• STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES


    Rights

    The rights of all students are protected by the United States Constitution, the Constitution of New York State, laws promulgated by the federal and state governments, the regulations of the Board of Regents and the regulations and policies of the Board of Education of the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda school, as well as decisions of federal and state courts.

    In addition, there are rights that have to do with an orderly educational process. In almost all cases these rights are not absolute and in some cases they may be thought of as privilege-rights:

    1. Take part in all district programs and activities equally regardless or race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

    2. Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty prior to the imposition of a penalty.

    3. Have access to school rules and, when necessary, receive an explanation of those rules from school personnel; and

    4. Be provided due process rights as required by law.

     

    Responsibilities

    The right to a public education carries with it the responsibility to pursue that education in conformity with reasonable and established educational principles:

    1. Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and property.

    2. Inform appropriate personnel of a dangerous situation.

    3. Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.

    4. Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

    5. Work to the best of their ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest level of achievement.

    6. React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.

    7. Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.

    8. Ask questions when they do not understand.

    9. Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.

    10. Dress appropriately for school and school functions.

    11. Accept responsibility for their actions.

    12. Conduct themselves in a positive manner 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.

     

     
     


    ATTENDANCE POLICY

    Kenmore West expects the following of all students:

    1. ATTEND SCHOOL DAILY
    2. BE ON TIME FOR CLASS
    3. FOLLOW YOUR SCHEDULE
    4. REMAIN IN THE BUILDING

    Students who do not follow this policy can expect loss of school privileges, frequent parent contact, loss of eligibility for athletics and activities, possible lower grades. Administrative discipline and/or other consequences are also likely.


    1.  ATTEND SCHOOL DAILY

    Students are required to be in school unless personal illness, family emergency, court appearance, college visitation or a road test prevents it. A note from the student’s parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence, the dates of absence and a valid signature is due within three school days of the absence. If a note is not provided within this time, the absence will be considered unexcused.

    Students absent from school for reasons other than those listed above, even if a note is received, are considered unexcused. Make-up work for students who are unexcused is provided only at the discretion of the teacher.

    Students absent from school without the knowledge or consent of their parents are considered truant from school, and will be assigned disciplinary consequences.

    All absences from school – excused, unexcused, and truancies alike – will result in students losing class participation credit for the day(s) of the absence. Student grades will be affected by every absence from school.


    2.  BE ON TIME

    Students who arrive to school after the beginning of first period are considered tardy to school. Students who are tardy must present a written excuse signed by a parent/guardian to be excused without disciplinary consequences.

    Students who come to school AFTER 8:10 AM must enter through Door 15 and sign in with the attendant before proceeding to class.


    3.  FOLLOW YOUR SCHEDULE

    Regular attendance and participation in class is as important as test scores and quiz grades. Teachers frequently assign work in class (i.e., group or individual projects and demonstrations), which cannot be made up at home or on your own. The school expects students to attend each of their classes as printed on their schedules. This includes being on time (i.e., in your room at or before the beginning of the period.)

    Study halls and lunches are considered required classes for all students.


    4.  REMAIN IN THE BUILDING

    Students are expected to remain in the school building at all times unless they receive permission from the Attendance Office or an administrator.

    Kenmore West DOES NOT Have An “Open Campus.”

    The parking lot, bike racks, athletic fields, and other areas outside school are off-limits. Students who violate this rule will be disciplined. Students can and will be suspended for chronic violations.


    STUDENT CONDUCT CODE

    High school is a time when students should be assuming increasing responsibility for their own choices. This includes accepting the consequences of poor choices. The goal of school discipline is to promote self-discipline. Consequences for breaking school rules will be consistent with the Ken-Ton School District’s Code of Conduct and Discipline.

    These expectations extend beyond the school campus to include school buses, all school-related activities and athletic events on or off campus, including field trips.


    GENERAL DISCIPLINE PROVISIONS
    • An assistant principal is responsible for coordinating decisions about school discipline.
    • Faculty Deans of Discipline will respond to minor infractions of the Conduct Code.
    • Before being assigned formal disciplinary consequences, students will be informed of the charges against them, the disciplinary consequences to be assigned and an explanation of consequences the student can expect if the infraction occurs again.
    • Students have the right to talk to a parent at any point in the discipline process upon request.
    • Parents are notified as soon as possible of major violations of this code, including suspensions from school.
    • Parents are notified in writing of all out-of-school suspensions.
    • Cumulative written records of all disciplinary actions are maintained for a year following a student’s graduation.
    • When school administrators have reasonable suspicion that a student is in possession of a weapon, illegal drugs, alcohol, or other dangerous items, that student and their personal belongings will be subject to a search to the extent allowed by New York State Law.
    • Kenmore West High School will file a police report and/or press criminal charges against students when a crime has been committed on school grounds.

    RESPECT FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

    1. Drugs And Alcohol: “Zero Tolerance”

    Kenmore West High School has been a part of a Zero Tolerance Community since 1997. The school will respond forcefully to illegal substance use by students. This policy is in effect on school grounds, within one thousand feet (1,000 feet) of school in any direction, or at all school sponsored events. In conjunction with the Kenmore and Town of Tonawanda Police Departments, the following disciplinary actions will occur if a student is using, sharing, selling, or is under the influence or in possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.

    After an investigation, the parent is notified. Police are called. Any material confiscated is turned over to the police for testing. Criminal charges will be filed. The student will be suspended for five (5) days, and a Superintendent’s Hearing will be called before an impartial hearing officer. This hearing may result in a long-term suspension. The student will also be referred to community resources for assistance and treatment.

    2. Smoking And Other Tobacco Use

    Ken-Ton School District Policy and both state and federal law now prohibit smoking, chewing and other tobacco use in school, on school grounds, and in school vehicles.

    Students found smoking will be suspended from school for one day on this first offense. Longer suspension will occur for repeatedoffenses.

    3. Assault, Fighting, And Verbal, Physical, Religious, or Ethnic Harassment

    Every student has the right to attend school and participate in his/her school life without being threatened, intimidated, physically attacked or verbally harassed in any way. Kenmore West will not tolerate using violence as a solution to solving problems. Students are in violation of this policy if they cause, instigate or threaten to cause physical injury, harass, or use physical force against another person. Consequences for harassment or physical force is suspension from school. Parents are notified, and police may be called to investigate depending on the severity of the incident. Criminal charges may be filed by the school or by either party.

    Readmission To School After Use Of Violence:

    Students who are suspended will be required to participate in a readmission conference with their administrator before returning to class. Parent(s) will be required to attend. Outside counseling will be recommended if it is deemed necessary. Continued violent behavior could result in an alternative school placement.

    4. Weapons Possession

    Knives, firearms, BB or pellet guns, paint ball guns, martial arts items, laser pointers, “pepper spray,” “stun” guns, or other noxious materials, fireworks and similar items are not permitted in school, on school grounds or buses. Students in possession of a weapon, or who use something as a weapon to hurt someone are in violation of this policy. Such students will be automatically suspended for five (5) days. Appropriate criminal charges will be filed with the police. A Superintendent’s Hearing will be held to determine if further disciplinary consequences, including a one-year suspension, are warranted.

    Federal Law holds that students who bring weapons to school be suspended from school for one year.

    5. Profanity and Swearing

    The use of profanity, swear words, foul or vulgar language is not tolerated at Kenmore West. Students who use foul or abusive language will be asked to stop. Students who refuse to comply or who use vulgar language repeatedly should expect disciplinary consequences, including suspension from school. Students who use foul or abusive language directed at or about a staff member will be suspended from school for up to five (5) days.

    6. Insubordination

    Students are expected to obey all reasonable requests of an adult staff member. Students, who fail to do so, refuse to give their names or show an ID card, or who are rude or insulting will immediately be suspended from school. This includes the use of foul language directed at or about faculty and/or staff. A parent conference will be required.


    RESPECT FOR OTHERS’ RIGHTS

    1. Sexual Harassment

    Sexual harassment and uninvited sexual behavior that interferes with another person will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment includes physical contact or verbal comments. Examples are touching, grabbing, kissing, and blocking your way, jokes about your body, sexual suggestions, and rumor spreading. Sexual harassment is against federal and state laws and Ken-Ton School District Policy. Students who believe they have been sexually harassed by a student or a staff member should see a teacher, counselor or administrator. An investigation of the incident will be conducted, and appropriate consequences will be determined. Copies of the school’s anti-harassment procedures are available in Room 125.


    2. Kenmore West Dress Code

    Attending school is your full-time job now and students are expected to dress appropriately, adhering to the following guidelines:
    • Bathing suits, beachwear, pajamas, or other clothing that is sexually revealing or provocative is not appropriate for school.
    • Clothing should not be transparent.
    • The midriff section is to be covered.
    • No plunging necklines, strapless tops, bare shoulders or bare backs.
    • Undergarments are to be covered.
    • No sagging pants.
    • Dresses, skirts, and shorts must extend beyond one’s fingertips when arms at the side, or fall at mid-thigh or lower.
    • Students must wear shoes at all times.
    • Clothing that contains sexually explicit or suggestive language or pictures, denigrates others on account of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, advocates violence, alcohol, tobacco, or drug use will not be permitted.
    • Students are expected to remove their hats, bandanas, hoods, and other headwear in the building.
    • Clothing and jewelry should not pose a potential safety hazard to anyone.

    Our dress code is designed to promote a respectful, positive academic atmosphere. We welcome and expect the support of students and their parents, faculty, and staff. If a student violates the dress code, he or she will be asked to change into his or her own appropriate clothing, wear something provided by the school, or call to have a parent bring in appropriate clothing.

    Coats, hats, and other headwear must be left in lockers during school.

