Community of Caring

ONONDAGA NATION SCHOOL

                PHONE(315)469-6991                        3285 RT.11A

                FAX      (315)469-0994                Nedrow, New York 13120

Family/Student Handbook

        2024-2025

PHILOSOPHY

ONONDAGA NATION SCHOOL

I am a living entity. The Creator inspired my birth.

Let our lives become entwined.  I have numerous parts.  When you become part of me, my parts will become part of you.  Your thirst for the truth about yourself and Mother Earth will be within your reach when your spirit and mine are congruent.  My truth will give you the strength and courage to exist in all cultures but it will also give you the ability to retain the intrinsic values of the Indian Way of Life. 

Your inborn desire to survive and perpetuate will be fulfilled when our entwined spirit is the guide for your conscience as to how you will live.  Some day some of you will return to me and share with others what you have gained, both within me and in other entities similar to me, in our Little Brothers Culture.

The pride that I will generate in you and the way of life that I will give you will place you high above all your enemies such as greed, jealousy, resentment, self-pity, anger, revenge, dishonesty and egotism.

If I live within you, you will be like the Eagle.

Onondaga Nation School Principles

We will be of good mind, good heart and keep peace around us.

We are respectful of ourselves, each other, our school and community.

We appreciate each other's' uniqueness and gifts.

We are patient.

We are polite.

We help and cooperate with each other.

We are considerate and understanding.

Now our minds are one.

DA NE’ TOH          

Onondaga Nation School Staff

2023-2024

Nyawenha Skanoh,

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 24-25 School Year at the Onondaga Nation School Year. We are happy and excited to be back and we look forward to serving you and your children.

There are great plans in the works to create a wonderful learning experience for your children.

This year we have two commitments.

 Commitment #1 is to increase the academic,social and emotional engagement of all students.

Commitment #2 is to develop better communication and relationships between the Nation School and the Nation Community.

You will receive many invitations this year to be a part of your child’s learning. You are welcome to come and visit any time. I would ask you to be a part of our meetings and committees that will work towards making ONS a great place for children.

We will continue with Harvest and Spring Dinners, Community Give and Family Nights. We are planning the teaching of language and culture around these events and we need your help in that teaching.

Please call me if you have any questions or just want to discuss the plans for the school year.

Nyawenha

John Gizzi

Principal

Onondaga Nation School

315-469-6991

Table of Contents

Daily Schedules……………………………………………………………………………..1

Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………..2-21

ONS Procedures and Expectations…………………………………………………..22-24

Attendance Procedure Policy………………………………………………………….25-26

Technology Usage……………………………………………………………………….26-28

24-25 Regular Daily Schedule

Lunch 1=Pre-K- K

Lunch 2=Grades 3-4

Lunch 3=Grades 1-2-5-6

Lunch 4=Grades 7-8

                                                     (1)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CODE OF CONDUCT
REGULATIONS & PRACTICES

This Code of Conduct is responsive to NYS Project S.A.V.E. (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education), Education Law 280, Section 100.2 effective July 1, 2001. Parents/Guardians are essential partners in our endeavor to maintain a safe and orderly environment where all children can learn.

Introduction

The LaFayette Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive and district personnel may deliver quality instructional services without disruption or interference. Essential to the achievement of this goal is the responsible behavior of students, teachers, other district personnel,

parents/guardians, and other visitors. We will collaborate to ensure mutual responsibility for a safe and productive school year. We are all accountable. We will communicate concerns to problem solve together. We will exhibit flexibility and adaptability when necessary. We will strive for cross-cultural understanding to enhance an atmosphere of respect. We will use our critical thinking skills to evaluate and respond to issues which may be divisive. We will be creative and innovative to address any obstacles which stand in the way of student success.

The Board of Education adopts this Code of Conduct in an effort to clearly define the expectations for acceptable conduct on school property. A central goal of the district is to create a safe and orderly learning environment for all. To that end, the Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student behavior and the consequences of misbehavior. Discipline is to be developmental and progressive. Unless otherwise indicated, this code applies to all students, school personnel, parents/guardians, and other visitors when on school property or attending school functions    

Disciplinary Guidelines​

Disciplinary Guidelines are a guide for disposition of standard discipline cases and indicates what can be expected when a student breaks a rule. Discipline cases with extenuating circumstances will be subject to administrative discretion. Recurring offenses by an individual may be subject to an increased level of discipline with the expectation of parental/guardian involvement for effective resolution.(2)

Student Rights and Responsibilities 

1. Pursuant to Section 100.2(1)(i) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, a bill of student rights and responsibilities is established. A student in the LaFayette Central School District shall:

• Be entitled to the rights of religion, speech, expression, and assembly as provided in the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
• Be afforded the opportunity to take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, color, weight, ethnic group, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, religious practice, disability, gender, sex, gender expression, or any legally protected status.
• Have equal opportunity to take part in student government activities unless properly suspended from participation pursuant to the districts’ discipline policy.

• Be able to address the Board of Education on the same terms as any citizen, following procedures as determined by the District.
• Have the right to be guaranteed against illegal search and seizure of person.
• Be suspended from instruction only after their rights pursuant to Education Law §3214 and District policy have been observed.                             (2)
• In all disciplinary matters, have the opportunity to present their version of the facts and circumstances that might lead to imposition of disciplinary sanctions to the professional staff member imposing such sanctions.
• Have the right to be free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, and/or retaliation on school property or school functions, including, but not limited to the educational program, activities, or admission policies of their school.

2. It shall be the responsibility of each student in the LaFayette Central School District:

• To exercise their rights under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution in a manner that in no way disrupts the welfare of others, or interrupts the educational processes of the District.
• To be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to student conduct.
• To work to the best of his/her ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward the highest level of achievement possible.
• To hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events, as a representative of LaFayette School District.
• To be in regular attendance at school and in all classes.
• To contribute to the maintenance of an environment that is conducive to learning and show due respect to other persons and to property.
• To make constructive contributions to his/her school and to report fairly the circumstances of school-related issues.
• Not to be in possession of any illegal items or contraband of any kind.
• To conduct themselves with respect toward self, fellow students, teachers, and other visitors in accordance with the District Code of Conduct and the provisions of Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Students will conduct themselves in a manner that fosters an environment that is free from bullying, harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation. Students should also report and encourage others to report any incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.    

Essential Partners 

1. Parents/Guardians

All parents/guardians are expected to:

1. Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents/guardians and the school community.
2. Send their child(ren) to school ready to participate and learn.
3. Ensure their child(ren) attend school regularly and arrive on time. Absences should be limited to those that are legally excused. Excused absences are as follows: personal illness, illness or death in the family, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, or military obligations or other such reasons as may be approved by the principal on a case-by-case basis to cover(3) unexpected events. An absence, tardiness, or early departure is considered unexcused if the reason for the lack of attendance does not fall into the above categories (e.g., family vacation, hunting, babysitting, haircut, obtaining learner's permit, road test, oversleeping, cold weather or missing the bus).
4. Insist their child(ren) be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.
5. Help their child(ren) understand that in a democratic society rules are required to maintain a safe and orderly environment.
6. Know school rules and help their child(ren) understand and follow them.
7. Convey to their child(ren) a supportive attitude toward education and the district.
8. Build good relationships with teachers, school personnel, other parents/guardians, and their children’s friends.
9. Help their child(ren) deal effectively with peer pressure.
10. Inform school officials of changes in the home situation.
11. Provide a place for study and ensure homework assignments are completed.
12. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that in their opinion might lead to the prevention of a violent act.
13. Promote a climate that demonstrates respect, support, and caring and does not tolerate harassment or bullying.                                          (3)

2. Teachers

All district teachers are expected to:

14. Maintain a climate of mutual respect, support, dignity, caring, and non-discrimination, which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
15. Be prepared to teach.
16. Demonstrate interest in teaching and learning and concern for student achievement.
17. Know and follow school policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
18. Communicate to students and parents:

1. Course objectives and requirements;
2. Marking and grading procedures;
3. Assignment deadlines;
4. Expectations for students; and
5. Classroom discipline plan.

