Bedford Road School

Code of Conduct

INTRODUCTION

The Pleasantville Union Free School District is committed to maintaining high standards of education for students in the schools. Because the District believes that order and discipline are essential to being educated effectively, the District is also committed to creating and maintaining high behavioral standards and expectations. An orderly educational environment requires that everyone in the school community play a role in contributing to an effective environment. It also requires the development and implementation of a code of discipline that clearly defines individual responsibilities, describes unacceptable behavior, and provides for appropriate disciplinary options and responses.

The District believes that order and discipline must be a shared responsibility between school, home and community. This Code of Conduct was developed in collaboration with student, teacher, administrator and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other Board-approved school personnel. Finally, it is our belief that, to be effective, such a code must:

identify, recognize and emphasize acceptable behavior;
identify, recognize and prevent unacceptable behavior;
promote self-discipline;
consider the welfare of the individual as well as that of the school community as a whole;
promote a close working relationship between parents/guardians and the school staff,
distinguish between minor and serious offenses, as well as between first time and repeated offenses;
provide disciplinary responses that are appropriate to the misbehavior;
outline procedures to ensure that it is administered in a way that is fair, firm, reasonable, and consistent;
encourage a high regard for every person’s right to reasonable hearing procedures and due process when accused of misconduct;
comply with the provisions of federal, state and local laws, as well as the guidelines and directives of the

A school’s primary concern in establishing a code of discipline is to enable our young people to become responsible, respectful and caring citizens within the school and community settings. The Board of Education is responsible for ensuring that essential regulations are established and adequate discipline is maintained in the operation of the schools to effectively promote safety, as well as the social and educational growth of the students. Administrative regulations are developed and enforced by the school administration and staff.

The parent/guardian is expected to assume primary responsibility for control of his or her child. The parent/guardian may be called upon to actively cooperate with the school in providing the necessary structure to promote his or her child’s social and educational growth. To this end, a high degree of parent-school communication will be fostered by the school.

Disciplinary measures available to the administration of each school building include conferences, detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension and administrative hearings with the designated hearing officer. Administrative hearings can result in out-of-school suspensions of more than five days and, in particularly serious cases, a student may be permanently suspended from school.

STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Pleasantville Union Free School District believes in the right of each child, between the ages of five and 21 years or until the child receives a high school diploma, whichever comes first, to receive a free and appropriate education. All student in this state between the ages of six and the school year through which he or she becomes 16 are required by law to regularly attend school, either in the public schools, non-public schools that are approved for equivalency of instruction by the appropriate school authorities, or in the home in accordance with the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

The right to a free public school education extends to all students, including those with disabilities. However, this right is not unconditional. As long as due process of law requirements are met, a student may be removed from the classroom, suspended temporarily or suspended permanently from school. Only students within the compulsory education ages (age six through the school year in which the student turns 16) are entitled to alternative, equivalent instruction following suspension.

RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

Education in a free society demands that students be aware of their rights and learn to exercise them responsibly. To this end, students have a right

to be provided with an education that is intellectually challenging and relevant to demands of the 21st century;
to learn in an environment free from interruption, harassment, discrimination, intimidation and fear;
to participate in district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation;
to be informed of all school rules;
to be guided by a discipline policy which is fairly and consistently implemented. In addition, students in this District are afforded the following rights:

In addition, students in this District are afforded the following rights:

