Behavior Violations and Level of Administrative Responses

Level 1	Level 1 interventions are generally addressed by school staff members in the classroom when a student has minimal or no prior violations. The staff response is to teach and practice the expected behavior so students learn and demonstrate safe and respectful behaviors. Staff members are expected to use a variety of teaching and management strategies.
Level 2	Level 2 violations may result in interventions and/or disciplinary responses that involve other school staff. These actions aim to correct behavior by stressing the seriousness of the behavior while keeping the student in school.
Level 3	Level 3 violations will include school administration and may result in a dismissal from school for part of a day or an entire school day.
Level 4	Level 4 violations may result in the suspension of a student. A suspension is removal from school for more than one day. The district reserves the right to make a referral for expulsion or exclusion in extreme instances for Level 4 offenses.
Level 5	Level 4 violations may result in the suspension of a student. A suspension is removal from school for more than one day. The district reserves the right to make a referral for expulsion or exclusion in extreme instances for Level 4 offenses. Level 5 violations require the Director to make a referral for expulsion to The Journey School Board. Full definitions of expulsion and statutes that apply to the violations are in the glossary.

When to notify The Journey School Board

In the chart below, if there is a (*) included in the level field administration are assigning to the student’s behavior violation.

The below chart contains summary definitions for violations and responses. Please see the full definitions in the glossary.

