What to Do if Your Child Has Been Expelled: Hopkins School

Discipline Policy at Hopkins School

“Hopkins classifies unacceptable behavior into three broad categories: Inconsiderate Behavior, Serious Misconduct and Very Serious Misconduct. The Assistant Head of School and the Dean of Students or their designee(s) have the sole discretion to determine how to classify a student’s misconduct. Hopkins reserves the right to discipline and impose other non-disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion for those who do not live and conduct themselves within the School’s limits or expectations.”

Inconsiderate Behavior

“Inconsiderate behavior includes, but is not limited to, the following: unkind, uncivil or insensitive language or behavior, inappropriate language, attire, or deportment; tardiness; careless use of property; inappropriate use of computers or other technology as described in our Computer, Internet, and Technology Use Policy; unsafe or risky behavior; five unexcused tardies per term; and other minor disruptions.”

Serious Misconduct

“Serious misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: repeated instances of unkind, uncivil or insensitive language or behavior, any serious breach of community standards of language and/or behavior; unexcused absence(s) from school, class, athletics, or other scheduled commitment; unauthorized departure from campus; acts that may compromise or disrupt the School’s computer network; disruption of a class or assembly; or multiple instances of Inconsiderate Behavior.”

Very Serious Misconduct

“Very serious misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: offensive language and /or behavior that is harassing, discriminatory, threatening or is directed at another individual based on any actual or perceived protected characteristic; verbal or physical harassment of other students, teachers, or staff; serious disrespect for adults; bullying or hazing; cheating or plagiarism; fighting; violating network security or use of technology for illegal purposes; violation of rules while on Formal Warning, Administrative Warning or Probation; failure to cooperate fully or honestly with an investigation of misconduct;

or illegal conduct, including, but not limited to, theft; gambling; vandalism; assault; threats to public safety; possession, sale, use, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs; or possession of drug paraphernalia, explosives, or dangerous instruments including fireworks or weapons; possession or use of firearms, replicas of firearms, ammunition, knives, or weapons of any type on the school campus; possession or use of any hazardous or harmful substance that may cause harm to persons or property.”

Discipline Process at Hopkins School

“Consequences for misconduct may range from a Loss of Privileges, Formal Warning, Administrative Warning, Probation, Administrative Leave, Suspension, or Expulsion. The School may also institute non-disciplinary responses or consequences such as Head’s Leave, mandatory drug testing, counseling or restitution, when appropriate. Students are expected to cooperate fully and honestly in the investigation of any misconduct, and the failure to do so is considered Very Serious Misconduct and may result in expulsion from school.

The Head of School, in his sole discretion, reserves the right to impose any form of discipline without convening a Discipline Committee in emergency situations, other circumstances warranting immediate action and/or intervention; or in sensitive matters that may require a greater degree of privacy.”

Discipline Committee at Hopkins School

“The role of the Discipline Committee is to review information about the alleged violation, make factual determinations about what may have occurred, enforce community expectations and attempt to help students reflect on their actions so that the experience results in learning and growth.

Following the Discipline Committee Hearing, the Committee deliberates regarding the information that has been presented, makes findings of fact about what they believe occurred and makes a recommendation about the appropriate institutional response to the Head of School, who may accept or amend the recommendation. Once a disciplinary consequence has been decided by the School and communicated to a student and/or a student’s parent/guardian, that decision is considered final and will become part of a student’s record."

Read more about the discipline policy, process, and committee in the student handbook here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/535136709/

Contact Us

If your child is facing suspension, discipline or expulsion from a private or public school in Connecticut, your child has rights. You should protect those rights by hiring an experienced education law attorney. Often, but not always, disciplinary charges may be accompanied by an arrest or criminal investigation. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better off your child will be in terms of ensuring the protection of rights, and the ultimate outcome. Your child will achieve the best outcome with an experienced Connecticut Expulsion Attorney, who can try to reduce the expulsion to a stipulated agreement or dismissal of charges altogether. The experienced Connecticut Expulsion Law attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. can help you and your child navigate the difficult and emotional process of an expulsion proceeding.

When a child violates a school policy - even if off school grounds - the violation can sometimes rise to the level of an expulsion from private or public school. An expulsion can negatively impact a child’s educational and emotional success. It can also sometimes affect college admissions if not handled by an experienced Connecticut Education lawyer familiar with handling expulsions and suspensions.

At Maya Murphy, P.C. we only represent students and families, we never represent school districts against students. We are available 7 days a week to answer questions; if it is important to you, it is equally important to us. We can assist your child with any education related needs including special education, suspension, discipline, expulsion, and criminal or juvenile criminal charges. You can contact one of our experienced Education Law Attorneys in Connecticut directly by calling (203) 221-3100 in Connecticut, or (212) 682-5700 in New York. You can also email Joseph Maya, the Managing Partner directly at JMaya@mayalaw.com.

Maya Murphy P.C. has proudly been included in the 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms®, ranked among the top firms in the nation. In addition, Managing Partner Joseph C. Maya has been selected to The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for his work in Employment Law and Education Law in Connecticut. Recognition in Best Lawyers® is awarded to firms and attorneys who demonstrate excellence in the industry and is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

Our firm in Westport, Connecticut serves clients with legal assistance all over the state, including the towns of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bethel, Branford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Cheshire, Danbury, Darien, Derby, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Middlebury, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Haven, Newton, North Branford, North Haven, Norwalk, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Redding, Ridgefield, Seymour, Shelton, Sherman, Southbury, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, Waterbury, West Haven, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and Woodbridge. In addition to assisting clients in Connecticut, our firm handles education law matters in New York as well.

If you have any questions about education law in Connecticut or would like to speak to an attorney about a legal matter, please contact Joseph C. Maya and the other experienced attorneys at Maya Murphy, P.C. at (203) 221-3100 or JMaya@Mayalaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation today.