2022-2023 Student Handbook

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Mission: Educate and inspire every student to achieve excellence.

Vision: We aspire to be a model school that empowers all students to realize their unlimited potential.

Core beliefs: Students are our first priority. Every student can learn. We hold high expectations for all. We cultivate creativity and innovation. We create a safe, engaging learning environment that nurtures the whole child. A partnership among students, staff, families and community is necessary to achieve success. We support equitable opportunity for everyone. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We foster good citizenship and public service.

All hail Otselic Valley

And proud her honors tell.

She stands beside the river

We also love as well.

And like the river ever flowing,

Rolling southward to the strand,

May the peace beyond all knowing

Spread from us across this land.

And this our benediction

To all beneath the sky

To know the love we have for

Otselic Valley High. 

(Arr. R. Arnell/R. Estus)

Colors: Black and Gold

Mascot: The Viking

TITLE IX STATEMENT

"The Otselic Valley Central School District prohibits and condemns all forms of discrimination and harassment, actual or perceived, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, marital status, military status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender (identity, expression), disability, ethnic group, religious practice, or weight by employees, school volunteers, students, and non-employees such as contractors and vendors as well as any third parties who are participating in, observing, or otherwise engaging in activities subject to the supervision and control of the District (BOE policy #5420)." Contact person: Georgia Gonzalez: O V C S D Superintendent, 125 County Road 13A, PO Box 161, South Otselic, New York 13155 or (315) 653-7218.

INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The purpose of this student handbook is to familiarize parents and students with the main procedures, services and programs of Otselic Valley Central School. Please retain this handbook, as it will be a convenient reference throughout the school year.

It is important to realize that during the course of the school year, policies and procedures are regularly evaluated to address varying circumstances. If modifications are implemented, parents and students will be notified.

We hope you will find your years at Otselic Valley Central School to be motivating and rewarding. Your success will largely depend on your willingness to meet your obligations and accept responsibility for your education. You should review this handbook with your parent or guardian.

SECURITY SYSTEM

The Otselic Valley Central School District is responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of all students and staff. Each year the District's Safety Plan is reviewed and updated to support Project SAVE.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

The Board encourages parents and other district citizens to visit the district's school and to observe the work of the students, teachers and staff. Members of the School District staff will treat parents and other members of the public with respect and expect the same in return. The District must keep school and administrative offices free from disruptions and prevent unauthorized persons from entering school/district grounds. The administrator or designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. For these reasons, the following rules apply:

PUBLIC CONDUCT

To create and maintain a safe and orderly environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school grounds and at school functions. All persons shall conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

The building administrator or designee shall be responsible for enforcing the Code of Conduct. Attempts should be made to persuade people to behave appropriately and warn them of possible consequences. If attempts are futile, the individual(s) should be removed. If necessary, the proper authorities may be notified.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION

Response to Intervention (formerly A I S) means additional instruction and/or student support services, which supplement the general instruction and help students meet the state mandates. Services will be provided to students in English Language Arts and Mathematics (grades PK-12) and other curricular areas (grades 4-12).

All students are eligible for R T I, including those with disabilities, limited English proficiency and/or English language learners if they fail to meet state performance standards or district approved procedures. The school will use multiple measures to determine students' eligibility for services. Some of these measures could include state tests, in classroom screening tools, and teacher observations. Students in grades 9-12 will be mandated to receive R T I services if they score below a passing grade on a Regents examination required for graduation.

In grades where no state assessments are given, students will be eligible for R T I if they are determined to be at risk of not meeting state standards according to criteria established by the district. The district procedure will be used when a student is absent for all or part of a state examination or for a transfer student when necessary.

Quarterly reports will be sent to parents describing the nature and intensity of the service provided, how the service was provided and by whom, and the reasons for continuation or discontinuation of the services.

The building administrator or guidance counselor will be responsible for notification indicating a need for R T I. The notification will include a summary of the services to be provided, frequency, reasons for the services and potential consequences. When R T I is discontinued, the parent will be notified of the termination of services and the updated performance level of the student.

