ACCESS TO THE BUILDING IN THE MORNING

AND DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Security—Building Access

• School doors open for students at 7:00 a.m.
• Between 7:00 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. the only access for students to enter the building will be:
  • Grove Place doors by gymnasium

• ALL students arriving late to school past 8:00 a.m. (including students arriving late for senior privilege) must enter the building only through Main Office Doors by Flagpole Circle (located in faculty parking lot).
• Please note that students arriving late must sign in at the Attendance Office. The student must bring in a note signed by a parent/guardian explaining the reason for lateness and/or the parent/guardian must call the Attendance Office at 631-893-7921 to explain the reason for lateness.
• During lunch periods, students in grades 10-12 may go out to lunch and must use only the Grove Place doors to exit and re-enter the building.  The same applies to seniors wishing to go out during senior privilege during lunch periods.

Student ID Policy

The purpose of the ID card is to identify a person as a student or staff member associated with Babylon Junior-Senior High School, therefore allowing a quick response to trespassers. Students will be issued a Babylon Junior-Senior High School identification badge and lanyard. Students will be required to properly wear this form of identification from the time they arrive until they depart the building. Students must be able to display the ID card when entering the building and upon request by Security or Staff. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action for students. Cost of replacement ID card is $5.

STUDENT SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

Babylon Jr-Sr. HS is legally responsible for keeping each student in school for the entire length of the school day.  Only requests based on legal reasons for absence from school will considered for releasing students prior to regular dismissal time.  Students can only be released by the Attendance Office or the School Nurse.  Students will only be released to a parent/guardian unless otherwise indicated by the parent/guardian. The Attendance Office will verify student release to any other individuals.

SENIORS ONLY: A note from a parent/guardian must be submitted to the Attendance Office prior to release from school.  The note must include a phone number where a parent/guardian can be reached for verification. NO STUDENT WILL BE RELEASED FROM SCHOOL WITHOUT A VERIFIED NOTE OR PARENT PHONE CALL!  Notes will notaccepted the next day!

Attention Parents
When your child is absent from school, notification must be made to the Attendance Office by phone at 631-893-7921.

In addition, a legitimate written excuse must be provided to the student’s homeroom teacher on the first day back to school after an absence.

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under federal and state law and district policy. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly, and supportive school environment, all district students have the right to:

1. Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of race, weight, color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, gender or sexual orientation or disability.
2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of the penalty.
3. Access school policies, regulations, and rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel.

All district students have the responsibility to:

1. Contribute to maintaining a safe, supportive and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
2. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
3. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
4. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement possible.
5. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
6. Work to develop mechanisms to manage their anger.
7. Ask questions when they do not understand.
8. Seek help in solving problems.
9. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
10. Accept responsibility for their actions.
11. Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school-sponsored extracurricular events and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

The Board of Education expects all students to conduct themselves in an appropriate and civil manner, with proper regard for the rights and welfare of other students, district personnel and other members of the school community, and for the care of school facilities and equipment.

The best discipline is self-imposed, and students must learn to assume and accept responsibility for their own behavior, as well as the consequences of their misbehavior. District personnel who interact with students are expected to use disciplinary action only when necessary and to place emphasis on educating students so that they may grow in self-discipline.

The Board recognizes the need to make its expectations for student conduct while on school property or engaged in a school function specific and clear. The rules of conduct listed below are intended to do that and focus on safety and respect for the rights and property of others. Students who will not accept responsibility for their own behavior and who violate these school rules will be required to accept the consequences for their conduct.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they:

1. Engage in conduct that is disorderly.  Examples of disorderly conduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Running in hallways.
   2. Making unreasonable noise.
   3. Using language or gestures that are profane, lewd, vulgar, or abusive.
   4. Obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
   5. Engaging in any willful act which disrupts the normal operation of the school community.
   6. Trespassing. Students are not permitted in any school building, other than the one they regularly attend, without permission from the administrator in charge of the building.
   7. Computer/electronic communications misuse, including any unauthorized use of computers, software, or internet/intranet account; accessing inappropriate websites; or any other violation of the district’s acceptable use policy.
2. Engage in conduct that is insubordinate. Examples of insubordinate conduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.
   2. Lateness for, missing or leaving school without permission.
   3. Skipping detention.
3. Engage in conduct that is disruptive.  Examples of disruptive conduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators or other school personnel in charge of students.
   2. Inappropriate public sexual contact.
   3. Display or use of personal electronic devices, such as, but not limited to, cell phones, I-pods, digital cameras, in a manner that is in violation of district policy.
4. Engage in conduct that is violent. Examples of violent conduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon a teacher, administrator or other school employee or attempting to do so.
   2. Committing an act of violence (such as hitting, kicking, punching, and scratching) upon another student or any other person lawfully on school property or attempting to do so.
   3. Possessing a weapon. Authorized law enforcement officials are the only persons permitted to have a weapon in their possession while on school property or at a school function.
   4. Displaying what appears to be a weapon.
   5. Threatening to use any weapon.
   6. Intentionally damaging or destroying the personal property of a student, teacher, administrator, other district employee or any person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.
   7. Intentionally damaging or destroying school district property.
5. Engage in any conduct that endangers the safety, physical or mental health or welfare of others. Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Subjecting other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function to danger by recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of physical injury.
   2. Stealing or attempting to steal the property of other students, school personnel or any other person lawfully on school property or attending a school function.
   3. Defamation, which includes making false or unprivileged statements or representations about an individual or identifiable group of individuals that harm the reputation of the person or the identifiable group by demeaning them.
   4. Discrimination, which includes using race, color, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, sex, gender (identity and expression), sexual orientation, weight, or disability to deny rights, equitable treatment or access to facilities available to others.
   5. Harassment (or Bullying) is the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or threats, intimidation, or abuse. 
   6. Intimidation, which includes engaging in actions or statements that put an individual in fear of bodily harm.
   7. Hazing, which includes an induction, initiation or membership process involving harassment.
   8. Selling, using, distributing, or possessing obscene material.
   9. Using vulgar or abusive language, cursing, or swearing.
   10. Smoking a cigarette, cigar, pipe, vaping or using chewing or smokeless tobacco.
   11. Possessing, consuming, selling, offering, manufacturing, distributing, or exchanging alcoholic beverages or illegal substances, or being under the influence of either. 
   12. Inappropriately using or sharing prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
   13. Gambling.
   14. Indecent exposure, that is, exposure to sight of the private parts of the body in a lewd or indecent manner.
   15. Initiating a report warning of fire or other catastrophe without valid cause, misuse of 911, or discharging a fire extinguisher.
6. Engage in misconduct while on a school bus. It is crucial for students to behave appropriately while riding on district buses, to ensure their safety and that of other passengers and to avoid distracting the bus driver. Students are required to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Excessive noise, pushing, shoving, and fighting will not be tolerated.
7. Engage in any form of academic misconduct. Examples of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to:
   1. Plagiarism.
   2. Cheating.
   3. Copying.
   4. Altering records.
   5. Assisting another student in any of the above actions.
8. Engage in off-campus misconduct that interferes with or can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the educational process in the school or at a school function. Such misconduct includes, but isn’t limited to, threatening or harassing students or school personnel through any means off-campus, including cyberbullying.

