Scotia-Glenville Central Schools
Elementary Schools
Code of Conduct
2007-2008
Revised May 2007
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction 3
Purpose 3
Dissemination and Review of Code of Conduct 3
Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities 4
Good Citizenship 5
Qualities of a Good Citizen 5
Essential Partners 6
General Policies and Conduct
á General Rules and Policies 8
á Visitors to the School 8
á Public Conduct on School Property 8
á Homework 10
á Student Dress Code 10
Behaviors
á Classroom Behavior 11
á Hall Behavior 11
á Assembly Behavior 11
á Cafeteria Behavior 12
á Playground Behavior 12
á Emergency Drill Behavior 13
á Extracurricular Activities Behavior 13
á Field Trip Behavior 14
á Walking to and from school 14
á Walking to the High School 14
Pupils riding school buses
á Safety Instructions for Pupils Riding the School Bus 14
á Safety Tips 15
Page
Behavior Policies, Procedures, and Conducts
á Prohibited Student Conduct 15
á Reporting Violations 17
á Discipline Procedures 18
á Roles in the Discipline Process 23
á Potential Consequences 23
á Dangerous Weapons in School Policy 24
á Alternative Instruction 24
Students with Disabilities
á General Information 24
á Discipline of Students with Disabilities 25
Referrals to Other Agencies 29
Child Protective Services Investigations 29
Appendix
á Appendix A - Definitions 30
á Appendix B - Internet User Guidelines 31
á Appendix C - Web Publishing Guidelines 32
á Appendix D - Acceptable Technology Use Guidelines 34
á Appendix E Đ Strictly Prohibited on School Property 36
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Education (ŇBoardÓ) is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.
The district has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity.
The board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the Board adopts this Code of Conduct (ŇCodeÓ).
Unless otherwise indicated, this Code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to share with parents and students the rules and procedures that everyone will be expected to follow. Teachers, principals, bus drivers and other adults at school, will be helping to teach these rules, but we need parent support at home. Parents can help children understand how following these rules and developing the qualities of good citizenship can make school a happy, safe place to learn. We are asking parents to share and discuss this information in ways their children will understand. We further hope that parents will work cooperatively with the school to support the expectations of appropriate behavior for their children to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for everyone.
DISSEMINATION AND REVIEW
A. Dissemination of Code of Conduct
The Board will work to ensure that the community is aware of this Code of Conduct by:
1. Providing copies of a summary of the Code to all students at a general assembly held at the beginning of each school year.
2. Making copies of the Code available to all parents at the beginning of the school year.
3. Mailing a summary of the Code of Conduct written in plain language to all parents of district students before the beginning of the school year and making this summary available later upon request.
4. Providing all current teachers and other staff members with a copy of the code and a copy of any amendments to the code as soon as practicable after adoption.
5. Providing all new employees with a copy of the current Code of Conduct when they are first hired.
6. Making copies of the Code available for review by students, parents and other community members.
The Board will sponsor an in-service education program for all district staff members to ensure the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct. The superintendent may solicit the recommendations of the district staff, particularly teachers and administrators, regarding in service programs pertaining to the management and discipline of students.
The Board of Education will review this Code of Conduct every year and update it as necessary. In conducting the review, the Board will consider how effective the CodeŐs provisions have been and whether the code has been applied fairly and consistently.
The Board may appoint an advisory committee to assist in reviewing the Code and the districtŐs response to Code of Conduct violations. The committee will be made up of representatives of student, teacher, administrator, and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel.
Before adopting any revisions to the Code, the Board will hold at least one public hearing at which school personnel, parents, students and any other interested party may participate.
The Code of Conduct and any amendments to it will be filed with the Commissioner no later than 30 days after adoption.
STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Preface
The administration and staff of the Scotia-Glenville Central Schools recognize that the purpose of the district schools is to develop lifelong learners who, as they pursue truth, will contribute to the total community of man out of personal self-worth and dignity. The administration and staff also recognize that the enrichment and, in fact, the very survival of any group come about only as its individual members practice self-discipline and demonstrate behavior which does not infringe or intrude on basic rights and freedoms of others. Responsible exercise of individual freedoms means respect for the democratic process and for the rights of all. Only in an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-restraint, civility and trust among all, can these freedoms flourish.
The administration and staff are committed to the task of school management in a manner consistent with the legal and moral rights of all, but will neither tolerate nor condone actions or conduct in violation of the ŇCode of ConductÓ or any penal statute. In setting forth the following code, nothing contained herein is intended, nor shall be construed, to limit or restrict freedom of speech nor peaceful assembly nor any constitutional or legal individual right.
The Code shall not prevent or limit communication between and among students or relieve the Scotia-Glenville Central Schools of its special responsibility for self-regulation in the preservation of public order. The Code does not prevent or restrain controversy and dissent. However, the Code does prevent abuse of individuals and, therefore, maintains the stable environment appropriate to a public school.
