Edmeston Central School

HANDBOOK 2007-2008

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Susan Gelatt, President Burlington Flats, NY

John E. Holdorf, Vice President Edmeston, NY

Jennifer Bueche West Edmeston, NY

Keith Carpenter Burlington Flats, NY

David Slentz Edmeston, NY

EDMESTON CENTRAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

David P. Rowley

Superintendent of Schools

Alicia M. Bowen, Business Manager Martha M. Winsor, K-12 Principal James Brophy, Dir. of Guidance Mary Ellen Bates, Dir. of Special Ed.,

Curriculum and Instruction

CALENDAR

2007-2008

September 3 Labor Day

4 Conference Day (No Students)

5 Classes begin for all students

October 4 Open House

5 Interim Notices Mailed 8 Columbus Day - NO SCHOOL

19 Conference Day - NO SCHOOL

29 K-11 Individual School Pictures

November 9 Reports Cards go home

12 Veterans’ Day – NO SCHOOL 16 Parent/Teacher Conferences 1:00 – 7:30p.m.

21-23 Thanksgiving Recess - NO SCHOOL

December 14 Interim Notices Mailed 24-Jan.1 Holiday Recess - NO SCHOOL

January 2 School Re-opens

21 M. L. King, Jr. Day - NO SCHOOL

22-25 Regents Exams (School Open)

25 Report Cards go home

February 18 Presidents’ Day - NO SCHOOL

19-22 Winter Recess - NO SCHOOL

29 Interim Notices mailed

March 14 Conference Day – NO SCHOOL

21 Good Friday – NO SCHOOL

24 NO SCHOOL – Day after Easter

April 10 Report Cards go home

14-18 Spring Recess - NO SCHOOL

May 16 Interim Notices mailed

26 Memorial Day - NO SCHOOL

June 17-26 Regents Exams

17 Last Day of Classes

26 Regents Rating Day

27 Report Cards Mailed

29 Graduation

-DAILY SCHEDULE-

Teachers report in ……… 7:53 A.M.

Period A ……………… 8:03 - 8:45

Period B ……………… 8:48 - 9:30

Period C ……………… 9:33 - 10:15

Period D ……………… 10:18 - 11:00

Period E …(High School)… 11:03 - 11:45

Period F Lunch (Middle School) 11:00 - 11:33

Period G Lunch (High School) … 11:45 - 12:15

Period H …(Middle School….. 11:33 - 12:15

Period I ……………….. 12:18 – 1:00

Period J ……………… 1:03 – 1:45

Period K. ……………… . 1:48 – 2:30

Buses leave at 2:35 P.M.

Edmeston Central School Code of Conduct

Table of Contents

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Definitions

4.3 Student Rights and Responsibilities

4.4 Essential Partners

4.5 Student Dress Code

4.6 Prohibited Student Conduct

4.7 Reporting Violations

4.8 Disciplinary Procedures, Penalties and Referrals

4.9 Alternative Instruction

4.10 Discipline of Students with Disabilities

4.11 Sexual Harassment of Students

4.12 Corporal Punishment

4.13 Student Searches and Interrogations

4.14 Visitors to Schools

4.15 Public Conduct on School Property

4.16 Dissemination and Review

4.1 Introduction

The Edmeston 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 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.

4.2 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. (Ed. Law § 3214(2-a)(b)).

^“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 a school bus, as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law'142.

“School function” means any school-sponsored extracurricular event or activity.

“Violent student” means a student under the age of 21, who:

· Commits an act of violence upon a school employee or attempts to do so.

· 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.

· Possesses while on school property or at a school function, a weapon.

· Displays while on school property or at a school function, what appears to be a weapon.

· Threatens, while on school property or at a school function, to use a weapon, uses a weapon or discharges a firearm.

· 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.

· Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school district property.

“Weapon” Under New York’s Education Law, a weapon means any device, instrument, material, or substance that is used for or is readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

4.3 Student Rights and Responsibilities

4.3.1 Student Rights

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to 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, 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.

4.3.2 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 and 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 all 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.

4.4 Essential Partners

4.4.1 Parents

All parents are expected to:

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

· Send their children to school ready to participate and learn.

· Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time.

· Ensure absences are excused.

· Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.

· Help their children understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe and orderly environment.

· Know school rules and help their children understand them.

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

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

· Help their children deal effectively with peer-pressure.

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

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

4.4.2 Teachers

All district teachers are expected to:

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

· Be prepared to teach.

· Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.

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

· Communicate to students and parents:

Course objectives and requirements

Marking/grading procedures

Assignment deadlines

Expectations for students

Classroom discipline plan

● Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.

4.4.3 Guidance Counselors

· Assist students in coping with peer pressure and personal, social and emotional problems.

· Initiate teacher/student/counselor conferences and parent, teacher/student/counselor conferences as necessary, as a

way to resolve problems.

· Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans.

· Provide information to assist students with career planning.

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

4.4.4 Principal

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

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

· Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.

· Support the development of, and student participation in, appropriate extracurricular activities.

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

4.4.5 Superintendent

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

· Review with district administrators the policies of the Board of Education, state and federal laws relating to school operations and management.

· Inform the Board about educational trends relating to student discipline.

· Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and teacher needs.

· Work with district administrators in enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.

4.4.6 Board of Education

· 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.