R T I services will end when the student has successfully demonstrated adequate growth across multiple data points in their targeted area and are no longer in need of service.

STUDENT RECORDS

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 states that parents/legal guardians have the right to inspect the total education record of their  children. Students over the age 18 can inspect their own records.

Education record means those records, files, documents and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by an educational agency or institution, or a person acting in that manner.

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR COLLEGE COURSES

Students may request to have a college course evaluated for high school credit. The principal and guidance counselor must approve this option. If the final grade in the course is not a "C" or better, credit will not be granted.

If a student wishes to take 12 credit hours of college courses in a semester, they will need permission from the school principal. If a student is taking less than 12 in a semester, they do not need permission from administration.

COLLEGE COURSE APPEAL

Having the opportunity to take college course while in high school is an excellent opportunity for students. A teacher has the right to set prerequisites that are unique to their course. In the case where a student does not fit all the general requirements for taking a college course, we would like to give students an opportunity at an appeal for missing a prerequisite for a course. The appeal is only for a local prerequisite. The college prerequisites cannot be appealed at the local administrative level.

The student who wishes to appeal needs to write a letter to the building principal for the course they are being denied participation in. The letter should outline what prerequisite they are missing and share other evidence that would highlight their potential of being successful in the course. This evidence could include but is not limited to P S A T, S A T, and Regents scores that were not part of the local teachers' prerequisites.

If the administrative appeal is approved, the student will receive ten weeks to show that they can handle the rigor of the college course. If they cannot, the student will be moved into the local course by the administrator that head the appeal. At times moving a student's schedule may cause the loss of other courses because of course conflicts. It is the student's responsibility to meet local graduation requirements before extra elective courses are taken into consideration.

GRADE REPORTING

WEIGHTED COURSES

The Board of Education recognizes that the preparation and effort necessary for success in a more challenging course is generally greater than that of a local credit course. In order to provide incentive to enroll, the following weighting system will be used.

VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN SELECTION

For a student to be considered and eligible for the title of Valedictorian or Salutatorian, he/she must have met the following requirements:

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY POLICY (FORMALLY S M P)

This policy affects the following activities, but is not limited to them; L P P, field trips, F F A, Envirothon, dances, Booster Club events, musicals, plays, senior lounge privilege and attending sport games/school events. The administration has the right to add events to the list that take place on the O V C S campus or are sponsored by the School District. Students on ineligibility lists may not participate in co-curricular activities including any away events.

The Otselic Valley School District recognizes that academic success should be the goal of ALL students. The purpose for attending school is to receive an education. AS a student-athlete, performer or member of a club, you must plan your schedule so that you give sufficient time and energy to ensure acceptable grades. The following is a list of expectations and consequences for failure to receive acceptable grades.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage and promote student achievement and set guidelines for student eligibility for school sponsored extracurricular activities and sports. Students grades will be checked via School Tool at each five-week point throughout the school year. Reports will be generated by the administration.

In the High School, a student with two failures in a five-week marking period is placed on probation. They should seek out extra help in the subjects they are failing and will not be allowed to leave study halls. A high school student with two failures in two consecutive five-week periods, will become ineligible and will be required to attend lunch time study hall. When a high school student becomes ineligible, he/she cannot participate in ANY extra-curricular activity or sport for the next five-week marking period. Any student failing three subjects or more becomes ineligible for the next five-week marking period and will be required to attend lunch time study hall. At the conclusion of the five-week period, grades are revisited and the high school student with one failure or no failures would become eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities again.

If student is failing two subjects in a five-week period, he/she is placed on probation and a letter and phone call will go out to the parent/guardian by the principal, athletic director or dean of students. If a student fails any two subjects once again after the next five weeks (or is failing three or more subjects during any five-week period), he/she would be ineligible for the following five-week period. A letter and phone call would then go home to inform the parent/guardian that their child has become ineligible for the next five weeks. This can be done by the principal, athletic director or dean of students. Reports will be generated every 5 weeks by the administration.

