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Monticello High School Student Handbook

Monticello High School

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Table of Contents

Mission Statement
General Information
Music Lessons
The School Campus
Visitors
Attendance
Assemblies
Student Employment
Extra Curricular Activities
Prom Attendance
Student Status
Schedule Policy
Academic Policy
Grading Policy
Honor Roll
College in the Classroom Honors Criteria
Student Council
Class Officers
National Honor Society
Graduation
June Graduation
Hall and Gym Lockers
Cell Phone and Electronic Devices
Procedures for Confiscating Personal Electronic Devices
Tobacco Free
Student Vehicles
Student Code of Conduct
Suspensions
Sexual Harassment

Mission Statement

The Monticello High School Community is committed to preparing competent graduates who can succeed at their next level of endeavor, who believe in the worth and dignity of themselves and others, and who pursue lifelong learning in an ever changing, richly diverse society. This will be done by providing an environment conducive to learning and well-balanced curriculum, delivered by a highly qualified staff responsible for learning with an uncompromising commitment to excellence.

General Information

If a student is seeking assistance, he/she should use the following as a guide to the proper source for help and/or direction:

Principal’s Office: schedule an appointment with the Principal’s secretary
Assistant Principal’s Office: to resolve discipline issues (grades 9-12), to report problems and emergencies, parking permits, and early dismissal
Main Office: bus passes before the end of 7th period, lost/found items, late sign-in, late arrival & early release
Student Center (Guidance and Career Office): personal problems, working papers, transcripts, graduation, scholarships, college, work experience, courses, employment, student government, student activities, NCAA eligibility, etc.
Nurse: when you are ill, need medical attention, or other health concerns

School Physical Examinations: NYS requires that all 10th grade students be given a physical examination. Students who prefer to be examined by their own physician may obtain the appropriate forms from the School Nurse. All other physical examinations will be given during the regular school day by the school physician.

Prescription Medicine: When a doctor prescribes a medicine which must be taken by a student during the day, the MEDICINE MUST BE BROUGHT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER, WITH PROPER LABEL IDENTIFYING STUDENT, MEDICATION AND THE DOSAGE, ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT AND DOCTOR NOTE TO ADMINISTER THE MEDICATION. No student should have any medication in his/her possession. This includes over the counter medications (i.e. vitamins, Tylenol, etc.). All medications will be administered by the school nurse.

Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Office: for information on athletic eligibility, team rosters, sports, games and times, physical education and health requirements and student’s status
Cafeteria Manager: Specify any dietary requirements.
School Closing Information: The School Messenger system will notify for or delays or early closings otherwise tune in to the following radio stations and the website www.monticelloschools.net:

WVOS (1240AM/95.5FM), WSUL- 98.3FM, WALL-1340AM; WELV-1370AM; WZAD-97.3FM; WGNY; WFMN; WHUD; WJFF-FM; WEOK: WRNN-TV: WDLE; WDRE

Music Lessons

Students are scheduled for a music lesson once per week on a rotating schedule. Students are required to attend their music lesson unless they have a major exam in the period’s class. Students should report to their lesson at the beginning of the period and obtain information regarding their missed class either before school, during lunch, after school, or before the class period from their teacher. A student’s class participation grade will not be affected by their attendance at their required music lesson.

The School Campus

Monticello High School includes areas for academic and extra-curricular activities. Students are not permitted to leave specified areas or school grounds without administrative permission at any time. A student may leave during the school day with written permission for a legal reason only (i.e. physician’s appointments, legal appointments, etc.). Written permission must include the allowable reason for leaving early and a signature of a parent/guardian or permission will not be granted (we ask that you give a phone number where we can verify the appointment). Students, who become ill during the school day, must report to the school nurse to be examined. The nurse will call a parent or someone designated on the emergency contact list to pick the student up. Please make sure that all of your contact information is updated with the school. All students are required to exit the building at the end of the school day, unless they are with a teacher or a coach. Students who continually break this rule may lose after school privileges.

Visitors to Our School

The school is committed to the safety of the whole school community. All visitors must report to the High School Main Office located next to the RJK middle school. Visitors will be required to present identification, sign a log book, wear a visitor pass and be escorted to their location. Student visitors from other schools are not permitted.