All students are expected to give proper attention to personal cleanliness and to dress appropriately for school and school functions. Students and their parents have the primary responsibility for acceptable student dress and appearance. Teachers and all other district personnel should exemplify and reinforce acceptable student dress and help students develop an understanding of appropriate appearance in the school setting.
A student's dress, grooming and appearance, including hair style/color, jewelry, make-up, and nails, shall:

1. Be safe, appropriate, and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.
2. Recognize that extremely brief garments such as, but not limited to tube tops, net tops, halter tops, plunging necklines (front and/or back) and see-through garments are not appropriate.
3. Ensure that underwear is completely covered with outer clothing.
4. Include footwear at all times.
5. Not include items that are vulgar, obscene, libelous, or denigrate others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
6. Not promote and/or endorse the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs and/or encourage other illegal or violent activities.

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.

 
To view the full District Code of Conduct document and subsequent BOE policies related to conduct, please visit this website.

Statement of Philosophy

Disciplinary action at Babylon Junior-Senior High School is characterized as follows:

Assertive - occasions to correct student behavior in all aspects of the school community are actively sought out.

Ascending - repetitive, unacceptable behavior is modified more strenuously each successive occurrence.

Cumulative - accurate, informative, and complete records are kept, providing a continual profile of a student's successful behavior modification.

Social development, personal management, self-reliance and students' confidence in the school community's general well-being are ingredients that provide us with many opportunities for "life-lessons." These lessons often include parent-teacher, student-teacher contacts that provide the avenues through which students develop their humanistic attitudes. When these attitudes are incorrect and need re-focusing or when social arrangements surrounding a student need realignment, specific disciplinary procedures exist which provide for these adjustments.

When behavior modification is not achieved at first attempt, the next level of correction and encouragement is initiated. Disciplinary action will ascend to the required level of effectiveness causing the unwanted behavior trait to cease. Due process is maintained stringently throughout the entire ascension with cumulative records providing the necessary documentation for effective parent conferencing.

Elastic Clause -The school and administration reserve the right to establish fair and reasonable rules and regulations for things requiring action that are not covered in the handbook and/or student behavioral plan that may arise. In all cases, rules, regulations, and possible consequences shall be as consistent as possible with previously established rules, regulations, and consequences for similar incidents. Matters omitted from the list should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the school’s authority in dealing with any type of infraction that may not be in the best interest of the safety and welfare of the students of BHS. The policies and regulations within this handbook apply for all school-sponsored activities, including those held before or after school, and those held away from BHS.

Finally, student conferencing is multifaceted, with extensive use of all ancillary personnel and appropriate agencies applicable to the situation. Teachers-as-counselors are encouraged to take an active role in the follow-up so vital in portraying disciplinary action as a constructive development technique.

As outlined in the objectives of the Babylon Board of Education's Statement of Philosophy (adopted August 17, 1981), "...to provide a physical environment and an atmosphere of academic freedom in which learning may take place without tension..." To this end is the philosophy of discipline at Babylon Jr-Sr High School dedicated.
 

Intervention:

Every effort will be made to conduct intervention conferences to prevent problems from becoming crisis level. Social responsibility on the part of every student dictates that we call upon the necessary authority figure to intervene. Many potentially serious situations can be effectively diffused if recognized early. The entire professional staff stands ready to help students systematically define their differences and assist them in the successful negotiation of an appropriate conclusion.

Detention:

Detention must be served the day it is assigned. Employment or extracurricular participation will not excuse a student from detention! 
Failure to attend detention will result in assignment of an additional day of detention.  Continued failure to report to detentions may lead to suspension from school (or restriction to campus during lunch!)

