Our district is committed to protecting every child’s rights and supporting a safe, respectful, and fair school environment.

STUDENT RIGHTS
Children in our schools have the right to:

• Participate in all activities equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other differences.
• Be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity by staff and other students.
• Share their opinions respectfully, in writing or verbally.
• Present their side of events to school staff if there is a concern or consequence.
• Access school rules, policies, and expectations, and ask for clarification when needed.
• Understand what is expected academically and behaviorally, including course goals, grading, assignments, and classroom rules.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Children are expected to:

• Help maintain a safe, supportive, and orderly school environment.
• Treat others and school property with respect.
• Contribute to a school free from violence, bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
• Know and follow school rules and policies.
• Attend school regularly, be on time, and come prepared to learn.
• Do their best academically and in extracurricular activities.
• Follow directions from staff respectfully.
• Communicate politely, listen actively, and respect personal space.
• Be honest when discussing behavior concerns.
• Work on managing emotions, solving problems, and resolving conflicts.
• Ask questions if they do not understand.
• Dress appropriately for school and events.
• Take responsibility for their actions.
• Represent the district positively at school and extracurricular events, showing good conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly encouraged to click to view the full policy for all details and explanations.

5300.15 Student Right and Responsibilities

Education is a partnership. Children succeed when families, school staff, and the community work together. Here’s what each group is expected to do.

PARENTS

• Support your child’s learning by encouraging attendance, readiness, and participation.
• Know school rules and help your child follow them.
• Communicate with teachers and school staff about your child’s needs, health, or changes at home.
• Encourage respect for others, regardless of differences in race, religion, gender, disability, or other characteristics.
• Provide a place to study and support completion of homework.
• Dress children according to school guidelines.

TEACHERS

• Prepare and deliver lessons with care and fairness.
• Communicate objectives, assignments, grading, and behavior expectations clearly.
• Treat all students with respect and confront discrimination or harassment.
• Work with parents, students, and colleagues to support learning and address concerns.

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

• Help children manage peer pressure, social, and emotional challenges.
• Hold conferences with students, parents, and teachers as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and provide guidance for academic and personal growth.
• Address issues of discrimination or harassment and report concerns promptly.

BUILDING ADMINISTRATORS

• Ensure a safe, orderly, and supportive school environment.
• Support teaching, extracurricular activities, and student growth.
• Enforce the Code of Conduct fairly and promptly.
• Address issues of discrimination or harassment and investigate concerns.

SUPERINTENDENT AND DISTRICT STAFF

• Promote a safe and effective learning environment across the district.
• Support administrators and teachers in enforcing the Code of Conduct.
• Ensure fairness, respect, and dignity for all students and staff.
• Confront discrimination or harassment and provide guidance for resolving conflicts.

ALL DISTRICT STAFF

• Model appropriate behavior and dress.
• Know and uphold school policies and expectations.
• Maintain a respectful, safe, and fair environment for all students.
• Address and report harassment, discrimination, or unsafe situations promptly.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

• Promote safe, respectful, and orderly schools.
• Lead by example in fairness, ethics, and professionalism.
• Review and adopt the Code of Conduct annually and provide resources to support student learning.

DIGNITY ACT COORDINATOR(S)

• Oversee bullying prevention and ensure all students are treated with dignity.
• Support staff with training and resources to promote civility and safety.
• Monitor the effectiveness of bullying prevention policies and respond to harassment or unsafe situations.

This summary is meant as a quick guide. Families are strongly encouraged to click to view the full policy for complete details and procedures.

Essential Partners

Students are expected to dress in a way that is safe, clean, and appropriate for school and school activities. Families and students share the responsibility for following the dress code, while teachers and staff help reinforce it and guide students on appropriate school attire.

KEY EXPECTATIONS

• Clothing should be safe and not disrupt learning.
• Extremely brief, revealing, or see-through clothing is not allowed. Shirts and pants/skirts must meet; underwear must be covered.
• Footwear must be worn at all times. Unsafe shoes are not allowed.
• Hats may only be worn in class for medical or religious reasons.
• Clothing should not include vulgar, offensive, or disrespectful messages, or target anyone based on race, gender, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics.
• Clothing should not promote alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, or violence.

ENFORCEMENT

• Principals will inform students and families about the dress code at the start of the year and of any changes during the year.
• Students who violate the dress code will be asked to change, cover, or remove inappropriate items.
• Refusal to comply may result in discipline, including in-school suspension. Repeated violations can lead to further consequences, up to out-of-school suspension.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly encouraged to click to view the full policy for all details and procedures.

Student Dress Code

Our schools are communities built on respect, safety, and fairness. All children are expected to behave appropriately, respect others, and take responsibility for their actions. Discipline is used to teach, not punish, and suspension is only used when necessary to keep everyone safe or when other measures have not worked.

DISORDERLY OR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Students must not:

• Run, make excessive noise, or disrupt classes or hallways.

• Use offensive language or gestures.

