CODE OF CONDUCT - 3410A
TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.  PREAMBLE

II. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Administrators

  2. Board of Education

  3. Faculty

  4. Parents / Guardian

  5. Students

  6. Superintendent

  7. Support Staff

  8. Visitors

III. DEFINITIONS

  1. Alcohol, Tobacco and other substances

  2. Appropriate Dress

  3. Bullying

  4. Disruptive Student

  5. Electronic Devices

  6. Loitering / Trespassing

  7. Sexual Harassment

  8. Violent Student

  9. Weapon

IV. PROHIBITED Conduct

V.  RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Students' Rights

  2. Student Responsibilities

  3. Positive Alternatives

VI. EXPECTATIONS

VII. DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS, PROCEDURES, CONSEQUENCES, PROCESSES

VIII. DISCIPLINE PROCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES.

IX. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS USING TRANSPORTATION

X.  Student Privacy RIGHTS

  1. Student Privacy Pursuant to Policy 7330

  2. Due Process

  3. Referrals in the Case of a Possible Crime

XI.  FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

  1. Student Speech

  2. Literature Distribution, Surveys & Petitions

  3. Patriotic Ceremonies

  4. Buttons, Arm Bands and other symbols

  5.  Religious Activities

  6. School Newspapers and Student Publications

APPENDIX I - Profile of a Shenendehowa Elementary School Student

APPENDIX II – Profile of a Shenendehowa Middle School Student

APPENDIX III – Profile of a Shenendehowa Graduate

 

THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ORDER ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

I.  PREAMBLE

The Shenendehowa Central School District Board of Education is committed to providing a school environment that is conducive to learning, safety and order.  Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district staff, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.  The district has a long-standing set of values and beliefs that guide the actions and behaviors of all staff members and students to ensure success.  Central to those values and beliefs are certain fundamental principals:

  • Students learn best when adults serve as active, positive role models.

  • Students learn best when there is unconditional acceptance and tolerance for differences.

  • Students learn best when respect and civility are modeled by all.

  • Students learn best when behavioral expectations are clearly defined and enforced.

Further, to define success, student Profiles (see Appendices I, II and III) are clearly and concisely articulated at each level of progress - elementary, middle, and high school. The student Profiles define in broad statements WHAT our students will need to know and be able to do in order to be successful in school and throughout their lives. It is these expectations that challenge and motivate our students, and subsequently dictate behavioral norms.

The Board of Education annually adopts the Code of Conduct, which:

  • Defines expectations for acceptable conduct on school property and at school events both off and on school property. 

  • Serves as a standard for consistency and fairness in ensuring student, family, visitor, and staff rights.  

  • Identifies possible consequences for unacceptable conduct.

  • Strives to ensure that discipline is administered fairly and in accordance with applicable regulations and statutes.

In order to ensure that the students, staff and the larger Shenendehowa community is aware of the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property (the code):

The Code will be printed in the annual school calendar.

  • Before adoption of the Code following any major revision, a public hearing will be held to allow input and questions.

  • The Code of Conduct will be filed with the Commissioner no later than 30 days after adoption. 

  • The availability of the Code on the school calendar, at Shenet.org and at each school/department will be made known to each staff member.

Every member of the Shenendehowa school community, students, faculty members, parents, administrators and support staff will contribute to and accept responsibility for an orderly and respectful school climate.

The following set of rules and regulations have been adopted to cover the conduct of students and adults.  The intention of the rules is to help ensure safety and security of students, staff, and visitors. (This is done in compliance with Section 2801 of the Education Law.)

II. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property is to serve as a standard for consistency and fairness in ensuring student, family, visitor, and staff rights.

A thorough understanding for all Shenendehowa staff, parents, students, and visitors in the standards of this Code is critical and will be achieved through broad communication and appropriate training.

Every member of the Shenendehowa school community - students, faculty members, parents, administrators and support staff will contribute to and accept responsibility for an orderly and respectful school climate.

