PURPOSE

These rules and guidelines are designed to promote good behavior and a positive learning environment. Teachers and all other staff are here to assist students in this endeavor as they strive to achieve their full potential.

Introduction

The Board of Education 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, 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.

NONDISCRIMINATION

The Scotia-Glenville Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities including vocational education opportunities without regard to sex, age, race, color, national origin, disability, or religious beliefs. Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to:

Title X and Section 504 Coordinator Director of Curriculum & Instruction

Scotia-Glenville Central Schools

900 Preddice Parkway

Scotia, New York 12302

Telephone (518) 382-1218

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 elementary or secondary 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. "Weapon" also means, but is not limited to, 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 cutters, 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.

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 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.

13. help them understand their new responsibilities as middle school students.

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, parents, 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.

G. Other Staff

1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen student’s self concept and promote confidence to learn.

2. Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.

3. Know school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.

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.

Behaviors

I. Arrival and Homeroom

Students should not arrive to school prior to 7:00 a.m. unless permission is granted from the main office.

Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. must report immediately to the designated area. At 7:30 a.m., students will be dismissed to their lockers. They may then report to the cafeteria, the library, or their homeroom.

Students walking to and from school each day should plan their route so that it is safe, respectful of property, and timely, considering weather conditions.

Students should not get off their bus at the Senior High and walk over to the Middle School.

Students arriving on buses will be unloaded at the traffic circle in front of the building and should enter the building directly.

Students arriving by car must be dropped off only at the designated area.

Bicycle racks are furnished for those students who choose to ride to school. Upon arrival, the student should walk his/her bike while on school grounds and park it on the rack. Students should lock their bikes and may not use them during the school day. Bicycles considered to be unsafe by school authorities are to be left at home. Each student is assigned to a homeroom in the Middle School. Students should first go to their assigned locker, get all materials and books for morning classes, and take care of all personal needs before going to homeroom. Students must be in their seats by 7:45 a.m. A warning will be given at 7:42 a.m. to proceed to homeroom. Students should all be en route to homeroom by this time.

Absence

The Parents of a student who is chronically absent (10 or more absences without medical documentation) may receive a letter inquiring about how the school can help support parents in getting their child to school. The student and parents may be required to meet with an administrator. If the student’s attendance does not improve, an Attendance (PINS Diversion) Petition may be filed with the Schenectady County Department of Probation.

Attendance

All children in New York State between the ages of 6 and 16 years shall receive full-time instruction. (Section 3205, Education Law)

Each registered student in Scotia-Glenville Middle School is expected to attend each day that school is in session. Should a student be absent or tardy for any reason, it is necessary that a written excuse, signed by a parent or guardian, stating the date and reason for the absence or tardiness be brought to the homeroom teacher upon return.

Parents should call the school when it is known their child will be absent or tardy.

Students should remain on school grounds once they have arrived in the morning unless there is expressed permission of a parent or guardian and approval of school authorities. Individual cases of excessive unexcused or illegal absence, tardiness or truancy will be referred to the Principal for investigation. It should be noted here that financial State aid is based in part on pupil attendance.

The adult picking up the student and the student who is excused from school must sign out in the office sign-out book. If the student returns to school, he/she must sign back in and report to the secretary.

Parents are asked to please contact the school by telephone or in person regarding matters of student attendance.

The following excuses are considered legally acceptable by the New York State Board of Regents: (a) personal sickness, (b) sickness or death in family, (c) severe storms or impassable roads, (d) religious observance, (e) quarantine by contagious disease, (f) court obligations, (g) music instruction, (h) approved cooperative work program, or (i) doctor’s appointment.

The school district does not provide advance homework for students going on vacation with their family. Our policy is that students are responsible for making up the work themselves if they are illegally absent, i.e., on vacation with their family. Teachers are not responsible for writing out assignments for students illegally absent.

Students who are participating in activities scheduled for the evening hours such as sports, music, dramatics or social events must be in school for attendance on the day of the activity if they are to be participants or spectators. When the activity falls on a Saturday, attendance is required on Friday. Special problems should be discussed with the Principal or Assistant Principal prior to the event.

Attendance at concerts is required of Band, Orchestra and Chorus students. These events are considered part of the music curriculum.

Students will be considered to have perfect attendance if they are in attendance every day, all day, with no tardiness. Students who are on approved educational field trips from school are considered in attendance for that day. Students absent due to a death in their immediate family or religious observance may be considered to have perfect attendance at the discretion of the principal.

Tardy to School

After a student is illegally tardy to school four times, the student’s name will be reported to the office and the student will be assigned to school detention. Detention will be assigned for every tardy thereafter. A student who arrives late to school must bring a written excuse stating the reason for the tardiness.

