What Should I do if I Got Expelled or Suspended from School?
Removing a student from school, usually means that the school is not sure that the student is safe to have on their campus. Once you've received a suspension or an expulsion notice, it is important to read the letter completely and pay attention to the dates and the timeline stated in it.
You do have the right to appeal any discipline action, but it must be done in writing and by the dates specified in the notification letter! If you (or your student) has been expelled or suspended, you should have received your rights and responsibilities with the letter informing you of the disciplinary action. Many districts have appeal and re-entry request instructions available on their websites.
For re-entry requests, the district usually requires both the student and the parent/guardian to write a letter including what happened to cause the discipline action, what's been done to make changes, and what the plan is to create long-lasting change in the student's behavior. After the district receives the letters, you will be notified of the next step(s). Usually, the district will set up a meeting to discuss a plan. Sometimes the district will recommend other steps like treatment, classes, or counseling before the student will be allowed back to school. Other times they may decide on a different schooling plan; this could mean home-tutoring, schedule change, or a variety of other placement options. PLEASE whatever you do, DO NOT think that your only choice is to drop out! There are so many options for getting you education, do not give up.
If you are unsure, it is best to call the school or the school district. If you are not getting any answers, or feel that you are being discriminted against, you can seek advice from Team Child, an advocacy legal service for youth.
For a complete guide to returning to school and for student rights in the State of Washington,
Click Here.
Youth Speak Out about Barriers to Education:
You do have the right to appeal any discipline action, but it must be done in writing and by the dates specified in the notification letter! If you (or your student) has been expelled or suspended, you should have received your rights and responsibilities with the letter informing you of the disciplinary action. Many districts have appeal and re-entry request instructions available on their websites.
For re-entry requests, the district usually requires both the student and the parent/guardian to write a letter including what happened to cause the discipline action, what's been done to make changes, and what the plan is to create long-lasting change in the student's behavior. After the district receives the letters, you will be notified of the next step(s). Usually, the district will set up a meeting to discuss a plan. Sometimes the district will recommend other steps like treatment, classes, or counseling before the student will be allowed back to school. Other times they may decide on a different schooling plan; this could mean home-tutoring, schedule change, or a variety of other placement options. PLEASE whatever you do, DO NOT think that your only choice is to drop out! There are so many options for getting you education, do not give up.
If you are unsure, it is best to call the school or the school district. If you are not getting any answers, or feel that you are being discriminted against, you can seek advice from Team Child, an advocacy legal service for youth.
For a complete guide to returning to school and for student rights in the State of Washington,
Click Here.
Youth Speak Out about Barriers to Education: