings
  • Classroom rewards for earning a certain number of cards

Hawk Card (HC)

The "Hawk Card" program will recognize students (grades 6-8) for exemplifying exceptional trustworthy behaviors.

Process for earning HC status:

  • Students will be eligible to apply to be a "Hawk" after ten school days without any warnings.
  • Students must get a Hawk Cark application form and take it home to be signed by their parent/guardian. After the parent has signed the application, the student must get the signatures from their teachers and the other staff members listed on the application.
  • When all signatures are obtained, the application must be turned in to the office.
  • Hawk Card status will usually be awarded the following week.

Hawk Card Privileges and Rewards

  • Students will receive recognition, privileges and special activities in their classroom and around the school campus.

Process for losing a Hawk card:

  • Students will automatically lose their card after receiving a BLEEP or any major infractions or misbehavior.

Process of reapplication for Hawk card:

  • Students who lose their Hawk status must wait the same number of days as their grade level (i.e. Grade 6 - 6 days) before they reapply.
  • To reapply, the student must complete a "Hawk Card Reapplication Form."

Discipline Plan for Inappropriate Behavior

The following is a sample of specific behaviors that fall below the expectations of HCMS students. This list is not exhaustive. Adjustments and modifications may be made at the discretion of the administration.

Minor Infractions or misbehavior (BLEEP)

  1. Misconduct, disruption, or behaviors not appropriate to the activity or setting.
  2. Improper display of affection.
  3. Numerous tardies, inappropriate attire.
  4. Consistently coming to class unprepared to work.
  5. Unsafe behavior.

Major Infractions or misbehavior

  1. Received 3 BLEEPs in a quarter.
  2. Abusive or inappropriate language, profanity, or obscenities.
  3. Immoral or illegal activities.
  4. Open acts of insubordination, defiance, major disruption, or disrespect.
  5. Fighting, assault, bullying, threats, or sexual misconduct.
  6. Lying, cheating, forgery, and other misrepresentations.
  7. Any type of harassment, teasing, or taunting directed at another student, staff, parent or visitor.
  8. Theft, vandalism, or activities that destroy property or disrupt learning.
  9. Leaving class, school premises, or functions without permission.
  10. Bringing onto campus anything considered contraband or inappropriate by the handbook, such as weapons or firearms.

When infractions or misbehavior occurs:

The teacher or duty person will determine the level of misbehavior and follow standard discipline techniques and procedures as described below to correct that behavior.

Behavior Strategies: (Level One)

Behavior strategies are daily redirection for minor inappropriate behavior. This is an opportunity to teach students appropriate replacement behaviors.

BLEEPs: (Level Two)

BLEEPs will be used to document repeated minor misbehavior. This form is filed with the principal/vice principal and classroom teacher. The student will receive an appropriate consequence for that repeated misbehavior. Three BLEEPs in one quarter will become a Student Discipline Referral (see below).

Student Discipline Referrals (SDR): (Level Three)

A Student Discipline Referral will be automatically written for major inappropriate behavior or if a student has received 3 BLEEPs. When a referral is written, the student is sent to the principal/vice principal. A copy will be sent home to the parents. Repeat referrals may be considered cumulative and may lead to probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Detention: (Level Four)

Detention times are scheduled during student breaks, lunch, or after school. For after school detentions, the student and parents will be notified in advance. These detentions are scheduled for Thursdays the week following the student receiving the detention. The number and time of a detention is determined by the teaching and administrative staff.

The after school detention time is 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Missed detentions may be double.

Suspension: (Level Five)

Suspensions come in two forms, in-school and away-from-school, and occur because the student chooses not to adhere to school guidelines.

An in-school suspension removes the student from peer contact for a specific period of time.

An away-from-school suspension may last up to ten days. Parents will be notified of these suspensions. A conference with the student, parent, administration, and staff involved will be arranged to discuss the cause and length of the suspension. During an away-from-school suspension, a student must stay away from school grounds and all school related activities. A conference to discuss terms for re-admittance may be required. Suspensions may also be considered cumulative and lead to additional consequences. Students will be allowed to make up schoolwork if the work reflects achievement over a greater length of time than the suspension. The classroom teachers and administration will make these decisions. A student's grades may be seriously affected by class suspensions.

Expulsion: (Level Six)

An expulsion is a removal of a student from HCMS. It is used as a last resort. A student can be expelled for multiple suspensions. HCMS also reserves the right to expel any student whose conduct is deemed detrimental or a threat to the staff, students, or reputation of HCMS.

Due Process

Due Process for both suspension and expulsion contain the elements of specific charges, opportunity for the student to present his/her view, and parent notification.