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NON-VIOLENT CRISIS INTERVENTION <br /> Theuse of de-escalation/physical restraint as a behavior management technique will be utilized only <br /> with extreme caution in emergency situations, after other less intrusive alternatives have either failed or <br /> have been deemed inappropriate. In the event that physical restraint is required to protect the safety of <br /> school community members, Mashpee Public Schools has enacted a physical restraint policy in <br /> accordance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(DESE) guidelines. <br /> M.G.L. Ch. 71, Sec. 37G; 603 CMR 46.00—There are regulatory requirements regarding the use <br /> of any physical restraint on Mashpee students. <br /> Physical restraint is only used when needed to protect a student and/or a member of the school <br /> community from imminent, serious, physical harm. The Mashpee Public Schools implements restraint <br /> procedures consistent with the DESE regulations. Mashpee staff members are trained on the use of <br /> restraints, and the district maintains records of any restraint lasting over five minutes or where injury to <br /> the staff or student occurs. Questions regarding the Mashpee physical restraint policies and procedures <br /> may be directed to the building principal. Mashpee student and safety is a district priority. <br /> SEARCHES <br /> Searches of students, their hand-carried belongings, lockers or desks shall be conducted only by the <br /> building Principal or his/her designee and are to be based upon a reasonable suspicion that a substance <br /> or object is present which is potentially harmful to that student or to others. <br /> A reasonable suspicion may be the result of: <br /> 1. personal observation <br /> 2. report from another student <br /> 3. report from a parent/guardian <br /> 4. report from an Office of the Law <br /> 5. report from a teacher <br /> The building Principal or designee shall decide the reliability of information supplied by another <br /> student, parent/guardian, or an Officer of the Law. Teachers are to report to the Principal all <br /> information pertaining to the presence of substance or objects which are not conducive to the health and <br /> well-being of students. <br /> Teachers or Police Officials who are in possession of information which raises a suspicion, reasonable <br /> or not, are not authorized to search students. <br /> The Principal will designate an administrative subordinate who will act in his behalf during his/her <br /> absence from the school. If possible, the decision to search will be postponed until the return of the <br /> Principal. <br /> Searches of property made in the absence of the Principal will be authorized by the Superintendent of <br /> Schools or his/her designee. There will be no searching of persons by individuals other than the <br /> Principal or the Superintendent. <br /> Note: The right of inspections of students' lockers is inherent in the authority granted administrators. <br /> This authority may be exercised as needed in the interest of safeguarding children and school property. <br /> 43 <br />