· Adopt and review at least annually, the district's code of conduct to evaluate the code's effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.

· Lead by example by conducting Board meetings in a professional, respectful, courteous manner.

4.5 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:

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

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

· Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.

· Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed. Heelies are not allowed at school.

· Not include the wearing of hats except for a medical or religious purpose.

· 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.

· Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

· Not denigrate self or others or promote a negative student image.

The building principal or his/ 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.

4.6 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 basic 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:

4.6.1 Engage in conduct that is disorderly. Examples of disorderly conduct include:

· Running in hallways.

· Making unreasonable noise.

· Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive.

· Engaging in public displays of affection.

· Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

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

· Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than during school hours or functions, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.

· Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of school computers, software, or internet/intranet accounts; accessing inappropriate web sites: or any other violation of the district's acceptable use policy.

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

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

· Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission.

· Skipping detention.

4.6.3 Engage in disruptive conduct. Examples of disruptive conduct include:

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

4.6.4 Engage in any conduct that is violent and/or endangers the safety, morals, health and welfare of others. Examples of such conduct include:

· Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, biting, spitting and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.

· Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking. punching, biting, spitting and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.

· 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.

· Displaying what appears to be a weapon.

· Threatening to use any weapon.

· Possessing an explosive device.

· Exploding any device or setting a fire.

· Using a weapon or discharging a firearm.

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

· 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.

· Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.

· Lying to school personnel, including forging signatures.

· Stealing the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.

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

· 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.

· 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.

· Spitting on others or otherwise acting in potentially harmful health related behaviors.

· Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements which puts an individual in fear of bodily harm.

· Internet or “cyber-bullying” including the use of instant messaging, e-mail, websites, chat rooms and text messaging when such use interferes with the operation of the school; or infringes on the health, safety & welfare of students or employees.

· 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.

· Selling, using or possessing obscene material.

· Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing.

· Smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe or using chewing or smokeless tobacco.

· Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. (See Alcohol & Drug Policy)

"Illegal substances" include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, XTC, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-a-like drugs, and any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs.”

· Inappropriately using or sharing over-the-counter drugs.

· Gambling.

· Indecent exposure. That is, exposure of the private parts of the body in a lewd manner.

4.6.5 Engage in misconduct while on a school bus.

· It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving, spitting, threatening and fighting will not be tolerated.

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

· Plagiarism.

· Cheating.

· Copying.

· Altering records.

· Assisting another student in any of the above actions.

· Providing false information/ forging signatures.

4.7 Reporting Violations

All students are expected to promptly report any violations of the code of conduct to any school employee including a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal or his/her designee, or the superintendent. 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 any school authority.

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.

The building principal or his/her designee must notify the local law enforcement agency of those violations that constitute a crime both by phone and follow-up letter.

4.8 Disciplinary Penalties, Procedures and Referrals

Discipline is most effective when it deals directly with a problem at the time and place it occurs. 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 discipline will consider the following:

· The student's age

· The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense

· The student's prior disciplinary record (progressive discipline)

· The effectiveness of other forms of discipline

· Information from parents, teachers and/or others as appropriate

· Other extenuating circumstances.

As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student's first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations.

4.8.1 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 after each penalty are authorized to impose that penalty.

· Oral warning-Any member of the district staff

· Written warning - Bus Drivers, Teaching Assistants and Aides, Coaches, Guidance Counselors, Teacher, Principal, Superintendent

· Written notification to parent - Bus Drivers, Teaching Assistants and Aides, Coaches, Guidance Counselors, Teacher, Principal, Superintendent

· Detention - Teachers, Principal, Superintendent

· Suspension from transportation - Principal, Superintendent

· Suspension from athletic participation – The Extracurricular Review Committee (see pg. 19)

· Suspension from social or extracurricular activities - Principal, Superintendent (same as above, pg. 19)

· Suspension of other privileges – Principal, Superintendent

· In-school suspension (includes attendance at BOCES classes)- Principal, Superintendent

· Removal from classroom by teacher - Teachers, Principal, Superintendent

· Short-term (five days or less) suspension from school (includes attendance at BOCES classes) - Principal, Superintendent, Board of Education

· Long-term (more than five days) suspension from school (includes attendance at BOCES classes) - Principal, Superintendent, Board of Education

· Permanent suspension from school - Superintendent, Board of Education

· Order restitution for loss or destruction of district property or resources from the parent of a child over the age of ten and under the age of 18. The cost is not to exceed $5000. Principal, Superintendent, Board of Education.

· General Obligations Law § 3-122, Penal Law § 60.27, Education Law § 2314, 8NYCRR § 100.2(1), 20 USC § 1400-1485, IDEA 34CFR part300.

4.8.2 Procedures

The student must be informed of his or her alleged misconduct and the student must have an opportunity to present his or her version of the facts to school personnel. Students who are given penalties other than warnings or written notification to their parents are given additional rights as follows:

● Detention The person assigning the detention is required to call or otherwise notify the parent.

● Suspension from transportation Written and/or phone communication regarding the offending behavior is required and an informal conference may be held to discuss the student’s conduct.

● Suspension from athletic participation, extra-curricular activities and other privileges

A student subjected to such a suspension is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Ed Law § 3214. However, the student and the student's parent will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

● 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 authorizes the building principal and the superintendent to place students who would otherwise be suspended from school as the result of conduct violation in "in-school suspension”. 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.

