The mission of TIMES2 Academy is to develop intellectually curious and capable young people who are selfless contributors to both local and global communities, and who aspire to be ethical and compassionate leaders. Through a rigorous and innovative academic program in math, science, and technology, in combination with the liberal arts, TIMES2 STEM Academy affords its diverse student population those experiences, skills, and values that will prepare them for purposeful contribution in higher education and STEM-related fields.
Children become life-long learners through daily exposure to opportunities that encourage curiosity, self-direction, creativity, and critical thinking. Listed below are our academic, social, and civic goals for all students of TIMES2 STEM Academy.
Providence School District Academic Calendar 2019-2020 7
Responsibility for School Property 11
Role of Advisory Leaders (grades 7-12) 12
Promotion Requirements for Students 13
Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) 13
Academic Eligibility for Extra-Curricular Activities 15
Athletics/Activities Academic Probation Contract 15
After-School Program Protocols 17
Tardies and Early Dismissals 19
Change of Address/Emergency Contact Form 19
School Closing/Delayed Opening 19
Elementary (K-6) School Uniform: 21
Elementary (1-6) Physical Education Uniform: 21
Middle School (7-8) Uniform: 21
Middle School (7-8) Physical Education Uniform: 22
High School (9-12) Uniform: 22
High School (9-12) Physical Education Uniform: 22
School Communications with Parents/Guardians 24
Communication with Students during the School Day 24
Dropping off items after the school day has begun. 24
Messages left at the office. 24
Parent/Guardian-Teacher Communications 25
Face-to-Face Conference Protocol 25
Fostering a Positive School Climate 27
Multi-Tiered System of Supports 27
Progressive Levels of Consequences and Restorative Responses 29
Level One Infractions – Interventions and Suspensions 30
Level Two and Level Three Infractions Suspensions and Interventions 32
Rights of Parents/Guardians/Advocates of Student Facing Suspension 39
Referral to TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board for a Student Disciplinary Hearing 39
TIMES2 STEM Academy Referral to Alternative Education Placement 40
Gail Keith | Principal, Elementary K-6 |
Christina Robinson | Principal, Middle/High 7-12 |
Andrew Lay | Dean of Academics K-12 |
Matthew Petersen | Director of Behavioral Services |
Julie Panton | Social Worker |
Jennifer Aguiar | ESL/Reading Specialist 7-12 |
Anthony Alejandro | Assistant Sports Community Liaison |
Georgina Alvarez | Elementary Community Liaison |
Ajibola Ashamu | Technical Services Assistant |
Daria Baccari | Grade 6 Math |
Renee Barreira | Grade 4 |
Bill Bennett | Tech Services Specialist |
Darlene Bickham | Kindergarten |
Jane Brell | Grade 6 Social Studies |
Lisa Brodeur | Grade 5 |
Vernon Brown | Grade 7 Social Studies |
Jane Bryson | Grade 8 Math |
Alicia Caito | Math Specialist K-6 |
Rachael Cassidy | Nurse K-12 |
Nita Childress | Grade 9 & 11 Math |
Fred Conery | Grade 3 |
Tracey Colangelo | Resource 5-8 |
Marianne Connor | Data Analyst |
Kristin DeCataldo | Kindergarten |
Jillian DeFusco | Grade 3 |
Mike DiMucci | Art K-8 |
Maureen Farrell | Grade 7 Science |
Kathy Field | Grade 1 |
Chris Fisher | Grade 9 & 11 Science |
Mark Fontaine | Grade 9 & 10 Science |
Amy Frazer | Grade 8 English |
Tracie Gagnon | Grade 4 |
Cheryl Galloway | Admissions Coordinator |
Karen Garnett | Grade 3 |
Judy Genao | Middle/High Community Liaison |
Domenic Herard | Grade 10 & 12 Math |
David Hurd | Grade 9 Science |
Kimberly Jimenez | Elementary Administrative Assistant |
Charles Johnson | Grade 10 & 11 Social Studies |
Alexandra Kerfoot | Grade 2 |
Tracy Kerfoot | Grade 1 |
Allan Lester | Grade 5 |
Robert Leylegian | Grade 9 & 12 Math |
Toby Liebowitz | Resource K-4 |
Khori Lopes | Grade 10 & 12 English |
Maggie Lopes | Grade 6 Science |
Iris Lopez | Cafeteria |
Christopher Love | Sports Community Liaison |
Michelle Manning | ESL/Reading Specialist K-6 |
Jason Markham | PE/Health K-12 |
Jon Marz | PE/Health K-12 |
Julie McLemore | STEM K-6 |
Lori Meek | Grade 9 & 12 Social Studies |
Lesley Miller | Grade 7 English |
Jose Molina | Custodian |
Rosemary Moronta-Difo | Language 9-12 |
Elizabeth Morris | Grade 8 Science |