Behavior Violations and Level Responses	Levels
Absence, Chronic Truancy Continued unauthorized absences. See full definition in  the glossary.	Level 2
Absence, Tardiness Arriving late to school or to class.	Level 1
Absence, Unexcused Unauthorized absence from school or class.	Level 1 Level 2
Alcohol, Possession/Use/Under the Influence/Soliciting/Selling Possession, use, soliciting, selling or being under the influence of any alcoholic  product while on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities.	Level 4* Level 5*
Arson The intentional destruction of or damage to property by means of fire or explosives.	Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Assault                                                                           The intentional infliction of bodily harm upon a person, who is not an TJS staff member, without the person’s consent.	Level 4* Level 5*
Assault, Aggravated (substantial or great bodily harm) The intentional infliction of substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm upon another who is not an TJS staff member.	Level 5*
Assault, Aggravated (firearm, dangerous weapon, or other weapon) Committing an act with a firearm, dangerous weapon, or other weapon with intent to cause fear in another of immediate bodily harm or death.	Level 5*
Assault On Staff The intentional infliction of bodily harm upon an TJS staff member without the staff member’s consent.	Level 4*
Assault on Staff, Aggravated (substantial or great bodily harm) The intentional infliction of substantial bodily harm or great bodily harm upon an TJS staff member.	Level 5*
Bullying Intimidating, threatening, abusive, or harming conduct that is objectively offensive and: (1) there is an actual or perceived imbalance of power between the student engaging in prohibited conduct and the target of the behavior and the conduct is repeated or forms a pattern; OR (2) materially and substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities or performance or ability to participate in school functions or activities or receive school benefits, services, or privileges. See Board Policy (available at https://www.thejourneyschool.org/policies) and examples in the glossary.	Level 2 Level3 Level 4* Level 5*
Bullying Using Technology (Cyberbullying) For the definition of Cyberbullying, see https://www.thejourneyschool.org/policies	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5*
Cannabis, Possession/Use/Soliciting/Selling/Under the influence Possession, use, soliciting, selling or being under the influence of cannabis at any school location. See https://www.thejourneyschool.org/policies	Level 4* Level 5*
Cellular Phones & Personal Electronic Device -Violation Continued use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices during times of the school day when use is prohibited and student has been reminded of the school expectations for use.   Use of personal electronic devices is defined as, but not limited to, texting, calling, browsing the internet, using social media, taking photos or videos, or using apps.	Level 1
Cheating or Plagiarizing Academic dishonesty including, but not limited to, copying the work of others on school assignments or tests and using the ideas or writings of another person without giving due credit to the creator of the work. This includes work accessed digitally.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Coercion Occurs when a person causes someone else to act against their will or to refrain from doing a lawful act by threatening, orally or in writing. See full definition in the glossary.	Level 4* Level 5*
Criminal Act Committing an act, on school property or in the course of a school-sponsored or school-associated activity, that would be a crime if committed by an adult.	Level 4* Level 5*
Damage to Property of Others Intentional damage to the property of staff members or others.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Damage to School Property Intentional damage to property belonging to or used by the school district. This also includes intentional damage to hardware, software or other equipment belonging to or used by the school district.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Defiance of Authority Intentional refusal to follow directions given by a staff member. See examples in glossary.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Discrimination ¹ Discriminate or discrimination includes all unequal treatment of any individual by reason of race, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, color, religion, ancestry, status with respect to public assistance, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity and expression, familial status, or disability. For purposes of discrimination based on sex, it includes sexual harassment.	Level 3* Level 4 Level 5
Disruptive Behavior Situations and/or actions that interfere with, or have the potential to interfere with, effective learning and/or operations of the school.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Disruptive Behavior, Severe Situations and/or actions that may endanger or have endangered the safety of others; or significantly violent, or threatening behavior that severely disrupts school, a school-sponsored activity, or a school-supervised activity held off school premises.	Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Disruptive Behavior to and from School Behavior that endangers or harasses students on their way to and from school, or at the bus stop, or diverts the bus driver’s attention from driving.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5*
Drugs or Controlled Substances, Possession/Use/ Soliciting/Selling/Under the influence Use and/or possession of controlled substances and toxic substances at any school or work location. See https://www.thejourneyschool.org/policies	Level 4* Level 5*
Explosive Device, Possession/Use/Intent to Use Possession, use, or intent to use an explosive device such as a bomb, grenade, mine, rocket, missile, pipe bomb, or similar device designed to explode and capable of causing bodily harm or property damage.	Level 5*
Fighting Two or more persons mutually participate in use of force or physical violence.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Firearm, Possession/Use/Intent to Use Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or any destructive device. Such term does not include an antique firearm. For BB guns, air guns, or lookalike guns see Possession/Use of a Dangerous Weapon Other Than a Firearm.	Level 5*
Fires and False Fire Alarms Tampering or interfering with any fire alarm system or failure to exercise caution, resulting in a fire.	Level 4
Gambling Playing of a game of chance for stakes.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Gang Activity Gang activity is only an additional violation to a primary violation of another rule of student behavior. Find more information in the glossary.	Level 4* Level 5*
Harassment, based on Protected Status ¹ Harassment includes physical or verbal conduct, including, but not limited to, electronic communications, relating to an individual’s or group of individuals race, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, age, color, religion, ancestry, status with respect to public assistance, sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity and expression, familial status or disability, membership or activity in a local commission as defined by Minn. Stat. § 363A.03 when the conduct: 1) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment; 2) has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance; or 3) otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment or academic opportunities.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Hazing ¹ ² Committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, which creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose.	Level 4 Level 5*
Incapacitation Device, Possession, with use or intent to use A device designed to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate people such as Tasers, stun gun or tear gas derivative. Use or intent must be present.	Level 5*
Incapacitation Device, Possession, without use or intent to use See above. Use or intent must not be present. Response to a first time violation is confiscation and a conversation with student and parent/guardian.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Interference/Obstruction Any action taken to attempt to prevent a staff member from exercising his/her lawfully assigned duties, including an administrative investigation.	Level 2 Level 3
