In-School Suspension (ISS) is an alternative disciplinary measure for students meant to be used in place of, or in tandem, with Out of School Suspension (OSS) for students violating rules stated in the district handbook and code of conduct.
As per district policy, offenses that would warrant a given amount of days worth of ISS include truancy and/or skipping, possession and use of nicotine products, violations of the state-wide phone policy, fighting and possession of illicit substances.
Truancy, or skipping, results in 3 days worth of ISS. Vaping or possession of nicotine and/or tobacco products results in 3 days worth of ISS if it is the first offense of a student. A second offense of the district policy results in 5 days of ISS. Upon the third offense, a student will be sent to an IDH.
An IDH, also known as an Interdisciplinary Hearing, is held at the Rogers Virtual Learning Center between the student, school administration and a separate third party, not paid by the district but rather the state, to overhear and decide the disciplinary measure for the student involved. An IDH can result in the third party being in favor of the student, meaning the student can return to campus, but if the third party sides with the school, they will choose whether a student will be placed at either the Crossroads or REAP campus depending on the severity of the offense. An IDH is not the expulsion of a student, but rather an opportunity for a student to be in a better suited environment. At a hearing, it can be decided whether a student will remain at the alternative campus for the remainder of the school year or a complete 365 days.
Students on their 4th violation of the new district and statewide phone policy will receive one day of ISS. However, upon the 5th violation of phone policy, a student will have to attend an IDH as per state law left up to interpretation to the school district.
Engaging in fights or active use of illicit substances, such as marijuana, alcohol and more will result in what is referred to as “five and four.” Students who participate in either of the two above mentioned activities will receive 5 days of out of school suspension and, upon their return, will receive 4 days of ISS. A second offense will result in an IDH.
“It is good to gain a better sense of discipline. I would not want to be there,” said Miguel Guadarrama (10).
ISS and student discipline on campus, acts as a buffer between a student and real world consequences. Should a student be caught in possession of marijuana, for example, the severity of punishment will depend on whether or not a student is on or off campus. Here, a student will receive the 5 days of out of school suspension and 4 days of ISS. If out in public, a student will most likely receive the max penalty for possession of a controlled substance. And, if this same student carries enough of the controlled substance, they will be charged with intent to sell.
“It is not supposed to be a free day where you hang out with a supervisor. You are in trouble. You are being disciplined,” said Quinta Jones, ISS supervisor.
