Oceanside High School

Student Handbook

2024 - 2025

Versión en español del manual del estudiante

Dear OHS Students and Parents,

The Oceanside High School staff is committed to creating an environment where all students feel safe, supported, and connected. Our hope is that this sense of belonging not only provides you with a springboard to success in the classroom, but in your entire school experience. We continue to encourage you to make the most of the multiple resources and opportunities that OHS has to offer.

The following handbook serves as your guide for all aspects of Oceanside High School. This includes school policy on classroom and curriculum as well as policy on all other aspects of the school day including students’ responsibilities, behavioral policies and consequences, attendance, and technology. Please take the time to review these guidelines for this year so you have a full understanding of these expectations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Brendon Mitchell

Principal

Table of Contents

Academic Integrity

Attendance

Bell Schedule

Board of Education

Building Administrators and contact info

Calendar

Clubs and Activities

Code of Conduct

Deans

Directors

Electronic Device Policy

OHS School Administration

Parent Portal Information 

Policy 3108.2 Harassment/Bullying/ Dignity for All Students

Policy 3202.8 Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use

Student Conduct and Behavior

Student in Possession of Drugs or Weapons, Drugs and Alcohol

School Counselors

Student  ID’s

School Nurses

School Psychologists

School Social Workers

Statement on Anti-Bias

Statement on Social Media

Student Declaration 

Student Dress Code

Student Responsibilities

Teacher Communication

Technology Support

Wellness Center

Oceanside School Calendar

2024-25

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mr. Michael D'Ambrosio, President

,Mr. Stuart Kaplan Vice President

Mr. Seth Blau

Mrs. Laura Lisi

 Mr. Donald Maresca

Mrs. Sandie Schoell

Mr. Robert Transom

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Phyllis S. Harrington
Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Jill DeRosa
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, StudentServices & Community Activities

Diane Provvido
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Research

Dr. Jerel Cokley
Assistant Superintendent for Business

Tracey Murray

Executive Director of Special Education

Oceanside High School Administration

Dr. Brendon Mitchell
Principal

Kevin Carbonetti
Associate Principal

Joelle Hennessy
Associate Principal

Keith Mekeel  

    Associate Principal

District Directors

Pupil Personnel Services
Counselors         

Wellness Center Director

Dr. Nina Weisenreder

 Bell-Schedule

Delayed - Bell Schedule

The Board of Education (“Board”) is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference.  Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district personnel, parents, and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The district has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty, and integrity.

The Board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline, when necessary, is administered promptly and fairly.  To this end, the Board adopts this Code of Conduct (“Code”).

Unless otherwise indicated, this Code applies to all students, school personnel, volunteers, parents, and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.

Link to OHS Code of Conduct:

Oceanside High School Code of Conduct

Oceanside Union Free School District Policies of the Board of Education POLICY # 3202: CURRICULUM  3202.8 COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE

Building Administrator Email Contacts

Student Conduct and Behavior

At OHS, we expect that everyone will conduct themselves with respect to others. We are committed to providing a safe, orderly, and positive learning environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students is essential to achieving this goal.

High expectations for student behavior are expected. Students take responsibility in their learning by engaging in discussions, lessons, chats, and assignment submissions, respectfully as a learner. The district’s student code of conduct policy will be enforced if a student has a challenge being appropriate online. A range of consequences will result from these behaviors.

Student ID’s Are Required At All Times. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary actions.  

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means that a student is submitting original individual work. We expect OHS students to not plagiarize (use other people’s work without citation) or use other people’s information in assessments. The OHS Student Code of Conduct will be enforced in cases where academic integrity is not upheld.

Attendance    

The Oceanside School District recognizes that attendance is a critical factor in school success for students and understands that consistent school attendance and academic achievement have a positive correlation. School attendance is both a right and a responsibility in New York State.  Please contact the high school attendance office at (516) 678- 8532 or email ohsattendance@oceansideschools.org to report an absence.

Please click on the link below to see the current Attendance Policy 3014

Attendance Policy 3104

Teacher Communication

If you have questions directly related to your classes or your child’s classes, you should contact the teacher directly via email. While reaching out to teachers with questions through email is encouraged, it is also important to note that many of your questions can be answered by logging into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Click Here 👉 https://sms.oceansideschools.org/campus/portal/oceanside.jsp

• Forgot Your Password? Click "Forgot Password" on the login screen.
• Want to Change Your Phone Number? If you want to change your household phone number, you can make that change on the parent portal.
• Want to Change Your Address?  This requires the proper documentation and must go through central registration. You can call Ms. Phyllis Amisano at 516-678-6238 or via email at pamisano@oceansideschools.org.
• Don’t Have An Account? Please contact Ms. Danielle Roemer at 516-678-7541 or via email at droemer@oceansideschools.org to learn how to gain access to the Parent Portal.
• For all other questions please email portalOHS@oceansideschools.org.