Attendance

All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and attendance. Students who are late to school must report to the main office to sign-in and receive a pass to class. Parents/Guardians are responsible for their child’s regular attendance and punctuality under the School Laws of New York State. Anyone between the ages of 6 and the end of the school year in which a student turns 16, is required by the Compulsory Education Law to attend school. Parents/Guardians should call the Attendance Office at 794-8840 ext. 10901 when their child is absent. The District Attendance policy has been sent to each household and should be referred to by each family.

Excused absences from school and excused tardiness to school include the following:

Attendance at a medical clinic
Sickness or death in family
Impassable roads or weather
Music lessons (one hour a week)
Required court appearances
Approved college visits
Military obligations
Religious observances
Approved work-study program

Students must bring in a written excuse for all school absences the day following the absence. Students who are chronically absent and are compulsory school age may be subject to a PINS Diversion. A PINS is a Person In Need Of Supervision and involves local agencies as well as appointments at family court.

Assemblies

Only students with a work schedule or college schedule will be released early without a note from a parent that details a specific appointment for the student. In the event of an appointment, the student should be picked up prior to the beginning of the assembly so as not to disrupt the assembly once the assembly has begun.

Student Employment

Students may work while they attend school, provided that they obtain working papers from the school. However, they may not work during school hours. Additionally, the following are limitations based on a student’s age:

14- 15 year old minors:

No more than 3 hours on a school day
No more than 8 hours on a day school is not is session
No more than 18 hours per week, or no more than 6 days per week
They may not work before 7:00 am or after 7:00 pm

16- 17 year old minors:

No more than 4 hours on a day preceding a school day other than a Sunday or holiday
No more than 8 hours on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday
No more than 28 hours per week
No more than 6 days per week
They may not work before 6:00 am

Extra Curricular Activities

Students who are suspended from school (OSS or ISS) on a day of an athletic game or practice session, party, school dance, or other school affair scheduled after regular school hours are not eligible for participation or attendance at such events. Students may attend extra-curricular activities following completion of their assigned detention. In order for students to attend a school-sponsored function, it is necessary that students attend classes for at least ½ of the school day on the day of the activity, as per the Monticello Central School District (MSCD) Board of Education (BOE) Policy 5200.

For weekend events, students must be present in school the day prior to the event unless excused for a legitimate reason such as a funeral or medical issue. An official note must be provided for the excuse and presented to administration.

This includes, but is not limited to prom, sports, club events, music events, debate, etc.

Prom Attendance

Students with freshman status may NOT attend prom. Students who are over the age of 20 must obtain special permission from the Principal in order to attend prom. To attend prom, you must meet the academic and behavioral eligibility requirements to included attendance at extra-curricular activities. Anyone who is not currently enrolled at Monticello High School, or is not a member of that class prom, must complete a “guest request” form prior to the prom by the announced deadline. These forms may be obtained in the designated Assistant Principal’s Office. Tickets cannot be purchased prior to approval by administration. Student Code of Conduct will be utilized as a guideline to determine eligibility. The MCSD Code of Conduct will be followed at the prom. Administration may deny a student or guest access to the prom if a student does not adhere to the code of conduct. Parents/guardians will be notified and tickets will not be refunded.

Student Status

Chart showing class standing credits for each grade

Schedule Policy (Dropping/Changing A Class)

Please note the following important dates and policies regarding scheduling.

Students will have until September 18, 2019 to make any necessary adjustments to their schedules. After this date no further changes will be made to full year courses. Course additions will be considered if the desired course is offered when you have an open period. Core courses will not be moved to accommodate electives. For classes beginning in the second semester students will have until February 13, 2020 to make adjustments.
AIS will be added to your schedule if you are in need of assistance in meeting graduation requirements and cannot be dropped.
Course level changes will be considered until the end of the 2nd marking period (January 2020).

All appeals to the above deadlines will be reviewed by the High School Principal and Department Instructional Lead (DIL).

Students will meet with their guidance counselors in to review courses for the upcoming school year. In the 3rd week of August, any students who have conflicts in their schedules will be notified by mail and requested to come to school in order to resolve the conflict. All final schedules will be mailed home by the end of August.

Students who are enrolled in college level classes must initiate drop process through the College in the Classroom Lead Teacher. This will include consultation with the teacher of the course, parents and the guidance counselor. The same timelines listed above apply.

