HANDBOOK VERIFICATION FORM

In an effort to improve communication between the home and school, we are asking that each parent review and discuss this handbook with your child.

Please complete information below and have your child return to his/her homeroom teacher.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

I _____________________________________ have read

(print student’s name)

the student/parent handbook and understand the rules and regulations that are contained in it.

Student Signature:_______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________

Date: ________________

Homeroom Teacher:_____________________________

Please discuss the expectations and the contents of this handbook with your student.

F. D. Roosevelt

High School

Student & Parent Handbook 2007 – 2008

This agenda belongs to:

Name__________________________________________

Street Address___________________________________

City/Town______________________Zip______________

Phone Number:__________________Student ID#______

F.D. Roosevelt High School

PO Box 2032

154 South Cross Road

Hyde Park, NY 12538

Phone – (845) 229-4020

Fax – (845) 229-4029

Web Page: http://www.hydeparkschools.org

Board of Education

Sharon M. Matyas

Daniel M. Duffy Douglas H. Hieter

Stephen C. Hughes Timothy Liebrand

Sharon L. Myers Glenn Watson

Central Administration

Superintendent

Carole A. Pickering

Asst. Superintendent for Instruction & Personnel

Cora Stempel

Asst. Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services

Daniel Seyler-Wetzel

Assistant Superintendent for Business

Wayne Kurlander

High School Administration

Principal

Barbara Marrine

Assistant Principal

Janet E. Cerro

Eric Shaw

Preface

This student handbook is designed to communicate helpful information about Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School and to let you know how you can make the best use of what the school has to offer. The material covered in this handbook is organized alphabetically regarding general district information, rules and procedures. It is not intended to either enlarge or diminish any board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Please read it with care. If you have any questions or need information, any faculty member will be glad to advise you, or refer you to someone who can help you.

Any information contained in this student handbook is subject to unilateral revision or elimination from time to time without notice.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Mission Statement

The mission of F.D. Roosevelt High School is to develop students who are intellectually curious, socially responsible and prepared to meet the present and future challenges of our world.

Absences/Attendance

1. After you have been absent, please bring a note from your parent/guardian when you return to school. The note should state the dates and reason for your absence. Please give this note to your homeroom teacher or Attendance Secretary in the main office.
2. Until you bring in a note explaining your absence, an unexcused absence will be noted in your attendance record.
3. If you are absent more than one day, your parent or guardian should contact the guidance department and request the homework missed.
4. For further information see Comprehensive Attendance Policy posted on district website BOE Section 5100.

After School Activities

Students are only permitted to stay after school for a supervised activity. Late busses are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with a pass. Late bus passes are issued by the staff member the student stayed after school with.

Announcements

Daily announcements are read in the morning during homeroom. At this time important information related to the school day, your classes, sports and evening activities will be announced. Daily announcements are posted on the school website each day.

Bus Passes

If you plan on riding a different bus at the end of the day, you will need a note from your parent/guardian giving permission. This note must be handed in before 10:00 am to the main office.

Cafeteria

Students are to eat in their grade designated cafeteria, which is Café 142 for Grades 9 & 10 and Café 139 for Grades 11 & 12. Students are not permitted to take food out of the cafeteria for any reason unless they have permission of a staff member. All students are expected to show proper courtesy and respect to each other and to the supervisors and cafeteria personnel at all times. Students at each table are responsible for the cleanliness of their table and the floor surrounding it. Disruptive or discourteous behavior will result in disciplinary action appropriate to the offense, which may include loss of cafeteria privilege, detention or suspension from school.

Code of Conduct

The official HPCSD Code of Conduct is printed in this handbook on Pages 16-46, and can also be found on the district website. Please review it carefully.

Delayed Openings/School Closings

On days school must be delayed or closed or released early due to inclement weather or other circumstances, announcements will be made over local radio stations and will be posted on the district’s web page.

Electronic Equipment & Non School Related Items

Electronic equipment (such as pagers, cell phones, radios, portable CD players, etc.) is not allowed in class or in the hallways. If you listen to music on an IPOD or other portable device on the way to school, please put it in your locker once you arrive. Students may take their personal music devices out of their lockers to bring to lunch, as music is allowed in the cafeterias during lunch periods only. They should be replaced in the lockers at the end of the lunch period.

Students are responsible for their own personal property. It is highly recommended that any personal items are safely locked in lockers at all times.

Eligibility Standards

F.D. Roosevelt High School maintains eligibility standards for all student activities. Those affected by eligibility provisions will include the student government, clubs, service groups, honor societies, athletics, musical activities and class officers.

The purpose of these standards is to maintain levels of academic achievement, commensurate with ability and to integrate citizenship education and responsibilities with extracurricular activities.

Students are obligated to complete eligibility forms on a regular basis and return them to their coach or advisor. Chronic absenteeism from school and lateness to school cannot be tolerated and will result in the student being placed on probation or made ineligible for participation.

A student who has displayed either academic deficiencies or behavioral problems, (I) will be deemed ineligible and may be placed on probation following parent contact by the grade level administrator for a period of two weeks. Failure to demonstrate improvement during the probationary period will result in the student being denied participation in the activity for the season (semester); or (II) may be ineligible for participation (“denied participation”) from any interscholastic activity or extracurricular activity. In making the foregoing determination, the decision shall be made by the building principal of the F.D. Roosevelt High School or by an administrator designated by the building principal to make such determination.

Probationary: Students who are failing one course on their report card may continue to participate/practice with their organization. The student is required to complete a weekly eligibility Yellow Card.

