Suspensions
A suspension is the removal of the student for a period of one to five days for disciplinary purposes. The purpose in administering a suspension is to communicate to the student that their choices have resulted in losing the privilege of being at our school for the assessed period of time. In-school and out-of-school suspensions may be issued by the acting Principal.

Incidents that may result in suspensions include (but are not limited to):

• repeated detentions
• repeated cheating/academic dishonesty
• severe, disruptive and/or physically aggressive behavior
• defiance in actions or language
• theft, willful damage to church, school or personal property
• possession and/or distribution of illegal substances, weapons or items deemed inappropriate
• posing a safety threat to students, staff and/or school building
• behavior that does not align with biblical teaching

In these instances, a suspension will occur, followed by a parent conference with the acting Principal and teacher before the student is readmitted to school.

Incidents that warrant expulsion will be communicated to the School Team from the acting Principal. The student will remain suspended from school until an expulsion determination has been made.

Expulsions
When disciplinary procedures have been carried out with no substantial improvement of behavior or a student endangers the health, well-being, safety and/or the education of others, the acting Principal may move to expel the student. The School Team will hold a hearing for any recommended expulsion.

In addition to incidents listed above, expulsion may be recommended for such reasons as:

• Possession or threat with a weapon in any form
• Possession, use of, dispensing or selling of alcohol, tobacco, or any type of drugs
• Any assault or battery
• Sexual misconduct

Parental Right to Appeal
Parents have the right to appeal the expulsion of their child. Appeals are directed to the Coordinator of the School Team. The appeal must be made in writing within 5 business days of the decision. The appeal should state reasons why the disciplinary action should be lessened or reversed. The School Team will then hold a parent appeal meeting within 3 business days of the written appeal being received. Failure to receive a written appeal within 5 business days of the decision will result in the disciplinary action being upheld by the School Team.

Harassment, Threats, and Matters of Respect
The State of Wisconsin requires all schools to provide a safe, secure, and respectful learning environment for all students and teachers in school buildings and at school-sponsored events. The State of Wisconsin does not tolerate bullying and harassment behavior in schools or at school events. This policy addresses bullying or harassment for Trinity Lutheran School.

Trinity expects that students will treat others with respect and courtesy. The school will not tolerate harassment or bullying based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, or status with regard to public assistance or disability. The school will take action to ensure that all school practices and activities are free of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

St. Paul tells us, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). Bullying has no place in the life of a Christian. Bullying is an intentional, repeated, harmful behavior initiated by one or more students and directed toward another student. Bullying will not be tolerated. Not all conflict constitutes bullying. Any person who observes what he or she feels is bullying is to notify the classroom teacher or direct adult supervisor immediately so the concern can be addressed. The teacher will then contact the acting Principal if any further action is needed. All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and handled with respect.

Any behavior, whether physical, verbal, written, or non-verbal, that hinders the learning/teaching environment or that can be interpreted as threatening to others is not acceptable. Our school is committed to maintaining a learning environment that is safe where students and staff can work and study productively. Trinity prohibits any form of harassment or violence. Examples of prohibited, unwelcomed, or unsolicited behaviors include but are not limited to:

• Physical: intentional, unwelcome touch against another’s body, assault, or blocking free movement at school. As in all areas of conduct, it is expected that students would conduct themselves in a God-pleasing manner. If a student uses poor judgment in the areas of physical touch these actions will be dealt with immediately.
• Verbal: suggestive or obscene comments, threats, jokes, as well as comments about a student’s body which are negative or embarrassing. Violation may result in disciplinary action, including detention, loss of privileges or dismissal.
• Written: display or share suggestive pictures and/or cartoons, messages through social media, text messaging, instant messaging, mobile phone generated messages and images, internet postings, obscene letters, notes, and more.
• Non-verbal: suggestive or obscene looks, leering, or gestures.

If you believe that you have not been provided equal opportunity in any manner, or if you become aware of discrimination or harassment, you should immediately report that conduct to the teacher. Trinity will promptly investigate and attempt to resolve your concerns. Your identity will be kept confidential to the extent possible under the circumstances. The acting Principal will notify all parties involved as soon as possible. If you do not find that your concerns have been handled to your satisfaction, you should report the matter to the School Team Coordinator. If still unresolved, you should report the matter to the Lead Pastor.

Response to Harassment
Trinity is committed to the equitable and swift resolution of harassment issues. Any student or employee experiencing harassment should follow any or all of these measures:

1. Let the offender know you want the behavior to stop. Be clear and direct. Do not apologize.
2. If you are not comfortable confronting the offender alone, ask a friend to accompany you, or write a letter to the offender, keeping a copy.
3. Make a record of when, where and how you were mistreated; include witnesses (if any), direct quotes, and other evidence.
4. If you are a student, notify your teacher or the acting Principal. If you are uncomfortable doing so, speak with another adult.
5. If you are an adult, notify the acting Principal.
6. As soon as possible, the adult notified will report to the acting Principal who will notify the authorities, if necessary. The acting Principal will investigate the matter in a swift and equitable manner and communicate a decision to all parties involved.

Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation will not be tolerated against a student or parent who brings a good faith report of discrimination or harassment. If you believe retaliation has occurred you should promptly notify the acting Principal. If this is not satisfactory, your concern should be brought to the Lead Pastor. All students and parents are expected to be cooperative and forthright in responding to any report of discrimination or harassment.