Principal's Suspension

How long can my child be suspended by the principal?

A child can only be suspended by the principal for up to 5 days in a row.  A child can only be suspended by the principal for a total of 10 days during each school year.

How will I know that my child has been suspended by the principal?

The school should try to call you immediately to notify you of the suspension.  The school must also send you a written notice within 24 hours of the suspension by both certified and regular mail.

What should happen before my child receives a principal's suspension?

The child must be informed of the charges against him/her, and must be given a chance to explain his/her side of the incident.

What is a principal's conference?

It is a conference where you have the opportunity to meet with the principal, guidance counselor and your child's teacher(s) to discuss the events that lead to the suspension.  You should try to attend this conference because its goal is for you and the school to work together to resolve the problem in a way that best helps your child's educational needs.

What are my child's rights during the period of a principal's suspension?

During a principal's suspension, your child may not be penalized academically; may not be marked absent; should get continued educational programming and activities; must be permitted to take any citywide or state examinations administered during that period; must be allowed to take make-up school examinations which may affect her/his academic record.