Niskayuna Central School District > Middle School Resources > Middle School Code of Conduct

Middle School Code of Conduct

Appendices

I. Introduction

The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, District personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

This code has been revised to comply with the requirements of the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Act (Chapter 181, Laws of 2000). The SAVE Act gives teachers the right to remove “violent” or “disruptive” students from their classroom, subject to review by the principal. The SAVE Act also raises the consequences of an assault on a teacher or student on school grounds from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony.

Unless otherwise indicated, this Code of Conduct applies to all students, school personnel, parents, and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.

II. Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students have a right to a free, appropriate education with equal opportunities regardless of their actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, as well as any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and/or local law.

Students also have a right and a responsibility to be part of and contribute to a school environment that is safe and promotes the health and welfare of everyone in the school building. The District supports a “See Something -Say Something” philosophy. Students  can and  should report any concerns to any adult in the school community.

Promoting Positive Student Behavior

The Middle Schools commit to promoting a positive school climate and culture that provides students with a supportive environment in which to grow academically, socially and emotionally. All members of the school community should have a right to expect:

  • An environment that deeply supports teaching and learning.
  • Fair and respectful treatment throughout the community, with full opportunity to be heard.
  • Non-discrimination and equitable treatment with respect to all school activities.
  • Open and transparent communication and explanation of school procedures, rules, and policies.
  • Commitment throughout the school policies aimed at growth as a learning community and at growth of each individual member of the community.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities

The Middle School is committed to upholding students’ rights  in accordance with the following. Students are also expected to fulfill their responsibilities to fully participate in their education as outlined below.

Student Rights

Student Responsibilities
Students have the right:

1. To attend school in the District in which one’s legal parent or legal guardian resides and receive a free and appropriate public education from age 5 to 21, as provided by opportunity to law.

2. To expect that school will be a safe, orderly and purposeful place for all students to gain an education and to be treated fairly.

3. To be respected as an individual and treated courteously, fairly and respectfully by other students and school staff.

4. To express one’s opinion verbally or in writing.

5. To dress in such a way as to express one’s identity and personality.

6. To be afforded equal and appropriate educational opportunities, including access to extracurricular and afterschool programs.

7. To take part in all school activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, academic and extracurricular activities, as religion, religious practices, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin as well as being fair and supportive of others.

8. To be protected from intimidation, harassment, or discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or disability, by employees or students on school property or at a school sponsored event, function, or activity.

9. To be made aware of all charges brought against the student in a timely manner. Additionally, students shall have the opportunity to present their version of the facts and circumstances before discipline is imposed.

10. To expect privacy from other students regarding their lockers, desk, or other storage areas. However, when sufficient cause exists, school authorities may search students and areas such as lockers, desks, or other storage areas in the presence of another District employee.

11. To be afforded their due process rights pursuant to Sections 3214 and 310 of the Education Law 100.2 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.

 Students have the responsibility:

1. To attend school daily, regularly and on time, perform assignments, strive to do the highest quality work possible, be prepared to learn, and be granted the opportunity to receive a good education.

2. To be aware of all rules and expectations regulating students’ behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with these guidelines.

3. To respect everyone in the school community and to treat others courteously, fairly and respectfully.

4. To express opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to offend, slander, or restrict the right and privileges of others.

5. To dress appropriately in accordance with the dress code. (See Section IV, B)

6. To be aware of available educational programs in order to use and develop one’s capabilities to their maximum.

7. To work to the best of one’s ability in all academic and extracurricular activities, as well as being fair and supportive of others.

8. To be aware of the information and services and to seek assistance in dealing with intimidation, harassment, or discrimination, when appropriate.

9. To be truthful and accurately report actions that may impact another student, in a timely manner.

10. To respect the property and privacy of other students regarding their locker, desks or other storage areas.

11. To respect the due process rights of others.

III. The Dignity for All Students Act

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (the Dignity Act or DASA) took effect on July 1, 2012. Just as does the district’s Code of Conduct, the new law seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying (including cyberbullying) on school property, school buses, and/or at school functions, as well as to foster civility in public schools. Consistent with the Dignity Act, the District prohibits acts of bullying (including cyberbullying), discrimination, and harassment against students by students and/or school employees on school property, on school buses, or at any school functions based on a student’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex. The Amendments of 2013have afforded protections under DASA to include all forms of harassment of any kind.

Prevention is the cornerstone of the District’s effort to address bullying and harassment. In order to implement this anti-bullying prevention program, the Board will designate, at its annual organizational meeting, individuals at each school to act as the Dignity for All Students Act Coordinators (Dignity Act Coordinator). These individuals shall be thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex or any other legally protected status.

Niskayuna Middle School Principals & Dignity for All Act Coordinators:
Iroquois – Victoria Wyld, (518) 377-2233, vwyld@niskyschools.org
Van Antwerp – Luke Rakoczy, (518) 370-1243, lrakoczy@niskyschools.org

If you have any questions about this Code of Conduct, please contact the middle school principal.

A. Prohibition of Violence, Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Retaliation

A primary goal of the School District is to provide an environment in which the worth and dignity of all persons is valued, accepted and respected. To this end, the Board of Education has adopted a policy prohibiting bullying, harassment and discrimination in the School District. Bullying (including cyberbullying), harassment, discrimination and school violence on school grounds or at school function is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

In addition, retaliation is prohibited. Retaliation is a separate and distinct violation of the Code of Conduct and occurs when any member of the school community retaliates against any person who reports alleged bullying, harassment or discrimination or against any person who testifies, assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing relating to such conduct. It is possible that an alleged harasser may be found to have violated this anti- retaliation provision even if the underlying complaint of harassment is not found to be a violation of this Code of Conduct. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment and may be redressed through application of the same reporting, investigation, and enforcement procedures as for harassment.

