I INTRODUCTION
The board of education (“board”) is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The district has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity.

The board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the board adopts this code of conduct (“code”).

Unless otherwise indicated, this code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.
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II. DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this code, the following definitions apply:

“Disruptive student” means a student under the age of 21 who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.

“Parent” means parent, guardian or person in parental relation to a student.

“School property” means in or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, parking lot or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public school, or in or on a school bus, as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law §142.

“School function” means any school-sponsored extra-curricular event or activity.

“Violent student” means a student under the age of 21 who:

1. Commits an act of violence upon a school employee, or attempts to do so.
2. Commits, while on school property or at a school function, an act of violence upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or at the school function, or attempts to do so.
3. Possesses, while on school property or at a school function, a weapon.
4. Displays, while on school property or at a school function, what appears to be a weapon.
5. Threatens, while on school property or at a school function, to use a weapon.
6. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person lawfully on school property or at a school function.
7. Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school district property.

“Weapon” means a firearm as defined in 18 USC §921 for purposes of the Gun-Free Schools Act. It also means any other gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles, sling shot, metal knuckle knife, box cutter, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star, electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other device, instrument, material or substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death.
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III. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Student Rights
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:

1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation or disability.
2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.
3. Access school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

B. Student Responsibilities
All district students have the responsibility to:

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.
5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.
7. Ask questions when they do not understand.
8. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.
9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
10. Accept responsibility for their actions.
11. 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.

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IV. ESSENTIAL PARTNERS
A. Parents
All parents are expected to:

1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.
2. Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.
3. Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time.
4. Ensure absences are legally excused.
5. Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.
6. Help their children understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
7. Know school rules and help their children understand them.
8. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the district.
9. Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children’s friends.
10. Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.
11. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.
12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.

B. Teachers
All district teachers are expected to:

1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
2. Be prepared to teach.
3. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.
4. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
5. Communicate to students and parents:
   a. Course objectives and requirements
   b. Marking/grading procedures
   c. Assignment deadlines
   d. Expectations for students
   e. Classroom discipline plan.
   
   
6. Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.

C. Guidance Counselors

1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging personal, social and emotional problems.
2. Initiate teacher/student/counselor conferences and parent/teacher/student/counselor conferences, as necessary, as a way to resolve problems.
3. Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans.
4. Provide information to assist students with career planning.
5. Encourage students to benefit from the curriculum and extracurricular programs.

D. Principals

1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal and approach the principal for redress of grievances.
3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.
4. Support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
5. Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.

E. Superintendent

1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Review with district administrators the policies of the board of education and state and federal laws relating to school operations and management.
3. Inform the board about educational trends relating to student discipline.
4. Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and teacher needs.
5. Work with district administrators in enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.

F. Board of Education

1. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator, and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel to develop a code of conduct that clearly defines expectations for the conduct of students, district personnel and visitors on school property and at school functions.
2. Adopt and review at least annually the district’s code of conduct to evaluate the code’s effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.
3. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

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V. STUDENT DRESS CODE
Students are expected to be dressed appropriately and in good taste for regular school sessions and additional school activities. This includes clean, non-offensive, and decent clothing, worn in an appropriate manner. Bizarre items of attire (or "costumes") will be banned on the basis of their disruptive effect on the learning environment.

In addition, the following shall apply:

1. Hoods, hats, or other headwear is not allowed unless for a medical condition approved by the principal.
2. Footwear, that does not pose a safety hazard, is required at all times.
3. Clothing displaying inappropriate vulgar, profane, sexual, racial, or ethnic connotations is not permitted.
4. Clothing displaying drug, alcohol, or tobacco promotions is not allowed.
5. Clothing worn in a suggestive manner or exposing undergarments is not permitted. Half shirts, see-through or revealing tops should not be worn in school.
6. Outerwear, including hats, coats, purses, backpacks, bookbags, sunglasses, etc. must be kept in student lockers during school hours.
7. During warm weather, shorts of appropriate length are acceptable. While subjective in nature, the judgment of the principal, including actions for violations, shall prevail.

