Disciplinary Action
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OVERLEA HIGH SCHOOL
5401 Kenwood Avenue Baltimore, MD 21206 410-887-5241

January, 2009

Dear Overlea Students, Parents, and Guardians:

The faculty and administrative team want our students’ time in school focused on academic achievement with instruction delivered in a positive environment. We also want to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment, one in which everyone recognizes both personal and collective responsibility.

Students who refuse to follow rules impede their ability, the ability of their peers, and our ability to focus on academic achievement. We are preparing students for life after high school and for jobs they may want while attending high school. Following rules, like obeying laws, are what people in a civilized society do for the benefit of all. When students make the unfortunate decision not to abide by school rules, choices result in consequences that may be unpleasant.

Following is a brief list of behaviors we recently discussed with students:

• Disrespectful, rude or obscene language and/or profanity towards peers and adults.
• Dress code violation - ripped pants, pants worn below the waist exposing the buttocks, blouses that expose midriff and/or bust; pajamas, (and sometimes bedroom slippers) hats, hoods or other head coverings that may make identifying students difficult.
• Using electronic devices during the instructional day – also a Baltimore County Public Schools violation – which interferes with school routines and often results in personnel spending hours of time when items are lost or stolen. The devices include but are not limited to cell phones, iPods, electronic games, etc.
• Misuse of county computers (Telecommunications Policy).
• Wearing any paraphernalia intended to identify a gang.
• Chains, often worn on belts and pants, and studded wristbands. This is a violation of Baltimore County Public Schools, as well.
• Running towards instead of away from a disruption or altercation. When there is a disruption, some students who are not involved invite themselves to the disruption and take pictures with phone cameras, or watch the disruption rather then going to their assigned classes. This is a behavior that can impede adults from responding to situations as quickly as possible.

While suspension for these behaviors has always been an option, we typically did not suspend students for using electronic devices, wearing hats, hoods, scarves, or other items on the head during the instructional day for either the first or second offense. In an effort to address several of these behaviors that persist---and grounded in our unwavering commitment to your child’s education---we have decided that students who fail to follow directions, who refuse to follow school rules, and who exhibit disruptive behavior will face a two-day suspension from school.

The rules and expectations outlined in this letter are not new. Students know the school rules; they have been in place for many years. We are unwavering in our commitment to your child and unwilling to have students disrupt instruction and create a negative learning environment for themselves and others.

Members of the Overlea High School faculty and staff have a responsibility to be a positive influence on students. We consistently endeavor to support students, to hold them to high expectations, and to require them to follow school rules. We recognize and reward appropriate behavior by demonstrating appreciation for students who make appropriate decisions, as well as, providing support for those students who show improvement. Parents play an essential critical role as they are the single most important role model in children’s lives. It is essential for those who shape children’s educational development to encourage them to accept responsibility for their choices and make appropriate decisions that result in school success and high levels of academic achievement.

It is important to recognize that the overwhelming majority of Overlea High School students care deeply about their education and about their school community. They demonstrate their commitment to themselves and to others through their positive behaviors and through their dedication to academics and extra curricular activities. While we take great pride and delight in the success of so many of our students, our school mission compels us to reach all of our students. The concerted effort of school and home is vital to that end.

Discussing your hope for your child’s behavior and holding her/him to the highest academic expectations are two of the predictors of your child’s success in school. The Overlea family looks forward to working with parents, guardians, grandparents to support and encourage students to accept responsibility for their choices and make appropriate decisions that promote a positive learning environment and increase academic achievement.

Our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) data indicates that approximately 50 students are routinely referred for repeated discipline issues; another 150 constitute a group of students who regularly fail to follow rules.

When we review Overlea’s PBIS data we are reminded that over 900 students routinely make good decisions, rarely or never require administrative interventions, and spend most to their time focused on learning. Most have never been suspended. Now, that’s good news worth remembering and repeating.

Sincerely,

The Administrative Team:

Jess Grim , Assistant Principal
Peggy Spaight, Assistant Principal
Juan Stepter, Assistant Principal
Penny Parker, Principal

And the Faculty of Overlea High School