Truancy/Class Cuts

A student who is truant from school or cutting class is required to make up the instructional time lost. Parents will be notified. Detention or in-school suspension may be assigned. The student will receive a zero for any missed quiz or test and will be responsible for making up all missed work.

II. During The Day

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT:

As part of the school community, it is the duty and responsibility of students and faculty to honor academic success that is earned as the consequence of hard work and effort. Academic integrity at SGMS is based upon a respect for individual achievement that is the result of personal integrity, honor, and diligence.

The following list indicates some (but not limited to) behaviors that violate academic integrity:

Cheating = unauthorized notes or unacceptable use of technology, unauthorized study aids, alterations of graded work after it has been returned, copying another’s homework, submitting identical or similar papers for credit in more than one course without permission from the instructors.

Plagiarism = submitting material that in part or whole is not entirely one’s own without citing correct sources including web sites or other resource materials.

Fabrication = falsifying or inventing information, data or citations.

Theft of Exam Materials = stealing, reproducing, or any other unauthorized collection of any and all exam material prior to the exam.

Aiding and Abetting Academic Dishonesty = providing material, information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that it could be used in any of the violations stated above or providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity.

Falsification of Records and Official Documents = altering academic records or official school documents or forging signatures.

Unauthorized Access to Computerized Academic or Administrative Records = viewing, modifying or releasing any official school computer records without authorization.

Misuse of Technology = unauthorized use or misuse of web sites, Internet, graphing calculators or any other technology.

Back Work/Homework (Refer to appendix for additional information)

Students will be required to complete all homework assignments on time and to the best of their ability. Students are expected to promptly make up all assignments missed due to absence from classes for any reason. Students must promptly make up work when attending field trips, music rehearsals, special programs and the like promptly, according to the policy of the teacher. Students may be required to spend additional time after school to complete their work. Students who owe excessive amounts of work may be restricted from all extracurricular activities.

Backpacks/Book bags

Students are expected to store book bags and backpacks in their lockers during the school day.

Buses

1. Students are to board buses only at the Middle School.

2. Students are to behave properly on buses at all times. Those not behaving will be considered for detention or suspension.

3. Students who ride the late bus must obtain a pass from their supervising teacher.

4. When boarding buses, students should follow the directions of the supervising teacher or the drivers.

5. Students should not walk between buses or attempt to cut in front of buses.

Bus Conduct

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they:

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.

It is the responsibility of the school bus driver to safely and consistently transport students to and from school. With this responsibility, the driver has the same authority as a teacher or parent to ensure good behavior on or near the bus. Cases of serious or chronic misconduct will be reported to

the school authorities to be dealt with as in other cases of discipline. The privilege of riding the school bus may be denied those who choose to abuse it.

The following are some safety and courtesy rules to abide by when riding on the buses. The student should:

1. Show proper behavior around the bus stop area and on the bus.

2. Stay behind the curb or out of the road until the bus stops.

3. Be aware of the surroundings while waiting for the bus.

4. Line up single file without pushing when boarding the bus.

5. Speak only in conversational tones using appropriate language.

6. Obey the bus driver who is in charge of safe transportation.

7. Keep arms, hands, and other parts of the body, and belongings, inside the bus.

8. Keep the bus free of paper and other litter.

9. Observe the no smoking rule.

10. Ride only the bus assigned. To ride any other bus, you must have written parent permission signed by the Principal or Dean of Students.

11. Show a late bus pass to the driver to be allowed on the late bus.

12. Demonstrate common courtesy to others for safety reasons.

Cafeteria

The Middle School is on a continuous day schedule where students remain in school the entire day. The cafeteria prepares breakfast and lunch for those who wish to purchase them and sells milk and other items to those who elect to bring a home-prepared meal. All lending, giving or borrowing of money is discouraged by students and by staff. Proper behavior in the cafeteria is expected at all times. Students will be scheduled for lunch and recreation. Any student needing more time to eat should see the cafeteria supervisor or come to the Main Office for assistance.

Cafeteria Guidelines

1. Students are to remain in the dining area and the designated corridor area, not in the corridors near the office or music room. Students must secure permission in writing (pass) to go to other areas of the building.

2. While eating, students should be seated in the table area. Cafeteria chairs and tables should not be moved without permission.

3. After eating, students are to place all trays, utensils, paper products, glass, etc., in the proper receptacles for recycling. Students will then sit at a table until dismissed by the cafeteria supervisor.

4. While at breakfast and/or lunch, students with permission should use only the lavatory nearest the cafeteria.

5. Students may return to lockers before or after their lunch shift.

6. Students may make telephone calls with permission of the supervisor. A pass must be obtained from the supervisor.

7. Students are to remain in their scheduled lunch shift until dismissed by the supervisor, one table at a time, at the discretion of the supervisor.