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VI. 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.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they engage in inappropriate behavior, including the following:

A. Engage in conduct that violates attendance regulations

1. Failure to turn in a written, dated, signed (by parent or legal guardian) excuse, upon return from an absence, to the Health Office - The absence will then be considered truancy.
2. Forge an excuse, either to cover for an absence or to leave school early, for oneself or another student.
3. Leave school early without a prior written, dated, signed valid excuse from parent or legal guardian - Any exception to this (i.e., becoming ill during the day) requires Principal or Nurse permission - leaving early in violation of above is considered truancy.
4. Being tardy (failure to be in the classroom by the sound of the tones, up to five minutes, without a valid pass) to class - Upon a student's third tardiness, Saturday detention or in-school suspension is assigned (this will occur for a fourth or fifth tardiness to each class as well) - With a student's sixth tardiness to class (and each thereafter), the student will be suspended from school.
5. Being truant from school/class (missing all or part of the class/day, beyond five minutes, without a valid excuse) - Saturday detention, in-school suspension, suspension from school may be assigned.
6. State Education Law provides that all children in proper physical and mental condition shall attend school while it is in session.
   Excused absences:
   a. Sickness
   b. Sickness or death in family
   c. Impassable roads or weather
   d. Religious observance
   e. Quarantine
   f. Required to be in court
   g. Music lessons
   h. Remedial health treatment
   i. Approved cooperative work program
   j. Approved college visit
   k. Military obligation
   
   Any absence due to reasons other than above is unexcused even when accompanied by a parent note ("personal reasons" is not a valid excuse!)
   
   Absences not covered by a written excuse are, by law, declared unexcused. Therefore, if an excuse is forgotten by the student, it is the responsibility of that student to procure the excuse before the end of the school day.
   
   A student who is truant during the day may not attend any school function on that day or evening.

B. Engage in conduct that is disorderly.
Examples of disorderly conduct include:

1. Running in hallways
2. Making unreasonable noise
3. Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive (i.e., sexual, racial, ethnic slurs)
4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic
5. Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of school (i.e., a large number of students disrupting the learning environment)
6. Trespassing/loitering - Students are to be in regularly assigned areas only - Students not in approved and supervised after-school activities must leave the building upon dismissal
7. Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the district's acceptable use policy.
8. Consumption of food/drink outside of the cafeteria - Possession of glass containers
9. Engaging in displays of affection (i.e., kissing, hugging, hand- holding, etc.)
10. Possessing electronic devices such as beepers, pagers, cell phones. Items such as Ipods and personal stereos are only permitted during lunch periods.
11. Using cell phones or having them “on” during the school day- 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM. “Using” refers to, not only the making and/or receiving of calls, but also using the cell phone for any other purpose.

C. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate.
Examples of insubordinate conduct include:

1. Failing to comply with directions of faculty, staff, administration immediately and without argument.
2. Insolence toward faculty, staff, administration.
3. Skipping assigned detention.

D. Engage in conduct that is violent.
Examples of violent conduct include:

1. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
2. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.
4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
5. Threatening to use any weapon.
6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
7. Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.

E. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others.
Examples of such conduct include:

1. Lying to school personnel.
2. Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.
3. Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.
4. Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.
5. Bullying: Peer abuse in the schools – A variety of negative acts carried out repeatedly over time. It involves a real or perceived imbalance of power, with a more powerful child or group attacking those who are less powerful.
6. Harassment, which includes a sufficiently severe action or a persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be or which a reasonable person would perceive as ridiculing or demeaning.
7. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
8. Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with or 10 maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club or team.
9. Selling, using or possessing obscene material.
10. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.
11. Smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco.
12. Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs.”
13. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
14. Gambling.
15. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.
16. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.

F. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus.
It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving and fighting will not be tolerated.

G. Engage in any form of academic misconduct.
Examples of academic misconduct include:

1. Plagiarism
2. Cheating
3. Copying
4. Altering records
5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions.
   

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VII. REPORTING VIOLATIONS
All students are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building 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 11 information immediately to a teacher, the building 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 appropriate local law enforcement agency of those code violations that constitute a crime substantially affecting the order or security of a school as soon as practical.
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VIII. DISCIPLINARY PENALTY PROCEDURES & REFERRALS
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:
1. The student’s age.
2. The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.
3. The student’s prior disciplinary record.
4. The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.
5. Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate
6. Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations.

If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted, shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability.

A. Penalties
Students who are found to have violated the district's code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination.

1. Verbal warning/reprimand
2. Written warning/reprimand
3. Written notification to parent
4. School probation
5. Detention (after school and/or Saturday morning)
6. School service projects
7. Suspension from transportation
8. Suspension from athletic participation
9. Suspension from social or extracurricular participation
10. Exclusion from graduation ceremonies
11. Suspension of other privileges
12. In-school suspension
13. Removal from class by teacher
14. Involuntary transfer
15. Suspension from school

B. Procedures

1. After School Detention ---------------------------------
   a. Students should report to detention by 3:05 p.m.
   b. Students will remain until 4:05 p.m.
   c. School work should be done during detention time. Talking, music, games, food/drink, etc. are not permitted
   d. Inappropriate behavior in detention will result in some measure of suspension
   e. Failure to report to detention will result in some measure of suspension (work/sports is not an excuse!)
   
