Hudson Falls School District > Middle School > Hudson Falls Middle School Handbook 2022-2023

Hudson Falls Middle School Handbook 2022-2023

PUBLIC NOTICE ON INSPECTING STUDENT RECORDS

Parents and eligible students have the following rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: (FERPA):

  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records.
  2. The right to exercise a limited control over other people’s access to the student’s educational record.
  3. The right to seek to correct the student’s educational records in a hearing if necessary.
  4. The right to report violations of FERPA rights.
  5. The right to be informed about FERPA rights.

All rights and protections given to parents under FERPA and this policy transfer to the student when the student reaches age 18 or enrolls in a post-secondary school.  The student then becomes an eligible student.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION IN CURRICULAR AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

No student shall be denied membership or participation, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex in any program or activity which is included in a school program of curricular or extra-curricular activities, provided that:

  1. In the case of students with disabilities, such activity shall be appropriate to a student’s special educational needs as identified by the Committee on Special Education.
  2. Male and female participation in extracurricular and athletic activities shall be in accordance with the provisions set forth by law.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF USE OF VIDEO SURVELLIENCE

For the security and safety of our students, staff and visitors, this facility employs camera surveillance equipment for security purposes on school grounds and in school buses.  This equipment may or may not be monitored at any time.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION

The Hudson Falls Central School District has determined that, on occasion, it will release certain directory information regarding its students.  Federal Law now requires school districts to release certain directory information, pertaining to each student who is 17 years of age or older or in the eleventh grade or higher and who is enrolled in a secondary school, to the armed forces for military recruiting purposes.

The following student information has been designated by the Hudson Falls Central School District as “directory information”: A student’s name, address and phone number.

Any parent, legal guardian, or student aged 18 or older who does not want any or all of such directory information publicly released or released to the armed forces for military recruiting purposes, must notify the Hudson Falls Central School District Guidance Office, in writing, of his/her refusal to permit the release of directory information within thirty (30) days of the publication of this notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE ON SEARCHES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT CANINES

For the security and safety of our students, staff and visitors, this facility allows searches by law enforcement canines. School staff will cooperate fully with law enforcement official as long as the criteria in the Code of Conduct are met.

PUBLIC NOTICE ON SEXUAL HARRASSMENT 

Sexual harassment is a violation of law and stands in direct opposition to District policy.  Therefore, the District prohibits all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Any student who believes that he/she has been subjected to sexual harassment shall report all incidents of such conduct to the Title IX compliance officer or his/her designee (or any administrator) through informal and/or formal complaint procedures developed by the school.  All such reports will be held in strictest confidence.

PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF DIGNITY ACT COORDINATOR/S 

Dignity for All Students Act Coordinators (DACs)

Bill Strong

518-681-4310 

HUDSON FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL IMPORTANT DATES

OPEN HOUSE:

September 20th, 2022

STUDENT PROGRESS REPORT AND REPORT CARD DATES

Interim Reports     Marking Period Ends        

Oct. 11th, 2022                 Nov. 11th, 2022        

Dec. 20th, 2022       Feb. 3rd, 2023         

Mar. 21st, 2023       Apr. 28th, 2023        

June 6th, 2023       June 15th, 2023        

PICTURE DAY 

October 3rd & October 4th, 2022

 HUDSON FALLS CENTRAL SCHOOL ATTENDANCE INFORMATION SCHOOL DAY

The school day begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:18 p.m.  Students should report to their first period class before the 7:35 a.m. bell.  

COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY 

Updated July 2022

Statement of Overall Objectives

School attendance is both a right and a responsibility. The School District is an active partner with students and parents in the task of ensuring that all students meet or exceed the New York State Learning Standards. Because the School District recognizes that consistent school attendance, academic success and school completion have a positive correlation, the School District has developed, and, if necessary, will revise a Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy to meet the following objectives:

  1.  To increase school completion for all students;
  2. To raise student achievement and close gaps in student performance;
  3.  To identify attendance patterns in order to design attendance improvement efforts;
  4.  To know the whereabouts of every student for safety and other reasons;
  5.  To verify that individual students are complying with education laws relating to compulsory attendance;
  6.  To determine the District’s average daily attendance for State aid purposes.   

Description of Strategies to Meet Objectives

The School District will:

  1.  Create and maintain a positive school building culture by fostering a positive physical and psychological environment where the presence of strong adult role models encourages respectful and nurturing interactions between adults and students. This positive school culture is aimed at encouraging a high level of student bonding to the school, which in turn should lead to increased attendance.
  2.  Develop a Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy based upon the recommendations of a multifaceted District Policy Development Team that includes representation from the Board of Education, administrators, teachers, students, parents and the community. The District will hold at least one public hearing prior to the adoption of this collaboratively developed Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy.
  3.  Maintain accurate recordkeeping via a Register of Attendance to record attendance, absence, tardiness or early departure of each student.
  4.  Utilize data analysis systems for tracking individual student attendance and individual and group trends in student attendance problems.
  5.  Develop early intervention strategies to improve school attendance for all students.

Determination of Excused and Unexcused Absences, Tardiness and Early Departures

Based upon our District’s education and community needs, values and priorities, the School District has determined that absences, tardiness and early departures will be considered excused or unexcused according to the following standards.

  1.  Excused:  An absence, tardiness or early departure may be excused if due to personal illness, illness or death in the family, impassable roads due to inclement weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, approved college visits, approved cooperative work programs, military obligations or other such reasons as may be approved by the Board of Education’s designee.
  2.  Unexcused:  An absence, tardiness or early departure is considered unexcused if the reason for the lack of attendance does not fall into the above categories (e.g., family vacation, hunting, babysitting, haircut, obtaining learner’s permit, road test, oversleeping).

A written excuse, signed by a parent/person in parental relation should be presented by the student when returning to school following each absence.

Student Attendance Recordkeeping/Data Collection

The record of each student’s presence, absence, tardiness and early departure shall be kept in a register of attendance in a manner consistent with Commissioner’s Regulations. An absence, tardiness or early departure will be entered as “excused” or “unexcused” along with the District code for the reason.

Attendance shall be taken and recorded in accordance with the following:

  1.  For students in non-departmentalized Sixth through grade eight (i.e., self-contained classrooms and supervised group movement to other scheduled school activities such as physical education in the gym, assembly, etc.), such student’s presence or absence shall be recorded after the taking of attendance once per school day, provided that students are not dismissed from school grounds during a lunch period. Where students are dismissed for lunch, their presence or absence shall also be recorded after the taking of attendance a second time upon the student’s return from lunch. For purposes of APPR and Teacher-Student Data Linkages (TSDL), classroom attendance for all students 6 through 8 must be recorded on a subject by subject basis for Teacher of Record Determinations.
  2.  For students in grades 6 through 8 or in departmentalized schools at any grade level (i.e., students pass individually to different classes throughout the day), each student’s presence or absence shall be recorded after the taking of attendance in each period of scheduled instruction.
  3.  Any absence for a school day or portion thereof shall be recorded as excused or unexcused in accordance with the standards articulated in this policy. 
  4.  In the event that a student at any instructional level from grades 6 through 8 arrives late for or departs early from scheduled instruction, such tardiness or early departure shall be recorded as excused or unexcused in accordance with the standards articulated in this policy.

A record shall be kept of each scheduled day of instruction during which the school is closed for all or part of the day because of extraordinary circumstances including adverse weather conditions, impairment of heating facilities, insufficiency of water supply, shortage of fuel, destruction of or damage to a school building, or such other cause as may be found satisfactory to the Commissioner of Education.

Attendance records shall also indicate the date when a student withdraws from enrollment or is dropped from enrollment in accordance with Education Law Section 3202(1-a).

At the conclusion of each class period or school day, all attendance information shall be compiled and provided to the designated school personnel who are responsible for attendance. The nature of the absence, tardiness or early departure shall be coded on a student’s record in accordance with the established District/building procedures.

Student Attendance/Course Credit

The District believes that classroom participation is related to and affects a student’s performance and grasp of the subject matter and, as such, is properly reflected in a student’s final grade. For purposes of this policy, classroom participation means that a student is in class and prepared to work.

Consequently, for each marking period a certain percentage of a student’s final grade will be based on classroom participation as well as the student’s performance on homework, tests, papers, projects, etc. as determined by the building administrator and/or classroom teacher.

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Consistent with the importance of classroom participation, unexcused student absences, tardiness, and early departures could affect a student’s grade, including credit for classroom participation, for the marking period.

At the middle school/senior high school level, any student with more than 21 absences in a full year course may not receive credit for the course. However, it is District policy that students with properly excused absences, tardiness and early departures for which the student has performed any assigned make-up work, assignments and/or tests shall not be counted as an absence for the purpose of determining the student’s eligibility for course credit. District procedures will specify how student tardiness and early departures will be calculated and factored into the District’s minimum attendance standard.

However, where a student earns a passing grade, credit will not be denied for the course(s).

For summer school and courses meeting 1/2 year or 1/4 year, the same policy will apply and a calculation of the absences will be prorated accordingly.

Transfer students and students re-enrolling after having dropped out will be expected to attend a prorated minimum number of the scheduled class meetings during their time of enrollment.

Students will be considered in attendance if the student is:

  1.  Physically present in the classroom or working under the direction of the classroom teacher during the class scheduled meeting time; or
  2.  Working pursuant to an approved independent study program; or
  3. Receiving approved alternative instruction.

Students who are absent from class due to their participation in a school sponsored activity are to arrange with their teachers to make up any work missed in a timely manner as determined by the student’s teacher. Attendance at school-sponsored events where instruction is substantially equivalent to the instruction which was missed shall be counted as the equivalent of regular attendance in class.

Upon returning to school following a properly excused absence, tardiness or early departure, it shall be the responsibility of the student to consult with his/her teacher(s) regarding arrangements to make up missed work, assignments and/or tests in accordance with the time schedule specified by the teacher.

Notice of Minimum Attendance Standard/Intervention Strategies Prior to the Denial of Course Credit

In order to ensure that parents/persons in parental relation and students are informed of the District’s policy regarding minimum attendance and course credit, and the implementation of specific intervention strategies to be employed prior to the denial of course credit to the student for insufficient attendance, the following guidelines shall be followed:

  1.  Copies of the District’s Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy will be available to parents/persons in parental relation and provided to students at the beginning of each school year or at the time of enrollment in the District.
  2.  Copies of the attendance policy will also be included in the Student Handbook and on the District website. 
  3.  At periodic intervals, a designated staff member(s) will notify, by telephone, the parent/person in parental relation of the student’s absence, tardiness, or early departure and explain the relationship of the student’s attendance to his/her ability to receive course credit. If the parent/person in parental relation cannot be reached by telephone, a letter shall be sent detailing this information.
  4.  A designated staff member will review the District’s Attendance Policy with students who have excessive and/or unexcused absences, tardiness or early departures. Further, appropriate student support services/personnel within the District, as well as the possible collaboration/referral to community support services and agencies, will be implemented prior to the denial of course credit for insufficient attendance by the student. 

Notice of Students who are Absent, Tardy or Depart Early Without Proper Excuse

A designated staff member shall notify by telephone the parent/person in parental relation to a student who is absent, tardy or departs early without proper excuse. The staff member shall explain the District’s Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy, the District’s/building level intervention procedures, and, if appropriate, the relationship between student attendance and course credit. If the parent/person in parental relation cannot be reached by telephone, the staff member will provide such notification by mail. Further, the District’s Attendance Policy will be mailed to the parent/person in parental relation to promote awareness and help ensure compliance with the policy.

If deemed necessary by appropriate school officials, or if requested by the parent/person in parental relation, a school conference shall be scheduled between the parent/person in parental relation and appropriate staff members in order to address the student’s attendance. The student may also be requested to attend this conference in order to address appropriate intervention strategies that best meet the needs of the student. 

Disciplinary Consequences

Unexcused absences, tardiness and early departures will result in disciplinary sanctions as described in the District’s Code of Conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, in-school suspension, detention and denial of participation in interscholastic and extracurricular activities. Parents/persons in parental relation will be notified by designated District personnel at periodic intervals to discuss their child’s absences, tardiness or early departures and the importance of class attendance and appropriate interventions. Individual buildings/grade levels will address procedures to implement the notification process to the parent/person in parental relation.

Intervention Strategy Process

In order to effectively intervene when an identified pattern of unexcused absences, tardiness or early departures occur, designated District personnel will pursue the following:

  1.  Identify specific element(s) of the pattern (e.g., grade level, building, time frame, type of unexcused absences, tardiness or early departures);
  2.  Contact the District staff most closely associated with the element. In specific cases where the pattern involves an individual student, the student and parent/person in parental relation will be contacted;
  3.  Discuss strategies to directly intervene with specific element;
  4.  Recommend intervention to Superintendent or his/her designee if it relates to change in District policy or procedure;
  5.  Implement changes, as approved by appropriate administration;
  6.  Utilize appropriate District and/or community resources to address and help remediate student unexcused absences, tardiness or early departures;
  7.  Monitor and report short and long term effects of intervention.

Appeal Process

A parent/person in parental relation may request a building level review of their child’s attendance record.

Building Review of Attendance Records

The Building Principals will work in conjunction with the building attendance clerk and other designated staff in reviewing attendance records at the end of each term. This review is conducted to identify individual and group attendance patterns and to initiate appropriate action to address the problem of unexcused absences, tardiness and early departures.

Annual Review by the Board of Education

The Board of Education shall annually review the building level student attendance records and if such records show a decline in student attendance, the Board shall make any revisions to the Policy and plan deemed necessary to improve student attendance.

Community Awareness

The Board of Education shall promote necessary community awareness of the District’s Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy by:

  1.  Providing a plain language summary of the policy to parents or persons in parental relation to students at the beginning of each school year and promoting the understanding of such a policy to students and their parents/persons in parental relation;
  2.  Providing each teacher, at the beginning of the school year or upon employment, with a copy of the policy; and
  3.  Providing copies of the policy to any other member of the community upon request.

Education Law Sections 3024, 3025, 3202, 3205, 3206, 3210, 3211 and 3213 8 NYCRR Sections 104.1, 109.2 and 175.6

CLASSROOM & HALLWAY COURTESIES

Speaking out or expressing disapproval when another person is talking is rude and unfair.  Bring proper equipment to class:  books, assignment book, homework, paper, pen and notebooks.  Class will be dismissed by the teacher.  Do not be discourteous by getting up before you are dismissed.  Students should knock before entering a class – wait to be recognized by the teacher before making a request.   You are expected to be in your classroom within a reasonable length of time.  Put downs and use of foul language in classrooms and hallways is not acceptable. Public display of affection is not appropriate.