    3. Backpacks, Headphones, & CD Players

    Students must leave backpacks, radios, headphones, Walkmen, CD players or boom boxes in their lockers during the school day. The school cannot be responsible for any such items that are lost or stolen in school so students should consider leaving entertainment items at home. Headphones may be utilized during the student’s lunch period, but are not permitted in the halls or classes.

    4. Personal Pagers & Cellular Phones

    Pagers, beepers and cellular or portable phones are not permitted in school at any time. Students who must stay in contact with their parents should make arrangements with the assistant principal, counselor or the school nurse to receive messages in case of emergency. Emergency phone calls may be made from the main office.

    Students who wear hats, headphones (outside of lunch), and pagers or cellular phones during school will be asked to turn them over to a staff member. They may be picked up in the assistant principal’s office after 2:45 pm. Students who refuse to comply will be disciplined for insubordination.

    5. Public Displays Of Affection

    Students are encouraged to develop healthy social and emotional relationships. Inappropriate displays of affection, however, are not acceptable behaviors in school.


    RESPECT FOR OTHERS’ PROPERTY

    1. Vandalism

    Students who damage school or private property will be required to make monetary restitution for the damage caused. This may also include cleaning, repairing or paying for the damaged item. Students may also face criminal charges and/or suspension from school.

    2. Theft

    Students and staff at Kenmore West have the right to be sure that their personal property will be safe while they are in school. However, we cannot insure, or be held responsible for, loss of personal property. Students who, after investigation, are found to have committed theft will be suspended from school and a parent conference will be required prior to readmission. Criminal charges will also be filed.


    CONFLICT MEDIATION AND RESOLUTION

    Students who need help or advice in resolving a conflict with a parent, teacher, or another student can get confidential assistance through the Counseling Office.


    COURSE GRADES

    Kenmore West used the following scale to reflect student performance in class:

    90 – 100 Superior (A)
    80 – 89 Above Average (B)
    70 – 79 Average (C)
    65 – 69 Below Average (D)
    64 & Below - Failing (F)


    REPEATING COURSE OR EXAM

    Students who fail a course may repeat the course in summer school or during the following year. Students who would like to retake a course or exam to raise their grade may do so by making arrangements with their counselor. Students may retake Regents or Proficiency exams in January, June, and August each year depending on availability (not all exams are available in January and August). Students who wish to retake a course in summer school must complete the course during the school year in order to be eligible for summer school.


    DROPPING A CLASS

    Courses will not be dropped after the course begins.


    COMMENCEMENT

    Participation in commencement is a privilege, not a right, and is earned by students whose academic progress and school citizenship meet school standards. Seniors may participate in commencement when they are fourth-year students who can meet all graduation requirements by June of that year.

    Seniors who do not complete all requirements by the end of the fourth marking period will not be able to participate in commencement. Seniors may also be barred from commencement for major infractions of the school’s discipline code occurring during the fourth quarter of the year.


    STUDENT CARS: DRIVING AND PARKING

    Students are not permitted to park on campus unless enrolled in school-sponsored internships (e.g. CEIP). Other students who park on campus will be subject to disciplinary consequences. Subsequent violations will result in the vehicle being towed away at the owner’s expense.


    FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM

    Students whose families meet federal guidelines may qualify for free or reduced price breakfasts and lunches. Applications and information are available in Room 125 or from the District Food Services Offices at:
    1500 Colvin Boulevard
    Buffalo, New York 14223
    874-8400.


    REGISTERING STUDENTS AT KENMORE WEST

    Parents new to the district may register students for school by appointment with a school counselor. Parents must bring a copy of the student’s birth certificate, two (2) proofs of residency in the Ken-Ton School District, immunization records, report card, etc. Counselors may not register any student without all appropriate documentation. Parents should make an appointment through the switchboard in the main office, 874-8401, before coming to school.

    For the first week of school, new entrants will be enrolled, by appointment, after 2:45 pm only.


    STUDENTS’ EMERGENCY INFORMATION

    It is essential that the school know how to contact parents in an emergency. Please complete the school’s census form for this purpose. Numbers may be left at the Attendance Office, Room 147.


    PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

    Parents are encouraged to request teacher conferences at any time. Please call the school to talk with a teacher or to arrange for an appointment with a teacher you need to see. When you believe there is a problem that might affect your teen’s success in school, please contact the teacher, counselor or assistant principal immediately. Unresolved problems tend to get worse unless addressed. From time to time, a teacher, counselor or administrator may contact you to arrange a conference in an effort to resolve a problem.


    REPORT CARDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS

    The school will send home report cards approximately one week after the end of each quarterly marking period. They show your teen’s grades in each class, the number of absences in the class, the average for the quarter, and the teacher comments. Questions about the report card should be directed to your student’s counselor; questions about specific grades, attendance or comments, should be directed to the class teacher. Progress reports will be mailed after 5, 15, 25, and 35 weeks.