PURPOSE

Meraj Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all students, staff, and visitors. This Student Discipline Program establishes clear expectations for student conduct and outlines consequences for violations, with particular emphasis on maintaining a violence-free campus.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

The School believes that all students have the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that respects the rights of others, follows school rules, and supports the educational mission of the School. Inappropriate student conduct that disrupts the educational environment, interferes with the rights of others, or threatens the health and safety of students, staff, or visitors will not be tolerated.

This policy applies to students:

  • On school grounds during school hours

  • At school-sponsored activities and events, whether on or off campus

  • While traveling to and from school or school activities

  • When off-campus conduct directly affects the school environment

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR

Meraj Academy enforces a zero tolerance policy for violent, threatening, or dangerous behavior.

The following actions will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or recommendation for expulsion:

Prohibited Conduct

  1. Weapons Possession: Possession, use, brandishing, or threatening with any weapon, including but not limited to firearms, knives, replicas, BB guns, explosives, or any object used in a threatening manner.

  2. Physical Violence: Fighting, assault, battery, or inflicting physical harm on another person.

  3. Threats of Violence: Making verbal, written, or electronic threats to harm another person or damage property.

  4. Dangerous Objects: Possession of any item that could be used to threaten, harm, or intimidate others.

  5. Serious Injury: Causing or attempting to cause serious bodily injury to another person.

Consequences

Any student found to have engaged in the above prohibited conduct will face:

  • Immediate removal from the classroom or school premises

  • Parent/guardian notification

  • Investigation by school administration

  • Disciplinary action ranging from suspension to recommendation for expulsion

  • Notification of law enforcement when appropriate

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

All students are expected to:

Positive Behaviors

  • Attend school regularly and arrive on time

  • Respect teachers, staff, visitors, and fellow students

  • Follow all classroom and school rules

  • Complete assignments and participate in learning activities

  • Maintain honest and appropriate communication

  • Respect school and personal property

  • Dress appropriately for a school environment

Prohibited Behaviors

In addition to the zero tolerance violations listed above, the following behaviors are prohibited:

  • Bullying, harassment, or intimidation of any kind

  • Use of profanity or obscene language

  • Defiance or disrespect toward staff

  • Disruption of classes or school activities

  • Cheating or academic dishonesty

  • Unauthorized use of electronic devices

  • Vandalism or property damage

  • Theft or possession of stolen property

  • Leaving campus without permission

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The School may impose a range of disciplinary measures depending on the severity and frequency of the misconduct:

  1. Verbal Warning: For minor first-time infractions

  2. Parent/Guardian Conference: Discussion of behavior concerns

  3. Loss of Privileges: Temporary removal from activities or privileges

  4. Detention: Required attendance before or after school

  5. In-School Suspension: Temporary isolation from regular classes while remaining on campus

  6. Out-of-School Suspension: Temporary removal from school (typically 1-10 days)

  7. Expulsion: Permanent removal from the School (reserved for serious violations)

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

  • Report any incidents of violence, threats, bullying, or dangerous behavior to a teacher, administrator, or trusted adult immediately

  • Cooperate with school investigations

  • Provide truthful information when questioned about incidents

Staff Responsibilities

All school staff will:

  • Take immediate action to ensure student safety

  • Report all incidents of violence or threats to administration

  • Document observations and interventions

  • Support investigation and follow-up procedures

Parent Notification

Parents/guardians will be notified promptly of:

  • Any incident involving their child as victim or perpetrator

  • Disciplinary actions taken

  • Expectations for student behavior moving forward

INVESTIGATION AND DUE PROCESS

When misconduct is reported or observed:

  1. The administration will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation

  2. All parties (alleged victim, alleged perpetrator, witnesses) may have an opportunity to provide statements

  3. Evidence will be reviewed and documented

  4. Parents/guardians will be notified of findings

  5. Appropriate disciplinary action will be determined and implemented

  6. Follow-up monitoring will occur to ensure behavior has stopped

Students facing suspension or expulsion will be afforded due process consistent with applicable law.

ANNUAL NOTIFICATION

This Student Discipline Program, including the Zero Tolerance Policy, will be:

  • Posted for all students and parents/guardians at provided URL

  • Made available on the school website

  • Discussed in age-appropriate language in classrooms

  • Parents and students will be required to acknowledge receipt of this policy.

POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed annually, or as appropriate, by school administration and updated as needed to reflect best practices, legal requirements, and the school's commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.