After each five-week period, the dean of students will generate a list of students that are on probation or are ineligible to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. The list will be distributed to appropriate faculty, coaches and club advisors. It is the responsibility of the coaches and advisors to check the list to be sure only eligible students are participating during any five-week period.

The purpose of this policy is to encourage and promote student achievement and set guidelines for student eligibility in school sponsored extracurricular activities and sports. This policy will only apply to students in grade 7 and 8. All students attending after-school activities will be required to attend an after-school study hall.

Student grades will be checked via School Tool at each five-week point throughout the school year. Reports will be generated by the administration.

Any Middle School student failing two or more classes at the five-week period will be required to attend lunch time study halls. Students will be allowed to attend clubs, practices, or games, etc. after their assigned study halls are completed. Failure to attend an assigned lunch time study hall will result in loss of after-school privileges until completion of assigned study times. Study hall teachers will keep attendance and let coaches/advisors know if someone has not attended.

While in lunch time study hall, the student must cooperate with all rules and productively complete assigned class work and homework. They will get their lunch and immediately report to the study hall and begin working while eating. There will be no talking, no phones and no fooling around. Students who attend their assigned study hall and follow the rules described above will be considered eligible to participate in extracurricular activities and sports. Students who do not attend their assigned study hall or do not behave appropriately or complete work in study hall will NOT be eligible for extracurricular activities and sports. They will be ineligible for the remainder for the five-week marking period.

Middle School grades will be checked at the end of each five-week marking period. If student is failing one or fewer courses, he/she will NOT be required to attend lunch time study halls but may choose to do so. He or she will be considered eligible for extracurricular activities and sports.

Middle School students will start fresh every September (during 7th and 8th grade) and will not be penalized for the prior year's grades.

Additionally, parents will be notified using School Messenger. 

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

The faculty council will judge the merit of each individual student for membership based on the following areas:

JUNIOR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

DROP-ADD COURSE PROCEDURES

A student wishing to add or drop a course will be required to fill out a Change of Schedule Request form from the Guidance Office. A student may add/drop a course only before or during the first full week of class. The student should attend class until final notification of the drop and may have to attend a meeting with all parties present.

FAILURE POLICY

INCOMPLETES

A student receiving a grade of "Incomplete" on a report card will have ten school days from the end of the marking period to complete the work and receive a numerical grade or the teacher will compute the work that has been completed.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

All students must obtain at least a 65 on five Regents examinations. Required examinations include one math (Algebra, Geometry, or Trigonometry), one social studies (Global History or United States History), one science (Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Physics), and one English. The fifth Regents examination must be an additional math Regents, or science Regents, or social studies Regents, or N O C T E through the C T E (Career Technical Eduation) BOCES program.

English = 4 credits

Social Studies = 4 credits

Mathematics = 3 credits

Science = 3 credits

Languages other than English = 1 credit

Health = .5 credit

Fine Arts = 1 credit

Electives = 3.5 credits

Physical Education = 2 credits

TOTAL = 22 credits

STUDENT ACTIVITY FORMS

All students in grades 5-12 will be asked to complete a Student Activity Information form. This form identifies activities in which they participated, honor received and positions of leadership. The student should update this form periodically to provide the most accurate information.

CODE OF CONDUCT SUMMARY

(see Code of Conduct Policy for full disclosure)

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law and to provide students with a safe school climate focused on positive behavior. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all district students have the right to:

All district students have the responsibility to:

STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES

The same Code of Conduct pertains to riding the bus. The bus driver and chaperones have the same authority as a teacher. Acquaint yourself with the following:

ESSENTIAL PARTNERS

All parents are expected to:

All faculty, staff, and administration are expected to:

All cafeteria staff are expected to:

All transportation/custodial staff are expected to:

All support staff are expected to:

All teachers are expected to:

All counselors are expected to:

All administrators are expected to:

All administrators are expected to:

All board members are expected to:

STUDENT CONDUCT - DEFINITIONS

The Board of Education expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard to 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. 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 or interferes with a bus driver's ability to safely operate a school bus.