B. Student Safety: Reporting Violence, Harassment, Bullying and Cyberbullying

The school principal is the school employee charged with receiving all reports of harassment, bullying and discrimination; however, students and parents may make an oral or written complaint of harassment, bullying or discrimination to any teacher, administrator or school employee. The District will act to promptly investigate all complaints, verbal or written, formal or informal, of allegations of discrimination, harassment and bullying; and will promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals from further discrimination, harassment and bullying.

It is essential that any student who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, bullying or retaliatory behavior, as well as any individual who is aware of and/or who has knowledge of, or witnesses any possible occurrence, immediately report same to any staff member or administrator or the Title VII/Title IX Officer (Director of Student and Staff  Support Services Deborah Marriott) at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50740. The staff member/administrator to whom the report is made (or the staff member/administrator who witnesses or suspects bullying/cyberbullying behavior) shall document and take appropriate action to address the immediacy of the situation and shall promptly report in accordance with the following paragraphs:

Upon receipt of a complaint (even an anonymous complaint), or if a District employee otherwise learns of any occurrence of possible conduct prohibited by this policy, the school employee shall promptly and orally notify the school principal no later than one school day after such school employee witnesses or receives the complaint or learns of such conduct. Such school employee shall also file a written report with the school principal no later than two school days after making such oral report.

After receipt of a complaint, the school principal shall lead or supervise a thorough investigation of the alleged harassing, bullying and/or retaliatory conduct. The principal or the principal’s designee shall ensure that such investigation is completed promptly and in accordance with the terms of District policy. All complaints shall be treated as confidential and private to the extent possible within legal constraints.

Based upon the results of this investigation, if the District determines that a District official, employee, volunteer, vendor, visitor and/or student has violated the Code of Conduct or determines that a material incident of harassment, bullying and/ discrimination has occurred, immediate corrective action will be taken as warranted. The District will take prompt action reasonably calculated to end the violation, eliminate any hostile environment, create a more positive school culture and climate, prevent recurrence of the behavior, and ensure the safety of the student or students against whom such violation was directed.

As a general rule, responses to acts of harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination against students by students shall incorporate a progressive model of student discipline that includes measured, balanced and age appropriate remedies and procedures that make appropriate use of prevention, education, intervention and discipline, and considers among other things, the nature and severity of the offending student’s behavior(s), the developmental age of the student, the previous disciplinary record of the student and other extenuating circumstances, and the impact the student’s behaviors had on the individual(s) who was physically injured and/or emotionally harmed. Responses shall be reasonably calculated to end the harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination, prevent recurrence, and eliminate the hostile environment.

In the event that the principal is the alleged offender, the report will be directed to the Superintendent of Schools. All complaints of alleged harassing, bullying and/or retaliatory conduct shall be:

a. promptly investigated in accordance with the terms of District policy;
b. forwarded to the school building’s Dignity Act Coordinator for monitoring; and
c. treated as confidential and private to the extent possible within legal constraints.

Parents shall be notified of their right to attend any meeting with their child to review a complaint. The school District provides a variety of prevention and intervention programs addressing the safety of students and school personnel, which are described in the District’s policies and on the District website.

Violations will be subject to discipline under Section IV, G of this Code of Conduct. See Supportive Interventions and Progressive Consequences.

IV. Student Conduct and Discipline

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 community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

A. General Conduct

Acceptable school conduct is based on respect for self, fellow students, faculty, staff and school property. Specifically:

1. Directions or requests of any school staff member, including teachers, support personnel, secretaries, custodians and bus drivers are to be complied with promptly and courteously.
2. Students are asked to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion at all times. Thus running, “horseplay”, and loud or boisterous conduct are considered to be unacceptable behaviors in school and on school buses.
3. Students are prohibited from entering unauthorized areas in the building. Unauthorized areas include, but are not limited to, entering classrooms before and after school that are unsupervised.
4. Physical displays of affection are inappropriate in school.
5. Cafeterias are expected to be pleasant environments for eating or studying. Food may not be taken from the cafeteria. No eating or drinking is allowed in the hallways. Glass bottles are not allowed in the buildings or on school property.
6. Cellular telephones are prohibited. Any other electronic devices, including smart watches, must be turned off and only used with the permission of staff.
7. Students are prohibited from wagering in any  form that involves activities with monetary stakes on school grounds or at school sponsored events.

Failure to observe this Code of Conduct may lead to after-school detention or other disciplinary actions. Student access to the cafeteria, library, computer rooms, or other areas of the school may be restricted for a period of time due to inappropriate behavior in such areas by the student.

B. Dress Code

The building 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. The dress code will be developed in collaboration with teachers, administrators, other school service professionals, students and parents to ensure that it reflects current community standards on proper decorum and deportment. Parents will be notified of any  dress code concerns related to their student.

All students are expected to give proper attention to personal appearance and to dress appropriately for the school day, as well as school-sponsored activities. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and 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 and appearance shall:

1. Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
2. Recognize that extremely brief or revealing garments are not appropriate. Any student who is not appropriately dressed for a school learning climate will be referred to an administrator.
3. Ensure that undergarments are completely covered with outer clothing.
4. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be permitted.
5. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation or disability.
6. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal, violent or gang activities.
7. Not conceal a student’s identity with hoods or masks or any obstructive head wear at any time during the school day.

If a student’s dress or appearance in school is deemed questionable, an administrator will hold a personal private discussion with the student to advise the student of the potential violation. Students who violate the 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 individual who refuses to do so may be subject to discipline or removal from school grounds. Visitors are expected to abide by the school dress code; those who do not may be asked to leave the premises.

C. Academic Integrity

As part of a school community, students and faculty have the duty and responsibility to promote academic integrity. This means that students are responsible for completing their own work. The purpose of assignments is to develop the skills and measure the progress of each student. Students learn more and attain a feeling of accomplishment through their own hard work and initiatives.

One aspect of academic integrity that is very important throughout a person’s lifetime is acknowledging sources. Learning how to acknowledge sources begins in elementary school, but is taught and refined over time through the middle school years to prepare students for high school and college. Among other things, this includes using quotation marks and footnotes and citing sources where appropriate.

