Disciplinary Measures

(See North Hanover Township Code of Conduct for full policy and tiered response framework)

The North Hanover Township School District emphasizes a proactive, supportive, and restorative approach to student behavior. Disciplinary responses are progressive in nature, guided by our Code of Conduct Core Beliefs and Tiered Behavior Supports and Interventions model. The student's age, individual needs, intent, prior behavior history, and severity of the incident will all be considered when determining consequences.

While many behaviors are resolved at the classroom level, some may require administrative support and/or parent involvement. The following measures may be used in response to unexpected behaviors, as appropriate:

Tier I Responses – Managed by the Classroom Teacher

A) Verbal Redirection or Admonishment

Staff reinforce expectations and redirect minor behavior using calm, respectful language.

B) Student-Teacher Conference

A private conversation allows the student to reflect and set a plan for making better choices.

C) Classroom Interventions

May include temporary seat changes, loss of classroom privileges, or reflective activities (e.g., a “Think Sheet” or restorative prompt).

D) Parent Notification

Teachers will inform families when patterns of behavior begin to emerge.

Tier II Responses – Collaborative Support and Administrative Involvement

E) Parent Conference

A meeting with the teacher and/or administrator to collaborate on strategies for behavior improvement.

F) Temporary Removal from Class

Student reports to the main office when behavior significantly disrupts instruction or poses safety concerns. A reflection process and plan for re-entry may follow.

G) Loss of Privileges

Students may be temporarily excluded from:
- School events or assemblies
- Recess, hallway or other unstructured time
- Participation in clubs or activities
- Bus transportation (if related to conduct)

H) Detention

Assigned before school, during recess, or after school. Parents will be notified in advance. Students use this time for reflection, academic support, or restorative conferencing.

Tier III Responses – Serious or Repeated Infractions

I) In-School Suspension (ISS)

Student is removed from regular classes but remains in school under supervision to complete classwork and engage in restorative activities.

J) Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

Used only for significant or repeated Level 3 or 4 violations per district Code of Conduct.
A re-entry meeting and Behavior Intervention Plan will be required after two OSS events in accordance with NJDOE policy.

Academic Integrity (Plagiarism & Cheating)

Students who engage in plagiarism, cheating, or falsifying sources will:

Be required to redo the assignment or complete an alternative assessment to show proficiency.
Have their parent(s) notified.
Repeated offenses may result in loss of privileges and/or disciplinary action.

Restitution and Restoration

In the event of property damage or loss:

The student may be required to pay for or repair damages through labor or restitution.
Refusal to comply may lead to further consequences.

Counseling & Support Services

Students may be referred for individual or group counseling to address underlying causes of behavior.
Services may include work with the school counselor, behaviorist, or Child Study Team.

Discipline for Serious Offenses

Per the North Hanover Code of Conduct, certain infractions such as threats, physical aggression, possession of prohibited items, harassment, or illegal behavior may result in:

Immediate removal from school
Mandatory law enforcement notification
Long-term suspension or expulsion (following due process)
A Board of Education hearing (for expulsion)

Discipline and Due Process

All students are entitled to due process and the opportunity to explain their side of the story.
Parents will be notified when formal consequences are imposed.
The district will implement disciplinary responses equitably, in alignment with students’ rights under applicable state and federal law.

Note: For a comprehensive overview of expected behaviors, tiered responses, and student rights, refer to the North Hanover Township Code of Student Conduct available on our website or in the main office.

Upper Elementary School