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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 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

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, LBGTQ+ 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 1
Section 2

DRESS & APPEARANCE

Section 2
Section 3

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Section 3
Section 4

STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS OF BEHAVIOR

Section 4
Section 5

GENERAL INTERVENTION / DISCIPLINE SEQUENCE

Section 5
Section 6

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIAL SERVICES

Section 6

School Resource 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.

Exceptional Student Specialist

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.

Student and Family Resource Specialist (SFRS)

Provide input in intervention program planning and implementation at the school site; train and coach teachers and other staff in the use of selected intervention curricula and assessments as needed; work collaboratively with other intervention specialists, school staff, parent/guardian, and community partners to deliver services to students related to all three tiers of the Multi-tiered System of Supports.

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 Resource Officer (SRO)

A police officer employed by a law enforcement agency who works within a school 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.

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
  • Be responsible for your own work and
  • Develop positive
  • Accept responsibility for your own
  • Attend school regularly and on
  • 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
Respect Self, Others, and Property
  • Value diversity and respect the views and opinions of
  • Treat all persons fairly and with dignity; seek peaceful resolutions to
  • Choose appropriate, non-offensive language to express one’s thoughts, opinions, and
  • Respect the rights and privileges of students, teachers, and other District staff and
Create a Positive, Safe, and Drug Free Learning Environment
  • Conduct yourself in a safe and responsible 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
  • 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.