Introduction from the Superintendent of Schools
The safety of your children continues to be our number one priority in the Warwick Valley Central School District. Numerous studies have shown that only when students feel safe, that they can concentrate on learning, indicating a strong correlation between a safe environment and academic success. Under the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act, all schools are required to develop a Code of Conduct to be adhered to at school functions and on school property. Again, a review of the previous Code was done by staff and the Board of Education and resulted in revisions that are in the current Code of Conduct for the school year. The new Code has been adopted as District policy and shall govern the conduct of students, teachers, other school personnel and visitors for the upcoming year.
On July 1, 2012, in accordance with Education Law, Article 2, the Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) became effective. The Dignity Act was established to provide a school environment free of discrimination and harassment. This Code of Conduct has been reviewed to reflect the prohibition of discrimination and harassment of students by students or staff.
By law, we are required to mail a plain language summary of our Code of Conduct to all persons in parental relation to students before the beginning of the school year and ensure it is available thereafter upon request. A summary must be provided to students at a general assembly at the beginning of the year, and copies of the District Code of Conduct must be made available to all persons in parental relation to students at the beginning of the school year. We are posting the entire Code of Conduct for review on our website in order to save printing and mailing costs. The booklet is given to every student in the District at the start of the school year so they are aware of all rules. You will be asked to sign a form stating that you have received and reviewed the Code of Conduct with your child.
The Code of Conduct not only includes issues related to student discipline and dress code but also includes the Athletic Code of Conduct. Due to state requirements pertaining to the distribution of this Code at each of our schools, you may receive multiple copies of the booklet. Additional copies are also available at each of the school buildings and the District Offices for review by students, parents or other persons in parental relation to students, non-teaching staff and other community members. Remember, the Code of Conduct is also available on the District’s website.
We hope you will familiarize yourself with the various aspects of the Code. We appreciate your understanding and support of this Code and all of our efforts to make schools a safer and better place. Again, the safety of your children and those in our facilities is our number one priority, and we will work to make our number one priority a reality.
Thank you for your time and support of our schools.
David Leach, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools