Code Of Conduct
Voorheesville Elementary School
The Voorheesville Central School District is committed to providing a safe school environment in which students can develop to their fullest potential. Parents, school staff and students all play an important role in maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect. All those who enter school grounds will be treated with fairness and dignity. The Board of Education recognizes the need to define expectations for acceptable conduct on school property and at all school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty and integrity. To this end, the Board has adopted a Code of Conduct for the Voorheesville Central School District which is available in the main office. Key elements of this code that pertain to Voorheesville Elementary School are summarized below.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents / Guardians

Parental involvement in education is needed for student success. The role of the parent is to:

Teach children by word and example, respect for the law, for the authority of the school, and the rights of others.

Know and understand school policies and the importance of school safety.

Guide children toward socially acceptable standards of behavior, stressing self-control and accountability for behavior.

Encourage respect for honesty and compliance with the rules.

Ensure children are prepared for school daily, with necessary supplies, books, and homework.

Guide children to dress in a manner appropriate for an academic setting.

Follow the appropriate procedures when dealing with the school. The chain of command is as follows: teacher, principal, superintendent, and finally the Board of Education.



ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Teachers and School Staff

All staff are expected to foster a safe and respectful school environment where one can learn. Teachers will explain the rules of the building and their classroom to their students.

When a staff member observes a student acting in an improper manner outside the classroom, it is expected that he or she will speak to the student and then notify the student's teacher. The role of teachers and other school staff is to:

-Demonstrate, by word and example, respect for others.

-Help students learn to be responsible for their actions.

-Be firm, fair and consistent when enforcing the rules of student behavior.

-Respect differences among students and strive to develop each student's positive self-image.

-Seek to develop a close cooperative relationship with parents through open and prompt communication.

-Be aware of issues related to school safety and implement school safety procedures.

-Ensure students receive appropriate support through the counseling program and referrals to outside human service agencies.

Students

Students are expected to make good choices and be responsible for their words and actions. The following expectations should assist the student with self-discipline. The role of the student is to:

-Show courtesy and respect to fellow students, all school personnel and any adult in charge.

-Be respectful of school property and the property of others.

-Strive to do his or her best to learn.

-Develop a sense of pride in the school by working toward positive school spirit.

-Follow all school regulations and exercise good school citizenship by encouraging fellow students to obey school rules.

-Bring required materials to class, complete homework and participate in all learning activities.

-Dress in a respectful manner that is appropriate for an academic setting

-Report any information that could jeopardize school safety.

RULES OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS

In addition to the student responsibilities, there are specific rules that should be followed on school grounds, on the school bus and at school related functions.

General School Rules

Students must be quiet and respectful of classes in session when going to lunch, special classes and when using their lockers and the restroom.

Inappropriate items such as weapons (real or imitation), sharp objects, toys, video games, skateboards, and living creatures are not to be brought to school unless authorized by the teacher.

Walkman-type devices and hats cannot be used/ worn in the building. Both of these items should be left in student lockers or cubbies. Because of the possibility of theft, it is recommended that all electronic devices and valuables be left at home. The school is not responsible for loss or damage.

Students must provide the teacher with a note from a parent in order to ride a bike or walk to school. One note can cover a season (fall or spring) and will be kept on file.

The following actions are not permitted:
-Any action that could compromise personal or school safety.

-Any threats against others.

-Pushing, lifting others, wrestling, play fighting or other physical force among students.

-Running, jumping, or talking loudly in the halls.

-Abusive or vulgar language. This includes name-calling.

-Gum chewing.

School Bus Rules

General school rules also apply on the school bus. Students may lose their bus riding privilege for serious misbehavior. To ensure a safe bus ride for everyone, students need to follow these rules: &149; Cooperate with the driver at all times.

-Keep the bus clean and refrain from any destructive behavior.

-Remain seated with their head, hands, and feet inside the bus.

-Obey all posted bus rules.

-Large objects or equipment may not be brought on the bus. All objects must be small enough to be carried in a bag. However, large musical instruments are permitted.

The following are not permitted on the school bus:

-Eating or drinking

-Glass containers or bottles

-Living creatures

-Students should move through the lunch line in an orderly fashion and remain seated until given permission to leave.

-Students are expected to eat with good table manners, talk quietly and clean up their table area when finished.

-Glass bottles and containers are not permitted in the cafeteria.

Cafeteria Rules

Creative Playground Rules

There are a large number of children on the playground during recess and on school breaks. It is critical that children follow the rules at all times for the safety and enjoyment of all.


-Students are expected to obey all posted playground rules.

-Students will cooperate with teacher aides and all school personnel at all times.

-Playground equipment should be used in a manner for which it was designed.

-Running is not allowed within the wooden playground structure.

-Stone throwing, climbing up the slide and twisting the swings are prohibited.

Discipline Procedure

Penalties for misbehavior depend upon the severity and frequency of the action. The range of penalties are: verbal reprimand, loss of privileges (i.e. recess, attendance /participating in special programs), detention, removal from the classroom by the teacher, or in-school or out-of-school suspension. Parents will be notified of serious infractions and the consequences, and provided an opportunity for a conference. Teachers may remove students from their classrooms who are substantially disruptive of the educational process. A student identified as having a disability shall not be disciplined for behavior related to his or her disability. In all discipline matters students are entitled to due process. Serious infractions that violate the law will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.


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