Language, Abusive Student delivers verbal messages that include offensive or threatening language.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5*
Language, Inappropriate Swearing or using words in a disrespectful way.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Leaving School Grounds Leaving school grounds during school hours without staff permission.	Level 2 Level 4* Level 5*
Medication Policy Violation, Prescription Students using or distributing prescription medication in an unauthorized manner.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Medication Policy Violation, Nonprescription Students using or distributing nonprescription medication in an unauthorized manner.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5
Other Prohibited Items, Possession Examples may include (but are not limited to): ammunition, snaps, pop-its, lighters, handcuffs, audio alert device, and any other toys or objects (to include toy guns that do not meet the definition of a replica firearm, toy knives, toy swords, etc.) that would not be identified as a weapon but may cause disruption.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Out of Area Student out of their assigned area (i.e. leaving the classroom or learning environment without permission; roaming the halls or school grounds)	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Physical Aggression (Bodily Harm) An intentional act by a student resulting in bodily harm.	Level 2 Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Physical Aggression (Substantial Bodily Harm) An intentional act by a student resulting in substantial bodily harm.	Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Physical Aggression to Staff An intentional act by a student resulting in unwelcome physical contact with a TJS staff member. It includes, but not limited to, pushing, slapping, and spitting.	Level 2 Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Physical Contact (No Bodily Harm) Students engage in inappropriate physical contact, such as pushing, spitting, horseplay and intimidation.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3* Level 4* Level 5*
Possession, Other Weapon or Object, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute dangerous weapon definition, without use or intent to use as a weapon Device not manufactured as a dangerous weapon that is capable of producing bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, or fear of bodily harm. Examples include knives with blades under 2.5 inches, box cutters, razor blades, etc. Use or intent to use must not be present.	Level 4* Level 5*
Possession/Use of a Dangerous Weapon Other Than a Firearm A device designed or modified as a weapon that is capable of producing death or great bodily harm. Examples include knife with a blade of 2.5 inches or longer, replica firearm, BB gun, or brass knuckles.	Level 5*
Possession/Use of Other Weapon or Object, not a firearm and not meeting Minnesota Statute Dangerous Weapon definition, with use or intent to use Device not manufactured as a dangerous weapon or non-conventional weapon capable of producing bodily harm, substantial bodily harm, or fear of bodily harm. Examples include knives with blades under 2.5 inches, box cutters, razor blades, etc. Use or intent to use must be present.	Level 5*
Pyrotechnic Devices, Possession and/or Detonation A firework or firecracker that can cause combustion.	Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Racial or Religious Violence ¹ ² Racial or religious violence is a physical act of aggression or assault or the threat of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to, race or religion.	Level 4* Level 5*
Reckless or Careless Driving Driving on school property in such a manner as to endanger persons or property.	Level 4* Level 5*
Record and Identification Falsification Falsifying or altering signature or data, refusing to give proper identification, or giving false identification to staff.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Robbery Obtaining property from another by force or a threat of force. See full definition in the glossary.	Level 4* Level 5*
Sexual Behavior Engaging in sexual behavior including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse or sexual penetration, sexual contact, indecent exposure, or masturbation.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Sexual Harassment ¹ Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other physical or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature when: a) submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining employment or an education; or b) submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual’s employment or education; or c) that conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s employment or education, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Sexual Misconduct, Aggravated Sexual conduct amounting to a violation includes criminal “sexual contact” or any other sexual act that would be a criminal act if committed by an adult.	Level 4* Level 5*
Sexual Violence ¹ ² A physical act of aggression or force or the threat of aggression or force that involves touching another person’s intimate parts or forcing a person to touch any person’s intimate parts.	Level 4* Level 5*
Student Dress Manner of dress or personal grooming that does not fit within the policies or guidelines practiced by the school or district.	Level 1 Level 2
Teasing and Name Calling Occurrences of teasing or name-calling with or without the intent to injure, degrade, disgrace or intimidate other individuals should be addressed even if they do not meet the definition of Bullying.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Technology Misuse/Violation This includes being off-task, treating iPads carelessly and airdropping material without permission. Student engages in inappropriate use of technology including and not limited to iPad, mobile device, personal electronic device, camera, computer and/or other.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Technology – Unauthorized or Inappropriate Use of District Technology Resources Any act that violates the Board of Education’s Technology Usage and Safety Policy or constitutes an unacceptable or illegal use of the school district’s computer facilities, systems, networks or software.	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Theft Unauthorized taking/possession of school district property and of the property of another including but not limited to jackets, expensive electronics, etc.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Threats, In Person ² Any expression of intention to cause harm or violence to another person or another’s property that is delivered by someone in immediate physical proximity to the person being threatened. The potential for immediate harm or violence must exist. Administrators should carefully evaluate the intent of the student making the expression and consider the factors identified on Page 13. Find examples and guidance in the glossary.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Threats, Not In-Person ² Any verbal or written expression of intention to cause harm or violence to another person or another’s property that is delivered virtually or by other means. Administrators should carefully evaluate the intent of the student making the expression and consider the factors identified on Page 11. Find examples and guidance in the glossary.	Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Threats, Aggravated ¹ ² Any threat of violence: (i) made with the intent to cause extreme fear or panic within a substantial portion of the school community; (ii) made with the intent to cause evacuation or lockdown of a building, place of assembly, school event, or vehicle; (iii) made repeatedly against an individual or group; OR (iv) Any expression that does not meet the definition of threat, but is made with reckless disregard for the risk of, and actually causes, the extreme fear, panic, evacuation, or lockdown contemplated by (i) and (ii).	Level 4* Level 5*
Tobacco and Other Tobacco Related Devices, Possession/Use Students are prohibited from having tobacco, e-cigarettes and other tobacco-related devices in their possession. See https://www.thejourneyschool.org/policies	Level 2 Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*
Trespassing, Including During Periods of Dismissal or Suspension Being physically present on school property or at a school activity after being directed to leave by a school personnel, the Director or other person lawfully responsible for the control of the premises.	Level 3 Level 4* Level 5*

*Notify TJS Board