Technology Support

If you have a question or problem with the technology we are using for online learning, contact our Tech Help Desk during school hours. Using the link below, you will be able to access the support of a building technology assistant who can guide you toward remediating the issue.  You can also access tech help through our district website.

Click Here 👉 support.oceansideschools.org

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center is intended to bring our school community opportunities and resources for the continued development of wellness, which includes mental health and wellness. The Wellness Center will be a space for independent and support (i.e. with a full-time school psychologist/center coordinator) exploration and education about various aspects of wellness, including components of a healthy lifestyle and the development of everyday coping skills and strategies. In addition to individualized and small group support and education throughout the day in the center, there will be opportunities for workshops, presentations, and group discussions to assist students, staff, and parents on their wellness journey. Students, staff, and parents are welcome to contact the coordinator of the Wellness Center, Dr. Nina Weisenreder, at nweisenreder@oceansideschools.org to share ideas and questions.

Virtual Wellness Center    

Click Here 👉 Wellness Center

STUDENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
Statement of Responsibilities
Schools will not improve significantly unless individual student rights are balanced with individual student responsibilities to the school and society.

Rights must terminate at that point where they begin to infringe upon the rights of others. To the extent that responsibilities are fulfilled, rights become more assured. To the extent that responsibilities are not met, rights are placed in jeopardy.

For the purposes of this document, responsibilities are defined as the foundation upon which individual rights become meaningful and effective.

The following shall be the responsibility of each student:

1.  Each student must assume responsibility to observe, know, and adhere to the laws of the state in which he/she resides.
2.  Each student has a responsibility to observe the constitutional rights of other individuals, whether they are students, parents, teachers, school officials, or other participants in the educational process.
3.  Each student has the responsibility to be informed of, and adhere to, rules and regulations established by the Board of Education and implemented by school administrators and teachers.
4. Each student has the responsibility to preserve school property, exercise care while using school facilities, and help maintain and improve the school environment consistent with laws governing the such property.
5.  Each student has the responsibility to respect the inherent human dignity and worth of every other individual.
6.  Each student has the responsibility to refrain from libel, slanderous remarks, and obscenity in verbal and written expression.
7.  Students have a prime responsibility to themselves to learn those things which the school can teach them.
8.  Each student has a responsibility for the development of employment skills relevant to economic independence throughout his/her life span.
9.  Each student has the responsibility to dress and appear in a manner that meets reasonable standards of health, cleanliness, and safety.
10.  Students have a responsibility to support the General Organization that represents student interests by voting in elections and participating on various committees.
11.  Students in the General Organization have a responsibility to represent accurately and adequately the views of their constituents.
12.  Students have a responsibility not to abuse any of the rights afforded to them by the Constitution of the United States, the laws of New York State, rules of the Board of Regents, regulations of the Commissioner of Education, or the provisions of this document.

3108.2 - HARASSMENT/ BULLYING/ DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS

The Board of Education (“Board”) of the Oceanside Union Free School District (“District”) is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity, and equality for all. The Board recognizes that discrimination, such as harassment, hazing, and bullying, whether in person, in print, or electronically, is detrimental to student learning and achievement. These behaviors interfere with the mission of the District to educate its students and disrupt the operation of the schools. Such behavior affects not only the students or employees who are targeted individuals but also those individuals who participate and witness such acts.

The Board expects students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner for their respective levels of development, maturity, and demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose underlying all school activities, and the care of school facilities and equipment. The Board believes that the most positive school climate is one which is culturally sensitive and which models positive behavioral interactions that clearly show there is no tolerance for antisocial behaviors such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

To this end, the Board condemns and strictly prohibits all forms of discrimination by District employees, students, and volunteers against students, whether in person, in print, or electronically, including but not limited to harassment, hazing, and bullying which may occur on

school property, school grounds, school buses, using District-owned property, or at a school-sponsored function conducted on or off school property. The Board also strictly prohibits any harassment including hazing, bullying, cyber-bullying, and sexting that occurs off-campus and endangers the health and safety of students or staff members; substantially disrupts the educational process, or creates a reasonably foreseeable risk of such disruption. Conduct which is of such a severe nature that it either has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional, and/or physical well-being; reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property, is expressly prohibited. When harassment is of a sexual nature, Policy Nos. 4501 and 5118 provide additional information and clarification on student, staff and District responsibilities in this area.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to establish such rules, regulations and procedures necessary to implement and maintain this policy. The Superintendent is directed to develop and implement regulations for reporting, investigating and remedying allegations of sexual harassment. These regulations are to be attached to this policy.

