Student Code of Conduct

The intent of this Code of Conduct is to promote responsible behavior that creates an orderly and safe school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. It is the belief of Sharon Springs Central School that everyone in our community must strive towards contributing to this goal, including students, teachers, other district personnel, parents and other visitors.

The District has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property as well as conduct off school premises, which relates to the Sharon Springs Central School Districts, its students and staff. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity.

The Board recognizes the need to clearly defines these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline, when necessary, is administered in a firm, fair and consistent manner. SSCS will operate on a progressive discipline philosophy designed to bring about positive behavior change. The history and disciplinary record of each student may demand a different response from the administrator. To achieve the goal of an orderly and safe school environment, the Board adopts this code of conduct (“Code”).

1. "Disruptive student" means an elementary or secondary student under the age of 21 who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher's authority over the classroom.

2. "Parent" means parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a student.

3. "School property" means in or 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.

4. "School function" means any school-sponsored extra-curricular event or activity on or off school property.

5. “Sexual Orientation” shall mean actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality”.

6. “Gender” shall mean actual or perceived sex and shall include a person’s gender identity or expression.

7. “Harassment” shall mean the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; such conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse includes but is not limited to conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.

8. "Violent student" means a student under the age of 21 who:

   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 lawfully on school property or at the school function, or attempts to do so.

   3. Possess, 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.

   6. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person lawfully on school property or at a school function.

   7. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school district property.

9. "Weapon" means a firearm as defined in 18 USC §921 for purposes of the Gun-Free Schools Act. It also means any other gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles, sling shot, metal knuckle knife, box cutters, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star, electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other noxious spray, incendiary bomb, ammunition, imitation ammunition or exploding substances, or other device, instrument, material or substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death.

The Board of Education recognizes the essential roles of all members of the school community, including parents, students, administrators, teachers, guidance counselors, support staff and other school personnel in promoting a positive, healthy and harassment free environment. Collaboration is essential in promoting and fostering a school environment that promotes positivity, tolerance, respect, and dignity for all persons within the school community and beyond. School administrators, teachers, staff, and other school personnel are charged with providing an age appropriate and timely response to discourage and respond to incidents of discrimination and/or harassment on school property or at a school function.

Parents

As a parent or guardian, the Sharon Springs Central School expects you to become an active participant in your child’s education by:

1. Supporting your child in his or her best efforts to fulfill academic and behavioral responsibilities.

2. Conveying a supportive attitude toward education and Sharon Springs CSD.

3. Knowing and following school rules, while helping your child understand and follow them as well.

4. Building good relationships with your child’s teachers, peers and peers’ parents.

5. Sending your child to school ready to participate and learn.

6. Ensuring your child attends school regularly and on time.

7. Supporting your child is dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.

8. Helping your child understand their role in a democratic society by reinforcing the need for appropriate rules in maintaining safety and providing an orderly environment.

9. Attending conferences scheduled by teachers, counselors, or administrators on matters relating to your child’s attendance, conduct or academic performance.

10. Responding to school when you receive notification of excessive absences or poor academic performance.

11. Signing your child’s report card envelope every quarter and returning that envelope to school.

12. Keeping informed of school events and programs via the weekly bulletin, district newsletter, flyers, district website, teacher websites, Schoology (6-12), and local media.

13. Paying for lost or damaged text or library books, fines or other indebtedness incurred by your child.

14. Making every effort to schedule dental, medical, and other appointments outside of school time to reduce loss of instructional time.

15. Helping your child deal effectively with peer pressure.

16. Following the chain of command in contacting school officials. First, contact the teacher, then the Principal and lastly, the Superintendent.

17. Teach your child respect and dignity for themselves, and other students regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, or sex, which will strengthen the child’s confidence and promote learning in accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act.

18. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.

Teachers

All district teachers are expected to:

1. Maintain a climate of positivity, mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen students’ self-respect and promote confidence to learn.

2. Be prepared to teach in such a way that ALL students can access NYS standards-aligned curriculum.

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:

• • Course objectives and requirements

  • Marking/grading procedures

  • Assignment deadlines

  • Expectations for students

  • Classroom discipline plan

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

7. Confront issues of discrimination and harassment in any situation that threatens the emotional and physical health or safety of any students, school employee or any person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function.

8. Address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school and classroom setting.

9. Report incidents of discrimination and harassment that are witnessed or otherwise brought to a teacher’s attention to the building administrator and/or Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC) in a timely manner.

10. Leverage the dynamic technology with intentionality in engaging students in their learning.

Counseling Staff

1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging personal, social and emotional problems.

2. Initiate teacher/student/counselor conferences, as necessary, as a way to resolve problems.

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.

6. Maintain and encourage a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, or sex, with an understanding of appropriate appearance, language, and behavior in a school setting, which will strengthen students’ self-image and promote confidence to learn.

Principal

1. Promote a positive, safe, orderly and engaging school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.

2. Comply with pertinent state laws governing hearings, suspensions and student rights.

3. Demonstrate desirable standards of behavior through personal example.

4. Maintain and encourage a climate of mutual respect and dignity for all students regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, or sex, with an understanding of appropriate appearance, language, and behavior in a school setting, which will strengthen students’ self-image and promote confidence to learn.

5. Help each staff member self-evaluate their own practices, procedures and attitudes in relation to the interactions within their classrooms and throughout the school.

6. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal.

7. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.

8. Support student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.

9. Assume responsibility for the distribution of the code of conduct and ensure that all discipline cases referred are resolved justly and promptly.

10. Develop procedures which reduce the likelihood of student misconduct; this includes the authority to administer tests on suspicious substances, administer breath tests on students and to use metal detection devices if a reasonable suspicion exists that a student is possesses or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or is in possession of a weapon.

11. Provide the opportunity and encouragement for students and staff to approach the principal or other appropriate administrators directly for redress of grievances.

12. Work with students and staff to formulate individual school regulations.

13. Assist staff members to resolve any school related problems which may occur.

14. Work closely with parents to establish a cooperative relationship between home and school.

15. Utilize all appropriate support staff and community agencies as resources to help parents and students identify problems and seek solutions.

16. Establish necessary building security.

17. Ensure fairness, reasonableness and consistency.

Superintendent

1. Take such steps as are necessary to develop, publicize and carry out the rules and regulations for students.

2. Consider and act upon recommendations for suspensions in keeping with the Board of Education policy.

3. Review with the principals and other supervisory personnel the policies of the Board of Education and State Laws relating to discipline.

4. Listen and consider the views of the total community.

5. Inform the Board of Education of educational trends relating to discipline.

6. Provide for the development of innovative educational programs which will help to minimize problems of misconduct.

7. Make himself/herself available to administrators, teachers and other staff, advise them on serious discipline matters and support them so long as the latter have acted in accordance with the discipline policies of the District and the laws of the State of New York.

8. Be well informed on the programs and the problems of the District and work with staff in offering leadership.

9. Promote a safe, orderly, respectful and stimulating school environment, free from intimidation, discrimination and harassment, supporting active teaching and learning.

Board of Education

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. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

4. Appoint a Dignity Act Coordinator in each school building. The Dignity Act Coordinator will be thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity, and sex. The Dignity Act Coordinator will be accessible to students and other staff members for consultation and advice as needed on the Dignity Act.

The classroom is a setting for learning, therefore, it is your responsibility:

• To use class and study time for learning.

• To complete assigned work on time.

• To prepare thoroughly for each class.

• To respect the rights of other students.

• To participate in class discussions and activities.

• To respect the authority of the teacher or substitute.

• To follow classroom procedures as determined by the teacher.

• To use textbooks, school technologies, and other class materials appropriately and with care.

School provides an opportunity to learn to communicate with others, to respect the rights of others and to operate within certain rules for the common good. In an effort for you to help to promote self-esteem among your peers, it is your responsibility:

• To treat other people as you would wish to be treated.

• To respect the rights, property and safety of every other person.

• To assist in keeping the school, clean and free from litter and vandalism.

• To understand that the school operates within established rules and regulations and these rules and regulations must be followed.

• To respect the property of the school

• To follow the directions of people in authority.

• To avoid inappropriate physical contact.

• To behave appropriately at school.

• To avoid inappropriate public displays of affection. Inappropriate public displays of affection are those, which make others uncomfortable. For example, handholding may be an acceptable public display of affection in school. However, embracing and kissing are not acceptable public displays of affection in school.

• To avoid sexual harassment. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, sexually degrading works or gestures; verbal sexual abuse, obscene phone calls; offensive sexual graffiti, pictures or cartoons, subtle pressure for sexual activity; leering or staring; insulting remarks to a person about his or her gender or sexual orientation; demands for sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats; and unwanted touching, petting, pinching or brushing. The Sharon Springs School District policy on Sexual Harassment is included in this book.

• To show respect by your words and actions for racial, gender, sexual orientation and religious differences.

• You are expected to use appropriate language while at school and while on school property. Cursing and swearing are examples of inappropriate language.

Students are considered in an unauthorized area if they are in an area where there is not regularly assigned adult supervision. Outside of the building, including the parking lots, playing fields, as well as the atrium and auditorium are considered unauthorized areas. In addition, loitering during class time in the stairwells, gymnasium, bathrooms and locker rooms is also violation.

Any item that is potentially disruptive to the educational process or presents a safety concern will be confiscated and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. This includes the possession of wallet chains that are longer than twelve inches, electronic devices such as iPods, earbuds, and sunglasses. Other prohibited items include: skateboards, roller blades, boom boxes, beepers, laser pointers, snowmobiles, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, and water pistols.

Students should visit their lockers before homeroom, between 2^nd and 3^rd period, before eating lunch, between 7^th and 8^th period, and at the end of the day. Student padlocks are available through homeroom teachers for a deposit of $5.

Any locker that is experiencing mechanical problems should be reported to the main office immediately. Students are advised that the locker remains the property of the Sharon Springs Central School District and the district retains the right to search any locker that they believe may contain illegal or dangerous items.

1. Students should not leave money or valuables around school. The school cannot be held responsible.

2. Public display of affection: There is to be no physical contact with another student other than holding hands.

3. No guns, weapons or knives are allowed on school property.

4. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for all persons and property at Sharon Springs Central School.

5. There will be absolutely no drugs or alcoholic beverages brought on school property at any time.

6. There will be no smoking or possession of tobacco products by students anywhere on school property at any time. There will be no use of chewing tobacco or any other smokeless tobacco by students anywhere on school property at any time.

7. Improper language, such as swearing, abusive or foul language, will not be tolerated at school.

8. Gambling is not permitted on any property owned or leased by the school district.

9. Students are to move through the corridors in an orderly fashion. Students are not to push, run or shove.

10. Students are expected to follow all directives and requests made by all school adults. Hats are not to be worn in the building during the course of the school day.

11. Students are not expected to leave the school building or grounds without permission. This includes morning arrival by parent and/or bus.

12. Shirts or any articles of clothing with sayings or drawings on them that may be disruptive to the educational process are not permitted.

13. Students driving to school must have permission of the Principal and must obtain a parking permit from the main office. The permit must be displayed on the driver’s side, rear passenger window of the vehicle.

14. Fighting in school will not be tolerated.

15. Students are expected to leave school grounds after the dismissal of school unless they are under the direct supervision of a teacher and/or coach.

16. There will be no iPods, MP3 players, radios, hand-held games, or card trading, during the school day.

17. Students are expected to be on time for all classes.

18. Unless under the direct supervision of a teacher or similar permission is granted, no food or drink should be in the hallways.

19. No food or drink is permitted in the Auditorium at any time.

20. Students are not to use snowmobiles, 4-wheelers or any other mechanical recreational vehicle for transportation to school or any school related event including weekend and night time sporting events.

21. The Building Principal or designee must approve all posters and/or advertisements before they are hung up in the building.

22. There will be a $1 replacement fee for failure to return report card envelopes.

The following are general instructions for emergency situations.

• School officials and/or teachers will provide instructions for emergencies.

• Pupils are to proceed quietly, in single lines, keeping in order, and moving briskly without running. Pupils who are unable to follow the line or drill pattern should step aside and await assistance.

• Fire Emergency: Regardless of the time the alarm sounds, including after regular school hours, pupils must vacate the building. The signal to leave the building is a ringing bell.

• Students should be at least one hundred feet away from the building and fire hydrants.

• All driveways and parking lots must be kept clear to allow the passage of emergency vehicles.

• The signal for students and teachers to return to the building will be given by the Principal to designated personnel via radio. These personnel will signal others to reenter the building.

Work release requests will be considered for early work release or a late entry. Other applications will be considered only under special circumstances.

• A work release form must be obtained from your school counselor and completed—applies for seniors only. Other students with extenuating circumstances may seek permission from the Principal.

• When a student receives permission for work release from school for a specific employment opportunity, it is understood that the student will leave the building each day at the time approved on the application.

• Permission for release will be granted for no more than two instructional periods per day. The two periods may be at the start of the school day or at the end of the school day. All students must take the minimum full-time schedule of five subjects.

• Should a student cease to be employed, the student or the parent/guardian should notify the school.

• Release will continue only as long as school attendance, grades and conduct are acceptable. Should problems arise, a conference with the student, parent/guardian, and school counselor will be convened.

The Office and front desk phones are not for student use, unless authorized by the principal or his designee. Students will not be called from classes to the telephone except in family emergencies. Employers and parents are requested not to call the school asking that messages be given to students unless it is absolutely necessary.

Dances are a privilege and the same rules of conduct that apply for other school activities are in effect. It is the decision of the advisor and/or Principal to allow guests to be signed in to any dance. Students that wish to bring a guest to a dance must seek approval and then sign in the guest in the main office one week prior to the dance. A student takes full responsibility for their guest and their guest’s actions at all times.

Student use of any item that is potentially disruptive to the educational process or presents a safety concern will not be allowed in the Sharon Springs Central School Building. Such items will be confiscated and the student will be subject to disciplinary action. School rules prohibit the possession of electronic games, iPods, earbuds, headphones, speakers, laser lights, or any other electronic devices during the school day without authorization of the building administration.

While the District discourages any student from bringing these items to school, it is recommended that one who chooses to bring an electronic device should store the item in the “off” position, and locked in one’s locker for the entire day. The District is not responsible if these items are lost or stolen.

The Board of Education recognizes the seriousness of the dangers of laser lights and, therefore, prohibits them not only in school but also on school buses. Clearance will be given to the teaching staff for use of a wireless mouse that is equipped with a laser pointer. This device will be used in conjunction with the laptop computers and LCD projectors for delivery of classroom instruction.

In specific circumstances, approval may be given for:

1. The use of iPods, earbuds, and headphones on bus runs if approved by the bus driver in charge.

2. The use of iPods, earbuds, and headphones by special education students for educational purposes as stipulated in their IEP’s.

3. The use of cell phones during lunch and for parent contact after the school day regarding the estimated time of arrival when students are returning from away games or activities may be approved by the student’s supervisor/advisor/bus driver.