SAWMILL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students should enter and exit the building in a quiet and orderly manner.

Students have a responsibility to be prompt at all times.

Students are to observe the following routines while moving through the corridors
a. Walk at all times.
b. Keep to the right hand side of the corridor.
c. Talk quietly or not at all.

Students should wear neat, clean and appropriate clothing.

Chewing gum is not permitted.

Common courtesies should be extended to all.

No student should enter a room without adult supervision.

Students should be responsible and prepared for all school activities.

No student is to use the pay telephone without permission from his/her teacher. Calls are not allowed for socializing.

Students are expected to take proper care of school books.

To keep our school neat and clean and in good condition, students must:
a. Avoid littering rooms, corridors and playgrounds.
b. Pick up their litter and deposit it in a wastebasket.
c. Handle school property with care.

The following will not be tolerated:
a. Any act that endangers the safety of oneself or others (i.e. fighting, tripping, bullying, biting, throwing objects).
b. Use of obscenities, written or spoken.
c. Continuous disruptive behavior.
d. Defiance of authority.
e. Theft of personal or school property.
f. Possession of illegal or disallowed items (fire crackers, weapons, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, electronic devices, baseball cards, collectables).
g. Cheating.

For the safety of our students, open back shoes are not permitted to be worn to school.

Students are not allowed to enter the classroom before or after the school day

Initial disciplinary actions will include:
The student will write a letter home explaining the incident.

Parents and teacher meet to discuss difficulties.

Principal, parents and teacher meet to discuss difficulties.

Further disciplinary action, when necessary, shall be firm, fair, and consistent in order to be most effective in changing behavior, in accordance with the Code of Conduct .


VISITORS
Parents and other citizens are encouraged to visit the school periodically during the course of the school year. All visitors MUST sign in with security in the front lobby and receive a badge before proceeding to their destination.

Throughout the school year there will be several opportunities to observe and participate in school activities. Notices are sent home indicating the specific times and dates.


ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Children are not permitted inside the building earlier than ten minutes prior to the start of the school day. For early morning activities, children are to remain in the Main Lobby until the arrival of the teacher-in-charge. Children should come to school only at the stated arrival times as no supervision is available for early arrivals.

All students must enter and exit through the doors in the front of the building. NO cars are permitted (at any time) in the bus lane in the front of the building. Children should be dropped off and picked up only in the parking lot area or near the school crossing guard.

It is against the law to:

Pass a school bus when the lights are flashing.

Park in handicap designated spots

Park in the circle in front of building

Parents should try to schedule children’s appointments, i.e. doctors, dentists, etc., outside of the regular school day. In the event that appointments are scheduled during the school day, parents are to report to the Main Office to sign out their child.

A child may be dismissed early if a note signed by the parent or guardian is delivered to the teacher, and the parent/guardian meets the child in the Main Office and signs him/her out.


TRANSPORTATION
Currently transportation will be provided if your child lives more than 1/2 mile from the Intermediate School. For further information please refer to the school district calendar or contact the Transportation Director at 912-2020. Children are required to take assigned buses and get off buses at assigned stops only. Any exception to this routine must be requested in writing, stating the reason for the request, by the parent/guardian and approved in the MAIN OFFICE of the Intermediate School the morning the day the change is requested. We do not permit children to ride other buses unless:

1. The child is an eligible bus rider.

2. No change in bus route is required.

3. The requested bus stop is a regular stop.

4. There is room on the bus.

5. There is prior written request from the parent and authorization by the principal.

6. No additional cost is incurred by the district.

Going to parties, staying overnight at a friend’s house, etc. are not considered priority reasons for a temporary bus pass to be issued. Requests due to emergencies requiring students to take alternate transportation will be given priority. Your attention and cooperation to this regulation is appreciated. Parents are urged to instruct their children in rules of proper behavior. The school district reserves the right to suspend the privilege of bus transportation for students who threaten the safety and well-being of themselves and/or other children as per the Commack Transportation Handbook.

Bicycles
Students are allowed to ride their bicycles to and from school. Written parental permission should be provided the first week of school. All bicycles should be walked onto school property and locked into the bicycle rack.



EMAIL 
You can receive email about events happening in the district by signing up on the district website (www.commack.k12.ny.us).


EMERGENCY CONTACTS
It is imperative that your child’s Emergency Contact/Early Dismissal cards be accurate and up-to-date. Please notify the school for any of the following changes: jobs, phone numbers, addresses or Emergency Contact people.