Restricted: Students who are failing two courses on the report card. These students may continue practicing with their organization, however these students are not allowed to compete/perform with the organization. In accordance with NY State policy, a student who is failing Physical Education is on a restricted status. A Restricted student will be required to complete a Weekly Eligibility Yellow Card; if teachers indicate he/she is passing all courses, or that student is putting forth considerable effort to improve his/her academic performance, the student will be able to fully participate for one week.

Ineligible: Students failing three or more courses will be removed from all rosters and organization lists. He/she may not attend any extra-curricular practices, contests, performances, meetings or events for the organization. Ineligible students are strongly encouraged to meet with their guidance counselor for academic counseling and complete the eligibility “Yellow Card”. The Card serves only as a check of the student’s progress and does not entitle him/her to any temporary change in eligibility status. A change may only occur at the next five week report. A Student’s parent/guardian may file an appeal on behalf of the child if they believe extenuating circumstances contributed to the failures.

Emergency Drill Procedures

New York State law mandates that emergency drills be conducted at regular intervals in order to instruct students and staff in proper procedures. These drills are designated to reduce the chances of serious injury in the event of a real emergency. All students are expected to cooperate with staff members during a drill, proceed in a quiet and orderly manner and stay with their teacher. Distracting or disruptive behavior will be subject to either teacher or administrative action. Any person found guilty of making a false report or pulling a fire alarm is subject to arrest and school disciplinary procedures.

Guidance Department

School Counselors are trained to acknowledge and address the developmental needs of adolescents in a proactive fashion by providing prevention and intervention activities , and to assist students and parents with appropriate resources and services. They also collaborate with School Psychologists, Social Workers, Teachers and Administrators in addressing adolescents’ social development

needs. The goal of counselors working with adolescents is to help them acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills needed to understand and respect themselves and others; make decisions, set goals and take necessary actions to achieve those goals.

Health Office

Please review the following information in regard to the health office:

* NYS requires that all new students and 10th graders have a physical examination. You may choose to have your child examined by your private physician or by the school healthcare practitioner. All health forms are due to the Health Office by October 1st. Any student who has not returned their form will be scheduled to be examined by the school physician.
* Emergency Information Card – Each student must have and emergency card on file which has been completed by a parent/guardian. If your child becomes ill or injured during school hours, we need to be able to reach you by telephone. If any of your information changes during the school year, please notify the Health Office with the new information as soon as possible.
* If your child should become ill during the school day, he/she must report to the Health Office. Students should not call a parent from a cell phone and request to be picked up.
* Please notify the Health Office of any injury, contagious illness, or physical condition that your child may have so we may make appropriate arrangements if needed.
* If your child needs to be excused from PE class, a note is required. The note must state the reason and include the length of time that your child is to be excused. All notes must be given to the nurse at the beginning of the school day.
* A doctor’s note is required for any student who requires crutches or the use of a wheelchair during the school day. The note must include a PE excuse, the reason for the crutches and/or wheel chair and the length of time they are required.
* An elevator is available for injured/disabled students. Keys to the elevator are available in the health office with a $5 dollar deposit. No unauthorized student will be permitted to ride the elevator.
* Working papers are available in the Health Office during the school year. Working papers are issued in the main office during the summer vacation. Proof of age, proof of a current physical examination within twelve months, a social security number and a signature of a parent/guardian are required for a student to receive working papers. An employer will require a social security card.
* Sports Physicals – If a student wishes to participate in a sport, a Parent Permission Slip (PPS) must be signed and submitted for each sports season. Students must have a valid physical done within the past 12 months by his/her private healthcare practitioner, or the school practitioner. Students may request to schedule a physical at school once the completed PPS is turned in. Students who have not turned in the completed PPS by the posted deadline, will not be able to participate in a sport that season.
* Medications can only be administered at school by following the guidelines listed below. This includes all over-the-counter medication such as cough drops, antacids, pain relievers, etc. NYS Law strictly outlines the rules that schools must follow concerning medication administered in schools. Nurses are required to follow these regulations:
1. The nurse should administer medication only as necessary.
2. Instructions for administering medication must be in writing from the physician and include: name of the student, medical condition of the child, name of the medication, dosage and time, and a list of possible side effects. Forms are available in the Health Office.
3. A letter must be brought to school by the parent/guardian requesting the administration of the medication by the school.
4. Medication must be brought to school by the parent/guardian in the original bottle in which it was dispensed by the pharmacist, and NOT to be sent to school with the child.
5. New prescriptions and physician’s orders are required at the beginning of each school year.
6. All unused medication must be picked up by the parent/guardian, or it will be properly discarded within seven days after it is no longer needed.
7. The term “medication” is a broad one applying to prescription and non-prescription drugs and treatments.

Internet Policy

F.D. Roosevelt High School has Internet access in the Library, Classrooms and Computer Labs. Each student who wishes to use the various networks must establish a user (ID) account. Any account holder who uses the district’s computers and/or Internet in violation of district policy may have his/her user account suspended and/or revoked. Disciplinary action consistent with applicable laws and regulations and the Code of Conduct may occur. The use of school computers, software, network resources and/or the Internet for non-educational purposes such as for profit activity, personal business or illegal activity is prohibited.

Lateness to Class

Students who are late for class are not to go to any office for late passes. The teacher will keep a record of lateness to class. Students late one time will be dealt with at the teacher’s discretion. Further lateness will result in progressive disciplinary action.

Lateness to School

Students who arrive late to school are to report to the sign-in desk in the main lobby. Students will be given a special late pass to class. Students must bring in a note signed by a parent/guardian stating the reason for their lateness. Repeated unexcused lateness will result in disciplinary action.

Library/Media Center

The aim of the Library/Media Center is to support and enrich the curriculum, provide materials for information and recreation and enable students to become computer literate and independent learners. A Certified School Media Specialist and staff are available to assist students using the Library. Students are required to have their schedule with them to enter the Library. Library hours are 7:20 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Monday and Friday, and 7:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. In addition to regular school rules, the following also apply while using the library:

1. No food or drink.
2. Voices must be kept low.
3. Only one student on a computer – unless with a class.
4. Only four students to a table.
5. Classes have priority use of computers.
6. Books and media must be returned on time.

Violation of school or library rules will result in dismissal from the library with a length of time to be determined by the Media Specialist and/or an Administrator.

Lockers

All students are issued a locker for individual use. Students should not share locker or combination with other students and report any problems to the Asst. Principal’s Office. Students are urged to bring a lock to PE Class to secure personal items in the PE Locker Rooms. Students are responsible for their own personal property. FDR reserves the right to inspect lockers whenever necessary, balancing rights of privacy against general safety requirements.

NCBI

National Coalition Building Institute – Guilt is the clue that holds prejudice in place (the more you target or blame someone in a workshop, the harder it is to help them reduce bigoted attitudes). NCBI demonstrates in the workshop that treating every participant with dignity, respect and generosity brings about change faster than the use of traditional confrontational models.

Passes

Your teacher will sign a pass if you need to leave the classroom during a class period – hallway passes are located in the back of this handbook.

Promotion Requirements

In order to progress through Grades 9-12, a student shall fulfill the following minimum requirements:

1. Placement to Grade 10 – Satisfactory completion of 4 academic units.
2. Placement to Grade 11 – Satisfactory completion of 10 academic units.
3. Placement to Grade 12 – Satisfactory completion of 14 academic units.

Students seeking to participate in the Graduation ceremonies must have completed all requirements prior to graduation.

Honors Placement Criteria - Please refer to specific Honors criteria outlined in the Course Selection Guide.

Senior Scholarship Information

Helpful Hints for Scholarship Procedures

* Locations – On the website, List in the Guidance Office, Ongoing PA Announcements.
* Transcripts – Unofficial transcripts can be released to students. However, official transcripts will be mailed directly to colleges/scholarship organizations upon request.
* Applications – It is recommended that you type all applications. Be sure that the applications are clean, neat and not wrinkled.
* Deadlines – Each scholarship has a return deadline to be in the Guidance Office. That date must be followed. Late applications will not be accepted. Please realize that often the organization has a different deadline printed on the application. You must adhere to the school’s deadline to allow processing and mailing time.
* College Majors – Students must be consistent about majors. You cannot change your major to meet each criteria of the scholarship. If undecided, indicate so.

Sexual Harassment

The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the rights of all students within the school district to learn in an environment that is free from all forms of sexual harassment. The Board recognizes that sexual harassment and sexual violence in school or at school-supervised activities, whether or not occurring on School District premises, is adverse to the health, safety and welfare of students. The Board therefore, prohibits any form of sexual harassment of students, whether by a member of the district staff, or by another student.

Sexual Harassment refers to unwelcome and/or unwanted sexual activity that creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive academic environment, including unwelcome remarks, gestures, writings, pictures and posters of a sexually explicit nature. Sexual violence refers to unwelcome and/or unwanted sexual touching, fondling and/or sexual acts.

Any student who believes that he/she has been the subject of sexual harassment or sexual violence shall be encouraged to communicate such fact to one of the following individuals, either in writing or verbally:

1. The Building Principal
2. An Assistant Principal
3. A School Nurse
4. A School Counselor

The complaining student shall be assured that there will be no retaliation against him/her for making a complaint which he/she reasonably believes, constitutes sexual harassment or sexual violence.

Standardized Testing Dates

PSAT: 10/20/07

SAT I&II: 10/6/07, 11/03/07, 12/01/07, 1/26/08, 5/3/08, 6/7/08

SAT I: 3/1/08

ACT: 9/15/07, 10/27/07, 12/8/07, 2/9/08, 4/12/08, 6/14/08

Not all above dates are offered at FDR – Report to Guidance Office for further information and registration deadlines.

Student Driving

Permission to park on school grounds is a privilege and not a right. As such, this permission may be withdrawn at any time for a violation of the student “code of conduct” and/or failure to meet the standards of the schools eligibility policy. Seniors and P.M. BOCES Students will be permitted to park their vehicles on school property and are required to submit an application for permission. Once criteria is met, a sticker will be issued and affixed to vehicle on drivers side rear window. Only special hardships, will Juniors be granted driving permission due to lack of space. The following conditions apply to student parking:

1. Student vehicles are parked at their own risk.
2. No student is to be in the parking lot for any reason other to enter or leave school grounds by car. If it is absolutely necessary for students to visit a car, a pass MUST be obtained from the Asst. Principals’ Office.
3. PARKING STICKERS ARE VALID ONLY ON THE VEHICLE FOR WHICH THEY WERE OBTAINED. STICKERS ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE AND MAY NOT BE AFFIXED TO ANY OTHER VEHICLE. ANY LICENSE PLATE CHANGE MUST BE REPORTED TO THE SECRETARY IN THE ASST. PRINCIPALS OFFICE.

Study Halls

Students should report to study hall with sufficient study material to make constructive use of the entire period. Students wanting to use the library during a study hall must first report to their assigned study hall for attendance, and a pass from the study hall teacher. A quiet study atmosphere will be maintained, therefore, no talking will be permitted.

Textbooks

Students are issued textbooks by teachers for all classes in which they are to be used. It is the responsibility of each student to maintain them in proper condition. Students may be required to pay for lost or damaged books.

Working Papers

See information on working papers under, “Health Office”.

CODE OF CONDUCT

I. Introduction

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

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

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

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

II. Definitions

For purposes of this code, the following definitions apply.

"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. A substantial disruption of the educational process or substantial interference with a teacher’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with a teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom behavior rules.

"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 §92l for purposes of the Gun-Free Schools Act. It also means any other gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, pocket knife, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles, sling shot, metal knuckle knife, box cutter, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star, electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other

noxious spray, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other device, instrument, material or substance that can cause physical injury or death when used to cause physical injury or death.

III. Student Rights and Responsibilities

A. Student Rights:

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all District students have the right to:

1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation or disability.

2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.

3. Access school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

B. Student Responsibilities:

All district students have the responsibility to:

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons arid to property.

2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.

3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.

4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.

5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.

6. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.

7. Ask questions when they do not understand.

8. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.

9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.

10. Accept responsibility for their actions.

11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

12. Report violations of this code and any problems or concerns related to health or safety to teachers and/or building administrators.

IV. Essential Partners

A. Parents

All parents are expected to:

1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community

2. Send their children to school ready to participate and

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

8. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the district.

9. Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children's friends.

10. Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.

11. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.

12. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.

B. Teachers:

All district teachers are expected to:

1. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity which will strengthen students' self-concept and promote confidence to learn.

2. Be prepared to teach.

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

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

5. Communicate to students and parents:

a. Course objectives and requirements

b. Marking/grading procedures

c. Assignment deadlines

d. Expectations for students

e. Classroom discipline plan. Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.

C. Pupil Personnel Staff:

1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging personal, academic, 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. At the secondary level, regularly review with students their educational progress arid career plans.

4. At the secondary level, provide information to assist students with career planning.

5. Encourage students to benefit from the curriculum and extracurricular programs.

D. Principals:

1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.

2. Ensure that students and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the principal and approach the principal for redress of grievances.

3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.

4. Support the development of arid student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.

5. Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly arid fairly.

E. District Administrators:

1. Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.

2. Review the policies of the board of education and state and federal laws relating to school operations and management

3. Inform the board about 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 arid 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 arid the fairness and consistency of its implementation.

3. Lead by example by conducting board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

V. Student Dress Code

All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all 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, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, makeup and nails, shall:

1. Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.

2. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), bare midriffs and see-through garments are not appropriate.

3. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing

4. Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.

5. Not include the wearing of hats or other headgear in the classroom except for medical or religious purposes.

6. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

7. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities. Each 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 and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.

Students who violate the student 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 student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.

VI. Prohibited Student Conduct

The board of education expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment. The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students'

ability to grow in self-discipline. The board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that

and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct.

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

A. 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.

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

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

2. Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission

3. Skipping detention.

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

1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school

personnel in charge of students.

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

1. Committing an act of violence or using any form of physical force (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.

2. Committing an act of violence or using any kind of physical force (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.

3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.

4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon.

5. Threatening to use any weapon.

6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.

7. Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.

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

1. Lying to school personnel.

2. Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school

property or attending a school function.

3. Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.

4. Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability as a basis for treating another in a negative manner.

5. Harassment, which includes a sufficiently severe action or a persistent, pervasive pattern of actions or statements directed at an identifiable individual or group which are intended to be or which a reasonable person would perceive as ridiculing or demeaning.

6. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily or other harm.

7. Hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliating with or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity, organization, club or team.

8. Selling, using or possessing obscene material.

9. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.

10. Smoking or possessing a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using of possessing chewing or smokeless tobacco.

11. Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. "Illegal substances" include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alike drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as "designer drugs."

12. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

13. Gambling.

14. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.

15. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.

F. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus. It is crucial or students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with

established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving and fighting will not be tolerated.

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

1. Plagiarism.

2. Cheating

3. Copying

4. Altering records

5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions.

VII. Reporting Violations

All students are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal or his or her designee. Any student observing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol or illegal substance on school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to a teacher, the building principal, the principal's designee or the superintendent.

All district staff who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and 1awful manner. District staff who are not authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to promptly report violations of the code of conduct to their supervisor, who shall in turn impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction, if so authorized, or refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.

Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, if possible, followed by

notification to the parent of the student involved and the appropriate disciplinary sanction if warranted, which may include permanent suspension and referral for prosecution.

The building principal or his or her designee must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of those code violations that constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of a school as soon as practical, but in no event later than the close of business the day the principal or his or her designee learns of the violation. The notification may be made by telephone, followed by a letter mailed on same day as the telephone call is made. The notification must identify the student and explain the conduct that

violated the code of conduct and constituted a crime.

VIII. Disciplinary Penalties

Procedures and Referrals

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with the problem at the time and place it occurs, and in a way that students view as fair arid impartial. School personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students' ability to grow in self discipline.

Disciplinary' action, when necessary, will be firm, fair and consistent so as to be the most effective in changing student behavior. In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to impose disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

1. The student's age.

2. The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense.

3. The student's prior disciplinary record.

4. The effectiveness of other forms of discipline.

5. Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate

6. Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student's first violation will usually merit a lighter penal than subsequent violations. If the conduct of a student is related to a disability or suspected disability, the student shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education and discipline, if warranted shall be administered consistent with the separate requirements of this code of conduct for disciplining students with a disability or presumed to have

a disability. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his/her disability.

A. Penalties

Students who are found to have violated the district's code of conduct may be subject to the following penalties, either alone or in combination. The school personnel identified below, after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty consistent with the student's right to due process.

1. Oral warning - any member of the district staff

2. Written notification to parent - coaches, guidance counselors, teachers, principals and other administrators, superintendent

3. Detention – teachers, principal, superintendent

4. Suspension from transportation - director of transportation, principal, superintendent

5. Suspension from athletic participation - principal, director of physical education and athletics, superintendent

6. Suspension from social or extracurricular activities - activity director, principal, superintendent

7. Suspension of other privileges - principal, superintendent

8. In-school suspension - principal, superintendent

9. Removal from classroom - teachers, principal

10. Short-term (five days or less) suspension from school –principal, superintendent,

11. Long-term (more than five days) suspension from school – superintendent

12. Permanent suspension from school – superintendent

B. Procedures

The amount of due process a student is entitled to receive before a penalty is imposed depends on the penalty being imposed. In all cases, regardless of the penalty imposed, the school personnel authorized to impose the penalty must inform the student of the alleged misconduct and must investigate, to the extent necessary, the facts surrounding the alleged misconduct. All students will have a reasonable opportunity to present their version of the facts to the school personnel imposing the disciplinary penalty in connection

with the imposition of the penalty.

Students who are to be given penalties other than an oral warning, written warning or written notification to their parents are entitled to additional rights before the penalty is imposed. These additional rights are explained below.

1. Detention:

Teachers, principals and the superintendent may use after school detention as a penalty for student misconduct in situations where removal from the classroom or suspension would be inappropriate. Detention will be imposed as a penalty only after the student's parent has been notified to confirm that there is no parental objection to the penalty and the student has appropriate transportation home following

detention.

2. Suspension from transportation:

If a student does not conduct himself/herself properly on a bus, the bus driver is expected to bring such misconduct to the building principal's attention. Students who become a serious disciplinary problem may have their riding privileges suspended by the building principal director of transportation or the superintendent or their designee. In such cases, the student’s parent will become responsible for seeing that

his or her child gets to and from school safely. Should the suspension from transportation amount to a suspension from attendance, the district will make arrangements to provide for the student’s education. A student subject to suspension from transportation is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the building principal or the principal’s designee to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

3. Suspension from athletic participation, extra curricular activities and other privileges. A student subjected to a suspension from athletic participation, extra-curricular activities or other privileges is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student's parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

4. In-School Suspension

The board recognizes the school must balance the need of students to attend school and the need for order in the classroom to establish an environment conducive to learning. As such, the board of education authorizes building principals and the superintendent to place students who would otherwise be suspended from school as the result of a code of conduct violation in “in-school suspension”. The in-school suspension shall be supervised by a teaching assistant, instruction shall be provided under the general supervision of the students’ regular teacher(s).

A student subjected to an in-school suspension is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the in-school suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

5. Teacher disciplinary removal of disruptive students

A student's behavior can affect a teacher's ability to teach and can make it difficult for other students in the classroom to

learn. In most instances the classroom teacher can control a student's behavior and maintain or restore control over the classroom by using good classroom management techniques. These techniques may include practices that involve the teacher directing a student to briefly leave the classroom to give the student an opportunity to regain his or her composure and self-control in an alternative setting. Such practices may include, but are not limited to: (1) short-term “time out" in an elementary classroom or in an administrator's office; (2) sending a student into the hallway briefly: (3) sending a student to the principal's office for the remainder of the class time only: or (4) sending a student to a guidance counselor or other district staff member for counseling. Time-honored classroom management techniques such as these do not

constitute disciplinary removals for purposes of this code.

On occasion, a student’s behavior may become disruptive. For purposes of this code of conduct, a disruptive student is a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher's authority over the classroom.

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

If the teacher finds that the pupil’s continued presence in the classroom does not pose a continuing danger to persons or property and does not present an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process, the teacher shall, prior to removing the student from the classroom provide the student with an explanation of the basis for the removal and allow the pupil to informally present the pupil’s version of relevant events. In

all other cases, the teacher shall provide the pupil with an explanation of the basis for the removal and an informal opportunity to be heard within twenty-four hours of the pupil’s removal.

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

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

The principal may require the teacher who ordered the removal to attend the informal conference. If at the informal meeting the student denies the charges, the principal or the principal's designee must explain why the student was removed and give the student and the student's parents a chance to present the student's version of the relevant events. The informal meeting must be held within 48 hours of the student's removal. The timing of the informal meeting may be extended by mutual agreement of the parent and principal.

The principal or the principal's designee may overturn the removal of the student from class if the principal finds any one of the following:

1. The charges against the student are not supported by substantial evidence.

2. The student's removal is otherwise in violation of law, including the district's code of conduct.

3. The conduct warrants suspension from school pursuant to Education Law §3214 and a suspension will be imposed.

The principal or his or her designee may overturn a removal at any point between receiving the referral form issued by the teacher and the close of business on the day following the 48-hour period for the informal conference, if a conference is requested. No student removed from the classroom by the classroom teacher will be permitted to return to the classroom until the principal makes a final determination, or the period of removal expires, whichever is less.

It shall be the responsibility of the classroom teacher to ensure that 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.

The principal must keep a log of all removals of students from class.

Removal of a student with a disability, under certain circumstances, may constitute a change in the student's

placement. Accordingly, no teacher may remove a student with a disability from his or her class until he or 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.

4. Suspension from school:

Suspension from school is a severe penalty, which may be imposed only upon students who are insubordinate, disorderly, violent or disruptive, or whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others.

Any staff member may recommend to the superintendent or the principal that a student be suspended. All staff members must immediately report and refer a violent student to the principal or the superintendent for a violation of the code of conduct. All recommendations and referrals shall be made in writing unless the conditions underlying the recommendation or referral warrant immediate attention. In such cases a written report is to be prepared as soon as possible by the staff member recommending the suspension.

The principal, upon receiving a recommendation or referral for suspension or when processing a case for suspension, shall gather the facts relevant to the matter and record them for subsequent presentation, if necessary.

a. Short term (5 days or less) suspension from school

When the principal proposes to suspend a student charged with misconduct or five days or less pursuant to Education Law §3214(3), the principal must immediately notify the student orally. If the student denies the misconduct, the principal must provide an explanation of the basis for the proposed suspension. The principal must also notify the student's parents in writing that the student may be suspended from school. The written notice must be provided by personal delivery, express mail delivery, or some other means that is reasonably calculated to assure receipt of the notice within 24 hours of the decision to propose suspension, at the last known address for the parents. Where possible, notice should also be provided by telephone if the school has been provided with a telephone number(s) for the purpose of contacting the parents.

The notice shall provide a description of the charges against the student and the incident for which suspension is proposed and shall inform the parents of the right to request an immediate informal conference with the principal. Both the notice and informal conference shall be in the dominant language or mode of communication used by the parents. At the conference, the parents shall be permitted to ask questions of complaining witnesses under such procedures as the principal may established.

The notice and opportunity for an informal conference shall take place before the student is suspended unless the student’s presence in school poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process. If the student's presence does pose such a danger or threat of disruption, the notice and opportunity for an informal conference shall take place as soon after the suspension as is reasonably practicable.

After the conference, the principal shall promptly advise parents in writing of his or her decision. The principal shall advise the parents that if they are not satisfied with the decision and wish to pursue the matter, they must file a written appeal to the superintendent within five business days. The superintendent shall issue a written decision regarding the appeal within 10 business days of receiving the appeal. If the parents are not satisfied with the superintendent's decision, they must file a written appeal to the board of education with the district clerk within 10 business days of the date of the superintendents' decision. Only final decisions of the Board may be appealed to the Commissioner within 30 days of the decision.

b. Long-term (more than 5 days) suspension from school

When the building principal determines that a suspension for more than five days may be warranted, he or she shall notify the Superintendent’s Office. The Superintendent shall give reasonable notice to the student and the student's parents of their right to a fair hearing. At the hearing the student shall have the right to be represented by counsel, the right to question witnesses against him or her and the right to present witnesses and other evidence on his or her behalf.

The superintendent shall personally hear and determine the proceeding or may, in his or her discretion, designate a hearing officer to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall be authorized to administer oaths and to issue subpoenas in conjunction with the proceeding before him or her. A record of the hearing shall be maintained, but no stenographic transcript shall be required. A tape recording shall be deemed a satisfactory record. The hearing officer shall make findings of fact and recommendations as to the appropriate measure of discipline to the superintendent. The report of the hearing officer shall be advisory only, and the superintendent may accept all or any part thereof.

An appeal of the decision of the superintendent may be made to the board that will make its decision based solely upon the record before it. All appeals to the board must be in writing and submitted to the district clerk within 10 business days of the date of the superintendent's decision. The board may adopt in whole or in part the decision of the superintendent. Final decisions of the board may be appealed to the Commissioner within 30 days of the decision.

c. Permanent suspension

Permanent suspension is reserved for extraordinary circumstances such as where a student's conduct poses a

life-threatening danger to the safety and well-being of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.

C. Minimum Periods of Suspension

1. Students who bring a weapon to school

Any student, other than a student with a disability, found guilty of bringing a weapon onto school property will be subject to suspension from school for at least one calendar year. Before being suspended the student will have an opportunity for a hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. The superintendent has the authority to modify the one-year suspension on a case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty, the superintendent, or his duly appointed hearing officer in making a recommendation, may consider the following:

* The student's age.
* The student's grade in school.
* The student's prior disciplinary' record.
* The superintendent's belief that other forms of discipline may be more effective.
* Input from parents, teachers and/or others.
* Other extenuating circumstances.

A student with a disability may be suspended only in accordance with the requirements of state and federal law.

2. Students who commit violent acts other than bringing a weapon to school

Any student, other than a student with a disability, who is found to have committed a violent act, other than bringing a weapon onto school property, shall be subject to suspension from school for at least five days. If the proposed penalty is the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the student's parents will be given the same notice and opportunity for an informal conference given to all students subject to a short term suspension. If the proposed penalty exceeds the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the

students parents will be given the same notice and opportunity for a hearing given to all students subject to

a long-term suspension. The superintendent has the authority to modify the minimum five-day suspension on a case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty, the superintendent may consider the same factors considered in modifying a one-year suspension for possessing a weapon.

3. Students who are repeatedly substantially disruptive of the educational process or repeatedly substantially interfere with the teacher's authority over the classroom.

Any student, other than a student with a disability, who repeatedly is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher's authority over the classroom, will be suspended from school for at least five days. For purposes of this code of conduct, "Repeatedly is

substantially disruptive" means engaging in conduct that results in the student being removed from the classroom by teacher(s) pursuant to Education Law §3214(3-a) and this code on four or more occasions during a semester. If the proposed penalty is the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the student's parent will be given the same notice and opportunity for an informal conference given to all students subject to a short-term suspension. If the proposed penalty exceeds the minimum five-day suspension, the student and the student's parent will be given the same notice and opportunity for a hearing given to all students subject to a long-term suspension. The superintendent has the authority to modify the minimum five-day suspension on a case-by-case basis. In deciding whether to modify the penalty, the superintendent may consider the same factors considered in modifying a one-year suspension for possessing a weapon.

D. Referrals

1. PINS Petitions

The district may file a PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) petition in Family Court on any student under the age of 18 who demonstrates that he or she requires supervision and treatment by:

a. Being habitually truant and not attending school as required by part one of Article 65 of the Education Law.

b. Engaging in an ongoing or continual course of conduct which makes the student ungovernable or habitually disobedient and beyond the lawful control of the school.

c. Knowingly and unlawfully possesses marijuana in violation of Penal Law § 221.05. A single violation of § 221.05 will be a sufficient basis for filing a PINS petition.

2. Juvenile Delinquents and Juvenile Offenders.

The superintendent is required to refer the following students to the County Attorney for a Juvenile Delinquency proceeding before the Family Court:

a. Any student under the age of 16 who is found to have brought a weapon to school, or

b. Any student 14 or 15 years old who qualifies for Juvenile offender status under the Criminal Procedure Law §1.20 (42).

The superintendent is required to refer students age 16 and older or any student 14 or 15 years old who qualifies for juvenile offender status to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

IX. Alternative Instruction

When a student of any age is removed from class by a teacher or a student of compulsory attendance age is suspended from school pursuant to Education Law §3214, the district will take immediate steps to provide alternative means of instruction for the student.

X. Discipline of Students with Disabilities

The board recognizes that it may be necessary to suspend, remove or otherwise discipline students with disabilities to address disruptive or problem behavior. The board also recognizes that students with disabilities enjoy certain procedural protections whenever school authorities intend to impose discipline upon them. The board is committed to ensuring that the procedures followed for suspending, removing or otherwise disciplining students with disabilities are consistent with the procedural safeguards required by

applicable laws and regulations.

This code of conduct affords students with disabilities subject to disciplinary action no greater or lesser rights than those expressly afforded by applicable federal and state law and regulations.

XI. Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment is any act of physical force upon a student for the purpose of punishing that student. Corporal

punishment of any student by any district employee is strictly forbidden. However, in situations where alternative procedures and methods that do not involve the use of physical force cannot reasonably be used, reasonable physical force may be used to:

1. Protect oneself, another student, teacher or any person from physical injury.

2. Protect the property of the school or others.

3. Restrain or remove a student whose behavior interferes with the orderly exercise and performance of school district functions, powers and duties, if that student has refused to refrain from further disruptive acts. The district will file all complaints about the use of corporal punishment with the

Commissioner of Education in accordance with Commissioner's regulations.

XII. Student Searches and Interrogations

The board of education is committed to ensuring an atmosphere on school property and at school functions that is safe and orderly. To achieve this kind of environment, any school official authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty on a student may question a student about an alleged violation of law or the district code of conduct. Students are not entitled to any sort of "Miranda"-type warning before being questioned by school officials, nor are school officials required to contact a student's parent before questioning the student. However, school officials will tell all students why they are being questioned.

In addition, the board authorizes the superintendent and building principals to conduct searches of students and their belongings if the authorized school official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will result in evidence that the student violated the law or the district code of conduct.

An authorized school official may search a student or the student’s belongings based upon information received from a reliable informant. Individuals, other than the district employees, will be considered reliable informants if they have previously supplied information that was accurate and verified, or they make an admission against their own interest, or they provide the same information that is received independently from other sources, or they appear to be credible and the information they are communicating relates to an immediate threat to safety. District employees will be considered reliable informants unless they are known to have previously supplied information that they knew was not accurate.

Before searching a student or the student's belongings, the authorized school official should, if possible, ascertain whether the student is willing to admit to possession of physical evidence that they violated either the law or Code of Conduct, or whether they are willing to voluntarily consent

to the search. Whenever practicable, searches will be conducted in the privacy of administrative offices and students will be present when their possessions are being searched.

A. Student Lockers, Desks and other School Storage Places

The rules in this code of conduct regarding searches of students and their belongings do not apply to student lockers, desks and other school storage places. Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to these places and school officials retain complete control over them. This means that student lockers, desks and other school storage places may be subject to search at any time by school officials,

without prior notice to students and without their consent.

B. Searches – Exceptional Circumstances

A search that requires a student to remove any or all of his or her clothing, other than an outer coat or jacket, may be conducted if an authorized school official believes it is necessary only if the search is authorized in advance by the superintendent or the school attorney.

Such searches may only be conducted by an authorized school official of the same sex as the student being searched and in the presence of another district professional employee who is also of the same sex as the student.

C. Documentation of Searches

The authorized school official conducting the search shall be responsible for promptly recording the following information about each search:

1. Name, age and grade of student searched.

2. Reasons for the search.

3. Name of any informant(s).

4. Purpose of search (that is, what item(s) sought).

5. Type and scope of search.

6. Person conducting search and his or her title and position.

7. Witnesses, if any, to the search.

8. Time and location of search.

9. Results of search (that is, what items(s) were found).

10. Disposition of items found

The building principal or the principal’s designee shall be responsible for the custody, control and disposition of any illegal or dangerous item taken from a student. The principal or his or her designee shall clearly label each item taken from the student and retain control of the item(s) until the item is turned over to the police. The principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for personally delivering dangerous

or illegal items to police authorities.

D. Police Involvement in Searches and Interrogations of Students

District officials are committed to cooperating with police officials and other law enforcement authorities to maintain a safe school environment. Police officials, however, have limited authority to interview or search students in schools or at school functions, or to use school facilities in connection with police work. Police officials may enter school property or a school function to question or search a student or to conduct a formal investigation involving students only if they have:

1. A search or an arrest warrant; or

2. Probable cause to believe a crime has been committed on school property or at a school function; or

3. Been invited by school officials.

Before police officials are permitted to question or search any student, the building principal or his or her designee shall first try to notify the student’s parent to give the parent the opportunity to be present during the questioning or search. The principal or designee will also be present during any police questioning or search of a student on school property or at a school function.