• Trespass in areas without permission.

• Misuse computers or electronic devices.

• Ignore instructions from staff or leave school without permission.

Violence and Endangering Others
Students must not:

• Hit, kick, punch, or threaten others.

• Possess or display weapons.

• Damage school or personal property.

• Engage in behavior that creates physical or emotional danger to others.

BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND DISCRIMINATION
Students must not:

• Bully, harass, intimidate, or discriminate against anyone based on race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

• Engage in verbal, physical, or social/relational bullying.

• Participate in hazing or intimidation.

SUBSTANCE USE AND OTHER UNSAFE ACTIVITIES
Students must not:

• Use, possess, sell, or distribute alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs inappropriately.

• Gamble or engage in indecent exposure.

• Make false emergency reports.

• Participate in gang-related behavior.

ACADEMIC MISBEHAVIOR
Students must not:

• Cheat, plagiarize, copy, alter records, or help others do so.

BUS AND OFF-CAMPUS CONDUCT
Students must behave safely and respectfully on buses and off campus in ways that do not disrupt school or threaten others. This includes cyberbullying, threatening, harassing, or posting inappropriate content online.

The goal is for students to learn self-discipline, take responsibility for their actions, and respect the rights and safety of others. Families are strongly encouraged to click to read the full policy for detailed rules and consequences.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly encouraged to click to view the full policy for all details and procedures.

Prohibited Student Conduct

Our schools aim to be communities free of violence, bullying, harassment, and discrimination. All children are expected to report any violations of the Code of Conduct promptly to a teacher, counselor, principal, or another trusted staff member. If a student sees someone with a weapon, alcohol, or illegal substance, they must report it immediately.

• Students must not make false reports or provide false information during any disciplinary process.
• Staff who witness or receive reports of violations are required to investigate and, when authorized, apply appropriate disciplinary measures in a fair and timely manner. Staff who are not authorized to discipline must promptly report the incident to their supervisor.
• Parents and visitors are also expected to report any violations they witness.

Weapons, alcohol, or illegal substances will be confiscated immediately when possible, and parents will be notified. Serious incidents may lead to suspension, referral for prosecution, and notification to law enforcement. The Principal or designee must inform law enforcement for any violations that are crimes affecting school safety.

All incidents of discrimination or harassment must be reported as soon as possible so they can be investigated and addressed. Families and students should document incidents with as much detail as possible, including dates, times, locations, witnesses, and responses. If an investigation confirms a violation, the district will take corrective action, including possible disciplinary measures, following policy, contracts, and state law.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Reporting Violations

Our approach to discipline focuses on learning, not just punishment. Misbehavior is treated as a “teachable moment” with the goal of helping students develop safe, respectful, and responsible behavior. The district encourages restorative justice practices, such as conflict resolution, restitution to those harmed, and classroom, community, or re-entry circles, wherever appropriate. These practices aim to hold students accountable while teaching them how to make better choices in the future. Participation in restorative practices is voluntary, and parents or students over 18 may choose the traditional disciplinary process instead.

Consequences for misbehavior may include:

• verbal warnings
• written warnings
• parent notifications
• detentions
• loss of privileges
• suspensions from activities
• in-school suspensions
• removal from class
• out-of-school suspensions

In severe cases, students may face long-term or permanent suspension, particularly if they pose a threat to themselves or others or bring weapons to school. Discipline is applied progressively, considering the student’s age, prior record, the severity of the behavior, and circumstances surrounding the incident.

Students with disabilities will not be disciplined for behavior related to their disability unless consistent with their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). All disciplinary actions balance maintaining a safe and orderly school with ensuring students continue learning.

Restorative and remedial measures, such as counseling, behavioral support, peer groups, and parent conferences, are used to guide students toward positive behavior and prevent recurrence of misbehavior. In addition, serious violations may lead to referrals to Family Court, law enforcement, or juvenile justice authorities, depending on the student’s age and the nature of the offense.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Disciplinary Penalties Procedures & Referrals

When a student is removed from class by a teacher or suspended from school, the district ensures that the student continues to have access to learning. Alternative means of instruction are provided immediately so that the student can keep up with their studies while addressing behavior concerns. This helps students stay engaged academically even during disciplinary measures.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Alternative Instruction

The district may need to suspend, remove, or otherwise discipline students with disabilities, but students with disabilities have extra protections under federal and state law. These rules ensure that any disciplinary action is fair and considers the student’s disability.

Students may be temporarily removed from their current placement if staying there could lead to harm to themselves or others. For serious behaviors involving weapons, illegal drugs, or causing serious bodily injury, students may be placed in a temporary alternative educational setting (IAES) for up to 45 school days.

Before taking disciplinary action that changes a student’s placement, a manifestation review is conducted to determine if the behavior is related to the student’s disability. If it is, the district will take steps to address the behavior through a behavioral intervention plan rather than traditional disciplinary measures, except in cases involving weapons, drugs, or serious injury.

