Code of Conduct

The District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under federal and state law and District policy. The District’s aim is to provide an environment in which a student’s rights and freedoms are respected, and to provide opportunities which stimulate and challenge the student’s interests and abilities to his /her highest potential. These opportunities will be available as long as the student pursues these interests and studies in an appropriate manner, and does not infringe upon the rights of others.

It shall be the right of each District student:

• To have a safe, healthy, orderly, and courteous school environment;
• To take part in all District activities on an equal basis regardless of race, weight, color, creed, religion, religious practice, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, ethnic group, political affiliation, age, marital status or disability or other protected characteristics;
• To participate and stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (students who decide not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance must remain either seated or standing quietly, not making any display that distracts or disrupts others who are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance);
• To attend school and participate in school programs unless suspended from instruction and participation for legally sufficient cause as determined in accordance with due process of law;
• To have school rules and conditions available for review and, whenever necessary, explanation by school personnel;
• To be suspended from instruction only after his or her rights pursuant to Education Law Section 3214 have been observed; and;
• In all disciplinary matters, to have the opportunity to present his/her version of the facts and circumstances leading to imposition of disciplinary sanctions to the professional staff member imposing such sanction;
• To express his/her opinions verbally as long as his/her expression does not interfere with the rights of others or disrupt normal school operation;
• To be protected from intimidation, harassment or discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion or religious practice, sex, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics by employees or students on school property or at a school sponsored event, function or activity.

It shall be the responsibility of each District student:

• To be familiar with and abide by all District policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to student conduct;
• To work to the best of his/her ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest level of achievement possible;
• To conduct himself/herself, when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events, as a representative of the District and as such hold himself/herself to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship;
• To seek help to develop mechanisms to control anger and to solve problems that might lead to conduct referral;
• To be in regular attendance at school and in class unless legally excused;
• To arrive at school and class, on time, and prepared to learn;
• To contribute to the maintenance of an environment that is conducive to learning and to show due respect to other persons and property;
• To dress in accordance with standards as identified by the Board and the superintendent in the code of conduct;
• To make constructive contributions to the school and to report fairly on circumstances of school related issues;
• To react to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner;
• To accept responsibility for his/her actions;
• To respect one another and treat others fairly in accordance with the District Code of Conduct and the Provisions of the Dignity Act;
• To conduct themselves in a manner that fosters an environment that is free from intimidation, harassment, or discrimination;
• To report and encourage others, to report any incidents of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.