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Standards & Expectations of Behavior for Students

A handbook for students, staff and parents

The School District of Lancaster’s Board of School Directors, as well as the administrators, teachers, and support staff, believe that our values guide us in our daily actions as individuals and as members of the community. Our core values include respect for self and others, compassion, fairness, integrity, honesty, and the right to a safe and positive learning environment.

Classroom teachers have the initial responsibility of handling most student behaviors. Parents/Guardians also need to play a role in their child’s behavior modification and should be involved from the early stages when interventions are needed. The motto of our District is “Together We Can” and it symbolizes the need for the school staff, students, parents/ guardians, and community members to work together to actively create solutions.

This handbook was created as a guide for all individuals who are connected with or visit our schools. This includes the Standards of Conduct, which are applicable to all stakeholders while on school property or during school sponsored events. The information in this guide outlines behaviors that are respectful of people’s rights and directs students and staff to accept responsibility for their actions. It will be reviewed with all students at least twice each year. Board policies as well as the Pennsylvania School Code should be reviewed for additional guidance.

It will be reviewed with all students at least twice each year. Board policies as well as the Pennsylvania School Code should be reviewed for additional guidance

View Board Policies

Educational Equity

(Based on Board Policy #832)

The Board adopted Policy 832 to prioritize the principles of educational equity through the fair and just allocation of resources, opportunities, and treatment of students based upon each individual student’s needs.

The district is committed to the provision of an equitable education system that reflects the principles of fairness and justice in student learning regardless of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, LGBTQ+ identity, pregnancy, cognitive, and/or physical ability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, diverse language fluency, creed, and religion, as well as the intersection of those characteristics.

Section 1

STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 2

DRESS & APPEARANCE

Section 3

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Section 4

STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR

Section 5

GENERAL INTERVENTION / DISCIPLINE SEQUENCE

Section 6

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL SERVICES

School Resources and Supports

The following resources are available at the building level to ensure your child receives the supports and services to meet their full potential academically, socially and emotionally.

Special Education Consultant

A resource and support for students, parent/guardian and staff to ensure the district’s efforts to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students who receive special education and gifted services.

School Counselor

School counselors work to maximize student success, promoting access, and equity for all students. As vital members of the school leadership team, school counselors create a school culture of success for all and work collaboratively with students, staff, and families to remove barriers to academic, social, and emotional goals, and support the development of postsecondary goals through providing direct and indirect services aligned with the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) guidelines.

School Social Workers

This team is dedicated to promoting students’ social, emotional, and academic development. They provide mental health support and serve as a critical link between the school, families, and external resources. Through their efforts, school social workers aim to create inclusive, safe, and supportive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive holistically.

School Resource Officer (SRO)

A police officer employed by a law enforcement agency who works within secondary schools to support the students, faculty, and administration. Supports provided by the SRO include reducing criminal activity by recommending physical changes to the school. The SRO also provides training to students in conflict resolution and restorative justice, expands community justice initiatives for students, and addresses crime, gang, and violence issues.

School-Based Therapy

School-based therapy services are available in our schools through local agencies. Services include, but are not limited to, providing individuals, family, and group treatment services.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students supports a safe, respectful school climate by leading behavior interventions, promoting consistent expectations, and collaborating with staff, students, and families. The Dean is highly visible, responsive, and helps implement school-wide systems like PBIS and MTSS to ensure student success.

School Psychologists

The school psychologist uses data to understand student learning and behavior needs. They help create and monitor interventions by working with teachers, families, and support teams to ensure students receive the right support to succeed in school.

Home School Visitors

Home School Visitors support regular attendance and help prevent truancy by working with students and families. They identify barriers to attendance, connect families to resources, and partner with the school to support student success.

School Nurses

The school nurse supports student health and wellness. They provide care for injuries and illnesses, manage health plans, give medications, and help ensure a safe, healthy school environment.

Standards of Conduct

Philosophy Statement: Pursuing excellence as a student and community member is achieved by creating and maintaining a responsible, respectful, and safe environment in all settings.

Model Responsibility and Integrity
  • Be honest at all times.
  • Be responsible for your own work and behavior.
  • Develop positive relationships.
  • Accept responsibility for your own actions.
  • Attend school regularly and on time.
  • Believe that you can and will learn; produce quality work that meets the highest classroom standards.
  • Commit to remain in school with the objective of graduating on time.
Respect Self, Others, and Property
  • Value diversity and respect the views and opinions of others.
  • Treat all persons fairly and with dignity; seek peaceful resolutions to disagreements.
  • Choose appropriate, non-offensive language to express one’s thoughts, opinions, and feelings.
  • Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other District staff and volunteers.
Create a Positive, Safe, and Drug Free Learning Environment
  • Conduct yourself in a safe manner that focuses on academic success while in the school environment or on school property.
  • Cooperate with and assist the school staff in maintaining safety, order, and discipline.
  • Obey laws and School Board Policies against possessing or concealing any substance or objects which are prohibited or which may disrupt the educational process and/or school sponsored activities.
  • Conduct yourself in a safe and responsible manner to and from school with other students, with members of the community and within the community.