I.  Policy Dissemination

This policy, or a plain language summary, shall be published in student registration materials, student, parent, and employee handbooks, and posted on the District’s website.

All students and employees shall be informed of this policy in student and employee handbooks, on the District website, and student registration materials. A poster summarizing the policy shall also be posted in a prominent location at each school.

All employees shall receive information about this policy and accompanying regulation at least once a year.

Principals in each school shall be responsible for informing students and staff on a yearly basis of the terms of this policy, including the procedures for filing a complaint and information about the impact of bullying on the target and bystanders.

II.  Definitions

A.  Harassment and Bullying
Harassment has been defined in various ways in federal and state law and regulation. The Board recognizes that these definitions are important standards, but the Board’s goal is to prevent misbehavior from escalating in order to promote a positive school environment and to limit liability. The Dignity for All Students Act (§§10-18 of Education Law) defines harassment  and bullying as the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyber-bullying, that (a) has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; (b) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; (c) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or (d) occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property. Acts of harassment and bullying shall include, but not be limited to a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender (including gender identity and expression)

• Gender identity is one’s self-conception as being male or female, as distinguished from actual biological sex or sex assigned at birth.

• Gender expression is the manner in which a person represents or expresses gender to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice or mannerisms.

The term “threats, intimidation or abuse” shall include verbal and nonverbal actions.

Bullying is subsumed under the term “harassment,” and is more specifically defined as intentional and aggressive behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength and is usually, but not always, repeated over time. It is understood to be a hostile activity which harms or induces fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. Bullying is understood to describe a range of hostile activity or misbehaviors such as harassment, hazing, intimidation or discrimination, which harm or induce fear through the threat of further aggression and/or creates terror. It may be subtle or easy to identify, done by one person or a group. Bullying behavior is usually repeated, or has the potential of being repeated, over time. Additionally, bullying generally involves the following characteristics:

1.  Power imbalance - occurs when a bully uses his/her physical or social power over a targeted individual.

2.  Intent to harm - the bully seeks to inflict physical or emotional harm and/or takes pleasure in this activity.

3.  Threat of further aggression - the bully and the target believe the bullying will continue.

4.  Repetition – bullying behaviors generally happen more than once or have the potential of happening more than once.

5.  Terror - when any bullying increases, it becomes a “systematic violence or harassment used to intimidate and maintain dominance.”

There are at least three kinds of bullying: verbal, physical and social/relational. Bullying may in person, in print, or electronically (i.e. cyber-bullying).

1.  Verbal bullying includes but is not limited to, name calling, insulting remarks, verbal teasing, frightening phone calls, violent threats, extortion, taunting, gossip, spreading rumors, racist slurs, threatening electronic communications (“cyber-bullying”), anonymous notes, etc.

2.  Physical bullying includes but is not limited to, poking, slapping, hitting, tripping or causing a fall, choking, kicking, punching, biting, pinching, scratching, spitting, twisting arms or legs, damaging clothes and personal property, or threatening gestures.

3.  Social or relational bullying includes but is not limited to, excluding someone from a group, isolating, shunning, spreading rumors or gossiping, arranging public humiliation, undermining relationships, teasing about clothing, looks, giving dirty looks, aggressive stares, etc.

B.  Cyber-bullying

 “Cyber-bullying” means the use – either on or off school property – of electronic information technology, including but not limited to the Internet, email, instant messaging services, chat rooms, blogs, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, gaming systems and social media websites, to deliberately harass, threaten or intimidate others. Cyber-bullying may involve sending mean, vulgar or threatening messages or images; posting sensitive or private information about another person on an Internet site; pretending to be someone else in order to speak harmful untruths about that other person, or intentionally excluding someone from an Internet-based group or activity.

C.  Discrimination
Discrimination is the act of denying rights, benefits, justice, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to all others, to an individual or group of people because of the group, class or category to which that person belongs (as listed under Harassment & Bullying as defined in section A above). Discrimination is also discrimination against any student by a student or students and/or an employee or employees on school property or at a school function including, but not limited to, discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, creed, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex, marital status, socio-economic status, class or club affiliation or other distinguishing characteristics.