Linda Mousseau | Finance and Operations |
Armando Munoz | Custodian |
Nicole Murray | Grade 2 |
Victor Ortega | Custodian |
Richard Partelo | Music 7-12 |
Rhamanya Perry | Cafeteria |
Adelso Porras | Custodian |
Andrya Saran | Grade 5 |
Lindsay Scott | Grade 2 |
Pauline Scott | Grade 6 English |
Jillian Sevigny | ESL/Reading Specialist K-6 |
Nonetta Shatakhtsian | Music K-8 |
Peter Smith | Resource 9-12 |
Jeff Springsteen | Grade 1 |
Jill Troiani | Kindergarten |
Edwidge Victor | Language 9-12 |
Monique Walmsley | Grade 4 |
Marilyn Wilson | Cafeteria |
Angela Wynkoop-Berard | Grade 9 & 11 English |
TIMES2 STEM Academy maintains high standards for all its students. In grades 6-12, we consider any grade below a C- (70%) failing. In grades K-6 students are measured in conjunction with the Common Core Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.
After the Graduation Committee led by the Guidance Counselor reviews and assesses each high school student’s graduation portfolio and Senior Capstone project, via the appropriate rubrics, any student who is judged non-proficient in meeting the high school PBGR system can appeal to the Principal of the Middle-High School. The Principal of the Middle-High School will in turn review the individual student’s state assessment participation, coursework, Senior Capstone, graduation portfolio, and any additional work/evidence to determine whether the student meets proficiency standards and will graduate that year or spend an additional year meeting all standards. Any appeal must be documented on the appropriate form and submitted at least 30 days before the date of graduation. Appeal forms can be obtained from the main office upon request. Further appeals may be made to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
At the end of each academic year, all students with outstanding financial obligations (unreturned books, technology, lab materials, calculators, etc.) will be presented with an invoice for immediate repayment. Seniors will not receive Cap and Gown or official transcripts until all obligations are met.
In the same way that tests and quizzes can assess a student’s performance, homework is a daily or regular type of assessment as well. Homework reinforces class work through practice, to get students ready for the next lessons, and to teach them to work on their own. Homework assignments may vary with each teacher and with each grade. Be sure to confer with your teacher to understand what their homework expectations are for you.
Students must develop good study habits in order to achieve academically at TIMES2 STEM Academy. Homework is credited to each student’s grade and can count for as much as 20% of an overall grade. All students should expect at least one to two hours of homework each night. Nevertheless, homework assignments may vary with each teacher. Students and parents can access homework assignments online via the Skyward link on the school’s Web page for students in Grades 7-12. If parents need additional information, they can call any teacher and leave a message.
Any student who has missed assignments due to an excused absence should arrange with the teacher in order to complete assignments. Parents must contact their child’s teacher in order to retrieve assignments missed during extensive absences, if approved.
Grade level classifications Determinations about student progression shall be made on an ongoing basis and must include any courses successfully completed through summer school and district administered credit recovery programs.
Ninth grade promotion: In order to be promoted from ninth to tenth grade, students must have earned a minimum of five credits.
Tenth grade promotion: In order to be promoted from the tenth to eleventh grade, students must have earned a minimum of 10 credits.
Eleventh grade promotion: In order to be promoted from eleventh to twelfth grade, students must have earned sixteen credits, including two core English Language Arts and two core Math credits.
Classification |
Grade |
Minimum # of Credits |
Completion Requirement |
Sophomore |
10 |
5 |
English 9, Algebra I or higher math |
Junior |
11 |
11 |
English 10, Geometry |
Senior |
12 |
17 |
English 11, 3rd year math |
*Credit and promotion requirements are applicable for 2019-2020 incoming ninth grade students.