Students should follow these rules of academic integrity:

1. Do your own work.
2. Don’t let others use or copy: classwork, homework, quizzes and tests. Others should not get credit for work that you have done.
3. If you are helping someone, do not do the work for him or her.
4. If you are working in a group, follow the teacher’s directions on sharing work.
5. Be truthful.
6. If you are uncertain about the directions, ask the teacher for clarification.

Students who fail to follow these rules will face disciplinary consequences.

D. Attendance

Students are expected to attend class daily as required by state law. Such attendance creates an environment that fosters subject competency, continuity of learning, and responsibility, which are all integral to the educational process. Active student participation is an integral part of the middle school curriculum. Students are required to attend classes every school day unless excused for a valid reason. Acceptable reasons are (As per District attendance policy):

1. Personal illness or injury
2. Death or emergency illness in the immediate family
3. Obligatory religious observance
4. Required court appearance
5. Medical and dental appointments
6. School sponsored events
7. Career development or explorations programs approved by the principal
8. Late arriving bus
9. Impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe
10. Music lessons
11. Any other reason as authorized in the discretion of the building principal

Although days missed for the above reasons are considered excused absences, students must realize that their school work can suffer if they are out of class too often. Students are responsible for keeping informed of makeup work for time missed in class, whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

Illness During the School Day

For health and safety reasons a student who becomes ill or who is injured during the school day, must report to the school nurse. If, in the opinion of the nurse, the student is too ill to continue to school, the nurse will contact the parent or other designated adult to make appropriate arrangements for the student to get home.

In the event that the nurse is not able to make contact with the parent or designated adult, the student shall be offered the opportunity to remain in the  nurse’s office. If the student would prefer to return to class, it will be the nurse who makes a nursing assessment that determines whether the student is able to return to classes. The Main Office will be notified so that the student will not be charged with unauthorized absences.

Return from Absences/Additional Attendance Procedures

1. Students must attend all classes.
2. Students should notify a teacher if they will be out of the class for any reason (early dismissal, nurse’s office, counseling office, main office, music lessons).
3. Students will remain in school all day unless granted early release at parental or legal guardian request.
4. Students who are tardy to school will report to the attendance office to check in, and must present an excuse signed by the parent or legal guardian.
5. Students who are tardy to class will report to the class and explain to the teacher why they are tardy. Tardiness to class is excused for:

a. Personal illness or injury as verified by school nurse
b. Late buses
c. Counseling appointments
d. Nurse’s office
e. Main office visit
f. Others as deemed necessary by the principal

When reporting to class students will have a pass verifying the reason for their tardiness. If warranted, the teacher will assume responsibility for discipline.

Early Dismissal, Tardiness and Unexcused Absence from Class

1. Early Dismissal

The student is required to bring a written statement clearly defining the reason for any early dismissal. This note will be given to the homeroom teacher, preferably the day before the appointment. The parent or legal guardian is required to come to the main office and meet the student there when dismissed early. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for signing the child out at that time.

NO STUDENT IS TO LEAVE THE BUILDING WITHOUT PERMISSION
FROM AN AUTHORIZED SCHOOL PERSON.

2. Tardiness

A student may be considered tardy when the student arrives after the school day begins. Tardiness may be excused for the following reasons:

a. death or emergency illness in the immediate family
b. impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe
c. late buses
d. medical and dental appointments
e. music lessons
f. obligatory religious observance
g. personal illness or injury
h. required court appearance
i. school sponsored events and/or
j. any other reason as authorized in the discretion of the building principal

If a student arrives late to school, the first thing the student must do is sign in at the Main Office. When a student is late for one of the reasons set forth above, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school in writing or by telephone on the morning of the lateness.

3. Truancy

Student absence without the knowledge and consent of the parent is considered truancy. When this is discovered the parent will be contacted immediately. The student will be required to make up the illegal absence through detentions or attendance in school during normal school vacation times. A schedule of make-up days will be developed by the principal and agreed to by the parents.

E. Passing in Hallways

In order to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning, students shall adhere to the following:

1. Students are to travel from one location to another quietly and quickly. No running is permitted.
2.  Students are not to wander or congregate in the hallways.
3. Students are to refrain from physical contact.

F. Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to arrive at class on time, with necessary materials and to be cooperative and respectful during all schedules periods. If a student fails to meet these expectations, the teacher may contact the student’s parent. Should this not remedy the situation, the teacher should refer the matter to the principal for counseling or after school detention.

Removal from Class by Teacher

Teachers are expected to use traditional classroom management techniques to maintain order in the classroom. These techniques include (1) sending the student to a space in the classroom for a brief time; (2) sending the student to an administrator’s office for a brief time or for the remainder of the class time only; or (3) sending a student to a school counselor or other District staff member for counseling. Traditional classroom management techniques such as these do not constitute disciplinary removal for the purpose of this Code.

Under the SAVE Act, a teacher may remove a violent or disruptive student from class when the student’s conduct poses a danger or is substantially disruptive or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. Such disruption occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom behavior rules. A classroom teacher may remove such a student from class for up to two days. The removal from class applies to the class of the removing teacher only.

If a teacher determines that a student presents a danger or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, a teacher may remove a student from class immediately. By the end of the school day, the teacher must notify the school principal and explain why the student was removed, and the  student will be provided an opportunity to present his/her version of the events.

Within 24 hours of the removal, the principal or designee must notify the student’s parents, in writing, that the student has been removed from class and why. The notice must inform the parent that he or she has the right, upon request, to meet informally with the principal or designee to discuss the reasons for the removal. Where possible, notice should also be provided by telephone if a phone number for notification has been provided by the parent.

If the student denies the charges, the principal or designee shall provide an explanation of the basis for the removal and shall allow the student or parent an opportunity to explain the pupil’s version of relevant events. The informal conference shall be held within 48 hours of the student’s removal unless a later time is agreed to by the student or parent. The principal may require the teacher who ordered the removal to attend the informal conference if held during normal working hours.

