Prohibited 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. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on educating students so that they may grow in self-discipline.

The Board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the consequences for their conduct.

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
Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building
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.

Engage in Conduct that is Insubordinate

Examples of insubordinate conduct include, but are not limited to:

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 school without permission;
Skipping detention.

Engage in Conduct that is Disruptive

Examples of disruptive conduct include, but are not limited to:

Inappropriate public sexual contact
Display or use of personal electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, I-pods, digital cameras, in a manner that is in violation of

Engage in Conduct that is Violent

Examples of violent conduct include, but are not limited to:

Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a school employee, student, or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so
Possessing 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
Displaying what appears to be a weapon
Threatening to use any weapon
Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson
Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property

Engage in any Conduct that Endangers the Safety, Physical or Mental Health or Welfare of Others

Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:

Subjecting other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function to danger by recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury
Stealing or attempting to steal 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 using race, color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, sex, gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, weight or disability to deny rights, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to others
Harassment, is the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or threats, intimidation or abuse
Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm
Hazing, which includes an induction, initiation or membership process involving harassment (see policy 0115 for a more complete definition)
Sexual Harassment, which includes unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s ability to learn, study, achieve, or participate in school activities. It may result from words or behavior of a sexual nature that offend, stigmatize, demean, frighten or threaten a person because of his or her sex. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: touching and grabbing body parts, sending sexual notes, writing sexual graffiti, spreading sexual rumors, sexting, being forced to do something sexual, sexual assault, or taking pictures of body parts typically considered private (up-skirting and down blousing)
Bullying, which includes the intentional one sided targeting by a student/students of an individual (or group) using physical, verbal, written, and/or psychological aggression with the intent to dominate the This also includes, but is not limited to cyber bullying/harassment which involves the use of information and communication technologies including, but not limited to, e-mails, telephone and text messaging, instant messaging (IM), internet, defamatory online personal polling websites, and sexting to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by a student/students, that is intended to harm others;
Selling, using, distributing or possessing obscene material
Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing or swearing
Smoking or being in possession of a cigarette or e-cigarette, vapor pen, cigar, pipe, chewing/smokeless tobacco or any other form of vaporizer or nicotine is prohibited
Possessing, consuming, selling, offering, manufacturing, distributing or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. “Illegal substances” include, any item that is being used not as intended to alter ones state or that a student under that age of 21 is not permitted to purchase.
Inappropriately possessing, consuming, selling, offering, distributing or exchanging prescription and over-the counter drugs
Gambling
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 or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher

Engage in Misconduct while on a School Bus

It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses, 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. Conduct described in paragraphs A through E (Pages 21 and2 22) and section IX (Page 56) of this section including, but not limited to excessive noise, pushing, shoving and fighting will not be tolerated. Students must remain seated at all times while the bus is moving.

Engage in any form of Academic Misconduct

Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:

Plagiarism
Cheating
Copying
Altering records
Assisting another student in any of the above actions

Respect

Each child shall be RESPECTFUL of all teachers, staff members, students and/or visitors.

RESPECT all school property

Landscaped areas are to be treated with respect;
All materials, books, equipment and furnishings are to be handled with care;
School buildings and grounds are to be kept clean, neat and free from litter and graffiti;
Bathrooms are to be kept clean and neat for all to use.

RESPECT all people, people will respect you

Polite language and courteous behavior is expected at all times. All people are to be treated with respect.

Hallway Safety

Walk quietly following established building rules;
Walk down all steps use hand railings;
Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times;
Close doors quietly;
Close door behind you when entering or exiting the building;
Doors should not be opened by anyone during the day;
Report to your teacher or to the office anyone in the building without and identifying badge.

