WHY DO WE HAVE A CODE OF CONDUCT?

The goal of the Schenectady City School District Code of Conduct is to ensure that the right of all students to receive an education in a safe, civil, engaging and caring environment, is met. For our schools to be safe and supportive environments, everyone within the school community must demonstrate and offer respect.

The code of conduct serves as a guide to good citizenship, promoting positive behavior and helping students understand expectations which are based on the principles of mutual respect, citizenship, character, acceptance, honesty and integrity. Students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, school personnel and other members of the school community as well as for the care of school facilities and equipment.

The board of education recognizes the need to clearly define expectations for acceptable conduct and identify the possible responses to unacceptable conduct. Levels of behavior concerns, violations and responses, interventions and consequences are outlined in the code of conduct.

The code of conduct applies to all students while in Schenectady City School District school buildings and on school grounds, in school vehicles and at all schools, school-related and district-sponsored activities including those held at locations off school property. It also applies at non-school events when behavior can negatively affect the educational process or endangers the health, safety, morals or welfare of the school community.

The Schenectady City School District Code of Conduct ensures that students have equitable access to behavioral supports and interventions and that race, economics and disability do not serve as predictors of student achievement.

ACCESS AND FEEDBACK

There is a 30-day comment public comment period during which time staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and community members can provide comment.

A public hearing is held prior to board of education approval.

Copies of an age-appropriate summary of the Code of Conduct will be provided to all students, parents, guardian and caregivers.

Copies of the Code of Conduct are made available to all parents, guardians and caregivers at the beginning of the school year.

All school faculty and staff will be provided with the Code of Conduct.

The Code of Conduct is posted on the district website.

Opportunities are provided for all stakeholders to review and discuss the Code of Conduct.