8. Students are to eat only during their own lunch shift.

9. Only appropriate behaviors and language are allowed in the cafeteria.

10. Students disobeying cafeteria supervisors or cafeteria rules will be reported to the office for disciplinary action.

11. Students will be given an organized recreation period during the lunch period and students are to remain in the supervised recreation area.

12. Students may buy their own lunch in the cafeteria or bring their lunch from home. Milk, snacks and ala carte items are sold daily in the cafeteria lunch line.

13. Students are discouraged from buying and/or sharing each other’s breakfast or lunch. This includes large bags of chips, bags of candy, bottles of soda, trays of cupcakes, cookies or cakes.

Care of Building

The responsibility for the care and upkeep of our Middle School building rests with all who use it. Pupils, teachers and administrators are all environmental custodians. Everyone is responsible for creating and maintaining a clean, attractive, well-kept place in which learning and teaching can occur.

Classes

Students are to:

1. Enter the classroom promptly, take assigned seats, and be ready for instruction when class begins.

2. Bring necessary books and supplies, including pen and pencil, and assignment notebook.

3. Follow the direction of the adult in charge.

4. Stay in the classroom until dismissed by the teacher or the adult in charge.

5. Keep their assignment notebook up to date at all times.

6. Keep school-owned textbooks covered at all times.

7. Make up work if absent.

Classroom Tardiness

All students are expected to be in classes on time. Violation of this rule will result in teacher detention. Chronic tardiness will be reported to the office.

Corridor Conduct

Students should respect the rights of others in the hallways and at all other times. Eating, drinking, pushing, screaming, spitting, running, use of foul language, degrading actions, slamming/kicking of lockers or the like will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action. Students are expected to respect individual and school property.

Disorderly Conduct

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they 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.

4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

5. Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.

6. Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly

attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.

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.

Disruptive Conduct

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they engage in conduct that is disruptive.

Examples of disruptive conduct include:

Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students.

Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco Products, Substance Abuse

The Middle School takes a firm stand against drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse by students in school and on school grounds, whether during the day or at after school events. The possession, use or abuse of alcohol, tobacco products, drugs or any related illegal substances, on or within school district property is expressly forbidden.

Scotia-Glenville students must be aware that the prohibition regarding possession, use or abuse of these items extends to any school function regardless of the location. A student may not possess, distribute, sell, use or abuse these substances on school property or at a school function. Any student under the influence or appearing to be under the influence of any of these substances will be subject to search.

A student found possessing drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, or any related and illegal substances will be externally suspended from school for up to five days. Along with the external suspension, the student must attend a Superintendent’s Hearing where upon an extended suspension may also be assigned.

For drug, drug paraphernalia, and illegal substance possession, police will be notified and action may be taken with probation or Family Court.

“Use of tobacco products within school buildings, on school buses and on school owned properties shall be prohibited by all staff members as well as the general public.” (Adopted by the Board of Education 1/10/94)

A student found smoking, holding a lit cigarette, blowing smoke out of his/her mouth, or using any tobacco product will be suspended from school for a three day period and will be responsible for making up work missed during the suspension period.

A student found in possession of tobacco products on school grounds shall have them taken away and may face disciplinary action. Parents will be notified.

Events Guideline

Any student, parent, spectator, and/or visitor who wishes to attend any school sponsored event may be prohibited from bringing in any type of beverage, backpack, container or bag.

Extracurricular Activities

Participation in any extracurricular activity is a privilege at Scotia-Glenville Middle School. Students may be excluded from extracurricular activities as a result of inappropriate behavior and/or poor academic performance, including failure to do homework. Students restricted from extracurricular activities must not be on school property during the time of activities without prior permission from the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Fighting

Scotia-Glenville students should be able to come to school and participate in classes and other school related activities without the threat of physical assault. Students who threaten or become involved in fighting in school or on the school campus will be subject to disciplinary action. Students involved in promoting or encouraging fighting or physical assaults between other students will be subject to disciplinary action. A student who observes a fight or physical assault and does not notify school authorities may be considered to have promoted or encouraged the incident. The disciplinary action may include detention, suspension from school or in-school suspension, as appropriate. Any student(s) guilty of an unprovoked assault upon another person in or on school property may be subject to disciplinary action.

Fire/Evacuation Drills

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, fire drills and other emergency drills are conducted regularly and treated seriously at the Middle School. In the event of a fire drill or other reason necessitating evacuation of the building, students must abide by these procedures:

1. Exiting:

. Listen to the instructions of the supervising adult.

. Exit the classroom/building in accordance with the emergency exit plan.

. Walk through the building quickly, orderly, and QUIETLY.

2. Outside Behavior:

. Stand in line with the class, at least 100 feet from the building, allowing the supervising adult to take attendance.

. Remain quiet.

3. Re-entering:

. Report directly to your assigned classroom.

. Take your seat promptly and quietly.

. Listen for teacher/PA announcements.