Students with disabilities continue to receive educational services during any suspension or removal, including access to the general curriculum, support services, and behavioral interventions. Parents are notified and can participate in hearings or request expedited due process to ensure the student’s rights are protected.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

The district strictly prohibits any form of corporal punishment. This means no staff member may use physical force on a student as a form of punishment.

Physical force may only be used in very limited circumstances:

1. To protect oneself, another student, or any person from physical harm.

2. To protect school property or the property of others.

3. To safely restrain or remove a student whose behavior is seriously disrupting school operations, if the student refuses to stop.

Any use of physical force must be reported to the Commissioner of Education as required by state regulations.

Corporal Punishment

STUDENT QUESTIONING

• School officials may question students about alleged violations of law or the district code of conduct.
• Students do not have to be given a Miranda-type warning or have a parent contacted before questioning.
• Students will always be told why they are being questioned.

SEARCHES BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS

• Authorized officials (Superintendent, Principals, Assistant Principals, and school nurse) may search students or their belongings if there is reasonable suspicion that the student violated the law or the district code of conduct.
• Minimal searches, like touching the outside of a backpack, may be conducted without reasonable suspicion if there is a legitimate reason.
• Information from reliable informants can justify a search. Reliable informants include credible individuals or district employees who have not previously given false information.
• Officials should try to get a voluntary admission or consent before conducting a search.
• Searches will be limited to what is necessary and, when possible, conducted in private with the student present.

STUDENT LOCKERS AND STORAGE

• Students have no expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, or other school storage. Officials can search these at any time without notice or consent.

DOCUMENTATION

• Officials must record detailed information about each search, including the student’s name, reason for the search, type of search, items found, and parental notification.
• Dangerous or illegal items must be labeled, secured, and turned over to police by school officials.

Police Involvement:

• Police may question or search students at school only if they have a warrant, probable cause, or are invited by school officials.
• Parents should be notified before police questioning, and school staff will be present during any police interview.
• Students maintain the same legal rights as outside of school, including the right to remain silent and to have an attorney.

CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS) INVESTIGATIONS

• CPS may interview students on school property regarding suspected abuse, neglect, or custody issues.
• The Principal schedules interviews and decides if a school official should be present.
• If clothing removal is necessary to verify allegations, a nurse or medical professional must be present.
• CPS can remove a student without a court order only if there is immediate danger of abuse.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures. 

Student Searches and Interrogations

The Board supports visits by parents and community members but recognizes that schools are workplaces and classrooms require minimal disruption. The Principal or designee is responsible for all visitors.

KEY RULES:

1. Anyone who is not a staff member or student is considered a visitor.
2. All visitors must report to the Principal’s office, sign in, and wear a visitor badge at all times. The badge must be returned before leaving.
3. Public events open to the community (PTA meetings, public gatherings) do not require registration.
4. Classroom observations during school hours require prior arrangement and approval from the Principal and teacher to avoid disruption.
5. Teachers should not use instructional time to discuss personal matters with visitors.
6. Unauthorized persons will be reported to the Principal or designee, asked to leave, and police may be called if necessary.
7. Visitors must follow the school’s code of conduct for public behavior.

This policy balances openness with safety and order, ensuring visitors can engage without interfering with learning or school operations.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Visitors to the schools

The district seeks to maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly environment conducive to learning. This applies to all persons on school property or attending school functions, including students, staff, and visitors. Free speech is respected, but conduct that disrupts the school or infringes on the rights of others is prohibited.

EXPECTATIONS: Everyone must act respectfully, orderly, and be properly attired for the school setting.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT

No one may:

• Injure or threaten others.
• Damage school or personal property.
• Use profanity to communicate.
• Disrupt classes or school programs.
• Display or distribute obscene, illegal, or disruptive materials.
• Intimidate, harass, or discriminate against anyone.
• Enter unauthorized areas or remain in buildings after hours.
• Block free movement or violate traffic/parking rules.
• Possess or use alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons.
• Loiter, gamble, refuse to follow staff directions, or incite others to violate rules.
• Break federal, state, local laws, or Board policies.

PENALTIES

• Visitors: May be directed to leave; refusal can lead to ejection.
• Students: Disciplinary action following due process.
• Tenured faculty: Action per Education Law §3020-a.
• Classified staff: Immediate ejection and disciplinary action under Civil Service Law §75.
• Other staff: Warning, reprimand, suspension, or dismissal as appropriate.

ENFORCEMENT

• The Principal or designee is responsible.
• Non-threatening prohibited conduct: the individual is warned and asked to stop.
• Immediate threat: the individual is removed, and law enforcement may be contacted.
• Disciplinary action is initiated for students or staff, with civil or criminal action possible.

This section reinforces that maintaining safety and order is non-negotiable, while also clarifying roles, responsibilities, and consequences for all members of the school community.

This summary is a quick guide. Families are strongly recommended to click to view the full policy for details and procedures.

Public Conduct on School Property