INTRODUCTION

This Student Code of Conduct applies to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any sponsored activity or whose conduct at any time or place has a direct and immediate effect on maintaining order and discipline in the school or maintaining the safety and welfare of the students and staff.

The goal of the Student Code of Conduct is to provide clear and concise parameters for student conduct and discipline. The intent is to establish an atmosphere for discipline which creates support for positive personal growth and achievement. The school is firmly committed to implementing the Student Code of Conduct in a fair, unbiased manner.

The Principal will ensure that the Student Code of Conduct is distributed to each student at the beginning of the school year and to any and all incoming students throughout the year. The Student Code of Conduct is to be reviewed by the classroom/homeroom teacher during the month of September, and the expectations for student conduct are to be clearly posted in each classroom.

The Student Code of Conduct and expectations for student behavior should be reviewed with parents. Parents are encouraged to reinforce the Student Code of Conduct with their child.

STUDENT RIGHTS

An effective, instructional program requires an orderly school environment, and the effectiveness of the educational program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of pupils. Such an environment must include respect for self and others, as well as for school and community property.

• Students have the right to receive an education which allows for maximum personal growth and prepares them to be productive members of our society.

• Students have the right to participate in all aspects of school-regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or a handicapping condition.

• Students have the right to express their opinion and to receive respect from their teachers, administrators, and classmates.

• Students have the right to a safe, comfortable and orderly school environment. They have the right to expect that their personal property will be safe.

• Students have the right to due process in suspensions and expulsions. They have the right to present information and a written statement that has a bearing on disciplinary action in accordance with the procedures and timelines established for each specific infraction.

• Students have the right to confidentiality regarding their student records as per federal and state laws.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

All students entering Liberty Academy Charter School must provide proof of immunization. Proof of residence (electric bill, lease, etc.) is required, and any health records that are available would be appreciated. Immunizations are a state requirement. Before a student can be admitted to school he/she must be immunized. If a student does not have the necessary immunizations for school admission, the parent/guardian is required to have his/her child immunized immediately.

Students have the following responsibilities regarding their education:

• To attend school and all classes;

• To adhere to all school rules, policies and directions from teachers and others in authority and to show proper respect to teachers, staff members, and administration;

• To respect the rights of other classmates to reach their educational goals;

• To demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance for personal difference;

• To listen to others’ opinions and to respect the privacy of others;

• To express themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the orderly operation of the school    or the management of classrooms;

• To complete assignments on time;

• To respect and care for school property and the property of others;

• To adhere to all school safety and health regulations and procedures, and;

• To work to their full potential.

Failure to comply can result in disciplinary actions which may include any of the following:

• Required Parent Conference,

• Detention (before or after school),

• Saturday Detention,

• In-School and Out of School Suspension,

• Exclusion from participation in 8^th grade activities, i.e. trips and graduation ceremony,

• All students may be excluded from participation in school activities, field trips, extracurricular programs, participation in athletic teams, and events related to graduation exercises.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY RULES

Teachers will communicate to students the standards of behavior appropriate to age and grade level. The following are rules common to all students at all times during the school day.

* Students must dress according to the dress code.

* Students must walk quietly through halls and on stairways.

* Students must exercise good manners and use proper language at all times including assemblies, lunch, and/or other gatherings for meals, field trips, etc…

* Students must ask and receive permission to use personal property of others.

* Students must at all time refrain from destroying or defacing school property or the property of others.

* Students must refrain from any action that has the potential of hurting another person in any way.  This includes both verbal and physical actions.

* Students must refrain from bringing to school anything that has the potential for distraction in the classroom.  Items such as: gum, candy, toys, CD players, game boys, PS2’s, sports equipment, and other personal belongings are not permitted unless specifically approved by the teacher and/or administrator.

* Students must have official permission to leave school grounds and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or by a designee of the parent/guardian.

* Weapons of all kinds (play or real), lighters, matches, and fireworks are prohibited.

* Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are prohibited.

* Inappropriate touching is strictly forbidden.

* Cell phones are not permitted.

STUDENT SEARCHES

In the continuing effort to ensure a safe and orderly environment for our students, student searches may be conducted for weapons, drugs and/or other prohibited objects/materials. Any baggage (i.e., backpack, book bag, handbag, carryall, etc.) of the student may also be searched. Additionally, student locker searches may be conducted.

Any student refusing to participate in, and/or cooperate with, a search will be detained and the parent/guardian will be contacted. Additionally, any student so refusing is subject to disciplinary action. If there is a reason to believe that the student is refusing to participate because the student is in possession of a weapon, the police shall be asked to immediately intervene.

