This Code is in compliance with the requirements of the Dignity for All Students Act, enacted July 1, 2012, and Project SAVE Legislation, Education Law 2801, and section 100.2 of the Commissioner’s regulations, enacted July 1, 2001. Unless otherwise indicated, this Code applies to all students, school personnel, parents and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function.
Introduction
The mission of the Glens Falls City School District is to provide a safe, positive and stimulating environment … one that fosters self-growth, a passion for continuous learning, confidence and the ability to succeed in a changing world.
We promote excellence through high expectations and evolving standards for students, staff, parents and community. The challenge is to reach personal best while respecting each person’s individuality.
We make it our responsibility to be accountable for the implementation of this mission and to model behaviors that are influential to the characters as well as the mind.
The Glens Falls Board of Education, the administration and staff recognize that the enrichment and, in fact, the very survival of any group come about only as its individual members practice self-discipline and demonstrate behavior which does not infringe or intrude on basic rights and freedoms of others. Responsible exercise of individual freedoms means respect for the democratic process and for the rights of all. Only in any atmosphere of mutual respect, self-restraint, civility and trust among all, can these freedoms flourish.
The administration and staff are committed to the task of school management in a manner consistent with the legal and moral rights of all, but will neither tolerate nor condone actions or conduct in violation of this “Code of Conduct.” In setting forth the following Code, nothing contained herein is intended, nor shall be construed, to limit or restrict freedom of speech, nor peaceful assembly, nor any constitutional or legal individual right.
The Code shall not prevent or limit communication between and among students or relieve the Glens Falls City Schools of its special responsibility for self-regulation in the preservation of public order. The Code does not prevent or restrain controversy and dissent. However, the Code does prevent abuse of individuals and, therefore, maintains the stable environment appropriate to a public school.
Definitions
For the purpose of this Code, the following definitions apply:
“Disruptive Student” means an elementary student who substantially interferes with the educational process or who endangers the well-being of himself or others.
“Parent” means parent, guardian, or person in parental relation to a student.
“School property” means in or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, parking lot or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public elementary school, or in or on a school bus, as defined in Vehicle and Traffic Law 142.
“School function” means any school-sponsored extra-curricular event or activity.
“Weapon” includes all types of objects that can cause serious injury or death and thereby endanger student safety.
“Time-Out” is considered that period of time when a teacher employs informal strategies to refocus a student towards positive behavior (less than one class period).
“Removal” is a formal procedure whereby a student is removed from a classroom due to disruptive behavior for a class period or longer, not to exceed three consecutive calendar days.
“Suspension” is defined as a severe penalty, which may be imposed only upon students who are insubordinate, disorderly, violent, or disruptive, or whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. The Board of Education retains its authority to suspend students, but places primary responsibility for the suspension of students with the superintendent and the building principals.