After school begins, schedules may be changed for the following reasons:

Missing a required course
If you have previously failed with a certain teacher, you may request a different teacher if you must repeat the course
You do not have enough credits/classes
If you are in a class you have already taken and passed

The following changes WILL NOT be made:

Physical Education period changes
Lunch period changes
Teacher preference changes
A class to be with friends

At Monticello High School, we are dedicated to providing the best possible academic schedule for all our students. All of us in the guidance department look forward to working with you to ensure your success.

Academic Policy

All students who are failing two or more classes may be subject to revised schedules that will include academic intervention periods in place of free time, during lunch or study halls.

Grading Policy

In alignment with the MCSD BOE policy 4710, report cards indicating pupil progress are distributed four times per year. Student progress reports are sent approximately five weeks into each marking period. Please review course syllabi for specific course requirements.

All students are expected to complete the assigned class work and homework as directed. Students are also expected to participate meaningfully in class discussions and activities in order to receive course credit. If work is not completed for any reason, the student is expected to make up the work. The teacher will discuss with the student or with the patent/guardian, if the student does not respond to work completion interventions, to create a plan for making up the missed work. With the possible exception of absences intended by the student as a means of gaining an unfair academic advantage (i.e., to secure more time to study for a test), every effort will be made to provide students with the opportunity and assistance to make up all work missed. Scores for late work may be reduced by as much as 25%.

All marks are in terms of number grades. Regents exams are numerically recorded. There are four marking periods for a full year course. To arrive at a final grade for a full year course, total the numerical values of the grades received each marking period plus the final exam are totaled and divided by five. In a semester course, double the marking period grades, add the final exam, and divide by five. Refer to the following chart:

Passing Grade: 65-100
Failing Grade: 64 and below

It is required that all students take their final exams. Failure to do so will result in a review by the Principal. Final exam grades are scored on a scale of 0 – 100.

Honor Roll

All students who achieve an average between 85 and 89.9, with no grade below a 65, and no incompletes will be placed on the Honor Roll. Students that achieve a 90 to 94.9 average will be placed on the High Honor Roll. Students that earn an average of 95 to 100 will be placed on the Principal’s List. The Honor Roll list will be published after each marking period and will be sent to the local newspaper and School Website for reproduction.

College in the Classroom Honors Criteria

Students who have met the following criteria will be recognized as graduating with CIC Honors distinction. They will receive honor cords signifying their achievement to wear at graduation with their academic garb. Honor cords will be distributed at the end of the year, just prior to graduation, after final grades are tabulated.

Student will have successfully completed a minimum of 7 College in the Classroom courses offered through Syracuse University or SUNY Sullivan throughout his/her high school career.
Student will not have any course failures or withdrawals from any CIC course.
Student will have an overall average of 84 or better in all their CIC courses.

Student Council

The purpose of Student Council is to provide a voice for the student body. Student Council will be comprised of elected representatives from each social studies class grades 9-12. Student Council will meet monthly. Elections will be held annually.

Class Officers

Eligibility to run for class office shall be determined collectively by class advisors. Class officer candidates may be subject to the same standards as Student Council officer candidates, particularly the requirement for active status.

National Honor Society

Each spring, the Monticello Chapter of the National Honor Society inducts those juniors and seniors who successfully meet the membership criteria in the four areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character.

Basic eligibility includes:

Enrollment in Monticello High School for at least one semester prior to induction
A cumulative average of 85 or higher, including enrollment in Regents English and Social Studies
Participation, leadership and service in school and community activities
Demonstration of respect, responsibility, trustworthiness and citizenship

A faculty council reviews the criteria for each candidate in each of the four categories. Membership is granted only to those students selected by the faculty council. Once inducted, Honor Society members must maintain these high standards. Being a member is both an honor and a commitment.

