HOW TO PREPARE FOR A MEETING WITH THE PRINCIPAL OR SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

Do not have an attitude! The school is likely to extend your suspension or expulsion if you yell, swear or are difficult in a meeting.

Organize your thoughts.  It helps to think it out (or even write it out) in advance.

Explain your story. If you do not agree with the school’s story, find ways to prove yourself with witnesses, teachers or evidence.

Show you feel sorry for what you did. Let the school know how you are trying to fix things- like paying for something you broke.

Prove you are trying to change your behavior. If you have behavior issues, show that you are trying to change – like joining an after-school program.

Your Preparation Checklist

	Call the school for your records.  Make sure the school gives you copies of reports about your incident and other records about you that can help, like attendance, discipline record and grades!
	Make sure you have copies of the school discipline policies and procedures.
	Call the Superintendent’s office to get their record of the investigation.  Ask for all copies of what they plan to present at the meetings.
	Check the charges against you. They may say something with which you disagree.
	Talk to witnesses or other people who can help you. If they cannot come to your meeting, you need to have them write a letter explaining what they saw.
	Bring any evidence you have that supports your side of the story.  Make a copy for you to keep.
	If police are involved, get copies of their reports.
	Find people to give you letters of good character.
	Check all files for information that helps your case.

Source: Rob Bader, updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

Last date of review (no legal content) 3/31/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)