19. Communicate with students, parents/guardians, school personnel, and other teachers concerning student growth, achievement, and behavior.
20. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that in their opinion might lead to the prevention of a violent act.
21. Address issues of discrimination, harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or any situation that threatens the emotional or physical health or safety of any student, school employee, or any person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function.
22. Address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school or    

classroom setting.

23. Address and report incidents of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and/or retaliation that are witnessed or otherwise brought to a teacher’s attention in a timely manner.
24. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, gender expression, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex, and any legally protected status which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.

3. Pupil Service Personnel

Pupil Service Personnel are expected to:

1. Assist students in coping with peer pressure and emerging personal, social, and emotional problems.
2. Initiate teacher/student/parent/guardian/counselor conferences, as necessary, as a way to resolve problems.
3. Regularly review with students their educational progress and career plans.
4. Provide information to assist students with career planning.
5. Encourage students to participate in the curriculum and extracurricular activities(4).
6. Communicate with students, parents, teachers and other school personnel concerning student growth, achievement and behavior.
7. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that in their opinion might lead to the prevention of a violent act.
8. Employ non-discriminatory counseling methods.
9. Address and report issues of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and/or any situation that threatens the emotional or physical health or safety of any student, school employee, or any person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function.
10. Address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school or classroom setting.
11. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender, sex, or any legally protected status which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.

4. Principals

Principals and other administrators are expected to:

1. Promote a safe, orderly, and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching(4) and learning.
2. Ensure that parents/guardians, students and staff have the opportunity to communicate with the principal/administrator and approach the principal for redress of grievances.
3. Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.
4. Support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
5. Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
6. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that in their opinion might lead to the prevention of a violent act.
7. Address and report issues of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and/or any situation that threatens the emotional or physical health or safety of any student, school employee, or any person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function.
8. Address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school or classroom setting.
9. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender, sex, or any legally protected status which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.        

  E.        Superintendent

The superintendent is expected to:

1. Promote a safe, orderly, and stimulating school environment, supporting active teaching and learning.
2. Review with district administrators the policies of the Board of Education and state and federal laws relating to school operations and management.
3. Inform the Board about educational trends relating to student discipline.
4. Work to create instructional programs that minimize problems of misconduct and are sensitive to student and teacher needs.
5. Work with district administrators in enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly.
6. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that might in their opinion lead to the prevention of a violent act.
7. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex, which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
8. Address and report issues of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and/or any situation that(5) threatens the emotional or physical health or safety of any student, school employee, or any person who is lawfully on school property or at a school function.
9. Address personal biases that may prevent equal treatment of all students in the school or classroom setting.

6. Board of Education

The Board of Education is expected to:

1. Collaborate with student, teacher, administrator and parent organizations, school safety personnel, and other school personnel to develop a code of conduct that clearly defines expectations for the conduct of students, district personnel, and visitors on school property and at school functions.
2. Adopt and review by the first Board Meeting in September annually the district’s Code of Conduct to evaluate the code’s effectiveness and the fairness and consistency of its implementation.
3. Lead by example by conducting Board meetings in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
4. Report to appropriate school personnel any information that might in their opinion lead to the prevention of a violent act.
5. Develop policies that create a school environment that is free from discrimination or harassment.
6. Develop guidelines for school training programs to discourage discrimination or harassment.(5)
7. Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender, sex, or any legally protected status which will strengthen students’ self-concept and promote confidence to learn.

Definition of Terms 

1. Chronic Offenders​

If consequences are deemed ineffective after numerous attempts to modify behavior which interrupts the educational process, an informal meeting with the principal will occur. A conference will be arranged. Parental/guardian involvement will be mandated as a key component to rectify misbehavior.

2. Cyberbullying​

Cyberbullying means harassment/bullying, as defined below, through any form of electronic communication. Cyberbullying may include, among others things, the use, both on and off school property, of electronic technology, including but not limited to email, instant messaging, blogs, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, gaming systems, and social media websites or applications to deliberately harass or threaten others.                                                                        

Some examples of cyberbullying (may include, but are not limited to):

1. Flaming: a message that contains angry and vulgar language
2. Cyber Stalking: persistent threats of harm that make a person fear for his/her safety
3. Denigration: cruel gossip that damages someone’s reputation or friendships
4. Impersonation: breaking into someone’s account, posing as that person, and sending messages to make him/her look bad or to get him/her into trouble
5. Trickery: fooling someone into sharing secrets that are then sent to others
6. Exclusion: barring someone from a group, such as a buddy list or game

We encourage students to report online bullying. Do not delete the offending message, preserve the evidence and tell an adult.

3. Detention​

Detention means detaining a student during or after school hours.

7. Lunch Detention: Student will be detained during their lunch period with an expectation that the student will eat their lunch in a quiet location and work on school assignments.
8. After School Detention: Time frame determined by schedule and staffing. Student will be detained after school hours with an expectation that the student will work on school assignments. Bus transportation will be available.
9. Saturday Detention: Requiring student to serve a detention on a non-school day. No transportation to or from the school will be provided.

4. 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, provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with employment, the term must be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a reasonable manner the activities involved in the job or occupation sought or held.

5. Discrimination​

Discrimination means discrimination against any student by a student or students and/or 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, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender or sex, or any other legally protected status.​

6. Disruptive Student​

An elementary or secondary student age of 21 and under who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom.(6)

7. Emotional Harm​

Emotional harm that takes place in the context of “harassment or bullying” means harm to a student’s emotional well-being through creation of a hostile school environment that is so severe or pervasive as to unreasonably and substantially interfere with a student’s education.

8. Employee​

Employee means any person receiving compensation from a school district or employee of a contracted service provider or worker placed within the school under a public assistance employment program, pursuant to Title 9-B of Article 5 of the Social Services Law, and consistent with the provisions of such title for the provision of services to such district, its students or employees, directly or through contract, whereby such services performed by such person involve direct student contact.

9. Gender​

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

J.     Harassment/Bullying​

The creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse (including cyberbullying) 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 and/or physical well-being, including conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse that reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause emotional harm; or (b) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury to a student or to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety.  

Such conduct shall include acts of harassment and/or bullying that occur: (1) on school property, as defined in this Code of Conduct; (2) at a school function, as defined in this Code of Conduct; or (3) off school property where such acts create 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.

The phrase "threats, intimidation or abuse" includes both verbal and non-verbal actions. Such conduct shall include, but is not limited to, acts based on any characteristic, including but not limited to a person’s actual or perceived: race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practices, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression, or any other legally protected status).

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

Gender Expression: the manner in which a person represents or expresses gender to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice, and/or mannerisms.

Specifically, such conduct can include any verbal, written or physical conduct which offends, denigrates, or belittles any individual because of any of the characteristics described above. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to derogatory remarks, jokes, demeaning comments or behaviors, slurs, mimicking, name calling, graffiti, innuendo, gestures, physical contact, stalking, threatening, bullying, extorting, etc.