Student Expression - Students shall be allowed the opportunity for the free expression of ideas consistent with rights established by the federal and state constitutions. However, a student’s freedom is subject to limitation in that the constitutional protections will not extend to libelous, slanderous, vulgar, lewd, indecent or obscene words or images or to words or images which by their very use incite others to damage property or physically injure persons. Furthermore, speech which materially and substantially disrupts the work and discipline of the school may be subject to limitation.
Symbolic Expression - Students, in light of constitutionally protected free speech rights, may wear political buttons, arm bands or badges of symbolic expression so long as the same conform to the limits set forth herein under “student expression”, “school sponsored publications” and “dress code”.
Student Activities - All pupils shall enjoy equal access to the extent of their capabilities for participation in the various extra-curricular and co-curricular activities sponsored by the School District. The privilege of participating in such activities shall be conditioned upon appropriate conduct as established by the student code of conduct and any rules promulgated specifically for participation in extra and/or co-curricular activities.
Student Government - Students are encouraged to participate in the various student governmental bodies, which have been or may be established in our schools. It shall be the duty of the student governmental body to establish reasonable standards for qualification of candidates to serve in offices of the government. Elections for student government shall be conducted in accordance with the principles of our democracy and elected student representatives shall work with the faculty, administration, and student body in identifying cooperatively those areas of appropriate student responsibility. All student governmental bodies shall have a faculty advisor and shall be organized pursuant to a specific written constitution which the students shall participate in formulating.
Student Clubs and Other Student Organizations - The District encourages students to participate in curriculum related extra-curricular activity clubs and/or organizations. To the extent that the District authorizes meetings of non-curriculum related clubs or organizations, the same shall be subject to the constitution of the student government and shall be conducted in accordance with any applicable federal or state law, as well as Board of Education policy or regulations.
Privacy Rights [Search, Seizure and Interrogation] - Students in attendance in our public schools are protected against illegal or unreasonable personal searches or seizures of their property by both the federal and state constitutions. In light of these protections, no student’s person or property shall be searched for illegal substances or materials unless the school authorities conducting the search have reasonable suspicion to do so. In addition, the board authorizes the superintendent, building principals, assistant principals, the school nurse and district security officials to conduct searches of students and their belongings if the authorized school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will result in evidence that the student violated the law or the district code of conduct. Lockers and desks assigned to students may be subject to inspection at any time by school officials since such places are not the property of the student, but rather are owned by the School District and shared with the student.
An authorized school official may conduct a search of a student’s belongings that is minimally intrusive, such as touching the outside of a book bag, without reasonable suspicion, so long as the school official has a legitimate reason for the very limited search.

Students are not entitled to any sort of “Miranda” type warning before being questioned by school officials, nor are school officials required to contact a student’s parent before questioning the student. However, school officials will tell all students why they are being questioned.
Pregnant Students - During pregnancy and the period of pregnancy related disability which follows childbirth, a student shall be entitled to home instruction, upon request. Pregnant students who desire to attend their regularly scheduled classes prior to the time of childbirth may do so to the extent that their physician approves of such attendance.
Student Safeguards -The District is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all district students have the right to: Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty and receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

Students attend school so that they may develop to their fullest potential. With this in mind, each student is expected:

to accept responsibility for his/her actions and the consequences of those actions;
to respect the rights of others, including his/her right to secure an education in an environment that is orderly and disciplined;
to attend school on a regular and punctual basis;
to complete class assignments and other school responsibilities by established deadlines;
to show evidence of appropriate progress toward meeting course and/or diploma requirements;
to respect school property, e.g. lockers, and help to keep it free from damage;
to obey school regulations and rules made by school authorities and by the student governing body;
to recognize that teachers and other school personnel assume the role of a surrogate parent in matters of behavior and discipline when at school, as well as during any school-sponsored activities;
to react to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner;
to contribute toward establishing and maintaining an atmosphere that generates mutual respect and dignity for all;
to become familiar with this code and seek interpretation of parts not understood;
to actively discourage inappropriate behavior of other students and report the incidents to the administration;
to work to develop mechanisms to control their anger;
to seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline;
to dress appropriately for school and school functions;
to conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS

A cooperative relationship between home and school is essential to each student’s successful development and achievements. To achieve this wholesome relationship, parents are urged:

to recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community;
to show an enthusiastic and supportive attitude toward education, school and personnel;
to build a good working relationship between themselves and their child;
to teach their child self-respect, respect for the law, respect for others and for public property;
to insist on prompt and regular attendance;
to listen to the views and observations of all parties concerned;
to recognize that teachers merit the same consideration and respect that parents expect from their child;
to insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code;
to send their children to school ready to participate and learn;
to help their children to understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment;
to know school rules and help their children understand them;
to build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends;
to inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance;
to insist that their child promptly bring home all communications from school;
to cooperate with the school in jointly resolving any school related problem;
to set realistic standards of behavior for their child and resolve to remain firm and consistent;
to help their child learn to deal effectively with negative peer pressure;
to provide a place conducive for study and completion of homework assignments;
to demonstrate desirable standards of behavior through personal example;
to foster a feeling of pride in their child for their school;
to provide support and positive reinforcement to their child. Parents should be aware that they are responsible for any financial obligations incurred by their child in school. This includes lost books, damage to property, etc.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

The Board encourages parents and other district citizens to visit the district’s schools. Since schools are a place of work and learning, however, certain limits must be set for such visits. The building principal or his or her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. Visitors are expected to comport themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the academic process and in accordance with the law and this Code of Conduct.

For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
All visitors to the school must report to the main office upon arrival at the school. There they will be required to sign the visitor’s register and will be issued a visitor’s identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must return the identification badge to the main office before leaving the building.
Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings are not required to register.
Visitors should not expect teachers to take class time to discuss individual matters.
Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or his or her designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.
All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in this code of conduct.
Students may not bring guests to school.

REPORTING CODE VIOLATIONS

All students are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal/assistant principal or his or her designee. Any student observing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substance on school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to a teacher, the building principal/assistant principal, the principal’s designee or the superintendent.

All district staff who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful manner. District staff who are not authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to their supervisor, who shall in turn impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction, if so authorized, or refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.

Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, if possible, followed by notification to the parent of the student involved and the appropriate disciplinary sanction if warranted, which may include permanent suspension and referral for prosecution.

The building principal or his or her designee must notify the local law enforcement agency of those code violations that constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of a school as soon as practical, but in no event later than the close of business the day the principal or his or her designee learns of the violation. The notification may be made by telephone, followed by a letter mailed on same day as the telephone call is made. The notification must identify the student and explain the conduct that violated the code of conduct and constituted a crime.

OFF-CAMPUS MISCONDUCT

A student may be subject to discipline for conduct constituting a crime which is committed off of school premises or at non-school sponsored activities to the extent that the Superintendent of Schools and/or Board of Education believes that the continued attendance in school of the student would constitute an endangerment to the health, safety, welfare or morals of the student and/or others in our schools.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other district personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting.

A student’s dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up and nails, shall:

Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
Recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), “muscle” shirts, and see-through garments are not appropriate. Dress standards in this section will be judged based on age appropriateness in grades K — 4.
Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
Not include the wearing of hats in the classroom, auditorium, and offices except for a medical or religious purpose. 8
Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, and libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.
Any dress or appearance which constitutes a threat or danger to the health and safety of students (e.g., heavy jewelry or jewelry with spikes which can injure the student or others is prohibited in school or at school functions.

Each building principal, assistant principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item and, if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE

The following prohibited use of District-owned computer drives, network facilities and Internet links may give rise to disciplinary action against users of such equipment and/or facilities:

E-mail originating from the school premises or received at the school premises that a student user creates that:
- is lewd, vulgar, obscene, indecent or inappropriate for student recipients of certain ages;
- conveys an imminent threat of violence, including sexual violence, to a specific individual or individuals;
- constitutes a state and/or federal crime;
- is the cause of or a substantial contributing factor to a substantial interference with the orderly functioning of the school(s);
- attributes the text of e-mail to school officials or that the text is school endorsed, unless there is such official endorsement or consent from school officials;
Internet use that circumvents access restrictions placed upon the District’s computer systems by the Board of Education or its administrative designee(s).
Computer and/or Internet use that is not school related or is unauthorized.
Permitting the use of a student’s computer access code by any other person and such student shall assume responsibility for occurrences in violation of this code of conduct that occurs under the student’s access code number.

Code for Responsible and Ethical Computer Use

I will only use computers and the Internet for purposes that are not harmful and are within the law.
I understand that the school district has the right to monitor all computer, network and Internet use that takes place on its systems. Network administrators can review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are utilizing the system responsibly.
I understand that all district Internet access is filtered.
I understand that everything on the Internet is considered to be copyrighted material whether or not it is stated or not. Therefore, I will not violate copyright laws by plagiarizing.
I will respect copyright laws and not make any unauthorized copies of software found on school computers and networks, either by copying them onto my own diskettes or onto other computers through electronic mail or bulletin boards.
I will only use the Internet for educational purposes. Use of the Internet for personal, political or private use is prohibited.
I understand that students do not have e-mail privileges unless given to them for a specific time and purpose for a teacher-directed project.
I am responsible for good behavior on the school network and the Internet just as I am responsible in a classroom or school hallway.
I understand that access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.
I agree to use my network account for my own work and to keep my password confidential.
I agree not to download any programs from the Internet without permission.
I agree not to reveal my name, home address or phone number, or those of others over the Internet.
I understand that hate mail, harassment, profanity, obscenity, discriminatory remarks and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the network and can be prosecuted by law.
It is my responsibility to notify an adult immediately if by accident I encounter inappropriate materials that our filtering or blocking software did not catch.
I will respect the privacy of others. I will not try to gain access to another person’s password or information unless I have the owner’s permission.
I will respect the property of others. No use of the network shall disrupt the use of the network by others; hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified, damaged, or abused in any way. Such vandalism is considered a crime under state and federal law.
I understand that malicious use of the network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computing system (viruses) is prohibited.
I understand that the district has the right to discipline and set forth consequences for violation of this code of responsible and ethical computer use. Violations may result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Cyber Bullying

“Cyber Bullying” is the act of tormenting, threatening, harassing, humiliating, embarrassing or otherwise targeting a student by another student using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies and/or mobile phones.

The District reserves the right to discipline the student for actions taken off-campus if they are intended to have an effect on a student or they adversely affect the safety and well-being of student while in school.

SUSPENSION FROM EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

If a student is suspended from school pursuant to 3214 of the Education Law, s/he shall not be permitted to participate in any extra-curricular or co-curricular activities, as well as attend any other school events or activities which take place on the days of suspension (including intervening weekends).

STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Participation in athletic and other school-related activities, including dances, proms, graduation, spectator events, etc. is a privilege that is granted to a student in good standing. The school has the right to suspend a student’s participation in activities, when any serious behavior infraction occurs.

A student may be suspended from participating in extra-curricular or co-curricular activities (including a sports team) for an infraction of any of the provisions herein, for violating a code of conduct issued to participants in the activity by the activity supervisor or for fighting at games. Upon the request of the student’s parent/guardian, the Building Principal shall allow the parent/guardian or other representative of the student the right to appear before him/her informally, to discuss the conduct which led to suspension from the activity.

In addition, while it is not the District’s responsibility to investigate illegal activities outside of the school, students involved in school teams, the play and/or are in leadership roles will be held accountable for illegal activities outside of school such as drug abuse or other violations that are self-reported or provided by the police.

PROHIBITED STUDENT CONDUCT

The board of education expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.

The board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct.

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students view as fair and impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline.

Disciplinary action, when necessary, will be firm, fair and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The following shall constitute appropriate disciplinary measures authorized by this Student Code of Conduct:

Warnings (oral or written).
Detention.
Saturday detention
School Support Day
In-school suspension.
Suspension from co-curricular and/or extra curricular activities
Suspension from school for up to five (5) school days.
Suspension from school in excess of five (5) days.
Suspension from school for at least one (1) year for possession of a weapon pursuant to the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 (subject to the right of the Superintendent to modify such penalty) or, in the case of a student with a disability whose possession of a weapon is determined not to be related to his/her disability, placement in an interim alternative educational setting for a period of up to forty-five (45) days.
Placement in an interim alternative educational setting for a period of up to forty-five (45) days, in the case of a student with a disability whose knowing possession or use of illegal drugs, or sale or solicitation of the sale of a controlled substance at a school or a school function is determined not to be related to his/her disability.
Permanent suspension (Expulsion).

