Student Rights

• Equal participation in district activities without discrimination.
• Be treated with dignity and respect by peers and staff.
• Respectful expression of opinions (spoken or written).
• Present your side of events before consequences.
• Access to and explanations of school policies and rules.
• Clear expectations for coursework, grading, deadlines, and behavior.

Student Responsibilities

• Help keep school safe, supportive, and orderly; respect people and property.
• Work to keep school free of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and violence.
• Follow district policies; attend daily, on time, prepared to learn.
• Do your best in academics and activities; accept feedback and directions respectfully.
• Use polite language/body language; listen actively; be honest during investigations.
• Manage emotions, resolve conflicts, seek help, ask questions, and take responsibility.
• Dress appropriately for school; represent VS30 with good sportsmanship.

The Code sets behavior expectations and guides restorative responses to incidents so students learn positive behaviors and succeed academically. Parents are encouraged to support and participate.

Parents/Guardians

• Send children ready to learn; ensure regular, on-time attendance and excused absences.
• Support dress code; reinforce the need for rules in a safe, orderly environment.
• Know school rules and help children follow them; build constructive relationships.
• Communicate concerns respectfully; inform school of home changes affecting school.
• Provide a place for study; ensure homework completion; be courteous on premises.

Dignity Act Coordinator(s)

• Lead bullying-prevention committees; provide resources and training.
• Monitor and report policy effectiveness; investigate harassment/safety concerns.

• Be clean, safe, and appropriate for learning; do not disrupt instruction or harm people/property.
• Extremely brief or see-through garments are not appropriate; underwear must be covered.
• Footwear required at all times; unsafe footwear is not allowed.
• Face coverings only for medical or religious reasons; hoods not allowed during instructional hours.
• No vulgar/obscene/discriminatory images or language; no promotion of drugs, alcohol, or illegal activity.

A. Disorderly Conduct

• Unsafe hallway behavior; unreasonable noise; profane/abusive language or gestures.
• Blocking traffic; willful disruption; trespassing; misuse of technology per AUP.

B. Insubordinate Conduct

• Failure to follow reasonable directions; lateness, cutting class, leaving without permission; skipping detention.

C. Disruptive Conduct

• Behavior that prevents others from learning; misuse of personal electronic devices contrary to policy (with noted service/mandate exceptions).

D. Violent Conduct

• Acts of violence against anyone on school property/functions.
• Possessing, displaying, or threatening with a weapon (except authorized law enforcement).
• Intentional damage to property (including graffiti or arson).

E. Conduct Endangering Health/Safety

• Attempts at violence; reckless conduct risking injury; theft/attempted theft.
• Defamation; discrimination; harassment/bullying; intimidation; hazing.
• Obscene materials; vulgar language; tobacco/vape/cannabis use; alcohol/illegal substances; misuse of medications.
• Gambling; indecent exposure; false alarms/misuse of 911/fire equipment; knowingly false statements.
• Bus behavior must meet classroom standards (no excessive noise/altercations).

G. Academic Misbehavior

• Plagiarism, cheating, copying, altering records, or assisting others in these acts.

H. Off-Campus Misbehavior

• Off-campus behavior (including cyberbullying) that substantially disrupts school.

• Students should report violations (including weapons, alcohol, illegal substances) immediately to staff.
• Students must not lie during disciplinary processes.
• Staff act promptly, fairly, and lawfully; prohibited items are confiscated and parents notified.
• When appropriate, law enforcement is notified by the Principal/designee.

Discipline is a teachable moment. Restorative practices (conflict resolution, restitution, facilitated conversations) help students:

• Understand harm and why behavior was unacceptable; consider better choices.
• Take responsibility; repair harm; learn pro-social strategies.
• Understand that repeated behavior may lead to more serious consequences.

Restorative participation is voluntary; students may opt for traditional procedures if they do not accept responsibility.

If a student is removed/suspended, the district acts immediately to provide alternative instruction and support continued academic progress and re-entry.

VS30 uses conflict-resolution/restorative approaches when appropriate and follows IDEA and NY Education Law Article 89 protections. Students presumed to have a disability may also have protections.

Authority to Remove/Suspend

• Board/District Superintendent/Principal: IAES up to 5 consecutive school days.
• Superintendent: IAES/other setting/suspension up to 10 consecutive days; additional 10-day suspensions for separate incidents if not a change of placement.

• Age-appropriate plain-language summary provided to students and parents at the start of each school year.
• Full Code posted on the district website; copies provided to staff and new hires.
• Copies available for community review upon request.

• All visitors schedule in advance, enter through the single point of entry, present ID, sign in, and wear a visitor badge; return badge when leaving.
• Public, after-hours functions do not require sign-in.
• Observations must be arranged with teacher(s) and Principal; teachers cannot hold conferences during class.
• Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave; police may be called if needed.
• Visitors must follow public conduct expectations contained in this Code.

Prohibited Conduct (for all persons)

• Injuring or threatening others; damaging property; disrupting classes/programs.
• Obscene/libelous/disruptive materials; intimidation/harassment/discrimination.
• Unauthorized entry or remaining after hours; obstructing movement; traffic/parking violations.
• Alcohol/controlled/illegal substances (including synthetic versions) or being under the influence; tobacco/vape/cannabis (unless lawful medical use).
• Weapons (except law enforcement or specific authorization); gambling; loitering; refusal to follow reasonable directives; inciting prohibited acts; violations of law or Board policy.

Consequences

• Visitors: authorization withdrawn; may be ejected if refusing to leave.
• Students: disciplinary action per due process.
• Tenured faculty: discipline per Education Law §3020-a.
• Civil service staff: ejection and discipline per Civil Service Law §75.
• Other staff: warning, reprimand, suspension, or dismissal consistent with legal rights.

Enforcement

Principal/designee enforces this section and may involve law enforcement when necessary.