   
2. Saturday Detention ------------------------------------
   a. Students are to report promptly at the time assigned and remain until assigned dismissal time.
   b. Students should bring school work to do. Talking, music, games, food/drink, etc. are not permitted.
   
   
3. In-school Suspension ----------------------------------
   a. Students will be assigned to a school room for the duration of the assignment
   b. Students will be escorted to locker, lavatory, cafeteria, etc.
   c. Students should complete school work. Talking, music, games, food/drink etc. are not permitted.
   d. Teachers are responsible for getting work to ISS students
   e. Students assigned ISS are not permitted to attend/participate in extracurricular activities for the duration of ISS assignment
   
   
4. Suspension from School -------------------------------
   a. Student is not permitted on school grounds and may not attend/participate in any school activity for the duration of the suspension
   b. Any student found guilty of bringing a weapon onto school property will be subject to suspension from school for at least one calendar year.

C. Teacher Disciplinary Removal of Disruptive Students
A student’s behavior can affect a teacher’s ability to teach and can make it difficult for other students in the classroom to learn. In most instances the classroom teacher can control a student’s behavior and maintain or restore control over the classroom by using good classroom management techniques. These techniques may include practices that involve the teacher directing a student to briefly leave the classroom to give the student an opportunity to regain his or her composure and self-control in an alternative setting. Such practices may include, but are not limited to: (1) sending a student to the principal's office for the remainder of the class time only; or (2) sending a student to a guidance counselor or other district staff member for counseling. Time-honored classroom management techniques such as these do not constitute disciplinary removals for purposes of this code.

On occasion, a student’s behavior may become disruptive. For purposes of this code of conduct, a disruptive student is a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a teacher’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply 14 with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom behavior rules.

A certified classroom teacher may remove a disruptive student from class for up to three days. The removal from class applies to the class of the removing teacher only.

If the disruptive student does not pose a danger or ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, the teacher must provide the student with an explanation for why he or she is being removed and an opportunity to explain his or her version of the relevant events before the student is removed. Only after the informal discussion may a teacher remove a student from class.

If the student poses a danger or ongoing threat of disruption, the teacher may order the student to be removed immediately. The teacher must, however, explain to the student why he or she was removed from the classroom and give the student a chance to present his or her version of the relevant events within 24-hours.

The teacher must complete a district-established disciplinary removal form and meet with the principal or his or her designee as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the school day, to explain the circumstances of the removal and to present the removal form. If the principal or designee is not available by the end of the same school day, the teacher must leave the form with the secretary and meet with the principal or designee prior to the beginning of classes on the next school day.

Within 24-hours after the student’s removal, the principal or another district administrator designated by the principal must notify the student’s parents, in writing, that the student has been removed from class and why. The notice must also inform the parent that he or she has the right, upon request, to meet informally with the principal or the principal’s designee to discuss the reasons for the removal.

The principal may require the teacher who ordered the removal to attend the informal conference.

If at the informal meeting the student denies the charges, the principal or the principal’s designee must explain why the student was removed and give the student and the student’s parents a chance to present the student’s version of the relevant events. The informal meeting must be held within 48 hours of the student’s removal. The timing of the informal meeting may be extended by mutual agreement of the parent and principal. The principal or the principal’s designee may overturn the removal of the student from class if the principal finds any one of the following:

1. The charges against the student are not supported by substantial evidence.
2. The student’s removal is otherwise in violation of law, including the district’s code of conduct.
3. The conduct warrants suspension from school pursuant to Education Law §3214 and a suspension will be imposed.

The principal or his or her designee may overturn a removal at any point between receiving the referral form issued by the teacher and the close of business on the day following the 48-hour period for the informal conference, if a conference is requested. No student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher will be permitted to return to the classroom until the principal makes a final determination, or the period of removal expires, whichever is less.
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IX. ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTION
When a student of any age is removed from class by a teacher or a student of compulsory attendance age is suspended from school pursuant to Education Law §3214, the district will take immediate steps to provide alternative means of instruction for the student.
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X. DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The board recognizes that it may be necessary to suspend, remove or otherwise discipline students with disabilities to address disruptive or problem behavior. The board also recognizes that students with disabilities enjoy certain procedural protections whenever school authorities intend to impose discipline upon them. The board is committed to ensuring that the procedures followed for suspending, removing or otherwise disciplining students with disabilities are consistent with the procedural safeguards required by applicable laws and regulations.

This code of conduct affords students with disabilities subject to disciplinary action no greater or lesser rights than those expressly afforded by applicable federal and state law and regulations.
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XI. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Corporal punishment is any act of physical force upon a student for the purpose of punishing that student. Corporal punishment of any student by any district employee is strictly forbidden.