A.  Administrators - Building administrators and their designees (for example, assistant principals) are responsible for promoting a supportive and positive school environment and for implementing the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property in a fair and consistent manner.  Staff members found guilty of violating any of these provisions of these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Board Policy, contractual agreements, and as outlined in Education Law §3020-a and Civil Service Law §75.

B.  Board of Education - The Board of Education establishes the district's Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property. Members should lead by example by conducting Board meetings in a professional, courteous and respectful manner.  They must insure that there is a procedure for hearing grievances relating to disciplinary action so that the rights of all individuals will be protected.  Staff members found guilty of violating any provisions of these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Board Policy, contractual agreements, and as outlined in Education Law §3020-a and Civil Service Law §75.

C.  Faculty - Teachers and instructional support staff members play a key role in the maintenance of a positive and orderly school atmosphere in and out of the classroom.  They have the responsibility for establishing and maintaining effective and consistent management techniques which involve and motivate students. They also must work closely with students to assure their understanding of the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property.  Staff members found guilty of violating any provisions of these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Board Policy, contractual agreements, and as outlined in Education Law §3020-a.

D.  Parents / Guardians - As primary teachers for their children, parents play a key role in the maintenance of good discipline at Shenendehowa.  They are expected to work with and support school staff through awareness, understanding and support of the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property.  “Parent” is defined as a parent, guardian or person in parental relation to the student.  Parents are requested to sign in at the office when entering a building.  Failure to do so may result in the parent being removed from the building. 

E.   Students - The Shenendehowa school district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal laws and regulations.  The Code recognizes that expected behavior and consequences are appropriate to students’ age and developmental level.  The goal is for students to gain an understanding of the benefits of proper behavior as well as the consequences of inappropriate behavior.  A student who violates any of the provisions shall be subject to the appropriate disciplinary penalty stipulated in the Code that is proportionate to the severity of the misconduct.

F. Superintendent - The superintendent or designee (including members of the District Leadership and Support Team) is ultimately responsible for implementation of the district Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property and will serve as hearing officer in those disciplinary issues that cannot be resolved within the limits of the building level (Section 3214 of the Education Law and Penal Law).  The superintendent fulfills a key role in the maintenance of an orderly and positive school environment. 

G. Support Staff - Support staff members (for example, aides, clerical staff, bus drivers, custodians, cleaners, and food service staff members) contribute widely to a positive and orderly environment throughout the district. The overall awareness, understanding and support of the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property by support staff members, as well as its specific relationship to each of their roles, is crucial to its successful implementation.  Staff members found guilty of violating any of these provisions of these rules shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Board Policy, contractual agreements, and as outlined in Civil Service Law §75.

H. Visitors - Visitors to our schools are expected to exhibit behaviors that support the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property.  Our visitors play a key role in the maintenance of appropriate behavior by modeling behaviors expected of our students.  Visitors are required to sign in at the office when entering a building.  While on district premises or at school activities, they are subject to the authority of the building principal.  Failure to do so may result in the visitor being removed from the building.  A visitor who violates any of the provisions of these rules and regulations will not be allowed to remain on school grounds or at a school function and they will be directed to leave the premises.  If the violator refuses to leave, they will be subject to ejection or arrest.

III. DEFINITIONS

Having a common language and a common understanding of terms is critical to a fair and objective administration of the Code of Conduct. It is the intent to have terms defined concisely enough to ensure ease of understanding, but with sufficient details to connote a high level of seriousness, importance, and applicability to varied circumstances and situations.

A.  Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Substances

Shenendehowa Central School District Comprehensive School Policy concerning Alcohol and Other Substances, School Board Policy No. 7320 "Rules and Regulations Concerning Use of School District Property" states the following:

  • Smoking is not permitted in any part of the building or school grounds.  No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs may be brought on school property. Further, students under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or other substances prohibited under this regulation will be dealt with accordingly, which may mean immediate suspension from school or school event, or some other consequence/sanction.

