Benjamin Franklin Middle School
George Washington Middle school
Ridgewood, New Jersey

Student Code of Conduct
Students of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin Middle Schools are expected to show respect for each other and for school property and personal property. They are also expected to adhere to high standards of integrity and honesty and to share in the responsibility to see that school rules are followed with fairness and consistency.

It is important for students to understand the consequences of violating basic school rules. Listed below are possible infractions of our Student Code of Conduct. We believe that middle school is a time to learn from mistakes. Therefore, we are guided by a progressive discipline philosophy. We have listed some possible consequences for violating our Student Code of Conduct, in order of severity. Because we believe that the consequences for students should have meaning and help them learn, we also explore alternative forms of discipline if we feel it is in the best interest of the students.

Infractions that are not acceptable in a school environment include: harassment, intimidation, bullying*, cutting class, truancy from school, use of tobacco or tobacco-like products, use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol, theft, destruction and/or defacing of school property, fighting, leaving school property without permission, disrespect to fellow students/faculty, violation of acceptable use policy for technology, inappropriate behavior that is disruptive to the learning or safety of others.

Possible consequences include:

Discussion with students
Discussion with student and parents
Lunch detention
After school detention
Alternative discipline such as an assignment or community service
Suspension or expulsion in the following cases:
Dangerous or unsafe behavior
Possession and/or use of illegal drugs or alcohol
Serious or repeated harassment, intimidation, bullying*, fighting, theft or vandalism

Our discipline standard requires that we address any action of which we are made aware by investigating it, and if necessary by implementing discipline. Our philosophy of progressive discipline focuses on teaching a student to behave properly, so the consequence may be simply talking to a student and recording an incident, or as severe as suspension. Should a student repeat the same offense or several small offenses, s/he will receive more severe discipline. Counseling, advisory, and Child Study Team services may be utilized in order to assist students in adhering to the Student Code of Conduct. Teachers and administrators provide additional group and individual support as appropriate.

Student conduct is almost never black and white, and we will provide due diligence in any investigation. We are not a court of law, and we look for a preponderance of the truth in any situation. We do not discriminate based on gender, age, religious orientation, or any other protected class, and our policies and practices are implemented without regard to membership in such groups. We do not make public the disciplinary actions that we impose on a student, even to the family of a victim if there is one. We respect the privacy of all students.

*Ridgewood Board of Education Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying Policy and Regulation (5512, R 5512) may be found by viewing the Board Policies page.

Other Ridgewood Board of Education Policies and Regulations related to student conduct (2361, R 2361, 5240, R 5240, 5500, R 5500, 5511, 5513, R 5513, 5514, 5516, 5520, 5530, R 5530, 5533, 5535, 5560, R 5560, 5570, R 5570, 5600, R 5600, 5610, R 5610, 5611, R 5611, 5612, 5615, 5620, 5700, 5701, 5710, 5721, R 5721, 5751, R 5751, 5841, 5850, R 5850, 5851, R 5851) may also be found by viewing the Board Policies page.

Ridgewood Public Schools

Student Code of Conduct

Elementary School Student Code of Conduct

Glen School Student Code of Conduct

Middle School Student Code of Conduct

High School Student Code of Conduct