However, in situations where alternative procedures and methods that do not involve the use of physical force cannot reasonably be used, reasonable physical force may be used to:

1. Protect oneself, another student, teacher or any person from physical injury.
2. Protect the property of the school or others.
3. Restrain or remove a student whose behavior interferes with the performance of school district functions, powers and duties, if that student has refused to refrain from further disruptive acts.

The district will file all complaints about the use of corporal punishment with the Commissioner of Education in accordance with Commissioner's regulations.
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XII. VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
The board encourages parents and other district citizens to visit the district’s schools and classrooms to observe the work of students, teachers and other staff. 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. For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

1. Students are not to bring relatives, friends, or other guests to school during school hours.
2. Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.
3. All visitors to the school must report to the office of the principal 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 principal’s office before leaving the building.
4. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings, are not required to register.
5. Parents or citizens who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange such visits in advance with the principal, so that class disruption is kept to a minimum.
6. Teachers are expected not to take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors.
7. 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.
8. All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in this code of conduct.

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XIII. PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
The district is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions. For purposes of this section of the code, “public” shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function.

The restrictions on public conduct on school property and at school functions contained in this code are not intended to limit freedom of speech or peaceful assembly. The district recognizes that free inquiry and free expression are indispensable to the objectives of the district. The purpose of this code is to maintain public order and prevent abuse of the rights of others.

All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner. In addition, all persons on school property or attending a school function are expected to be properly attired for the purpose they are on school property.

A. Prohibited Conduct
No person, either alone or with others, shall:

1. Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.
2. Intentionally damage or destroy school district property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
3. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities.
4. 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.
5. Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
6. Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
7. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.
8. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles.
9. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, tobacco, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
10. Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district.
11. Loiter on or about school property.
12. Gamble on school property or at school functions.
13. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.
14. Distribute or post any written material, pamphlets, or posters without prior written approval of superintendent.
15. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.
16. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

B. Penalties
Persons who violate this code shall be subject to the following penalties:

1. Visitors
   Their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to arrest.
   
   
2. Students
   They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.
   
   
3. Faculty members
   They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law §3020-a or any other legal rights that they may have.
   
   
4. Staff members
   They shall be subject to immediate removal and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law §75 or any other legal rights that they may have.

C. Enforcement
The building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this code.

When the building principal or his or her designee sees an individual engaged in prohibited conduct, which in his or her judgment does not pose any immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall tell the individual that the conduct is prohibited and attempt to persuade the individual to stop. The principal or his or her designee shall also warn the individual of the consequences for failing to stop. If the person refuses to stop engaging in the prohibited conduct, or if the person’s conduct poses an immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the principal or his or her designee shall have the individual removed immediately from school property or the school function. If necessary, local law enforcement authorities will be contacted to assist in removing the person.

The district shall initiate disciplinary action against any student or staff member, as appropriate, with the “Penalties” section above. In addition, the district reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the code.
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XIV. DISSEMINATION & REVIEW

A. Dissemination of Code of Conduct
The board will work to ensure that the community is aware of this code of conduct by:

1. Providing copies of a summary of the code to all students at a general assembly held at the beginning of each school year.
2. Making copies of the code available to all parents at the beginning of the school year.
3. Mailing a summary of the code of conduct written in plain language to all parents of district students before the beginning of the school year and making this summary available later upon request.
4. Providing all current teachers and other staff members with a copy of the code and a copy of any amendments to the code as soon as practicable after adoption.
5. Providing all new employees with a copy of the current code of conduct when they are first hired.
6. Making copies of the code available for review by students, parents and other community members.

The board will sponsor an in-service education program for all district staff members to ensure the effective implementation of the code of conduct. The superintendent may solicit the recommendations of the district staff, particularly teachers and administrators, regarding in service programs pertaining to the management and discipline of students.

The board of education will review this code of conduct every year and update it as necessary. In conducting the review, the board will consider how effective the code’s provisions have been and whether the code has been applied fairly and consistently.

The board may appoint an advisory committee to assist in reviewing the code and the district’s response to code of conduct violations. The committee will be made up of representatives of student, teacher, administrator, and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel.

Before adopting any revisions to the code, the board will hold at least one public hearing at which school personnel, parents, students and any other interested party may participate.

The code of conduct and any amendments to it will be filed with the Commissioner no later than 30 days after adoption.
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Download a PDF Version of the High School Code of Conduct (80kb)

Download a PDF Version of the Middle School Code of Conduct (229kb)

Download a PDF Version of the Elementray Code of Conduct (76kb)