Bullying can be direct or indirect:

• Direct Bullying​: the bully confronts the victim face to face. Examples include verbal harassments, threats, physical attacks, and/or social embarrassment.
• Indirect​ Bullying: the bully attacks the victim’s social standing or reputation, usually when the victim is not around. Examples would include spreading malicious gossip, writing insulting graffiti, organizing a peer group to ostracize classmates, and staring and/or pointing at the victim.

Conflict: Bullying can be distinguished from a peer conflict. A conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views. Bullying is negative behavior directed by someone exerting control over another person.                                  (7)

The following chart was taken from Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center: Hazing​

Hazing means committing an act against a student, or coercing a student into committing an act, that    (8)  creates a risk of emotional, physical, and/or psychological harm to a person, in order for the student to be initiated into or affiliated with a student organization, or for any other purpose. The term hazing includes, but is not limited to:

• Any humiliating, degrading and/or dangerous activity demanded of a student to join a group, regardless of the student’s willingness to participate (conduct has the potential to endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student).
• Any hurtful, aggressive, destructive, and/or disruptive behavior such as striking, whipping, sleep deprivation, restraint or confinement, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm, and/or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student.
• Substance Abuse – use or abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs.
• Any activity that intimidates and/or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects a student to emotional, physical and/or psychological stress, dignity of the students, and/or discourages the student from remaining in school.
• Any activity that causes the student to perform a task or act that involves violation of state or federal law or of school district policies or regulations.

Reporting Hazing​

In order for the Board of Education to effectively enforce this policy and to take prompt corrective measures, it is essential that all victims of hazing and persons with knowledge of hazing, report the incident immediately to the appropriate supervisor. The district will promptly investigate all complaints of hazing, either formal or informal, verbal or written. To the extent possible, all complaints will be treated in a confidential manner. Limited disclosure may be necessary to complete a thorough investigation.

The LaFayette Board of Education prohibits all acts of discrimination, harassment, bullying (including “cyberbullying”), and retaliation related to same by employees, students, or visitors on school property or at a school functions. When discovered, harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying), and/or retaliation(8) will result in severe consequences up to and including the referral to law enforcement officials.

10. Illegal Substances​

Illegal substances include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines, barbiturates, ecstasy, heroin, steroids, any substances commonly referred to as designer drugs or synthetic drugs, and look-alikes (including synthetic cannabinoids), and prescription or over-the-counter drugs when possession is unauthorized or such are inappropriately used or shared with others.

11.  In-School Suspension​ (ISS)

Removing a student from his/her normal class schedule and placing him/her in an alternate location with supervision. Class work will be requested from his/her teachers with the expectation that the work will be completed during this time frame. ISS is generally assigned as one full day, but may be modified.

12. Informal Conference​

Pursuant to New York State Education Law, Section 3214(3), the suspending authority must notify the student of the charged misconduct, and if the student denies the charges, provide the student with an explanation of the out-of-school suspension. On request, the student and the student’s parents/guardians must be given an opportunity for an informal conference with the building principal. At the informal conference, the student and/or the student’s parent/guardian have a right to present the student’s version of the incident and to question the complaining witnesses against the student. When suspension of a student for five days or less is proposed, the district must(8) immediately provide the parents/guardians with written notice delivered by personal messenger, express mail, or an “equivalent means reasonably calculated to assure receipt” within 24 hours of the decision to propose suspension. [Notification of the proposed suspension must be provided where possible by telephone, if the district has the parent’s/guardian’s phone number however, oral notification is not sufficient notice even when followed by same day regular mail notification.]

13.  Out-of-School Suspension​ (OSS)

Administration may exercise the authority to remove a student from school for up to five days. At the time of the suspension, parental/guardian notification is required and all attempts will be made to contact the  (9)  parent/guardian by phone. Written notification will also be provided prior to suspension. During suspension, a student in grades 7-12 is entitled to two hours per day of tutoring to be arranged through Guidance. Students in grades PK-6 are entitled to one hour of tutoring to be arranged through the Main Office. ​The student and the parent/guardian have the right to an informal conference with administration at which time he/she may give his/her version of events, and, upon request, you may question complaining witnesses. Please call the school if you wish to schedule a conference. ​During the course of this suspension, students are not permitted to attend any school functions, enter any school buildings, and come on to any school property. A violation of this requirement may result in prosecution for trespassing and further school discipline.

14. Retaliation​ 

Retaliation occurs when any employee, student, or visitor mistreats any person because he/she reported in good faith, testified about, or otherwise assisted in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing related to alleged harassment or bullying.  

15. 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.

16. School Function​

Any school sponsored extra-curricular, co-curricular, or other event or activity.

17. School Property​

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/on a school bus as defined in Section 142 of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws.

18. Sexting​

The use of an electronic device to take and send a sexually explicit text and/or photo to another electronic device use, with or without the consent of the person pictured. Federal Law regards child pornography as “any visual depiction of a minor (any person under the age of 18) engaging in sexually explicit conduct.”  New York Law regards a “child” as less than 16 years of age and violations of New York’s Child Pornography Laws are listed as felonies.

19. Sexual Harassment

Making unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, threats and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature to other employees or students when (1) submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education, or (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting such individual, or (3) such has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or school performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or learning environment. Examples of conduct that may be interpreted as sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, lewd or sexually suggestive comments; off-color language; jokes of a sexual nature; sexual slurs and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to an individual’s sex; and the display of sexually-explicit pictures, greeting cards, articles, books, magazines, photographs, and/or cartoons.

20. Sexual Orientation​

Sexual Orientation means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.(9)

21. Suspension From Transportation

If a student does not conduct him/herself properly on a bus, the bus driver is expected to bring such misconduct to the transportation supervisor’s attention. Students who become a serious disciplinary problem may have their riding privileges suspended by the building principal or superintendent. In such cases, the student’s parent/guardian will become responsible for seeing that his or her child gets to and from school safely. A student subjected to a suspension from transportation is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law 3214. However, the student and the student’s parent/guardian will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the building principal, and all parties involved, to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved if applicable.

22. Suspension From Athletic Participation, Extracurricular Activities, and Other Privileges​

A student subjected to a suspension from athletic participation, extracurricular activities, or other privileges is not entitled to a full hearing pursuant to Education Law §3214. However, the student and the student’s parent/guardian will be provided with a reasonable opportunity for an informal conference with the district official imposing the suspension to discuss the conduct and the penalty involved.

23. Technology and The Right to Privacy​

We respect the right for staff and students to be notified if they will be videotaped, audiotaped, recorded, photographed and/or imaged in any manner. Any ​unauthorized​ ​videotaping, audiotaping, photographing, recording and/or imaging of a student or staff member will be regarded as a violation of this right to privacy and will result in one or more of the following consequences dependent upon the situation and implications of the offense:

• In-School Suspension
• Out-of-School Suspension

• Superintendent’s Hearing
• Notification of Law Enforcement

In addition, if District Technology is involved, the District Technology/Internet Usage Policy will automatically apply.

24. Violent Pupil​

A student age of 21 and under who:

• Commits an act of violence upon a school employee, or attempts to do so.
• Commits, while on school property or at a school function, an act of violence upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or at a school function, or attempts to do so.        
• Possesses, while on school property or at a school function, a weapon.
• Displays, while on school property or at a school function, what appears to be a weapon.
• Threatens, while on school property or at a school function, to use a weapon.
• Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys the personal property of any school employee or any person lawfully on school property or at a school function.
• Knowingly and intentionally damages or destroys school property.

