2022-2023 DPSCD Student Handbook

  • The Detroit Public Schools Community District Student Handbook 2022-2023 (“The Handbook”) incorporates the Student Code of Conduct and sets forth the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and staff while at school and school-related activities.  The Handbook provides information on how DPSCD supports student success and informs on strategies to address behavior and specific consequences for student misconduct. 

    The Handbook applies to students, while on Detroit Public Schools Community District physical property, as well as when using District networks, accounts, telecommunications, electronic or virtual/online services or equipment. It applies during school hours as well as before and after school hours to include after-school events, student clubs, sporting events, District sponsored/sanctioned events, on school buses or in other school vehicles, during school-sponsored field trips when connected with school-related events and activities, and when students are in route to and from school.

    All members of our community have a responsibility to promote behavior that creates positive culture and climate. For its part, DPSCD will administer The Handbook fairly, with due process and appropriate considerations, and without discrimination. 

     

    Rights and Responsibilities

     

    Student’s Rights and Responsibilities

    Rights:

    • To receive a free public-school education, equitable academic resources, and inclusive learning environments in all classrooms.
    • To receive written/electronic copies of the district and school policies and procedures.
    • To receive an oral and written explanation of the reason(s) for disciplinary decisions and procedures to appeal such decisions.
    • To receive due process.
    • To receive respect and dignity from the school community.
    • To learn in a socially, emotionally, and physically safe and positive school climate.
    • To be taught by effective teachers.
    • To learn in an environment that uses positive disciplinary policies and practices.
    • To participate in decisions affecting their education.
    • To be safe from retaliation when bringing complaints or concerns to the school Principal, staff, or district officials.
    • To request or challenge in writing an explanation of anything in their education records.
    • To have family/guardian contacted to be present for, and for permission to be issued before any interview is conducted with DPSCD Public Safety Department presence.
    • To have family/guardian notified of the nature of any investigation and other details as appropriate, unless the situation involves child abuse or neglect.

    Responsibilities:

    • To attend school on time, every day.
    • To meet the standards of behavior in The Handbook.
    • To abide by and follow school rules, regulations, and policies.
    • To behave in a manner that contributes to a safe learning environment, and which supports the rights of others to learn.
    • To be truthful and accountable for actions.
    • To use positive behavioral support offered by the school to improve behavior, as necessary.
    • To demonstrate pride in self and academic future by dressing appropriately for school and school functions.
    • To show respect for school property and respect for the property of others.
    • To update contact information, including but not limited to home address, telephone number(s), and e-mail addresses, when necessary.
    • To respond in a timely manner to communication from the school.

    Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities

    Rights:

    • To a free public-school education for your child.
    • To access information about your child.
    • To be actively involved and engaged in the education of your child.
    • To file complaints and/or appeals regarding matters affecting your child’s education.
    • To be treated courteously, fairly, and respectfully by all school staff.
    • To receive information about Board policies and procedures that relate to your child’s education.
    • To receive regular reports, written, oral, or electronic, from school staff regarding your child’s academic progress, behavior, and attendance. This includes report cards, behavior progress reports, and conferences.
    • To receive information regarding any inappropriate or disruptive behaviors by your child and information regarding any disciplinary actions taken.
    • To receive information about due process procedures for disciplinary matters concerning your child, including information on conferences and appeals.
    • To have access to and receive recommendations for support services (e.g., tutoring, after-school programs, academic programs, mental health services, etc.) within DPSCD and the community.
    • To receive information about services for students with disabilities and English language learners, when applicable.
    • To receive language assistance services (including oral and written translations) to participate in District programs.

    Responsibilities:

    • To ensure regular, on-time, daily attendance of your child for the duration of the school year.
    • To remain aware of your child’s performance by maintaining contact with the school through reviewing work, progress reports, and other school notices; talking to the child about school; and meeting with school staff as requested.
    • To be aware of the academic and behavioral expectations outlined by District policies and this Handbook, as well as the procedures of your child’s individual school/classrooms, and to help your child understand them.
    • To partner and collaborate with the school to support expectations of academic achievement and appropriate behavior in school and in the community.
    • To be respectful and courteous to staff, other parents/guardians, and students while on school premises.
    • To support your child in ways that maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, age, or sex.
    • To inform school officials and/or staff of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.
    • To update the school with accurate contact information including, but not limited to, home address, telephone number(s), and email address(es).
    • To respond in a timely manner to communications from school.

     

    Staff Rights and Responsibilities

    Rights:

    • To work in a positive environment for teaching and learning, safe, and free from verbal or physical threats.
    • To be treated courteously, fairly, and respectfully by students, parents/guardians, and other school staff.
    • To receive support, training, and assistance when applying interventions, supports, and discipline.
    • To communicate concerns, suggestions, and complaints to DPSCD and have them acknowledged without fear of retaliation.
    • To receive supportive professional development and the necessary resources to deliver quality instruction.

    Responsibilities:

    • To create a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students by establishing expectations for student behavior and academic performance which strengthen students’ self-concept.
    • To treat students, parents/guardians, and other staff courteously, fairly, and respectfully.
    • To know and adhere to school and DPSCD policies and rules, including The Handbook, and apply them in a fair and consistent manner.
    • To communicate regularly with students, parents, and others informing them about student performance, behavior, and attendance.
    • To protect the legal rights, health, safety, and welfare of all students.
    • To address student misconduct with appropriate interventions, supports, disciplinary actions, reporting, and follow-up in accordance with The Handbook, applicable law, and DPSCD policies.
    • To provide alternative education and make-up work for students with lawful absences, including those students who are absent for disciplinary reasons.
    • To maintain accurate records and report and document disciplinary actions in accordance with state law, as well as DPSCD policies and procedures.
    • To maintain and respect the confidentiality of students, parents, and school staff.
    • To establish expectations for all students and staff that promote positive behavior, interventions and supports, and discipline for inappropriate conduct when appropriate.
    • To address any personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of students in the school or classroom setting.
    • To support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
    • To refer students to the appropriate committees, departments, offices, divisions, agencies, or organizations with outside support is necessary.

Contact Information

  • Riann Conner, J.D.

    Director, Hearing Office
    (313) 748-6411

    Shevonne Holt

    Program Associate I
    (313) 748-6350

    Office of Student Code of Conduct
    Douglass Academy for Young Men
    South Wing, Room 170
    2001 West Warren
    Detroit, MI 48202

    Fax - (313) 596-3691

Student Handbook/Code of Conduct 2022-2023