Infractions with Penalty References

Disturbances which disrupt instruction. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Repeatedly disruptive and/or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority in class, giving rise to removal on four or more occasions per semester (6, 7, 8)
Bullying involving physical and/or verbal (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Teasing (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Abusive language and/or indecent gestures directed at staff, students or visitors on school grounds or at school functions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Carelessness in failing to follow school rules and staff directions. (1, 2)
Dress or grooming which is inappropriate as described in this code (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Possession or dissemination of obscene materials (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Smoking or other tobacco use on campus or at school functions (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Cheating in any academic, extra-curricular or co-curricular activity. (0 issued for work, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Abusive and/or indecent language and/or gestures directed at school employees or students on school grounds or at school functions which provoke a fight (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
Willful failure to obey the reasonable directives of school staff (insubordination), including directives not to engage in conduct otherwise referenced as an infraction in this code and for failing to notify a parent of assignment to detention (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Fighting between students where no dangerous instruments are involved and no person is injured in the altercation (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Fighting between students where harm is caused to one or more of the combatants (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
A fight involving the use or threatened use of a dangerous or deadly weapon (6, 7, 8, 9, 11)
Any violent act against a teacher or other staff member, as described in this code (8, 11)
Any violent act against another student or person in the schools or at a school function, as described in this code (8, 11)
Possession of dangerous or deadly weapons on school property (9, 11)
Possession of a knife (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Possession of a toy weapon (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Possession of illegal drugs, dangerous drugs including prescription drugs, counterfeit drugs or alcohol, or a substance which the individual believes or represents to be such drugs or alcohol, at school or at school functions (6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
Use of illegal drugs, dangerous drugs including prescription drugs, counterfeit drugs or alcohol, or a substance which the individual believes or represents to be such drugs or alcohol, at school or while attending school functions (6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
Sale or other distribution of illegal drugs, dangerous drugs including prescription drugs, alcohol or counterfeit drugs, or a substance which the individual believes or represents to be such drugs or alcohol, at school or while at school functions (8, 10, 11)
Possession of fireworks on school property or at school functions (6, 7, 8)
Use of fireworks while on school property or at school functions (6, 7, 8, 9, 11)
Commission of conduct which constitutes a misdemeanor while on school property or at a school function (6, 7, 8)
Commission of conduct which constitutes a felony while on school property or at a school function (6, 7, 8, 11)
Gambling (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Hazing (6, 7, 8)
Lewd behavior (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Extortion (6, 7, 8, 11)
Plagiarism — copying verbatim from any source without proper documentation (0 issued for work, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Arson (6, 7, 8, 11)
Intentional destruction of school property (payment for damage, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Theft of school property (payment for loss, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Mental or physical condition which endangers the health, safety and/or welfare of the student or others (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11)
Use of cellular phones, portable music devices and/or other electronic devices (Confiscation, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- BRS — All devices are not permitted in school
- Middle School — Cellular phones cannot be used in school; portable music devices and/or other electronic devices can only be used during lunch
- High School — All devices cannot be used during classes, emergencies, or meetings/assemblies.
Violation of computer use policy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,7, 8, Suspension of Computer Privileges)
Class, study hall, homeroom, teacher detention, Homework Club or extra help sessions, administrative detention, Saturday detention cuts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Eating or drinking outside of lunch periods without approval or where prohibited (1, 2)
Driving recklessly, speeding, failing to follow school crossing guard’s directives on school grounds (Suspension of driving privileges, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Activation of a false alarm, bomb threat or other disaster alarm (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Forgery or fraud (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Harassment (sexual, racial, etc.) (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)
Intimidation or coercion (3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11)
Leaving campus without authorization (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Parking in unauthorized areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, removal of parking privileges)
Public displays of affection beyond hand holding (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Tardiness to class/school (1, 2, 3)
Unauthorized absence from school (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Theft of personal property (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Trespassing while suspended from school (8, report to police)
Possession or use of incendiary devices (matches, lighters, etc.), light or laser pointers, and/or laptops or other internet enabled electronic devices (confiscation, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Gross insubordination, failure repeatedly to follow school rules (6, 7, 8, 11)
Cyber Bullying (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