25.  Weapon

A firearm as defined in the Gun-Free Schools Act (18 USC Section 921) as well as any other gun, BB gun, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, machine gun, disguised gun, dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, gravity knife, brass knuckles, slingshot, metal knuckle knife, box cutter, cane sword, electronic dart gun, Kung Fu star, electronic stun gun, pepper spray or other noxious spray, explosive or incendiary bomb, or other device, instrument, material or substance (“Other Item”) that can cause physical injury or death when used for such purposes, or when such Other Item is brandished as a weapon.

Disciplinary Guidelines for Student Behavior

All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment. To ensure an atmosphere that is conducive to developing a climate for learning, it is necessary to establish certain standards for behavior. Staff members and administrators will use the guidelines stated below when handling student discipline cases. The lists of infractions are not meant to be exhaustive, as it would be impractical to attempt to list everything that could be an infraction of school rules. They are also applicable to all(10 school-sponsored events, both on and off school grounds, as well as when students are on buses.

Disciplinary actions, when necessary, will be firm, fair, and consistent so as to be most effective in changing student behavior. Disciplinary consequences range from an informal conference to prolonged suspension from school. The  administration strives to be consistent with the interpretation of rules and application of consequences. On occasion, administration may exercise its judgment regarding the seriousness of the infraction and the disciplinary outcomes.  The listed sanctions are advisory and, as a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means a student’s first

violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations. However, the District may impose any level of discipline, even for a first violation, that is proportionate to the misconduct at issue. When determining consequences, the following may be taken into consideration:

• The nature of the offense and the circumstances which led to the offense;
• The age-appropriateness of the consequence;
• The student’s prior disciplinary record;
• The effectiveness of other forms of discipline;
• Information from parents, teachers and/or others, as appropriate;
• The extent to which the offense interfered with the responsibility/rights/privileges/property of others;
• The extent to which the offense posed a threat to the health and safety of others; and/or
• Other extenuating circumstances.

The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the students’ ability to grow in self-discipline. The penalties listed below may be imposed alone or in combination. In the case of chronic or repeated serious misconduct, the administration may impose disciplinary action reserved for more serious types of misconduct. In such cases, the Board’s desire for progressive discipline and consideration of factors relating to the misconduct shall be taken into account.

Classroom Managed Behavior (Minor Infraction)

A classroom managed behavior (minor) infraction is misconduct that impedes the teaching/learning process. Classroom teachers will usually handle this kind of misconduct, as they are the first line of authority in dealing with classroom- related misconduct.(11)

Office Managed Behavior (Major Infraction)

An office managed behavior is a major infraction. A major infraction is misconduct which has a frequency and seriousness that disrupts the climate of the school and its academic purpose. This type of misconduct typically requires administrative action.

Behavior Subject to Out-of-School Suspension/Placement​

Behavior infractions listed below represent misconduct that endangers the health, safety and welfare of others. It is misconduct that cannot be tolerated under any conditions.

Administrative Prerogative​

In the case of students who are habitually in violation of the school’s disciplinary guidelines, administrators have the prerogative of applying more serious penalties at any stage.

Severity Clause​

In cases of multiple violations, the consequences of the more serious violation will be considered.

Removal from Class​

See Teacher Removal of Disruptive Students.

Alternative Instruction​

When a student of any age is removed from class by a teacher or a student of compulsory attendance age is suspended from school pursuant to Education Law §3214, the District will take immediate steps to provide alternative means of instruction for the student.(12)

Minimum Suspension Periods

Repeatedly Substantially Disruptive Student​

A student who repeatedly is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom, which, for the purposes of this sections, shall mean any student, who engages in conduct which results in the student being removed from a classroom by any teacher, pursuant to Education Law section §3214(3-a) and the provisions set forth in the Code, on four or more occasions in a semester, will be suspended from school for a minimum of three days. The principal or acting principal or his or her designee may reduce such period on a case-by-case basis to be consistent with any other State and Federal laws. Upon the 5th removal from class, other educational options may be considered. In addition, there may be an occasion when it will be appropriate to refer a disruptive student to a school counselor or psychologist who in turn may refer a student (and parent/guardian) to appropriate human services organizations outside the school.

Possession of a Firearm

Pursuant to the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, any student found guilty of bringing a firearm onto school property, or having a firearm in his/her possession on school property will be subject to at least a one-year suspension and subject to review and modification on a case-by-case basis by the superintendent of schools. Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Violent Pupil​

Students who are deemed to be “violent pupils” as defined by Education Law Section §3214(2-a)(a) and this Code will be subject, at a minimum, to an out-of-school suspension of one day, provided, however, that the suspending authority may reduce such period on a case-by-case basis to be consistent with any other State and Federal law.

Remedial Responses to Violation of The Code of Conduct

Students who violate this Code may also be referred to remedial action as the facts may warrant, including but not limited to, any of the measures listed below:

1. peer support groups; corrective instruction or other relevant learning or service experience;
2. supportive intervention;
3. behavioral assessment or evaluation;
4. positive support plans, with benchmarks that are closely monitored; and/or
5. student counseling and parent/guardian conferences. Beyond these individual-focused remedial responses, school-wide or environmental remediation may also be utilized. These strategies may include:

1. school and community surveys or other strategies for determining the conditions contributing to the relevant behavior;
2. adoption of research-based prevention programs;
3. modification of schedules;
4. adjustment in hallway traffic and other student routes of travel;
5. targeted use of monitors;
6. staff professional development;
7. parent/guardian conferences;
8. involvement of parent-teacher organizations; and/or  
9. peer support groups.

Reporting Violations 

All students are expected to promptly report violations of the Code of Conduct to a teacher, guidance counselor, the building principal or his/her designee. Any student observing a person possessing a weapon, alcohol, illegal substance or synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana) on school property or at a school function shall report this information immediately to a teacher, the building principal, the principal’s designee or the superintendent. A teacher shall immediately report and refer a Violent Pupil to the principal or superintendent for a violation of the Code of Conduct and a minimum suspension period.

 All district staff who are authorized to impose disciplinary sanctions are expected to do so in a prompt, fair and lawful manner. Oral reports made by or to a staff member shall be recorded in writing by the staff member(13).

The supervisor or their authorized District official will then impose an appropriate disciplinary sanction according to this Code, if so authorized, or refer the matter to a staff member who is authorized to impose an appropriate sanction.

Any weapon, alcohol, illegal substance or synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana) 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 designee shall notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency of those code violations that may constitute a crime and substantially affect the order or security of a school, including but not limited to incidents of harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination, as soon as practical, but in no event later than the close of business the day the principal or his designee learns of the violation. The notification may be made by telephone, followed by a letter mailed on the same day as the telephone call is made. The notification shall identify the student and explain the action that violated the code of conduct and constituted a crime.

Sexual Harassment Policy  

The LaFayette Central School District Sexual Harassment Policy prohibits sexual harassment, as defined in this Code of Conduct, by employees, students and other individuals toward other employees and students.  Examples of conduct that may be interpreted as sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, lewd or sexually suggestive comments; off-color language; jokes of a sexual nature; sexual slurs and other verbal, graphic, or physical conduct relating to an individual’s sex; and the display of sexually-explicit pictures, greeting cards, articles, books, magazines, photographs, and/or cartoons. The Superintendent is the designated equal opportunity coordinator and any violation should be brought to his/her attention.

Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (including Bullying, Cyberbullying, Hazing, Intimidation,​ ​etc.)

The school principal is the school employee charged with receiving all reports of harassment, bullying, and discrimination; however, students and parent/guardians may make an oral or written complaint of harassment, bullying, or discrimination to any teacher, administrator or school employee. The District will act to promptly investigate all complaints, verbal or written, formal or informal, of allegations of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation; and will promptly take appropriate action to protect individuals from such further conduct. All sexual harassment and gender discrimination complaints will be forwarded to the District’s Title IX Coordinator who will carry out the investigation and, in general, coordinate compliance with Title IX and its regulations, as applicable to the complaint.    

It is essential that any student who believes he/she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, or retaliatory behavior, as well as any individual who is aware of and/or who has knowledge of, or witnesses any possible occurrence, immediately report same to any staff member or administrator. To effectively enforce this policy and to take prompt corrective measures, it is essential that all persons with knowledge of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination report such behavior to an administrator including but not limited to the school principal within one school day after the incident is reported or witnessed so that it may be effectively investigated and resolved. A written report of the incident by the school employee reporting same has to be completed within two school days. All complaints and written reports of alleged harassing, bullying, discrimination and/or retaliatory conduct shall be forwarded to the school building’s Dignity Act Coordinator (as defined below) for monitoring.

After receipt of a complaint, the school principal shall lead or supervise a thorough investigation of the alleged harassing, bullying, discrimination, and/or retaliatory conduct. The principal or the principal’s designee shall ensure that such investigation is completed promptly and in accordance with the terms of District policy. All complaints shall be treated as confidential and private to the extent possible within legal constraints.

Based upon the results of this investigation, if the District determines that a District official, employee, volunteer, vendor, visitor, and/or student has violated the District’s Code of Conduct or a material incident of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination has occurred, immediate corrective action will be taken as warranted. Prompt action reasonably calculated to end the violation will occur, in order to eliminate any hostile environment, create a more positive school culture and climate, prevent recurrence of the behavior, and ensure the safety of (14) student or students against whom such violation was directed.

Pursuant to Education Law Section 13, retaliation by any school employee or student shall be prohibited against any individual who, in good faith, reports or assists in the investigation of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination.

As a general rule, responses to acts of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination against students by students shall incorporate a progressive model of student discipline that includes measured, balanced, and age-appropriate remedies and procedures that make appropriate use of prevention, education, intervention, and discipline, and considers among other things, the nature and severity of the offending student’s behavior(s), the developmental age of the student, the previous disciplinary record of the student and other extenuating circumstances, and the impact the student’s behaviors had on the individual(s) who was physically injured and/or emotionally harmed. Responses shall be reasonably calculated to end the harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination, prevent recurrence, and eliminate the hostile environment.

The Principal must notify promptly the Superintendent and the appropriate local law enforcement agency when he/she believes that any harassment, bullying, retaliation, or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct. The Principal shall provide a regular report, at least once during each school year, on data and trends related to harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination to the Superintendent.

In the event that the Principal is the alleged offender, the report will be directed to the Superintendent of Schools.

All complaints of alleged bullying, discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliatory conduct shall be:

1. promptly investigated in accordance with the terms of District policy;  
2. forwarded to the school building’s Dignity Act Coordinator for monitoring; and
3. treated as confidential and private to the extent possible within legal constraints.

Prevention is the cornerstone of the district’s effort to address discrimination, retaliation, bullying and/or harassment. In order to implement this anti-bullying prevention program, the Board will designate, at its annual organizational meeting, the principal at each school to act as the Dignity for All Students Act Coordinator (Dignity Act Coordinator (15)

Each Dignity Act Coordinator shall be employed by the District and be licensed and/or certified by the Commissioner as a classroom teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, school nurse, school social worker, school administrator or supervisor, or superintendent of schools. These individuals shall be thoroughly trained to handle human relations in the areas of race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, sex or any other legally protected status as well as provided with training which addresses the social patterns of harassment, retaliation, bullying, and/or discrimination; the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and/or discrimination; and strategies for effectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias, and aggression in educational settings. The District’s designated Dignity Act Coordinators shall be approved annually by the Board of Education and such appointments shall be posted on the 15 District’s website.

Please note that all sexual harassment and gender discrimination complaints will be forwarded to the District’s Title IX Coordinator who will carry out the investigation and, in general, coordinate compliance with Title IX and its regulations, as applicable to the complaint.

Referrals to Outside Agencies

1. Person In Need of Supervision Petitions (PINS)

The district may file a Person In Need of Supervision (PINS) petition in Family Court on any student under the

age of 18 who demonstrates that he or she requires supervision and treatment by:

1. Being habitually truant and not attending school as required by part one of Article 65 of the Education Law;
2. Engaging in an ongoing or continual course of conduct which makes the student ungovernable, or habitually disobedient and beyond the lawful control of the school; and/or
3. Knowingly and unlawfully possessing marijuana in violation of Penal Law §221.05. A single violation of §221.05 will be sufficient basis for filing a PINS petition.

2. Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Offenders

The superintendent is required to refer students age 16 and older or any student 14 or 15 years old who qualifies for juvenile offender status to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

1. Law enforcement will be notified of code violations which constitutes a crime, including but not limited to the following;

• Possession of dangerous weapons (see Class I infractions)
• Possession, distribution, and/or sale of alcohol, narcotics, or any illegal substance
• Indecent exposure
• Assault
• Theft
• Arson
• Vandalism/defacement of school property
• Bomb threats
• False alarms
• Personal threats against staff, students, or anyone

2. Parents are notified of code violations. All referrals are mailed home. (16)
3. Referrals are made to criminal court and PINS petitions are filed when the school counselors, Social Worker, School Psychologist, administrators, the school nurse, and/or team of professional staff consisting of representatives from above, believe that internal efforts to remediate ungovernable and/or persistently truant students have been unsuccessful. Administration and/or Guidance may initiate the referral.
4. Human Service Agencies are contacted at the discretion of Guidance counselors and/or the administration. Generally a team of professional staff will meet to determine the necessity of the referral and guidance counselors will initiate the contacts.

Academic Integrity/Cheating/Plagiarism Policy

This is a District-wide policy to which every student in every subject will be held accountable. Academic integrity is essential for authentic learning. Not only will the student develop a good work ethic, but also the student will become a confident life-long learner.

Definition of Cheating

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines cheating as violating the rules dishonestly or practicing fraud or trickery.

• Examples of academic honesty include borrowing a friend’s notes to study from, or explaining to another student how to do example Math problems.
• Academically, some specific examples of cheating include, but are not limited to: bringing a cheat sheet to a test; getting answers to a test ahead of time from other students; having someone else (peers, siblings, parents/guardians) do the homework, assignment or project (this is often referred to as “helping”); and/or turning in an older sibling’s work as one’s own.(16)

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined by Webster’s as stealing or passing of the ideas, words or images of another as one’s own; using a created production without crediting the source; committing literary theft; and/or presenting as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

• Examples of academic integrity include using quotations in a research project and citing the sources, or using a previously created image as the basis for an art project and citing the source.
• Some specific examples of plagiarism include, but are not limited to: copying information, ideas, or images from books, encyclopedias, websites, etc., and not indicating the source, buying a paper/essay off the internet, paying someone to do the work for you, and/or inventing sources or page number references.
• Students may be asked to turn in assignments both as a hard copy and/or electronically submitted on a computer disc in order to facilitate checking for plagiarism.
• Students will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging their understanding of cheating and/or plagiarism and the consequences if they are caught.
• Students will suffer the consequences of cheating regardless of the amount of plagiarism in the piece. In other words, whether the whole assignment or only part of it includes copying, the consequences will be the same.

Consequences

• Grade 7: Zero credit for the original assignment. Students could re-do the assignment or be given an alternative assignment, at the discretion of the teacher. Only a maximum of 75% credit will be allowed for the second assignment. Written documentation (referral) will be recorded by the teacher.
• Grade 8: Zero credit for the original assignment. Students could re-do the assignment or be given an alternative assignment, at the discretion of the teacher. Only a maximum of 50% credit will be allowed for the second assignment. Written documentation (referral) will be recorded by the teacher.
• Grades 9-12: Zero credit for the assignment, no make-up. Written documentation (referral) of the incident.

Due Process 

A student and/or parent/guardian who has concerns regarding the application of any policy may make an appeal in the following order: the Building Principal, the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education, the NYS Commissioner of Education.

The Role of Teachers, Administrators, School Personnel, The Board, and Parents/Guardians

Discipline of Students With Disabilities 

The Board recognizes that it may be necessary to suspend, remove or otherwise discipline students with disabilities to address disruptive or problem behavior. The Board also recognizes that students with disabilities are afforded certain procedural protections whenever school authorities intend to impose discipline upon them. The Board is committed to ensuring that the procedures followed for suspending, removing or otherwise disciplining students with disabilities are consistent with the procedural safeguards required by applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.

Teacher Removal of Disruptive Students

A student’s behavior can affect a teacher’s ability to teach, making it difficult for other students in the classroom to learn. In most instances, the classroom teacher can control a student’s behavior and maintain or restore control over the classroom by using good classroom management techniques. These techniques may include, but are not limited to: (1) sending a student to another supervised location; (2) sending a student to the principal’s office for the remainder of the class time only; or (3) sending a student to a guidance counselor for counseling. Management techniques such as these do not constitute disciplinary removals for purposes of this process.

For purposes of the guidelines stated below, a disruptive student is a student who is substantially disruptive of the educational process or substantially interferes with the teacher’s authority over the classroom. A substantial disruption of the education process or substantial interference with a teacher’s authority occurs when a student demonstrates a persistent unwillingness to comply with the teacher’s instructions or repeatedly violates

the teacher’s classroom behavioral rules.

Procedure 

When efforts by the teacher to modify a student’s classroom behavior have not been successful, the following procedure will apply:

1. The teacher will send the student to the Main Office for being disruptive and notify the Main Office that the student is being sent.
2. Before the student leaves the room, the teacher will explain to the student why he/she is being removed.
3. The teacher will complete a Class Removal Referral and meet with the principal to review the situation no later than the morning of the next school day.
4. Before a removal occurs, the principal will meet with the student to allow the student to explain his/her version of the relevant events. This meeting will take place within 24 hours of the meeting with the teacher. Additionally, the teacher will notify the parent/guardian of significant classroom conduct which may result in a student being removed from class within 24 hours of the infraction.
5. The principal will notify the student’s parent/guardian by telephone of the temporary removal, as well as the parent’s/guardian’s right to an informal conference with the principal. Written notification will follow the telephone contact.

Guidelines

1. The length of a temporary removal will be no more than two days. The two days will be in addition to the day of removal.   (18)
2. The number of temporary removals a student may have will be limited to two (2) for the same class.
3. The removal of the student will be for the class period of the removal only. The student will attend each of his/her other classes.
4. During the removal, the teacher will provide classwork for the student to complete while assigned to in school suspension.
5. If a student continues to be disruptive following the second temporary removal, he/she may be removed from the class indefinitely pending a Superintendent’s Hearing.
6. Teachers will maintain a record of actions taken to modify the student’s behavior prior to the temporary removal.
7. No pupil shall return to the classroom until the Principal makes a final determination, pursuant to Education Law section §3214(3-a)(c), or the period of removal expires, whichever is less.

Administrative Procedure 

1. Notify the parents/guardians within 24 hours of the reason(s) for the removal.
2. The student/parent/guardian will be given an opportunity to discuss reasons with principal. If student denies the charges, student/parent/guardian must be given explanation of basis for removal and an opportunity to present his/her version. This should take place within 24 hours of removal. The teacher will attend for clarification.
3. Principal will decide, by the close of business on the day following the opportunity to be heard by the principal, whether or not the discipline will be set aside. Principal may set aside discipline if:

1. The charges against the student are not supported by substantial evidence
2. The student’s removal is in violation of the law
3. The conduct warrants suspension, which will be imposed

Student Protests

No activities are permitted on school grounds that interrupt the academic mission. As always, failure to attend classes may result in both academic and behavioral consequences. Students wishing to exercise their rights to free speech should do so in a cooperative manner with school administration.(19)

 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. A student’s dress, grooming and appearance shall be safe, appropriate and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the 2007 Morse V. Frederick case to “…allow schools to restrict student expression that they reasonably regard as promoting illegal drug use.” LaFayette has established the following dress code:

Inappropriate attire includes the following:

1. Extremely brief garments such as tube tops, net tops, halter tops, and short shorts, plunging necklines (front and/or back), and see-through garments are not appropriate.
2. Clothing should not be too tight.
3. Underwear must be completely covered with outer clothing.
4. Footwear is required at all times and should be appropriate for activities for that day. Footwear that is a safety hazard is not allowed.  
5. The wearing of hats in the building is generally prohibited and subject to approval by the building principal, except for medical or religious purposes, or to celebrate special events sanctioned by school personnel. This also includes scarves and hoods.
6. Items that are vulgar, obscene, and libelous or denigrating to others on account of race, color, weight,national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex, gender expression, and/or any other legally protected status are prohibited.
7. Items that promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities are prohibited.
8. Outerwear (unless warranted by building climate conditions).
9. Sunglasses should not be worn in the building (on the head, face, around the neck) unless medically necessary.                                                   (19)

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 Out of School Suspension. 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.

Public Conduct on School Property 

The District is committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning. To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to establish rules for public conduct on school property and at school functions. Dress and behavior will be appropriate to the school environment and will not detract from the educational process. For purposes of this section of the Code, “public” shall mean all persons when on school property or attending a school function including but not limited to students, parents/guardians, teachers and District personnel. Such rules, as well as consequences for violation of such rules, are contained in this Code as well as Board Policy 3410, “Code of Conduct on School Property” and related Administrative Regulations.

 Prohibited Conduct​ 

No Person, either alone or with others shall:

1. Intentionally injure any person or threaten to do so.
2. Intentionally damage or destroy school District property or the personal property of a teacher, administrator, other District employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
3. Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs, or other school activities.
4. Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, overly revealing, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school environment.
5. Threaten, intimidate, harass or discriminate against any school staff member or other person(s) on the basis of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, sex, gender expression, and/or any other legally protected status are prohibited.
6. Enter any portion of the school premises, playing field (home or away) or other related school location without authorization, or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.
7. Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this Code applies.
8. Violate the traffic laws, parking regulations or other restrictions on vehicles.
9. Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.
10. Possess or use firearms or weapons in or on school property or at a school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers or except as specifically authorized by the Board of Education (or its designee).
11. Loiter on or about school property.
12. Gamble on school property or at school functions.
13. Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school District officials performing their duties.
14. Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this Code.
15. Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

                                                                         Consequences​

Persons who violate this Code shall be subject to the following penalties:

1. Visitors: Their authorization, if any, to remain on school grounds or at the school function shall be withdrawn, and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to leave, they shall be subject to ejection and/or arrest.
2. Students: They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant, in accordance with the due process requirements.
3. Tenured faculty members: They shall be subject to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Education Law §3020-A or any other legal rights that they may have.
4. Staff members in the classified service of the civil service who are entitled to the protection of Civil Service Law §75: They shall be subject to immediate ejection and to disciplinary action as the facts may warrant in accordance with Civil Service Law §75 or any other legal rights that they may have.
5. Staff members other than those described in subdivisions 4 and 5: Shall be subject to warning, reprimand, suspension, or dismissal as the facts may warrant in accordance with any legal rights they have. 20

Enforcement​

The Building Principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for enforcing the conduct required by this Code.