D. Hazing
Hazing is an induction, initiation or membership process, intentional or reckless, against another student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that creates a substantial risk of harm to a person in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization whether school-sponsored or not, or for any other purpose involving harassment which produces public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or public ridicule or creates a situation where public humiliation, physical or emotional discomfort, bodily injury or public ridicule is likely to occur.

E. Disability

 “Disability” means: (a) a physical, mental, or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic, or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques; or (b) a record of such an impairment; or (c) a condition regarded by others as such an impairment.

F. Employee

  “Employee” means any person receiving compensation from the  District.  This term also includes any employee of a contracted service provider or worker placed within a public school in the District under a public assistance employment program pursuant to the Social Services Law  (Art. 5, Title 9-B), and consistent with the provisions of such law and any applicable contract, provide services involving direct student contact.

G. Gender

 “Gender” means actual or perceived sex and includes a person’s gender identity or expression.

H. School Bus

 “School Bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency or private school and operated for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers, and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity, to or from school or school activities, or, privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities.

I.  School Function

  “School Function” means a school-sponsored extracurricular event or activity that takes place either on or off school property.

J.  School Property

“School Property” means in or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground,
parking lot, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public elementary or secondary school; or in or on a school bus.

K. Sexting

 “Sexting” means the sending, receiving or forwarding of sexually provocative nude or nearly nude photos or messages through text message, email, or another method of information technology as described in the definition of “cyber-bullying,” which can be used to hurt, harass and humiliate others.

L. Sexual Orientation

 “Sexual Orientation” means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality.

M.  Gender

“Gender” means actual or perceived sex and includes a person’s gender identity or expression.

N. Volunteer

  “Volunteer” means any person, other than an employee, who provides services to either the District or a public school within the District, which involves direct student contact.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Board of Education is committed to the principle of equality among employees in the workplace and that all students are entitled to equal opportunity and equal treatment in the learning environment of the school district.  The Board is committed to provide employees and students alike with an environment free from all forms of sexual harassment.

To this end, the Board condemns and strictly prohibits all unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature between employees, whether during or after work hours, which is either designed to extort sexual favors from an employee as a term or condition of continued employment, advancement, preference or promotion, or which has the effect of creating a hostile, intimidating or offensive work environment.  The Board recognizes that such conduct may be either physical or verbal and may be psychological in nature.  The Board further condemns and strictly prohibits behavior which may manifest itself in the creation or perpetuation of an embarrassing or uncomfortable work atmosphere, as in the case of the unwelcome use of obscene language or the telling of obscene or off-color stories or jokes.  The Board also opposes any retaliatory action which might be taken against anyone filing a complaint alleging sexual harassment, as well as against anyone who appears as a witness to such a complaint.

The Board equally condemns and strictly prohibits all behavior of a sexual nature between students or students and staff, whether during or after school hours, which is designed to make submission to sexual conduct a quid pro quo for access to benefits of an educational program or which forms the basis of gender-based exclusion from participation in an educational program.  The Board recognizes that academic sexual harassment may take the form of conditioning a student’s grade or academic progress to submission to sexual activity or refusing to provide assistance to a student who alleges sexual harassment on the part of a staff member.  The Board acknowledges that such conduct is illegal in that it violates the civil rights of students, and under certain circumstances may constitute criminal conduct or may be in violation of the laws against child abuse or maltreatment.

Because sexual harassment can occur staff to student, staff to staff, student to student, student to staff, male to female, female to male, male to male, female to female, it shall be a violation of this policy for any student, employee or third party (school visitor, vendor, etc.) to sexually harass any student or employee.

Any student or employee believing that he or she has been subjected to unwelcome sexual advances or any other form of sexual harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately.  In the case of a student, he or she should report the allegation to a parent/guardian or to school personnel; an employee should report the allegation to the district’s Sexual Harassment Officer.  In either case, when allegations are received, district personnel will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into such allegations and will determine whether such conduct constitutes sexual harassment, or in the case of a student, illegal behavior or child abuse. In the event that such allegations constitute illegal behavior or child abuse, it is the policy of the Board to notify such agencies or authorities as required by law.  In the event there is a finding of sexual harassment on the part of an employee, the district shall take corrective action which may consist of discipline of the offending employee, up to and including therapeutic remediation, and, where appropriate, discharge.   In the event the Board learns of offensive behavior or misconduct or has reason to believe such conduct has occurred, the Board will, on its own initiative, ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted by the appropriate individuals.

The Superintendent is directed to develop and implement specific regulations designed to address the reporting, investigation and remedial action to be taken in the event of a complaint of sexual harassment and to educate employees and students regarding such procedures.

Such regulations directed at the employees must be consistent with procedures contained in the collective bargaining agreements with any of the district’s bargaining units, and the requirements of law.

REPORTING CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS

All students are expected to promptly report violations of the Code of Conduct to any appropriate staff member who will report it to the building principal.  Any student observing a student possessing a weapon, alcohol, or illegal substance on school property or at a school function must report this information immediately to any appropriate staff member who will report it to the building principal.

All district staff who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful manner.  District staff who are not authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to promptly report violations of the Code of Conduct to their supervisor, who shall in turn impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction, if so authorized, or refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.

Any weapon, alcohol or illegal substance found shall be confiscated immediately, if possible, 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.   The notification must identify the student and explain the conduct that violated the Code of Conduct and constituted a crime.
Any person who, acting reasonably and in good faith, makes a report pursuant to this Policy, or initiates, testifies, participates or assists in formal or informal proceedings arising from a report filed pursuant to this Policy shall be free from any retaliation by the District. However, any person who knowingly and deliberately makes a false report of harassment pursuant to this Policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

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.

A student's dress, grooming, and appearance shall:
1.  Be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
2.   Recognize that extremely brief garments such as tube tops, tank tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines (front and/or back), revealing low-rise pants,
See-through garments, short skirts, (short) shorts and exposed midriffs are not appropriate.
3.   Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
4.   Include footwear at all times. Footwear that is a safety hazard will not be allowed.
5.   No gang graffiti on notebooks or school supplies.
6.   No bandanas or any gang-affiliated clothing.
7.   No wearing of hoods.
8.   No long garments that can conceal contraband. eg. long coats, capes, etc.
9.   No sharp objects that protrude from any garment.

10. Exclude items that are denigrating or demeaning to gender, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
11. Exclude a promotion and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, and if necessary or practical, replacing it with an acceptable item. Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day. Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out-of-school suspension.

Electronic Device Policy

During the school day, the use of electronic devices is not permitted within the building, with the exception of the cafeteria and courtyard areas.  They are not to be used by students in any other area including the hallways. Please note that students can possess these devices, but they should be put away and not visible to others. They should also be set to silent mode.  If a student is found using an electronic device in an unauthorized area or in a way that is disruptive to the school environment, there will be disciplinary consequences which will be noted in the student’s disciplinary record. The unauthorized recording of students and staff members is strictly forbidden.

PROJECT SAVE CODE OF CONDUCT & BUILDING POLICIES/PROCEDURES

Project Save Code of Conduct

Oceanside Union Free School District Policies of the Board of Education POLICY # 3202: CURRICULUM - 3202.8 COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE

STUDENT POSSESSION OF DRUGS OR WEAPONS,

DRUGS, AND ALCOHOL

The Board of Education of the Oceanside School District is committed to a philosophy of promoting healthy lifestyles for its students and staff.  To this end it is committed to supporting all efforts and adhering to all legal requirements which relate to the prevention of the use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances.

Therefore, in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, it shall be the policy of the Board to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensation, possession, and/or illegal use of any “controlled substance” in the “workplace.”  “Workplace” shall mean any site on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities or any place in which an employee is working within the scope of his or her employment or duties. “Controlled substances” shall include drugs which are illegal because they have no legitimate medical purpose and drugs which have a legitimate purpose but are highly addictive.

Furthermore, the Board advocates the following principles as the basis of its actions with regard to its substance use/abuse prevention policy and any disciplinary measures related to enforcement of this policy.

1.  Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use/abuse shall be addressed through the instruction of children in a sequential K-12 grade-appropriate prevention curriculum.
2.  Alcohol and other substance use/abuse inhibit the District from carrying out its central mission of educating students.
3.  While the District can and must assume a leadership role in alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use/abuse prevention, this goal will be accomplished only through coordinated, collaborative efforts with parents, students, staff, and the community as a whole.

4.  The District will comply with the law and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in matters where students or staff members violate the law with regard to possession, distribution, sale, or use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other controlled substances.

No person may use, possess, sell, or distribute alcohol or controlled substances, nor may use or possess drug paraphernalia on school grounds or at school-sponsored events, except drugs as prescribed by a physician.  The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited.