The principal or designee shall not set aside the discipline imposed by the teacher unless a determination is made that the charges are not supported by substantial evidence, or that the removal is a violation of law, or that the student’s conduct warrants a suspension which will be imposed. This determination must be made by the close of business on the day succeeding the 48 hour period for the informal conference (or such later informal conference date as may have been agreed to by the student or parent). No student removed from class by a teacher will be permitted to return to that class until this determination is made or the period of removal expires, whichever is less.

Any disruptive student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher shall be offered continued educational programming and activities until he or she is permitted to return to the classroom.

Each teacher must keep a complete log for all cases of removal of students from his/her class. The principal must keep a log of all such removals.

Removal of a student with a disability, under certain circumstances, may constitute a change of placement. Accordingly, no teacher may remove such a student until he/she has verified with the principal or the chairperson of the Committee on Special Education that the removal will not violate the student’s rights under state or federal law or regulation.

G. Supportive Interventions and Progressive Consequences

When choosing interventions and consequences for students’ behavior, teachers, administrators, and staff must balance the school’s goals of eliminating school disruptions with maximizing student instructional time. Consequences paired with meaningful instruction and guidance offers students an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and contribute back to the school community. The ranges of interventions/responses are designed to be fair, equitable and differentiated.


Understanding consequences as a “teachable moment” is fundamental to a positive approach to discipline. Progressive consequences use incremental interventions to address inappropriate behavior with the ultimate goal of teaching pro-social behavior. Progressive consequences seek concurrent accountability, learning, and behavioral change. Interventions are designed to help students meet the following NYS social emotional learning standards:

1. Develop self-awareness and self-management skills essential to success in school and in life.
2. Use social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
3. Demonstrate ethical decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Guidance for Disciplinary Responses

The Code of Conduct holds students accountable for their behavior. Misconduct is grouped into three levels based on the seriousness of the behavior. Each level contains possible interventions and consequences for school staff to use in response to student behavior. The Code of Conduct provides graduated accountability measures for students who engage in repeated behaviors despite prior intervention or consequences. Interventions and consequences are assigned at the discretion of school administration.

Level 1 Classroom Interventions
Type of Intervention
Possible Behaviors
Possible Interventions/Response
These interventions aim to teach correct behavior so students can learn and demonstrate safe and respectful behavior. Teachers are encouraged to try a variety of teaching and classroom management strategies. Tardiness

Disruptive/Distracting in class

Non-compliance with school-staff directives and school based rules/policies

Use of technology without permission

Nuisance behavior

Misbehavior on school property

 Positive directives that state expectations

Positive and specific feedback

Increased opportunities to respond during instruction

Verbal prompt/redirection and/or correction

Increase Teacher Proximity

Re-teach skill

Contact parent

Seat change

Teacher/Student conference

Meet with counselor

Loss of classroom privileges

In-Class Time out

Written reflection / apology

Mentoring

Reflection activity

Establish a buddy teacher

Behavior Intervention Strategies

Classroom reward system

Daily progress sheets on behavior

Detention

Meeting with a principal

 

Level 2 Intensive Support Staff and Administrative Interventions
Type of Intervention
Possible Behaviors
Possible Interventions/Response
Intensive support staff and administrative interventions: These interventions involve school support staff and aim to engage the student’s support system to ensure successful learning and consistency of interventions, and change the conditions that contribute to the student’s inappropriate or disruptive behavior. Engaging in persistent Level 1 behavior

Bullying: verbal, physical and electronic

Use of all smoking and/or possession of matches or lighters, e-cigarettes, vaping, or synthetics.

Bringing prohibited items to school including but not limited to: alcohol, drugs, related paraphernalia including dab pens or cartridges of any kid, and weapons or other hazardous instruments

Use of profane, lewd or abusive language or gestures

Damage to another person’s or school property

Lying to, giving false information to, and/or intentionally misleading school personnel

Stealing
Leaving school without permission

Engaging in inappropriate unwanted physical contact

Insubordination or disorderly conduct that, in the judgment of principal or superintendent, is disruptive to the orderly operation of the school or endangers the health and safety of others

Violating district internet use policy

Plagiarism

Vandalism

Sexual Harassment, sexual exploitation, sexting

 Conflict resolution

Meeting with principal/Parent/Guardian/Student/ Teacher/

School Team conference

Mentoring

Suspension from transportation

Educational session

Detention

Community service

Counseling

Functional Behavior Assessment and creation of a Behavior Intervention Plan

Referral to SST

Loss of Privileges including
extra -curricular activities

Referral to school counselor or

Social Worker

Peer Mediation

Individualized case management for students with a 504 plan or IEPs

Behavioral Contract Revision to IEP (student with disabilities) as needed

Suspension (1-5 days)

Restitution

Office referral

Level 3 Administrative Interventions
Type of Intervention
Possible Behaviors
Possible Interventions/Response
These interventions involve the school administration and aim to correct behavior. These interventions may involve removal of a student from the school environment. Engaging in persistent Level 1 or 2 behavior

Making threats or providing false information about the presence of explosive materials or devices on school property

Pulling the fire alarm

Physical aggression with another student

Intentionally attacking a student with injury

Verbal or written threat against school personnel

Physical aggression towards school personnel

 PINS Petition

Counseling

Detention

Suspension (1-5 days)

Referral to CSE/IEP team (students with disabilities) for Manifestation determination

Superintendent’s hearing

Under the federal Gun-Free School Act of 1994, a student found guilty of bringing a firearm onto school property will be subject to at least a one year suspension from school. The terms “weapon or other hazardous instrument” used above include any firearm, pellet gun, BB gun, starter pistol, whether operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded, knife, simulated weapon, dangerous chemical, noxious substance, explosive or any other object listed in District Policy 7360 which could be used as a weapon.

Suspended students may not attend classes or activities or enter upon any school property for the duration of the suspension. Suspended students may not attend any off-campus activities involving teams or organizations under the auspices of the school district (athletic contests, musical performances and the like) from the time the suspension is assessed until the suspension period has been completed, including any such activities held on weekend days. Violators will be subject to the penalties associated with trespassing.

When a suspension is assessed at the conclusion of a school week, the suspension period shall commence on the next regularly scheduled school day. Weekend extracurricular activities are subject to the restrictions of the suspension period, but do not count as a part of the total number of days in the suspension. When the suspension is over, a parent is expected to accompany the student to school for re-admission.

Students suspended from instruction shall be afforded their due process rights pursuant to sections 3214 and 310 of the Education Law and section 100.2 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. Students suspended from instruction for five days or less shall be given notice of the charged misconduct and may request an explanation of the basis for the suspension. The pupil or the pupil’s parent may request an informal conference at which the pupil or parent may present the pupil’s version of the event and ask questions of complaining witnesses. This notice and the opportunity for an informal conference shall take place prior to the suspension unless the pupil’s presence poses a continuing danger or threat of disruption to the academic process.

No student may be suspended for more than five days, however, unless the student and his/her parent have had the opportunity for a fair hearing upon reasonable notice. At that hearing the student and his/her parent have the right of representation by counsel, with the right to question witnesses against such student, and to present witnesses and other evidence on their behalf.

Students and their parents may have decisions involving suspensions and other disciplinary matters successively considered by the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education, and the Commissioner of Education. Appeals from the principal’s decision on suspension and other discipline must follow this progression of review, and such appeals cannot be made directly to the Commissioner of Education.

When a student of compulsory education age is suspended, the District must take immediate steps to provide alternate instruction for the student. Students who are suspended from school shall not have their absences during the suspension counted against them in the attendance regulation, unless they have been offered alternate instruction and have failed to attend such instruction.

Other Disciplinary Measures

1. Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities must be disciplined under the legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A suspension of more than ten days or a series of short-term suspensions, meeting certain criteria, would require the Committee on Special Education to meet and to make a determination whether the student’s conduct is a manifestation of the student’s disability. Further, the committee may also need to meet to determine whether the current placement of the student is appropriate. A parent may review questions concerning this legal requirement by contacting the chairperson of the committee. When a student with a disability poses an immediate threat to the student’s safety or the safety of others, the District may seek a court order to enjoin the student from attending school.

4. Referral to Police or Other Agencies

A student may be referred to the police or another appropriate agency for alleged breaches of the law. Such breaches may include, but are not limited to:

a. use or possession of illegal drugs, synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications or related paraphernalia;
b. use or possession of alcohol;
c. use or possession of weapons (in violation of Policy 7360 and the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act);
d. vandalism;
e. theft of property or possession of stolen property;
f. creating a disturbance or safety hazard (e.g.; initiating or aiding in false alarms, bomb threats or other threats of harm to school property, students or staff; or possession of discharge or fireworks or a noxious substance);
g. trespassing (e.g.; entering school property while under suspension or before or after reasonable school hours);
h. unauthorized access to academic or administrative records;
i. any criminal conduct;
j. sexting; and/or
k. sexual exploitation such as voyeurism/”upskirting”

5. Drug and alcohol abuse

The possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications, or alcohol or the consumption of drugs or alcohol during school hours or at any interscholastic or co-curricular event or other school-sponsored activity is strictly prohibited. No student may come to school or a co-curricular event or other school sponsored activity, on or off campus, after the student has consumed alcohol or drugs or synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications, when in possession of drugs, synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications, drug paraphernalia or alcohol. The penalties for such conduct may include not only suspension, but following suspension, exclusion from any and all co-curricular interscholastic or other school-sponsored activity.

6. Reimbursement for Damaged or Stolen Property

Students who damage or destroy school property shall reimburse the District for the cost of repairing or replacing the affected school property. Students who have stolen property shall reimburse the person from whom the item(s) were stolen.

H. Other Laws and District Policies

1. Smoking or Use of Tobacco Products

The use or possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes or vapor instruments and/or products and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind  by students in school buildings, on school property or in vehicles owned or operated by the District or at school sponsored events is prohibited. Violation of the Code of Conduct regarding tobacco use will result in parent notification, referral to the school counselor, other disciplinary action and may include additional education in the risks and health effects of tobacco use.

2. Sweets Law – New York State Education Law, Section 915

“Prohibiting the sale of certain sweetened foods,” provides as follows: “From the beginning of the school day until the end of the last scheduled meal period, no sweetened soda water, no chewing gum, no candy including hard candy, jellies, gums, marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy and candy-coated popcorn, and no water ices except those which contain fruit or fruit juices, shall be sold in any public school within the state.” See District Policy 5661 Wellness

3. State Law Prohibiting Bomb Threats

It is illegal for anyone to issue a false bomb threat directed toward a school in New York State. As of December 1, 1999, the consequences for this crime have been increased from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony (Chapter 561, Laws of 1999). Persons arrested for making bomb threats face felony prosecution, youthful offender or juvenile delinquency adjudication, as well as a one-year suspension of one’s driver’s license. Related laws permit municipalities, fire Districts and other emergency service providers to seek restitution for costs associated with their response to a bomb threat on school grounds. The amount may be up to $10,000 in restitution to be paid by anyone convicted of reporting a false incident or bomb, up to $5,000 to be paid by the parent of a child who makes a false report.

V. Visitors

Parents and other District residents are encouraged to visit the schools under the following conditions:

A. All visitors must report to the Main Office upon arrival, present photo identification and obtain a visitor’s badge, which must be worn throughout the visit and returned upon departure.
B. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, and held
outside regular school hours such as PTO meetings, concerts, or public gatherings, are not required to register.
C. Parents or residents who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange such visits in advance with the classroom teacher(s) so that class disruption is kept to a minimum.
D. Teachers are expected to not take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors.
E. Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.
F. All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for Public Conduct on School Property contained in this Code of Conduct.

A. Public Conduct on School Property

All persons on school property or attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.