  • The terms "alcohol, tobacco, and other substances" refer to all substances including, but not limited to, alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, anabolic steroids, look-alikes, and any other substances commonly referred to as "designer drugs." The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall be prohibited.

B.  Appropriate Dress 

All district staff members are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions in clothing which is appropriately professional, safe and does not disrupt, distract or otherwise interfere with the educational process.  Further, staff shall model appropriate dress and decorum for students, recognizing the significant role and impression they have on students. 

Students are expected to adhere to the following and additional requirements for specific courses or events.  The building principal, or his/her designee, shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code, as follows:

  1. Student’s dress, grooming and appearance, jewelry and accoutrements (such as spiked belts, spiked bracelets, spiked choker collars, or long hanging chains), make-up and nails shall be safe and appropriate and shall not disrupt, distract or interfere with the educational process or participation in a school activity/function.

  2. Students shall wear footwear that is safe and appropriate for school and school-related activities.  Footwear (including “heelies”) that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.

  3. Students will wear appropriate protective gear where required for instructional activities in certain classes (e.g. Family and Consumer Science, Technology, Science, and Physical Education)

  4. Students, only at the discretion of the building administration, may be allowed to wear headwear in school.  Headwear for medical or religious purposes is permitted, as long as appropriate documentation or notification is provided. 

  5. Students, only at the discretion of the building administration, may wear outside coats inside school buildings during the school day.

  6. Students will ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.  All clothing shall be fastened appropriately.

  7. Students shall not wear garments that are revealing or see-through (including those that expose one’s midriff or otherwise potentially expose private parts of the body, such as tube tops and halters). 

  8. For school events (for instance, dances) and athletic practices and contests, appropriate attire must be worn.

  9. Students’ dress shall not include or depict items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous, or denigrate others because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

  10. Students’ dress/accessories shall not promote and/or endorse sexual activity of any kind, the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage illegal or gang-related activities, including violence, depictions of guns, knives, and other weapons. 

C.  Bullying

The school district is committed to providing its students and staff with an educational and working environment that is safe, secure, promotes respect, dignity, equality and is free from bullying.  The School District prohibits bullying on school grounds, school buses, and at all school sponsored activities, programs and events including those taking place off school property. 

Bullying for the purpose of this policy is defined as harassment, aggressive behavior or other overt action, whether verbal or physical, which is intended, or could reasonably be expected, to cause distress, harm, ridicule, humiliation and/or intimidation. Bullying can be face-to-face, or carried out by phone, over the internet and other ways directed at another person through the “posting” of sensitive and/or private information.

D.  Disruptive Student

For the purpose of this Code of Conduct, a disruptive student is any elementary or secondary student under the age of 21 who is substantially disruptive of the education process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a staff member’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with instruction or the respective school activity, or repeatedly violates the rules for behavior.

E.  Electronic Devices

Such devices include, but are not limited to:  Walkmans, MP3 players (audio listening devices), cell phones, Palm Pilots, cameras or any other instrument that can be used to transmit images, sound or information from one source to another.  Such devices shall not be used during the school day from the time a student enters the school building until dismissed; except when part of classroom instruction or other authorized activity.

F.  Loitering / Trespassing

Loitering is remaining in or near school buildings and grounds with no reason for being there and with no authority or written permission to remain.

A person is suspected of loitering/trespassing when s/he remains in or about any school building or grounds, buses, or at a school sponsored event; not having any reason or relationship involving custody of, or responsibility for, a student or any other specific legitimate reason for being there and not having written permission from an authorized school official for being there.   (Section 240.35 of the State Penal Law)

G.  Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment includes all unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which may impose a requirement of sexual cooperation as a condition of academic advancement, or which may have the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.  Harassment should be promptly reported to a teacher, other faculty member, principal, nurse or other school district official in order to be properly investigated.  If proven guilty, penalties in accordance with Education Law Sect. 3214 and applicable Penal Law shall apply.

Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • verbal harassment or abuse

  • pressure for sexual activity or favor

  •  repeated unwanted remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implications

  •  unwelcome touching

  •  suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, reputation, or general safety and welfare (See Policy 5020.1). 