Academic eligibility is verified by the student’s guidance counselor. All students who meet the academic eligibility criteria will be considered candidates and provided the opportunity to demonstrate Leadership, Service and Character.
Leadership is verified by coaches and advisors of activities. Candidates will submit a list of the activities they have participated in since entering the ninth grade. Candidates will ask their coaches and advisors to complete the appropriate evaluation forms. Students should not submit evaluation forms completed by a parent or guardian. We request that each candidate submit a minimum of two (maximum of five) activity evaluations.
Community Service is verified by the coordinators of the service projects. Candidates will submit a list of the community service projects in which they have participated since entering the ninth grade. Candidates will ask the project coordinators to complete the appropriate evaluation forms. Students should not submit evaluation forms completed by a parent or guardian. We request that each student submit two community service evaluations. We realize that some students have not participated in multiple community service projects. Instead, they have demonstrated an ongoing long term commitment to one particular community service project. We request that these students submit two evaluations (from two different project supervisors) if possible. Community service projects include (but are not limited to) coaching and refereeing youth sports teams, assisting scout leaders, organizing litter campaigns and blood drives, working with senior centers, and religious and community organizations. Community service is an unpaid service.
Character is verified by the candidate’s teachers. Candidates for induction in the fall will be evaluated by all of the previous year’s teachers, plus the current year’s teachers. Candidates for induction in the spring will be evaluated by all of the current year’s teachers. Additionally, the Faculty Council reviews all student attendance and disciplinary records before making a final decision as to eligibility.
Employment and Family Obligations: Employment and family obligations are taken into consideration. Candidates may request evaluations from employers. During the documentation process, the candidate should make the Honor Society advisor aware of any family obligations that limit the candidate’s ability to participate in activities.
Deadlines: Candidates will be provided with all the documents necessary to demonstrate eligibility and the deadlines for the submission of these documents. It is the responsibility of the candidate to meet all deadlines. Candidates must request all the necessary evaluations and make evaluators aware of the deadlines for submission of documents. It is the candidate’s responsibility to be sure that all documentation is received by the chapter adviser by the deadline for submission. The Faculty Council cannot consider candidates who have not provided complete documentation of all criteria.
Appeals in Cases of Non-selection of National Honor Society: Parents and students must understand that no student has a right to be selected for membership in a chapter of the National Honor Society. Appeals for non-selection must be registered with the chapter advisor.

Graduation

The following students will be recognized at graduation for their weighted overall GPA:

95 – 100 = Summa Cum Laude
90 – 94.999 = Magna Cum Laude
85 – 89.999 = Cum Laude

Students who earn a 95 or higher cumulative weighted GPA (at the end of 8 semesters) earns the opportunity to audition to speak at graduation, providing that they submit their speeches to the Graduation Coordinators and the Principal for review and coaching. We recognize the GPA as calculated and do not “round up” to the next whole number.

June Graduation

In order for students to walk at the June graduation ceremony, ALL state requirements must be satisfied. State requirements include all tests and course selections set forth by the State of New York. In addition, graduating students must be present and participate in graduation rehearsal. Class speakers must be available the week prior to graduation for speech and graduation rehearsal.

Hall and Gym Lockers

Hall and gym lockers are school property, are provided for students to use, and are subject to search. Lockers will be assigned at the beginning of each year. These lockers are NOT to be shared. The combination is given only to the person to whom the locker is issued. DO NOT GIVE THE COMBINATION TO ANYONE. Locker combinations will not be given out to anyone not assigned to that locker. Personal locks placed on lockers will be removed and locker contents will be placed in the Main Office or the Athletic Director’s office. Valuables should not be brought to school. Lockers must be kept locked at all times. The school district will not assume liability for lost or stolen property.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Areas within the high school have been given Green, Yellow, and Red Zone designations. Students are permitted to use their cell phones and electronic devices in designated Green Zones (hall, cafeteria). In Yellow Zones (classrooms or office), the student must have permission from the adult supervising that space. A Red Zone (bathroom, locker room, auditorium, detention, out of school suspension tutoring, and in school suspension) mean that the student may not use their phone for any purpose. In the event of a school emergency such as a building lockdown, fire drill or hold-in place, the entire school becomes a Red Zone Area. Students who do not comply with these designations are subject to disciplinary action.

Procedures for Confiscating Personal Electronic Devices

In alignment with the MCSD BOE Policy 5695 “Students and Personal Electronic Devices”, unauthorized use of display of a personal electronic device during the instructional day is grounds for consequences that may include confiscation of the device by school officials for the remainder of the school day. Students who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the district’s Code of Conduct, and parents may be required to pick up the device at the school. Failure to comply will be treated as insubordination as set forth in the Code of Conduct. The district will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal electronic devices.

Student electronic devices that are confiscated will be cataloged for accountability. Depending on the circumstances regarding the confiscation of the personal electronic device, either the student will pick up the device at the end of the school day or the parent/guardian will be required to come in and retrieve the device within the hours of operation. As bringing a personal electronic device to school is a privilege, a student may lose the privilege of bringing any personal electronic device into the building for a specified duration of time as part of the consequence.

