9.9.2022 Morning Message:

Good morning Crusaders,

This coming Sunday, marks the anniversary of September 11th. Instead of focusing on this tragic event, we should consider the lessons we learned from 9/11: I know that the our students were not alive during this time, but what I can share - is that immediately after this tragic event the people around the world showed their kindness and love for each other for those who were hurt by this event.

Firefighters and police officers in particular showed great courage in risking their own lives to save others. Americans put aside their differences by coming together and showing the strength to love and help their neighbor - no matter the color of their skin, their religious background, or how much money they had. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was that we were all Americans and we would stick together.

So, again what are the lessons? We must show each other kindness and love. We must have the courage to do the right thing and protect and defend each other. We have to put aside differences and care for each other.

I hope you will keep these thoughts in your mind as you hear more about 9/11 this weekend. If you ever have questions please feel free to ask your parents, your teachers, or myself.

Let’s all pause for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives and were hurt by this tragic event.

Regular and timely attendance is expected each day. Board of Education policy defines absences and tardies as follows:

• Excused - due to personal illness of student (three days or less), extended illness requires a doctor’s note, serious illness of immediate family member, or death in the student’s family, impassable roads or weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, military obligations, or such other reasons as may be approved.

• Unexcused - all other absences/tardies. It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to notify the school office within at least 24 hours of the absence and to provide a written excuse upon the student's return to school. Corroborating medical verification is expected in the case of excessive absences due to a suspected health condition. After the third consecutive day of absence for medical reasons a doctor’s note will be required.

• Students are not permitted to leave school grounds without permission.

• Minimum Attendance Policy - A student enrolled in the high school must be in attendance in order to be eligible to receive credit for that course. At the high school level, any student with more than ten (10) unexcused absences from class during a semester, five (5) unexcused absences in a Physical Education course, twenty (20) unexcused absences for a full year course, or thirty (30) unexcused absences for a full year lab class will not receive credit for that course.

• 10/10 Rule - Students may not have a pass from class in the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes of a period. The only exception to this will be medical emergencies as well as pre-written passes for counseling.

Monroe-Woodbury HS is an environment for learning and business. In the interest of having a safe, orderly school, which minimizes distractions and maximizes the learning environment, a dress code has been established for our High School. Students are expected to exercise good judgment and good taste regarding their dress and grooming so as to establish a productive school climate. It is not our intent to thwart self-expression or exercise unreasonable control over students; however, current trends seem to favor certain modes of dress which are inappropriate for school.

The clothing item will be exchanged for an appropriate top or bottom. Students will have the option of going home to change. Parents will be required to pick up the student from school. Your student will be marked illegally absent from the classes they miss. Replacement clothing is always available. Refusal to change could result in a suspension from school.

In an effort to address concerns for student safety and welfare, the faculty and staff will be responsible for enforcing this dress code fairly and reasonably. Please discuss with your student the importance of coming to school dressed appropriately.

Thank you.

Students and families are asked to read the Student Handbook each year to review policies and rules that will govern the school year.

Click on the link below to view the Code of Conduct & DASA presentation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18IPxdy0FjGysPwknMklYPZYWg8bMg4v-mI885AONCVo/edit?usp=sharing

Section 100.2(1) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education require that each school district adopt a written policy on school conduct and discipline “designed to promote responsible student behavior.” The Monroe-Woodbury K-12 Code of Conduct supports a three-level approach to student management with prevention, intervention, and aftercare initiatives, and it also establishes the standard for appropriate conduct in school, at school events, and on school property. An abridged version of the Code is in the Student/Parent Handbook. A copy of the complete Code is available on the website and at all Monroe-Woodbury schools.

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is followed in the high school as required by New York State Law. The Code of Conduct includes language with an age appropriate version of the law, that states that no student shall be subjected to harassment by employees or students on school property, or at a school sponsored function. The administration, faculty and staff, and the DASA Coordinator will work throughout the year to create a tolerant and safe environment in the high school for all students.

All students will take part in a short assembly during one of their first periods of the school year in their Physical Education Class. At that time, students will be briefed on expectations for the school year including the Code of Conduct, The Dignity Act, and other high school rules and regulations. Parents and guardians, please take time to review the Code of Conduct and district expectations with your children.