Code of Conduct/Dignity Act Overview : August 2013

1. Greece Central School DistrictCode of Conduct Overview:New York State Education DepartmentDignity for All Students Act2013-2014____________________Update Code of Conduct/Dignity Act Overview : August 2013

2. Guidelines and Regulations Greece Central School District Code of Conduct aligned with: • Federal Guidelines • State Checklist • Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Legislation • “Dignity for All Students Act” – 2012 • Local Policies and Procedures: Attendance Policies and Procedures and District –Wide Safety Plans

3. Stakeholder Groups • Code of Conduct Review and Feedback from: • Greece Central School District’s Attorney • K-12 Principals/Staff • Building Leadership Teams • District Representatives • Superintendent’s Cabinet • Student Representatives • Parent Representatives • District Director of Security

4. Code of Conduct Summary Versions Plain Language Summary/Abridged Version • Age-appropriate version (on District Website) • Based on Dignity Act requirements • Abridged version (on District Website) • Reflects Dignity Act requirements • Aligned with full code based on review and feedback

5. Amendment to the Dignity Act: Effective July 1, 2013 (Chapter 102 Laws of 2012) The following provisions are in addition to the original Dignity Act(see handout) • Cyberbullying • Reports of Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination • Investigation of Reports • Response to Verified Reports • Employee Reporting • Notification of Law Enforcement. • Professional Certification • Curriculum • Guidance and Educational Materials

6. Dignity Act Coordinator (DAC)/Designee • DAC (Principal): Designated as point person that students know they can report to if there has been an incident of harassment or discrimination. DAC ensures safe, positive school climate • Designee: Designated by principal or superintendent to conduct investigations, take reports, and follow up to prevent further occurrences

7. Defining A Material Incident of Discrimination and/or Harassment • has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional and/or physical well-being;or • reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety or • reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or • occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property. • A single incident or a series of related incidents where a student is subjected to discrimination and/or harassment by a student and/or employee on school property or at a school function that creates a hostile environment by conduct, with or without physical contact and/or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse, of such severe or pervasive nature that:

8. Dignity Act Reporting Basics • Material incidents of discrimination and/or harassment include, but not are not limited to, threats, intimidation or abuse based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or sex.

9. Dignity Act Reporting Basics • Report material incidents of discrimination and/or harassment that: • are the result of the investigation of a written or oral complaint made to the school principal or other school administrator responsible for school discipline, or to any other school employee; or • are otherwise directly observed by such principal or administrator, or by any other school employee regardless of whether a complaint is made. • Prevent retaliatory action against any such person who, reports acting reasonably and in good faith

10. Bullying Reporting Process • Oneday to orally report to DAC/Designee, two days to put in writing • Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying (HDB) Reporting Form must be completed for all reported incidents • Reviewed by school administrators to investigate and to address behaviors, determine needs and align response with Code of Conduct

11. Harassment, Discrimination, and/or Bullying Incident Reportand Investigation Form

12. Communication: Implementation • Parents Informed of Code of Conduct/Dignity for All Students Act • Web Site • Paper Copies at School Building/Mailed Home • Parent Forums • Newsletters • Individual Parent Meetings

13. Enforce: Implementation • Progressive Discipline to Enforce Code of Conduct • PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) • Olweus Bullying Prevention Curriculum • Teaching Desired Behaviors • Corrective and Supportive Interventions • Consequences Based on Behaviors • Consistent Approach • Consider Circumstances, Student Needs, Nature and Severity of Behavior, Impact on School Climate

14. Current Practices: Implementation • Review Research-Based School Practices • Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) • Professional Development for Staff • Behavioral Lessons for Students • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program • The Leader in Me • Family Friendly Schools • Book Studies

15. Resources • New York State Education Department Office of Student Support Services • 518-486-6090 • DASA@MAIL.NYSED.GOV • Dignity Act Web Site • www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact • NYS Center for School Safety • http://nyscenterforschoolsafety.org/ Dignity Act Data Reporting Overview Webinar: September 2013