Students need to feel and be safe at school. Research demonstrates a strong correlation between academic achievement and a safe school environment. Employees also deserve a safe workplace.
Overview
The Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Branch is responsible for the security of Department campuses. Our schools and state offices are secured as best as possible to prevent theft, vandalism, trespassing and acts of violence. Annual training is provided for all security personnel with continued research into security best practices and the latest technology.
School and student safety is a responsibility for all involved — administrators, staff, teachers, students, families, law enforcement and the broader community. Safety and security are necessary in order for learning to take place.
For information on what the State has to say about Safety at School, got to Hawaii Public Schools.org.
Chapter 19
In order to keep our schools safe, rules have been established relating to student misconduct; these rules also govern searches of students and seizures of property. Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 19, are derived from state law. It’s important that students and parents review this information to be aware of the consequences of a Chapter 19 violation.
In order to provide an environment conducive to teaching and learning, teachers, students, and parents must work together in a positive and supportive atmosphere. This atmosphere cannot exist without a safe and orderly campus. To ensure safety and order, Aliamanu Middle School operates under a progressive discipline system based on state laws, Department of Education policies and school level rules. This system is encoded in Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 19.
Upon entering school, every student receives a Student Planner & Handbook. The entire front section of the planner and the DOE Chapter 19 is reviewed in their homeroom class. Please read through the information carefully.
All schools have disciplinary problems. It is how effectively these problems are dealt with that determines the level of safety and order and thus the quality of education students can receive. The following is a guideline of possible consequences for violations of Chapter 19 and school rules.
Class A and B violations are prohibited by State and Federal law. In all Class A and B violations, HPD may be called, resulting in possible arrest. Administration reserves the option of suspending a student up to 10 days or more, depending on the severity of the violation. Any student who has knowledge affecting health and safety (eg. impending fight, weapons, on campus) must report this information to an adult staff member immediately.
Class A Offenses (Prohibited by State Law):
- assault, burglary, possession or use of dangerous instruments, possession or use of dangerous weapons; possession, use, or sale of drug paraphernalia; extortion; fighting; possession or use of firearms; homicide; possession, use, or sale of illicit drugs; possession, use, or sale of intoxicating substances; property damage or vandalism, robbery, sexual offenses, or terroristic threatening.
IMPORTANT NOTE: HAWAII GUN FREE SCHOOLS ACT
Under the Department of Education’s Chapter 19 (Hawaii Administrative Rules), any student who brings a firearm to school “shall be excluded from attending school for not less than one calendar year.” This misconduct will result in an automatic one year suspension with an appeal to the State and Deputy Superintendent of Education.As stated in Chapter 19 (Hawaii Administrative Rules) “Firearm” means:
- Any weapon (including but not limited to a starter gun, shotgun, air guns, which includes BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, or cross bow or any other instrument which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile;
- The frame or receiver of any such weapon;
- Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or
- Any destructive device. The term “destructive device” means: Any explosives, incendiary, or poison gas: bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge, mine, or similar to any device described in the preceding clause;
- Any type of weapon, which will, or which may be readily converted to expel a projectile, including but is not limited to a weapon that expels a projectile by action of an explosive or other propellant; or
- Any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device described above and from which a destructive device may be assembled.
Weapons and Dangerous Instruments
In the Hawaii Revised Statutes and Chapter 19 Handbook, it states that any child (student) who is found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or instrument, intoxicating liquor, or illicit drugs while attending school may be excluded from attending school, suspended. The number of days will be determined by the principal and approved by the complex area superintendent (serious discipline). Also, police will be notified and the child could face possible arrest.
- Dangerous weapon means:
- An instrument whose sole design and purpose is to inflict bodily injury or death. Examples of such instruments include but are not limited to a dirk, dagger, butterfly knife, switchblade knife, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, or other weapons that inflict bodily injury or death.
- Dangerous instrument, or ‘substance’ means:
- Any explosive device, instrument, material, or chemical, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or bodily injury. Examples of such items include but are not limited to knives, pipe bomb devices, fireworks, pepper spray, mace, martial arts devices such as sticks and throwing stars; and inanimate objects such as pipes, sticks, or baseball bats swung at a person in a menacing manner so as to cause or threaten bodily injury.
Class B Offenses (Prohibited by State Law):
- bullying; cyberbullying; disorderly conduct, false alarm, forgery, gambling, harassment, hazing; inappropriate or questionable uses, or both of internet materials or equipment, or both; theft, or trespassing.
Class C Offenses (Prohibited by Dept. of Education Policy):
- abusive language; class cutting, insubordination, leaving; possession or use of a laser pen/pointer; leaving campus without consent; smoking or use of tobacco substances; or truancy.
Class D Offenses (Prohibited by school):
- possession or use of contraband, minor problem behaviors, tardiness to school, cutting in line, rowdiness, not conforming to cafeteria rules, violating off-limit areas, public display of affection (PDA), leaving class without authorization, wearing of hats, spitting, eating in class, gum chewing on campus or on school activities, use of abusive language, making offensively coarse utterances or gestures, possession or displaying offensive/inappropriate materials (pornography), inappropriate attire, misuse of school property, being in off-limits areas, and other conduct as may be prescribed and prohibited by school rules.Examples of contraband include, but are not limited to:
- cellular phones, pagers, beepers or other communication devices, electronic games, firecrackers, poppers, gum, laser lights and laser key chains, liquid whiteout, matches, lighters, e-cigarettes, permanent markers, gang paraphernalia (ex. bandana’s), scooters (including motorized ones), skateboards, skates, slam books and letter books, sprays of any kind, walkmans, CD players, iPods or anyother mp3 players, radios, water pistols, water balloons, etc.
Any item that may disrupt classes/campus or that may lead to injury
Most of the confiscated items will be returned to parents after the student completes detention. Spray paint and permanent markers, which are illegal for students to possess, and gang related attire will not be returned. Students may be issued detention and/or suspension consequences for committing any Chapter 19 violations. Repeated offenses will result in progressively more serious consequences. Each student will receive a detailed explanation of Chapter 19 guidelines and the resulting consequences. Any questions should be directed to the administration.
Aliamanu Middle School 