POLICY ON STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

Rules that govern the behavioral limits of a student body and that authorize teachers and administrators to enforce these rules must be based upon a sound philosophy of education.  The philosophy of the Chicopee School System clearly emphasizes that the goal of education is to help each young person to acquire the understandings, skills, ideals, and values necessary to achieve his highest potential.  The community of Chicopee strongly supports the ideals of personal responsibility and integrity, self-discipline and reliability.

The end result of rules and regulations based upon a sound philosophy should be an educational environment conducive to learning, respect and courtesy in all relationships, and the development of habits that lead to good citizenship.  The educational climate should be positive, secure, and consistent with self discipline as the key word.

Teachers and administrators are delegated the authority to enforce rules that insure order and safety.  Student rights and responsibilities are protected by law and due process.  While infractions of rules require certain action, every effort must be made to modify unacceptable behavior by using supportive services such as counselors and community agencies.  In an atmosphere consistent with good learning, there must be a cooperative spirit among administrators, teachers, students and parents.  While administrators must ultimately be responsible, it is important that everyone involved understand his or her role, specifically:

Students 

Many of the most important lessons in life are learned at home.  These lessons must be remembered and practiced in school.

The exercise of self-discipline and self-direction reflects good home training and is a source of pride to parents.  Besides this, it offers encouragement to teachers to do their utmost for students both in the classroom and out.

Each student has a different capacity for learning.  Each individual has his particular talents.  Time spent by the teacher dealing with improper behavior reduces the time available for teaching.

• To get the most out of school, the student must do the following:
• Strive to do his best work at all times.
• Be prepared at all times with books and school supplies.
• Be regular in attendance and arrive on time at school and to every class.
• Obey school rules and regulations.
• Comply with the authority of the teacher and the principal.
• Respect the rights of fellow students.
• Refrain from activity that endangers his safety and the safety of others.
• Respect school and property.
• Dress simply, neatly and in good taste.
• Avoid use of improper language.       
• Guard his own reputation, as well as the school’s, by proper
• conduct on the way to and returning from school.
• Accept the consequences for any wrong act he may commit.         
• Give an honest account of his school progress and activities to parents.
• Respect all school personnel.

Administration

All administrators have the obligation to:

• Encourage and oversee a quality academic environment;
• Expedite the entire educational process and foster cooperation;
• Insure the integrity and dignity of all those involved;
• Support and reinforce professional judgment;
• Deal with legal issues.

Faculty 

All teachers should strive to:

• Create a challenging yet supportive climate;
• Communicate school and personal expectations;
• Maintain a safe and secure environment;
• Use discretion based upon student needs and the specific situation and take appropriate courses of action;
• Refer legal violations directly to the administration;
• Reflect that authority is vested in reason as well as in role.

Community

Citizens and organizations should make very effort to:

• Communicate their requirements and offer reasonable objectives;
• Become familiar with and support the school in its goals and processes;
• Provide appropriate resources.

Parent/Guardian

Those who are closest to the student should have the determination to:

• Insure that the interest of parent and school be mutual;
• Support compliance with the “Rules Governing Student Conduct”;
• Establish a cooperative spirit in working with students and with school.

Consistent with these rules, teachers are responsible for establishing and communicating standards of conduct within the classroom that are compatible with district policy and practices within each school.  Teachers have the authority to enforce rules in order to promote a productive learning environment, to maintain order and to ensure safety.  Issues warranting attention beyond the options open to individual teachers shall be referred promptly to the building Administration.