Code of Conduct - Discipline

Description of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Discipline Policy, and Code of Conduct

Approved by the Manasquan Board of Education August 19, 2025

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Description of Student Rights

Students at Manasquan High School have the right to:

1. a quality education
2. be recognized as an individual with unique needs, aspirations and competencies
3. attend Manasquan High School without fear or abuse
4. expect fair and equitable treatment by staff and peers
5. confidentiality regarding student records as per federal and state laws
6. due process appeal procedures and policies
7. parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures
8. advance notice of behaviors that result in suspensions and expulsions that have been identified pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:37–2
9. education that supports students' development into productive citizens attendance in safe and secure school environments
10. attendance in safe and secure environment
11. attendance at school irrespective of students' marriage, pregnancy, or parenthood
12. due process appeal procedures and policies, pursuant to 6A:3–1.3 through 1.17; N.J.A.C. 6A:4; and, where applicable, 6A:14–2.7 and 2.8, and 6A:16–7.2 through 7.5
13. parent notification consistent with the policies and procedures established pursuant to 6A:16–6.2(b)3, this section, and 6A:16–7.2 through 7.8
14. protections pursuant to 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act; 34 CFR 99, Family Educational Rights and Privacy; 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, Protection of Pupil Rights; 34 CFR Part 98, Student Rights in Research, Experimental Programs, and Testing; P.L. 104–191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; 45 CFR 160, General Administrative Requirements; 20 U.S.C. § 7165, Transfer of school disciplinary records; 42 CFR Part 2, Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records; 18A:40A–7.1, Confidentiality of certain information provided by pupils, exceptions; 6A:16–3.2, Confidentiality of student alcohol and other drug information; 18A:36–19, Pupil records, creation, maintenance and retention, security and access, regulations, nonliability; 2A:4A–60, Disclosure of juvenile information, penalties for disclosure; N.J.A.C. 6A:32–7, Student Records; 6A:14–2.9, Student records; as well as other existing Federal and State laws and rules pertaining to student protections;

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Responsibilities

Students at Manasquan High School have a responsibility to gain full measure of benefit from their education experience. Students at Manasquan High School have a responsibility for their own actions and a responsibility for accepting appropriate consequences in a gracious fashion. You have a responsibility to perform your best academically, arrive at school and classes on time, and be in attendance daily. Students at Manasquan High School have the responsibility to display kindness and consideration to all staff and peers.

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Discipline Policy

The objective of the Manasquan High School discipline policy is two-fold. First, it is to ensure the maintenance of an orderly school environment that is conducive to student learning. Second, it is to teach students to be proactive and to take responsibility in all types of situations. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to disrupt the education of other students. Students who disrupt the education of others will be subject to the disciplinary code as published. The discipline policy is intended as a guideline for administrative action; however, the administration retains the right to modify it or use discretion when and where necessary.

This policy establishes a system of Lunch Detention (LD), After-School Detention (ASD), Saturday Detention (SD), In-School Suspension (ISS), and Out-of-School Suspension (OSS). Students will be assigned detention or suspension in accordance with the list of disciplinary infractions (see list on following pages). Inappropriate behavior may impact student privileges, as determined by building administration, for example, any student assigned to ISS/OSS may not participate in any co-curricular activity until the suspension is served to its completion.

Please note, “Administrative Review” may involve teachers, parents, guidance counselors, the Child Study Team, and any others involved, as deemed necessary by staff and administration. This may also include members of law enforcement.  The Manasquan High School staff and administration work together to help the students understand the Code of Conduct, as such administrative discretion may be used in determining appropriate discipline/ consequences for a student.

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Violations of Student Behavior and Conduct

Student Behavior and Conduct: Level I Infractions

Infraction	1st Action	2nd Action	3rd Action
Tardiness to class (defined as arriving after the bell Policy #5240	Defined as 3 infractions:   Teacher Detention	Defined as 5 infractions:   1 Hour After-School Detention	Defined as 10 infractions:   2 Hour After-School Detention
Failure to wear or present a Student ID Policy #5517	Warning   *per marking period	Lunch Detention   *per marking period	1 hour After-School Detention   Each subsequent offense results in a 2-hour After-School Detention   *per marking period
Classroom disturbance which disrupts instruction Policy #5560, Policy #5600	Teacher Detention	1 Hour After-School Detention	2 Hour After-School Detention
Violation of electronic use policy Policy #2361, Policy #7523
Eating or drinking where prohibited Policy #5600	Lunch Detention	1 Hour After-School Detention	2 Hour After School Detention   Administrative Review
Excessive horseplay (classroom, hallways, cafeteria and other school areas without injury) Policy #5600
Inappropriate public displays of affection Policy #5600
Use of inappropriate language Policy #5600
Violation of cell phone and air pods/ear bud/ headphones policy Policy #2361, Policy #7523
Failure to report to an assigned teacher detention Policy #5600	1 Hour After-School Detention	2 Hour After School Detention	Two 2 Hour After School Detention
Senior Open Lunch infractions, such as proper sign-in/ sign-out procedures, and reporting to Block 4 late Policy #5600	1 Week Suspended Privilege	2 Weeks Suspended Privilege	4 Weeks Suspended Privilege

 

Student Behavior and Conduct: Level II Infractions

Infraction	1st Action	2nd Action	3rd Action
Leaving class without permission or failure to report to class Policy #5600	2 Hour After-School Detention   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In Serve original detention where applicable 1 Day of In-School Suspension Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In Serve original detention where applicable 2 Days of In-School Suspension Administrative Review
Unauthorized contact and acceptance of delivery of food items from outside vendors Policy #5600	2 Hour After-School Detention   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   2 Days of After-School Detention   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   Up to 3 Days of After-School Detention or Up to 2 Days In-School Suspension     Administrative Review
Unauthorized parking on school grounds Policy #5514
Unauthorized electric vehicles on school ground as defined by Board policy Policy #5514
Opening or propping an exterior door open without staff supervision. Policy #7440
Repeatedly disruptive behavior that substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority in class and ability to instruct, which gives rise to the removal from class. Policy #5560, Policy #5600
Indecent gestures, abusive/indecent language, insubordination directed at students Policy #5600
Possession or dissemination of inappropriate materials Policy #5600
Failure to follow the Dress Code Policy #5511
Sharing/Misuse of elevator access Policy #5600
Misconduct on student transportation, endangering the safety or well-being of self or others, includes but is not limited to, horseplay, inappropriate language, increased volume, misuse of electronics Policy #5600	2 Hour After-School Detention     Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   Up to 2 Days of After-School Detention     Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In     Up to 2 Days In-School Suspension     Administrative Review

 

Student Behavior and Conduct: Level III Infractions

 

Infraction	1st Action	2nd Action	3rd Action
Forgery of notes or fraud Policy #5701	2 Days of After-School Detention   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   2 Days In-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   3 Days In-School Suspension   Administrative Review
Inappropriately touching Policy #5751	Counselor/CST Check-In   1 Day In-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   3 Days In-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension   Administrative Review
Gambling on school property Policy #5600
Acts of graffiti Policy #7610
Indecent gestures, abusive or indecent language, directed at students Policy #5600
Violation of the acceptable use policy for access to information, software, and computing board policy Policy #2361
Conducting inappropriate acts on school property that can be a disruption to learning and/or potential harm to others, including gang related activity, graffiti, tagging and displaying of gang colors/ paraphernalia Policy #5615	Counselor/CST Check-In   3 Days of In-School Suspension and loss of computer privileges for 10 days   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days of In-School Suspension and loss of computer privileges for 20 days   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days of Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry conference   Administrative Review
Inciting a riot, e.g. food fight Policy #5600	Counselor/CST Check-In   3 Days Out-of-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   10 Days Out-of-School Suspension   Administrative Review
Theft Policy #5600
Physical aggression, including but not limited to pushing, shoving, and tripping. Policy #5600
Any threat made against/towards a student, staff member, or other persons Policy #8468
Abusive, indecent language and/or gestures which provokes conflict and/or violence, including those towards staff Policy #5600
Destruction or loss of school, district and/or another person’s property, intellectual property Policy #5513, Policy #5600
Destruction or loss of school, district and/or another person’s property, intellectual property Policy #5513, Policy #5600
Tobacco use, vaping and/or possession of related paraphernalia (referral to the Student Assistance Counselor is required as well) Policy #5533
Leaving campus without authorization Policy #5230