● 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. This does not constitute disciplinary removal.

On occasion, a student's behavior may become disruptive. A substantially disruptive student is a student who disrupts the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. This is when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates the teacher’s classroom rules.

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

If the disruptive student does not pose a danger or on-going threat of disruption to the academic process_, the teacher must provide the student with an explanation for why he or she is being removed and give the student an opportunity to explain his or her version of the relevant events before the student is removed. Only after the informal discussion may a teacher remove a student from class.

If the student poses a danger or ongoing threat of disruption, the teacher may order the student to be removed immediately. The teacher must, however, explain to the student why he or she was removed from the classroom and give the student a chance to present his or her version of the relevant events within 24 hours. The teacher or staff member must also complete a disciplinary removal form and meet with the principal or designee no later than the end of the school day to explain the removal and present the form.

In addition, the administrator involved must make phone contact with the parents, if possible, and follow-up immediately with a written notice of the facts of the removal and offer an informal conference with the parents. The principal may require the teacher who ordered the removal to attend the informal conference. The principal may overturn the suspension provided that there is not substantial evidence the behavior is in violation of the law or the code of conduct.

Each teacher must keep a complete log for all cases of removal of students from his or her class.

● 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. The Board retains its authority to suspend students, but !places the primary responsibility for the suspension of students with the superintendent and the building principal. 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 superintendent or principal will then conduct an investigation of the facts and record them for subsequent presentation, if necessary. This will include suspension from all extracurricular non-credit-bearing activities during the term of the suspension. Suspension also requires that the student is not allowed to be on school grounds unless he or she has administrative permission.

Short-term (5 days or less) suspension

When the superintendent or principal proposes to suspend a student charged with misconduct for five days or less pursuant to Education Law §3214, the suspending authority must immediately notify the student orally. If the student denies the misconduct, the suspending authority must provide an explanation as to the basis for the proposed suspension. The parent must also be notified that the student is to be suspended from school.

A written notice to the parents shall provide a description of the charges against the student and the incident for which the suspension is proposed and shall inform the parent of the right to request an informal conference. At the conference, the parents shall be permitted to ask questions of complaining witness(es) under such procedures as the principal may establish.

The principal shall inform the parents that if they are not satisfied with the decision and wish to pursue the matter, they may then file a written appeal to the superintendent within five business days. The superintendent then must respond within ten days and if the parents are still not satisfied, they may file a written appeal to the Board of Education within 10 days of the superintendent’s decision. Only final decisions of the Board of Education may be appealed to the Commissioner within 30 days of the decision.

Long Term (more than 5 days) suspension from school

When the superintendent determines that a suspension for more than five days may be warranted, he or she 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, at 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. 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 on the record before it. All appeals to the Board must be made 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.

Permanent suspension

Permanent suspension is reserved for 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.

4.8.3 Minimum Periods of Suspension

Students who bring a weapon to school

NOTE: Under the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act and New York’s Education Law provisions implementing the Gun-Free School Act students may be suspended for one calendar year for bringing a weapon to school.

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

A student who is found to have committed a violent act, shall be subject to suspension from school for at least five days. If the act warrants, the same procedures shall be followed as for a long-term up to a one-year suspension.

A student who is repeatedly and substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom will be suspended 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 or one-half of the academic year. The penalty will be one to five days depending upon the facts of the student’s case. The student's parent will be contacted and given an opportunity for an informal conference. He or she will also have the same rights as with any other type of suspension.

4.8.4 Referrals

Counseling

The Guidance Office shall handle referrals of students to counseling. Parents may also find outside counseling for their children.

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 treatment by:

● Being habitually truant and not attending school as required by part one of Article 6 of Education Law.

● 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.

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

Juvenile Delinquents and Juvenile Offenders

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

● Any student under the age of 16 who is found to have brought a weapon to school, or any student 14 or 15

years old who qualifies for juvenile offender status under the Criminal Procedure Law § 1.20 (42).

4.9 Alternative Instruction

When a student of any age is removed from class by a teacher or a student of compulsory age is suspended from school pursuant to Education Law § 3124, the district will take immediate steps to provide alternative means of instruction for the student.

4.10 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.

4.11 Sexual Harassment of Students

The Board recognizes its responsibility to provide an environment that is free of sexual harassment and intimidation. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature when:

· Submission to or rejection of such sexually harassing conduct and/or communication by a student affects decisions regarding any aspect of the student’s education, including participation in school-sponsored activities;

· Conditions exist within the school environment that allow or foster obscene pictures, lewd jokes, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or harassing activities of a sexual nature; and

· Such conduct and/or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance or participation in an educational or extracurricular activity, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning environment; and/or effectively bars the student’s access to an educational opportunity or benefit.

The Board acknowledges that in determining whether sexual harassment has occurred the totality of the circumstances, expectations, and relationships should be evaluated including, but not limited to, the ages of the harasser and the victim; the number of individuals involved; and the type, frequency and duration of the conduct. The Board recognizes that sexual harassment can originate from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, or from a third party such as a school volunteer, or vendor, or any other individual associated with the school district. Sexual harassment may occur from student-to-student, from staff-to-student, from student-to-staff, as well as staff-to-staff.

In order to enforce this policy, and to take corrective measures as may be deemed necessary, it is essential that any student or other person within the school, who is aware of and/or has knowledge of any possible sexual harassment, immediately report such alleged harassment to the district’s complaint officer(s).

Upon complaint, the district will conduct a thorough investigation of the charges. To the extent possible all complaints will be treated as confidentially and privately as possible. However, disclosure may be necessary on a “need to know” basis. Based upon the facts of the investigation, if a student is found in violation, disciplinary measures may be applied up to and including suspension. If the offending person is an employee, appropriate discipline will be applied, up to and including termination of employment.

The Board prohibits any retaliatory behavior directed against complainants, victims, witnesses and/or other individuals who participated in the investigation of a complaint of sexual harassment.

The Superintendent/designee(s) will affirmatively discuss the topic of sexual harassment with all employees and students and explain the sanctions for such harassment. Appropriate training will be established for staff and students to help ensure knowledge of and familiarity with these issues and disseminate preventative measures to help reduce such incidents. Title IX, 20 USC § 1681, 34 CFR § 100, Title VII of Civil Rights Act 42 USC § 2000e, 42 USC § 1981 (a), 29 § CFR § 1604.11 (a), Executive Law § 296 and 297.

4.12 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:

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

· Protect the property of the school or others.

· 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 the Commissioner’s regulations.

4.13 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 principal 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 conduct a search of the student's belongings that is minimally intrusive, without reasonable suspicion, so long as the school official has a legitimate reason for the very limited search.

4.13.1 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 storage places may be subject to search at any time by school officials, without prior notice to students and without their consent.

4.12.2 Documentation of Searches

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

1. Name, age and grade of student searched.

2. Reasons for the search.

3. Name of the informant.

4. Purpose of the search.

5. Type and scope of the search.

6. Person conducting the search and his/her position.

7. Witnesses, if any, to the search.

8. Time and location of the search.

9. Results of the search.

The principal or superintendent will be responsible for notification of parents and turning dangerous or illegal items over to the police.

4.13.3 Police Involvement in Search 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 to conduct a formal investigation involving students only if they have:

· A search or an arrest warrant; or

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

· Been invited by school officials.

Before police officials are permitted to question any student under the age of 16, the building principal or other administrator shall first try to notify the student’s parent to give the parent the opportunity to be present during questioning and/or search. If the parent does not give consent, the questioning will not take place. The principal or other administrator will also be present during such questioning.

4.13.4 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, an/or neglect, or custody investigations. All requests by child protective services to interview a student on school property shall be made directly to the building principal or his/her designee. 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 verify the allegations, the school nurse or other district medical personnel must be present.

4.14 Visitors to the Schools

The Board encourages parents and other district citizens to visit the district's schools and classrooms to observe the work of students, teachers and other staff. Since schools are a place of work and learning, however, certain limits must be set for such visits. The Superintendent, building principal or his/her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. Anyone who is not a regular staff member or a student will be considered a visitor. For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

· Visitors to the school must report to the office or to the school receptionist upon arrival at the school, and are required to sign the visitor's register and will be issued a visitor's identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school property. The visitor must return the identification badge to the office, or receptionist before leaving the building.

· Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public are not required to register.

· Visitors must make prior arrangements with teachers before visiting classrooms. Teachers are not expected to take instructional time to discuss individual matters with visitors.

· Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or other school officials.

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

4.15 Public Conduct on School Property

The district is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. For purposes of this code, “public” shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function including students’ teachers and other district personnel.

All persons on school property or at a function shall conduct themselves in an 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.

4.15.1 Prohibited Conduct

No person, either alone or with others, shall:

· Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.

· Intentionally damage or destroy school district property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.

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

· Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program, intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

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

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

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

· 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.

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

· Loiter on or about school property.

· Gamble on school property or at school functions.

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

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

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

4.15.2 Penalties

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

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 to leave school grounds, the police will be called and the district will file formal charges. They may also face an extended suspension of their privileges to attend school functions as the facts may warrant.

Students: They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with this code of conduct and due process requirements.

Staff members: They shall be subject to disciplinary action, from warnings, reprimand, suspension, or dismissal as the facts may warrant, or in accordance with Education law §3020a.

4.15.3 Enforcement

The school district administrator or his/her designee, who is present at the time of the offense, shall be responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this code.

4.16 Dissemination and Review

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

· Providing copies of a summary of the code to all students at the beginning of each school year.

· Making copies of the code available to all parents in the school office.

· 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.

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

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

The Board will sponsor an in-service education program for all district staff members to ensure the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct. The Superintendent may solicit the recommendations of the district staff, particularly teacher 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 conduct violations. The committee will be made up of representatives of student, teacher, administrator, and parent organizations, school safety personnel and other personnel.

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

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

-ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES-

Regular attendance is essential for promotion and success in school. Each student should strive for 100% attendance. In the event of unavoidable absence or tardiness, it is the responsibility of the student to complete any work missed.

If a student is absent, the school nurse may call the student's home.

Students returning to school after an absence must report to the school nurse with an excuse signed by the parent or guardian explaining the absence. If the student does not bring an excuse for the absence he/she must report to the school nurse for a temporary readmission slip.