Prohibited Conduct

No person singly or in concert with others, shall:

1. enter any unauthorized areas of the school building or campus without proper authorization;
2. willfully cause or threaten physical injury to any other person who is behaving lawfully;
3. physically restrain, detain or remove such a person;
4. willfully damage or destroy school property nor use or remove such property without permission;
5. enter any private school office without first obtaining permission;
6. without authorization, remain in any school building after it is normally closed;
7. refuse to leave any school building upon the request of a staff member;
8. obstruct the free movement of persons or vehicles on school property;
9.  refuse to follow traffic and parking procedures
10. disrupt classes or deliberately interfere with any person’s freedom of speech;
11. possess any firearm or weapon on school property unless so authorized by the Superintendent; and/or
12. willfully incite others to commit any prohibited act.

Penalties and Procedures

Anyone who violates these rules shall be subject to the guidelines set forth in Appendix A as well as the following penalties:

1. Non-students/staff shall be subject to ejection;
2. Students shall be subject to ejection pursuant to this Code of
Conduct;
3. Faculty members shall by subject to ejection, warning, reprimand,
suspension and other disciplinary actions given in the Education Law;
4. Classified service staff members shall be subject to ejection and the
disciplinary actions set forth in §75 of the Civil Service Law;
5. Other staff members shall be subject to ejection, censure, suspension
without pay and dismissal;
6. A person who refuses to leave school property when requested to do
so may be subject to arrest.

VI. Dissemination and Review

The Board of Education will work to ensure that the community is aware of this Code of Conduct by:

a. providing copies of a plain-language summary of the code to all students at a general assembly held at the beginning of each school year;
b. mailing the Code of Conduct summary, to all parents of District students before the beginning of the school year and making this summary available later upon request;
c. communicating to all students and parents at the beginning of the
school year that the full Code is available online and in school offices;
d. providing all current teachers and other staff members with a copy of the Code (print or electronic) and a copy of any amendments to the Code as soon as practicable after adoption;
e. providing all new employees with a copy of the current Code of Conduct (print or electronic) when they are first hired;
f. making copies of the Code available for review by students, parents and other community members; and
g. posting the complete Code of Conduct on the District’s internet website, including any annual updates or amendments thereto.

The Board will periodically sponsor an in-service education program for all District staff members to ensure the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct, to promote a safe and supportive school climate while discouraging, among other things, harassment, bullying and discrimination against students by students and/or school employees and to include safe and supportive school climate concepts in the curriculum and classroom management. In service education programs shall also include training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex, or any other protected status, the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying and discrimination, and strategies for effectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in educational settings. 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.

This Code of Conduct remains in effect until it is revised by the Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education.

VII. Definitions

For the purpose of this code, the following definitions apply:

“Bullying” (see “Harassment”)

“Cyberbullying” means “Harassment” or “Bullying”, where such harassment or bullying occurs through any form of electronic communication.

“Disability” means (a) a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques or (b) a record of such an impairment or (c) a condition regarded by others as such an impairment, provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with employment, the term must be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a reasonable manner the activities involved in the job or occupation sought or held.

“Disruptive student” means an elementary or secondary 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.

“Employee” shall mean any person receiving compensation from a school District or employee of a contracted service provider or worker placed within the school under a public assistance employment program, pursuant to title nine-B of article five of the Social Services Law, and consistent with the provisions of such title for the provision of services to such District, its students or employees, directly or through contract, whereby such services performed by such person involve direct student contact.

“Gender Expression” shall mean the manner in which a person represents or expresses gender to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice or mannerisms.

“Gender Identity” shall mean a person’s gender-related identity, appearance or behavior, whether or not that gender-related identity, appearance or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s physiology or assigned gender at birth.

“Harassment” shall mean the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyber bullying, that either (1) has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional and/or physical well-being, including conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause emotional harm; or (2) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to a student or to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety. Such definition includes acts of harassment or bullying that occur:

a. on school property; and/or
b. at a school function; and/or
c. off-school property where such acts create or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.

Such conduct shall include, but not be limited to, those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex or any other legally protected status.

For the purposes of this definition the term “threats, intimidation or abuse” shall include verbal and non-verbal actions. “Emotional harm” that takes place in the context of “harassment or bullying” means harm to a student’s emotional well-being through creation of a hostile school environment that is so severe or pervasive as to unreasonably and substantially interfere with a student’s education.

“Insubordination” means the refusal by a student to follow a reasonable directive from any authorized school staff member. School staff members include, but are not limited to: administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, support staff, BOCES staff, secretaries, custodial staff, maintenance staff, bus drivers, and district officials.

“Material incident of Harassment, Bullying and/or Discrimination” means a single verified incident or a series of related verified incidents where a student is subjected to harassment, bullying and/or discrimination by a student and/or employee on school property or at a school function. In addition, such term shall include a verified incident or series of  related incidents of harassment or bullying that occur off school property, and is the subject of a written or oral complaint to the superintendent, principal, or their designee, or other school employee. Such conduct shall include, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin,  ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex or any other legally protected status.

“Parent(s)” is defined as the adult (e.g. parent, guardian) who is legally responsible for the student(s) in question.

“School Bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency or private school and operated for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity, to or from school or school activities, or, privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities.

“School function” means any school-sponsored co-curricular event or
activity on or off campus.

“Sexual orientation” shall mean actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality.

“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 elementary or secondary school; or in or on a school bus as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law §142.

“Violent student” means an elementary or secondary student under the age of 21 who: commits an act of violence against any school employee; commits an act of violence on school property against any student or other person lawfully on school property; possesses, on school property, a gun, knife, incendiary bomb, or other dangerous instrument capable of causing physical injury or death; threatens, on school property, to use any instrument that appears capable of causing physical injury or death; knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any person lawfully on school property; or knowingly or intentionally damages or destroys District property.

“Weapon” means a firearm as defined in 18 USC §921 for purposes of the federal Gun-Free Schools Act. “Weapon” is also defined in New York State law as any other device, instrument, material or substance that can cause physical injury or death.

VIII. Appendices

APPENDIX A. 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 including students, teachers, and District personnel.

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.