When the Building Principal or his or her designee sees an individual engaged in prohibited conduct, which in his or her judgment does not pose any immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the Principal or his or her designee shall tell the individual that the conduct is prohibited and attempt to persuade the individual to stop. The Principal or his designee shall also warn the individual of the consequences for failing to stop. If the person refuses to stop engaging in the prohibited conduct, or if the person’s conduct poses an immediate threat of injury to persons or property, the Principal or his or her designee shall have the individual removed immediately from school property or the school function. If necessary, local law enforcement authorities will be contacted to assist in removing the person.

The District shall initiate disciplinary action against any student or staff member, as appropriate, with the “Consequences” section above. In addition, the District reserves its right to pursue a civil or criminal legal action against any person violating the Code.

In-Service Education 

The District will sponsor in-service education programs for all District staff members to ensure the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct, including but not limited to, guidelines on promoting a safe and supportive school climate while discouraging, among other things, harassment, bullying and discrimination against students by students and/or school employees and to including safe and supportive school climate concepts in the curriculum and classroom management.  

In-service education programs shall also include training on the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, including but not limited to those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex, the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying and discrimination, and strategies for effectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in educational settings. The superintendent may solicit the recommendations of the district staff, particularly teachers and administrators, regarding in-service programs pertaining to the management and discipline of students.(21)

                                   ONS Procedures and Expectations

1. Bus Expectations

The bus driver is in complete charge of the bus and its occupants at all times. Bus rules are posted in each bus and it is our expectation that each student is familiar with the rules and complies with them at all times. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action and possible removal from bus transportation.

Upon arrival at school, the student is to enter the building immediately. There can be no loitering outside of the building.

Any student wishing to be transported on a bus other than the one to which they are assigned must submit a written request, signed by a parent/guardian to the Main Office immediately upon arrival at school. The request must be specific and contain a phone number for verification purposes.

Cafeteria Etiquette

We strive to maintain a cafeteria atmosphere that is clean and respectful of the cafeteria staff as well as fellow students. We understand that it is an opportunity for socializing, but ask that you remember to consider your volume, your impact on others and to pick up after oneself. Please be aware – the throwing of food or any items in the cafeteria will result in immediate disciplinary action and parental contact.

Cell Phone Use

Between the hours of 7:50 am and 2:40 pm

• ONS has a no cell phone use policy. This policy was put in place during the 2023-2024 school year and it was very effective. Students cannot use their cell phones during the regular school day from 7:50 to 2:40.
• Students should leave their cell phones in their lockers. If students are carrying their cell phones some teachers will ask students to deposit the phone in a designated area at the beginning of class and students can retrieve their phone at the end of class.
• Students cannot have their cell phones out in public view. If a student does have their phone out a teacher/adult in the building will ask them to give it to them and the phone will be delivered to my office.
• Please refer to the process(written below) for violating the no cell phone use policy

If parents need to contact their child at any point throughout the school day, they can call the main office at 315-469-6991.  Additionally, if a student needs to be in possession of their cell phone for medical reasons, prior arrangements should be made with administration.  

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Violations

If a violation of the cell phone policy occurs, consequences will be issued as follows:

• 1st offense: Cell phone confiscated, returned at the end of the day
• 2nd offense: Cell phone confiscated, parent pick-up
• 3rd offense: Cell phone confiscated, parent meeting will be scheduled, students will need to turn in their cell phone to the main office upon arriving at school for one week.
• Any violations beyond three will be discussed by the family and principal and appropriate consequences will be put in place.

Field Trips

All school-sponsored field trips are to follow these procedures:

1. Written permission must be obtained from parent(s) or guardian(s)
2. Students are to ride to and from the destination on school provided transportation unless parental

permission is granted.

3. Students must have reasonable conduct and dress are expected
4. Respect for chaperones is expected

Fire Drills

Fire drills are required by law. When the alarm rings, you are to leave the building quietly and calmly in accordance with the exit plan posted in each classroom. Once outside the building, you are to remain quiet so that you can hear directions. You will re-enter the building upon the announcement of the Principal and follow your teachers back into school.

Hall Passes

Passes are issued at the teacher's discretion. Pre-signed passes are necessary for access to the library, computer rooms, nurse, and lavatories. Students are NOT allowed transit through the halls without a valid pass. Excessive requests for passes will be investigated and pending findings, may be restricted.

Lockers

All students will be issued lockers at the beginning of the school year. It is the responsibility of each student to see that his/her locker is kept in order and locked. DO NOT keep valuables in your locker, and do not give out your combination. The school is not responsible for items lost or taken from lockers. If your locker is not working properly, report it to the Main Office immediately. Locks will remain on your assigned locker at the conclusion of the school year, and will be checked to verify that the assigned lock matches the assigned locker. You will be responsible for any lost or damaged locks. You may not use a personal lock. You will be issued a lock by the

Onondaga Nation School.

Parent Conferences

Parent conferences will be scheduled at the request of families, teachers or students to discuss a student’s academic and/or behavioral concerns. The school counselor will establish the time and notify all teachers of the conference. Where possible, the student will be encouraged to participate in the conference.  If you would like to set up a parent conference, please contact your child’s grade level counselor.

1. Textbooks & School Equipment

Students are responsible for all books, calculators, locks, chromebooks and other equipment assigned to them.  If these items are damaged or lost, you will be required to pay for the damage or replacement. Assigned locks are to be kept on your assigned locker at the conclusion of the school year. You are required to pay to replace any missing/damaged locks, calculators, chromebooks or other equipment. A check is to be made out to the school for the amount and given to the Main Office. Report cards may be held at mid-year and end of the year if monetary obligations are not met.                                               (23)

1. Visitors to The Schools

We welcome families and community members to visit our buildings. Our expectation is that all visitors are mindful of our schools as places of learning and that the policies and procedures for each building are respected. Administrators are responsible for all visitors and the following expectations apply:

1. A visitor is anyone who is not a student or regular staff member.
2. Alumni are welcome to visit after the normal school day hours of scheduled classes, with at least 24 hours notice.
3. Visitors must report to the Main Office upon arrival, register, and display name tags for the duration of the visit.
4. Unauthorized visitors will be reported to administration and will be asked to leave.  Law enforcement may be notified, if necessary.

All visitors must abide by the rules for public conduct contained in the Code of Conduct.

2. Visit by Non-District Students

No student visitors will be allowed during the school day unless approved by administration for educational purposes such as student exchange programs, a student moving to the District, etc. Even these arrangements are to be made at least two days prior to the scheduled visitation.  

1. Attendance Philosophy

It is the belief of the faculty and administration of the Onondaga Nation School that there is a direct correlation between academic success and school attendance. We feel it is the responsibility of parents and students to ensure that students attend school and classes on a regular basis. Our philosophy for attendance insists that regular class attendance and participation is needed for optimal mastery of each and every course. Also regular attendance is essential in preparation for the “real world” where promptness and responsibility are important ingredients for career success. We believe that the school and the home must work together to promote these essential values.

New York State Education Law requires students to be in attendance each day, except for the following legal reasons:

• Personal Illness
• Illness/Death in Family
• Religious Observance
• Quarantine
• Court Appearance
• Attendance at health clinics
• Approved College Visit
• Approved Cooperative Work Programs
• Military Obligations
• Other such reasons approved by building principal

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ONS Attendance Procedures and Policy

Students enter the building by being dropped off or riding the bus.

All students are welcome to come to the cafeteria to have breakfast.

Homeroom, where all students start the day, begins at 7:50 am.

Students are considered late/tardy if they enter the building after 8:00 am.

If a student is late, they will be marked tardy on our daily attendance sheet.

If your student is absent, our school nurse, Ms. McKenzie Cook will call you to ask why your child is absent. The acceptable reasons for being absent are listed above. Please provide a note to the school nurse as to why your student was tardy or absent-it would help us very much.

ONS Attendance Policy

1. We will all work hard so that your student wants to be here.
2. We want to reduce the number of our students that are absent.
3. We want to reduce the number of students that are chronically absent.

Chronic absence means that a child has been absent 10% of the school year.In a school year, a student who has been chronically absent, has missed eighteen or more school days. Students who miss that much school fall behind and school becomes very hard for them.

Procedure to Help

1. When your child is absent, the School Nurse will call you.
2. When your child is absent more than one day in a row the School Nurse will call you.
3. You may, depending upon why your child has been absent in consecutive days, get a call and a visit from our School Liaison, Ed Shenandoah.
4. Mr. Shenandoah will visit just to talk, and see how you would like us to support  you.

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Our attendance procedures and policy is simple. It is intended to support not punish. ONS will focus on building relationships with students so that their attendance will be great.

TECHNOLOGY USE

Acceptable Computer Use Policy (Students and Staff)

The LaFayette Central School District offers computers and internet access for educational purposes.

The Acceptable Computer Use Policy and Information Network Access Ethics Policy as follows:

• The LaFayette Central School District recognizes that computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction. Computer information networks allow people to interact with many other computers and networks. It is a general policy that all computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner.
• The LaFayette Central School District declares that when accessing or using school computers, networks or the internet, unethical or unacceptable behaviors just cause for taking disciplinary action, revoking information network access privileges, and/or initiating legal action for any activity through which an individual:

• Uses the information networks for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities shall be defined as those which violate local, state and/or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, and/or purpose and goal. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of a publicly-owned and operated communication vehicle.
• Personal use of the LaFayette Central School District’s computer equipment will be allowed as long as the equipment/hardware does not have to be in service for educational/instructional purposes at that time. (Exception being: personal use of internet access not being used for school/educational purposes.)

• Uses the information networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyrights or other contracts violating such matters as institutional or third party copyright license agreements and other contracts.

• Intentionally disrupts information network traffic or crashes the network and connected systems.
• Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance.
• Uses LaFayette Central School District computing resources for commercial or financial gain or fraud.
• Steals data, equipment or intellectual property.
• Gains unauthorized access to the files of others, or vandalizes the data/files of another user.
• Gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
• Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by another user.
• Invades the privacy of individuals.

*** We respect the right of staff and students to be notified if they will be videotaped, audiotaped, recorded, photographed, transmitted, and/or imaged in any manner. Any UNAUTHORIZED videotaping, audiotaping, photographing, recording, transmitting and/or imaging of a student or staff member with the intent of distributing, broadcasting, and/or posting for public access will be regarded as a deliberate violation of this right to privacy and will result in one or more of the following consequences dependent upon the situation, implications and scope of the offense. Please be aware that criminal prosecution may be mandated as civil and criminal law broadly protects an individual’s right to privacy. Victims are well within their right to levy charges beyond the scope of school authority.

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Consequences

• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Notification of law enforcement
• Superintendent’s hearing

Parents/guardians who DO NOT wish their child to use the Internet must inform the district in writing.

Parents/guardians and students must read the Acceptable Computer Policy which states unacceptable/unethical behaviors is just cause for taking disciplinary action, revoking information network access privileges, and/or initiating legal action for any infraction of the stated rules.

Students are NOT allowed to play computer games while using computers in the classroom, lab or library (non-educational games). Nothing should be downloaded to district owned computers without permission from the Network Administrator or District Technology Coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of disks and CD’s.

If a student violates the rules, consequences of violations include, but are not limited to:

• Suspension of information network access
• Revocation of information network access
• Suspension of network privileges
• Revocation of network privileges
• Suspension of computer access
• Revocation of computer access
• School suspension
• School expulsion
• Legal action and prosecution by the authorities

Remedies and Recourse

Anyone accused of any of the violations has all the rights that would normally apply if such a person were accused of school vandalism or any other illegal activity.

The District has the right to restrict or terminate network access at any time for any reason.

The District further has the right to monitor network activity in any form that it sees fit to maintain the integrity of the information network.

Consequences For Misuse

1. The following is the schedule of consequences for misuse of the internet:

1. Inappropriate Use: as defined in Board Policy #7315 as a violation of intended use, will result in denied access for a minimum of two weeks for the first offense. Subsequent offense(s) will be regarded as flagrant disregard of Board policy and will result in up to 20 weeks of denied access.
2. Use for Purpose(s) of Obscenity: as defined by Board Policy #7315 as material that is sexually explicit, indecent or vulgar, and a violation of generally accepted social standards, will result in immediate revocation of internet access from the date of the offense to the end of the school year with possible extension into the next school year.
3. Illegal Use: as defined in Board Policy #7315 as the use of another person’s account, violation of copyrights, license agreements, contracts forging electronic mail, use of computer resources for commercial purposes or fraud, invasion of privacy, and personal threats, will result in the revocation of internet access for one year with possible extension, and additionally, in school suspension, out of school suspension, initiating legal action, and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing.
4. Damage to Equipment or System: as defined in Board Policy #7315 as the degrading/disrupting/destroying of equipment or system performance, stealing data, equipment or intellectual property etc., will result in revocation of internet access/equipment for one year with a possible extension, and additionally, in school suspension, out of school suspension, initiating legal action, and/or a Superintendent’s Hearing.
5. The LaFayette Central School District is using X-Stop as its Internet Filtering System to meet Federal E-Rate Guidelines and the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Any intentional efforts to circumvent the use of this filtration software will result in the revocation of all network access to any student/staff of the LaFayette Central School District.                 (27)

Student Email Rules

LaFayette students will each be provided with an email account. LaFayette District student email is to be used ONLY for educational purposes and school related business.

Rules and Regulations for Student Email Use:

1. I will keep my message short and to the point.
2. My messages will be polite and friendly and contain no offensive language.
3. I will have a reason to send a message.
4. I will put a subject in the subject box.
5. I will use a proper greeting and sign my name.

• Name of the receiver of the message
• Message
• Sign my first name only

6. I will double-check my message before sending.
7. I will double-check the email address before sending.
8. I will delete unnecessary messages in my Inbox.
9. I will notify my teacher if I receive junk mail or offensive messages.
10. I will not send any software (games, programs, etc.) through email.
11. I will get permission from my teacher before sending any pictures through email.
12. I will not allow anyone else to use my account.  

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