TIMES² STEM Academy (T²) students will reflect their readiness to graduate from T² by demonstrating proficiency through four (4) measures: 1) Satisfactory completion of all credits attempted (with a minimum of 24 required), 2) All students are required to take the SAT, 3) Comprehensive Portfolio, 4) Senior Capstone
Students will pass (with 70 or higher) all attempted credits (with a minimum of 24).
A capstone project should be a multi-month research or outreach project that is related to the student’s community. If the project is research based, the student should conduct a thorough literature search, conduct authentic research that utilizes appropriate research methodologies for their area of research, compile and analyze their data (including appropriate statistical analysis), present their data to experts, adequately defend their conclusions, and make well-reasoned connections to their community.
If the project is outreach-based, the student should thoroughly research the issue they wish to address, meet with experts in the field of interest, create an educational campaign to highlight the cause. Immerse themselves in the environment for multiple months, create a presentation for the appropriate members of the community, and make well-reasoned connections to their community.
Capstone will be evaluated by appropriate members of the TIMES² STEM Academy community. The process will be evaluated through the dual lenses of: Is the depth and breadth of the project worthy of being awarded Capstone status? Did the student adequately tie their project to their community?
Students may choose to use their science and engineering project as their Capstone project. These evaluations will occur at the time of the school fair. Students who are unsuccessful at the school fair will have until February to meet with their evaluator, improve their project, and re-present to a panel. Students not using their project as their capstone can make individualized appointments for the proper evaluation of their project. After February all remaining Capstone projects will become the responsibility of Administration; Parent meetings will occur, and a project completion plan will be created.
Times² students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and demonstrate good character. Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege and is not afforded to all students. This participation requires higher expectations from students, which includes academic achievement and attendance.
A student may not participate in non-academic extracurricular activities if he/she has any failing grades. The student must arrange with the content teacher of record (and special educator if applicable) in order to receive support and/or a plan for improvement. The student may also be required to attend Saturday Academy. The Sports Community Liaison/ extracurricular-program leader will generate a Skyward report, every two weeks for progress monitoring. He/she will communicate with students, teachers, administration, parents, and coaches as to each student’s eligibility.
A student may not participate in non-academic extracurricular activities, if the student is chronically (more than 10) tardy or absent. Excused absences are not factored in this determination. The Director of Behavioral Support will generate tardy and absence reports from Skyward and will communicate with students, teachers, administration, parents, and The Sports Community Liaison and assistant to student’s eligibility.
Students in grades 4-12 may be assigned to mandatory academic support, after-school or Saturday detention for academic reasons.
Any request to be excused from mandatory academic support (afterschool/Saturday) must be directed to the principal/teacher.
TIMES2 STEM Academy provides each student with textbooks. Students are responsible for keeping up with their assigned books and maintaining them in good condition throughout the school year. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and any lost textbooks, replacement cost must be paid for by the student. All textbooks must always be covered, with either a book cover or paper covering.
Throughout this document, the terms “parent/s,” “guardian/s,” and “family/families” are used interchangeably and have the intended meaning to include any individuals who have legal custody of a minor student in the district. A glossary of terms is provided at the end of this document to help explain certain phrases and words.
Students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 should arrive no earlier than 7:15 a.m. Breakfast will be served until 7:55 at which time students will go directly to the gymnasium and sit with their classmates until they are picked up by their homeroom teachers. The instructional day will end at 2:15 p.m. with bus and parent pick-up between 2:20 and 2:30 p.m.
Grade 7-12 students should arrive no earlier than 7:25 a.m. Breakfast will be served in the Middle-High School Cafeteria from 7:30 – 7:55 a.m. At 7:55 students will be able to go to their lockers in order to prepare for their school day. The students must be on time, seated, and quiet in their advisory beginning at 8:00.
All students (K-6) will be dismissed at 2:15. Parents and guardians of elementary students who are not picked up by 2:45 will be subject to a supervision fee.
All students (7-12) will be dismissed at 2:45. All other TIMES² students not attending supervised after-school activities need to have transportation arranged in order to depart campus no later than 3pm.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED RE-ENTRY IF THEY HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING FOR DISMISSAL.