H.  Violent Student

There are minimal consequences required by law that the district must set in the cases of violent behavior.  Such violations may warrant more than the minimum disciplinary options/consequences. 

A student under the age of 21 is considered violent if he/she:

  1. Commits an act of violence upon a school employee, or attempts to do so.

  2. Commits, while on school property or at a school function, an act of violence upon another student or any other person on school property or a school function, or attempts to do so.

  3. Possesses, while on school property or at a school function, a weapon.

  4. Displays, while on school property or at a school function, what appears to be a weapon. 

  5. Threatens, while on school property or at a school function, to use a weapon, or what appears to be a weapon. 

  6. Intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person on school property or at a school function.

  7. Intentionally damages or destroys school district property.

I.  Weapon

For the purpose of this Code, weapons means a firearm as defined in 18 USC §921 for purpose of the Gun Free Schools Act.  Any weapon which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of such weapon; any firearm or silencer; or any destructive device (18USC-921, Goals 2000: Educate America Act, Public Law 103-277).  For the purpose of this Code of Conduct, a weapon also means any other gun (simulated or real), BB-gun, knife, razor, switch-blade knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, box cutter, pocket knife, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive or incendiary device, ammunition or simulated ammunition, fireworks, or other devices, or any other instrument, material, or substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death.

Any bomb threat made in New York State is a felony and will be treated accordingly. The district shall cooperate fully with law enforcement in the investigating and prosecuting of said offenses.

IV. PROHIBITED Conduct

No person, either singly or in concert with others while on school district property, shall:

A.     Cause physical injury to any other person, or threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducing any other person to perform or refrain from performing any act.

B.     Engage in bullying, threats, intimidation and/or extortion of any other person.

C.     Engage in any activity or action that demeans, discriminates, or otherwise violates or imposes upon the legal rights of others.

D.    Substantially disrupts or interferes with, or impedes the ability of other students to engage in the educational process.

E.     Using language or gestures, or engaging in actions that are obscene, profane, perverse, overtly sexual, lewd, lascivious, indecent, vulgar or abusive.

F.      Damage or destroy property of the school district or property under its jurisdiction nor remove or use such property without authorization.

G.    Engage in theft of, or damage to, or defacement of any school district property or property of any other person.

H.    Enter into and remain in any building, facility, office or room for any purpose other than its authorized uses or in such manner as to obstruct its authorized use by others.

I.       Obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply.

J.      Refuse to leave any building or facility after being required to do so by any person responsible for the maintenance of order in a building or facility.

K.    Loiter or trespass in school buildings or on school grounds. (See “f” in Definitions)

L.     Use matches, lighters (or similar devices) on school district property, set fires, tamper with or obstruct any safety measures such as fire extinguishers, alarm systems, posted fire regulations, water sprinklers, or fire doors.  Fail to conform to safety drill procedures, or tamper with any communications, heating, lighting, or power systems.

M.  Intentionally make or conspire to make a bomb threat, raise a false alarm or make a false report of a school closing or cancellation of school events.

N.    Disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes and meetings, administration, disciplinary procedures or other school district activities or deliberately interfere with the freedom of any person to express his views, including invited speakers. (See “D” in Definitions)

O.    Dress inappropriately. (See “B” in Definitions)

P.      Knowingly have in his/her possession any weapon.  (See “I” in Definitions)

Q.    Possess, use or distribute alcoholic beverages.

R.    Use drugs or other substances, including prescription drugs, without nurse’s supervision, unless self-medication protocol is followed.

S.      Gamble on school district property.

T.     Violate school district rules and regulations concerning the use of motor vehicles on school district property and school district parking regulations.

U.     Cause disruption on or interfere with the operation of school district buses.

V.     Fail to comply with directions of school district officials acting in the performance of their duties, inclusive but not limited to, safety drills or other emergency protocols. 

W.   Incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.

X.     Possess or use tobacco, lighters and other tobacco paraphernalia, in any part of buildings, school grounds, or at school events at other locations. (See “A” in Definitions)

Y.        Sexually harass any person. (See Board Policy 5020.1)

Z.         Use or display electronic devices by students such as cell phones, pagers, audio listening devices (See “E” in Definitions) during the school day from the time a student enters the school building until dismissed.

AA.  Engage in prohibited conduct, including and not limited to conduct described above, through use of the internet and /or other electronic devices.

V.  RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Shenendehowa Central School District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under State and Federal law including First Amendment rights ( see Section X).  While students are allowed to exercise said rights and civil liberties; any actions taken must be discussed in advance with the respective building principal so as to ensure that the district promotes a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment.  

A.  Students’ Rights

1.     Learn in circumstances which permit healthy, intellectual, emotional, physical and moral development.

2.     Receive a free, sound, basic education and take part in all district activities without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status or disability.

3.     Receive an education appropriate for his or her individual needs.

4.     Obtain an education which respects culture, race, socioeconomic background and the language of their home.

5.     Attend schools and educational programs that are effective.

6.     Participate in educational programs that prepare students for jobs, for college, for responsible family life and for citizenship in a self-governing society.

7.     Have available resources needed to secure their educational rights.

8.     Pursue their education without fear.

9.     Receive an education which involves responsibilities as well as rights.

Source: The Regents Bill of Rights for Children: An Education Charter for the Decade of the Child.

B.  Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for:

1.     Taking responsibility for their own learning.

2.     Their own behavior.

3.     Being respectful of all adults and the values and views of other students.

4.     Being prepared for classes, for attending school each day, and being ready to learn.

5.     Being positive members of the school community with regard to themselves, others and property.

Students are expected to:

1.     Behave in a way which will promote a safe and productive educational environment for all.

2.     Finish all their work and tasks to the best of their ability.

3.     Listen to and follow the directions of their teachers and other school personnel.

4.     Accept responsibility for their actions.

C.  Positive Alternatives

At Shenendehowa, student discipline is more than a policy with consequences for behaviors.  It's a commitment to a philosophy and a series of programs designed to meet the needs of students and promote a positive school climate.  Positive alternatives include but are not limited to:

1.     Parent Conferences, Teacher Conferences

2.     Conflict Resolution Programs - Peer Mediations, Student Training

3.     Intervention Counselors, School Counselors, Social Workers

4.     Time-out Areas

5.     Parenting Programs - STEP, Active Parenting, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

6.     Student Incentive Programs - Honor Passes, Students of the Month

7.     Staff Development - Cooperative Discipline, Catch Them Being Good

8.     Before/After-school Programs

9.     Prevention Programs: DARE, Peer Leadership, SADD

10. Alternative Education (BOCES)

11. Student Activities - Sport Teams, Clubs, Dances, Intramurals

12. Mentoring Students

13. Student Involvement in Decision Making

14. Community Based Programming, e.g. CAPTAIN, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts

15. Community Service Projects

16. Banana Splits

17. Exploring Youth Challenge, Advanced Youth Challenge

VI. EXPECTATIONS

Students, employees, and visitors who violate the Code will be subject to disciplinary action.  District officials may use a range of responses to student misconduct.  Before disciplining a student, District officials may issue a warning, conduct a parent conference, enter into a student behavior contract, or provide counseling or mediation.

The fundamental objective shall be the modification of behavior in order to promote and foster academic success and maintain a school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. 

A.  Elementary Students (Grades K-5)

1.     Coming to school and going home, a student is expected to:

a.      Keep a safe distance from the bus and all other vehicles.

b.     Walk on sidewalks or as close to the edge of the road as possible, out of the way of traffic.

c.     Walk to and from the bus.

d.     Follow the bus rules and regulations.

