Honor Code
Honor Code
Adhering to the Honor Code means that scholars will act truthfully, with high moral character, both in school and out in the world. Scholars engaging in, or choosing not to inform school staff of, behavior that violates our Code of Conduct will receive consequences, including but not limited to community service, letters of reprimand, suspension, and expulsion.
When we receive reports of scholars cursing and yelling on subways or buses, blocking sidewalks, or jumping over subway turnstiles, they will receive consequences as well, as it harms the reputation of all our scholars. Please take time to discuss this with your scholar.
Code of Conduct
Scholars must adhere to the Code of Conduct in and out of school and on the internet. This list of infractions and consequences is not exhaustive; School leaders can supplement the Code of Conduct with additional rules as appropriate.
Disciplinary Actions
Letters of Reprimand
Scholars will receive a Letter of Reprimand for certain first-time violations of the Code of Conduct, including disrespectful conduct (verbal or physical), improper use of scholar technology, or social media and disrespecting educational authority. Repeat incidents will result in further consequences, such as a suspension.
Academic Dishonesty
Scholars who engage in academic dishonesty will receive a Letter of Reprimand and a zero on the corresponding assignment/exam. Scholars who engage in more than three instances of academic dishonesty may be suspended. In addition, receiving a Letter of Reprimand could affect scholars’ participation grades.
Suspensions
Based on the severity and frequency of the conduct, a scholar who violates the Code of Conduct may be suspended from school for one or more days. A short-term suspension refers to the removal of a scholar from the school for disciplinary reasons for a period of five days or fewer. A long-term suspension refers to the removal of a scholar for disciplinary reasons for a period of more than five days.
If your child is suspended, you will receive a letter within 24 hours of the school’s determination of the length of the suspension. You may make arrangements with the school for alternate instruction for your child during their suspension. Parents are required to meet with the school’s leadership on the first day a suspended scholar returns to school. These meetings are the most important part of any suspension; these restorative conversations involve resetting. See our long-term suspension policies here.
Expulsion
Scholars who reach 10 suspension incidents within a school year may be subject to expulsion. Further, any scholar who commits a serious violation of the Code of Conduct may be expelled regardless of the number of suspension incidents.
Examples that may warrant an expulsion include but are not limited to physical or sexual assault, bullying, engaging in criminal or illegal activity, illegally using, possessing, or selling weapons, alcohol, or drugs, major integrity violations, threatening or attempting any behavior that could warrant an expulsions, or Level 3 and Level 4 infractions.
Parent/Guardian Attendance at School with Scholars
Parents and guardians will not be required to remain with their scholar in order for their scholar to attend school due solely to alleged disciplinary issues or to a manifestation of the scholar’s disability. In exceptional circumstances, where it is necessary to prevent serious risk of harm, a parent may be required to remain with their scholar only so long as necessary to address that safety concern.