Prohibited Conduct on School Property

These rules govern the conduct of students, faculty and other staff, licenses, 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, under the control of the District and used in its teaching programs and activities, and in its administrative, cultural, recreational, athletic, other co curricular program and activities. No person, either singly or in concert with  others, shall:

1. willfully cause physical injury to any other person, nor threaten to do so for the purpose of compelling or inducing such other person to refrain from any act which he/she has a lawful right to do, or to do any act which he/she has a lawful right not to do so;
2. physically restrain or detain any other person, nor remove such person from any place where he/she is authorized to remain;
3. willfully damage or destroy property of the school or under its jurisdiction, nor remove or use such property without authorization;
4. without permission, express or implied, enter into any private office of an administrative officer, member of the faculty or staff member;
5. 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;
6. without authorization, remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed;
7. refuse to leave any building or facility after being required to do so by an authorized administrative officer, member of the faculty or staff;
8. obstruct the free movement of persons and vehicles in any place to which these rules apply;
9. 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;
10. have in his/her possession upon any premises to which these rules apply, any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, or other firearm or weapon without the written authorization of the chief administrative officer (whether or not licensed to possess or carry the same); and/or
11. willfully incite others to commit any of the acts herein prohibited with specific intent to procure them to do so.

Penalties and Procedures

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

1. If a licensee or invitee, his/her authorization to remain upon the grounds or other property shall be withdrawn and he/she shall be directed to leave the premises. In the event of failure to do so, he/she shall be subject to ejection.
2. If a trespasser or visitor without specific license or invitation, he/she shall be subject to ejection.
3. If he/she is a student, he/she shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts of the case may warrant, including suspension, probation, loss of privileges, reprimand or warning as prescribed by the Education Law, §3214 or school Code of Conduct, and he/she shall be subject to ejection.
4. If a faculty member, he/she shall be subject to ejection, warning, reprimand, suspension or other disciplinary action as prescribed by and in accordance with procedures of the Education Law.
5. If a staff member in the classified service of the civil service, described in §75 of the Civil Service Law, he/she shall be guilty of misconduct, and be subject to the penalties and procedures prescribed in said section and be subject to ejection.
6. If a staff member other than one described in subdivision 4 and 5, he/she shall be subject to dismissal, suspension without pay or censure and be subject to ejection.

Enforcement Program

The Superintendent of Schools shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules, and he/she shall designate the other personnel who are authorized to take action in accordance with such rules when required or appropriate to carry them into effect.

In the case of any apparent violation of these rules by such persons, which, in the judgment of the superintendent or his/her designee, does not pose any immediate threat of injury to person or property, such officer may make reasonable effort to learn the cause of the conduct in question and to persuade those engaged therein to desist and to resort to permissible methods for the resolution of any issues which may be presented. In doing so such officer shall warn such persons of the consequences of persistence in the prohibited conduct, including their ejection from any District properties where their continued presence and conduct is in violation of these rules.

In any case where violation of these rules does not cease after such warning and in other cases of willful violation of such rules, the superintendent or his/her designee shall cause the ejection of the violator from any premises which he/she occupies in such violation and shall initiate disciplinary action as herein before provided.

The superintendent or his/her designee may apply to the public authorities for any aid which he/she may request the Board of Education’s Counsel to apply to any court of appropriate jurisdiction for any injunction to restrain the violation or threatened violation of such rules.

APPENDIX B. SUMMARY OF ATTENDANCE POLICY

I. SUMMARY OF ATTENDANCE POLICY

All students are entitled to a sound basic education that will enable them to enjoy life and become effective citizens. This goal can best be achieved within the public schools by regular class participation. The objective of this policy is to encourage student commitment to, staff awareness of and parental support for regular class attendance.

Strategies

The basic strategy of this policy is to recognize the relationship
between participation in class activities and the mastery of course material.
Students are expected to come to class prepared to discuss assigned material.

Failure to attend class thwarts this objective and requires compensating or corrective actions. Such actions should be based on valid data. Consequently, class attendance shall be recorded in accordance with state requirements and shall be reported to parents* at the end of each marking period or more frequently if so required by the school code of conduct.

Excused Absences

Tardiness or absence for the following reasons is excused: personal illness or injury, death or emergency illness in the immediate family, obligatory religious observance, required court appearance, medical and dental appointments, school sponsored events, career development or explorations programs approved by the principal, late arriving bus, impassable roads or weather making travel unsafe, music lessons, or others as authorized by the principal. Tardiness or absence for any other reasons is unexcused. Students with an excused absence shall be given an opportunity to make up missed work.

Relationship between Attendance and grade

In order to obtain the minimum passing grade for a course, students must demonstrate sufficient comprehension of the course material to justify promotion to a subsequent course of study. To obtain a higher grade, students must demonstrate by examination, class participation, and the completion of assigned work that they have sufficient mastery of course material to satisfy established departmental standards. Unexcused absences may also affect a student’s grade.

Incentives, Sanctions and Notice

Each school is encouraged to recognize the impact of good attendance on student learning and to develop incentives that provide individual motivation to students and families. Students with unexcused absences shall be subject to the sanctions provided by school codes of conduct. Parents shall be notified by phone or by letter whenever their child is absent, tardy or departs early without a proper excuse.

Intervention Strategies

Additional actions shall be taken for students with severe attendance problems. These include referral to a student support or child study team, the provision of counseling service, and referral to a judge for court supervision (PINS petition.)

*The term “parent” includes guardians and others in an established parental
relation with the student.

APPENDIX C. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE REGULATIONS

The possession of illegal drugs, synthetic narcotics, dab pens or cartridges of any kind, non-prescribed medications, drug paraphernalia or alcohol or the consumption of illegal drugs, synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications, or alcohol during school hours or at any interscholastic and extra-curricular events or other school-sponsored activity, or on school property, is strictly prohibited. This policy also prohibits a student from coming to school or an extra-curricular and interscholastic event or other school sponsored activities, on or off campus, after the student has consumed alcohol or drugs,synthetic narcotics, non prescribed medications, or is in possession of illegal drugs, synthetic narcotics, non-prescribed medications, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol.

First Offense

A student who violates this policy for the first time may be suspended from school for a period of five (5) days. When the suspension period is over, the student may not be readmitted to school unless accompanied by a parent.

Athletes who are on alternate credit for physical education shall have this privilege revoked immediately; “Athletic Handbook” sanctions shall also be in effect. When indicated, the student shall be referred to the Niskayuna Police, the Superintendent, or both.

When the student returns to school, the student will be assigned to a Study Hall for all unscheduled periods for five (5) weeks. The student shall not be permitted to attend any interscholastic, extra-curricular, or school sponsored activity for the duration of the five (5) week period. The student will not be allowed on school property during the period of his/her suspension or he/she will be considered trespassing and will be subject to the associated civil/criminal penalties.

Moreover, the student must be a willing and active participant in at least three (3) counseling sessions with the school psychologist, student assistance counselor, or guidance counselor. Alternatively, the student may seek counseling from a private counseling source. This process must have begun in order for the student to be eligible to practice/rehearse/participate with a team or activity. Although the student will not be allowed to attend or participate in games, plays, events, etc., the student will be permitted to practice, try out, or rehearse providing the students meets with the school psychologist, student assistance counselor, or guidance counselor at the designated times. Should the student fail to participate in such a counseling program, the student shall be removed from the team or activity for the remainder of the school year. The student’s eligibility to return the following  school year to active participation will be contingent upon completion of a counseling program.

Student athletes, who participate in any school-sponsored sport, shall be referred to the building principals, who in consultation with the Director of Athletics, will apply the sanctions as outlined in the Athletic Code of Conduct.

Second Offense

In case of a second drug or alcohol offense during the student’s high school career, the student may be suspended from school for a period of five (5) days. When the suspension period is over, the parent is expected to accompany the student to school for admission.

When the student returns to school, the student shall be assigned to a Study Hall for all unscheduled periods for the duration of the student’s high school career. In addition, the student shall re-enter a counseling program (in-school or private). The student shall not be permitted to participate in or attend any co-curricular interscholastic, or other school-sponsored activity for one (1) calendar year from the date of the second violation. The student shall also be prohibited from practicing or rehearsing during the calendar year period.

Third Offense and Subsequent Offenses

If a student is suspended for a third drug or alcohol offense, the student will be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for an exclusionary hearing to determine if the student’s behavior poses a threat to the safety and well-being of that student or others. If, in the judgment of the Superintendent, the student is not to be excluded, the following sanctions shall be imposed:

The student may be suspended from school for a period of five (5) days. When the suspension period is over, the student may not be readmitted to school unless accompanied by a parent. When the student returns to school, the student shall be assigned to a Study Hall for the duration of the student’s high school career. The student shall also be strongly urged to seek more intense rehabilitative care; alternate placement may also be considered. In addition, the student shall not be permitted to participate in, practice, rehearse or attend any extra-curricular, interscholastic, or other school-sponsored activity for the duration of the student’s high school career.

APPENDIX D. PENALTIES FOR THE USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO and/or NICOTINE PRODUCTS

In accordance with New York State law, the Board of Education recognizes the health hazards associated with smoking and the use of other tobacco products and, therefore, prohibits the use or possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes, and vapor instruments and/or products, and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind by students in school buildings, on school property and vehicles owned or operated by the District or at school sponsored activities.

First Offense

A student on school property who is caught smoking a first time may be suspended out-of-school for a period of two (2) days or placed in an in-school suspension program. A student who is determined to be in the possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes or vapor instruments and/or products, and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind may be assigned two (2) extended detentions.

Second Offense

A student on school property who is caught smoking a second time may be suspended out-of-school for a period of four (4) days or placed in an in-school suspension program. A student who is determined to be in the possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes, or vapor instruments and/or products, and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind for a second time, may be assigned six (6) extended detentions.

Third Offense

A student on school property who is caught smoking a third time may be suspended out-of-school for a period of four (4) days or in an in-school suspension program. A student who is determined to be in the possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes or vapor instruments and/or products, and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind for a third time, may be placed in an in-school suspension program for three (3) days.

Fourth and Each Subsequent Offense

A student on school property who is caught smoking a fourth time and each subsequent time may be suspended out-of-school for a period of four (4) days or in an in-school suspension program. A student who is determined to be in the possession of tobacco products or accessories, e-cigarettes, or vapor instruments and/or products, and dab pens and/or cartridges of any kind for the fourth time, may be placed in an in-school suspension program.

APPENDIX E. BUILDING COMPUTER UTILIZATION

The Board of Education considers computers and computer-related technology to be valuable tools for education and encourages their use throughout the District.

The Board encourages computer use as an integral part of the curriculum where age and developmentally appropriate. This includes the use of computer programs, access to the Internet, and communications with teachers and other students.

Student and staff use of school computers and related technology should support the District’s educational program. The Internet and other electronic research materials are available to students and staff solely for the support of our students’ educational program and professional development. Computer use — including Internet access — is a privilege, not a right.

Computer utilization throughout the District shall be in accordance with Board of Education Policy and in accordance with the regulations defined by board policy, as well as local, state, and federal laws.

Student and staff use of school computers is for school-related use only. Foreign or home software shall not be used on school computers until it has been scanned for viruses and approved for use by a supervising adult. Use of language on the school network must be consistent with current community standards for public discourse in a school environment. All materials over the Internet should be assumed to be copyrighted for citation purposes.

Any and all e-mail that is sent or received through the District’s network shall be deemed to be not confidential and is subject to random review. Any messages that are related to or in support of inappropriate or illegal activities shall be reported to supervisors, the District office, or legal authorities. The use of District e-mail is limited to that which supports the District’s educational mission and official school business.

For more information about the Middle School Code of Conduct, contact:

  • Iroquois Middle School Principal Victoria Wyld, (518) 377-2233
  • Van Antwerp Middle School Principal Luke Rakoczy, (518) 370-1243