E. Child Protective Services Investigations

Consistent with the district’s commitment to keep students safe from harm and the obligation of school officials to report to child protective services when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student has been abused or maltreated, the district will cooperate with local child protective services workers who wish to conduct interviews of students on school property relating to allegations of suspected child abuse and/or neglect, or custody investigations.

All requests by child protective services to interview a student on school property shall be made directly to building principal or his or her designee. The principal or his or her designee shall set the time and place of the interview. The principal or designee shall decide if it is necessary and appropriate for a school official to be present during the interview, depending on the age of the student being interviewed and the nature of the allegations. If the nature of the allegations is such that it may be necessary for the student to remove any of his or her clothing in order for the child protective services worker to verily the allegations, the school nurse or other district medical personnel must be present during that portion of the interview. No student may be required to remove his or her clothing in front of an official of the opposite sex.

XII. Visitors to the Schools

The building principal or his or her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

1. Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the school will be considered a visitor.

2. All visitors to the school must report to the office of the principal upon arrival at the school. There they will be issued a visitor’s identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must return the badge to the principal’s office before leaving the building.

3. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings or public gatherings, are not required to register.

4. Parents or citizens 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.

5. Teachers are expected not to take class time to discuss individual matters with visitors.

6. Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or his or her designee.

Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.

7.All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in this code of conduct.

XIV. 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 for which they are on school property.

A. Prohibited Conduct

No person, either alone or with others, shall:

1. Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.

2. Intentionally damage or destroy (including graffiti) school property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator other district employee or any other person on school property.

3. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities.

4. Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action1 appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.

5. Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

6. Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.

7. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.

8. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles;

9. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.

10. Possess or use weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case or law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the school district.

11. Loiter on or about school property.

12. Gamble on school property or at school functions.

13. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.

14. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.

15. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

B. Penalties

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

1. Visitors. Their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse, they shall be subject to ejection.

2. Students. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.

3. Tenured faculty members. They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law §3020-A or any other legal rights that they may have.

4. Staff members in the classified service of the civil service entitled to the protection of Civil Service Law §75. They shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law §75 or any other legal rights that they may have.

5. Staff members other than those described in subdivisions 4 and 5. They shall be subject to warning, reprimand, suspension or dismissal as the facts may warrant in accordance with any legal rights they may have.

C. Enforcement

The building principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for enforcing this code of conduct.

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

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

XIV. Dissemination and Review

The board will work to ensure that the community is aware of this code of conduct by:

1. Providing copies of a summary of the code to all students at a general assembly held at the beginning of each school year.

2. Making copies of the code available to all parents at the beginning of the school year.

3. Mailing a summary of the code of conduct written in plain language to all parents of district students before the beginning of the school year and making this summary available later upon request.

4. Providing all current teachers and other staff members with a copy of the code and a copy of any amendments to the code as soon as practicable after adoption.

5. Providing all new employees with a copy of the current code of conduct when they are first hired.

6. Making copies of the code available for review by students, parents and other community members.

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

to the management and discipline of students.

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

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

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

The code of conduct and any amendments to it will be filed with the Commissioner of Education no later than 30 days after adoption.

Adopted by BOE HPCSD 6/14/2001

Section 504 Disclosure

No otherwise qualified individual shall, solely by reason of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program receiving Federal financial assistance. The Section 504 Coordinator can be contacted at Central Administration Office. This official will provide information, including complaint procedures to any student or employee who feels that the district and/or its officials have violated his/her rights.

EXPLANATION OF DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE

WHEREAS, the Town of Hyde Park recognizes the scourge of substance abuse on our community; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Hyde Park is desirous of protecting the health and well-being of the school children of our community and,

WHEREAS, the areas around the schools in the Hyde Park Central School District should be safe for our children and free from those who would sell controlled substances to them,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that a "DRUG FREE SCHOOL ZONE" will be established encompassing all areas up to one thousand feet (1,000') from the property line of all school buildings. The "DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONE" will include those portions of those properties and roadways which lie within those zones, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Hyde Park Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police shall be thereby authorized to follow Title 21 of the U.S. Code, Section 845A, providing that persons manufacturing, selling or distributing narcotics, controlled substances, marijuana and the derivatives within one thousand feet (1,000') of any public property or college or university shall be guilty of a Class C Felony, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that by reason thereof the penalty under Section 841B of Title 21 provides for doubling of the mandatory ten (10) years to life imprisonment penalty and the maximum $4,000,000 (four million dollar) fine if found guilty of certain quantities of manufacture, sale or distribution of these substances within the above- mentioned "DRUG-FREE SCHOOL ZONES" in the Town of Hyde Park.

FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

HIGH SCHOOL

DAILY PERIOD SCHEDULE

MORNING WARNING

BELL 7:30

PERIOD 1 7:35 - 8:19

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HOMEROOM 8:19 – 8:24

PERIOD 2 8:28 - 9:13

PERIOD 3 9:17 – 10:02

PERIOD 4 10:06 - 10:51

PERIOD 5 10:55 –11:40 All buses arrive by . 7:30 am

AM BOCES bus - 8:15am

PERIOD 6 11:44 – 12:29

AM BOCES return -11:25am

PERIOD 7 12:33 -1:18 PM BOCES bus -11:45am

Reg. home bus run- 2:13 pm

PERIOD 8 1:22 - 2:07

Late bus run. ..3:30pm