THE REPEATING OF AN INFRACTION MAY LEAD TO THE IMPOSITION OF THE NEXT MEASURE OF DISCIPLINE.

CHRONIC REPEATING OF INFRACTIONS MAY LEAD TO LONG-TERM SUSPENSION OR PERMANENT SUSPENSION (EXPULSION).

PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

The Board of Education recognizes that the primary purpose of the School District is toprovide a superior atmosphere for learning and education. Any action by an individual or group(s) aimed at disrupting, interfering with or delaying the education process or having such effect, is prohibited. The Board also recognizes its responsibility to protect school property and declares its intent to take any and all legal action to prevent its damage or destruction. The Board will also seek restitution from, and prosecution of, any person or persons who willfully damage school property.

These rules govern the conduct of students, parents, faculty and other staff, other visitors, licensees, invitees, and all other persons, whether or not their presence is authorized, upon district property, and also upon or with respect to any other premises or property (including school buses) under the control of the District and used in its instructional programs, administrative, cultural, recreational, athletic, and other programs and activities, whether or not conducted on school premises.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

No person, either singly or in concert with others, shall:

willfully cause physical injury to any other person, or threaten to do so, for the purpose of compelling or inducing such other person to refrain from any act which s/he has a lawful right to do, or to do any act which s/he has a lawful right not to do;
intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability;
physically restrain or detain any other person, or remove such person from any place where s/he is authorized to remain;
willfully damage or destroy property of the District or under its jurisdiction, or remove or use such property without authorization;
without permission, expressed or implied, enter into any private office of an administrative officer, member of the faculty or staff member;
enter upon and remain in any building or facility for any purpose other than its authorized uses or in such manner as to obstruct its authorized use by others;
without authorization, remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed;
refuse to leave any building or facility after being required to do so by an authorized administrative officer, member of the faculty or staff member, or member of the Board of Education;
obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply;
deliberately disrupt or prevent the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures and meetings or deliberately interfere with the freedom of any person to express his/her views, including invited speakers;
knowingly have in his/her possession upon any premises to which these rules apply, any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, or other firearm or weapon without written authorization of the chief administrative officer, whether or not licensed to possess the same has been issued to such person; and/or
willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.
distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.
violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles;
possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
loiter on or about school property.
gamble on school property or at school functions.
refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.
willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.

PENALTIES AND PROCEDURES

A person who shall violate any of the provisions of these rules shall be subject to the following penalties and procedures:

If a licensee or invitee, his/her authorization to remain upon the grounds or other property shall be withdrawn and s/he shall be directed to leave the premises. In the event of failure to do so, s/he shall be subject to ejection.
If trespasser or visitor without specific license or invitation, s/he shall be subject to ejection and/or arrest.
If s/he is a student, s/he shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts of the case may warrant, as prescribed by 3214 of the Education Law and the Student Code of Conduct.
If a faculty member, s/he shall be subject to disciplinary action as prescribed by and in accordance with procedures of the Education Law and the collectively negotiated agreement.
If a staff member in the classified service of the civil service, described in 75 of the Civil Service Law, s/he shall be guilty of misconduct and subject to the penalties and procedures prescribed in said section and be subject to ejection.
If a staff member other than one described above, s/he shall be subject to discipline in accordance with law and any applicable collectively negotiated agreement.