Students who are tardy to school must report to the school nurse immediately upon arrival at school. The student must present an excuse for the tardiness. Students who fail to bring in an excuse for an absence or tardiness within three (3) school days, may be subject to disciplinary action. Instances of illegal absence may be subject to disciplinary action and/or a referral to Family Court as a PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) case.

Legal absences include medical and dental appointments, immediate family funerals, illness, court appearances, religious observances, and college visitations.

-HEALTH SERVICES-

Students becoming ill during the school day MUST report to the nurse after contacting their scheduled classroom teacher. If there is a need for the student to go home, the school nurse will contact the parent, and the student will be released from school.

-MEDICATION-

The following is the Medication Administering Policy for Edmeston Central School:

If medication must be administered during the school day, it can ONLY be administered by the school nurse. Only prescription medication can be administered. This does not include Tylenol or aspirin. Over-the-counter medication cannot be given by the school nurse. In order for the school nurse to administer prescription medication, a note from the physician who prescribed the medication, stating the dosage and the frequency of administering, must be brought in to the school nurse. The parent/guardian must send in a note giving the nurse giving permission to give medication to the child. The parent/guardian should bring the medication to the school nurse. If you have any questions, please call the school nurse at 965-8609.

-EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING-

On days of inclement weather or impassable roads, school closings will be announced prior to 7:00AM. Any emergency school closings will be announced on Radio and TV Stations:

WFRG - 104.3FM WDOS - 73AM WSRK - 104 FM WSYR - Y94FM

WKXZ - 93.9FM WZOZ - 103.1 WSTM - TV (Syracuse Ch 3) WKTV - (Utica Ch 2)

In the event of early closing, please have arrangements made ahead of time so the students know where they will be going .

-ACCIDENTS-

Any accident in school or during after school activities must be reported immediately to those people in charge and then to the school nurse. Schools in New York State are NOT required to provide student accident insurance. However, Edmeston Central School does carry limited insurance on all students through Commercial Travelers. This policy is only in excess of those benefits payable under family and/or employee policy(s) and is limited to a set payment schedule. The claim is to be first filed with the parents' insurance carrier(s). The final date for submission of a claim is one year from the date of injury. Edmeston Central School does not carry liability insurance for thefts in school.

-FIRE DRILLS-

Fire drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year. During a drill teachers will give directions on how to leave the building. Walk quickly and quietly out of the building and away from the building. Stay clear of entranceways.

TEXTBOOKS-

All textbooks are the property of the district and are expected to last for a 5-year period. Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year. Textbooks are to be kept clean and handled with care. Please be sure the student’s name, grade and date are written on the inside front cover. If a textbook is misplaced or lost, please inform the teacher immediately. Please place a cover on all books. Students are required to pay for lost or damaged books.

-LOCKERS-

Homeroom teachers issue lockers and combination locks to students at the beginning of the year. Lockers must be kept locked at all times according to NYS Education Regulations. For proper security, students should keep locker combinations private. Students are expected to keep their lockers clean. Students should not keep money or valuables in their lockers. Such items should be deposited at the main office for safekeeping. The cost of lost or damaged locks is $5. Lockers are the property of the Edmeston Central School and are provided for the student's personal use. Students have exclusive possession of their locker(s) only from other students and must understand that lockers are subject to being searched if and when the school administration has reasonable grounds upon which to base such a search.

-HALL PROCEDURES-

Students should be in the halls only at the beginning and end of the school day and while moving from one class to another unless they have special permission. Students in the halls during class-time must have hall passes.

-ELECTRONIC DEVICES-

Cell phones and other electronic devices for communication, music or other uses, etc., are not allowed in school without permission from a teacher or an administrator. This is to prevent distractions and theft. If such a device is brought to school, it should be left in a locked student locker and taken home at the end of the school day.

-VISITORS-

Parents are invited to the school at any time, however please make prior arrangements to visit with a teacher or counselor so he/she will be able to make time to see you. Please check in at the Main Office or to the School Receptionist if visiting during the school day. Many have found it interesting and helpful to visit the school during an Open House, assembly programs, or athletic contests, and for public performances of music and drama groups.

-AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY BUS-

Students may not ride the late buses unless they are involved in a TEACHER SUPERVISED ACTIVITY on that particular afternoon. Late buses are scheduled only for Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and only when needed. These buses usually leave at 4:30.

-TELEPHONE-

Students are not allowed to use any school phone for personal calls EXCEPT in an emergency and with office permission. Students who receive calls during the school day will be called from class ONLY in an emergency. Students may use the pay phone located in the gym lobby during lunch, or after school.

-GUIDANCE SERVICES-

Mr. James Brophy serves as our Director of Guidance. Mrs. Russell provides Elementary Counselor and guidance services to students in Grades K-8. Our counselor education team is willing to help our students and their families as they deal with situations that occur daily. Please feel free to call them whenever you have a concern. (965-8674)

-REPORT CARDS-

High school and middle school report cards will be sent home at the end of each ten (10), twenty (20) and thirty (30) week period. Final report cards will mailed home at the completion of the school year. In addition, Interim reports will be mailed home to parents at the (5), (15), (25), and (35) week points. Parents are urged to consult with the pupil and the teacher in reference to any problems which develop at any time. The passing grade is 65% for students in Grades 5-12. Parent conferences are held at the end of the first ten-week marking period, and upon request.

-HONOR ROLL-

The Honor Roll is issued every ten weeks. To make Honor, you must have an overall average of 85% or above. To make High Honor, you must have an overall average of 90% or above.

-A.I.S. (Academic Intervention Services)-

Students who score a 2 or 1 on their state exams or students who are in danger of failing a class are scheduled into AIS for extra help given by their teachers. This extra help is designed to assist students to improve their skills.

-HOMEWORK CLUB-

On Mondays and Wednesdays the Middle School Homework Club meets to give students assistance and a quiet place to do their homework. Students must have homework to do and expect to spend the entire time working. In order to stay, students must have parent permission and sign up for a bus ride home. There may be limits placed on the number of students allowed or the subject emphasis in order to meet specific academic needs.

-HOMEWORK GRADES 5 - 8

Purpose: The purpose of homework is to reinforce class information and to practice important concepts taught in class. In addition, homework helps students to learn and apply time management and study skills. We have established the following framework showing our expectations:

Due Times: Homework is due at the beginning of the next class or at the teacher’s discretion.

Late work due to a legal absence: If the student is absent from class when an assignment is given, he or she is given one additional day to complete the assignment. (The student returns on Tuesday, gets the back homework assignment, and the homework is due on Wednesday.)

Late work due to an illegal absence: This work may be an automatic zero.

Homework Corrections/ Re-dos: Work will be accepted to increase the grade to 75%

Accepting late work: Work that is turned in one day late from the due date will be accepted for up to 75% CREDIT. Work after that time may be accepted by the individual teacher but may not receive credit. The purpose of homework is to practice concepts. Students will be expected to know the information covered in class and homework for quizzes and tests.

Dropping the lowest grade: Each quarter, the lowest homework grade will be dropped.

-STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-12 GRADING POLICY-

When teachers calculate a final grade for a full year subject, each quarterly grade is averaged and counts 4/5 and the final examination mark will count 1/5 towards the final grade. Each student will receive one grade in each subject for each marking period. For the first two quarters of the academic year a student will receive no less than a 50.

When weighting is used to compute class rank and honor roll, every full year course counts twice and every half-year course counts once.

Students in grades 9 – 12 need to remember that course promotion is not automatic and that students need to earn course credit at one level before moving on to the next level in a curriculum. Furthermore, high school students must pass both English and Social Studies to be promoted to the next grade level.

The teachers and administration, depending on course failures, age, previous retentions, work ethic, maturity and disabilities and after serious consideration, may retain students in grades 5-8. When available, depending on probability of success, certain students will be recommended for attendance at summer school to improve the likelihood of moving to the next grade.

-SUMMER SCHOOL-

In order for students in grades 9-12 to attend Summer School to make up course credit, students must have earned an average greater than 55, or have passed two quarters and completed the seat time in class. Once a student has earned a final grade in summer school, that grade will be averaged with the final Edmeston grade to calculate the final course mark. If a student is unable to attend Summer School, he/she must repeat a minimum of 20 weeks of the course that was failed and achieve a 70 or better, or an overall average of 65 over four of the six quarters they have taken the course.

9 – 12 COURSE LOAD

All High School Students are required to take at least a 5.5 credit load each year to be considered full-time. Seniors who have met many requirements still must take 5.5 credits in order to qualify for participation in senior activities and to fully prepare themselves for postgraduate work. Exceptions are limited to students who are in their fifth year of high school or who are participating in a career related work experience.

-GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS for STUDENTS 2008-2011

Courses Regents Diploma Credits Advanced Regents

Diploma Credits

English 4 4

Social Studies 4 4

Math 3 3

Science 3 3

Health ½ ½

Art/Music 1 1

Spanish 1 3

or

(Occ. Ed./Art/BOCES) (4) (5+3)

Phys. Ed. 2 2

Electives 3 ½ 1 ½

Total 22 22

N.Y. State Exams: Must pass with 65% or higher to earn Regents or Advanced Regents Diploma

English ELA 11 ELA 11

Math Math A Math A & B or Math III

Global Global Hist. 10 Global Hist. 10

U.S. History/Govt. U.S. Hist.& Govt 11 U.S. Hist./Govt. 11

Science Earth Science or Biology Any 2 Science Regents

Spanish Spanish 8 Proficiency Spanish III Regents or

5credit+3credit option

Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry Algebra Regents June, 2008 Algebra, Geometry & Trigonometry

(Class of 2011) Geometry Regents June, 2009 Regents (Class of 2011)

(Class of 2011)

The NYS Education Department changed their original plan and will continue to allow students to earn a local diploma. Coursework credits required are the same as Regents Diploma Credits. However, ECS students will earn “low pass for local diploma” regents exam credit with a score of 55 – 64 on any Regents exam. Beginning with the class of 2009 students will be required to pass two out of five Regents with a 65 or better. In 2010 the requirement will increase to a 65 on 3 of 5 exams, and so on until all students will have to achieve a 65 in all 5 Regents Exams to get Regents graduation credit for the Class of 2012.

A safety net continues for students with disabilities. Mr. Brophy and Mrs. Denton are available to answer your questions concerning graduation requirements. Also, C.S.E. Committee students may receive IEP Diplomas, as they complete their educational program. Please contact Mrs. Bates and/or Mrs. Swayer if you have any C.S.E. related questions. (965-8674)

-WORK RELEASE-

In certain specific cases, students may be allowed to shorten their school day in order to hold a job. The job may in no way interfere with the academic requirements of the student. To see if you qualify, please check in the guidance office.

-WORKING PAPERS-

Employment Certificates are available from the main office. Be sure you have proof of a physical exam within the last 12 months and your Social Security number before you ask for an application to get your certificate. PLEASE make arrangements for these papers well BEFORE you get a job. Certificates are different for students who are 14-15 and 16-17.

- G.E.D.-

Students who choose to continue their High School work in an alternative setting may choose to attend a G.E.D. program in Oneonta or attend the Oneonta Job Corps to get both the GED as well as career skills. More information is available in the Guidance Office.

-BUS SERVICE AND SAFETY-

Below are necessary rules that all bus students must follow:

Be on time at your stop. Parents must bring children to school if the bus is missed. During inclement weather driving conditions warrant extreme safety measures. To maintain our time schedule, expect your bus to arrive early, especially if your stop is at the beginning of the trip.

Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before attempting to get (on or off). Go immediately to a seat and stay there until the bus comes to a complete halt at your stop or at school. (Seating of students is the driver's responsibility) Keep arms, head and hands inside bus windows. Do not talk with the driver while the bus is in motion. Be a courteous passenger at all times. Any student who rides to school on a school bus must ride home on the same bus unless a special written excuse is brought from home. All notes must contain the full names of students and the person whose home they will be dropped off at. A late bus is provided 3 days a week for all students who must remain for EXTRA HELP and/or SCHOOL ACTIVITIES. Teacher permission must be obtained before you remain after school hours.

A violation of the above safety rules will result in a warning bus referral sent to the parents stating that subsequent referrals may result in transportation privileges being suspended temporarily or permanently for the student.

-DANCE GUIDELINES, RULES AND REGULATIONS-

1. No late admittance (after 9:00) unless a Chaperone is notified ahead of time and has given permission.

2. Students will be allowed to leave the dance on a very limited basis. No one is to leave the area, sit in cars or go where they have not been specifically allowed. If students leave the area they will not be allowed to return.

3. If a person (guest) is not currently enrolled at ECS, he or she must sign in with name and phone number for emergency contact. Guests must be High School students or a recent graduate and preapproved by the administration.

4. There will be no smoking. Any person found to be in possession of or under the influence of any alcohol or illegal drugs/ chemical substance will be asked to leave and authorities will be notified. All school rules apply to the Prom held either on school or off school premises.

5. Chaperones reserve the right to eject anyone who is insubordinate, belligerent or causing trouble at the dance. Proper conduct and attire is required. Chaperones may call parents to have the student taken home. Depending on the circumstances, the police may be called. No chaperones will take students home.

-COMMUNICATION-

Please feel free to call the school with your questions and concerns at 965-8931. This is the main number at the school. If you need to talk to a teacher, please leave a message for him or her to return your call. Please try to make appointments to see teachers rather than just “drop in”. The teachers are working hard to plan and provide an excellent educational program for their students and interruptions can impact their carefully scheduled time.

In addition, the following numbers are direct lines to specific offices:

Guidance (Mr. Brophy, Mrs. Denton) 965-8674. Nurse: 965-8609 Fax: 965-8942

Health Zone: 965-6930 This number must be dialed directly. You cannot be transferred.

Bus Garage: 965-8700 This number must be dialed directly. You cannot be transferred.

Additional information may be found at our school website www.edmestoncentralschool.net. Email addresses may be found on the website.

-POLICIES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION-

1. For all extracurricular activities, coaches/advisors of the various activities shall explain all aspects of the rules to members of those activities. For Interscholastic Athletic participation, all rules as described in the NYSPHSAA rules book will be followed. Additional rules as described by the Tri-Valley League and the Edmeston Central School shall also be followed.

2. All athletes must have a physical examination and be determined fit to compete prior to their first practice. The school nurse shall provide the team’s coach, the athletic director, and the administration with all such medical lists and required updates. Students failing this exam who wish to compete must request and receive waiver approval from the Board of Education (i.e., student with loss of one of a pair of organs, extended periods of illness, etc.). A student who has been injured, or absent from school due to illness for five or more days, must receive a doctor’s permission to resume practice.

3. All students are expected to be neat and well groomed.

4. All students who are members of extracurricular activities are expected to attend all practice sessions. Excuses for absences due to medical reasons or family emergencies will be acceptable. Sunday and Holiday practices are not allowed without permission from the Administration and must be voluntary. NYSPHSAA Guidelines are to be adhered to regarding practices of each respective sport.

5. Extracurricular participants must be in class by 8:03 A.M. on the day of the respective contest/practice. The only exceptions will be for verified medical, dental, court, driver test or educational/career appointments or a late bus. A student will not be allowed to participate in a contest/practice if he/she was illegally absent for any length of time on the day of the contest/practice/event. Only the Principal or his/her designee may make exceptions to this rule.

6. Unless accompanied by his/her parent, or attending a school function, a participant is expected to be home by a reasonable hour on a school night or the night before a contest.

7. A student who quits a team, squad, or activity, will be considered suspended from the activity. A 3-day grace period will follow. A parent conference may be recommended during the grace period. If the participant decides to return to the activity within three days, the student may be reinstated. If a student is given an in-school suspension, he/she will not be allowed to participate in any activities on the day of the suspension. In the event a student receives an out-of-school suspension, the student may not participate in any school activity from the time of suspension, until he/she may return to school.

8. After admittance to an activity, a student’s school disciplinary record may have an impact on their eligibility to participate in an extracurricular activity. Multiple or very serious violations throughout the activity season may be reviewed and further disciplinary action instituted.

9. Students in extracurricular activities are not to use, possess, or be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or tobacco. These are considered health hazards and detrimental to a student’s physical and mental well being. Students are not to attend a function where illegal consumption or illegal possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is taking place. (Examples: bar, house party, field party)

10. Conduct on a trip or during an event: Students are expected to be on their best behavior wherever they may be attending an activity. Inappropriate behavior may result in discipline.

Penalties:

First Offense: The student will be suspended for thirty (30) calendar days from the activity. The student may not participate in any extracurricular activity during the 30-day time period. A student who agrees to attend a substance abuse evaluation and follow the recommendations of the evaluator may return to practice during the last 14 days of the suspension period, and must provide proof of that counseling prior to his/her return to participation. If the discipline is caused by conduct other than substance abuse, a qualified counselor for that behavior may be agreed upon. The parents will sign a release so that the counselor may share information with the school.

Second Offense and Further Offenses: The student will be suspended from all practices and activities for one full calendar year. However, a student who agrees to attend a substance abuse evaluation and follows the recommendations of the evaluator may return to active participation after 6 months. If the discipline is caused by conduct other than substance abuse, a qualified counselor for that behavior may be agreed upon. The parents will sign a release so that the counselor may share information with the school.

Awards: Any student who is suspended for the use or possession of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products, or for inappropriate behavior will not receive letters or pins for the activity. However, the student may receive a certificate of participation.

Appeals: Students and their parents may appeal a suspension to the Extracurricular Review Committee. The committee may consider extenuating circumstances during the appeal. The Review Committee shall rule on any situations not described heretofore. The Extracurricular Review Committee may include the following: the Athletic Director, the Coach or Advisor, the Principal, and Director of Guidance.

The review committee also has the responsibility to evaluate behaviors that may be construed as conduct unbecoming a student who represents our school.

11. Parents shall be notified concerning these policies at the beginning of the student’s first involvement in an extracurricular activity. Each student will submit a consent form to be signed by the parent/guardian and the student prior to the first practice. If a student does not submit the consent form he/she will forfeit participation.

-ACADEMIC IMPROVEMENT MONITORING (AIM) REVISED IN 2007-

The number one priority for all students is academic achievement. The AIM process is meant to monitor grades and encourage students to continue to focus on their academic performance and responsibilities as well as to enjoy the extracurricular activities of their choice. Extracurricular activities specifically include participation in all interscholastic athletics, the musical, the senior play, the Debate Club, and the senior trip. On the dates listed below, the AIM list will be compiled of students in grades 5 - 11 who are failing two or more subjects and any senior who is failing one or more subjects required for graduation. The AIM list for 5^th and 6^th grade students is for parent notification only. Students in grades 7-12 on the AIM list will be subject to the following:

A. Students in grades 7 - 11 who are failing two or more subjects and any senior who is failing one or more subjects required for graduation will be placed on the AIM list. If the student is no longer failing after the two-week period, his or her name will be removed from the AIM list. Grades will be cumulative and reflect how a student is progressing for an entire 10 week marking period – not just how a student did during the prior two weeks. In January, at the end of the first semester, all students begin a new eligibility period.

B. Students who appear on the AIM list during any ten-week period will be required to meet with the teachers whose classes the student is failing to receive guidance regarding the reason for failure and how to make improvements in order to pass. The student’s effort (assignments turned in on time, improved scores on quizzes, tests, etc.) will then be reported on the AIM list. Teachers will indicate this by marking Y (yes- making improvement) or N (no- not showing adequate effort to improve). Subsequent N’s will be noted as 2N, 3N, etc. Students who are making adequate effort and receive a Y will remain eligible.

C. Procedure:

1. AIM grade/effort reports will be e-mailed to the office by the teachers at approximately two-week intervals. The compiled AIM list will be sent to all of the staff via e-mail.

2. Students will be notified if affected, no later than Monday morning following the compilation of the list based on the dates below. Letters will be sent to their parents.

3. If a student is failing and is thus on the AIM list, that student will be required to immediately meet with teachers and make a greater effort. If the student shows improvement as indicated by the teacher marking a Y for acceptable effort, he or she will remain eligible even if he/she appears on the next AIM list as failing. If a student does not show an improvement in effort and receives N’s on the next two AIM lists, he or she becomes ineligible, and they may not participate.

Example: Student A is failing two classes on September 25^th. He is reported as

not showing adequate effort in those two subjects on Oct. 10th (N) and again on October 23^rd (2N). The student is then put on the Ineligible List.

4. Advisors and coaches are responsible for enforcing a suspension from activities.

AIM List dates for 2007- 2008

First Semester Second Semester

Sept. 25 Nov. 20 Feb. 11 Apr. 28

Oct. 10 Dec. 11 Mar. 3 May 12

Oct. 23 Jan. 2 Mar. 17 May 27

Nov. 6 Apr. 7 June 9