Dances – Prom – Banquet

Students in kindergarten through Grade 5 may not attend Middle School or High School dances;
Students and belongings are subject to be searched at the Administrator’s discretion;
Grades 6-8 Dances: ONLY Peru students Grades 6, 7 and 8 may attend;
Grades 9-12 Dances: Individuals 18-years or older, who do not attend Peru Junior/Senior High School (Grades 9-12), will not be allowed to attend dances/Prom/Banquet.
Students in Middle School or High School who are suspended from school (OSS) or receive one or more full days of In School Suspension prior to the home coming dance will not be permitted to attend the Home Coming Dance.
High School students will be permitted to attend dances held after the home coming dance provided that they have not had in school or out of school suspension for 5 weeks prior to the dance.
Middle School students will be permitted to attend dances held after the home coming dance provided that they have not had in school or out of school suspension for 2 weeks prior to the dance.

Cafeteria Conduct and Safety

Wait in line in an orderly manner and have money ready
Talk quietly
Pushing, shoving and running are not allowed in the cafeteria line or cafeteria
Follow the posted cafeteria rules
Respect monitors
Beverages should be in unbreakable containers
Stay at tables until finished eating
Obtain permission from monitor before leaving cafeteria
Raise hand for help
Clean up your personal area

Proper Playground Behavior

Equipment (as it applies to specific buildings)
Swings – One at a time, stay seated, jumping off, spinning and/or climbing may result in injury
Slides – One at a time, slide feet first use ladder only for climbing
Seesaws – Stay seated, get off carefully and no one should sit in the middle
Specific Building playground safety guidelines will be sent home by each Building Principal

General Rules

Respect all playground monitors and go to them with problems
Pushing, shoving, fighting, running, wrestling, rock or snowball throwing anywhere on the playground will not be tolerated
No toys or electronic equipment are allowed on the playground
Stay on designated playground inside fenced areas and play away from windows
Respect other students and take turns
Only elementary school children are allowed on playgrounds during school hours
Stay a safe distance from playground equipment while it is being used by others
No flip flops or backless sandals allowed on playground

Engage in Off-Campus Misconduct that Interferes with or can reasonably be

Expected to Substantially Disrupt the Educational Process in the School or a School Function

Such misconduct includes, but is not limited to, threatening or harassing students or school personnel through any means off-campus, including cyberbullying (for a complete definition of harassment, bullying and cyberbullying refer to policy 0115, Student Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Intervention).

Student Protests, Demonstrations and Sit-Ins

The Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools have the authority and responsibility to maintain order and discipline within the District’s schools as is necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the students, to secure the educational environment within the schools, and to protect the real and personal property owned and maintained by the District from damage. While the Board of Education recognizes that students have a constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully during school hours, students are prohibited from engaging in conduct which otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health, or welfare of themselves or others. The Board of Education prohibits students from willfully disrupting the routine and daily schedule of the school or a school-sponsored event by participating in an individual or group activity which has as its purpose the encouragement of noncompliance with an existing school policy, regulation, or administrative decision. In addition, the Board prohibits students as individuals or groups from participating in sit-ins, stand-ins, walk-outs and other similar conduct which disrupts the order and discipline of the school and/or endangers the safety and welfare of themselves and other students in the school.

Drug/Alcohol Abuse

No student shall either attempt to or possess, use, transmit, be under the influence of any of the following substances on school premises during any school term or off school premises at a school-related activity, function, or event:

Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, without regard to amount, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate Barbiturate (MS Students are not permitted to consume caffeinated beverages during the school day. Caffeine pills and pouches are not permitted on school grounds by any students in any grade.)

Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage
Any glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance intended for inhalation (including e or vapor cigarettes). Any other intoxicant, mood-changing, mind-altering drugs and/or over the counter supplements that are meant to enhance performance or rapidly build muscle (either natural or synthetic: for more information refer to the NYS Health Department press release dated 3/29/2012 at: health.ny.gov. Any medication including over the counter drugs is administered by the school nurse and must have the prescription label on it with a note from the doctor regarding dosage and time to be given.

Use

Means a student has smoked, ingested, injected, imbibed, inhaled or otherwise taken internally a prohibited substance recently enough that is detectable by the student’s physical appearance, actions, breath, or speech.

Under the influence

Means a student’s faculties are noticeably impaired, but the student need not be legally intoxicated.

It is the intention of the Peru Central School District to intervene at the earliest stages of student involvement with drug/alcohol use. Any student with an infraction of this drug/alcohol rule will be recommended to intervention services established by the District Drug and Alcohol Policy and Referral Program. Appropriate referrals and parental contact shall be made in any case involving substance misuse. On site referrals to the Champlain Valley Family Services Counselor or referral to other outside agency may be recommended. In addition, law enforcement and other local agencies may be contacted by the administrator/designee as a means of following up on the behaviors related to this section.

Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Use and Special Student Functions

Students under the influence and/or in possession of drugs, and/or alcohol and/or tobacco (including e or vapor cigarettes) at events sponsored by Peru Central School, including but not limited to school dances, athletic events, junior prom, senior banquet and/or class trip, will be immediately removed from the event, have a parental contact made, be subject to further conduct review and in the case of seniors, may not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. The administrator in charge of the event may also request assistance from law enforcement and/or use a drug/alcohol sensor in screening students attending the event.

Prohibited Conduct/Behavior Violations and Levels of Response (List is not All-Inclusive, More Examples Provided in the Code)

Behavior Violation	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Police	Notes
A. Absences (school & class)
1. Failing to attend class without a valid excuse	X	X
2. Persistent or excessive unexcused absences from school (truancy)	X	X
3. Chronic Absenteeism (missing 10% or more of school days, excused or unexcused)	X
B. Academic Dishonesty (including unattributed use of artificial intelligence)
1. Plagiarism, copying another’s work, cheating, altering records or assisting another student in any of the above	X	X
C. Alcohol/THC/Inhalants
1. Use/Possession or Under the Influence		X	X		Reportable on SSEC Report, Item #10 Violations in this category may impact eligibility for extracurricular activities
2. Distributing or selling			X
D. Attack on a Student or Other Individual (Distinguished from fighting, see page for definitions)
1. Unprovoked attack with or without injury by an individual(s)		X	X
E. Bullying, Harassment and/or Discrimination
1. Conduct (including verbal, physical, electronic, or written conduct) that constitutes bullying, harassment or discrimination that is student-on-student or adult-on-student. 2. Conduct of harassment that is student-on-adult	X	X	X		Reportable on SSEC Report, Items #5, #5A, & #5B
F. Bus/School Transportation Violation (All COC expectations are in effect on the bus)
1. Refusing to follow driver/aide directions, profanity, horseplay, improper movement, littering, throwing objects in or out of bus, vandalism (including damage to cameras), rude behavior etc.	X	X
Behavior Violation	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Police	Notes
F. Bus/School Transportation Violation (All COC expectations are in effect on the bus)
2. Impeding operation of school bus, improper use of emergency exits, etc.			X
G. Disruption/Insubordination/Classroom Distraction
1. Disruption to the educational process	X	X
H. Damage to Personal or School Property
1. Damage to property	X	X	X		Restitution is permitted in lieu of suspension; restitution may be in the form of monetary restitution or the student’s assignment to a schoolwork project
I. Driving Recklessly, Speeding, and/or Parking in Unauthorized Areas on School Property
1. Unauthorized driving or unauthorized parking on school property	X	X	X
2. Unsafe speed or actions on school property	X	X	X
J. Electronic Devices
1. Use of electronic devices including cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, etc., when use of said items is prohibited	X	X	X
2. Recording or publishing a fight		X	X
3. Recording or publishing situations that command privacy, such as dressing or dressing, use of bathrooms, etc.		X	X
K. Entering/Leaving a Class Without Permission
1. Entering or leaving a class without permission	X	X
L. False Activation of Fire Alarm
1. Intentional and unwarranted activation of fire alarm			X		If the fire alarm is activated the fire department must be notified SSEC reportable Offense #8
M. Fighting
1. Fighting with or without serious bodily injury	X	X	X
N. Illegal Drugs/Unauthorized Prescription Drugs
1. Use, possession or being under the influence			X		Reportable on SSEC Report, Item #9 School staff will refer students to appropriate substance abuse counseling.
2. Distributing or selling			X
O. Nicotine
1. The use and/or possession of e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and/or any other products that may typically contain nicotine but can be utilized for other prohibited or illegal drugs		X	X
2. Traditional cigarette products containing tobacco	X	X	X
P. Sexually Based Offenses (May also be Title IX violation and/ or DASA violation)
1. Sexual Harassment (physical, verbal, or non-verbal)	X	X	X		School staff are required to refer students for appropriate counseling. Possession and/or transmission of child pornography is subject to prosecution and must be reported to police.
2. Sexual activity, sexual misconduct, or sexual assault		X	X
3. Creation or Transmission of Child Pornography			X
Q. Tardiness
1. Persistently being late to school or class	X	X
R. Technology Acceptable Use Policy
1. Violation of the Peru Central School District’s Acceptable Use Policy	X	X
S. Theft/Stealing
1. Theft	X	X	X
T. Threat (other than bomb threat or false alarm)
1. Verbal or written threat		X	X		Reportable on SSEC Report, Item #6
U. Trespassing
1. Entering Peru Central School District property when prohibited from doing so or remaining on school grounds after receiving a request to depart	X	X	X
V. Vandalism/Graffiti/ Intentional Destruction of School Property
1. Willful or malicious damage to school grounds, buildings, furnishing or equipment	X	X	X
W. Weapons, Firearms, Explosives
1. Possession of a weapon	X	X	X		See full code for definitions

Violation	1^st Offense	2^nd Offense	3^rd Offense	4^th Offense	5^th Offense
Ecig, Vape Pen, Tobacco (Option 1)	3 days ISS and referral to prevention counselor	3 days ISS and referral to prevention counselor	3 or more offenses: 5 days ISS and referral to prevention counselor	N/A	N/A
Ecig, Vape Pen, Tobacco (Option 2)	1 day ISS, referral to prevention counselor, voluntary random searches	1 Day ISS, referral to prevention counselor, voluntary random searches and no bathroom passes- nurse’s office will be used	3 days ISS, referral to prevention counselor, voluntary random searches, no bathroom passes-nurse’s office will be used, and student does not travel between periods with other students (leaves 3 minutes after other students)	N/A	N/A
Minor Electronic Device Violation High School	Electronic device turned into office, student will receive a warning, student picks electronic device up at end of the day	Electronic device turned into office, student will be assigned lunch ISS and Detention, student picks electronic device up at end of the day	Electronic device turned into office, student serves 5-days lunch ISS, 5-days detention and device is picked up by parent	Electronic device is turned into office, student will be assigned 4 days of in-School Suspension (Periods 1-10). Parent will pick up device.	Electronic devices are confiscated and picked up by parents. Students are suspended out of school for the remainder of the day and the following school day.
Minor Electronic Device Violation Middle School	Electronic device turned into office, student will receive a warning, student picks electronic device up at end of the day	Electronic device turned into office, student will be assigned lunch ISS and Detention. Student picks electronic device up at tend of the day	Electronic device turned into office. Student serves 3 days lunch ISS and device is picked up by parent	Electronic deice turned into office. Student assigned 3 days after school detention. Parent will pick up device.	Electronic device is confiscated and picked up by parent. Student serves 5 days of both lunch ISS and after school detention.
Middle/ High School Students Riding on Elementary Busses	Warning	Lunch ISS	Lunch ISS & Detention	Full- day ISS	N/A
Violation of Driving Privileges	Privileges revoked for 2-weeks	Privileges revoked until the end of the semester or 3-weeks, whichever is longer	Privileges revoked for the remainder of the school year	N/A	N/A
Late Arrival/ Early Dismissal	Warning	Lunch ISS	Lunch ISS & Detention	Full-day ISS