The Schenectady City School District Code of Conduct is designed to promote equity and strongly supports our principles and efforts to be trauma-sensitive, culturally responsive and presents a strong focus on restorative practices.
In addition to outlining guiding principles, rights, responsibilities and various types of discipline, this document serves to provide a preventative approach and therapeutic response as we aim to keep students in the classroom and out of the juvenile justice system.
In the Schenectady City School District, we approach student behaviors as teachable moments and opportunities for learning instead of punishment. While it is important that we hold students accountable for their actions, consequences without re-teaching and reflection do little to change behavior in the long run. In order to improve educational outcomes for our students, we must provide interventions and behavior support that is directed at addressing academic gaps and the causes of misbehavior.
We know that suspension does not improve school climate or outcomes for students. In this document, we outline and describe practices and alternative pathways that are diagnostic and prescriptive, such as diversion. This alternative pathway provides an opportunity for mental and behavior health treatment, potentially reducing the amount of time a student is out of school.
Our Code of Conduct also emphasizes the importance of implementing strategies, practices, interventions and plans that address student need before behavior issues rise to a most serious level. Students are more likely to make positive decisions when they understand the expectations, know that adults care about them and when they feel respected.
Please read the Code of Conduct in its entirely. it should be used as a guide and reference throughout the upcoming school year.
Our top priorities are to ensure that our schools are safe, that all students have what they need to be academically successful and on the path to graduation.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact us through Let's Talk.