Discipline & Interventions

The Director reserves the right to determine which behavior constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct. The Director (or designee) may discipline the student using the following consequences in any order deemed appropriate given the violation:

1. A verbal warning
2. Detention after school
3. Emergency removal (remainder of school day)
4. Out-of-school suspension
5. Discharge from the program
6. Notification of Law Enforcement and/or Probation Officer(s)

Temporary Removal from Program
There are times when a student’s behavior becomes more detrimental to the operations of the program than any possible benefit he/she could receive by remaining. This is especially true when the child, for whatever reason, refuses to respond to therapeutic interventions. In such instances, removal from the program will be pursued as a consequence. The intent of temporarily removing a student from Webster Street Academy is to allow the student time to regain emotional control so that the problem can be therapeutically addressed. There are two types of temporary removals:

   • Emergency Removal: Involves the child leaving the program for the rest of the school day. Emergency removal requires the family/guardian to pick up their child immediately or provide permission for WSA staff to release the child to leave the premises (e.g., ride the bus or walk home). The child’s school system will be faxed a form describing the behavior(s) and the unsuccessful interventions that were attempted. The student is expected to return to school the next day and participate in therapeutic interventions to resolve the issue.

   • Suspension: Suspensions are time limited and remain in effect for the specified period of time as indicated on the Suspension Notice Form (usually from 1 to 3 school days); however, the parent/guardian must schedule and participate in a Continued Care Conference prior to the child’s return to the program. Any delay in scheduling and participating in this meeting is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and any additional days missed by the child are viewed as absences due to the parent voluntarily withholding their child from returning to school. The child’s school system will be faxed the Suspension Notice Form describing the behavior(s), the unsuccessful interventions that were attempted and the specific days (duration) of the suspension.

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
Parents/guardians should be advised that most students enrolled in Webster Street Academy are students who may have a history of dealing inappropriately in other school settings. Although rare, physical altercations can occur between students. In order to preserve a safe and secure environment for your child, all Webster Street Academy staff members are trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI). NVCI is a nationally recognized training program that addresses violent or potentially violent behavior.