The New Lebanon Central School District Board of Education has adopted codes of conduct for students and all those who are present on school district property. These codes of conduct model behavior that is safe, orderly, respectful, trustworthy and civil. Copies of the full text of these codes of conduct are given to all students in September and are available upon request to parents. Please review with your child or children.
These codes of conduct provide legal definitions as required by New York State. The student code of conduct explains in detail the behavioral expectations of the school community for its students. It provides a list of student rights and responsibilities and describes the procedures that are available to students who are accused of violating the code of conduct. It also describes the range of permissible school responses to student violation of the code.
Student Rights
Students are entitled to: pursue their education in an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning – free from bullying, intimidation and any form of harassment or threats; a course of study that responds to their educational needs; respect from all members of the school community; procedural due process provided by Law; freedom of speech and expression that does not disrupt the educational process or infringe upon the rights of others; freedom from discrimination; a clear description of the rules that apply to them in school; and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. Students with special needs are entitled to have their educational needs and behavior evaluated on the basis of those needs.
Student Responsibilities
Student responsibilities include: demonstrating self-respect and respect for and kindness to others; working to achieve their full potential; following school rules and the directions of school staff, faculty and administration; fulfilling all educational assignments and obligations; demonstrating respect for school property and for the property of others; modeling good conduct; presenting themselves neatly in clothing that is safe and suitable for school activities and will not disrupt the education process; financial responsibility for books, tools, computers, locks and any other school property or equipment provided to them.
Prohibited Behavior
The behavior prohibited by the student code of conduct includes: disorderly and disruptive conduct; insubordination; truancy; violent or threatening behavior; possession or use of alcohol or illegal drugs; possession or use of a weapon; destruction of property; harassment of any kind, including bullying of other students; use of any tobacco products; misconduct on school busses; reckless driving; academic misconduct (cheating or plagiarism).
Student Dress Code
The code of conduct contains a dress code applicable to all students. Students are expected to dress in a manner that is safe, appropriate and not disruptive. Clothing that is revealing, vulgar, promotes drug, tobacco or alcohol use, is provocative or disrupts the educational process in any manner is prohibited. Additionally, wearing hats or the use of cell phones, beepers, pagers, lasers and other potentially disruptive devices is prohibited.
Reporting Violations
All members of the school community have a duty to report activity that threatens safety. Anyone observing or hearing of a person possessing a weapon, alcohol, or illegal substance shall report this information to a teacher or administrator immediately, without exception. All other violations should be reported to a teacher or administrator as soon as possible.
School Response to Violations
There is a wide range of school responses that are permitted when students violate the code of conduct. These range from verbal and written warnings to detention and suspension. In all cases where a student is accused of a violation of the code of conduct, s/he is entitled to notice of the violation and an opportunity to explain. The code of conduct provides for teacher removal of students from classrooms under certain circumstances and for hearings by the Superintendent when the school wishes to impose a longer-term suspension.The code of conduct includes provisions for consideration of special needs students.
Any student who is determined to be a threat to the health and safety of students or staff may be removed from school pending completion of the discipline process.Bringing a weapon to school, committing a violent act, making threats to another, or possession or use of drugs or illegal substances can lead to immediate removal and suspension for up to one year.Any compulsory age student is entitled to an alternate form of instruction if they are removed or suspended from their instructional program.
Corporal Punishment
Corporal punishment (use of physical force as discipline)is strictly prohibited. Reasonable physical force may be used by a staff member to restrain a student when that student presents a danger to self, others or property.
Searches
School property may be searched at any time and for any reason by school officials; school lockers belong to the school and may be entered and searched by school officials without the student’s consent or presence. Students and their property may be searched upon reasonable suspicion that contraband or a weapon is present.
Code of Conduct for All Individuals On School Property
All of those who use or occupy school property or premises under the control of the school are expected to model safe, lawful, respectful and civil behavior. This includes parents, staff, members of the Board of Education and all visitors to school. Those in violation of the following code of conduct will be asked to leave school premises; or may be subject to action by law enforcement agencies. Employees of the school district may be subject to applicable employee disciplinary proceedings.
The Following Conduct is Prohibited on School Property
The following conduct is prohibited on school property: physical injury to another person or the threat of such injury; verbal, physical or other forms of harassment or coercion of another; willful damage to, or destruction of property; interference with the lawful and authorized activities of others; possession, sale or use of alcoholic beverages or tobacco products or illegal drugs; and the possession or use of a weapon of any kind or any other object that reasonably can be considered a weapon.
Crimes on School Property
If there is reason to believe that a crime has been committed on school property or at a school sponsored function, law enforcement officials will be notified immediately.
Public Participation
Members of the school community are invited to submit comments and questions about the code of conduct to the building principals and/or the Superintendent: The review of the code of conduct shall be done annually by the Shared Decision Making (SDM) Committee for Walter B. Howard Elementary School and/or the Jr/Sr High School and recommended changes shall be submitted to the Superintendent for Board of Education approval.