EARLY DISMISSAL (Decision usually made by 10:30 a.m.)
Please plan for and familiarize your children with specific actions they are to take when they arrive home if school is dismissed early due to bad weather or emergency conditions. Please do not include instructions to call you since school telephone lines are few in number and must be kept open for incoming calls. Children should know whether they are to go directly home or go to a neighbor’s house, etc. If signing your child out of school before the end of the school day, proper identification must be shown. In addition, the name of the person picking up the child must be on the emergency card or must be listed on the parent note.


SCHOOL CLOSING
A Connect Ed call will be placed to parent/guardian when school is closed. Parents can also phone 368-5555 for a recorded announcement of closing or delayed openings or check Commack’s web site at www.commack.k12.ny.us.


DELAYED OPENING
We may use a delayed school opening procedure on inclement weather days when it appears that we can open safely at a later time. We will delay opening for one (1) or two (2) hours later than the normal schedule. Children will be transported back home on the normal transportation schedule.


FIRE DRILLS
The building principal is responsible for conducting fire drills. This is done to instruct new students and staff to exit the school building in an emergency, in the shortest time possible and without confusion and panic. Fire drills shall include instruction on fire drill exits and fire alarm boxes, as well as fire drill procedures.

All students are expected to cooperate with staff members during fire drills, and to leave the building in a quiet and orderly manner. The exit route is posted in each room. Students must stay with their teacher. Distracting behavior will be subject to teacher or administrative discipline.


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
In accordance with regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the district has developed an Emergency Management Plan to safeguard the safety and health of students and staff, as well as district property, in the event of a true emergency.

Each year, the school will stage a “test” or drill of the Emergency Management Plan, including practice in sheltering students and staff, and an early dismissal at a time not more than 15 minutes earlier than the normal dismissal time. Parents/Guardians will be informed of any such “test” at least one week prior to the drill. Copies of the Emergency Management Plan are available in the Main Office.


BUS DRILLS
Bus drills are meant to instruct students on the proper procedures and behavior during normal transportation and emergency situations. Bus drills are held three times a school year.


LUNCH & RECREATION
The nutrition of district students is an important factor in their education. The school, therefore, participates in federally funded programs, and shall provide free or reduced priced food services to qualified district students. A monthly menu is sent home providing prices and nutritional information. If a child normally buys lunch and forgets the money, children can use the school issued charge card. Students are expected to repay the lunch money charged the following day. Parents are asked NOT to bring lunch money to school since the charge process is available. Parents may bring bag lunches to the Main Office. The student’s lunch should be labeled with his/her name and the name of the classroom teacher. The teacher-aide supervising the child’s class will deliver the lunch to the child. Pre Paid lunches are also available.

Students unable to participate in recreation due to injury, illness or behavior, will be supervised in other areas of the building.


PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION: CHAIN OF COMMAND
Concerns about specific practices should be directed to the teacher concerned. If the matter is not settled satisfactorily, the parent shall then contact the building Principal; if there is no satisfactory resolution on this level, the Superintendent of Schools shall be contacted. The Superintendent shall refer the issue to the Board of Education for final resolution. 

Open School Night
Early in the school year there will be an Open School Night to inform parents of curriculum and grade level expectations. An opportunity to sign up for Parent-Teacher conference dates and times will be available at this time.

Grade Reporting Period
There are four (4) ten week report periods during the school year. The first is a parent/teacher conference in November. Written report cards will be sent home for the remaining marking periods. 

Phone Contact
If you need to speak to your child’s teacher, please send a note or call the Main Office and leave a message as to where and when you can be reached. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Newsletter
The monthly newsletter is posted on the district website (www.commack.k12.ny.us).


PROMOTION/RETENTION
Students will be placed at the best possible learning levels for successful educational experiences. Retention will be limited to those situations where, in the best interest of the child, a successful learning experience is reasonably assured. Parents will be notified if their child is “at risk.”


STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized tests are regularly given in grades 3,4,5 to determine student proficiency in the basic skills in reading, writing, math and science. Students who fall below basic “reference points” are automatically recommended for a remedial program, a requirement of New York State law. Parents will be notified by letter of students needing services.

Gr. 3
Cognitive Ability Test – Fall
NYS English/Language Arts Test (Winter)
NYS Math Test (Spring)

Gr. 4
NYS English/Language Arts Test – Winter
NYS Math Test – Spring
NYS Science (ELS) – Spring

Gr. 5
NYS English/Language Arts Test (Spring)
NYS Math Test (Spring)


RELEASE OF INFORMATION
A signed Release of Information form (signed by a parent or guardian) must be on file in the Main Office if a parent wishes any information to be released (written or verbally) to an outside professional i.e., psychologist, tutor.


AIDS INSTRUCTION
In compliance with the regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the district will provide classroom instruction concerning Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as part of a sequential and comprehensive health program for all students, K-12. The school provides age-appropriate instruction, which must include the following information:
 

• The nature of the disease.
• Methods of transmission of the disease.
• Methods of prevention of disease (stressing abstinence as most effective and appropriate protection against AIDS).

A copy of the course outlines (by grade level) is kept in the Main Office for public information. Parents may request to have their child/children excused from that segment of the AIDS instruction regarding methods of prevention of the disease by filing a request with the Superintendent of Schools. The request must give assurance that such instruction will be given at home. Please contact the building principal for a copy of the request forms.

The district has an advisory council consisting of members of the Board of Education, appropriate school personnel, parents and community representatives (including representatives from religious organizations). The advisory council is responsible for making recommendations on content, implementation and evaluation of the AIDS instructional program.


LIBRARY
The school library is open throughout the day. Classes have regularly scheduled library instruction and are assisted in choosing appropriate books. A flexible library schedule provides students with the opportunity to work on projects and reports. Children are responsible for the care and safe return of all library materials. Books can be borrowed and returned on a daily basis. Payment is expected for lost or damaged library materials.


PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Two periods of physical education are provided to all students each week. Appropriate attire (sneakers and loose fitting clothing, i.e. sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts) is required.

WEARING OF JEWELRY IS NOT PERMITTED DURING THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS.

Adaptive physical education is available to help students become successful in all skill areas of physical education. 

Students will be given a physical fitness test twice a year. Parents will be made aware of their child’s results. Scores on the physical fitness test will have no bearing on the report card grade.


STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Students may be given the opportunity to participate in various school related activities during the school year. These may include Student Council, Continental Math League, Science Fair, Word Masters, Intramurals, etc. Parents are required to provide transportation for those students attending activities prior to the instructional day.


MUSIC
One period of General Music is provided to all students each week.

Instrumental Music Lessons
Instruction is available to all students in Grades 4 & 5. Some instruments may be rented from the district, but most instruments must be rented from outside sources. Information regarding instrument rental will be provided by the music department at the beginning of each school year. 

Students in Grades 4 & 5 receive their lessons during the instructional day. They receive one lesson per week. Students are responsible for assignments missed during that time.

Band, Orchestra, Chorus
In addition to individual lessons, students are required to attend band, orchestra, and chorus rehearsals, prior to the instructional day. Membership in the chorus is open to all Grade 4 & 5 students. Parents are required to provide transportation for those students attending activities prior to the school day.


ART
Each student receives one period of art per week which is supplemented in both the classroom and extra time in the art room.

The upper elementary art program teaches students various techniques while they explore a variety of two and three dimensional media. Pupils are exposed to museums, visiting artists, and changes of working locale. Additional motivation of after-school workshops provides a broadening of sights and sounds.

Outstanding student works are submitted to various competitions producing recognition and awards.

The students’ growth and success is ensured by encouraging them to let their hands create what is in their hearts.


SPECIALIZED STAFF
A variety of support personnel are available for all students. Services are provided for long or short term needs. In addition to building administration and classroom teachers, the following specialists are available for consultation.

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Challenge & Discovery
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Skills Specialists (Reading/Language Arts/Math/Speech
• Academic Intervention Services
• A variety of instructional and support programs are available within the district.

SUPPORT SERVICES
IST - Instructional Support Team
CSE - Committee on Special Education
AIS - Academic Intervention Services
RR - Resource Room
C&D - Challenge and Discovery Program
ESL - English As A Second Language
OT - Occupational Therapy
PT - Physical Therapy
Speech/Lang. - Language Remediation

The Instructional Support Team meets regularly in each building to assess the needs of individual children at risk. Parents and/or teacher may request an evaluation. After an evaluation is made, parents are notified of the Instructional Support Team’s decision.


HOMEWORK
Homework is an integral part of a student’s education. The school encourages parental involvement with their child’s/children’s homework, while advising them that such work is ultimately the student’s responsibility to complete.

Parents and the school share the responsibility for students learning. Parents can assist their child/children with homework by:

• Providing a study area free of distractions and with good lighting.
• Giving requested assistance, but letting the student do his/her own work.
• Helping create a “homework habit”, at the same time each night.

Parents should consult with teachers if they have a question about homework.

Homework assignments are included in determining a child’s grade.


Homework When Ill
If your child is absent and is able to do assignment at home, please notify the Main Office by 10:30am so that books and assignments may be gathered. This work may be picked up in the Main Office by a parent at the end of the school day or sent home with another student.