 

2.      In school, a student is expected to:

a.      Walk in the halls in an orderly fashion.

b.     Walk in the halls keeping lunch boxes, pencils, etc. away from walls.

c.     Stay in the classroom until excused or dismissed.

d.     Use good language in all places including in school, on the playground and on the bus.

e.      Respect the rights of others by being quiet and polite in the hallways.

f.       Take care not to damage or destroy school property such as desks, chairs, walls, books, computers, electronic devices, etc.

g.     Respect the rights and feelings of others, both adults and children.

h.     Follow the rules and direction of the teacher and other adults who are in charge.

i.        Use special care when handling equipment in art, music, library, computer lab and physical education classes.

j.        Dress appropriately for school and school functions.  (See Definitions)

    3.  In school, during assemblies, going out for recess, attending field trips, special events, or emergency situations, a student is expected to:

a.      Sit where directed.

b.     Leave the assembly only with permission from an adult.

c.     Watch and listen politely to the performance and speakers.

d.     Clap politely to show appreciation.

e.      Leave the assembly in an orderly manner following the directions of the adults in charge.

4.  In school, during lunch, a student is expected to:

a.      Use good table manners and practice proper eating habits.

b.     Never throw food or any objects.

c.     Talk quietly during lunch.

d.     Listen to directions and obey adults who are supervising.

e.      Clean up after eating and throw trash away before leaving the cafeteria.

5.  On the playground, a student is expected to:

a.      Play only in designated areas under adult supervision.

b.     Leave the playground only with permission.

c.     Play only safe games.

d.     Use playground equipment safely and carefully.

e.      Report injuries to the playground supervisor.

f.       Keep hands off others when at play.

g.     Use appropriate language.

h.     Respect others' feelings.

i.        Show good sportsmanship.

j.        Remember to collect belongings.

B.  Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

1.  Coming to school and going home, a student is expected to:

a.      Keep a safe distance from the bus and all other vehicles.

b.     Walk on sidewalks or as close to the edge of the road as possible, out of the way of traffic.

c.     Enter and leave the building in an orderly fashion.

d.     Be on time to school.

e.      Follow the bus rules and regulations.

2.  A student is expected to:

a.      Walk the halls in an orderly fashion.

b.     Be in homeroom and classes on time.

c.     Use the lockers only at the designated times and to treat them with respect.

d.     Use appropriate language and gestures that are not profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive.

e.      Keep his/her hands to themselves.

f.       Respect the rights and feelings of others.

g.     Follow the directions of the faculty and staff.

h.     Show respect for all school property including textbooks and classroom materials and equipment, including computers and other electronic devices.

i.        Respect personal space and physical proximity hence avoiding public displays of affection. 

j.        Dress appropriately for school and school functions.  (See Definitions)

3.  In school, during lunch, a student is expected to:

a.      Give full cooperation to the supervising staff.

b.     Remain seated except when purchasing food, throwing out garbage, or returning the tray.

c.     Never throw food or any objects.

d.     Speak in a tone and voice that is not loud or disruptive. 

e.      Clean the table and make certain all garbage is thrown out.

f.       Follow school established procedures when leaving the cafeteria before dismissal.

4.  When attending field trips, special events, emergency situations and assemblies, a student should:

a.      Give full cooperation to supervising staff.

b.     Represent Shenendehowa when participating or attending school sponsored events with the highest standard of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

C.  High School Students (Grades 9-12)

Students are expected to:

1.     Be respectful to fellow students, school employees and all school property.

2.     Follow the bus rules and regulations, as well as rules granted under driving / parking privileges. 

3.     Be in school unless legally excused.

4.     Be in homeroom and classes on time.

5.     Attend all classes as scheduled.

6.     Leave the building only with prior approval.

7.     Have a signed pass when in the academic halls while classes are in session.

8.     Be in authorized areas only.

9.     Be familiar with all district and building rules pertaining to student conduct.

10.  Represent Shenendehowa when participating or attending school sponsored events with the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

11.  Speak in a tone and voice that is not loud and disruptive. 

12.  Respect personal space and physical proximity, avoiding public displays of affection. 

13.  Dress appropriately for school and school functions.  (See Definitions)

VII. DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS, PROCEDURES, CONSEQUENCES, PROCESSES

A. INTRODUCTION

The following sections describe, in detail, possible infractions, disciplinary procedures, disciplinary options and consequences, beginning with lower level and ending with those of the most serious nature.  When possible, discipline should be used as an educational opportunity to improve, encourage and modify future behavior. In all cases, those staff members charged with maintaining order at school and other sites at which student activities take place, are expected to carry out complete investigations and administer the Code as consistently and equitably as possible taking into consideration:

  • The student’s age, level of understanding and previous disciplinary history.

