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Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Conduct
Personal Property
Daily Schedule and Attendance
Excused Absences
Unexcused Absences
School Functions
Early Dismissal
Health Services
Meal Service
Parking
Student Dress Code
Extracurricular Activities
Visitors
Search and Seizure
Electronic Devices
Alternative Learning Program Discipline Guidelines
Prohibited Student Conduct
Range of Consequences for Violation of the Code of Conduct
Points Behavior Incentive Program
Students' Rights
and Responsibilities
Conduct
Appropriate behavior is expected of all students
while they are on school grounds and while they are on
school-sponsored trips. Inappropriate behavior will not be
tolerated. The school’s Discipline Guidelines outlines specific
consequences for infractions and ensures consistency in the
application of consequences.
Students at the Page Avenue School includes those in the
Alternative Learning Program (ALP); Select Studies Instructional
Program and tutoring. All students are expected to adhere to the
Page Avenue Code of Conduct and the Cohoes City School District
Code of Conduct. All students may participate in school and
grade functions (dances, proms, sporting events, etc.) at the
middle or high school unless a prior disciplinary action
prohibits their attendance.
Students at the Page Avenue School are expected to:
Navigate the school building safely by walking (not running) and
keeping hands, feet and objects to themselves.
Use appropriate voice tone and respectful language that does not
include swearing, putting others down or making rude comments or
threats.
Treat the school facility, equipment and materials carefully and
respectfully and only for the purpose they are intended.
Treat each other and each other’s property with respect and
consideration.
Comply with the reasonable directions of staff the first time
without argument.
Arrive to school on time and attend regularly.
Behave in a way that is safe, non-violent and legal at all
times.
Be trustworthy.
Adhere to the school dress code.
Actively participate in the learning process and complete
assignments.
Help each other.
Personal Property
The school is not responsible for loss or damage
to students’ personal property. Furthermore, the school has the
right to confiscate any personal items that are a distraction to
the educational process, illegal, inappropriate or are being
used as an unearned privilege. All lockers, desks and other
storage places may be subject to inspection by school officials
As per district policy, students may be subject to searches of
their possessions when reasonable individual suspicion exists.
Daily
Schedule and Attendance
New York State law and Board of Education policy
require students to attend school regularly for the entire time
school is in session (180 days). Research concludes that poor
attendance negatively impacts students’ performance in school.
Students are responsible to check the program schedule and to
report to their classes on time and to leave only when
dismissed, unless prior permission is obtained for a schedule
change. The school will discuss attendance concerns with
parents/guardians on a regular basis. If a student accumulates
15 or more absences, the Principal sends a formal notice home.
If attendance does not improve, additional action includes, but
is not limited to the following: detention, Administrative
Conference, home visit by School Attendance Officer, PINS
(Person In Need of Supervision) petition filed with the Albany
County Probation Department and contact made with the CPS (Child
Protective Services).
Parents or guardians are required to call the school at
237-0990, Ext. 6224 or 6223 by 8 a.m. if their child is going to
be absent. If the school is not contacted, staff will call the
home of each absent student. New York State Education law
requires a written statement signed by the parent or legal
guardian stating the reason for each absence. Students are
reminded that class participation is part of each course grade.
If students are not in class, they cannot learn and their
overall grades will be affected negatively.
Excused Absences
An absence, tardy or early departure from school
may be recorded as an excused absence only for the following
reasons:
Personal illness/medical necessity
Death in family
Religious observance
Weather
Legal and/or court matters directly involving the student
School-sponsored activities for which the student has permission
to participate
Students may not leave school for health-related concerns unless
released by the school nurse or a staff member acting on the
nurse’s behalf.
Unexcused
Absences
Absences, including tardiness and early
departures, which are not specifically excused, shall be
considered unexcused. It is expected that students who have
unexcused absences must make up missed class work and homework.
It is expected that all schoolwork missed due to absences will
be completed. Teachers may request students to remain after
school to make up assignments. Make up work takes precedence
over other school activities. Students who know in advance that
they will be absent should notify teachers at least three days
prior to the absence and make arrangements for assignments.
If a student will be absent for two or more days, the parent or
guardians should call the school at least one day in advance to
make arrangements to pick up assignments.
School Functions
Students may not attend an after-school function
on a day on which s/he has been absent or assigned out-of-school
suspension. All school district policies and codes of conduct
apply for the duration of the activity and while the students is
on school property. If a student fails to comply, s/he will be
asked to leave. If s/he refuses to honor the request, the police
will be summoned to ensure compliance.
Please refer to the Cohoes Middle School and Cohoes High School
Code of Conduct for the eligibility requirements and
expectations for specific events and activities.
Early Dismissal
Doctor appointments, family trips, motor vehicle
tests, job interviews, etc. should be scheduled before or after
school hours whenever possible. If students must leave during
the school day one of the following procedures must be followed:
The students' parent or guardian comes to the school office to
sign out the student.
The student brings a dismissal note signed by the parent or
guardian. The note must include the time, date and purpose of
dismissal, parent signature and a phone number where the parent
may be contacted.
The student's parent or guardian phones the school office to
request the dismissal. A school official will call to confirm
parent contact.
Students with early dismissal must leave the school grounds
promptly upon release.
Health Services
School nursing services are available each day.
Please refer to the Code of Conduct for a description of
medication policy, vaccination schedules and health-related
release from school.
Meal Service
Lunch and breakfast is served daily. A variety
of hot and cold options are available. Students may also bring
lunches to school if they choose. Refrigerators and microwave
cooking are available.
Parking
Parking spaces available for students of Page
Avenue School are limited. Students must obtain a parking permit
and use the designated student-parking area.
Students are not permitted to park in front of
the main doors, in any spot designated for visitors, or in any
spot designated for church use. Students are to use their
vehicles responsibly, i.e., drive at a safe speed, not rev the
engine, play radios quietly, etc. If students provide rides for
other students, drivers as well as passengers are still
responsible for getting to school on time.
Student Dress
Code
All students are expected to give proper
attention to personal cleanliness and to come to school dressed
appropriately for a school environment. Students' clothing must
be safe, appropriate and must not disrupt or distract the
educational process. Abbreviated clothing such as net shirts,
short-shirts, tube tops, halter tops, plunging necklines (front
or back), deep sidelines and see-through garments are not
appropriate for school. Clothing must entirely cover underwear.
Shirts and blouses must meet or overlap waistbands, or be tucked
into the waistband. Safe footwear must be worn at all times.
Clothing that includes writing or pictures that promotes the use
of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances is not allowed.
Clothing that includes writing or pictures that are vulgar,
obscene, sexual in nature or puts down any one race, color,
creed, religion, sexual orientation or disability is not
allowed. Students may not wear their coats inside the building.
The wearing of hats is not permitted in the classroom except for
medical or religious purposes.
The building principal will give students the option of
replacing offending clothing, covering it up or removing it, if
practical, or wearing a temporary substitute loaned by the
school. Any student who refuses to comply will be subject to the
continuum of disciplinary procedures.
Extracurricular Activities
Students of the Page Avenue School are eligible
for all district-wide extracurricular activities (i.e., sports,
dances and clubs) providing they follow the standard guidelines
of participation applicable to all students (see Code of
Conduct) and have not been suspended from any school in the
district.
Visitors
All visitors must report to the sign-in desk on
the main floor and sign out before they leave the building.
Visitors may not enter the classroom areas without first being
cleared by a school administrator. Visitors will carry a Page
Avenue School pass while they are in the building. Students who
wish to have guests must secure permission from the school
administrator at least two days prior to the date of the visit.
Search and
Seizure
School authorities have a responsibility and a
corresponding power to protect students entrusted to their
charge. Therefore, when a reasonable cause exists, the principal
or the director may conduct general or individual searches.
Items that are illegal or that are used to disrupt or interfere
with the educational process will be removed. See Item XII of
the Cohoes City School District Code of Conduct for a detailed
explanation.
Electronic
Devices
(Cell phones, iPods, CD players, camera phones,
etc.)
Cell phones should be turned off and are to
remain out of sight. Students are not to take pictures during
school time with either a cell phone, digital or any other type
of camera unless it is with the express permission of staff for
school purposes.
Electronic "stunners" that can emit an electric shock to people
are not allowed in the building or on school property. If a
student is caught in possession of one of these devices, the
parent or guardian will be summoned to come to the school, to
collect the item. The student in possession will be subject to
an immediate disciplinary consequence.
Music devices such as MP3 players, CD players, etc. must be kept
in a locker or storage place and not used in the classroom
without the express permission of the classroom teacher.
Classroom phones are for teacher use only. A student who wishes
to make a phone call must request permission from a teacher or
administrator. Students must have a pass to leave the classroom.
Alternative Learning Program Discipline Guidelines
All Page Avenue students are expected to adhere
to the Cohoes City School District Code of Conduct and are
subject to the same consequences for infringement. In addition,
the Cohoes Middle School Code of Conduct applies to Alternative
Learning Program students and the Cohoes High School Code of
Conduct applies to the Select Studies and Tutored students.
Consequences for inappropriate behavior or noncompliance with
school and school district rules occur on a continuum. Students
will always have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and
to correct their actions. First offenses are treated more
leniently than subsequent infractions. However, if a student's
noncompliance becomes chronic, there is an increasing level or
consequences up to and including possible removal fro Page
Avenue School. Staff recognizes individual student needs and
circumstances and takes these into consideration when issuing
consequences. But all students must be aware or and responsible
for their actions. The follow list defines the possible range of
consequences for unacceptable conduct.
Loss of Privileges – Students earn points and privileges for
responsible behavior, academic effort and progress toward
personal goals. When a student breaks school or district rules
of conduct, s/he will lose points and/or privileges. These may
be earned back once restitution is made and with subsequent
acceptable conduct.
Regroup & Return (R & R) – If a student's conduct becomes
disruptive to the learning environment, s/he needs an
opportunity to regroup and find acceptable ways to resolve
his/her issues and manage them appropriately. The student is
assigned an alternate setting in which to continue learning. The
student is given the opportunity to evaluate behavioral choices
and options before the end of the school day. The student may
return to the classroom or activity s/he left as soon as s/he
and the teacher feel s/he is ready to participate appropriately.
Privileges are suspended while a student is in the R&R process.
Detention – The purpose of detention is to make up missed
instructional time. Unless otherwise noted, all detentions are
one hour long and begin when regular school is dismissed. The
student loses all privileges until s/he serves the detention and
missed assignments are completed.
Administrator Conference – Repeated disrespectful, hurtful or
disruptive behavior prevents students from learning and is taken
very seriously. Students whose infractions reach the level of
Administrator Conference are required to write a corrective
action plan (C.A.P.) that must be approved by the administrator
and his/her parent. The student must make up all missed
instruction time.
Suspension – Suspension may be used to remove a student who
demonstrates that s/he cannot control seriously disruptive
behavior, who present a danger to self or others, or who has
broken a law that requires police action. As part of a
suspension consequence, when and if the student returns to
school, suspended student also has the opportunity to attend an
after school R & R session for each day of his/her suspension.
If the student attends, he/she does not have to serve detention
upon his/her return if s/he has completed assignments. If
students do not attend the R & R sessions, the suspension will
count as an unexcused absence.
A student who is suspended may not enter the school building or
school grounds except to attend R & R sessions at a prearranged
tie, or unless specifically arranged by agreement with an
administrator.
Prohibited Student Conduct*
*Applies to all students attending any Page
Avenue School Program
Assault – Any physical attack upon another person is an assault.
Consequences for such behavior result in Out of School
Suspension, Principal’s or Superintendent’s hearing and possible
referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Assault on a
staff member is a serious offense that will result in immediate
suspension and referral to the appropriate law enforcement
agency.
Dangerous Items or Substances – Harmful or potentially harmful
items such as weapons, firearms, knives, explosive substances or
devices, fireworks or sharp items not being used under
supervision for a school purpose, are prohibited on school
property.
Drugs/Alcohol – Students may not appear in school or at school
functions under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The sale, use
or possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol is
forbidden on school property. Consequences for this behavior
range from out of School suspension to a Superintendent’s
Hearing. Infractions will be reported to legal authorities.
Hazing - Any action taken or situation created, intentionally,
to produce mental or physical discomfort; embarrassment,
harassment or ridicule is considered hazing. Hazing is
prohibited at school and will result in a range of consequences
from Administrative Hearing to Superintendent's Hearing.
Sexual Harassment – It is the policy of the Cohoes City School
District to maintain a learning environment in which sexual
harassment, of any nature, is not tolerated. Sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature is not tolerated. Any student who experiences
sexual harassment should report the incident directly to the
building Principal or program Director.
Bullying – Acts of bullying will not be tolerated. All students
have the right to feel safe in school. School staff will model
and encourage a climate of respect. Students should not tolerate
bullying. They need to inform a teacher, administrator or other
trusted adult if they are being bullied. Prompt action will be
taken in a manner that is sensitive to their concerns. Every
effort will be made to counsel both bullies and their victims in
effective and appropriate ways to prevent and handle bullying.
Definition of Bulllying – Bullying is intentional repeated
behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Bullying is an action that hurts, frightens or upsets someone
else. There are three main types of bullying:
Verbal name-calling, teasing insulting, writing unkind notes,
threatening
Physical hitting, kicking, punching, pinching, any unwanted
physical contact that inflicts pain or embarrassment, taking or
hiding belongings, damaging property
Emotional being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, spreading
rumors, giving looks, gesturing
Smoking – As per state and federal regulations, no person is
allowed to smoke anywhere on school property. In addition,
smoking is prohibited on church property or near church
buildings. These boundaries will be clearly defined for all
students. Possession of matches and lighters or any tobacco
product is not permitted in the school building or on school
property. Failure to adhere to the designated boundaries will
result in disciplinary action that may include suspension.
Language – Appropriate and respectful language is expected at
all times, including during off-campus trips and social
activities. Obscene or offensive language will receive immediate
and strict consequences.
Consequences for Infractions
Students in the Alternative Learning Program
earn points and privileges for positive behavior. Privileges may
be lost when negative points accumulate for unacceptable
behavior. Lost instructional time resulting from disruptive or
non-compliant behavior must be made up within a reasonable
period of time, as established by administrators and teachers.
The Alternative Learning Program follows a Behavior Incentive
Program similar to the White Card Program offered at Cohoes
Middle School (see “Behavior Incentive Points Program”). Point
accumulation affects students’ eligibility to attend functions
(i.e. field trips, dances, extra-curricular activities and
assemblies).
Unless otherwise described in this handbook, ALP students are
expected to adhere to the Cohoes Middle School Code of Conduct,
and Select Studies students are expected to adhere to the Cohoes
High School Code of Conduct. All students and parents will be
provided with copies of the Codes of Conduct applicable for
their grade level.
Range of Consequences for Violation of the Code of Conduct
1. oral warning – any member of the District
staff
2. written warning – any building or District staff member
3. Notification to Parent – teachers, administrator, office
staff, school nurse, counselor, social worker
4. lunch detention – teacher, building administrator
5. teacher detention – classroom teacher
6. after-school detention (after the school day) – teacher,
building administrator
7. suspension of privileges and/or restricted activities –
teacher, building administrator
8. suspension from athletics, extra-curricular or social
activities – administrator, coaches, advisors
9. removal from classroom – teachers, administrators
10. short-term suspension from school (5 days or less) –
building administrator, Superintendent and Board of Education
11. long-term suspension from school (more than 5 days) –
Superintendent and Board of Education
12. permanent suspension from school – Superintendent and Board
of Education
Points Behavior Incentive Program
As a method of rewarding students who
consistently follow school rules and demonstrate appropriate
behavior, ALP students earn positive points that earn certain
privileges during the school day. We recognize that students
occasionally make mistakes or use bad judgment. These instances
earn negative points. Students with more positive than negative
points each such privileges as breaks, computer time, outside
lunch time, music time, choice of places to complete
assignments, money points to buy juice and snacks and other
incentives. Students who earn more negative than positive points
lose privileges. Students with excessive amounts of negative
points also lose the right to participate in any or all
school/district-related activities.
Students have the option to make restitution for negative points
through extended positive behavior, extra credit academic work
or service projects as agreed upon with teachers, administrators
and parents.
*Consequences for behavior
A-Level Offences=1 point each Restricted lunch and/or teacher
detention
Disorderly conduct
Hallway and foyer
Inappropriate noise
Inappropriate language
Computer/electronic misuse
Dress code violation
Misuse of school property
B-Level Offences=2 points each Written referral, and
after-school detention
Insubordination
Disrespect of staff
Disrespect of student
Failure to comply with reasonable request
Tardiness
Truancy
Leaving school building/grounds without permission
Failure to serve detention
C-Level Offences=3 points each Written referral,
administrator/parent conference, corrective action plan
Chronic disrespect of staff
Bullying
Refusal to follow direction of teachers or staff
Refusal to participate in class assignment
Rude, vulgar, hurtful language or gestures
Loud or inappropriate voice tone
Any act that disrupts the normal operation of the classroom or
school
*In cases of repeated referrals for similar behaviors, the
school Administrator may determine an appropriate additional
consequence
Suspension = 5 points Administrative hearing, Parent conference
and behavior contract
Violent conduct
Illegal conduct
Damaging conduct
Menacing conduct
Attempting or committing a physical act of violence upon a
teacher, student or school employee
Possession of a weapon
Displaying what appears to be a weapon
Threatening to use a weapon
Intentionally damaging school property
Intentionally damaging personal property of others
Possession of an illegal substance
1. Accumulating 5 negatives points results in a phone call to
parent(s) and loss of privilege(s).
2. Accumulating 10 negative points results in a phone call to
parent(s), loss of privileges including school events (field
trips, dances, assemblies, internship) and a written referral.
3. Accumulating 20 negative points results in an
administrator/parent conference and a behavior contract.
4. Accumulating 25 or more negative points results in loss of
all privileges for the remainder of the year including
participation in eighth-grade promotion and all school-related
activities. The privilege to reduce points is also lost.
Earning Back Points
Each day that ends with more positive than negative
points=1point reduced
Serve detention = 1 point reduced
Service project = 1 point reduced
Make up assignments missed from suspension = 2 points reduced
After-school project (as approved by teacher and administrator)
= 3 points reduced
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