Conduct

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Dallas Lutheran School students are expected to exercise self-discipline with the feelings and property of others. The school discipline is based on the belief that a respect for authority is the surest way to develop a cooperative spirit. Self-discipline is encouraged whenever possible, and the older students, particularly juniors and seniors, are called to share progressively in the responsibilities of school operation and to set a good example for the younger students. It is important to realize that rules alone do not create good discipline: it comes from students who realize that the goals of the school can be achieved only through mutual trust, understanding, and cooperation.

MAJOR DISCIPLINARY OFFENSES

The campus of Dallas Lutheran School is subject to the laws of the State of Texas and the federal government. Any student violating those laws or the discipline policy of the school will be subject to disciplinary action by the school. Specific disciplinary action in the form of automatic expulsion will result in the case of any student who is found passing a controlled substance or is in possession of a firearm.

The following constitute serious breaches of the discipline policy and will result in one of the five disciplinary actions appropriate to the violation.
  1. Deliberate or careless abuse of the school environment.
  2. Interference with the rights of others.
  3. Conduct such as to subvert the good order, discipline or the morals of other students.
  4. Damage to school or personal property.
  5. Possession or use of drugs listed in the current Federal Controlled Substance Act. The school must be notified of any prescription medication to be administered.
  6. Possession or use of alcoholic beverages.
  7. Smoking or possession of any type of tobacco substances, i.e., snuff, chewing, etc.
  8. Unexcused absence from school, class, chapel, or assemblies.
  9. Lying, cheating or stealing.
  10. Possession of explosive or dangerous materials, including, but not limited, to air-powered guns and knives.
  11. Use of obscene, profane, or intimidating language.
  12. Repeated disruptive or uncooperative behavior.

Disciplinary action may fall into one of four categories.

  1. Disciplinary probation: trial period - student attempts to rectify his/her behavior.
  2. Suspension: temporary separation from the school.
  3. Removal from class without credit.
  4. Expulsion: separation from the school for the remainder of the academic year.
For students in their first year at Dallas Lutheran, the strongest possible warning may, at the administrator’s discretion, precede disciplinary probation as the first punitive step taken.

Possible methods of application of disciplinary action:

  1. Student sent to the office and conference held with the teacher.
  2. Student sent to the office, one-half or whole day of suspension, parents called or conference with parents.
  3. Student sent to the office, conference with parents, and two day suspension.
  4. Student sent to the office, conference with parents, student placed on a formal contract, and three-day suspension.
  5. Student is expelled from school.
Note: Serious action will be taken in circumstances involving harassment of any form.  Sexual harassment (which includes inappropriate communication or contact, whether written, verbal, or physical), may cause the involvement of legal authorities.

RIGHT TO APPEAL

Students have the right to appeal, through the Principal/Executive Director, to the Board of Directors on matters in which they feel due process was not granted. The model established by Matthew 18:15-16 should always be followed.