The American Music Initiative ("AMI") is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all students. Discipline is intended to teach responsibility, reinforce positive behavior, and protect the educational experience of all participants.
The following strategies may be used to address inappropriate behavior:
• Verbal correction and guidance.
• Redirection from the problem situation.
• Individual conferences with students.
• Parent/guardian notification.
• Behavioral contracts or improvement plans.
• Temporary suspension from activities or performances.
• Removal from the program when necessary.
The following disciplinary practices are prohibited:
• Corporal punishment or physical discipline.
• Humiliation, ridicule, intimidation, or threatening behavior.
• Discipline involving food, water, restroom access, or medical needs.
• Any disciplinary practice prohibited by law.
Progressive Discipline Process
AMI reserves the right to skip steps based on the severity of the behavior.
Step 1: Teacher Intervention
The Teaching Artist will address the behavior through verbal redirection, coaching, and reminders of program expectations. Multiple verbal warnings may be issued when appropriate.
Step 2: Site Manager Intervention
If the behavior continues, the matter will be referred to the Site Manager. The Site Manager will meet with the student, review expectations, and document the concern.
Step 3: Parent Notification
If behavioral concerns persist, the Site Manager will contact the parent or guardian and provide a verbal warning regarding the student's conduct. Up to three parent conferences may occur before further disciplinary action is considered.
Step 4: Administrative Review
The Site Manager may consult with the President or other AMI leadership regarding significant behavioral concerns and potential next steps.
Step 5: Probation, Suspension, or Removal
Students who continue to violate program expectations, or whose behavior disrupts the learning environment, may be placed on behavioral probation, suspended from participation, restricted from performances, or removed from the program.
Immediate Suspension or Expulsion
AMI reserves the right to immediately suspend or remove a student for serious misconduct, including but not limited to:
• Fighting or physical aggression.
• Bullying, harassment, or threats.
• Possession of a weapon.
• Theft or intentional property damage.
• Repeated defiance of staff instructions.
• Conduct that endangers the safety of students, staff, or volunteers.
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, or illegal substances.
• Any behavior deemed by AMI to pose a significant disruption to the program.
Final Authority
The Site Manager shall have final authority regarding all student disciplinary matters, including behavioral warnings, probation, suspension, performance restrictions, and removal from the program.
The Site Manager may consult with the President or other AMI leadership when deemed appropriate. Such consultation is internal and does not create a right of appeal for students or parents/guardians.
Disciplinary decisions made by the Site Manager are final and are not subject to appeal.