PUPIL WALKOUTS

PROGRAMS & STUDENT SERVICES: 200

Pupil Walkouts: PSS 234

Adoption Date: October 25, 1999

Revised: January 2005

Scope                  

This policy covers all unauthorized walkouts by students within the Board.

Purpose                             

To set forward the procedures to be followed by the school administration in the event of a pupil walkout.

Policy Statement           

It is the policy of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board that student walkouts are prohibited.  Suspensions will be considered for students initiating or involved in walkouts.

(1)        Pupil walkouts will be discouraged with every means at the disposal of school administration and staff.

(2)        The principal and staff are responsible for the safety and welfare of students.

(3)        Respect for good order and the use of proper channels of communication should be promoted.

Cross Reference

Authorization             

This policy has been authorized by the Board under motions number....

Responsibility            

It is the responsibility of the Director of Programs and Student Services to ensure that this policy and administrative procedures are implemented.

Implementation                     

The Coordinator of School Services will implement the policy and administrative procedures.

Procedures                            

1.         The principal will make certain that all staff members are at their assigned place of duty. The principal and staff should advise the pupils not to participate in this action and make the students aware that attendance will be taken.

2.         The pupils involved are to be advised by the Principal of the seriousness of their act and that they should return to their classroom under threat of suspension.  If the pupils still refuse to return, suspension procedures shall be followed.

3.         Confrontation will be avoided.

4.         The Principal shall agree, if requested, to meet with a committee of pupils (or Student Council Officers) if the other pupils return to their classes.  Both sides of the dispute should be discussed openly and frankly.

5.         ANY PUPIL WHO WISHES TO ENTER THE BUILDING IN ORDER TO ATTEND REGULAR CLASSES SHALL BE PERMITTED.

6.         Principal shall notify the parent(s) of the pupil’s walkout and impress upon the parent(s) the seriousness of the matter.

7.         Pupils leaving the school and school property to take part in protest marches must clearly understand that the School Board and school authorities cannot accept responsibility for the pupils' actions or safety.

8.         The Principal must keep the Co-ordinator of School Services fully informed if a walkout occurs.  A detailed written account of the walkout and any related incidents shall be sent to the Superintendent with a copy to the Co-ordinator of School Services.

9.         IF PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURS OR THERE IS SERIOUS DISORDER, THE POLICE WILL BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY.

Associated Forms                  

Policy Review            

This policy will be reviewed by Director of Programs and Student Services within three years from the authorization date.

Distribution                            

Board Members

All Policy Manual Holders