Discipline going to the district superintendent level?

[Anonymous]

I’m sure the school has a lot of fights and if they reassigned every kid that got in a fight that would be dozens a year. It wouldn’t really make sense to do that unless there was a specific beef between kids that needs to be broken up. I’d be pretty surprised if they did that after the first fight as well. My guess is another suspension.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does your child Have a Behavior Plan as part of their IEP? Was it Followed? Is this a manifestation of their disability? Know your Procedural rights.

Behavior goals, I don't think there's a "plan" per se; DC tried to follow the supports he had in place, but some of the options weren't available that day. According to the doctor it is a manifestation of the disability.

They will not find that it is a manifestation of the disability. They will say "We have had X other students with that disability, and they haven't [done what your DC did]", or come up with a lot of other reasons why the doctor is wrong. It is a farce. But going to the Gatehouse does not necessarily mean a school reassignment. BTDT.

I was surprised that in our child’s case the principal actually put the manifestation of disability in writing. But even if it is a manifestation they can still discipline - so my kid still got suspended. This was DCPS though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It means it is entirely possible -- and also means that escalation decision is entirely at the principal's choice.

Thank you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's a possibility and I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to start thinking of worse case scenario plans. I would also go in with apologies and plans to work on the behavior first and then talk about the issues with the supports not being available. If it's gotten to this point, they likely won't respond well if you immediately try to "excuse" (not saying that's what you're doing) his behavior and blame them.

I didn't mean to imply it was the school's fault at all. I realize they can't guarantee someone or even a group of people would be available at any given time.
Also, we recently switched medical providers and they are trying new ADHD, etc medicines. This came during a med switch, which is also not an excuse, but likely a contributing factor with his response to the combination of meds he was on. Meds have been changed since the incident.

Anonymous wrote: It also may be necessary to revisit this plan. Requiring multiple people to deescalate him doesn't seem like it can reasonably instilled all the time.

Agree that we may need to revisit, but It usually just requires one person to help deescalate. DC is working with mental health professionals multiple times/week now to work on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A "manifestation of the disability" does not absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. I think a lot will hinge on what your child understands of the situation, and how able he is to control himself should a similar trigger arise again, from this student or any other adult or child. Are there private supports you can tweak, such as medication and therapy, to try and reduce the risk of recidivism; and how likely is it that this school will regularly find itself without the correct supports for your child?

Yes, medication and therapy are underway.

[Anonymous]

The demands or insistence of the parents of the child your son hit will probably be a factor. Do you have any insight about whether the child's parents are plugged into this situation and making demands (like transferring your child)? I'm not saying their demands would over rule your child's needs, but it would be helpful for you to know if there are people advocating for your child's removal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But going to the Gatehouse does not necessarily mean a school reassignment. BTDT.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have an advocate who helped with the IEP who could consult about the discipline process?

We just worked with the school for his IEP. Where would I find an advocate who could help us navigate this (if needed)?

[Anonymous]

Are there students or staff members who have gone in the record to say they fear for their safety because of your son? Hopefully not. I think the principal is letting you know the wide set of options available. You should consult with an advocate to get a game plan together. Should you be apologetic and obliging and affirm that you are prepared to do all you can to help your son get past this and emphasize how destabilizing it would be for him and your family if he were to be transferred? Or should you go in ready for battle, letting them know you know your rights and demand that your son be provided the services he is entitled to. A lot of this depends on the state of your relationship with the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A "manifestation of the disability" does not absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. I think a lot will hinge on what your child understands of the situation, and how able he is to control himself should a similar trigger arise again, from this student or any other adult or child. Are there private supports you can tweak, such as medication and therapy, to try and reduce the risk of recidivism; and how likely is it that this school will regularly find itself without the correct supports for your child?

Oh shut up. OP never said they absolved the perpetrator of responsibility. Op did not ask your advice about medication or therapy for their child. Learn how to read and answer the questions posed, and refrain from posting when you have nothing productive to add.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The demands or insistence of the parents of the child your son hit will probably be a factor. Do you have any insight about whether the child's parents are plugged into this situation and making demands (like transferring your child)? I'm not saying their demands would over rule your child's needs, but it would be helpful for you to know if there are people advocating for your child's removal.

No I don't have any insight on that. Didn't realize this was a consideration. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Should students who cannot control themselves be allowed to attend in-person school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A "manifestation of the disability" does not absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. I think a lot will hinge on what your child understands of the situation, and how able he is to control himself should a similar trigger arise again, from this student or any other adult or child. Are there private supports you can tweak, such as medication and therapy, to try and reduce the risk of recidivism; and how likely is it that this school will regularly find itself without the correct supports for your child?

Well it should absolve him; he has an IEP !!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A "manifestation of the disability" does not absolve the perpetrator of responsibility. I think a lot will hinge on what your child understands of the situation, and how able he is to control himself should a similar trigger arise again, from this student or any other adult or child. Are there private supports you can tweak, such as medication and therapy, to try and reduce the risk of recidivism; and how likely is it that this school will regularly find itself without the correct supports for your child?

Well it should absolve him; he has an IEP !!!

IEPs do not absolve children of the consequences of their actions and it is a huge disservice to kids with disabilities to operate under that misconception.

[Anonymous]

Your child signed the SR&R, correct?

You should have also acknowledged the SR&R at the beginning of the year -- check your ParentVue. It will be under your Account, Acknowledged Documents. By signing the documents, your child is confirming they understand the consequences of specific behaviors.

For example, this is from Regulation 2602.40, Rules of Conduct And Disciplinary Procedures

--> Acts for which students may be disciplined include, but are not limited to:
1. Assault: (intending to cause physical injury to another person)
a. The following violations may result in a suspension from school for up to five days unless
the principal makes a referral to the Division Superintendent, in which event the principal
may suspend for up to ten days.
(1) Assaulting another student or any person (other than a staff member) without injury.
(2) Any involvement in a group assault. Any collection or group of students assembled
with the intention of committing an assault constitutes a group. Each and every
student who is part of a group shall be held directly responsible for any assault
committed by one or more members of the group.
(3) Assaulting a school staff member without injury.
(4) Improper touching of another person (whether or not consensual).10
b. For students in grades 7-12, assaulting a staff member without injury shall result in a
referral to the Division Superintendent and the principal may suspend for up to ten days.

It goes on, but you can research it yourself. BLUF, your kid shouldn't be hitting another student and if they did, they should be disciplined. Every child deserves a safe learning environment, including yours. And if your school is not the right environment, then being reassigned might be a better option. Go to the hearing with an open mind. Whatever gets decided is for the good of all involved parties.