Our code of conduct is set in accordance with the North Hanover Board of Education (Policy #5600). The policy sets the parameters by which we have developed specific guidelines for our students.
Discipline Roles and Responsibilities
The North Hanover Township School District uses a tiered system of behavioral responses aligned with Policy 5600 and the 2024-2025 Code of Student Conduct. This approach ensures a fair, developmentally appropriate, and consistent method of addressing student behavior.
All staff are committed to fostering an environment of positive behavior, self-regulation, and accountability. However, when unexpected behaviors occur, staff responses are structured by severity and type of incident.
Staff Roles in Addressing Behavior
Teachers are the first point of contact for most classroom-based and low-level behavioral concerns. They utilize proactive strategies, provide Tier 1 and 2 supports, and communicate directly with families.
The Principal becomes the primary point of contact when behaviors are repeated, severe, or threaten the safety and order of the school. Level 3 and 4 behaviors require administrative action and may involve additional district staff, support teams, or law enforcement.
Behavior Response Levels
| Level |
Examples of Behavior |
Primary Response By |
Actions May Include |
| Level 1 |
Dress code violations, off-task behavior, cell phone use, minor defiance |
Classroom Teacher |
Reteaching expectations, parent contact, restorative chats, loss of privileges |
| Level 2 |
Disrespect to staff, chronic defiance, forgery, general misconduct |
Classroom Teacher with admin support as needed |
Restorative practices, detention, parent conference, behavior contract |
| Level 3 |
Hitting/kicking, leaving school grounds, confirmed HIB, threats |
Principal |
In-school/out-of-school suspension, parent meeting, possible SRO involvement |
| Level 4 |
Assault, weapons, drugs/alcohol, arson, distribution of explicit content |
Principal / Superintendent |
Long-term suspension, BOE hearing, mandatory police involvement, referral for expulsion |
Law Enforcement Notification
Level 3 and 4 behaviors that involve physical aggression, weapons, threats, or illegal substances will be referred to law enforcement in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:16-6.2(b) and district policy.
The School Resource Officer (SRO) is available to assist with:
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Serious physical altercations
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Threats of violence
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Substance-related incidents
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Vandalism or criminal mischief
Click the link below to view the detailed district Code of Conduct.