Tobacco Free

By law, Monticello High School is a smoke free facility. Smoking is prohibited anywhere in school or on school grounds. Students are prohibited from being in possession of any tobacco products.

Student Vehicles

There are a limited number of parking spaces available for students. Applications for a parking permit may be obtained at the Assistant Principal’s Office. Seniors have first priority. Any remaining parking spaces may be assigned to juniors. Student parking is a privilege, which may be withdrawn for conduct code violations including, but not limited to, ineligibility, attendance, tardiness, academic issues, etc. No student may park on school grounds without a parking permit. Violators may face having their vehicle towed at owner’s expense.

Student Code of Conduct

Each year the Monticello Central School District sends a copy of the “Monticello Central School District Code of Conduct” to each family. Please review this code, which is BOE policy 5300.

You should note that the “Code of Conduct” is comprised of the following parts:

Introduction
Definitions
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Essential Partners
Student Dress Code
Prohibited Student Conduct
Reporting Violations
Disciplinary Penalties, Procedures, and Referrals
Alternative Instruction
Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Corporal Punishment
Student Searches and Interviews
Visitors to the Schools
Public Conduct on School Property
Dissemination and Review

Section VI includes the following information below for easy student access:

VI. Prohibited Student Conduct: The Board of Education expects all students 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.

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. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the penalties for their conduct. District personnel who interact with students are expected to pursue disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on the student’s ability to grow in self-discipline.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they:

Engage in conduct that is disorderly. Examples of disorderly conduct include but are not limited to:

Running in hallways
Making unreasonable noise
Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar or abusive
Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic
Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community
Trespass. No student may be on the campus of another school in the
Monticello Central School District during the school day without the knowledge and consent of the officials of the school he/she is visiting.
Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the district’s acceptable use policy (AUP)

2. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples of insubordinate conduct include:

Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect
Lateness for, missing or leaving class or school without permission
Skipping detention
Refusing to leave any building, bus or facility after being requested to do so by an authorized administrator

3. Engage in conduct that is disruptive. Examples of disruptive conduct include:

Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students
Inappropriate public sexual contact
Display or use of personal electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, I-pods, digital cameras and accessories to the electronics including but not limited to (Bluetooth, earphones etc.) except for instructional purposes or by permission from the administration, in a manner that is in violation of district policy.

4. Engage in conduct that is violent. Examples of violent conduct include:

Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so
Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so
Possessing a weapon, displaying what appears to be a weapon, and or threatening to use any object as a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function
Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, school professional, or any other person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson
Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property
Possessing and/or using any explosive or noxious material(s) including but not limited to firecrackers, fireworks, hydrogen sulfide capsules, stink bombs and caps
Anything causing a disruption/dangerous situation.

5. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others. Examples of such conduct include:

Lying to school personnel
Stealing or possession of school property, the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function
Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them
Discrimination, which includes the use of race, color, creed, national origin, ethic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex as a basis for treating another in a negative manner
Harassment and 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 or physical well-being; or (b) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; or (c) reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or (d) occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property. Acts of harassment and bullying shall include, but not be limited to, those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex. For the purposes of this definition the term “threats, intimidation or abuse” shall include verbal and non-verbal actions.
Cyber-bullying, harassment or bullying as defined above which occurs through any form of electronic communication
Inappropriate relationships with students. No student shall engage in sexually harassing behavior, or any other behavior which is of any overly romantic, affectionate, or sexual nature towards each other.
Hazing, which is defined as any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group, organization, club, or team) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.
Selling, using or possessing obscene material
Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing
Smoking or possessing a cigarette, e-cigarettes (vaping), cigar, pipe or possessing or using chewing or smokeless tobacco or synthetic cannabinoid
Possessing, consuming, selling, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either: “Illegal substances” include, but are not limited to, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, ecstasy, look-alike drugs, & any substances commonly referred to as “designer drugs”
Inappropriately possessing, selling, or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs and synthetic cannabinoid products
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner
Initiating a report warning of fire, bomb, or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher
Gambling.

6. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus:

It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on district busses to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving and fighting will not be tolerated.

