Fighting at school cannot be tolerated.  Although middle school students can be very "moody and unpredictable", there has to be a strong policy regarding fighting.  For definition purposes, fighting is considered to have occurred if any or all of the following elements are present:

The student physically strikes, kicks or pushes another student.

The physical contact is deliberate and potentially harmful.

There is visible or prior anger.

Other options for dealing with the problem were not attempted.  These options include, but are not limited to, talking to a teacher or guidance counselor, ignoring the comments, moving away from the area, contacting the principal, or any other peaceful means to resolving the conflict.

The principal or designee with teacher and student input will determine if a fight has taken place.  The following penalties will be imposed for fighting.

1st offense = 3 days OSS

2nd offense = 5 days OSS

3rd offense = 10 days OSS

4th offense = Additional or possible expulsion for the remainder of the year (charges may be pressed)

Unless there is strong evidence that a student tried other options to avoid fighting, all students involved in the fight will receive the appropriate level of punishment.  Parents and students must understand that fighting is not an option.  If students choose to fight, they must accept the penalty for doing so.  The school welcomes parental involvement in working toward peaceful resolution in all student conflicts.  Students should also realize that law enforcement is involved in all fights at the high school where students will be charged for assault.  The same charge may be brought at the middle school level if the principal believes that the severity of the fight warrants additional attention.