The Marshwood school district is exploring a plan that would replace out-of-school suspension for students with non-violent and non-chronic infractions with in-school suspension scheduled outside of class time.
The School Board on Aug. 24 unanimously endorsed Superintendent John Caverly’s request to consider Friday afternoon or Saturday morning in-school suspension for misbehavior as an alternative to the current policy that sends students home, thereby missing important class time.
Caverly said he’d like to investigate all data regarding this option, including staffing and transportation services, as well as what the alternate suspension might focus on – be it community service, remediation or self-reflection.
This option would be specifically available for students with disciplinary infractions that do not pose a safety issue, he noted. Out-of-school suspension would remain an option when appropriate.
In-school disciplinary action would better align with the district’s focus on decreasing chronic absenteeism, he said. Instead of asking students to spend less time at school because of misbehavior, this approach sends a message to students that “you made a mistake, and we want you here more (often).”
“This is about students and student relationships,” Caverly said. It also will enhance connections with parents, he suggested.
“I think it’s powerful to say to a family, ‘Look, your child has made a mistake. We’re going to have them come in on a Saturday morning. I’m trying to partner with you to send a consistent message on what is important with your child,’” he said.