7. Engage in any form of academic misconduct. Examples of academic misconduct include:

Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work without their permission and passing it off as your own
Cheating: Sharing information during a test, obtaining the questions or answers to a test ahead of time, using any electronic device to transmit information during a quiz, test, or state exam
Copying: Reproducing someone else’s information and using it for a test, quiz or other school assignment
Altering records: Purposely changing the information on school notes or any other school document
Accomplice: Assisting another student in any of the above actions.

Suspensions

1. Suspension from Technology Use

If a student does not follow the guidelines as outlined on the technology “Acceptable Use Policy,” he/she will face disciplinary action. The incident will be brought to the attention of the school level administrators and action will be taken based on the offense. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, disciplinary action may include the following: the loss of privileges to accessing the district’s computer network and other technology resources for a specified period of time, a Superintendent’s Hearing, and/or the involvement of the local or state police.

2. Suspension from School

Suspension from school is 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. All recommendations for suspension and referrals can be made by any staff member and shall be made in writing unless the conditions underlying the recommendation or referral warrant immediate attention. In such cases a written report is to be prepared as soon as possible by the staff member recommending the suspension.

Short-term (5 days or less) suspension from school

When the superintendent or Principal (referred to as the “suspending authority”) proposes to suspend a student charged with misconduct for five days or less pursuant to Education Law §3214(3), the suspending authority must immediately notify the student orally. If the student denies the misconduct, the suspending authority must provide an explanation of the basis for the proposed suspension and notify the student’s parents, in writing, a description of the charges and that the student may be suspended from school. The written notice must be provided within 24 hours of the decision to propose suspension at the last known address for the parents, and by telephone when possible. The notice shall also inform the parents of the right to request an immediate informal conference with the Principal. Both the notice and informal conference shall be in the dominant language or mode of communication used by the parents and will take place before the student is suspended, unless the student’s presence in school poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disruption to the academic process. If the student’s presence does pose such a danger or threat of disruption, the notice and opportunity for an informal conference shall take place as soon after the suspension as is reasonably practicable. After the conference, the Principal shall promptly advise the parents in writing of his or her decision. The Principal shall advise the parents that if they are not satisfied with the decision and wish to pursue the matter, they must file a written appeal to the superintendent within five business days, unless they can show extraordinary circumstances precluding them from doing so. The superintendent shall issue a written decision regarding the appeal within 10 business days of receiving the appeal.

Long-term (more than 5 days) suspension from school

When the superintendent determines that a suspension for more than five days may be warranted, he or she shall give reasonable notice to the student and the student’s parents of their right to a fair hearing. At the hearing the student shall have the right to be represented by counsel, the right to question witnesses against him or her and the right to present witnesses and other evidence on his or her behalf.

The superintendent shall personally hear and determine the proceeding or may, at his or her discretion, designate a hearing officer to conduct the hearing. The hearing officer shall be authorized to administer oaths and to issue subpoenas in conjunction with the proceeding before him or her. A record of the hearing shall be maintained, but no stenographic transcript shall be required. A tape recording shall be deemed a satisfactory record. The hearing officer shall make findings of fact and recommendations as to the appropriate measure of discipline to the superintendent. The report of the hearing officer shall be advisory only, and the superintendent may accept all or any part thereof.

An appeal of the decision of the superintendent may be made to the board that will make its decision based solely upon the record before it. All appeals to the board must be in writing and submitted to the district clerk within 10 business days of the date of the superintendent’s decision, unless the parents can show that extraordinary circumstances precluded them from doing so. The board may adopt in whole or in part the decision of the superintendent.

Sexual Harassment

In alignment with MCSD policy 0110 and 0110- R, these policies are intended to create and preserve an educational and working environment free from unlawful sexual harassment on the basis of sex, gender, and/or sexual orientation in furtherance of the district’s commitment to provide a healthy and productive environment for all students, employees and “non-employees” that promotes respect, dignity and equality.

Sexual Harassment Defined

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is unlawful under federal, state, and (where applicable) local law. Sexual harassment includes harassment on the basis of actual or perceived or self-identified sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender status.

