The Valley Central School District is committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and engaging school environment where students can thrive. A positive school and classroom climate plays a vital role in fostering responsible student behavior and academic success. Our discipline philosophy is built on five core principles:
- High expectations for student behavior
- Clear and understandable rules
- Fair and consistent enforcement of those rules
- Appropriate and proportional consequences for infractions
- Recognition of positive behavior, effort, and improvement
Student Conduct at Valley Central is a collaborative effort among the school, parents, and students. Rather than viewing discipline solely as punishment, we see it as an opportunity to teach appropriate behaviors, promote student engagement, and cultivate a respectful school community. Discipline should always be administered fairly, with dignity, equity, and respect for all individuals. While most behavioral matters should be managed at the classroom level by teachers, all disciplinary actions must be reasonable, timely, age-appropriate, and proportionate to the behavior in question.
We believe that schools function as communities where positive behavior is expected, modeled, and learned in an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity. Every interaction between students and adults is an opportunity to build or strengthen relationships.
Understanding that discipline is a developmental process, our approach includes tiered interventions that address students’ varying behavioral and developmental needs. Effective discipline should guide students toward making positive choices and taking responsibility for their actions.
To support teaching and learning, our discipline philosophy incorporates a range of instructional strategies and conflict resolution practices. By helping students recognize the impact of their actions, take steps to correct any harm, and rebuild relationships affected by their choices, we foster a culture of accountability, growth, and respect within our school community.
Cross-ref:
- Education Law §§2801; 3214
Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Reviewed: May 22, 2017
Revised: August 11, 2025