This Code is adopted in compliance with Section 280l of the Education Law and is in compliance with the Rules and Regulations for Maintenance of Public Order on Premises and in Buildings of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District as filed with the Commissioner of Education, dated May 8, 1970, and revised October 10, 1972.
Student Rights
1. Students have the right to an education, the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and the right to be free of endangerment, harassment, intimidation, fear, and discrimination.
2. Students have the right to express their opinions and beliefs as long as they do not interfere with school activities or the rights of others.
3. Students have the right to participate in any student organization, according to established criteria, and the right to contribute to the educational process.
4. Students have the right of due process.
5. Students have the right to reasonable cause before a search is conducted or personal property
seized.
6. Students have the right of confidentiality of records and studentŐs information according to
school policy and the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
7. Students have the right to be free of physical force imposed for the purpose of punishment.
8. Students have the right to an appropriate educational program and access to all of the school
support services based on individual needs.
Student Responsibilities
1. Students shall be aware that all rules and regulations for student behavior are in full effect until waived, altered or repealed and conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations as established by the State, the community, and the school district.
2. Students shall dress and groom themselves so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and common standards of decency.
3. Students shall support the maintenance of a safe environment by demonstrating sensitivity to the rights of others and by protecting and respecting school property.
4. Students shall comply with school attendance regulations for classes and other school functions.
5. Students shall take initiative for making up work when absences are necessary.
6. Students shall pursue and complete the courses of study prescribed by State and local school authorities, and will work to the best of their abilities in all areas.
7. Students shall use accurate information and appropriate language in written and verbal communications.
GOOD CITIZENSHIP
School should be a happy, safe place to learn. The responsibility for this lies with each student. Youngsters who exhibit qualities that foster this happy and safe environment are called Good Citizens. Good citizens also follow certain rules and procedures. Everyone must know and understand these rules and follow them to and from school and during school. There are classroom procedures, bus procedures, playground, hallway, and cafeteria procedures. This handbook states the qualities, the rules, and the procedures that will assist each student in becoming a ŇGood CitizenÓ in order to make our schools happy and safe.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD CITIZEN
RESPECT Showing high regard for other students and adults;
demonstrating concern for their own and othersŐ property.
RESPONSIBILITY Practicing self-control and self-discipline; demonstrating
reliability by doing what is expected, and following the rules without a reminder.
CONSIDERATION Demonstrating sensitivity to the feelings and needs of others; showing kindness and concern to schoolmates, teachers, school personnel and members of the community; exhibiting respect for all property.
HONESTY Accepting the fact that all people make mistakes; admitting the mistake.
KNOWLEDGE Knowing and understanding the rules and procedures of all school areas.
COOPERATION Readily following all rules and expectations for appropriate behavior; accepting the importance of oneŐs role as a member of the total school organization.
ESSENTIAL PARTNERS
A. Parents
All parents are expected to:
1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.
2. Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.
3. Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time.
4. Ensure absences are excused.
5. Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.
6. Help their children understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
7. Know school rules and help their children understand them.
8. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the district.
9. Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their childrenŐs friends.
10. Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.
11. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.
12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.
B. Teachers
All district teachers are expected to:
1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen studentsŐ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
2. Be prepared to teach.
3. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.
4. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
5. Communicate to students and parents:
a. Course objectives and requirements
b. Marking/grading procedures
c. Assignment deadlines
d. Expectations for students
e. Classroom discipline plan.
f. Homework expectations
6. Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.
C. Social Workers
1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging personal, social and emotional problems.
2. Initiate teacher/student/counselor conferences and parent/teacher/student/counselor conferences, as necessary, as a way to resolve problems.
3. Encourage students to benefit from the curriculum and extracurricular programs.
D. Principals
1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal and approach the principal for redress of grievances.
3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.
4. Support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
5. Be responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
E. Superintendent
1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Review with district administrators the policies of the Board of Education and state and federal laws relating to school operations and management.
3. Inform the board about educational trends relating to student discipline.
4. Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and teacher needs.
5. Work with district administrators in enforcing the Code of Conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
F. Board of Education
1. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator, parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel to develop a code of conduct that clearly defines expectations for the conduct of students, district personnel and visitors on school property and at school functions.
2. Adopt and review at least annually the districtŐs Code of Conduct to evaluate the itŐs effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.
3. Lead by example by conducting Board meetings in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
G. Other Staff
1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen studentŐs self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
2. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.
3. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
GENERAL POLICIES AND CONDUCT
General Rules and Policies
á Cell phones and all other electronic and communication devices are not to be used during the school day. The first violation of this policy will result in loss of the item for the remainder of the day. If more infractions occur, parents will be called to pick up the item.
á All valuables should be left at home. When it becomes necessary for a valuable item to be brought to school, the student is responsible for its security. The school is not responsible for stolen and/or damaged items.
á Accidents or illness should be reported to your teacher or the nurse.
á Fighting and rough play are prohibited at all times.
á Only students in second grade and up may ride their bikes to school. All riders are required to wear a bicycle helmet. Bike riding to Glendaal is prohibited due to highway safety concerns.