Additionally, the following persons shall be prohibited from entering school grounds or school-sponsored events: any person exhibiting behavior, conduct, or personal or physical characteristics indicative of having used or consumed alcohol or other controlled substances.

SUPERINTENDENT REGULATION (excerpts on Drug and Alcohol)

No person may use, possess, sell, or distribute alcohol or other substances, nor may use or possess drug paraphernalia, on school grounds or at school-sponsored events, except drugs as prescribed by a physician. The terms "alcohol and other substances" shall be construed throughout this policy to refer to the use of all substances including, but not limited to, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, look-alikes, and any of those substances commonly referred to as "designer drugs." The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited. It shall also be the policy of the District to prohibit smoking in all public access areas of the schools and administrative buildings under its control (see Board Policy #6407).

Additionally, the following persons shall be prohibited from entering school grounds or school-sponsored events: any person exhibiting behavior, conduct, or personal or physical characteristics indicative of having used or consumed alcohol or other substances.

Intervention

The intent of intervention programming is to eliminate any existing use/abuse of alcohol and other substances and to identify and provide supportive services to kindergarten through 12th-grade students at high risk for such use/abuse. The components of such programming shall include:

1.  Providing alcohol and other substance use/abuse assessment and counseling services for students.
2.  Developing a referral process between District schools and community providers.
3.  Identifying and referring students to appropriate agencies when their use/abuse of alcohol and/or other substances requires counseling and/or treatment.
4.  Making available services to students in or returning from treatment to assure that the school environment supports the process of recovery initiated in the treatment program.
5.  Providing individual, group counseling as well as family support services targeted at students at high risk for alcohol and/or other substance use/abuse.
6.  Educating parents on when and how to access the District's intervention services.
7.  Confidentiality.

Disciplinary Measures

Disciplinary measures for students found to have used or to be using, in possession of, selling, or distributing alcohol and/or other controlled substances and for students possessing drug paraphernalia are outlined in the District’s Code of Conduct. Similar disciplinary measures for District staff are addressed in Education Law 1711 (5)(e), 2508(5), 3020-a, and 913.

Students who are disciplined for any of these infractions will be mandated to the intervention services as noted in the Superintendent’s Regulations.

Students who are caught in possession of or using controlled substances may be dropped from any extracurricular activity for the balance of the school year.

STUDENT POSSESSION OF WEAPONS

The Board recognizes its responsibility to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the school community generally, and its students in particular.  This responsibility may only be met by providing a safe environment at all district facilities and all school-related functions.   Possession or use of a weapon in a school building is prohibited.  A pupil found to be in possession of a weapon on school premises before, during, or after school, or at any school-sponsored activity, on or off school property, is subject to administrative and/or legal action.  For the purposes of this policy, a weapon shall be identified as either:

a)  Articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons.  Examples are brass knuckles, knives, box cutters, chains, clubs, laser pointers, air or spring action guns (BB guns), and firearms which include shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, bombs, grenades, explosives, gas, dangerous chemicals, firearm mufflers, firearm lancers, etc.

b)  Articles designed for other purposes but which are used to inflict bodily harm and/or intimidate. Examples are belts, combs, pencils, files, compasses, scissors, etc.

Failure to comply with this policy may subject violators to disciplinary action and civil and/or criminal prosecution.

Furthermore, in accordance with federal law, a student who is found guilty of possession of a weapon (as defined in the previous paragraph) on school grounds and/or at a school-related function conducted off school grounds, after a hearing is provided in accordance with Education Law 3214, is subject to a mandatory penalty of expulsion for at least one year.  The Superintendent may modify the mandatory penalty on a case-by-case basis after considering the following:

1.  Student’s age and grade
2.  Student’s prior disciplinary record
3.  Parent/teacher input
4.  Superintendent’s belief that other forms of discipline may be appropriate
5.  Other pertinent circumstances.

Statement on Social Media

All social media platforms are public domains and create digital footprints. Students must be responsible for their public postings and public dissemination with the understanding that these actions may negatively impact the social and emotional welfare of our students and school environment. Any action that disrupts the school environment will be addressed.

Statement on Anti-Bias

Oceanside High School is committed to establishing and sustaining an equitable community. Our school rejects all forms of racism as destructive to our mission and values. We hold the expectation that each student has the responsibility to refrain from biased speech and discriminatory actions. This includes, but is not limited to, all racial, ethnic, sexuality, religious, gender, and identity offenses that infringe on a person’s civil rights. Any discriminatory action regardless of the source that negatively impacts and disrupts the school environment will be addressed.

Student Declaration Information

Please click on the Link below