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

Employee means any person receiving compensation from a school district or employee of a contracted service provider or worker placed within the school under a public assistance employment program, pursuant to title nine-B of article five of the Social Services Law, and consistent with the provisions of such title for the provision of services to such district, its students or employees, directly or through contract, whereby such services performed by such persons involve direct student contact (Education Law Sections 11[4] and 1125[3]).

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 (Education Law Section 11[1]).

School Bus means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency or private school and operated for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity, to or from school or school activities, or, privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of piles, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities (Education Law Section 11[1] and Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 142).

School function means any school-sponsored extracurricular event of activity (Education Law section 11[2]).

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

Weapon means a firearm as defined in 18 USC Section 921 for purposes of the Gun-Free Schools Act. It also means any other gun, B B gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, pocketknife, 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.

Disability means (a) a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques, or (b) a record of such an impairment, or (c) a condition regarded by others as such an impairment provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with employment, the term must be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a reasonable manner the activities involved in the job or occupation sought or held (Education Law Section 11[4] and Executive Law Section 292[21]).

Harassment means the creation of a hostile environment by conduct, with or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student's educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or conduct, verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; the harassing behavior may be based on a person's actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation or gender (identity of expression) (Education Law Section 11[7]).

Sexual orientation means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality (Education Law Section 11[5]).

Gender means actual or perceived sex and shall include a person's gender identity or expression (Education Law Section 11[6]).

Hazing is a form of harassment which involves committing an act against a student or coercing a student into committing an act that creates a risk of or causes emotional, physical, or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated or affiliated with a student or other organization, or for any other purpose. Consent or acquiescence is no defense to hazing: i.e., the implied or expressed consent of a person or persons to hazing shall not be a defense to discipline under this policy.

Bullying is a form of harassment that consists of inappropriate and often persistent behavior including threats or intimidation of others, treating others cruelly, terrorizing, coercing, or habitual put-downs and or badgering of others. Bullying occurs when someone purposely says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending oneself or is in an otherwise vulnerable position.

Cyber-bullying refers to any harassment/bullying, on or off school property, which occurs via the internet, cell phones or other electronic devices.

Sexting refers to an act of sending sexually explicit photos, images, text messages, or emails by using a cell phone or other electronic device.

The Board of Education recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or at school functions specific and clear. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and violate school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct.

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, make-up and nails, shall:

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.

PROHIBITED STUDENT CONDUCT

A student may be subject to disciplinary action when he/she behaves in a manner that is:

Rule 1: We will not bully others.

Rule 2: We will try to help students who are bullied.

Rule 3: We will try to include students who are left out.

Rule 4: If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

(Olweus Bully Prevention Program)

Different forms or kinds of bullying may include:

REPORTING PROCEDURES

Students are to report any incidents of discrimination, harassment, bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, or sexting by completing a Harassment/Bullying Prevention form. These forms are located in the school library, the Guidance Office and in the building's Main Office. Forms can also be accessed and completed online on the district's website. Forms can be deposited into any specified drop boxes in the building or burned into the Main Office. Online forms can be emailed directly to the appropriate building administrator.

DIGNITY ACT COORDINATOR

The Board of Education has designated the following individuals as the Dignity Act Coordinators, who have been thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex. These persons will serve as a resource and be responsible for the oversight of investigatory procedures of all allegations of bullying. Dignity Act Coordinator contact info:

Mrs. Shelly Richards, Executive Principal

OR

Mr. Brett King, Principal PK - 12 & C S E Director

125 County Route 13A

PO Box 161

S. Otselic, NY 13155

(315) 653-7218

OFF CAMPUS & NON-SCHOOL DAY MISCONDUCT

Students may be disciplined for violations of school district policies and the Code of Conduct when there is a connection to or impact/effect on school students, personnel, activities, functions or property. Examples of misconduct include but are not limited to: cyberbullying, sexting, threatening or harassing students or school personnel through the use of electronic devices. 

TEACHER DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE FOR THE CLASSROOM

Staff will typically follow these guidelines but they can vary depending on the incident:

ADMINISTRATOR DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

In determining the appropriate disciplinary action, school personnel authorized to imposed disciplinary penalties will consider the following:

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:

DISCIPLINE FOR PROHIBITED STUDENT CONDUCT

A student will be subject to disciplinary action for any behavior that is deemed detrimental or disruptive to the educational process. The Administration has the authority to determine the consequences of an incident based on history, severity, age, grade level and any other relevant information.

STEP 1 - Administrator/Teacher conference with student and disciplinary action may include verbal warning/written warning

STEP 2 - Detention (lunchtime or other)

STEP 3 - In-School Suspension

STEP 4 - Out-of-School Suspension

STEP 5 - Superintendent's Hearing

Vandalism, must pay or repair

PLEASE NOTE: Any suspension from attendance may be imposed only in accordance with Education Law, which allows the questioning of the accuser. The building administrators shall determine the type and extent of punishment. The suspension for possession of a weapon shall not be less than one year, unless the Superintendent modifies the punishment.

NETWORK/INTERNET DISCIPLINE

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as in the classroom and school rules apply. The network is provided for students to do school-related work.

Access to the network and internet are privileges. Students must take the responsibility for their actions on these and follow sound protocol. Parental permission must be granted on the Acceptable Use form for the student to have access and this permission will be kept on file for the school year.

The district maintains a network storage area for student work, which is deemed school property and can be periodically checked by administrators.

Any student who does not honor the agreement or uses the network or internet irresponsibly (i.e., cyberbullying) may lose access.

STEP 1 - Administrator/Teacher conference with student and disciplinary action

STEP 2 - Detention and 5 days off the network

STEP 3 - In-school suspension and 10 days off network

STEP 4 - Out-of-school suspension and 20 days off the network

STEP 5 - Superintendent's Hearing and network privileges revoked permanently

Engaging in an illegal act

Violating copyright laws

Attempting to override system security

Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the district educational computer system or any other computer system or go beyond authorized access

Engage in practices that threaten the district educational computer system (i.e., loading files that may produce a virus)

Violating regulations prescribed by the network administrator

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

Using obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful language

Harassing, insulting or attacking others

Using the computer system for noneducational purposes (i.e., playing purely recreational games)

Bringing games or other files to school from home and using them on district educational computer systems for non-educational purposes

Giving your I.D. and password to others to use

Trespassing in others' folders, work, or files

Using others' passwords

Unauthorized use of personal computer

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY

The Board recognizes that it may be necessary to suspend, move or otherwise discipline students with disabilities. The Board also recognizes that students with disabilities have certain procedural protections whenever school authorities intend to impose discipline upon them. The Board is committed to ensuring that the procedures followed for disciplining students with disabilities are consistent with the procedural safeguards required by law.

The Code of Conduct affords students with disabilities who are subject to disciplinary action, no greater or lesser rights than those expressly afforded by applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

If the student who is under review for violating the disciplinary code, which could involve a suspension, is a student identified as having a disability, the matter shall be referred to the Committee on Special Education (C S E) before any disciplinary procedure commences or hearing occurs. The C S E shall review the matter to determine if the conduct is a result of the disability. If the C S E determines that the conduct is the result of the disability, the I E P shall be reviewed and modified to meet the needs of the student. If the determination is that the conduct is not the result of the disability, the student may be suspended according to law.

If suspensions total ten days during the school year, the building administrator shall refer the student to the C S E. The matter will be placed on the C S E agenda for review immediately. If the student is endangering himself or others, the C S E will arrange home tutoring until the review. If the behavior that is leading to the consideration of suspension is due primarily to the student's disability, then the student should not be suspended.

The C S E review, with a subsequent recommendation to the Board, will consider if the student's educational placement is appropriate, and if not, make recommendation of another placement. Also reviewed for consideration will be related services needed to help the student make a successful adjustment to placement. The C S E must develop a behavior management plan to meet the student's needs.

The C S E recommendation is forwarded to the Board. If the student's parent or legal guardian disagrees with the Board's decision, due process procedures may ge initiated according to applicable laws and regulations.

If it is determined that the student's actions were due to the student's disability, then the student's record will show no suspension for the incident. However, if suspension was appropriate, time spent on home tutoring will count as time on suspension and will be reflected on the student's record.

SCHOOL REPORTING TIME

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Education Law requires that students enrolled in this District attend school on a daily basis unless legally excused. The educational program offered is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction. The Board of Education recognizes that regular attendance benefits the student.

New York State has mandated that the District notify parents of absences at set increments. The Board of Education has set the policy of 10 absences from school or 10 absences from class periods and at increments of five thereafter.

If a student is legally absent, please contact the school to arrange for the work.

TRUANCY

Any school-aged child who is not legally excused or who is not in school during regular session will be considered truant. Students who are truant will be subject to disciplinary action.

TARDINESS AT THE JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Students are expected to be punctual to school and classes at all times. Students who arrive after the beginning of the first academic period must sign in at the Main Office upon arriving. Students arriving after the designated passing times during the school day will also be considered tardy. Students who are tardy will be subject to disciplinary action.

LEAVING SCHOOL

In order to ensure students' safety, the school maintains a list of individuals who are authorized to obtain the release of students on the Emergency Contact Form. No student may be released to the custody of any individual who is not the parent or guardian of the student, unless the individual is on the form. No student may be released to the custody of any individual who is not the parent or guardian of the student, unless the individual is on the form. This form may be amended at any point but must be done in writing. Certified copies of any court documents regarding custodial issues should be submitted to the District to keep on file.

The person obtaining the child must report to the Main Office to sign the student out of school. A signed note must be given to the office with the following information:

BOOK BAGS AND DUFFLE BAGS

In order to create safer passageways and hallways, book bags and duffle bags will not be allowed in classrooms and should be stored in the student locker. Students are given ample time between classes to get materials from their lockers.

JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL LOCKERS

Lockers will be assigned to each student and may not be changed without permission. For safety, it is best to memorize your combination and not give it to others. This locker is school property and may be searched at any time.

ELEMENTARY AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Students that remain in the building after 2:25 PM must be under the direct supervision of a staff member and have written parental permission. 

INTERSCHOLASTIC/EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAMS

Soccer, Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball, Softball,

Musicals, Concerts, Club Activities, Dances, Fun Nights,

Open Gym, Field Trips, Award Programs, Class Activities, Plays,

Band, Book Club, Honor Society, Drama Club, Chorus, Junior Honor Society,

Biology Club, School Store, FFA and Junior FFA, Ski Club,

Student Council, SADD, L P P (Liberty Partnership)

[Please note: Activities are dependent on participation and are not limited to those mentioned above.]

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Expectations should follow the Code of Conduct at all times.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

All forms of thievery, vandalism or intentional damage to school or personal property on school grounds are considered serious matters and disciplinary action may result.

MATERIALS LOANED TO STUDENTS

Students will be loaned textbooks and other school materials, which will be their responsibility. Parents or guardians will be billed for lost or damaged materials. This includes electronic devices.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

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 impost 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. 

Lockers (even if the student owns the lock), desks, cubbyholes, etc. are the property of the school and subject to inspection without cause, at any time, without notice of the student's or parent's permission or presence. Students should consider this policy when deciding whether to store personal belongings in such places.

In addition, the Board authorizes the superintendent, building principals, the school nurse and district security officials 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.