DRESS CODE

Liberty Academy Charter School has a policy requiring the wearing of school uniforms by students.

Because school is a place of business and learning, students are expected to dress appropriately. It is the obligation of the students to maintain their personal appearance in a manner that reflects well on both themselves and the school.

Please adhere to the following:

• Uniform must be worn throughout the entire school day.

• Proper and safe footwear is required at all times. No sandals, flip flops, slippers, open-toed shoes, heelys, and other unsafe footwear.

• All head coverings, sweat bands, and street-related headgear are not permitted unless for religious or medical purposes. In cases where head coverings must be worn in school for religious or medical purposes documentation verifying such use must be presented to the school. Hats are not to be worn or carried throughout the school. Any head coverings/hats confiscated will be labeled and returned to a parent/guardian no later than the end of the school year.

• Skin-tight fitting pants, dresses or shorts are not permitted.

• Clothing that could cause damage to any student or school property is not to be worn.

• Miniskirts (mid-thigh or higher) are not permitted.

• Short shorts (mid-thigh or higher) are not permitted.

• Undershirts are not permitted to be worn as the outer garment or exposed from under their uniform shirts.

• Slogans, patches and emblems that are obscene or promote violence in nature are not permitted in school or any school-sponsored activity.

• Clothing worn while actively participating in physical education class must adhere to the school dress code.

• Pants should not hang so low as to expose underwear. Students who wear their pants so low as to expose their underwear while on school grounds are subject to detention.

• Sneakers and shoes with laces must have laces tied or secured at all times.

• Clothing or symbols that are gang-oriented or promote violence are not permitted at any school or any school-sponsored activity.

• Metal name belts are not to be worn in school.

Should students report to school in clothing which does not conform to the Dress Code, school staff will review the circumstances and determine the measures to be taken to properly address the violation.

These measures may include:

• Parent/guardian bringing a change of clothes to school. Students will be required to change into said clothing.

• Parent/guardian conference

• Detention

• Saturday detention

• Suspension

STUDENT INCENTIVES

The purpose of incentives is to encourage all students to seek a higher level of personal and academic performance. Recognition should not be limited to rewarding only those students who demonstrate ongoing positive behavior. A concerted effort must be made to recognize those students who have previously exhibited marginal or unacceptable behavior and who have improved (upon their) said behavior. Concerted efforts are made to recognize students who have previously exhibited marginal or unacceptable behavior and have demonstrated improvement in their behavior. If the student continues to show unacceptable behavior, the student will be considered exempt from school incentives.

Incentives will be made available through the broadest means possible to positively motivate all the students of Liberty Academy Charter School through the efforts of the entire staff of the school.

One incentive is showing that teachers and administration care about the welfare of the students. The school is encouraged to call the family when a student is absent to inquire about the reasons for the absence.

USE OF PERSONAL BEEPERS AND CELLULAR PHONES

Students shall not possess a paging device while on school grounds or while attending a school-sponsored activity on or off school property. A “paging device” is a telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

During school hours, students are required to keep portable cellular phones off and out of sight. Cell phones that are used by students during the school day are subject to being confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian when they come to school to retrieve it. Students who utilize cell phones during school hours will be suspended. The use of camera or video phones is strictly forbidden during school and at any school functions. Parents who need to reach their children during the school day to address an emergency should contact the main office. Also, students shall not operate iPods® during school hours.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Liberty Academy Charter School places a high value on student attendance because regular school attendance is a primary factor in a student’s successful academic and social development. Students who are frequently absent from the regular classroom learning experience disrupt the continuity of the instructional process. The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost and cannot be entirely regained, even by extra after school instruction. Consequently, many students who miss school frequently experience great difficulty in achieving the maximum benefits of schooling.

Attendance Requirements:

• Students shall attend school daily.

• To avoid receiving detention for lateness, parents will ensure that their child attends school punctually.

• Parents should notify the school the morning of an absence by telephone or written note. If such notice is not received, the school should make every attempt to contact the parents on the day of the absence.

• When the student returns to school, he/she shall bring a signed note from the parent explaining the reason for the absence. This note is to be presented to the classroom/homeroom teacher and/or the nurse immediately upon the student’s return to school. A sample note for parents can

be obtained from either your child’s teacher or on page 22 of this book.

• The principal/designee may also require additional verification from the parent/student, such as physician’s notes or court subpoenas, to substantiate the reason for absence. All documentation must be submitted within three (3) days of the last absence.

• Class cuts shall not be considered for an appeal. Proper disciplinary action shall be considered for cuts which may include any of the following:

• Parent conference;

• Detention (before or after school);

• Suspension of a student who cuts three (3) times or more; and or;

• Referral to the Disciplinary Committee.

It is the opinion of Liberty Academy Charter School that consistent daily attendance is necessary for the successful completion of course works. Consequently, in recognizing the need to uniformly enforce compulsory education, Liberty Academy Charter School has adopted an attendance policy as outlined below.

Unless otherwise stated in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of a student, students are expected to attend school regularly and must have good reason for any and all absences. Students who accrue (19) days absent in one school year may be considered ineligible for promotion to the next grade and for participation in extracurricular activities/athletics and/or other programs.

Appeals to any portion of this policy may be initiated by students or their parents/guardians within three (3) school days of notification of ineligibility for promotion or participation in extracurricular activities, athletics, and other programs when absences can be documented as reasonable and necessary. In keeping with the dictates of fairness, a school attendance appeals committee will hear the cases brought by students and/or parents/guardians within three (3) school days of receipt of the request. The decision will be provided, in writing, to the parent and student within twenty-four (24) hours of the appeals hearing.

Important Note on Attendance:

• All portions of this attendance policy apply to Special Education students unless the I.E.P. specifically states otherwise.

TARDINESS

A student arriving late to school or any class, including the extended day program, will be marked tardy. Students are required to attend school for a minimum of four (4) hours to be considered present for the day.

Tardiness will result in disciplinary actions which may include any of the following:

• Detention (before or after school);

• Saturday detention;

• Additional assignments;

• In-school or out of school suspension;

• Referral to the Discipline Committee.

In all cases, missed work must be made up by the student. A parent conference and referral to the guidance counselor will be initiated to the follow-up on tardiness. These actions will be taken in addition to disciplinary measures, as described above.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

It is the responsibility of the entire school community to maintain an environment that is conducive to learning. When disruption of the school climate by a student occurs, disciplinary action at a higher level may be necessary. It is the duty of all employees of Liberty Academy Charter School to report the misconduct of any student, and it is the additional responsibility of the staff to treat all violations of these guidelines in the prescribed manner.

Corrective action taken by school personnel will vary according to the age and the developmental level of the student. The circumstances that are related to specific behavioral problems and actions will be considered.

Prior to invoking formal discipline, it is important that pro-active remedial actions be employed by instructional and administrative staff members which may include, but are not limited to:

Teachers:

• Consultation, as appropriate, by teachers/guidance counselors/CST case managers, etc.;

• Parent/guardian conferences with teachers/guidance counselors;

• Warnings;

• Teacher Lead Detention;

• Referral to appropriate staff or administrator in charge of disciplinary action.

Guidance Counselor:

• Letters to parent requiring next day conference with principal/designee;

• Student behavior and performance contracts;

• Conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions.

Administrators:

• Referral to the school Intervention & Referral Service Committee (I&RS);

• After School Administrative Detention;

• Saturday Detention;

• In-School or Out-of-school suspension;

• Placement in an alternative setting;

• Expulsion;

• Other approved disciplinary action.

The school’s goal continues to be to create a safe and orderly environment for students, to keep students in school and in their academic classes. To achieve a safe and orderly environment, progressive/disciplinary steps are necessary. Whenever possible for the first or second offense (with the exception of violent or criminal acts), mediation and counseling should be considered. Students are referred to the following support staff for appropriate intervention: Guidance Counselors, Child Study Team members, the School Nurse and the Intervention and Referral Services Committee. Another option is the use of the Saturday Detention Program. Saturday Detention will be assigned on an incremental basis depending upon the offense - i.e., for either a one (1) hour session or a two (2) hour session.

Suspension of any type will balance the need to remove sources of disruption from the learning environment with the goal of keeping all students in their regular academic classes where they will receive their prescribed program.

Students who demonstrate conduct grossly inappropriate to the educational setting, and have a history of consistently breaking the rules in the Student Code of Conduct may be removed from the school building and assigned to an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES).

GENERAL REGULATIONS

A) Violations referred to the administrator for disciplinary action should be accompanied by a written statement from the teacher or staff member.

B) Students will be assigned to either before or after school supervised detention for infractions of the school rules. During this timeframe, silent constructive school work will be assigned.

C) Only the principal or designated administrator shall have the authority to suspend students.

D) The parents of a suspended student will be notified by the school of the suspension. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent by phone at the time of the suspension. Written notification will be sent on the day of suspension and a copy of the notification will be maintained by the school while the student is enrolled.

E) Before any suspension is lifted, a parent/guardian and student conference must be held with the administrator. A suspended student will be readmitted only after a satisfactory conference. The suspended student must be afforded every opportunity to make up (5 days/10 days) missed school work.

F) Chronic violators of any rules (and their parents/guardians) may be referred to outside supportive agencies, an interim alternative education setting, or to the Intervention and Referral Services Committee.

G) Students on out-of-school suspension are prohibited from entering the school property while on suspension. Students who violate this regulation will be charged with trespassing.

H) Students found to be under the influence of an illegal controlled substance will be excluded from school until he/she enrolls and demonstrates participation in a counseling program. A suspension of two and three days per occurrence may apply.

I) Students on out-of-school suspension may not participate in any school activities such as field trips, clubs, plays, concerts, athletic events, etc.

BULLYING POLICY STATEMENT

All members of the Liberty Academy Charter School community have a right to live and work in an environment that is safe and satisfying. Harassment and bullying will not be tolerated because such behavior is inconsistent with this important, basic right and because the school recognizes that a climate that tolerates harassment and bullying is gravely inconsistent with school efforts to improve academic performance and improve school attendance. Bullying is a pattern of abuse which includes the harassment, physical intimidation or assault, extortion, oral or written, threats, teasing, put-downs, name-calling, threatening looks, gestures or actions, cruel rumors, false accusations or social isolation of others.

It is the responsibility of each student to conduct himself/herself in a way that is socially appropriate and respectful to the rights of others. Harassment and bullying are against school policy and against New Jersey State Law and will not be tolerated at Liberty Academy Charter School.

Teachers and all employees must report cases of bullying and harassment to the administration.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY STATEMENT

Liberty Academy Charter School will not tolerate any act of sexual harassment nor tolerate retaliatory behavior in response to an employee or students complain of harassment. In like manner, specious or false claims of sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Such actions will result in a timely review, and if warranted, disciplinary action.

Liberty Academy Charter School values the rights of all staff/students to work, study, and teach in an environment free from sexual harassment.  Such behavior demeans human dignity, erodes morale, and runs counter to the Liberty Academy Charter School’s mission and principles on which this school operates.

In addition to be a violation of Liberty Academy Charter School policy, sexual harassment constitutes illegal educational discrimination under Federal and State statutes and the 14^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Title IX of education reform Act Amendment of 1972. Liberty Academy Charter School has a zero tolerance policy, which we also adhere to.

What is Sexual Harassment?

It is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, regardless of where it occurs when:

§         Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s employment, academic performance, social life or creating an intimidating, hostile, offensive work/study environment, or

§         Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly as a term or condition of an individual’s employment, social, spiritual, academic program, or

§         Submissions to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or enrollment decisions affecting such individual.

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

The use of Liberty Academy Charter School’s Network Resources must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the school. The user is held responsible for his/her actions and activities while accessing both the Internet and Intranet, and while using Electronic Mail (e-Mail). The Internet links computer networks around the world, giving Liberty Academy Charter School access to a wide variety of information resources. Internet access is available in the school. Although filters are fallible, Liberty Academy Charter School will be responsible for providing filters to create an environment that is free from harmful content. Access to e-Mail is a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. E-Mail users are expected to be ethical and responsible when using e-Mail.

Certain conduct will not be tolerated in the use of technology. Any individual who engages in conduct that is prohibited by network system resource or district rules or by federal, state, or local law is subject to discipline.  Such conduct can take place on or off school district property or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct. Any individual who engages in web publishing that is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action, is subject to discipline. Any individual who uses school resources for private gain is subject to discipline.

Additional examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to:

• Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts;

• Plagiarizing on-line material;

• Pirating software;

• Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance;

• Gaining unauthorized access to resource or entities;

• Vandalizing the data of another user;

• Invading the privacy of individuals;

• Posting anonymous messages;

• Posting false or defamatory information about a person or organization;

• Accessing or transmitting material which advocates violence or hatred against a particular individual or groups of individuals;

• Harassing another person - i.e., persistently acting in a manner that annoys another person;

• Accessing pornographic material;

• Being responsible for introducing a computer virus into the school network and/or computers;

• Posting of threats that disrupt the functioning of schools will cause the arrest of the originators.

Students must report prohibited conduct to the teacher assigned to the classroom. The teacher must report the violation to the principal/designee, who will investigate all allegations of misuse. If a violation has been committed, immediate corrective action will be taken. The first violation will result in a warning letter to the student and parent/guardian, as well as other progressive disciplinary actions outlined in this Student Code of Conduct. A copy of the warning letter will be filed by the principal/designee. Additional violations may result in restricted access to computers, out-of-school suspensions, and/or other disciplinary action.

View Tolerance Policy