I. Introduction

A. The board of education (“board”) 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.

B. The District establishes this Code of Conduct for the Maintenance of Public Order on School Property and at School Functions to govern the conduct of students, teachers and other school personnel, and visitors. This Code of Conduct has been developed consistent with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (Chapter 181 of the Laws of 2000) and Section 100.2 of the implementing Commissioners Regulations and in collaboration with student, teacher, administrators and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel.

C. 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.

D. The board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for accept-able 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.

E. For the purposes of this policy, a school function is defined as any event, occurring on or off school property, sanctioned or approved by the school, including but not limited to offsite athletic events, school dances, plays, musi­cal productions, field trips or other school-sponsored trips.

II. Definitions
For purposes of this code, the following definitions apply.

A. “Disruptive student” means a pre-k, elementary or secondary student under the age of 21 who substantially interferes with the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.

B. “Parent” means parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a student.

C. “School property” means within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, parking lot or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public elementary or secondary school, or in or on a school bus, as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law §142.

D. “School function” means any school sponsored extracurricular event or activity.

E. “Violent student” means a student under the age of 21 who, while on school property or at a school function:

1. Take part in any school district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation or disability.
2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.
3. Access school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
4. Strive toward their highest level of achievement possible in academic and extracurricular pursuits. 14

5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.
7. Ask questions when they do not understand.
8. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.
9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
10. Accept responsibility for their actions.
11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school sponsored extracurricular events and to hold them-selves to the highest standards of conduct, appearance/dress code, demeanor, and sportsmanship. The coach or advisor will use their discretion in regard to appropriate dress for all extracurricular activities.

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 children’s 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.

1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen students’ 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.

6. Communicate with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.

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. Additionally, involve administration in conferences if deemed appropriate.
3. Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans.
4. Provide information to assist students with career planning.
5 . Encourage students to benefit from the curriculum and extracurricular programs.

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.

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.

1. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator, and 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 district’s code of conduct to evaluate the code’s effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.
3. Oversee that student/parent handbooks are reviewed annually by administration and that these handbooks mesh with the District Code of Conduct.
4. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

1. Provide a safe and harmonious atmosphere for the students through a program of pupil cooperation and discipline on district buses.
2. Know the school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
3. Communicate with students and parents on discipline problems per procedures.
4. Adhere to all the rules and regulations set down by the Department of Transportation, State Education Department, Department of Motor Vehicles and Vehicle and Traffic Laws pertaining to school bus drivers.

1. Running in hallways.
2. Making unreasonable noise.
3. Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive.
4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
5. Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.
6. Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.
7. Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the district’s acceptable use policy.

1 . Failing to comply with the directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.
2. Lateness, missing or leaving school without permission.
3. Skipping detention.

1. Failing to comply with the directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students.
2. Student Dress Code

1. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
2. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.
4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
5. Threatening to use any weapon.
6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
7. Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.
8. Threatening or violent language (verbal or written).

1. Lying to school personnel.
2. Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.
3. Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by de-meaning them.

4 Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.
5. Harassment, which includes a sufficiently severe action or a persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be or which a reasonable person would perceive as ridiculing or demeaning.
6. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
7. Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club or team.
8. Selling, using or possessing obscene material.
9. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.
10. Possession or smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smoke-less tobacco.
11. Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either.
(“Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs.”)
12. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over the counter drugs.
13. Gambling.
14. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.
15. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.

a. VERBAL WARNING
The bus driver will attempt to correct any discipline problems by asking the student to behave, and, if necessary, to assign seats to certain pupils.
b. FIRST WRITTEN NOTICE:
The bus driver will write a “Disciplinary Notice” and inform the student that he or she is being written up. There can be only one write-up per student per trip. Copies of the write-up will be given to the driver, transportation supervisor, the appropriate building principal, and the parent. The copy given to the driver will describe the action taken.
c. SECOND WRITTEN NOTICE:
The second written notice will follow the same procedure as the first. In addition, a hearing will be scheduled with the parents, building administrator, driver and transportation supervisor. If the parent fails to appear, a summary of the findings will be sent. If warranted, the building principal will suspend the student from bus riding privileges for a maximum of three (3) days.
d. THIRD WRITTEN NOTICE:
The third written notice will follow the same procedure as the first and second and will be reviewed by the Superintendent or his designee. If the facts are confirmed, immediate suspension of bus riding privileges will be automatic. A hearing must be held with the parents to determine when or if the riding privileges will be reinstated. (The

hearing will include the appropriate building principal, parents, bus driver, transportation supervisor, and superintendent of schools).

1. Students who need bus transportation to school must be on time for the bus.
2. Students must observe all safety precautions while waiting for the bus.
3. Students will not push, pull or chase any other students.

1. Students will load the bus quickly and be seated at once.

1. Students will not eat food or drink beverages on the bus.
2. Students will not throw anything while on the bus.
3. Students will not extend their arms or other parts of the body out of the windows.
4. Students will not change seats while the bus is moving.
5. Students will not create excessive noise that may distract the driver and lead to a serious accident.
6. Students will be neat and help keep the bus clean and sanitary.
7. Students will be courteous to each other.
8. Students will listen carefully and obey any directions issued by the driver.
9. Upon boarding the bus in the morning, students remain on the bus until it arrives at school.
10. Students will be allowed to get off the bus in the afternoon prior to arriving at the authorized bus stop only upon written authorization from a parent or guardian.
11. Pupils transported in a school bus are under the authority of and directly responsible to the driver of the bus.

12. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the authority of the driver is sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation on a school bus.
13. The driver of any school bus will be responsible for the orderly con-duct of the pupils transported.
14. The driver of the school bus will not place the bus in motion until pupils are seated.
15. No school bus can stop to load or discharge pupils except at stops regularly designated by the school.
16. Smoking in a school bus is prohibited.
17. Using or transporting intoxicating liquor on a school bus is prohibited.
18. No student will be allowed to occupy a position in a school bus that interferes with the vision of the driver in any capacity.
19. Students will not use profane language.
20. Students will keep the center isle of the bus free from book bags, knees, etc.

1. Students will remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has opened the door.
2. Students will exit the bus quickly but in an orderly manner.
3. Students who must cross a street as they leave a school bus, will do so by walking in front of the bus (never in back) at a distance of at least 15 feet from the bus or have eye contact with the driver.
4. Violation of these rules may result in loss of bus privileges.

1. Plagiarism.
2. Cheating.
3. Copying.
4. Altering records.
5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions.
6. Violation of the computer use policy (appendix A).

Examples of Infractions

1. Failure to follow instructions
2. Classroom disturbance
3. Minor act of fighting
4. Neglect of safety rules
5. Violations of bus rules
6. Violations of library rules
7. Litter/graffiti
8. Disturbance outside class
9. Violation of study hall privilege
10. Abuse of hall, locker, or library privileges
11. Tardiness
12. Inappropriate language
13. Failure to bring in a note for absence from school
14. Repeated taunting and/or teasing of others

Procedures

1. The supervising staff or observer intervenes and applies the most appropriate discipline.
2. The staff member maintains a record of offenses and actions taken if necessary. A copy of such record shall be shared with the appropriate personnel.
3. A staff member/observer will initiate parental contact and communication.
4. If misbehavior persists, the staff member confers with the principal or the principal’s designee and arranges for parental contact.

Optional Disciplinary Responses

A. Verbal reprimand
B. Seat change
C. Behavioral contract
D. Strict supervised study hall
E. Restriction and/or loss of privileges
F. Special written assignments
G. Recommend and refer for counseling
H. Parental contact and/or conference
I. School/Community Service after school and/or payment of damages
J. Detention
K. Warning letter
L. Referral to in-school or out of school agency
M. Any combination of the above

Examples of Infractions

1. Unmodified Level A mibehavior
Continued harassment of other students including bullying, taunting, or teasing
2. Repeated misbehavior on the school bus
3. Petty theft
4. Gambling
5. Use of profanity or obscenity
6. Possession or distribution of pornographic materials
7. Leaving school without permission
8. Defiance and insubordination
9. Forgery
10. Cutting scheduled classes or detention
11. Harassment graffiti
12. Truancy

Procedures

1. The teacher or observer reports the infraction or refers the student to the administrator. A written report will be submitted to appropriate personnel.
2. The administrator meets with the student and/or the teacher and deter-mines the most appropriate disciplinary response, and then informs the teacher of the action taken.
3. The parent or person responsible for parental control shall be notified.
4. The administrator maintains a record of the offense and the disciplinary action taken.

Optional Disciplinary Responses

A. Continuation of the more stringent Level A options
B. Recommend or refer for sustained counseling
C. Parental conference
D. Temporary withdrawal of certain privileges or participation in school activities
E. Teacher removal of a student from classroom
F. Suspension of school bus transportation
G. In-school suspension
H. Out-of-school suspension (except for truants)I.
J. Any combination of the above
A.M. detention / p.m. detention / extended p.m. detention

* Such removal shall be consistent with Section IV (D) of this code. Examples of Infractions
1. Unmodified Level B misbehavior
2. Repeated truancy
3. Use of tobacco products on school property or a school bus
4. Extortion
5. Stealing and/or possession and/or sale of stolen property
6. Physically threatening other students
7. Serious acts of defiance or threatening a teacher or support staff, or an-other student.
8. Fighting (physical harm)
9. Vandalism
10. Possessing, using, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on school property or at school sponsored activities
11. Serious disruptive behavior
12. Leaving school grounds without permission
13. Interference in the execution of duties of school personnel
14. Written or electronic communication which demeans or ridicules on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion
15. Possessing or using any type of gun on school property or at school events including BB guns, paint ball guns, or pellet guns

Procedures

1. The infraction is reported or the administrator investigates further and confers with staff members on the circumstances and immediate needs

2. The administrator confers with the student and parent or person responsible for parental control about the documented misbehavior, its extent and consequences, and subsequent disciplinary action. If suspension is part of the action, the administrator follows appropriate procedures
3. If appropriate, the administrator contacts law enforcement officials
4. Administrator makes an accurate record of the infraction
5. Written statements are taken as needed

Optional Disciplinary Responses

A. Continuation of appropriate Level B options
B. Full withdrawal from participation in school activities
C. Restitution for damages
D. Referral to outside agency
E. In-school suspension
F. Out-of-school suspension (except for truants)
G. Referral to superintendent for possible hearing
H. Referral to judicial system
I. Any combination of above

Examples of Infraction
1. Unmodified Level C misbehavior
2. Possession and/or sale of stolen property
3. Extortion from other students
4. Indecent exposure
5. Tampering with a fire alarm
6. Pulling a false alarm
7. Starting a fire on school property
8. Major vandalism
9. Grand theft

10. Possession and/or use of explosives
11. Arson
12. Providing, selling, and use of illegal chemical substances and/or alcohol on school property and/or at school-sponsored activities
13. Making a bomb threat
14. Assault and battery
15. Possession, use, and/or transfer of lethal weapons on school property or at school-related activities
16. Hate crimes (incidents targeting individuals or groups with threats, ‘ridicule, or violence, including written and electronically displayed ridicule)
17. Forcible touching

Procedures

1. Having verified the offense, the administrator meets with all of those involved.
2. The principal initiates procedures according to established policy for excluding the student from school and notifies the parents or persons in parental control immediately
3. The principal informs the superintendent.
4. School officials contact the proper authorities and assist in prosecuting the offender.
5. The principal submits a complete and accurate record to the superintendent for possible Board action.

Optional Disciplinary Responses

A. Full restitution of damages
B. In-school suspension
C. Out-of-school suspension
D. Alternative school
E. Superintendent’s hearing
F. Referral to appropriate agencies
G. Any combination of the above

1. Oral warning - any member of the district staff.
2. Written warning - bus drivers, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent.
3. Written notification to parent - bus driver, hall and lunch monitors, coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principal, superintendent.
4. Detention - teachers, principal, superintendent.
5. A.M. Detention.

6. Extended P.M. Detention.
7. Suspension from transportation - director of transportation, principal, superintendent.
8. Suspension from athletic participation - coaches, principal, superintendent.
9. Suspension from social or extracurricular activities - activity director, principal, superintendent.
10. Suspension of other privileges - principal, superintendent.
11. In-school suspension - principal, superintendent.
12. Removal from classroom by teacher - teachers, principal.
13. Short term (five days or less) suspension from school - principal, superintendent, board of education.
14. Long term (more than five days) suspension from school - principal, superintendent, board of education.
15. Permanent suspension from school - superintendent, board of education.

1. Detention
Teachers, principals and the superintendent may use after school or before school detention as a penalty for student misconduct in situations where removal from the classroom or suspension would be inappropriate. Detention will be imposed as a penalty only after the student’s parent has been notified to confirm that there is no parental objection to the penalty and the student has appropriate transportation to or from detention.

2. Suspension from Transportation
If a student does not conduct himself/herself properly on a bus, the bus driver is expected to bring such misconduct to the building principal’s attention. Studentswho become a serious disciplinary problem may have their riding privileges suspended by the building principal or the superintendent or their designees. In such cases, the student’s parent will become responsible for seeing that his or her child gets to and from school safely. Should the suspension from transportation amount to a suspension from attendance, the district will make appropriate arrangements to provide for the student’s education.A student subjected to a suspension from transportation is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the building principal or the principal’s designee to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

3. Suspension from athletic participation, extracurricular activities and other privileges
A student subjected to a suspension from athletic participation, extracurricular activities or other privileges is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

4. In-school suspension
The board recognizes the school must balance the need of students to attend school and the need for order in the classroom to establish an environment conducive to learning. As such, the board authorizes building principals and the superintendent to place students who would otherwise be suspended from school as the result of a code of conduct violation in “in-school suspension.” The in-school suspension supervisor will be a certified teacher or administrator or someone under the administration’s direction.

A student subjected to an in school suspension is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the in-school suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

5. Teacher disciplinary removal of disruptive students
NOTE: The SAVE legislation provides classroom teachers with a new disciplinary tool for dealing with disruptive students - the ability to remove the disruptive student from the classroom for a specified period of time (§3214 (3 a)).