á Throwing of inappropriate objects is prohibited (i.e., snowballs, rocks, etc.).
á Weapons, toy weapons, illegal or dangerous items (pocket knives, caps, glass bottles, etc.) are not permitted under any circumstances.
á Abusive and profane language is unacceptable.
á Vandalism is prohibited.
á Only legal absences are authorized.
á Students are expected to keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves at all times.
Visitors to the School
The Board encourages parents and other district citizens to visit the districtŐs schools and classrooms to observe the work of students, teachers and other staff. Since schools are a place of work and learning, however, certain limits must be set for such visits. The building principal or his or her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:
- Parents or citizens who wish to observe a classroom/activity must have a sound educational reason and obtain prior approval for such visits from the building principal.
- Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
- All visitors to the school must report to the office of the principal upon arrival at the school. There they will be required to sign the visitorŐs register and will be issued a visitorŐs identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must return the identification badge to the principalŐs office before leaving the building.
- Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings, are not required to register.
- Teachers are expected not to take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors.
Public Conduct on School Property
The district is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions. For purposes of this section of the Code, ŇpublicÓ shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function including students, teachers and district personnel.
The restrictions on public conduct on school property and at school functions contained in this code are not intended to limit freedom of speech or peaceful assembly. The district recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of the district. The purpose of this Code is to maintain public order and prevent abuse of the rights of others.
All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. In addition, all persons on school property or attending a school function are expected to be in proper attire for the purpose they are on school property.
A. Prohibited Conduct
No person, either alone or with others, shall:
1. Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.
2. Intentionally damage or destroy school district property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
3. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs, meetings or other school activities.
4. Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.
5. Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
6. Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
7. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.
8. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles;
9. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
10. Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district.
11. Loiter on or about school property.
12. Gamble on school property or at school functions.
13. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.
14. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.
15. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.
B. Penalties
Persons who violate this Code shall be subject to the following penalties:
- Visitors. Their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to ejection.
- Students. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.
- Tenured faculty members. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law ¤3020-a or any other legal rights that they may have.
- Staff members in the classified service of the civil service entitled to the protection of Civil Service Law ¤75. They shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law ¤75 or any other legal rights that they may have.
- Staff members other than those described in subdivisions 4 and 5. They shall be subject to warning, reprimand, suspension or dismissal as the facts may warrant in accordance with any legal rights they may have.
C. Enforcement
The building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this Code.
When the building principal or his or her designee sees an individual engaged in prohibited conduct, which in his or her judgment does not pose any immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall tell the individual that the conduct is prohibited and attempt to persuade the individual to stop. The principal or his or her designee shall also warn the individual of the consequences for failing to stop. If the person refuses to stop engaging in the prohibited conduct, or if the personŐs conduct poses an immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall have the individual removed immediately from school property or the school function. If necessary, local law enforcement authorities will be contacted to assist in removing the person.
The district shall initiate disciplinary action against any student or staff member, as appropriate, with the ŇPenaltiesÓ section above. In addition, the district reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the code.
The school district does not provide advance homework for students going on vacation with the family. Our policy is that students are responsible to make up the work themselves if they are illegally absent, i.e., on vacation with the family. Teachers are not responsible for writing out assignments for students illegally absent.
A copy of the Guidelines for Elementary Homework Procedures and Practices will be provided to all families at the beginning of each school year, and upon request. Classroom teachers will review homework expectations with students in class and with parents at the ŇMeet the TeacherÓ night. We ask that parents also review the homework guidelines with their children, and contact the teacher with any questions.
Student Dress Code
All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other district personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting.
A studentŐs dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, shall:
1. Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
2. Recognize that extremely brief garments are not appropriate.
3. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
4. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
5. Not include the wearing of hats in the classroom except for a medical or religious purpose.
6. Not include items that are offensive, vulgar, obscene, libelous, or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
7. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
Each building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.
Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.
BEHAVIORS
Classroom Behavior
The classroom is the learning headquarters of the school. It is the responsibility of all students to put forth their best effort to learn. It is important that they also assist their classmates in the process of learning. In order to make our room a good place to learn and an enjoyable place for all students to spend the day, you will:
á Listen when a teacher or another student talks.
á Go smoothly and quietly from one activity to another.
á Finish ALL work and tasks to the best of your ability.
á Respect the values and views of other individuals.
á Allow others to work without disturbance or interruption.
á Obey all rules established in the classroom.
á Receive permission from the teacher before leaving the classroom.
á Refrain from chewing gum in school.
á Keep the halls clean and free from litter.
á WALK in the halls.
á Keep to the right.
á Pass through halls quickly and quietly.
á Treat displays, bulletin board materials and school property with respect.
á Refrain from eating in the halls.
á Refrain from disturbing other classes in session.
á Obtain permission to leave class.
á Exit signs, hall speakers and other school property will be treated respectfully.
á Keep hands and feet off walls.