Fireworks

No student shall have in his or her possession upon any school premises any fireworks or devices that create a distraction. Students who violate this policy will be dealt with severely. Detention will be issued and suspension will be considered.

Guests

Students who wish to bring a guest to school must secure the Principal’s permission at least one day in advance and bring parent permission.

Harassment/Bullying

Members of the Scotia-Glenville Middle School community should treat each other with proper respect. Harassment/bullying of faculty members or students in a racially, sexually, or personally insulting manner is an extremely serious matter reflecting poorly on that student and our school. Students who feel they have been victims of harassment are encouraged to report the incident to a teacher, counselor, nurse or administrator.

School administration will thoroughly investigate all reports of such behavior and will make every effort to protect the confidentiality of the individual making the complaint. If confirmed, such behavior will result in detention or suspension.

Insubordination

All students are expected to cooperate promptly and fully with all adults in the school. When a student becomes insubordinate, disciplinary action including suspension will occur. Parents will be notified.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, when they engage in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples of insubordinate conduct include:

1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.

2. Lateness, missing or leaving school without permission.

3. Skipping detention.

Lockers/Locks

1. Each year hall lockers are assigned to students by the guidance department. Students are to use only their assigned lockers.

2. Combination locks are purchased by incoming sixth graders during summer orientation. Students will be responsible for keeping track of their locks and combinations throughout the three years of Middle School.

3. Only locks purchased through guidance may be used to secure lockers.

4. For security reasons, lock combinations are not to be shared with other students.

5. All students must keep their lockers locked at all times. Any student who loses his/her lock must purchase a new one through the guidance department.

6. Students do not need to go to their lockers between every class. Students should plan ahead and be prepared for their next classes. Tardiness to class because of locker stops will be subject to disciplinary actions by the receiving teacher.

7. Lockers should be kept neat and clean. Under no circumstances should anything be written on or inside lockers.

8. Locker assignments will be changed only after a meeting with the Assistant Principal.

Medication Policies

There are times when it may be necessary for a student to receive medication during school hours. The following requirements for administration of medication must be met in order for that medication to be given. These requirements apply to both prescription and non-prescription (“over-the-counter”) medications.

1. The school nurse must have on file a written order from the health care provider stating the name of the medication, the dosage, the time to be given in school if it is to be given on a daily basis and the circumstances for administering the medication if it is not to be given on a regular dosage schedule. This written order should be on the doctor’s letterhead stationery and include the office address and telephone number. Orders must be renewed annually.

2. The school nurse must have on file written permission from the parent or guardian authorizing school personnel to administer the medication as specified by the doctor.

3. The parent or guardian (or other responsible adult) must bring the medication to school in the pharmacy container or the original store container. Students should NOT transport medication!

4. Any medication to be given at school must be kept in the Health Office. (EXCEPTION: Instances where it has been determined by a student’s physician that the student should carry his/her medication – see self-medication form)

5. Medications not picked up at the end of the school year will be discarded. A reminder notice will be sent home before the last day of school in June.

These policies, determined by the Scotia-Glenville Central School District, are in accordance with New York State Education Department guidelines and exist for the safety of ALL of the students in the school.

Money, Audio Equipment and Other Valuables

Money

All lending, borrowing or giving of money is discouraged. Any requests or demands for money or valuables should be reported immediately to any adults in charge.

Audio Equipment

Bringing electronic and communications devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, games, radios, palm pilots, MP3 players, tape or CD players, and beepers/pagers, is discouraged. These items are not allowed in class and may not be on during the school day.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are not to be used in any capacity during the school day and may be confiscated by staff.

Other Valuables

All valuables should be left at home. When it becomes necessary for a valuable item to be brought to school, the student is responsible for its security. The school is not responsible for stolen and/or damaged items.

Out of Doors/Gym Recreation

1. Lunch recreation will be held outdoors when the weather and field conditions permit. If

weather is questionable, a decision will be made by the Principal prior to lunch. Decision to go outdoors or to remain inside will then be at the discretion of the lunchroom supervisors.

2. Students will report to the cafeteria for lunch first (minimum 15 minutes) -- and then will be excused to walk to recreation, or vice versa.

3. Students with major rule violations and inappropriate behavior will be restricted to the cafeteria or referred to the office. Lunch/recreation detention may result.

4. Restricted students may be taken off of restriction by demonstrating proper behavior.

5. Food and drinks are to be consumed in the cafeteria only.

6. Students who have a medical excuse from physical education are automatically restricted from all other sports and recreation events including noon-hour recreation.

Parties

Parties that interfere with the instructional program should not take place. When in doubt, check with the principal or see the District Health and Wellness Policy.

Safety, Morals, Health or Welfare

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, when they 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. Harassment/bullying, which includes a sufficiently severe action or persistent pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifi