CONDUCT / EXPECTATIONS

AEROSOL AND SPRAY CONTAINERS

For various health and safety reasons, students are not allowed to bring aerosol containers into school.  Spray deodorants, perfumes and colognes should be applied at home.

BULLYING

Bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. Such behavior is defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed to another student attending school in the same school district that:

A. causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property,

B. places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property,

C. creates a hostile environment at school for such students,

D. infringes on the rights of such student at school, or

E. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, oral, or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics. (The student against whom the activity is directed must be attending school in the same district as the students engaged in the activity.)

Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to:

1. Physical violence and attacks

2. Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs including ethically-based or gender-based verbal put-downs

3. Threats and intimidation

4. Extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions

5. Exclusion from peer groups within the school

6. The misuse of electronic communications for the purpose of bullying, harassing, or sexually harassing other students within school or out of school (“cyberbullying”)

7. Targeting of a student based on the student’s actual or perceived “differentiating” characteristics such as race; color; religion; ancestry; national origin; gender; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; socioeconomic or academic status; physical appearance; or mental physical, developmental, or sensory disability.

Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, and outside of the school setting if such bullying:

1. creates a hostile environment at school for the victims,

2. infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or

3. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school, are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspensions, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement official.

Student and/or their parent may file a written report of conduct they consider bullying.  Please click here for a copy of the form.  Students may also make an informal complaint of conduct that they consider to be bullying by verbal report to any school employee, who will promptly reduce the complaint to writing and forward it to Administration for review and action.   The complaint procedure is also posted on the District’s website and the school website.

Students and parents are permitted to make anonymous reports of bullying.  Parent written reports and student anonymous reports will be investigated by Administration but no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.  Please click here for a copy of the form. 

Administration is responsible for taking a bullying report and investigating the complaint.  Parents/guardians of the alleged perpetrator of the bullying act and the parents/guardians of the student against whom such alleged act was directed will receive prompt notification that such investigation has begun.  Parents of students involved in a verified act of bullying will be invited to attend at least one meeting at school. 

Bullying behavior by any student in the Cheshire Public Schools is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. 

Board policy and regulation #5131.911 set forth this prohibition and the related procedures in detail, and are available to students and their parents/guardians upon request.

CAFETERIA CONDUCT

Students are expected to behave in the cafeteria to the same standards that are held in their households and public gathering areas for dining.  Students are provided with a lunch through Food and Nutrition Services or have the option of bringing a lunch from home.  Additional information including student accounts through My School Bucks can be found at http://www.cheshire.k12.ct.us/foods--nutrition

CHEATING / PLAGIARISM

Cheshire Public Schools believes that in order for students to develop their creative and analytical skills and their oral and written modes of expression, they must wrestle with the ideas of others as well as with their own.  In doing so in a democracy dependent upon the free exchange of ideas, students must have a respect for the integrity of other people’s work. Therefore, educators must teach them the appropriate way of using resources and the moral implications of cheating and plagiarism.

Cheating is to act dishonestly and/or to assist another in this action.  Examples of cheating in school related work include but are not limited to:

1. The fraudulent giving or receiving of information.

2. The unauthorized use of prepared materials or items during testing (e.g., cheat sheet, notes, textbook, calculators, etc.).

3. The unauthorized copying of another student’s homework or class work.

4. Collaboration of any kind with any person without the teacher’s knowledge or consent.

Plagiarism is to use the language, ideas, evidence (data) and/or organization of another source and/or person and to present this material as “the product of one’s own mind”.  Examples of plagiarism in school-related work include but are not limited to:

1. Copying, summarizing or paraphrasing directly from a published or unpublished source without attribution.

2. Using information obtained from a conversation and/or interview with another without attribution.

3. Using the language or organization of another (e.g., extensive revision by a parent or peer) without the consent of the teacher.

4. Using experimental data or hypotheses without attribution.

In order to keep the concept and consequences of cheating and plagiarism firmly in the minds of students, each student in his or her own handwriting shall write and sign the following statement:  “I affirm that this work is free from plagiarism and/or cheating and is entirely my own product,” on any work, if the individual teacher, at his/her discretion, requires it.

If your teacher feels that you have plagiarized, she/he must provide you with a timely notice to that effect.  You will then have the right to hear and respond to the evidence. If you disagree with the ultimate decision, you will have the right to appeal.

Then, if it is determined that you have committed plagiarism, the teacher will report this to your parents, your school counselor, and school administration.

The first offense involving plagiarism may result in the student receiving a reduced grade or no credit for the work involved.  Students will be required to make up the assignment involving the plagiarized work. Notice will also be sent to your parents, your school counselor and the administration.  School Administration will be the final determination to the implementation of this procedure.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT

Students must follow the rules and procedures outlined by each classroom teacher to assure that learning is taking place throughout each class period.  Each student is expected to arrive to class on time with required books and materials. If a student becomes disruptive to the learning environment of others, he or she may be referred to the office.  

CONDUCT

Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly in a responsible manner appropriate to their age and level of maturity. They must accept responsibility for misbehavior and engage with school staff to identify how a different choice of action could result in a better outcome. The district has authority over students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on district transportation. This jurisdiction includes any school-related activity, regardless of time or location, and any off campus school-related misconduct, regardless of time or location.

Student responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment in school or school-related activities include:

1. Attending all classes, regularly and on time.

2. Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments.

3. Being dressed appropriately. (See Dress Code)

4. Showing respect toward others, engaging in civil discourse.

5. Behaving in a responsible manner.

6. Paying required fees and fines.

7. Abiding by the code of conduct.

8. Obeying all school rules, including safety rules, and rules pertaining to Internet safety.

9. Seeking change in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner, through appropriate channels.

10. Cooperating with staff investigations of disciplinary cases and volunteering information relating to a serious offense.

Students who violate these rules will be subject to disciplinary action and shall be referred when appropriate to legal authorities for violation of the law.

Students at school or school-related activities are prohibited from:

1. Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.

2. Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or damage property.

3. Leaving school grounds or school-sponsored events without permission.

4. Directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward other students or staff.

5. Disobeying directives from school personnel or school policies, rules, and regulations.

6. Being disrespectful or directing profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures toward teachers or other school employees.

7. Playing with matches, fire, or committing arson.

8. Committing robbery or theft.

9. Damaging or vandalizing property owned by the school, other students, or school employees. (See Electronic Devices)

10. Disobeying school rules on school buses.

11. Fighting, committing physical abuse, or threatening physical abuse.

12. Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail; that is, forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.

13. Name-calling, making ethnic or racial slurs or derogatory statements that may substantially disrupt the school program or incite violence.

14. Engaging in inappropriate physical or sexual contact disruptive to the school environment or disturbing to other students.

15. Assaulting a teacher, staff member or other individual.

16. Selling, giving, delivering, possessing, using, or being under the influence of drugs such as: marijuana; a controlled substance or drug; or an alcoholic beverage. 

17. Possessing a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, firearm, martial arts weapon, or weapon facsimile.

18. Possessing prescription drugs which are given to a person other than to whom the drug is prescribed.

19. Possessing or using tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and vaping products.

20. Hazing, bullying. (See Bullying)

21. Behaving in any way that disrupts the school environment or educational process.

22. Using electronic devices during the school day in school buildings, without prior approval of the principal. (See Electronic Devices)

23. Violating the district’s Electronic Acceptable Use Policy.

24. Cheating, plagiarizing, including by electronic means.

25. Threatening in any manner, including orally, in writing, or via electronic communication, a member of the school including any teacher, a member of the school administration or another employee, or a fellow student.

26. Taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer of other means, including but not limited to texting and emailing.

27. Violating any state or federal law which would indicate that the student presents a danger to any person in the school or to school property.

28. Damaging in a willful manner school electronic equipment and/or software.

Students are urged to participate in efforts to build a positive school climate as well as alternatives to exclusionary discipline such as restorative practices, or specific behavior programs.  Smoking is not allowed at any school functions.  All school rules are in effect during such activity.

Students are not permitted to possess or use laser pointers while on school property, while using District transportation, or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property unless under a staff member’s supervision and in the contest of instruction. Laser pointers will be confiscated and students will be disciplined.

FOOD/GUM CHEWING

Eating or drinking is not permitted outside the cafeteria without the permission of a staff member.  Gum chewing may be permitted at teacher/administration discretion for special activities. For health reasons, gum should be disposed of properly.

HALLWAY CONDUCT

To assure safe and efficient passing in the hallways, students should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Keep to the right on the stairs and in the hallways.

2. Never run or push, and please keep your voice at a reasonable volume.  Shouting should be avoided.

3. Go directly to your assigned room to avoid being tardy.  If you need to go to another place, first go to your classroom to obtain a pass from your teacher.

4. At the end of the day, students should remain in their period 7 classes until the office specifically dismisses them.  Anyone who does not report to class or leaves class early may be subject to disciplinary action.

OUT OF SCHOOL MISCONDUCT  

Students are subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and expulsion for misconduct which is seriously disruptive of the educational process and is a violation of a publicized board policy, even if such conduct occurs off-school property and during non-school time.

Examples of off-school conduct that may result in such discipline include but are not limited to:

1. Sale, possession, use, or distribution of dangerous weapons, including marital arts weapons;

2. Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs;

3. Violent conduct;

4. Making of a bomb threat;

5. Threatening to harm or kill another student or member of the staff; where any such activity has the reasonable likelihood of threatening the health, safety or welfare of school property, individuals thereon, and/or the educational process.

6. Cyberbullying or Social Media misconduct towards another student in the district.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

As stated in the CONDUCT section of this handbook, the school prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or during school activities. 

In addition to the prohibition pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and inhalants, the Board of Education prohibits the use of performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids and food supplements, including Creatine, by students involved in school-related athletics or any co-curricular or extracurricular school activity or program, other than use for a valid medical purpose as documented by a physician.

Substance abuse or distribution of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia including alcohol may indicate serious, underlying problems. Every effort will be made to offer student assistance, including early identification, referral for treatment to private or community agencies and aftercare support.

Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interests of the student, school population and community in mind and with due consideration of the rights of students. However, consideration must be given to the fact that substance abuse is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. Unauthorized possession, distribution, sale or consumption of dangerous drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages may result in a recommendation for expulsion.

Students are encouraged to consult with teachers, administrators and other professional staff on substance abuse problems. A staff member who is contacted by a student regarding a drug or alcohol problem may elect to keep that information confidential and not disclose it to any other person in accordance with state law. However, the student will be encouraged at the earliest appropriate time to seek help from parents or guardians.  In such cases, the decision to involve the parents/guardians will be arrived jointly by the student and educator unless, in the judgment of the educator, the mental or physical health of the student is immediately and dangerously threatened by drug/alcohol use. If such danger is imminent, the parents/guardians and health officials will be notified so that appropriate action can be taken. 

As required by statute, instruction will be provided regarding the “knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and avoid the affects of alcohol, of nicotine, of tobacco, and of drugs.”

TRANSPORTATION  

School transportation privileges are extended to students conditioned upon their satisfactory behavior on the bus. Unsatisfactory student behavior on the bus may result in suspension of transportation services or such other disciplinary action that is appropriate for misconduct.

The following rules shall apply to student conduct on school transportation:

1. Passengers shall follow the driver’s directions at all times.

2. Passengers shall board and leave the bus in an orderly manner at the designated bus stop nearest their home.

3. Passengers shall not stand while the bus is in motion. 

4. Passengers shall keep books, instrument cases, feet, and other objects out of the aisle of the bus.

5. Passengers shall not deface the bus and/or its equipment.

6. Passengers shall not extend head, hands, arms, or legs out of the window nor hold any object out of the window nor throw objects within or out of the bus.

7. Passengers shall not smoke or use any form of tobacco.

8. Passengers shall not eat on the bus.

9. Usual classroom conduct shall be observed. Unruly conduct, including the use of obscene language, will subject the passenger to disciplinary action.

10. Upon leaving the bus, the passenger will wait for the driver’s signal before crossing in front of the bus.

11. Students must ride the bus to which they are assigned.

The following procedures shall be followed when a discipline concern arises on a bus serving a regular route or an extracurricular activity:

1. Bus drivers write up conduct reports to be shared with school administration.  Administration will investigate the alleged incident and apply proper sanctions, conferences, or agreements in alignment with the school Mission.

2. The principal may suspend the student’s bus-riding privileges. If such a suspension occurs, the parents will be notified prior to the time the suspension takes effect.  Transportation may rely on parents during the suspended timeframe.

3. In the case of serious misconduct that endangers the safety of other passengers or the driver, the driver shall have the authority to remove the student and call for law enforcement assistance. The principal and parents shall be notified of the situation as soon as possible. The student shall not be provided bus service again until a conference involving all persons listed above has been held.

Disciplinary sanctions and changes in transportation for a student with a disability shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). 

All vehicles coming into or leaving the school grounds are subject to the regulations of the school. A student may drive to school, provided the student abides by the traffic rules and has parental permission.

Students are not allowed to go to their cars during school hours. In case of emergency, they will be given a pass to do so by the administration. Any violation of proper automobile use may result in the suspension of parking privilege or any such discipline which is appropriate for the circumstances.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMPLAINTS/PROCEDURES

All complaints concerning school transportation safety are to be made to the Transportation Coordinator/District Business Manager/Finance Director. A written record of all complaints will be maintained and an investigation of the allegations will take place.