Students who remain at school past dismissal times must be under the direct supervision of a TIMES² faculty, staff member, or after-school program. These students may receive academic resources and support, participate in after-school activities, or remain after-school for disciplinary code violations. As a rule, all TIMES² after-school activities will end no later than 4:45 p.m. with the exception of sports and special activities
There is no student parking in the staff lots.
A parent/guardian must call or email the school if his/her child will be absent for the school day. This will assure the staff of the safety and whereabouts of the student. It is crucial for the school to know when a student will be absent prior to the start of school at 8:00.
Main Office: 401- 272-5094
K-6: galvarez@times2.org
7-12: jgenao@times2.org
Students who are absent for two days must have a note from a parent/guardian on the day of return. Students who are absent for three or more consecutive days must have a doctor’s note on the day of return to school. If a student accumulates 30 unexcused absences in a full academic year, the student may be in jeopardy of not receiving credit for the missed courses or may not be promoted to the subsequent grade.
Reasons listed below will not count towards the total number of absences:
Students are accountable for any work they miss because of their absence. They must see the teacher for any work missed. They should also refer to the Skyward (Google classroom) link at www.TIMES2.org.
The TIMES2 STEM Academy encourage families to plan their vacation time during school breaks. To do otherwise could place the child’s academic record in jeopardy. Teachers will not be responsible for assigning work to students who miss more than five days of class work due to family trips.
For your child’s sake, please plan vacations accordingly so it will not negatively impact their learning and grades.
Attendance is required by state law. Consequently, students and parents who choose to ignore this requirement will be referred to the district attendance officer for action. Please note for all students: Lateness will impact the learning and possible promotion for students should they become routine.
We expect parents/guardians to schedule all appointments outside of school hours. If a student has an unavoidable need for early dismissal, the parent/guardian must notify the office prior to dismissal and either:
Students in Middle School and High School will not be granted early dismissal after 2:15 p.m. except in the case of illness.
Students in grades K-6 will not be granted early dismissal after 1:45 p.m. except in the case of illness.
Any student who has a change of address or a telephone number should contact the school immediately to notify the main office of the change or changes. The school needs current information on all students in order to keep families abreast of school information and in case of an emergency.
Providence Public School District officials, not school administration, decide whether to close or delay the opening of schools. In the event of a delayed opening or school closing, radio and television stations are informed and announced by 6:30 a.m. The following stations are notified:
If an unforeseen facilities emergency should arise, the school’s administration will reserve the right to close the school to ensure student safety. Parents will be notified as soon as possible.
Any person not directly affiliated with TIMES2 STEM Academy (Grades K-12) including parents/guardians, must report to either the Reception Desk in the Elementary Wing or the Middle/High School Main Office upon entering the campus. A visitor’s badge will be issued in the office and must be worn while in the school. Visitors must relinquish their government issued ID in order to visit the building. The Principal (or their designee) is empowered to act against inappropriate visitors, including suspended and expelled students, who enter the building, grounds and other TIMES2 property. Parents who wish to visit the school and/or visit a class should contact the school to plan of time.
TIMES2 STEM Academy does not discriminate in providing services to children and their families based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, cultural heritage, political beliefs, marital status, national origin, or disability.
TIMES2 Inc. does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, handicap, religion, or national origin in its dealings with employees, students, the general public, applicants for employment, educational program, activities, or access to its facilities.
The school provides a nurse daily during school hours for students requiring medication disbursement and minor first aid. All required medications must be brought to the attention of the school nurse for proper dissemination through the parent/guardian. Please note that parents must bring medication and a written doctor’s order to school; medication cannot be sent on the bus with the student. All updated medical records should be shared with the school to ensure the proper care for students’ medical needs. Also, under no circumstances should students share over-the-counter medications with their peers. Note that the school nurse may disburse over-the-counter medicine as well with prior parent consent.
Concurrent with the above procedures, complete physical exams and immunizations are required to enter kindergarten and 7th grade. An eye test is also required for kindergarten entrance.
Throughout the year the school conducts fire drills, lockdown drills, and evacuation drills. Each drill is conducted throughout the K-12 school. Individual evacuation plans are posted in each
room in the building. Students are to remain silent throughout the duration of the fire drill. Acting in a disruptive manner during a fire drill is a Class II Offense and will result in disciplinary action.
It is expected that all TIMES2 Academy students will be in their official uniforms each day. It is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that students wear the official uniform to school.
Please see school website for appropriate examples/nonexamples.
*To be worn ONLY during PE class, even if it is first period.
Certain days of the school year (see school calendar) are designated as optional dress-down days. At times in order to participate in dressing down a small fee is collected which is used for funding student programs. Some students may be prohibited from participation due to disciplinary infractions or academic performance. For these days the following rules are in place.
“Dress-up” days include the fall and spring Picture Days.
Proper communications are vital to the success of any organization. TIMES² STEM Academy works hard to ensure that communications between all stakeholders in our community are conducted in a professional, respectful, and accurate manner. In order to facilitate an optimal environment for communications the following protocols should be understood and followed by all members.
The Academy will usually communicate with all parents and guardians throughout the year through the following means:
Parents/guardians who need to communicate with their child during school hours must do so through calling our main number 401-272-5094 or coming into our main office during the school day.
Students are not allowed to call or receive calls on their personal device from parents, during the school day, without proper authorization from a teacher or administrator.
Students are to be prepared for school at the beginning of the school day. Parents or guardians who wish to drop off items such as missing school work, uniform, or other items must leave them in the office.
All efforts will be made to deliver information concerning after-school changes to transportation or any other information. In most cases, students in grades K-12 are notified of such messages during the school day.
When parents or guardians have concerns about or questions for specific teachers or staff members, TIMES² STEM Academy’s administrators will advise the parents/guardians that the proper first step is for the parents/guardians to discuss the matter(s) of concern directly with the teacher or staff member involved. If sincere attempts at communication with teachers or staff members have taken place, but the matter is still not resolved, administrators will then take action to mediate or otherwise help to resolve the issue. In all, administrators will ensure that the protocols described below are followed prior to intervening.
Parents/guardians who seek to communicate by phone with teachers may do the following:
The TIMES2 STEM Academy Student Code of Conduct was constructed with the purpose of communicating clearly the behavioral expectations for Times2 STEM Academy students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Specifically, this Code of Conduct:
All students will be treated fairly and equitably in regard to all laws, rules, regulations and policies
of the State of Rhode Island and the Providence School Board any time that:
The TIMES2 STEM Academy Student Code of Conduct will be posted on the district’s website and will be updated annually with such additional sections of explanation, expansion or clarification as the superintendent or school board may deem appropriate. Every student will receive annual notification of the Student Code of Conduct, along with an acknowledgement form, which must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the student’s school.
Printed copies of the Code of Conduct will be available at every school for students and parents/guardians upon request. The Code of Conduct will be provided in various languages reflective of the district’s population.
TIMES2 STEM Academy uses a framework to promote a safe, supportive and positive school climate that helps students develop the skills they need to be successful in school, and as members of the community through the Teacher Support Team (TST). In addition, a multi-tiered system of supports allows schools to effectively identify students’ unique challenges and behavioral issues and to intervene and provide support as soon as possible. TIMES2 STEM Academy believes that implementation of an MTSS process is central to meeting students’ individual academic, social-emotional and language development needs. Additionally, the work of the TST is aligned with the expectation that our school environments model and teach safety, respect, equity and responsibility for every member of the school community through the CASEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness as a part of everyday core instruction.
Interventions are specific strategies, programs, protocols and activities that allow students to reflect on their behavior, learn replacement behaviors, maneuver personal obstacles and resolve conflicts. Interventions are administered by a team of adults that includes the student’s parent/guardian and result in a written plan to support the student’s growth and development. Restorative practices should be in place, so students have an opportunity to repair the harm they have caused. TIMES2 STEM Academy wants students to be continually engaged in the school community to allow them to reflect upon and learn from their mistakes.
Restorative practices in TIMES2 STEM Academy are part of the of the school-based decision-making process and provide a proactive approach for building a school community based on cooperation, empathy, mutual understanding, and respect. Restorative practices hold students accountable for their actions and behavior, while at the same time help create a supportive school environment. Researchers have found alternative disciplinary programs such as Positive Behavioral Interventions, school-wide conflict resolution, and cultural responsiveness training reduce the use of suspensions.
TIMES2 STEM Academy’s restorative justice practices address student misbehaviors with a focus on repairing harm rather than punishing students. The most critical functions of restorative practices are to restore and build relationships. Providence school students, faculty, support staff and administrators meet with students to explore what took place, and to ensure students make necessary amends.
TIMES2 STEM Academy’s approach to restorative practices includes the following:
The entire school community—students, families, staff, and community partners—is responsible for helping to prevent bullying and harassment. A school environment free from bullying and harassment is critical for creating and maintaining a safe, secure and positive school climate and culture that supports academic achievement, increases school engagement and respects the rights of all individuals and groups. In accordance with state law (Rhode Island General Law § 16-21-33, “Safe schools act”) and TIMES2 STEM Academy’s policy, bullying and harassment are prohibited and must be reported to the appropriate school administrator.
Bullying and/or harassment include, but are not limited to, acts that:
TIMES2 STEM Academy is committed to a system of expectations, supports, and consequences that protects the rights of individuals as well as the school community. To address misconduct, TIMES2 STEM Academy uses positive behavioral interventions, a multi-tiered system of supports, and effective, sustainable partnerships with students, families, and communities.
TIMES2 STEM Academy is committed to using interventions that address the causes of student misbehavior, resolve conflicts, meet student needs, keep students in school, minimize the use of law enforcement, and collaborate with parents to identify a solution. Disciplinary practices that result in losing instructional time, removing students from school, or referring students to the criminal justice system should be used only as a last resort.
Careful evaluation of each student’s individual situation (academic, social and emotional) is essential, so that the school's response to the student is (1) appropriate; (2) supports the student’s individual growth; (3) maintains the student’s connection to school; and (4) ensures a safe and orderly learning environment for all students and staff.
Each school has its own unique culture and community of individuals. It is essential to the success of all students that the individuality of each school be nurtured and celebrated. At the same time, in order to support the successful engagement of families and community partners within the schools, and to promote safety, respect, equity and responsibility for the entire TIMES2 STEM Academy community, school-wide expectations are necessary. Therefore, our school will follow the Student Code of Conduct and may add additional expectations that:
Level One infractions include student behaviors that do not meet the basic expectations of respect and courtesy and that undermine a safe and orderly learning environment. Teachers are encouraged to address Level One behaviors directly but may call upon an administrator to assist in the delivery of consequences or to model strategies for managing Level One issues in the classroom.
These infractions do not involve law enforcement and are addressed by the teacher and/or the principal (or their designee). Level One infractions must be handled at the school level and cannot be referred to the student affairs office at the Providence Public School Department. As a first response, the teacher and/or administrator will use tiered intervention(s) appropriate to the student’s grade level to address student misconduct, and to avoid repetition of the infraction in the future.
Level One infractions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate consequences and intervention. Not all Level One offenses should result in a suspension but should include an intervention or restorative practice as a means to model corrective behavior. Depending on the severity of the infraction, in some instances, a Level One infraction may result in suspension of up to five (5) school days. Regardless of the length or type (in-school or out-of-school), all suspensions must be documented and reported as a suspension in the TIMES2 STEM Academy student information system, known as Skyward, by the end of the school day.
Definitions of the Level One infractions listed below are based on Rhode Island Department of Education categories of incidents of suspension as reported in InfoWorks. The list below relates to infractions that are committed for the first time. Repeat offenses should be dealt with through communication with student, parent and administration. When a Level One infraction is chronic it becomes a Level Two infraction.
Level Two and Level Three infractions may result in suspensions up to ten (10) school days and/or a referral to the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board and/or law enforcement. These infractions are the most serious in nature because they pertain to the violation of specific laws and/or compromise the safety of others. The school administrator acts in loco parentis and documents until such time as the parent/guardian has been contacted and arrives to be with the student and documents the outcome. The infractions listed below may rise to the level of a violation of a specific law; however, this list is in no way exhaustive. Students referred to TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board for Level Two and Three infractions could face any of the following consequences, which will be determined by the school administrator or TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board:
Intervention and/or restorative practices.
Change in suspension (in school or out of school).
Possible referral to Providence Police.
Emergency placement to an off-campus alternative education program (AEP).
Possible restriction of extracurricular activities.
Outside referral to social service agency.
A student who commits any of the following Level Two infractions may be suspended by the principal for committing, attempting to commit, aiding or abetting the commission of, conspiring to commit, or participating in any manner—even if unaccomplished—in the commission of any of the infractions designated in this section.
Level Two Infractions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate consequences and interventions. Although Level Two offenses may result in a suspension, responses should include an intervention or restorative practice to model corrective behavior. A Level Two infraction may result in a suspension of up to 10 school days and/or possible referral to the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board. Regardless of the length or type (in-school or out-of-school), all suspensions must be documented and reported as a suspension in the TIMES2 STEM Academy’s student information system, known as Skyward, by the end of the school day. A student may be recommended for exclusion (removing a student from school for a period of 10- 180 school days) by the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board for chronic and/or aggravated infractions of Level Two behaviors.
Definitions of Level Two infractions listed below are based on Rhode Island Department of Education categories of incidents of suspension as reported in InfoWorks:
A Level Three infraction may result in a suspension of up to 10 school days and/or possible referral to the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board, with a recommendation for exclusion (removing a student from school for a period 10-180 school days). Decisions to exclude a student may only be made by the director of student affairs. Regardless of the length or type (in-school or out-of-school), all suspensions must be documented and reported as a suspension in the TIMES2 STEM Academy’s student information system, known as Skyward, by the end of the school day.
Level Three infractions include zero tolerance infractions. Under Rhode Island State Administrative Code (Rhode Island Administrative Code 21-2-39:3.0, 3.28 Zero Tolerance) and Rhode Island General Law (RIGL 16-21-18, “Students prohibited from bringing or possessing firearms on school premises”) zero tolerance infractions include possession of a weapon, possession of controlled substances, and aggravated assault. Any student found to be in possession of a weapon or involved in an aggravated assault will immediately be suspended in accordance with applicable due process provisions. During this suspension, TIMES2 STEM Academy will take the necessary steps to determine any additional action to be taken, which may include exclusion for a period of 10 to 180 school days.
Level Three infractions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to determine the appropriate consequences and interventions. Level Three offenses may result in a suspension but should include an intervention or restorative practice to model corrective behavior.
A limited number of offenses constitute the basis for excluding a student. If a school administrator finds that a student has committed, attempted to commit, aided or abetted in the commission of, conspired to commit, or participated in any manner—even if unaccomplished—in the commission of any of the Level Three infractions listed below, the administrator may submit a recommendation to the director of student affairs that the student be excluded from school attendance. The administrator may notify the police when category Level Three infraction is committed and shall make all reasonable efforts to contact a parent or guardian of the student. Definitions of the infractions listed below are based on Rhode Island Department of Education categories of incidents of suspension as reported in InfoWorks:
Possession: For a student to be disciplined for possession of a prohibited object (such as a firearm, weapon, drug or other item), the following must occur:
Providence Juvenile Hearing Board Juvenile hearing boards are implemented in communities throughout Rhode Island as a best practice in juvenile justice reform. The Providence City Council established the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board in 2016 for Providence youth who are accused of minor infractions. The goal of the juvenile hearing board is to provide youth with community-based alternatives to incarceration so that youth are not referred to Rhode Island Family Court. The panel is comprised of seven members and alternates who are appointed by the Providence City Council and includes experts and advocates who are qualified to review non-violent juvenile cases and determine appropriate sanctions. Cases are forwarded to the juvenile hearing board by the Providence Police Department. Please refer to the resources section for more information.
The following are disciplinary actions involving the removal of students from school or class. All school personnel responsible for implementing suspension/exclusion procedures will be instructed in the responsibilities and rights of students and parents/guardians. Rhode Island Discipline Procedures, and detailed procedures for suspensions for principals (or their designee) are included in the appendices.
In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and at the discretion of the principal, a student may be denied the right to attend regular classes and be assigned to an approved alternative classroom setting within the same school. A student may be temporarily removed from the regular classroom for disciplinary purposes, during which time the student remains under the direct supervision of, and in the same physical location as, school personnel.
In-school suspension may occur in a separate classroom or a separate building and, in some instances, may occur outside of regular school hours, as long as state requirements for length of the school day are met. Typically, the student is required to complete coursework during this time. The student should receive academic instruction, intervention services, and/or counseling, as appropriate. This disciplinary action will be assigned for a period of a maximum of ten (10) consecutive school days. The student will continue to do assigned work during this time. In-school suspension may be used in lieu of out-of-school suspension at the discretion of the principal and in accordance with the Code of Conduct, except in cases where the infraction leading to suspension is listed as an exclusionary infraction. At the discretion of the principal, a student who has been assigned to in-school suspension may be denied the right to participate in extracurricular activities.
In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the discretion of the school principal, a student may be denied the right to attend school classes or functions for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. A student may be temporarily removed from school, during which time the student is not allowed to attend regular school lessons or participate in other school activities. The student should receive academic instruction, intervention services, and/or counseling, as appropriate. The student will continue to do assigned work during suspension. Parents/guardians can pick-up the work at the school during the period of suspension.
Regardless of the length or type (in-school or out-of-school), all suspensions must be documented and reported as a suspension in the TIMES2 STEM Academy’s student information system, known as Skyward, by the end of the school day.
In accordance with Rhode Island state law (Rhode Island General Laws, 16-2-17(d) and 16-2-17.1) the district shall not issue suspensions to be served out of school unless:
Parents/guardians/advocates of a child facing suspension for a Level One, Two or Three infraction have the right to:
A general education student (a student who does not have an IEP—Individualized Education Program) facing removal from school to an alternative placement due to a Level Two or Level Three infraction must be given a hearing with appropriate due process. The student is entitled to:
The standard of review at such a hearing shall be by a fair preponderance of the evidence that a Level Two or Level Three offense has been committed by the referred student.
In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and at the discretion of the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board, a student may be removed from school and denied the right to attend school functions for a period of ten (10) to one hundred eighty (180) school days. An appeal of an exclusion may be made to the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Director (or their designee), and then to the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board.
When a student is excluded from the TIMES2 STEM Academy for ten (10) or more school days, the student is placed in an alternative education program during his/her exclusion period. His/her name must remain on the sending school register from which the student was referred until the period of exclusion has ended. Placement decisions of this type will be made by the Executive Director (or their designee) in accordance with due process proceedings.
Step One: The principal will conduct an initial investigation to include the following steps:
Note: If the student has committed a zero-tolerance infraction the principal will be expected to suspend the student. The principal, however, can modify on a case-by-case basis the recommendation for suspension or exclusion. In this case, the principal must complete a thorough investigation and consider all mitigating circumstances. Consequently, if the student is not recommended for a suspension or exclusion, the principal must explain in a detailed report the specific reasons for the modification citing all mitigating circumstances that contributed to the decision.
Step Two: After the initial investigation, if the principal makes a judgment that a suspension is appropriate, the principal will carry out the following:
Should the principal determine a referral to the Executive Director (or their designee) is necessary, the principal will:
At the school conference, the principal will provide the parents/guardians and student with the following information in preparation for the fact-finding conference to be held at the Executive Director’s (or their designee) office:
Step Three: The Executive Director’s (or their designee) hearing will take place as follows:
If the hearing officer finds that a zero-tolerance infraction occurred, but mitigating circumstances support a departure from the standard disciplinary consequence, the hearing officer must provide a detailed report explaining the reasons for the modification and describe all mitigating circumstances that contributed to the departure from the standard penalty. In addition, the hearing officer must provide the recommended penalty.
If the Executive Director believes that referral to the Executive Director (or their designee) is not warranted, the Executive Director must communicate that in writing to the principal in detail. This communication from the director of student affairs is part of the student’s record at school.
After the hearing, if the parent/guardian agrees with the charges and does not contest the exclusion penalty, the parent/guardian can sign a waiver to a hearing before the TIMES2 STEM Academy Executive Board.
Level One Suspension Appeals: A Level One suspension may be appealed to the principal. If the parent/guardian is not in agreement with the recommendation to suspend the student, the parent/guardian may appeal to the Executive Director (or their designee) when the violation is made in the student’s record in the student information system known as Skyward. The parent will receive written notice of the appeal decision, by telephone and in writing, in their preferred language within two (2) school days of the appeal.
Executive Director’s Hearing: A Level Two or Three suspension that results in an Executive Director’s (or their designee) office fact-finding conference may lead to a recommendation that an appeal hearing be held before the Times2 STEM Academy Executive Board; in such cases, the following must occur:
If the student is found to have committed a zero-tolerance infraction, the Times2 STEM Academy Executive Board (or their designee) will then do the following: