Wyckoff Public Schools Wyckoff, New Jersey 07481

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT

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PURPOSE The purpose of this handbook is to have a written set of guidelines for students, parents, administrators and the Board of Education which clearly outlines those student expectations, behaviors, consequences, and responsibilities which will direct and guide our students. This should help students achieve the ultimate goals of self-discipline, respect for others, and understanding of the value in following rules.

PHILOSOPHY For learning to take place, a school climate must exist that promotes a commitment to maintain and sustain high educational standards and the development of appropriate attitudes and behaviors. Specific student behaviors and attitudes have a direct, positive effect upon the overall school environment.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES ALL SCHOOL AREAS: • Follow directions.

• Keep hallways clean and quiet.

• Walk on the right side of the hallway.

• Cooperate in keeping our school free from vandalism.

• Be respectful to all adults, peers and self.

• Use appropriate / acceptable language.

• Take proper care of all school materials, equipment and property.

• Gum chewing is prohibited in school. AS A LEARNER: • Do your personal best each day.

• Follow all classroom rules, which are posted in each class.

• Raise your hand when wishing to speak.

• Be organized and prepared for class each day.

• Listen and follow directions.

• Be an active participant.

• Complete quality assignments on time.

• Do not present or submit work that is not your own.

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BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL • Respect teachers supervising line up.

• Listen to Safety Patrol monitors.

• Arrive no earlier than 8:35am, as there is no supervision before this time.

• Observe proper safety procedures: walking, no ball playing, no bike riding on school property, no recess-type activities, etc.

• Report to designated lines, enter school silently and go directly to class.

LAVATORY • Receive permission from a supervising adult to use lavatory.

• Keep lavatory area clean and free of vandalism.

• Observe good health habits.

• Notify an adult if there is a problem.

• Return to class as soon as possible.

• Use quiet voices.

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LUNCHROOM • Respect teachers supervising lunchroom.

• Remain seated at all times.

• Line up for lunch in a quiet and orderly manner.

• Receive permission to leave table or lunchroom when necessary.

• Observe proper table manners.

• Keep table and floor areas clean.

• Place all trash in large plastic containers.

• Do not share or trade food.

• Use an indoor voice level. MIDDAY FITNESS • Dress appropriately for the weather.

• Line up quietly and orderly (running creates safety problems).

• Be respectful to supervising adults and peers.

• Remain in play areas designated for your specific grade level.

• Follow all safety rules.

• Return all equipment to the designated area.

• Do not enter the building without permission.

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ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS • Enter the gym quietly, in an orderly fashion and remain seated.

• Raise your hand to be excused if necessary.

• Leave the gym quietly and in an orderly fashion by grade level.

• Applaud politely; do not whistle or yell. FIELD TRIPS • Follow all safety rules established by both the bus driver and

classroom teachers.

• Remain in designated seat.

• Keep noise at a level where it does not interfere with the safe operation of the bus.

• Listen carefully to the directions of all supervising adults.

• Be respectful in the place you are visiting.

• Wear seatbelts when directed.

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BULLYING, HARASSMENT OR INTIMIDATION Wyckoff Board of Education policy #5131 prohibits acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying against any pupils. Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It occurs when someone keeps hurting, frightening or leaving someone out intentionally. Bullying always involves an imbalance of power that is not necessarily based on physical size. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action, possibly resulting in detention, suspension or notification to the Wyckoff Police Department.

BICYCLE USE • New Jersey state law requires that students under 17 years

of age wear helmets.

• Students must walk their bicycles on school property.

• The Wyckoff Police Department recommends that only 4th and 5th grade students ride their bikes to school.

• Students should lock their bicycles in the racks.

• The Wyckoff Board of Education is not responsible for damage or theft of bicycles.

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COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET: STUDENT RESPONSBILITIES

• It is expected that students will comply with the specific

rules set forth below.

• Students are responsible for appropriate behavior when using the school’s computer network.

• The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be taken away if abused.

• The student is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school’s computer resources.

COMPUTERS AND THE INTERNET: GENERAL RULES

1. I will not damage or disrupt hardware, the network or

system performance in any way (for example: changing settings, backgrounds or preferences).

2. I will not install any software without teacher guidance. 3. I will not use the computer network to hurt others. 4. I will not share my password with anyone, or use an

account that belongs to another student. 5. I will not open or change someone else’s folders, work,

or files. 6. I will not violate copyright laws. 7. I will not view, send or display inappropriate messages

or pictures. 8. I will not waste limited resources such as disk space, ink

or paper.

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9. I will notify an adult immediately if I encounter inappropriate materials.