  • The nature of the specific incident, and mitigating circumstances, particularly whether or not an action was deliberate or accidental.

Elementary School Students (Grades K–5)

The school is a special kind of place where children and adults work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Each group must be aware of the rights and responsibilities of the other. The school provides an environment where children can nurture positive relationships with each other and with adults in order to form a set of behaviors that will serve them well in the world outside of school.

Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)

The ultimate goal of education is to ensure that each and every student becomes effective in a democracy.  When students develop and accept the responsibilities and obligations of good citizenship, they will be able to successfully participate in the world of tomorrow.  The middle schools emphasize and value the traits of respect and responsibility. It is believed that those students who master the concepts of showing respect for self, others, and property will be successful not only at this level of education, but in high school and beyond.

High School (Grades 9–12)

For students, high school is not only a time of academic challenge, but a time of balancing the need for increased independence and choices with a continued need for structure and support. As the final opportunity for students to prepare for post secondary experiences as responsible individuals, the Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Order on School Property for students provides for individual discretion, while holding students responsible for their actions.  To obtain this end, high school students must work cooperatively with all adults in the building and actively contribute to promoting mutual respect between all members of the high school community.

LEVELS OF INFRACTIONS, PROCEDURES, CONSEQUENCES, PROCESSES

B. LEVEL 1

Level 1 Infractions

Listed below are examples, but not all inclusive, of Level 1 Infractions. 

1.     Teasing/Name Calling

2.     Running/horseplay in the halls

3.     Loud or inappropriate language or gestures

4.     Statements or actions, written, verbal or electronic, that disrupt the educational process

5.     Tardiness

6.     Failure to comply with dress code

7.     Minor disruptive behavior in school, class, playground or bus

8.     Recurring failure to be prepared with class materials, supplies

9.     Careless, unauthorized use of, loss of or damage to school property and facilities

10.  Unauthorized use of electronic devices, or misuse of computers per Acceptable Use Policy

11.  Interfering with the behavior of others

12.  Abuse of hall or bathroom privileges in unauthorized area without permission

13.  Misuse of parking privileges (HS)

14.  Littering

Level 1 Disciplinary Procedures

1.     Supervising staff member or observer immediately intervenes and informs student of the infraction.

2.     The incident may be documented on a student referral form which is sent to the principal’s office, for certain infractions. 

3.     In cases of repetitive behavior, the staff member shall communicate to the teacher and/or administrator.

4.     Principal provides the parent with a written notification of the infraction and applicable consequence.

5.     Parent shall be provided with an opportunity for an informal conference to discuss the infraction(s), consequences, and possible interventions to prevent such future student conduct.

6.     The student and incident may be referred to Child Study Team.

7.     Referring staff informed of the action taken.

8.     The principal, or his/her designee, maintains a record of the offense and disciplinary action.

Level 1 Disciplinary Options / Consequences

A disciplinary penalty is appropriate as long as it is proportionate to the severity of the misconduct for which it is being imposed. In addition, a harsher penalty may not be imposed merely because the student does not cooperate with the district’s investigation of an incident and does not admit guilt.  In no instance shall a student be externally suspended for a Level I infraction.

1.     Verbal warning – immediate adult counsel or reprimand

2.     Written warning, documentation of behavior

3.     Written apology

4.     Parental notification

5.     Informal conference with parent

6.     Temporary loss or restriction of privileges

7.     Confiscation/securing of electronic devices

8.     Payment for theft or damage