1. Statement of Rights and Responsibilities
Rights entail responsibilities. One of the major goals of this document is to establish a new trust based on humane values of self-respect and respect for others. No student has the right to interfere with the education of another student. If dialogue is interrupted or destroyed, then the bonds that hold us together are broken. It is thus the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of all whom are involved in the educational process.
Students share the responsibilities for development as citizens and are expected to participate in school affairs and conduct themselves in an acceptable manner in accordance with their maturity and age.
Students shall maintain a level of health and health habits consistent with the well being of the school community.
The privileges and rights of all students shall be granted without regard to race, religion, creed or national origin.
2. Student Government
In the high school, there shall be established an elective and representative student government. The student government will establish reasonable standards for candidates for office, will conduct annual elections within the guidelines of the Student Association Constitution, and will assist in coordinating operation of student activities.
The student government shall work to see the purposes of the school are fulfilled and to improve communication among students, teachers, parents, and school.
The student government should be involved in the process of developing curriculum guidelines for extracurricular activities, and of establishing disciplinary policies.
Representatives selected by the student government shall meet at least monthly with the Principal to exchange views, to share in the formation of school-student policies, and to discuss school-student relations and other matters of student concern.
The student government, with the advice of its advisor and the Principal, shall be responsible for advising officers of student activities on policies and regulations pertaining to receiving, transferring, and expending moneys derived form fund raising activities. All money collected and raised by school organizations shall be promptly deposited in the school extracurricular account, according to established policy.
3. School Improvement Planning Team
A representative member of each stakeholder group (parent, student, support staff, faculty, and administration) will serve on a SIP Team whose purpose is the forming of committees to consider matters of school-side concern. Such matters may be submitted by any stakeholder and be placed on the agenda of the SIP Team when appropriate.
Its structure and operating procedures shall be placed on file with the Board of Education and the Superintendent. Each stakeholder group shall select members of the SIP Team.
4. Student Publications
Students may exercise their right to freedom of expression through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means. The exercise of this rightly not interfere with the rights of others. Freedom of expression may not be utilized to present material that tends to be obscene or slanderous, or to defame character, or to advocate violation of Federal, State, and Local law, or official school policies, rules, and regulations.
The Principal, in consultation with the student government, shall determine adherence or non-school publication with the guidelines established for school publications and shall designate a time, place, and the manner of distribution and/or display of such publications.
Students shall receive annually, upon the opening of school, a publication setting forth rules and regulations to which students are subject. This publication shall also include a statement of the rights and responsibilities of students.
Students may present complaints to teachers or administration officials or to the School Improvement Planning Team. Adequate opportunities shall be provided for students to exercise this right through channels established for considering such complaints. (The appeal procedure will be as established by New York State Education Law with recourse available through the Principal, Superintendent, and Board of Education.)
This statement is meant to foster greater understanding so that all concerned can participate more effectively in an active educational partnership. The rights and responsibilities set forth in this policy in no way diminish the legal authority of school officials and the Board of Education to deal with disruptive students.
It is the policy of the Plattsburgh City School District Board of Education not to discriminate on the basis or sex, color, national origin, or handicap in the educational programs or activities that it operates. Furthermore, the Plattsburgh City School District Board of Education is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, respectively, not to discriminate in such a manner. Inquiries concerning this policy may be directed to the following school official:
Mr. James Short
Phone Number 957-6000
49 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
This official will provide information, including complaint procedures, to any student or employee who feels that her or his rights under Title IX and/or Section 504 may have been violated by the District or its officials.