Before searching a student or the student's belongings, the authorized school official should request the student to admit that he or she possesses physical evidence, that they violated the law or the district code, or request the student to voluntarily consent to the search. Searches will be limited to the extent necessary to locate the evidence sought.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items are considered disruptive to be the educational process and/or a danger to the student(s) and will be confiscated. This list of prohibited items includes but is not limited to the following:

Handcuffs/restraints, weapons/firearms, explosive devices, chains, tobacco/alcohol products, drugs/drug paraphernalia, whistles, lighters/matches, laser lights, water balloons/squirt guns, playing cards, or dice.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students may possess cellular phones for use before and after school hours and during lunch periods. These items should not be used or visible during school hours. Students that need to make a phone call must go to the Main Office of Nurse's Office for permission.

For all students at all times: Photo/recording policy -- you may not record a person without permission of teacher AND permission of person you are recording (photo, etc.).

For all students: Before school starts, during lunch and after school, phones/devices are allowed.

Grades PreK-6 > Once the school day starts (7:45 AM): Cell phones/electronic devices from home must be placed in locker (grades 3-6) or backpack (grades PreK-2). School provides padlocks for lockers for grades 4-12. 

     First infraction: Administration will come and get device; student will get device back at the end of the day.

If an emergency occurs, the parent should contact school so that their student can get information in the safest way.

Students are permitted to use cell phones only during their lunch periods.

Students are permitted to use cell phones during lunch periods, in between classes in the hallways, and in specified classrooms where permission has specifically been granted.

Students are permitted to use cell phones during lunch period, in between classes in the hallways, in specified classrooms where permission has specifically been granted, as well as in study halls.

Other electronic devices (iPods/MP3 players, games, cameras, other music players, etc.) are not allowed unless the supervising teacher/aide grants permission. If other electronic devices are part of a cell phone, they cannot be used at any time.

If supervising personnel requests that a student stop using a device, that request shall be complied with immediately.

SALE OF ITEMS IN SCHOOL

Students may not conduct private sales on school property; any items being sold will be confiscated.

LUNCH PERIOD

Students will be excused for their lunch according to their class schedule and are expected to follow these expectations:

LATE BUS

The purpose of the late bus is to provide transportation home for students who must stay beyond the regular school hours. The student must have a pass to board the bus. Students are to board the bus immediately upon leaving the building and are not permitted to leave school grounds and return to take the bus home.

FIELD TRIPS

The purpose of a field trip is for the educational benefit of our students. The role of the chaperone is to ensure the safety and well-being of the students. The policy suggests one chaperone per 10 students, which may vary depending on the age of the students, management needs of the students, destination of the trip, and the requirements of the trip. Chaperones must be Board of Education approved. Chaperones will be selected as equitably as possible, with the building administrators having the final decision. The chosen chaperones will sign a responsibility sheet outlining duties and responsibilities.

STUDENT AUTOMOBILE USE

Driving to school is a privilege. Cars may be used to drive to and from school unless permission is granted for special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Priority will be given to seniors first and juniors second with work a determining factor. Student drivers will be assigned parking and must provide all forms to the Main Office prior to driving on school property. The following regulations must be followed:

Please note: Violation of these regulations may result in the loss of driving privileges.

DANCE POLICY 

Dance policy will follow the extracurricular program policy as well as the Code of Conduct. The building administrator and advisor will set the hours and grade levels. Students will not be admitted more than an hour after start time; the building administrators may grant alternate admittance times with prior approval. A sign-up sheet for guests will be in the Main Office two weeks prior to any dance. Guests' academic standing will be verified prior to the day of the dance in order to attend. The club or organization sponsoring the dance will have to submit the proper forms prior to the dance.

The building administrator will approve any dress code precedure made by an extracurricular group for their dance. The group will give every student notification during the pre-sale time of the dress code for the event. There will not be refunds on the day of the event for students who do not choose to follow the dress code.

WORKING PAPERS

State law requires that any student under 18 years of age who is interested in working must have working papers. These may be obtained in the Main Office.

STUDENT FEES, FINES AND CHARGES

A record will be kept in the name of the student as to the accumulated fees, fines, and charges and will have to be paid on a yearly basis. Please note that a student owing money to the cafeteria will not be allowed to purchase ice cream or snacks until the bill has been settled.