Standards of Conduct

It is the responsibility of the Meriden Public Schools to provide an environment which is safe, healthy and conducive to learning.  It is clear that in order to implement effectively the Standards of Conduct for Students contained in this policy, cooperation and mutual support on matters of discipline and attendance are necessary between home and school.

Students, teachers and administrators have the right to expect mutual courtesy and fair and equitable treatment and to be informed of their rights and responsibilities.  The goals of the schools are to assist students in developing the ability for self-direction and self-discipline and to provide opportunities for decision-making.  However, in the pursuit of these goals, those students who infringe on the rights of others or who violate school policies and regulations will be subject to corrective action.  In all cases, the rights of students will be preserved and protected.

Listed below are the minimum standards of conduct for students at all levels of the Meriden Public Schools.  The administration of each individual school is expected to inform the school community in writing of these standards and its specific rules for interpreting these standards.  The Superintendent has the responsibility to work with principals in developing guidelines and procedures for uniform implementation where consistency is necessary and desirable.  It is recognized that in order to implement the following standards effectively, cooperation between parents and certified staff is required.

Students must show courtesy and consideration for all members of the school community.

Students must behave in a manner that is not disruptive to the educational process.

Students must comply with classroom procedures and requirements as designed for their individual needs.

Students must dress in a manner that does not interfere with the work of the school nor create a safety hazard to themselves or others.

Students are required to comply with state, local and school health, safety and attendance regulations.

Students are required to comply with state statutes and local laws and regulations regarding possession, sale or use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

The use or possession of intoxicants on school property, in any vehicle while such vehicle is being used to transport students for the school, or at school events is prohibited.  Attendance at any school sponsored event or activity while under the influence of intoxicants is prohibited.

The administration of each individual school is given authority to take appropriate action to ensure compliance with this policy.

Legal Reference:

            Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-221

Date Adopted:             April 28, 1981

Date Amended:           November 17, 2009

Date Revised:              August 19, 2014

Previous Policy Number: IC2

SCHOOL BUS CONDUCT

While the law requires the school district to furnish school accommodations, including transportation, it does not relieve the parents from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the end of the school day.

The Board shall require students to conduct themselves on a bus and at the bus stop in a manner consistent with established standards of conduct.

In cases when students do not conduct themselves properly on a bus or at the bus stop, such instances are to be brought to the attention of the principal by the bus driver.

Students who become serious disciplinary problems on the school bus or at the bus stop may have their riding privileges suspended by the principal for up to ten days.  In such cases, the parents of the students involved shall determine another alternative to ensure that their children get to and from school safely.  Such alternative plan shall be shared with the school principal.

Approved:  April 28, 1981                                                                          

Amended:  August 19, 2014

Amended:  August 19, 2014

Previous Policy Number: IC2.3

CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR BUS STUDENTS

The main goal of the transportation program is to provide transportation with maximum safety for all pupils who are eligible under state statutes and Board policy.  It is hoped that everyone will attach a great deal of importance to this goal and that full cooperation and courtesy will be maintained between the home, the school and the driver.

Pupils should consider the use of school buses a privilege which must not be abused.  Students should observe the following rules and regulations of conduct and safety:

 I.         Behavior While Waiting To Board The Bus

A.        On the way to school, children will please:

1.         be at the stop on time;

2.         wait for the bus on the sidewalk or on the shoulder of the highway but not on the paved roadway;

3.         respect private property;

4.         not throw articles at passing vehicles;

5.         conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times;

6.         wait for the bus to come to a full stop before attempting to board it;

7.         wait their turn and avoid crowding so as not to disturb others or cause accidents; and

8.         keep bus passes available at all times.

B.        On leaving school, children should follow the directions of the school administration and teachers.

II.        Behavior While Aboard The Bus Riding To Or From School

A.        When riding in the bus, pupils will please:

1.         be seated as soon as possible;

2.         follow the directions of the bus driver and/or teacher who is in full charge of the bus and all pupils riding therein;

3.         remain in their seats while the bus is in motion;

4.         keep the aisles clear;

5.         observe the usual rules of good conduct and courtesy to fellow students and to the bus driver;

6.         converse quietly and avoid shouting and profanity;

7.         not offend pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles by shouting out windows or making obscene gestures;

8.         not throw objects in or out of the bus;

9.         keep windows closed unless the driver grants permission to open them.

10.       keep arms, legs and heat within the bus if the windows are open;

11.       help keep the bus clean and sanitary by refraining from eating, drinking or smoking;

12.       not destroy or damage seats and equipment;

13.       not use the rear door of the bus except in an emergency when the bus has completely stopped; the signal in an emergency for use of the rear door must be given by the driver unless he has been incapacitated by an accident.

III.       Behavior When Leaving The Bus

A.        On arrival at school, pupils will please:

1.         remain seated until the bus has fully stopped;

2.         leave the bus in a single file starting from the front door and walk in an orderly manner to school designated areas; and

3.         get clear of the bus immediately.

B.        On arrival at home bus stops, pupils will please:

1.         remain seated until the bus has fully stopped;

2.         leave the bus in an orderly manner;

3.         when it is not necessary to cross the highway, stand aside on the shoulder of the road, or on the sidewalk, until the bus has moved on, then when they can see traffic in both directions, walk on the shoulder of the road (or the sidewalk) to their homes;

4.         when across the highway from home, stand on the shoulder of the road 10 to 14 feet in front of the bus until the driver signals that it is safe to cross; do so in front of the bus; and

5.         walk in a single file on the left shoulder of the road facing traffic, if there is no sidewalk.

IV.       PUPILS WHO FAIL TO OBSERVE THE ABOVE RULES AND REGULATIONS WILL, AFTER NOTIFICATION BY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION, BE DENIED TRANSPORTATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCHOOL RULES.

                                                    PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY

The cooperation of parents is needed to maintain proper conduct at bus stops and on school buses.  If school authorities suspend the student from riding on the bus because of code violations, it becomes the responsibility of the parents to see that the child gets to school.

1.         Parents should review the above procedures with their children.

2.         Parents should accompany the younger children to the bus stop for the first few days.  Parents of preschool children are required to meet buses when children are discharged.  Failure to do so will result in the suspension of transportation privileges.

3.         Parents who meet the school bus should wait on the side of the street where the bus stops.  Children are then not tempted to rush across the highway regardless of traffic.

4.         Parents should at all times set a good example in observing traffic rules and regulations.

If you have any questions concerning student behavior on the buses or at bus stops or eligibility for transportation, please call the building principal.

If you have questions concerning the location of bus stops, bus routes or departure and arrival times, please call the Manager of Transportation at 630-4213.

TEAR OFF AND RETURN TO THE SCHOOL BY THE THIRD FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER

I have read the Code of Behavior.                 _______________________________           

Print Name of Student

__________________________                    ________________________________                                                                                                                            Signature of Parent/Guardian                                        Signature of Student

__________________________                    _______________________________                                                                                                                  

Date                                                                                        Homeroom/Cluster

Approved: July 16, 1996

Amended:  August, 19, 2014

Property Damage

Pupils are held responsible for all school property used by or loaned to them.  Parents of any pupil who through willfulness or negligence damages books, equipment, or other school property shall reimburse the district for all damages.

Approved:   April 28, 1981                                                                         

Amended:  August 19, 2014

Previous Policy Number: IC2.4

In general, no student shall receive messages or visitors during school hours.

School Sponsored or Approved Events 5130.6

Conduct at events sponsored or approved by a District school or organizations authorized by such school shall be subject to the Board’s policies regarding student conduct and discipline.  Students found in violation of a published Board policy shall be referred to their school principal for appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

All school-sponsored or approved events shall be appropriately chaperoned by faculty and other personnel approved by a school’s administration in accordance with regulations established by the school.

Cross Reference:

Policy 6124 (Student Organizations)
Policy 5130 (Standards of Conduct)

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-221

Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-233c

Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-233d

Approved April 28, 1981

Amended November 21, 2017

 
Previous Policy Number: HF3.3