5311- Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Board of Education assures that students of the district shall have all the rights afforded them by federal and state constitutions and statutes. The district recognizes all federal, state and local laws in connection with these rights and reminds students that certain responsibilities accompany the rights they are given.

It shall be the right of each student in the district to:

  1. have a safe, healthy, orderly and courteous school environment;
  2. take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, sex, national origin, or disability;
  3. take part in student government activities unless properly suspended from participation pursuant to the district’s discipline policy;
  4. address the Board on the same terms as any citizen of the district; and
  5. attend school and participate in school programs unless suspended from instruction and participation for legally sufficient cause as determined in accordance with due process of law.

It shall be the responsibility of each student in the school district to:

  1. be familiar with, and abide by, all district policies, rules and regulations pertaining to student conduct;
  2. work to the best of his/her ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest level of achievement possible;
  3. conduct him/herself, when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events, as a representative of the school district, and as such, hold him/herself to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor and sportsmanship;
  4. be in regular attendance at school and in class;
  5. contribute to the maintenance of an environment that is conducive to learning and to show due respect to other persons and property; and
  6. make constructive contributions to the school and to report fairly the circumstances of school-related issues.

Educators have learned that although steps to stop unacceptable behavior are necessary, praise and rewards for responsible student behavior do more to encourage positive traits than anything else. Educators in the school district are encouraged to practice assertive discipline techniques (positive and realistic approaches to handling negative behavior).

The school district recognizes responsible student behavior in the following ways and encourages additional methods of recognition:

  1. Honor Society induction ceremonies;
  2. Honor Rolls;
  3. Athletic Awards Banquet
  4. Graduation Awards
  5. Student Council
  6. Class Officer
  7. Publicity of student achievement and activities in local newspapers

Ref:

  • 8 NYCRR §100.2(l)(1)(i)
  • Education Law §3214

Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Reviewed: May 22, 2017