TELEPHONE USAGE AT SCHOOL
Due to the limited number of telephone lines coming into the Main Office and the Health Office for parents’ incoming calls and our use, children are not permitted to use these telephones. Children can call from their classrooms in case of an emergency. After school hours children can use the pay phones located on the first floor. Please see that your child always has 50 cents in case there is an emergency after school hours. Usage of cell phones during school day is not allowed. 


LOST AND FOUND
 

• All personal items should be labeled for easy identification.
• Misplaced articles found at school will be stored and displayed in a designated area.
• Children should be encouraged to check the Lost & Found area periodically.
• Contact District Transportation Office as soon as possible for items lost on the school bus. Call 912-2020.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are part of the educational experience for all children. Written parental consent must be returned to the school prior to participation in any trip. Additional copies for the Field Trip Permission form can be found on the Burr home page. Children without parental consent must attend school and will be provided with a full day of instruction. Fifth grade students traditionally attend a three-day overnight field trip for environmental study. Please note that teachers and other school personnel are not responsible for the administering of a child’s medication. Either the parent/guardian or an immediate relative must accompany the child on the field trip to carry and administer the medication or must make other arrangements with the school in order for the medication to be administered.


HEALTH OFFICE
The school nurses are on duty at each school during school hours. Vision and hearing screenings are given to all third grade students. Vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings are given to all fifth grade students. New York State Department requires that all fourth grade students and new entrants have a health examination. A health appraisal form must be completed by your child’s physician and submitted for all fourth graders by the end of the first week in October. If the form is not returned to school, the examination will be done by school’s physician’s assistant or school physician. We urge you to take your child to his/her physician for an early and complete medical examination.

All students must have appropriate up-to-date immunization records according to New York State Health Regulations, on file in the school health office.

Medical Bus
Special medical transportation is available for any child, regardless of the distance from school. A doctor’s written request is required and two days advance notice is necessary to arrange the transportation. Contact the District Transportation Office.

Prolonged Illness
In the case of prolonged illness or a serious accident, home tutoring may be arranged. The nurse and school principal should be notified. Home tutoring may be arranged by contacting the District’s Office of Special Education.

Services for the Disabled
Each Intermediate School is equipped with facilities to accommodate disabled persons (ramps, bathrooms, elevators, etc.) Parents of children requiring special services, due to physical disabilities, should contact the Director of Student Services.

Dispensing Medication at School
Board of Education policy dictates that medication can only be taken in school when administered by the nurse, with written direction from the doctor and written permission from a parent or guardian. All prescribed and over the counter medications such as Tylenol, Motrin, creams, sunscreen, etc. require that a medication form must be completely filled out by your child’s physician and signed by the parent. All medication must be submitted to the School Health Office for safekeeping and children must report there to take it.


ABSENCE/LATENESS
Notify the school nurse by telephone when your child is absent or will be late to school. A 24-hour tape machine is available. The absent number is 858-3660. A signed follow-up note including dates and reasons for absences is required on the day the student returns to school. If your child arrives after the official start of the school day, he/she must report to the main office and then to the Health office for a late pass. The student will be marked late and parental note is required. 

While it is certainly clear that trips to foreign lands and other states may contribute to a child’s learning and may be the source of fruitful examples or illustrations for instructional purposes, it is, nevertheless, the responsibility of each child to be in school; of all parents to see that their children are in school; and of all staff members to discourage any interruptions to the regular instructional process. It is clearly the responsibility of teachers, administrators, and others on the school staff to discourage contemplated and planned absences if they are of an illegal nature. This includes situations in which youngsters are withdrawn from regular school attendance to accompany parents on business or vacation trips.


PTA
PTA is a non-commercial and non-profit organization. Its yearly budget anticipates providing enough revenue to cover necessary expenses for the school year. This revenue is derived from membership dues and fundraising activities.

Membership
 

• PTA membership is open to all parents, teachers and concerned members of the community interested in quality education. You are encouraged to join the PTA at the school’s annual Open House, which is traditionally held early in the school year.
• Meetings are held once a month. Dates and phone numbers are published in the school calendar and are listed in the Newsletters.
• You may also become a PTA member at any time during the year by contacting one of the PTA Board members.

Class Parents
Representative parents from each class help the classroom teacher and act as a liaison between school and home. These representatives assist with special projects, recruit parent help for special class activities and make phone calls in cases of school closing or emergency dismissals. Class lists are confidential and not for distribution.

PTA School Activities
PTA supports and is involved with many additional school activities including the following:

• School Pictures/Yearbook
• Holiday Boutique
• Talent Shows
• Smingo
• Student Publication
• Teacher Recognition
• Halloween Party
• Reading Challenge
• Blood Drive
• Fifth Grade End-of-Year Activities
• Sports Nights

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
A variety of clubs are offered to educate and entertain the students. The classes such as art, sports activities, dance, computer, etc., are held after school. A nominal fee is charged. Parents must pick up their child on time following the activity. Notices are sent home as to dates, times and activities that are part of the After School Activity program.