Suspension does not remove detention.

Suspension:

PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED, PREFERABLY BY TELEPHONE, AND A LETTER WILL BE MAILED AT THE TIME OF SUSPENSION. A PARENT REINSTATEMENT CONFERENCE IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO A STUDENT BEING REINSTATED.

• Suspensions will be assigned as in-school suspensions or out of school suspensions according to the seriousness of the misbehavior and the repetitiveness of the misconduct.
• Any infraction deemed by the administration to be a serious infringement on, or a disruption of the education, health and safety or harmonious relationship of students will be considered a just cause for immediate suspension.

Serious antisocial behavior will be met by severe corrective measures as follows:

1. Alcohol or Substance use or possession (including drug paraphernalia): immediate minimum 3 to 5 days out-of-school suspension; parent and counseling conferences mandated; possibility of law enforcement involvement as well as a Superintendent’s Hearing. Babylon Junior Senior High School property has been declared a Drug Free Zone. No student may use, possess, sell or distribute alcohol or other controlled substances, nor may any student use or possess drug paraphernalia on school grounds or at school sponsored events, except drugs as prescribed by a physician.
2. Fighting Policy: Use of physical force by students is disruptive to the school and dangerous for participants. Fighting is prohibited. All students involved will be suspended from school for at least three (3) days. In cases of a minor nature, in-school suspension may be assigned instead of out-of-school suspension. A parent conference will be required for re-entry into school. In cases of a serious nature or repeated offenses, a superintendent’s hearing will be held to consider more severe disciplinary action. A student guilty of harassment or other provocative actions leading to a fight will receive in-school suspension for a minimum of two (2) days.
3. Instigating a fight: minimum 3 day in-school suspension; pre and post suspension parent conferencing mandated. Peer conferencing required before reinstatement.
4. Gambling: Card playing or gambling is not allowed on school property at any time.
5. Promoting student unrest: minimum 3 day in school suspension with removal of cafeteria privileges for a period of time deemed appropriate by administration, parent conferencing mandated.
6. Smoking: New York State law prohibits smoking on the grounds of all schools. In addition to school administered punitive consequences, repeat offenders will be referred to the Health Department for formal legal action, which may include a fine of up to $500. Smoking or use of tobacco products including cigarettes, lighter/matches, ecigarettes, vape devices, vape liquids, or similar devices while in school or on any school grounds may result in a minimum in-school suspension for first offense. Repeat behaviors will be met with increasingly severe penalties. Parent conferencing is mandated.
7. Insubordination, outright, willful disobedience of authority: minimum one day in-school suspension with more severe penalty for extensive insubordination. Parent conference required for readmittance.

Good attendance is a responsibility shared by students, parents, and school personnel.  It is essential to academic success.  Good attendance and class participation are necessary to successfully complete each subject. Eligibility to attend school events and extracurricular activities requires attendance in school. Students must sign in by 11:30 a.m. in order to participate in after-school activities, including interscholastic athletic contests.  To promote good attendance, the following policy has been established.

Attendance/Grade Policy:

Students will be permitted no more than 20 days of absence for a full-year course or 10 days of absence for a half-year course.  Students who do not meet this attendance requirement in accordance with the terms of this policy will not receive academic credit for the class provided they have not earned a passing grade.

Grades of “Incomplete”:

Teachers who wish to extend a particular courtesy to students who have been absent may assign a grade of “I” (Incomplete) on the student’s report card.  “Incompletes” must be completed or resolved within two weeks following the end of the marking period, otherwise the student’s grade will reflect the grade earned.  If students do not resolve the “Incomplete” during the allotted time, they will not receive credit for the missing work and will risk being assigned a failing grade for the marking period in the incomplete course.  Teachers/administration will inform the parents about the “Incomplete” and the effect that repeated absences will have on a student’s course work. 

Absences:

All unexcused absences count in determining if a student has exceeded the maximum amount of absences allowed.

Truancy:

• Student truancy will be handled according to the discipline code of conduct. (See interventions.)
• Disciplinary consequences will be determined by the Principal and could result in a Superintendent’s hearing.

Absences caused by lateness to class:

• An unexcused lateness of more than 15 minutes will be recorded as one full absence
• Three excused lateness’ of more than 15 minutes will be recorded as one full absence.

Class cutting:

A class cut counts as an unexcused absence/truancy.  In addition, penalties for cutting class remain as stated in the discipline procedure already in effect.

• First class cut will result in two days of detention. 
• Second class cut will result in two extended detentions.
• Third class cut will result in the student spending one day in in-school detention.
• Disciplinary consequences for further cuts will be determined by the building Principal and could result in a Superintendent’s hearing.

Tardiness:

Unauthorized tardiness to school and to class will be handled as follows:

• After 3 unauthorized lateness to school, the student will be referred to the Administrative Assistants’ office for a school detention.
• Students who are late to any class by more than 15 minutes will be considered as absent from that particular class.
• Lateness to class is met with a teacher assigned detention.
• Exception to the above consequences can only be made when a student provides a written, verifiable, same-day, legitimate excuse signed by a parent or guardian.  Included in the note must be an accessible telephone number.

Procedure - Grades 7-12:

Stage 1:

When a student has reached the 7th absence in a full-year course or the third (3rd) absence in a half-year course, the teacher will notify the attendance office, which will contact the parent/guardian by letter.  A conference will be arranged with the student and school administration. 

Stage 2:

When a student has reached the 14th absence in a full-year course or the seventh (7th) absence in a half-year course, the teacher will notify the attendance office, which will contact the parent/guardian by letter.  A conference will be arranged with the student, parent and the Attendance Review Team.  

The Attendance Review Team:

• The Attendance Review Team is a process to assist students and parents with attendance and behavior problems. The Attendance Review Team is an effort to bring together multiple resources to assist families with attendance, truancy and behavior issues so that students will stay in school, attend school regularly and graduate. 

The Team:

• The Attendance Review Team is composed of the following BHS staff members: principal, administrator(s), school counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, school nurse and teachers. Other resources available to the team: district level support staff, law enforcement personnel, children and family services, mental health services, and community counseling agencies. The team works collaboratively to assess the problem and recommend alternative solutions to alleviate circumstances that contribute to specific attendance, behavior problems, and/or truancy.

Interventions:

The Attendance Review Team process includes interventions that pupils and families recognize as supportive rather than punitive or judgmental. These interventions help the pupils and families select services and resources to address school attendance and/or behavior problems. Possible interventions may include:

• Conduct teacher conferences and Rapid Response sheets to discuss the student’s specific strengths and needs. 
• Look for patterns of behavior or attendance problems within the school and with individual school staff. 
• Determine if there is a health problem that may be interfering with the student's learning. 
• If social/emotional or behavioral issues are preventing a student from attending school, ask for an assessment from a school counselor or school psychologist. This person can then make a referral to the student's health care provider or to a community-based mental health resource. 
• Student-Parent Contract - requiring student to attend school every day. 
• Requiring that a doctor verify the student’s future absences. 
• Requesting assistance from other county agencies and programs when needed. 
• Refer students and parents to outside agencies for counseling. 
• Weekly/daily sign-in sheets 
• Weekly progress reports 
• Behavioral contract – referral to Student Review Team
• Drug and alcohol abuse prevention and intervention 

Stage 3:

After the 10/20 unexcused absences, course credit will be denied or withheld and given an “Incomplete”.  Students denied credit for a course must remain enrolled in the course if they wish to attend summer school.  Students may not exceed thirty (30) absences in a full-year course and fifteen (15) absences in a half-year course if they are to enroll in summer school.

A certified letter will be sent to the student and parents/guardians informing them that credit has been denied after exceeding the allowable absences and also outlining the appeals procedure. 

Academic Cheating:

The school’s purpose is the fostering of academic excellence. An essential element in a climate of learning is intellectual honesty. Cheating is incompatible with the Babylon philosophy. To this end, cheating in any form is unacceptable behavior. The dictionary defines cheating as acting dishonestly, practicing fraud.

Examples of Academic Cheating (not a comprehensive list):

• When a student copies the work of another student, either entirely or in part, and turns in that work as his or her own.
• When a student knowingly permits another student to copy from his or her work.
• When a student deliberately transforms borrowed sections of someone else’s work in order to disguise their origin.
• When a student accesses course materials on a course website, or downloads course materials to an electronic device and accesses those materials during an exam or quiz.

Plagiarism: 
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words of another person and using them as one’s own. This includes copying words or ideas from a book, magazine or other print source, downloading material from the Internet and copying work from another student. In the last case, both the student who does the copying and the student who allows the copying are equally guilty.

Plagiarism impedes a writer’s development of the many essential skills that comprise the writing process. Plagiarism is also unfair to the vast majority of Babylon students who work honestly and diligently to produce their own work.

Examples of Plagiarism (not a comprehensive list): 

• Include copying text, data, figures or graphs from any source without citing the source of the work, or adapting text, data, figures or graphs from any source without crediting the original source of the adapted work.
• When Internet or other resources are used verbatim and/or "cut and pasted" into students work regardless of whether they are acknowledged or not.

Procedure for Suspected Academic Cheating or Plagiarism Cases: 
The instructor will discuss violations of this policy with the student(s) and then will inform the parents, department director, and administration and state the evidence.

Penalty for Academic Cheating or Plagiarism: 
In cases of academic cheating or plagiarism, no credit will be given for the assignment in question to all students involved in the incident, regardless of who instigated the cheating incident. 

If a second or further incident is reported for an individual, whether that is in the same class or in a different class, further disciplinary actions will be taken. A meeting can take place to discuss the violation.

Philosophy:

Babylon Junior-Senior High School students are expected to demonstrate self-discipline and maintain satisfactory effort and achievement in their academic classes.  Extracurricular activities are an integral part of school life and serve as a means of developing wholesome attitudes and good human relations, knowledge and skills.  Participation in these activities is a privilege and students must be mindful that academic responsibilities and obligations have priority over extracurricular activities.

Academic Probation:

Progress Reports: Students identified as “currently failing the course” by two or more teachers.
Report Cards: Students who failed two or more subjects.

Responsibilities:

Student:

• Complete weekly progress report
• Attend at least 2 extra help sessions per week
• Attend classes and do all homework assignments

Parent:

• Review and discuss weekly progress report with child
• Review and sign weekly progress report
• Encourage student to work hard and improve academically

Coach/Advisor:

• Review and sign weekly progress report
• Encourage student to work hard, study and attend required extra help sessions
• Communicate with teachers regarding student progress

Criteria for Eligibility to Participate in Extracurricular Activity:

• Demonstrates effort and improvement
• Completes weekly progress report
• Attends extra help sessions
• Adheres to the attendance policy

To reinforce consistency and establish an equitable deterrent not limited to athletics, the following guidelines have been established for all other extracurricular activities. Extracurric¬ular activities include all clubs, organizations, student government groups, honor societies and events which are sponsored by the school exclusive of athletics for the purpose of this policy.

1. Advisors are expected to be aggressively active in Babylon Junior-Senior High alcohol/drug education and prevention program.  Advisors are to inform students of this policy by holding a special group orientation session for this purpose.
2. A due process hearing is required to determine if a student club/organization member has indulged in alcohol/drugs, in or out of school during the active period of the extracurricular club or organization.
3. The Extracurricular Review Committee will investigate the circumstances and render a decision.  The committee will consist of an administrative assistant, two club/extracurricular advisors not directly involved with the student and/or club, the school social worker, and an athletic coach.
4. After it is determined through the due process hearing that a student club/organization member has violated the alcohol/drug prohibition for the first offense the committee will consider consequences which may include a temporary club/organization suspension, counseling intervention, and/or a community service component.
5. A second alcohol/drug offense may require a club/organization suspension and/or a community service component along with required notification to the guidance counselor who will arrange an appropriate intervention plan.  (i.e. outside referral and regular counseling sessions.)
6. If a suspension from the club/organization is invoked, the duration and nature of the suspension will be defined by the Extracurricular Review Committee.
7. A third offense will result in ineligibility from participation in extracurricular activities for a period of time to be considered by the review committee along with required intervention services as stated above.
8. Note that the above extracurricular sanctions do not preclude further school disciplinary action, especially if the infraction involves a school related event or activated.
9. The Assistant Principal’s office will maintain a record of those who are identified as violators of the alcohol/drug prohibition.

To ensure uniformity and consistency in implementing Babylon High School's Athletic Code of Conduct, the following guidelines have been established to deal with student athletes who violate the prohibition against the use of alcohol/drugs.  

1. Coaches are expected to be aggressively active in Babylon High School's alcohol/drug education and prevention program.  Coaches are to inform student athletes of this policy by holding a special team orientation session for this purpose.
2. A due-process hearing is required to determine if a student athlete has indulged in alcohol/drugs, in or out of school during a sports season.
3. The athletic review committee will investigate the circumstances and render a decision.  The committee will consist of the athletic director, two coaches not directly involved with the athlete(s) and/or team(s), the school social worker and a teacher/club advisor.
4. After it is determined through the due process hearing that a student athlete has violated the alcohol/drug prohibition, for the first offense the committee will consider consequences which may include a temporary team suspension, counseling intervention, and/or a community service component.
5. A second alcohol/drug offense may require a team suspension and /or a community service component along with required notification to the guidance counselor who will arrange an appropriate intervention plan.  (i.e. outside referral and regular counseling sessions.)
6. If a suspension from the team is invoked, the duration and nature of the suspension will be defined by the athletic review committee.
7. A third offense will result in ineligibility from participation in athletics for a period of time to be considered by the review committee along with required intervention services as stated above. 
8. Note that the above athletic sanctions do not preclude further school disciplinary action, especially if the infraction involves a school related event or activity.
9. The Athletic Director's office will maintain a record of those who are identified as violators of the alcohol/drug prohibition.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Eligibility:
A student should apply for certification by the NCAA before graduation if he/she is sure that he/she wishes to participate in athletics as a freshman in college. The Clearinghouse will issue a preliminary certification report when the student has submitted all materials. When a college requests the student information, the Clearinghouse will review the final transcript and make a final certification decision according to NCAA standards.

Any student who is thinking of participating in NCAA Athletics needs to inform their guidance counselor to ensure all classes are NCAA approved.  The guidance department will then send a final transcript directly to the NCAA Clearinghouse.

In keeping with the spirit and the intent of federal and state law, Babylon Public Schools strives to provide a comfortable learning environment.  We are committed to a school that is free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, or any other protected status.  Offensive or harassing behavior will not be tolerated against any student.  This policy will extend to all Babylon Schools employees, or anyone else who enters our schools.  In addition, all faculty and staff of the Babylon Schools are responsible for taking proper action to end such behavior when it exists. 

Offensive conduct or harassment of a sexual nature, or based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, or any protected status is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical Actions written or spoken language (suggestive or lewd remarks), and graphic communications;
• Any type of physical contact when the action is unwelcome or unwanted by the recipient; 
• Expectations, requests, demands or pressure for sexual favors;
• Derpgatory slurs, jokes, pornograpic posters, cartoons, drawings, and gestures.

Any such offensive conduct will be considered a prohibited form of harassment when any or all of the following are true:

• There is a promise or implied promise of preferential treatment or negative consequences of any type;
• Such conduct has the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work/learning environment, or unreasonably intereres with a person's work/school performance;
• A third party is offended by the sexual conduct or communications of others. 

Harassment is considered a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Anyone found to be in violation of the aforementioned policy will be subject to strict disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension from school and a Superintendent’s Hearing.

TITLE VI:
The Babylon School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or age.  This announcement is published in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

 
TITLE IX:
The Babylon School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational program and activities which it operates and is required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner, said requirement extending to employment therein.

SECTION 504:
The Babylon School District abides by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

The Superintendent has been designated by the Board of Education as the district’s Compliance Coordinator.  The office may be contacted by calling (631) 893-7900 or by writing to the office at 50 Railroad Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702.

Complaint Procedure:

• Anyone who believes he or she is being discriminated against or harassed in any way, or who witnesses such actions against others, should report it immediately to a guidance counselor, teacher, administrator, or school social worker.
• All complaints will remain as confidential as possible.
• Each complaint will be evaluated on its own merit and appropriate action taken.
• Filing a false report is considered an abuse of this school policy, and will be treated as a violation.

Babylon Union Free School District is committed to providing an educational and working environment that promotes respect, dignity, and equality, and one that is free from all forms of bullying or harassment.It is your right to attend school in an environment free from sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination. 

If you believe you have been a target of bullying or harassment, if you are a relative of a victim, a teacher, counselor, or other staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged bullying or harassment, please scan QR code below and complete this form. Once submitted, reporters will receive confirmation of their submission and can expect follow-up contact from a member of our administrative team.

If you believe this incident is an emergency or could cause immediate harm to yourself or others and needs immediate attention, please call 911.

The Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) was signed into law by Governor David A. Paterson on September 13, 2010.  This legislation amended NYS Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students.  The intent of the Dignity Act is to provide all public school students with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, including bullying, taunting or intimidation, as well as to foster civility in public schools.

No student shall be subjected to harasment by employees or students on school property or at a school function; nor shall any student be subjected to discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived racce, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex by school employees or students on school property or at a school function. 

In light of the media's preoccupation with weapons and violence and the national concern surrounding these issues, it is appropriate that the Babylon School District take a proactive position to prevent the problem from reaching our schools. If a student is found in possession of a dangerous instrument, substance, or weapon, the following procedures will be followed:

• Automatic five day out-of-school suspension.
• Police involvement, including an arrest.
• Referral for medical, psychological, and psychiatric evaluation.
• Mandatory Superintendent's Hearing for further exemption from school.

For the purpose of this policy, a dangerous instrument is any device or substance that can cause injury or threaten the health and safety of others. (Included but not exclusive items are firearms, fireworks, pepper spray, mace, or any type of knife; pocketknife or otherwise.) Babylon High School has zero tolerance for dangerous instruments or violence and will remain a safe and secure environment for all.

The Board of Education recognizes that there are personal electronic devices that have educational applications such as calculators, voice recorders, digital cameras and music listening devices. In some instances, a “smart phone” or “smart watch” may include applications that permit these functions. These devices shall be allowed to be used in classrooms, or other school locations only when they are included as part of a lesson under the direction of a teacher, or permission is given by an administrator. 

The Board acknowledges that cellular phones and smart watches can be a positive means to facilitate communication; however, the display and/or use of such a device can cause disruption to the educational process. Therefore, to prevent such disruption, the display and/or use by students of cellular phones, including smart phones and smart watches may not be used in the student cafeteria during lunch periods, recess or during free time by students in grades K-8. High school students (grades 9-12) may use personal electronic devices during lunch periods in the cafeteria, in study halls with teacher permission, and during senior privilege time. When used, proper etiquette should be observed so as not to disturb others.

Students may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school, when they: Engage in misconduct (on or off-campus) that interferes with or can reasonably be expected to substantially disrupt the educational process in the school or at a school function. Such misconduct includes, but isn’t limited to, threatening or harassing students or school personnel through any means off-campus, including cyberbullying (for a complete definition of harassment, bullying and cyberbullying refer to policy 0115, Student Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Intervention).

• Cell phone possession is a privilege, not a right.
• An electronic device is defined as a cell phone, camera phone, portable music device, or any other device that can be electrically powered on.
• Students are permitted to use cell phones before the first bell of the day and after the final bell of the day.
• The use of cell phones is ONLY permitted during lunch for students in grades 9-12. The use of cell phones is NOT permitted during lunch for students in grades 7-8. Inappropriate use of a cell phone will result in further discipline.
• All cell phones/electronic devices should be put away before the student enters the academic classroom, unless allowed by the teacher for instructional purposes. 
• Students participating in field trips, extracurricular activities, and athletic events must contact their coach or sponsor for his/her rules involving cell phone use after school hours or on after-school bus trips. Coaches and sponsors will set their rules and establish consequences involving the use and/or misuse of these devices.
• The student use of cameras is strictly forbidden in private areas, such as, locker rooms, washrooms, dressing areas, classrooms, and offices at any time. Such use may also be in violation of the criminal code.
• The act of using a cell phone or other electronic devices to send or possess images, photos, or messages which are sexually explicit, lewd, indecent, or pornographic is inappropriate. This act, while at school or a school-related function, constitutes gross disobedience or misconduct and is subject to disciplinary consequences. Such behavior that occurs off school property or outside of school hours may still be subject to discipline if it disrupts or interferes with the educational environment. Administrators may search a cell phone or other electronic device if there is reasonable suspicion that the student may have been involved in such behavior. Such behavior will result in disciplinary consequences as well as possible notification of law enforcement.
• The New York State Legislature passed an amendment to the Dignity for All Students Act to specifically address cyberbullying not only within schools but also incidents that occur off school property that could "foreseeably disrupt" the school environment.
• Any phone communication during the instructional day will take place on school telephones with permission from office personnel with the exception of emergency situations as deemed by the principal. Parents should continue to call the school for any emergency situation.
• Possession of a cell phone by a student is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student not abiding by the terms of this policy. Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their cell phones. The Babylon School District shall not assume any responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a cell phone, or unauthorized calls made on a cell phone.

Misuse of any of these electronic devices will result in warnings, detention, possible suspension and ultimately its confiscation, to be returned to a parent or a guardian at the end of the school day as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

In order to ensure the integrity of testing, in accordance with State guidelines, students are not allowed to bring cellular phones and other electronic devices into the classrooms or other exam locations during state assessments.  Test proctors, test monitors and school officials have the right to collect cellular phones prior to the start of the test and to hold them while the test is being administered, including break periods.  Admission to the test shall be denied to any student who refuses to relinquish a prohibited device.

Students with individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, or documentation from a medical practitioner that specifically requires the use of an electronic device may do so as specified.

Listening devices may be used during the student’s lunch period for students in grades 9-12 only in the school cafeteria. All listening devices, including earbuds and headphones, should be put away while in the hallways and before the student enters the academic classroom, unless allowed by the teacher for instructional purposes. The volume of music must be kept at a level that is audible only to the individual listener. Free-standing wireless speakers may not be used in school at any time. Proper, responsible, and acceptable use of electronic listening devices must always be followed. Failure to follow adult directive will result in student disciplinary consequences. 

Cross-ref:  5300 Code of Conduct
Ref: Price v New York City Board of Education, 16 Misc.3d 543 (2007)

The following guidelines have been established to promote a safe and alcohol/drug free prom celebration:

Parent Involvement:

• Parents or Guardians of Senior Prom participants are expected to attend a pre-prom meeting or an alternative session dealing with Prom Guidelines, pre- and post Prom parties, legalities and liabilities, student responsibilities, school expectations and policy.
• A Parent/Student Prom Agreement acknowledging expectations and parental support will be submitted by participants.
• In the event a Babylon student invites a non-Babylon student as a guest, the Babylon student's parents will agree to serve as a contact and to escort home the non-Babylon student as well as the Babylon student in the event that either violates the alcohol/substance ban.
• Parents to be made aware of Suffolk County Social Host Law.

Supervision and Security:

• Appropriate security and an adequate number of chaperones will supervise the event.
  • Approximately 12 teachers/administrators plus security will be present.
• Limousines and vehicles transporting students to the prom are subject to being searched. 

Specific Student Behavioral Standards:

• The school's goal and expectation is to hold an alcohol/drug free Senior Prom and Junior Deb.
• Students found in violation of the alcohol/drug ban will face the following consequences.
  • Denial of prom entry.  Parents will be notified and expected to provide escort home for the student(s).
  • Graduating seniors in this category will not be permitted to participate in graduation Commencement Exercises.
  • Appropriate school discipline will be applied following the incident.
• Violation will be established according to the following prescription.
  • A student will be considered in violation of the alcohol/drug ban if 
    • alcohol or drugs are found in the transporting vehicle or on the student's person; or
    • it is determined that the student is acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs by exhibiting altered or impaired behavior. This judgment is to be rendered by three school officials, including an administrator with a combination of advisors and/or supervisors.
• Supervisors will determine if the party with violators should be denied prom entry or sent home subsequent to entry.  Circumstances and conditions surrounding the incident will influence this decision.

General Student Behavioral Standards:

Any student directly involved in violating the school's alcohol/drug policy during the school year prior to the prom/deb may be prohibited from participating in the prom/deb or related activities. 

A student who has proven to be a serious discipline problem during the school year and who has consistently failed to alter negative and risky behavior will be denied participation in the prom/deb.

Eligibility for field trips will be based on student attendance and conduct. Students with excessive tardiness, absences, or disciplinary infractions, as determined by the building principal, will not be permitted to go on field trips.

Allergy Policy:

There are currently students in our school with severe, medically documented allergies to peanuts and/or tree nuts. In a severely allergic child, exposure to these products can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. The safety of our students is of the utmost importance.  Therefore, we are asking for your cooperation regarding this matter. 

To assist us in providing the safest, healthiest school environment for all students, we are requesting that all parents send peanut-free and nut free lunches, snacks and party food to school.  Please be aware that nut free and peanut free locations are available in the cafeteria. Anyone wishing further information about peanut/tree nut allergies may contact the school nurse.

Assembly Policy:

An assembly is an extension of the classroom. The same rules of conduct that apply in the classroom apply in the assembly. Out of respect for fellow students and guests, every student is encouraged to be attentive, responsive, and appreciative in assembly programs. Student conduct must not be an embarrassment to anyone, especially to those who have a part in the program.

Cafeteria Rules: 

The cafeteria is the school dining room.  It is a place of relaxation and enjoyment.  All students are expected to contribute to that atmosphere.  Students are expected to keep this area as clean as possible.  Students are to clean up after themselves and deposit any refuse in the waste cans provided.  

Students in Grades 10-12 are permitted to leave the building during their lunch period by way of the Grove Place or flag circle doors.  Students must re-enter the building through these same doors.  Students are not permitted to walk about the building without a pass during lunch periods.

Students in Grades 7-9 are NOT permitted off campus at any time without teacher supervision. 

Library Usage:

All students using the library during the school day must have a pass unless accompanied by a teacher. It is not necessary to have a pass when using the library either before or after school.
Students electing to go to the library must remain for the entire period. Leaving the library to wander is not permitted.

Computer use in the library follows school district policy.

All students are encouraged to use this facility but at the same time are asked to be considerate of other students while doing so.

Lockers:

Every student is assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year.  Students may go to their lockers at the beginning and closing of the school day or during the change of periods.  Students should not be at their lockers during class time.  Students are advised to use utmost care when locking their hall and gym lockers.  

Remember: Do NOT leave any valuables or money in either your hall or gym lockers, as the school WILL NOT be responsible for the loss or theft of your personal property. Do NOT deface your locker in any way. Students who mark lockers will face disciplinary consequences. Lockers must be completely emptied by the close of school on the last day or regular classes (before Regents/Final Exams). 

Lost Books:

The textbook registration card is filled out when textbooks are first issued. This card contains the following information: Title of book, condition of book, and the student's signature. A book, once issued, becomes the responsibility of the student. If the book is lost or damaged, the student's textbook registration card is sent to the office. Students and parents will receive a letter from the school district requesting payment for all lost and/or damaged books.

Parent/Student Portal (eSchool Data):

Babylon Junior-Senior High School is pleased to announce our participation in the eSchoolData Parent and Student Portal, an online tool designed to enhance the communication and involvement of parents in their child's education. Both the Parent and Student Portal provides you with 24/7 access to your child’s information. No longer will you have to wait for the mail to arrive to receive information about your child's education.

The Contact Verification Form has sections for Student Information, Guardian Information, Emergency Contact Information, and Physician Information.  In the Emergency Contact Information section, parents can add/delete/update emergency contact information. 
In the Physician Information section, parents can add/delete/update physician information.  

Passes:

Students are not allowed in the halls during class periods without a properly signed pass. Passes must be signed by main office personnel, a teacher, or a school counselor. The misuse of a pass will result in detentions and pass restriction for a specific period of time. All students at BHS carry an Agenda/Planner and all hall passes are in the planner.

Senior Privileges:

Commensurate with a senior's maturity and responsibility, Babylon High School extends certain privileges to twelfth graders not granted to any other grade level. Realizing that seniors will be entering the employment or college world very soon, the school will ensure that they are prepared to deal with these additional responsibilities. Constructive use of free time is a necessary ingredient for educational and employment success. Seniors who have free time are therefore expected to engage in activities that are profitable educationally and socially. 

The following is a review of Babylon High School Senior Privilege Policy:

• Seniors may spend their "free" time by using the cafeteria, senior area, library, or other learning centers as allowed by teachers.
• Seniors are required to choose their location before the period so that they do not roam or proceed in and out during the period. Planning the use of time is most important in using it wisely and efficiently.
• Seniors need passes to proceed through the halls.
• Driving is a senior privilege. If a senior is qualified to exercise the driving privilage, it is understood that students are not permitted to drive during the school day except for the purpose of arriving at or leaving school for the day.  In addition, Senior drivers must have a valid hang tag.
• Parking spaces in the Field Lot will be allocated to Seniors by means of a lottery system.
• A senior withdrawn from a course for excessive absence or cutting will be assigned a study hall period and will be required to report for attendance.
• Seniors who conduct themselves in an irresponsible or inappropriate manner during any part of the school day risk having the senior privilege suspended or revoked.
• Students who have senior privilege Periods 2, 3, or 8 are in a “Senior Study Hall” they should check-in at the cafeteria but can elect to go to guidance, library, teacher classroom, social worker, directors’ office, etc. but they must have a pass to go from place to place.
• The senior year is the culmination of thirteen years of hard work. The school feels a special obligation to guide seniors prudently on this last journey as BHS students. Those who demonstrate that they are incapable of accepting the responsibility of the senior privilege program will lose their privilege. Please do all that is possible to assure a successful senior year.

Computer Use in School:

The Board of Education recognizes that students must become frequent and proficient users of the technology necessary for 21st century work and communication. To that end, the Board encourages prudent and appropriate use of the Internet or other electronic information networks in order for students and staff to participate in distance learning activities, to ask questions of and consult with experts, to communicate with others, and to locate material to meet educational and developmental needs.

Babylon High School 1:1 Computing Initiative:
 

• Babylon High School has initiated a 1:1 computing program for students and teachers in an effort to embrace 21st Century Skills. Our goals for students include:
• To increase productivity and engagement of all learners.  
• To make student-centered learning a priority. 
• Encouraging collaboration among students, teachers, parents, community members, and people throughout the nation and world through interactive capabilities and opportunities.
• Reducing the use of worksheets and workbooks. 
• Guiding students in their learning and production of knowledge. 

Acceptable Use:
  
Student use of the 1:1 device falls under the BHS Student Handbook Code of Conduct. While at school, Internet and 1:1 device use will be monitored through district level management software. Anyone found violating acceptable use will be subject to disciplinary actions.  

General Guidelines:

• Students will have access to all available forms of electronic media and communication that is in support of the educational goals and objectives of Babylon Schools. 
• Students are responsible for their ethical and educational use of the technology resources of Babylon Schools. Students may not use network resources:  To create, send, share, access or download material, which is abusive, hateful, threatening, harassing or sexually explicit; 
• Access to Babylon Schools technology resources is a privilege and not a right. 
• Transmission of any material that is in violation of any federal or state law is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: confidential information, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and device viruses.  
• Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a device, or the files of another user, without the consent of the individual, building administrator(s), or technology administrator, will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. 
• Cyber Bullying will not be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
• Filming of students and/or teachers without their permission is unacceptable and appropriate disciplinary action.  

Students will be provided a copy of the Babylon School District’s Technology Policy and must return the signed permission forms associated with that policy prior to being granted network/Internet access.

To access important school information related to Extra Help schedules, Clubs and Activities, Curriculum Guides, Honor Society Information, State and AP Exam information and review schedules visit the Babylon Junior Senior High School website.