10. I will not use technology in the school if a supervisor is not present.

iBOOK RULES

1. Handle iBook with care. This is an expensive piece of equipment.

2. Only the teacher will take the iBook out of the cart and put it back in the cart.

3. While moving in the room, hold the iBook with two hands and have the lid down.

4. Inspect the iBook carefully, and report any damage immediately to your teacher. You are responsible for the iBook when it is in your possession. Students who do not follow the rules above may be subject to any or all of the following disciplinary actions:

• Payment of damages

• Loss of computer / internet privileges

• Detention

• Warning / parent notifications

• Suspension 5. Don’t turn the computer off when done. Your teacher will ensure that

it is in sleep-mode when it is put back in the cart.

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CONSEQUENCES The student will adhere to an established set of consequences if the need arises. The sequence below will generally be followed in the event of a disciplinary infraction displayed by a student. However, certain infractions could result in an automatic detention or suspension. 1. Warning 2. Teacher Detention 3. Office referral 4. Administrative Detention 5. Suspension

ELECTRONIC DEVICES If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must remain turned off and in his/her backpack. Cell phones will be taken away from those students who do not follow this rule. In these situations, parents will be notified before the phone is returned. Disciplinary measures will be enforced for repeated non-compliance. Students may use their cell phones outside of the school building after dismissal. In the case of an emergency, parents should contact the main office if they need to speak with their child.

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DRESS CODE According to Wyckoff Board of Education policy #5511, the Board of Education recognizes that it is necessary for students to come to school wearing appropriate attire and to come to school clean and well groomed in their appearance. General Rules: 1. In order to maintain a positive learning environment, it is

necessary for students to come to school wearing appropriate attire and to be clean and well groomed in their appearance.

2. Pupils are expected to avoid extremes in appearance that are so disruptive or distracting that the reaction of other pupils is beyond normal control.

3. Dress or grooming that presents a hazard to the health or safety of the student or others is prohibited.

4. Dress or grooming that prevents the student from achieving his or her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement is prohibited.

5. These dress provisions also apply to school sponsored events such as concerts, dances, after school programs, and field trips. The principal may waive application of the dress code on a day especially scheduled for pupils’ free expression in dress or for a special event.

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The following garments and articles are examples of prohibited clothing in the school and at school-sponsored events:

1. Tight/low cut shorts, pajama bottoms, short shorts and mini

skirts (mid thigh length), exposed undergarments, off the shoulder straps.

2. Bare midriff shirts, halter-tops, spaghetti strap shirts or dresses, fishnet shirts, backless tops.

3. Clothing that has an unacceptable message, offensive language, or includes graphics that are suggestively obscene or depict an illegal substance.

4. Footwear is required, however beach thongs, flip-flops, slippers, sneakers with wheels or cleated shoes are unsafe in the school environment and are not permitted.

5. Hats, caps, and other headwear shall not be worn inside the school building except for religious reasons.

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PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING INAPPROPRIATE STUDENT BEHAVIOR

To assure effective reinforcement of positive student attitude, behavior and responsibility, parent and school cooperation is essential. Parents are expected to provide support in matters of discipline and should consider a call from the school serious. Usually teacher or administrator contact will be made only after prior attempts to correct the inappropriate conduct have been unsuccessful. When an infraction occurs, the problem will be discussed with the student, by the teacher and/or principal, in a positive atmosphere that enables the student to explain his or her side of the situation. Whenever possible, the discussion will be held in private. An effort will be made to counsel the student as to alternate strategies/behaviors that could have been used in this situation. If a decision is made to remove specific privileges, efforts will be made to be fair, appropriate, and consistent.

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STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

It is understood that the Wyckoff staff will make every effort to administer the policies regarding student discipline in a just and fair manner. All facts will be thoroughly researched before being presented for a decision. In the event disciplinary action is taken, which a student feels is unwarranted, the following appeal procedure may be followed: Step 1 A student may request, within five days of being informed of the action, to meet with his/her teacher(s) during his/her conference period to review the situation. Step 2 If the concern is not resolved at Step 1, the student (within five school days) may request a meeting with the principal to review the facts and the disciplinary action taken. Step 3 If the concern is not resolved at Step 2, the student (within five school days) may request a meeting to be attended by his/her parents and the principal to review the facts and the disciplinary action taken.

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Step 4 If the concern is not resolved at Step 3, the student within five school days of the principal’s decision may contact the superintendent to present his/her grievance. The grievance will be processed according to Board of Education policy.

RECOGNIZING OUTSTANDING STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students who exhibit outstanding, consistent, and positive behavior shall receive recognition. The understanding is that following a proper code of behavior will become its own reward in the future. Our staff believes that recognition of appropriate behavior reinforces a more positive attitude toward responsible behavior. The following list represents general examples of recognition that might be utilized:

• Verbal praise, stickers, certificates, prizes, etc.

• Phone calls or note home to parent / guardian.

• Various awards throughout the year presented at school assemblies.