Student Court

Student Court
  • STUDENT COURT 2019-20
    STUDENT INITIATED – STUDENT DRIVEN"

     

      

    OUR MISSION:

    Promote community connection in order to create

    responsible and productive student and community

    members.
     
       BLACK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT COURT
     
    Advisor

    Ms. Jennie Kelly, Social Studies    Room 2211      709-7891  jennie.kelly@tumwater.k12.wa.us
     
     
    Black Hills High School Student Court is a student court, in that it accepts referrals from school personnel - counselors, administrators and teachers.  The court sees offenses involving school-based rule violations on Tuesdays, and Thursdays during PACK time (9:26 - 9:56)

     

    Disposition options include a variety of school-based and community-based community service placements, tutoring, life enhancement alternative programs, essays, research papers, and letters of apology.  Black Hills High School Student Court is based on an peer jury model where young people are trained in, and fill the role of jury who question the respondent or other witnesses before deliberating and deciding upon a disposition. Various aspects of the school rule violation are discussed along with any mitigating circumstances.  Respondents who choose the Student Court program do so voluntarily, accepting the consequences for their actions. 

     
     
    BENEFITS OF STUDENT COURT

     ·         Student Court aids in reducing the truancy rate, reducing recidivism and providing an alternative to suspension.

    ·         Students learn from their behavior because of early intervention through positive peer influence.

    ·         The program allows the student to make amends and be accountable for their actions, and discover how their actions affect others.

    ·         Student Court helps develop a healthy attitude toward authority, rules, and connects students to their communities.

    ·         There is confidential handling of cases.

    ·         The program is totally voluntary.
     

    STUDENT COURT F.A.Q.’S

     

    What is the court’s purpose statement?

    Promote community connection in order to create responsible and productive student and community members.

     

    What are the goals of the Student court (e.g., restorative justice)?

    Reduce suspensions         

    Early intervention

    Restorative justice – Personal Development/Skill Building, Accountability and Community Safety

    Strengthen communities

     

    How much time do you have to train students before they start their service in Student court?

    3 hours of mandatory training on September 29th, 2012 in Room 209.

    All jurors rotate as “Presiding Juror”. 

    Additional trainings provided through the year.

     

    What roles do the volunteers play in student court, and what does each role involve?

    Presiding Juror (Student): Responsible for assisting the Advisor in the completion of court documents, overseeing and organizing the jury through the deliberation process, announcing the disposition.

    Juror (Student): Responsible for deciding the terms of the disposition for the respondent’s behavior.

     

    What types of violations CAN the Student Court hear? 

     

    Bullying and harassment

                Low level

                Non-threatening

                Texting

    Computer violations

                Not suspension level (minor)

    Disrespectful language

    Disruptive behavior & misconduct (including with guest educators)

    Dress code violations (except gang-related)

    Electronic devices

                Cell phone

                I-pod

     

          Parking Lot violations (litter)

    Public Display of Affection

    School code violations (minor)

                Students without hall pass

     

    What types of violations are NOT allowed to come before the Student Court?

    Alcohol violations

    Criminal activity

                Vandalism

                Weapons

    Drug violations
    Ethics violations (plagiarism, cheating)

    Fighting & physical confrontations

    Gang-related activity

    Racism including language

    “Sexting”

    Theft

    Tobacco violation

    Willful disobedience, failure to comply

     

    How are the respondents referred to your Student court?

    School administration and staff may refer respondents.

     

    What are the steps in your hearing?

    Case called.

    Oath of confidentiality.

    Court questions the respondent about the referral and the incident

    Court deliberates.

    Disposition announced to respondent. 

    Case concluded; court adjourns.

     

    What is your range of possible dispositions?

    Community Service

    Counseling/ Mediation

    Essays/ Letter of apology

    Restitution

    Tutoring

    Other creative dispositions

     

    THE PROCESS

     

    Black Hills High School Student Court hearings shall be cordial and professional. The focus must always be on problem solving and using restorative justice principles.  At the close of each hearing, all parties will sign a contract indicating their understanding of the disposition. All parties shall be informed and understand that failure to comply as required may cause the case to be returned to the referring agency.

    Deliberation & Disposition                                               TOTAL TIME:         Approximately ½ hour

     

    CONFIDENTIALITY

     

     Student Court members perform an important role in assisting students to establish accountability for their actions. Additionally, student court members, advisors, and clerk/bailiff do not discuss the content of Student Court hearings. We will never discuss specifics of a hearing or use a student or family name.

      

    APPRORIATE COURTROOM CONDUCT AND ATTIRE

     

     Conduct/Attire

    Arrive on time -  promptness is essential

    Keep an open mind

    Listen carefully to all witnesses and the respondent

          Use professional language
          Dress presentably
    Cell phones MUST be turned OFF