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome conduct which is either of a sexual nature, or which is directed at an individual because of that individual’s sex, gender, or sexual orientation, when:

submission to that conduct or communication is made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of an employee’s or “non-employee’s” employment or a student’s education (including any aspect of the student’s participation in school-sponsored activities, or any other aspect of the student’s education); or
submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting an employee’s or “non-employee’s” employment or a student’s education; or
the conduct or communication has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an employee’s or “non-employee’s” work performance or a student’s academic performance or participation in school-sponsored activities, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment, even if the complaining individual is not the intended target of the sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, or verbal, nonverbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility that is based on actual or perceived gender and sexual stereotypes.

Unacceptable Conduct

School-related conduct that the district considers unacceptable and which may constitute sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following:

rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, forcible sexual abuse, hazing, and other sexual and gender-based activity of a criminal nature as defined under the State Penal Law;
unwelcome sexual advances or invitations or requests for sexual activity, including but not limited to those in exchange for grades, promotions, preferences, favors, selection for extracurricular activities or job assignments, homework, etc., or when accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning the target’s work or school evaluations, other benefits or detriments;
unwelcome or offensive public sexual display of affection, including kissing, hugging, making out, groping, fondling, petting, inappropriate touching of one’s self or others (e.g., pinching, patting, grabbing, poking), sexually suggestive dancing, and massages;
any unwelcome communication that is sexually suggestive, sexually degrading or derogatory or implies sexual motives or intentions, such as sexual remarks or innuendoes about an individual’s clothing, appearance or activities; sexual jokes; sexual gestures; public conversations about sexual activities or exploits; sexual rumors and “ratings lists;” howling, catcalls, and whistles; sexually graphic computer files, messages or games, etc;
unwelcome and offensive name calling or profanity that is sexually suggestive or explicit, sexually degrading or derogatory, implies sexual intentions, or that is based on sexual stereotypes or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression;
unwelcome physical contact or closeness that is sexually suggestive, sexually degrading or derogatory, or sexually intimidating such as the unwelcome touching of another’s body parts, cornering or blocking an individual, standing too close, spanking, pinching, following, stalking, frontal body hugs, etc.;
unwelcome and sexually offensive physical pranks or touching of an individual’s clothing, such as hazing and initiation, “streaking,” “mooning,” “snuggies” or “wedgies” (pulling underwear up at the waist so it goes in between the buttocks), bra-snapping, skirt “flip-ups,” “spiking” (pulling down someone’s pants or swimming suit); pinching; placing hands inside an individual’s pants, shirt, blouse, or dress, etc.;
unwelcome leers, stares, gestures, or slang that are sexually suggestive; sexually degrading or derogatory or imply sexual motives or intentions;
clothing with sexually obscene or sexually explicit slogans or messages;
unwelcome and offensive skits, assemblies, and productions that are sexually suggestive, sexually degrading or derogatory, or that imply sexual motives or intentions, or that are based on sexual stereotypes;
unwelcome written or pictorial display or distribution (including via electronic devices) of pornographic or other sexually explicit materials such as signs, graffiti, calendars, objects, magazines, videos, films, Internet material, etc.;
other hostile actions taken against an individual because of that person’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or transgender status, such as interfering with, destroying or damaging a person’s work or school area or equipment; sabotaging that person’s work or school activities; bullying, yelling, or name calling; or otherwise interfering with that person’s ability to work or participate in school functions and activities; and
any unwelcome behavior based on sexual stereotypes and attitudes that is offensive, degrading, derogatory, intimidating, or demeaning, including, but not limited to:

disparaging remarks, slurs, jokes about or aggression toward an individual because the person displays mannerisms or a style of dress inconsistent with stereotypical characteristics of the person’s sex;
ostracizing or refusing to participate in group activities with an individual during class projects, physical education classes or field trips because of the individual’s sex, gender expression or gender identity;
taunting or teasing an individual because they are participating in an activity not typically associated with the individual’s sex or gender.

For purposes of this regulation, action or conduct shall be considered “unwelcome” if the student, employee or non-employee did not request or invite it and regarded the conduct as undesirable or offensive.

Sexual harassment may occur on school grounds, school buses and at all school-sponsored activities, programs and events, including those that take place at locations outside the district, or outside the school setting if the harassment impacts the individual’s education or employment in a way that violates their legal rights, including when employees or “non-employees” travel on district business, or when the harassment is done by electronic means (including on social media).

*Any updates or revisions to any policies will be sent to each student’s home via school communication (i.e., SNN, School Messenger, mailing, email, etc.). All BOE policies are accessible through the MCSD website.