ARTS IN EDUCATION
Many diverse programs in the arts, music, science and dance are presented to the students each year. They are intended to supplement and enrich the school curriculum. Funds for these assemblies and workshops are raised through PTA activities.


SEPTA
Special Education PTA (SEPTA) represents all children in our district receiving Special Education services including Resource Room, Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Self-contained and BOCES instruction.


VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The school district seeks volunteers to provide enrichment for our educational programs. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator listed in the school calendar.


NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HOME ECONOMICS
Standard 1: Personal Health and Fitness

Students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health.

Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Standard 3: Resource Management

Students will understand and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design

Students will use mathematical analysis, scientific inquiry and engineering design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Information Systems

Students will access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 3: Mathematics

Students will understand mathematics and become mathematically confident by communicating and reasoning mathematically, by applying mathematics in real-world settings, and by solving problems through the integrated study of number systems, geometry, algebra, data analysis, probability and trigonometry.

Standard 4: Science

Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 5: Technology

Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes

Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving

Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

ENGLISH/LANGUAGE ARTS
Standard 1: Language for Information and Understanding

Students will listen, speak, read and write for information and understanding. As listeners and readers, students will collect data, facts, and ideas; discover relationships, concepts and generalizations; and use knowledge generated from oral, written and electronically produced texts. As speakers and writers, they will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language to acquire, interpret, apply and transmit information.

Standard 2: Language for Literary Response and Expression

Students will read and listen to oral, written and electronically produced texts and performances from American and world literature; relate texts and performances to their own lives; and develop an understanding of the diverse social, historical and cultural dimensions the texts and performances represent. As speakers and writers, students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for self-expression and artistic creation.

Standard 3: Language for Critical Analysis and Evaluation

Students will listen, speak and write for critical analysis and evaluation. As listeners and readers, students will analyze experiences, ideas, information and issues presented by others using a variety of established criteria. As speakers and writers, they will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language to present, from a variety of perspectives, their opinions and judgments on experiences, ideas, information and issues.

Standard 4: Language for Social Interaction

Students will listen, speak, read and write for social interaction. Students will use oral and written language that follows the accepted conventions of the English language for effective social communication with a wide variety of people. As readers and listeners, they will use the social communications of others to enrich their understanding of people and their views.

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

Standard 1: Communication Skills

Students will be able to use a language other than English for communication.

Standard 2: Cultural Understanding

Students will develop cross-cultural skills and understandings.

THE ARTS
Standard 1: Creating Performing and Participating in the Arts

Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) and participate in various roles in the arts.

Standard 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources

Students will be knowledgeable about and make use of the materials and resources available for participation in the arts in various roles.

Standard 3: Responding to the Analyzing Works of Arts

Students will respond critically to a variety of works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought.

Standard 4: Understanding the Cultural Contributions of the Arts

Students will develop an understanding of the personal and cultural forces that shape artistic communication and how the arts in turn shape the diverse cultures of past and present society.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND OCCUPATIONAL STUDIES

Standard 1: Career Development

Students will be knowledgeable about the world of work, explore career options and relate personal skills, aptitudes and abilities to future career decisions.

Standard 2: Integrated Learning

Students will demonstrate how academic knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace and other settings.

Standard 3: Universal Foundation Skills

Students will demonstrate mastery of the foundation skills and competencies essential for success in the workplace.

Standard 4: Career Majors

Students who choose a career major will acquire the career-specific technical knowledge/skills necessary to progress toward gainful employment, career advancement and success is postsecondary programs.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Standard 1: History of the United States and New York

Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States and New York.

Standard 2: World History

Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments and turning points in world history and examine the broad sweep of history from a variety of perspectives.

Standard 3: Geography
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live-local, national and global-including the distribution of people, places and environments over the Earth’s surface.

Standard 4: Economics
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of how the United States Constitution; the basic civic values of American constitutional democracy; and the roles, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including avenues of participation.
 

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.

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 Board recognizes the need to make specific and clear its expectations for student conduct while students are on school property or engaged in a school function. 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 choose not to accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct.

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

Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, if possible. Such action will be followed by notification to the parent of the student involved and the appropriate disciplinary sanction if warranted, which may include permanent suspension and referral for prosecution.

The building principal or his or her designee must notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of those Code violations that constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of a school, as soon as practical but in no event later than the close of business the day the principal or his or her designee learns of the violation.