Board in this document refers to the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education
It is the philosophy of the Board of Education that scholars must be afforded the utmost protection in all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Michigan law requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons (called mandated reporters) and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. The Child Protection Law includes the legal requirements for reporting, investigating, and responding to child abuse and neglect. In instances when Children’s Protective Services representatives come to a school to visit a child, the District will cooperate fully in accordance with Michigan laws.
Corporal punishment is defined as “the deliberate infliction of physical pain by hitting, paddling, spanking, slapping, or any other physical force used as a means of discipline.” Corporal punishment is not permitted in Grand Rapids Public Schools (See Board Policy 8300).
District in this document refers to the Grand Rapids Public School District.
The term expulsion refers to the removal of a scholar from school for a period of sixty (60) or more school days as mandated by state law. In the case of an expulsion, a scholar may only be readmitted to the District through formal action of the District or as permitted by state law. For mandatory expulsion, also see Public Acts/State Laws.
GREA is an acronym, which refers to the Grand Rapids Education Association, otherwise known as the teacher’s union.
Conduct that is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive, limits a scholar’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, an education program or activity, or the conduct creates a hostile or abusive educational environment.
The Grand Rapids Public School’s Department of Public Safety is designated as the official law enforcement unit of the District.
OCR is an acronym, which refers to the Office of Civil Rights. Also see Civil Rights Complaint Procedures and Title IX Coordinator.
The Scholar Expectations and Responses section refers to how scholar behavior is addressed across the District.
A School Official is limited to only those persons that GRPS has designated in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA). For detailed information and definitions of School Official see Family Educational Rights and Privacy Acts (FERPA) Notice of Rights for Elementary and Secondary Scholars of the GRPS.
Any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability; including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Except as provided by law, other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for purposes of this definition.
Teacher is generally defined as the person in charge of, directing, supervising, or instructing a scholar activity; observing misbehavior and/or initiating disciplinary action.
The person GRPS has designated as being responsible for the implementation of the District’s Title IX policies and rules, and the Title IX law and regulations. The District’s Title IX Coordinator is Mr. Thomas Cottle. You may contact him at Grand Rapids Public Schools, 1331 Martin Luther King Jr St. SE P.O. Box 117, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501, TitleIX@grps.org or call (616) 819-2031.
Scholars who walk to and from school are expected to observe school rules and demonstrate appropriate behavior. Therefore, the consequences for Acts of Misconduct and Disciplinary Action outlined in the Uniform Discipline Code shall be consistently enforced.