LIBRARY

The library serves the school by providing resource material and recreational literature.  Because the library serves many people, all materials should be handled with care.  A quiet atmosphere must be maintained to respect the rights of others.  The use of the library is your privilege as a student as long as you exercise common sense.  It is a room for reading, research and for serious browsing.  A signed pass is required to enter the library.

Attendance at Athletic Events

In order to attend athletic events, you must be present in school that day.  Additionally, if you were sent home by the nurses office you won’t be able to attend extra curricular activities.  Any disciplinary action that is currently in progress for ISS or OSS suspensions will not be admitted into athletic events.  If your behavior warrants removal from an athletic event a suspension from attendance at the event may be imposed. 

STUDY HALLS/SUPPORT PERIOD AND HALL PASSES

The purpose of study hall/support is to provide an atmosphere suitable for studying.  Permission to talk and work together must be obtained from the monitor.  If you want to leave study hall/support to work in another teacher’s room, you should present a pass from the teacher requesting you to report to his/her room to the study hall/support monitor.  Students are to have all study materials with them when they arrive.  Passes to the library may be granted by the study hall/support monitor.  Passes must be signed and returned when the student returns to study hall/support.  Students who are ineligible may not leave study hall/support without special permission from the principal. 

Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have a hall pass from a staff member.  Students are responsible for obtaining the written pass.  Verbal permission is not acceptable.  Student hall traffic during the last ten minutes of class is prohibited unless an emergency arises.

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL STUDENTS WHILE IN STUDY HALL/SUPPORT

  • Students must be on time for the study hall/support to be eligible for any privileges tardiness will result in after school detentions.
  • Passes to other locations must be obtained before the study hall/support begins and presented after attendance is taken.  Passes will not be honored if students are not present for attendance. 
  • Passes are issued on a daily basis; there is no such thing as a permanent pass from any assigned location.
  • Students are expected to come to the study hall/support with something they have chosen to read, or study, and necessary school supplies to complete school work.  Failure to do so could result in an assignment being made by the study hall/support Monitor or Principal.
  • Students who must work together on a project should provide a note from the teacher assigning the group work.  These students should not disrupt the study hall/support atmosphere.
  • Requests to leave the study hall/support for personal situations such as bathroom and lockers can be granted at the discretion of the study hall/support Monitor.  Two students, one male and one female, will be allowed out of the room at a time.
  • Students are expected to remain in their assigned locations during the last ten minutes of each period unless an emergency arises.  
  • All study halls/support are to be considered silent at all times.
  • Students may not sleep, eat, drink, play games, play cards or listen to music in the study hall/support.
  • The use of cell phones will NOT BE PERMITTED during study halls/support

BUILDING HOURS

The building is open in the morning by 7:15 a.m.  Any student remaining in the building after 2:18 p.m. must be directly supervised by a faculty or staff member.

Custodians will not assume this responsibility and will ask you to leave the building.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are responsible for the proper care of all school issued electronic devices, electronic accessories, clothing, uniforms, books, supplies, and furniture supplied by the school. Students, who do not return school property, disfigure property, break windows or do other damage to school property or equipment, including school busses will be required to pay for the damage done or replace the item.  Students damaging school property may also face disciplinary consequences.

LOCKERS

Remember that your locker is school property. 

You are responsible for its security.  Do not give your combination to anyone.  Do not permit unassigned students to use your locker.  Lock your locker every time you use it, and do not set your combination as this invites theft. You are responsible and considered the owner of the contents of your locker.  Do not use magic marker, paint, etc. on the inside or outside of your locker, nor place any posters on the inside that cannot be removed easily.  Avoid self-adhesive stickers, etc.  Place nothing on the outside of your locker.  You will be responsible for cleaning and removing all marks, posters, etc. before school closes.  Do not abuse your locker privileges; keep your locker clean.

*The school has the right to search a school locker without prior notification*

DESKS

You will be assigned a desk in each room where you have a class and will be responsible for its condition.  If when you enter the room you find the desk marked or damaged, report it immediately to your teacher.  You will be required to remove any marks you make on any of your desks.  If the damage is extensive, you may be required to refinish the desk or to pay for the refinishing or replacement of the desk.

BOOKS

You are responsible for the condition of school issued books.  Do not write on or in them unless directed to do so by your teacher.  You may write your name, year used, etc. in the proper place on the inside of the front cover so that it will be easier to identify the owner if the book is lost.  You should put a cover on your book.  Some covers will be provided by your teacher.  You must pay for lost or damaged books.

INTERNET/COMPUTER USE

All Hudson Falls students are encouraged to make use of available computer technology for school projects, school research, etc.  Each student and his/her parent will need to sign the signature page at the back of this book prior to any internet access or electronic privileges are granted by the District.  The Student Internet/Electronic Use Agreement can be found in its entirety near the back of this hand book. 

STUDENT POSSESSIONS

Students are required to secure items such as backpacks, briefcases, drawstring backpacks, purses, lunchboxes, pocketbooks, musical instruments, etc. in their lockers and may not be carried during the school day. The school will not be held responsible for recovering or replacing any stolen articles. In the case that a student’s personal item such as a cellphone, iPod, or other item is thought to have been used to violate the school’s code of conduct, the administration reserves the right to search those items to investigate the incident.  Students with specific medical or personal reasons requiring a backpack or other item not normally allowed should see the principal.

RESTROOMS

You may use the restrooms before, during and after school.  Do not loiter, write on the walls or damage the facilities in any way.  If you find that that the restroom has been damaged or defaced exit immediately and report the issue directly to the office.  Students should use the restroom assigned by grade level.

ILLNESS OR INJURY DURING SCHOOL

A student who is too ill to remain in class is to report to the nurse.  If necessary, nursing office personnel will call the parents of the student who is too ill to remain in school.  If a student is injured during school, they must report the incident to the nurse.  Students who are excused through the nurse are not eligible for extracurricular activities until they have been cleared by a doctor, or have attended classes the next school day. ATTENTION:  ANY AND ALL MEDICATIONS INCLUDING OVER THE COUNTER, SUCH AS ASPIRIN MUST BE GIVEN TO THE NURSE AND MAY ONLY BE ADMINISTERED BY THE NURSE WITH A PRESCRIPTION.

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS 

The cafeteria is provided so that lunchtime can be handled in both a pleasant and orderly manner.  A balanced lunch, good health and safety practices, and acceptable table manners are necessary for promoting an enjoyable break in your school day. Students are only permitted to have food and/or a beverage during the school day at their assigned lunch time. Under no circumstances are students allowed to order food for delivery, UBER eats or any other method to obtain food from outside sources.  If food is delivered to school by someone other than a parent, it will be confiscated and not provided to the student.  You will not receive your money back and you may receive disciplinary action by the building administration. A parent or guardian my only bring food for their child only. In accordance with State Education Laws, the vending machine area will be closed until all lunch periods are concluded. Students should be mindful of any mess that they might make during lunch and should ensure that all garbage is placed in one of the trash receptacles located in the lunchroom. Additionally, it is expected that students will adhere to all language and behavioral expectations while in the in the lunchroom. Violations of any of the above will result in disciplinary sanctions as described in the District’s Code of Conduct.

 

SCHOOL BUS EXPECTATIONS 

Transportation is provided to and from school, and many school sponsored events in order to ensure access to the academic and extracurricular programs.  Proper behavior on school buses is necessary to maintain a safe and orderly environment.  Students are expected to follow the reasonable requests of the driver and other school staff members while on school busses. Students are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior occurring on a school bus directly to the driver and then to the building principal. 

DRINKS

A well hydrated brain is proven to develop increased brain functioning and capacity.  Students are allowed to carry a bottle of water with them throughout the day to help promote healthy living and brain development.  Students are prohibited from carrying caffeinated or sweetened beverages during the school day, as they tend to dehydrate the brain and have little nutritional value.  If a student has these items as part of his/her lunch they should be stored in his/her locker until the assigned lunch period.

FIRE DRILLS

Students must follow the directions of the staff member they are assigned to during these situations.  Periodic fire drills are required by state law.  Diagrams are posted in each room giving evacuation procedures to follow in an emergency.  Please observe the following points during a fire drill: (1) Lights out.  (2) Windows closed and doors closed and locked.  (3) Walk rapidly.  (4) Take personal valuables with you.  Books should be left in the room.  The use of cellphones and electronic devices during fire drills is prohibited.

LOCKDOWN/SHELTER IN PLACE 

Students must follow the directions of the staff member they are assigned to during these situations.  If you are locked out of all classrooms and secure areas, leave the building and go to the nearest safe area, on the school campus, such as the bus garage. Provide emergency responders with as much information as possible. The use of cellphones and electronic devices during lockdown/shelter in place is prohibited.

ASSEMBLIES

At all times the students’ behavior should be refined and courteous.  An indication of the cultural level of a school is the conduct of its student body at an assembly.  Whether guests are present or not, each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the school as a whole.  Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, whistling, uncalled-for-clapping, boisterousness and talking during a program.                             

STUDENT DRESS CODE 

Hudson Falls Middle students have always displayed common sense and good taste in the matter of dress.  Occasionally, however, the question arises as to what is and what is not appropriate to wear to school.  The New York State Commissioner of Education has established the following guidelines:

  • Decency (no revealing attire)
  • Health (no dirty clothing)
  • Safety (footwear)
  • Clothing which is disruptive or interferes with the educational process will not be permitted to be worn by students in school or on school premises (profanity, offensive messages, promotion of drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
  • Boys must wear footwear, pants or shorts, a shirt (no tank tops or exposed underclothing)
  • Girls must wear footwear, pants, shorts or skirts, of appropriate length, some type of shirt or dress (no bare midriffs, no spaghetti straps, no halter tops, no tube tops, no exposed underclothing, plunging necklines)
  • The width of girl’s shoulder strap must be a minimum of a 2” wide
  • Certain insignias designated or inferred as inappropriate or obscene or in bad taste will not be permitted
  • Hats, hoods, or other head gear (visors, scarves, bandanas) will not be permitted during the school day and are to be removed upon entering the school building 
  • No coats or jackets will be worn in the building during the school day
  • No sunglasses will be permitted unless prescribed by a physician
  • No jewelry with sharp edges, heavy ornamental chains or dog collars will be permitted in school 

Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, and if necessary or practical replacing it with an acceptable item.  Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day.  Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline, up to and including out of school suspension.

Remember this about dress and appearance:      

How you look affects how you feel and behave

How you look affects how others feel and behave

Use common sense

The Building Principal shall be responsible for informing all students and their parents of the student dress code at the beginning of the school year and any revisions to the dress code made during the school year.  Students who violate the student dress code shall be required to modify their appearance by covering or removing the offending item, and, if necessary or practical, replace it with an acceptable item.  Any student who refuses to do so shall be subject to discipline, up to and including in-school suspension for the day.  Any student who repeatedly fails to comply with the dress code shall be subject to further discipline up to and including out of school suspension.

GUIDANCE

Guidance services are available for every student in the school.  These services include assistance with educational planning, interpretation of test scores, occupational information, career information, study help, home, school and/or social concerns, or any question the student may feel he/she would like to discuss with his/her counselor. Students wishing to visit the counselor should contact the secretary in the Guidance Office for an appointment.  Students should make all schedule changes before or during the first week of school.  After two weeks of school, a student will not be permitted to enter a new class without teacher consent, or drop a class without a parent-teacher meeting.  

PROGRESS REPORTS 

Four times during the school year, parents or guardians will receive progress reports on how their son/daughter is doing in their classes. These reports will be mailed home. A calendar of dates is included in the handbook.

REPORT CARDS

Four times during the year, report cards will be issued.  These report cards will be mailed home. A calendar of dates is included in this handbook.

HONOR ROLL AND MERIT ROLL LIST

After the issuance of report cards, special lists will be generated identifying students who have received academic distinction.  Hudson Falls two lists are as follows:

HONOR ROLL A student has maintained an overall average for the marking period of 89.5% – 100%

MERIT ROLL A student has maintained an overall average for the marking period of 84.9% – 89.4%

6-8 FINALS 

Each full-year and half-year course shall have a teacher developed and department approved final exam.  The exams must be developed in a format that mirrors that of the applicable NYS Regents, or NYS grade 6-8 assessment.  The exams will be approximately 2 class periods in length for grades 6-12. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION    

All students are required to take physical education (PE) and to provide themselves with acceptable physical education clothing and sneakers.  The PE teacher will specify the type of clothing required. If a student does not have appropriate clothing or shoes they will be allowed to participate, with a reduced grade for that period.  

Students should follow the same rules as outlined above for lockers while using lockers in the locker room.  Please be sure you lock your locker so that your valuables are safe.

GYMNASIUM CONTESTS RULES AND REGULATIONS

    1. Spectators should keep entrances of the gym free of congestion.
    2. Spectators are not permitted to go on the playing court.
    3. Refreshments will be sold between halves and between games.   No food or drinks are allowed in the gymnasium, except those for participating athletes.
    4. While the game is in progress, spectators are expected to stay in the gymnasium.
    5. If students leave the school building during a home game, they will not be permitted to return.
    6. Students absent on the day of the game are not permitted to attend the game.
    7. Smoking/Vaping in the building or on the school grounds is not allowed.  We are a “Smoke Free” school district.
    8. Students are not allowed upstairs or in the middle or high school corridors.
    9. Students who do not abide by these regulations will be requested to leave.
    10. Elementary students are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
    11. Hudson Falls spectators are expected to display the best example of sportsmanship and courtesy to our opponents, game officials, spectators and cheerleaders.

    AFTERSCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

    Afterschool clubs and activates are reserved for students in compliance with all school rules and regulations. It is a privilege to attend the events and these privileges can be revoked due to poor academic effort or behavior misconduct. 

    SCHOOL DANCE/TEEN NIGHT PROCEDURES

    Hudson Falls dances/teen nights are planned for Hudson Falls enrolled students only, who are in good academic and behavioral standing. A student failing two or more classes or who has received a referral in the time period preceding a dance/teen night, will be placed on a restricted list and unable to attend. The restricted list will reset following each dance/teen night. This will allow students additional opportunities to attend future events.  

    1. When a student enters the building, that student must remain in the building.  If he/she leaves the building, re-entry is not permitted.
    2. Loitering near the doors will not be allowed.  Students may use the bathrooms in hallway near the main entrance, but should then return to the gymnasium.  No one is allowed upstairs, in locker rooms, or in the elementary wing.
    3. The sponsoring class and organization as a group is responsible for seeing that the building is left in proper order at the close of the dance.  Chairs, cooler, decorations, etc. should be put away.
    4. Dance dates should be scheduled through the Main Office.
    5. All dances will be held in the one of the two gymnasiums.  The use of any furniture, equipment or decorative material must be arranged through the office in advance.
    6. All school rules are in effect.
    7. Students absent on the day of the event are not permitted to attend the event unless specific arrangements have been made with the Principal before 12:00 PM on the day preceding the event.
    8. When an event is held on a Saturday or Sunday, Students who were not in school on Friday may not participate unless special arrangements have been made with the Principal before 12:00 PM on the day preceding the event.

    FIELD TRIPS

    Field Trips are reserved for those students in good academic and behavioral standing. A student failing two or more classes or who has received a referral in the time period preceding a dance/teen night, will be placed on a restricted list and unable to attend. The administrator and team leaders will meet to discuss individual student/s who will be potentially restricted from attending the trip. Parents will be notified of any student excluded from attending. 

    TEACHER DETENTION

    This area is to address students who repeatedly: (1) do not complete homework and/or (2) are either tardy, excused or absent from school or class.  The teacher will assign a student to their supervised 10th period from 2:25 to 3:30 PM.  The teacher will notify the parent or guardian of the student. If a student does not report for detention, the student will receive an office detention assigned by an administrator.

    DETENTION 

    Detention will be assigned by the principal or assistant principal for various infractions.  If the student has a problem, doesn’t understand, etc., he/she should make an appointment to see the appropriate staff member. The student should inform his/her guardian of the detention assignment. All school rules apply during afterschool detention. Failure to attend will lead to additional detentions, in-school suspension, or out of school suspension for repeat behaviors.  Students who do not serve their detentions will be excluded from participation in non-classroom events (games, practices, dances, etc.) until the detentions are served.  

    IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION 

    Refusal to accomplish school tasks even though able to do so; insubordination, disorderly, vicious, illegal or immoral conduct, and persistent violation of school regulations are causes for suspension from school.  Students who are assigned to the In-School Suspension room should leave their phones and other electronic devices in the main office and then report directly to the ISS room for the day. 

    Once they are in the In-School Suspension room, they may not leave until the end of the academic day (2:18 PM). Students will go to the cafeteria during the middle school lunch period to get their lunch.  They will return to the In-School room to eat it.  This will be the only time that students will be allowed to eat in the room.  There may be an occasion when a teacher determines that a student’s absence from class would cause an insurmountable obstacle to success.  When and if that happens, the teacher involved should solicit the permission of the Principal to take the student out of the In-School room for the class period only.

    While serving the in-school suspension, students are not eligible for any extracurricular activities until the end of the academic day (2:18 PM) on the last day of their in-school suspension.  Students may not eat, sleep, chew gum, or converse with any other students at any time while serving their suspension.  Failure to adhere to this rule will result in more time being added to the suspension term.  Flagrant violations of this rule will result in an out-of-school suspension.

    Disrespect or insubordination towards the in-school suspension monitor or the replacement will result in more disciplinary action up to an including out-of-school suspension.  Students who are obviously making every attempt to comply with all the requests made of them while on in-school suspension may be considered for early release.

    Students are not permitted to use personal electronic devices while serving in-school suspension. As part of such, students will be required to turn any cellphones, iPods, or other electronic devices over to office staff upon arrival at school. Any student(s) found in violation of this procedure may be subject to further consequences. 

    SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL 

    Suspension from school is a severe penalty, which may be imposed only upon students who are insubordinate, disorderly, violent or disruptive, or whose conduct otherwise endangers the safety, morals, health or welfare of others.

    The Board retains its authority to suspend students, but places primary responsibility for the suspension of students with the Superintendent and the Principals.  Any staff member may recommend to their respective Principal that a student be suspended. All staff members must immediately report and refer a violent student to the Principal or his/her designee for a violation of the code of conduct. All recommendations and referrals shall be made in writing unless the conditions underlying the recommendation or referral warrant immediate attention.  In such cases a written report is to be prepared as soon as possible by the staff member recommending the suspension.

    The Superintendent, Principal, or their designee, upon receiving a recommendation or referral for suspension or when processing a case for suspension, shall gather the facts relevant to the matter and record them for subsequent presentation, if necessary.

    DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

    It may be necessary to suspend, remove or otherwise discipline students with disabilities to address disruptive or problem behavior.  The principal will review the IEP, and if necessary, consult with the Chairperson for Special Education prior to enacting any discipline to ensure that the procedures followed for suspending, removing or otherwise disciplining students with disabilities are consistent with the procedural safeguards required by applicable laws and regulations.

    STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

    Students may not use or possess personal electronic devices during the school day. Examples of such devices are cameras, digital cameras, cell phones, iPods, iPads, or any other type of telecommunications or imaging device. If students bring these items they must be turned off and stored in their locked lockers during the day.  In the case that a student’s personal item such as a cellphone, iPod, or other item is thought to have been used to violate the school’s code of conduct, the administration reserves the right to search those items to investigate the incident.

    AUDIO & VIDEO RECORDING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

    There will be no audio & video recording of parent-teacher-administrator or student conferences, any meetings between a parent or student and teacher or administrators, or classroom and other school activities unless pre-approves by the teacher or administrator involved. However, this shall not preclude any statutory right to audio & video record public meetings at the school district, a meeting of the Committee on Special Education by the parent involved, or activities required by the student’s individualized education program.

    DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS 

    All students have the right to attend school without being subjected to instances of harassment or discrimination.  Students who feel that they have been harassed or discriminated against should report any incidents to one of the Dignity Act Coordinators or school offices immediately.

    Mr. Strong, Hudson Falls Middle School Dignity Act Coordinator

    CYBER IMAGE POLICY

    Any identifiable image, photo or video which implicates a student to have been in possession or presence of drugs or portrays actual use, or out of character behavior of crime, shall be confirmation of a violation of the code. Since there is no way to establish timeframe for when or location of where the image was taken, it shall be a responsibility that the student must assume. It must also be noted that there may be persons, who would attempt to implicate a student, by taking such images, to place them in a situation where they might be in violation of this code standard. This is our rationale for demanding that our students not place themselves in such environments.   

    POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN SEARCHES AND INTERROGATIONS 

    School principals and staff are committed to cooperating with police officials and other law enforcement authorities to maintain a safe school environment. Police officials, however, have limited authority to interview or search students in schools or at school functions, or to use school facilities in connection with police work. Police officials may enter school property or a school function to question or search a student only if criteria set forth in the District’s Code of Conduct are met. 

    CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE VISITATIONS AND INTERVIEWS 

    School principals and staff are committed to keeping students safe from harm and fulfilling the obligation of school officials to report to child protective services when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a student has been abused or maltreated, the district will cooperate with local child protective services workers who wish to conduct interviews of students on school property relating to allegations of suspected child abuse, and/or neglect, or custody investigations.

    VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

    Parents and other district citizens are encouraged to visit the school when appointments have been made with specific staff members.  Since schools are a place of work and learning, however, certain limits must be set for such visits.  As part of this, we ask that teacher meetings and other appointments be scheduled before or after school hours if possible.  The Principal or his/her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds.

    PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

    School principals and staff are committed to providing an orderly, respectful environment that is conducive to learning.  To create and maintain this kind of an environment, it is necessary to regulate public conduct on school property and at school functions.  All persons on school property or attending a school function shall be appropriately dressed and required to conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly manner.  The Principal or his/her designee shall be responsible for monitoring public conduct.  Those who fail to meet reasonable requests will be asked to leave the property. 

    STUDENT CONDUCT

    Proper school behavior cannot be over-emphasized.  Students will normally receive a verbal warning for his/her first minor offense during the school year.  This verbal warning is provided as long as he/she takes responsibility for his/her own behavior and reacts in a reasonable and positive manner when meeting with the principal.  Students that provide misinformation and/or refuse to take responsibility for his/her own behavior may be assigned additional consequences.  Students that commit violent or illegal infractions will not be afforded verbal warnings.  Guidelines outlining the possible consequences resulting due to various infractions are listed below.  School principals hold discretionary rights when assigning consequences, and will take into consideration the age and grade level, of the student/s as well as other pertinent information specific to the situation.

     

     

    REFERENCE TO SCHOOL SERVICES

    IF THIS IS YOUR CONCERN….. THEN…..

     

    You are sick in school…. Get a pass to the Nurses office.  If not available, go to the M.S. Office.

    You were absent from school….. Bring excuse to the secretary in the M.S. Office on the first or second day back.

    You are tardy to school….. Report to the secretary in the M.S. Office with a note.

    You are late to class during the day….. Report directly to class. Teachers will mark student as tardy.

    You have a medical appointment….. Take appointment card, parental note to the M.S. Office upon arrival in the AM.

    You must leave school during the day….. Take parental excuse to the M.S. Office before first class.

    Need working papers….. See the Main Office

    Questions about your schedule or program of study….. See the Guidance Office

    Need career, armed forces or college information….. See the Guidance Office

    Have a locker problem….. Report problem to M.S. Office

    Lost or found item….. Turn over to staff member or Main Office

    Having personal or family problems….. See the Guidance Counselor