 

Student Behavior and Conduct: Level IV Infractions 

Infraction	1st Action	2nd Action	3rd Action
Verbal or criminal physical assault of an individual, including but not limited to staff, guests, or parents/guardians.  Policy #5612, Policy #5600	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension & 5 Days In-School Suspension   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   10 Days Out-of-School Suspension with re-entry meeting   Administrative Review
Physical altercation/ fighting, defined as fighting or provoking a fight. This is the mutual engagement in a physical confrontation that may result in bodily injury. It is recognized that one student may initiate a fight, and another may defend, but all students who fight will be suspended. Policy #5600	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting   Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   10 Days Out-of-School Suspension and re-entry meeting   Administrative Review
Recording students/staff and sharing their actions (altercations, jokes, conversation, etc.) with others without the permission of the student and their parent/guardian via social media, text, e-mail, and any other method. Policy #5516
Terroristic Threat Policy #8468	Counselor/CST Check-In   10 Days Out-of-School Suspension with re-entry meeting   Administrative Review
Activation of false alarm, bomb threat or other disaster alarm Policy #8468
Intimidation, extortion, coercion, and/or harassment of any type (sexual, racial, bias, etc.): including, but not limited to, the use of any cyber-related dissemination as a mode of communication Policy #5751, Policy #5512
Possession, sale and/or use of alcohol or drugs, refusal to undergo substance abuse screening (illegal, dangerous, counterfeit or substance believed to or represent drugs) Policy #5530	Counselor/CST Check-In   5 Days Out-of-School Suspension & 5 Days In-School Suspension and referral to Student Assistance Counselor     Administrative Review	Counselor/CST Check-In   10 Days Out-of-School Suspension and referral to Student Assistance Counselor and re-entry meeting   Administrative Review
Use/possession or distribution of a dangerous/deadly weapon Policy #8467, Policy #5613	Counselor/CST Check-In   Up to 10 Days In-School or Out-of-School Suspension & Administrative Review pursuant to Law and Board Policy
Possession and/or use of firearm/fireworks Policy #8647, Policy #5611

 

Expectations While Serving Lunch, After-School or Saturday Detention

• Students must report to detention on time.
• Monitors should be always treated with the utmost respect.
• Upon arriving
  • Students are required to sign in.
  • Students will proceed to place their cell phones in the designated holder.
• Students are expected to maintain a quiet and focused atmosphere, refraining from talking aloud or engaging in any disruptive behavior.
• Students may utilize their time by completing assigned work, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly.
• Please note that detention takes precedence over all non-academic activities. It is crucial that students prioritize their commitment to attending detention and fulfill their obligations accordingly.
• For students that fail to serve the detention, the administration will promptly contact the parent or guardian to address the situation. In such cases, additional disciplinary measures will be implemented as deemed necessary.
• Failure to comply with these rules will result in further disciplinary consequences.

Expectations to Observe During In-School-Suspension

• Students are to report to ISS on time.
• Monitors should be always treated with the utmost respect.
• Upon arriving
  • Students are required to sign in.
  • Students will proceed to place their cell phones in the designated holder.
• Students are expected to maintain a quiet and focused atmosphere, refraining from talking aloud or engaging in any disruptive behavior.
• Throughout the day, the student's school counselor and/or case manager will request to meet with the student.
  • The Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) will meet with students based on the nature of the infraction.
• Please note that ISS takes precedence over all non-academic activities. It is crucial that students prioritize their commitment to attending detention and fulfill their obligations accordingly.
• Students are excluded from all school-sponsored activities, both during and after school hours, for the duration of the suspension period.
• For students that fail to serve their ISS, the administration will promptly contact the parent or guardian to address the situation. In such cases, additional disciplinary measures will be implemented as deemed necessary.
• Failure to comply with these rules will result in further disciplinary consequences.

Expectations While Serving Out-of-School Suspension

• Students are excluded from all school-sponsored activities, either during or after school hours, for the duration of the suspension period.
• Students are prohibited from any Board of Education property for the duration of the suspension.
• A parent may come to pick up assignments. Students are required to complete and turn in all completed work.
• A mandatory re-admittance conference will be held with a school administrator, counselor, student, and parent(s) at the time of return.
• Students will be required to meet with a counselor once they have returned to discuss and reflect on the nature of their infraction.

 

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Participation

Student participation including but not limited to MHS Athletics, Marching Band, Dance, Chorus, clubs or extra-curricular activities, proms, special events such as senior trip/ picnic, senior-parent brunch, field trips, assemblies, dances, talent shows, and graduation ceremony: Students who pass beyond a certain threshold of discipline may not be permitted to participate.

Thresholds of Discipline

• 10 days of cumulative discipline (any combination of OSS, ISS, ASD or Saturday Detention)
  • Places students on a 5-day probation from any of the above listed activities
  • In addition, students must satisfy completion of the issued number of student discipline from principal
• 20 days of cumulative student discipline
  • Prohibits the student from attending any of the above listed activities for a period to be determined by the principal
  • In addition, students must satisfy completion of the issued number of student discipline from building principal

Thresholds of Attendance 

Policy #5200

• 10 days unexcused absences from daily attendance
  • Places student on a 5-day probation from any of the above listed activities
• 20 days unexcused absences from daily attendance
  • Student will not be permitted to participate in any of the above listed activities
    • Students who pass beyond a certain threshold of attendance will not be permitted to participate as indicated below

5 Days Unexcused Late	10 Days Unexcused Late	15 Days Unexcused Late	20 Days Unexcused Late
1 Hour After-School Detention	2 Hour After-School Detention 5 Day Suspension from Extracurricular Activities	Saturday Detention	Saturday Detention Suspension from Extracurricular Activities for Remainder of School Year
10 Unexcused Absences	20 Unexcused Absences	8 Unexcused Absences (Semester Course)	16 Unexcused Absences (Semester Course)
5 Day Suspension from Extracurricular Activities	Suspension from Extracurricular Activities for Remainder of School Year	Loss of Credit	Loss of Credit

 

Manasquan High School Code of Conduct: Student Assistance Counselor (SAC) Guidelines

Student assistance programs are designed to help students and their families with problems affecting their personal lives and academic performance. The Student Assistance Counselor’s (SAC) role is to enhance and support students’ success in the school environment. There are a range of school-based prevention and intervention services offered to assist students with personal problems and encourage them to build upon their strengths.

The Student Assistance Counselor will:

1. Identify students who may need assistance through referrals from teachers, parents, peers, or self-referrals by the students themselves.
2. Conduct a preliminary assessment to understand the nature and extent of the student’s needs, assessing the student’s the student’s emotional, social, academic, and behavioral needs through interviews, observations, and possibly standardized assessments, while evaluating the risk of harm to self or others, especially in cases involving substance abuse, depression, or anxiety.
3. Create an individualized intervention plan based on the assessment. This may include counseling, referrals to external resources, or academic support, working with the student to set realistic and achievable goals.
4. Counseling sessions may also focus on teaching coping strategies, problem solving skills, and social skills as needed.
5. Regularly monitor the student's progress and adjust the intervention plan as needed, by scheduling follow-up sessions to ensure the student is meeting their goals and receiving the support they need.