Policy 5020: Bill of Rights and Responsibilities of Students

Student rights and responsibilities are fundamental to the creation of a community for learning in the Chappaqua Central School District where all are joined in the pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth in a caring environment. To that end, the District seeks to balance personal dignity and individual rights with the rights of others and communal/societal obligations in order to allow for the development of each student's full potential in accordance with the Mission Statement of the Chappaqua Schools.

Rights:

The Chappaqua Central School District recognizes that it has the responsibility to assure students' rights that are theirs by virtue of guarantees in federal and state constitutions, statutes and regulations, and the goals of the Mission Statement of the Chappaqua Schools. Education in a free society requires that students be aware of their rights and learn to exercise them responsibly.

To this end, students have a right to:

  • a free and appropriate public education
  • the pursuit of educational opportunities and extracurricular activities on an equal basis, free from illegal or improper discrimination, including discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), sex, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, and gender identity and expression
  • learn in an environment free from interruption, harassment, discrimination, intimidation and fear
  • the application of a disciplinary policy that is fairly and consistently implemented
  • free inquiry and expression provided the rights of others are not diminished
  • be informed of all school rules and regulations
  • have and participate in student government

The Board of Education hereby directs the Superintendent to develop such regulations as may be required to specifically describe the rights afforded students in such areas as student expression, symbolic expression, student activities, student government, student clubs and extracurricular activities, privacy rights (search and seizure), and pregnancy.

Responsibilities:

The Chappaqua School District believes that students must assume the following responsibilities in order to receive the best education possible and ensure an appropriate, caring environment that respects the rights of all individuals learning and working in the school community.

To make that possible, all students should:

  • accept responsibility for his/her actions
  • respect the rights of others
  • contribute toward establishing and maintaining an atmosphere that generates mutual respect and dignity for all
  • take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered
  • complete the course of study prescribed by state and local school authorities
  • attend school on a regular and punctual basis
  • complete class assignments and other school responsibilities by established deadlines
  • assist the school staff in maintaining a safe school environment
  • respect school property and the personal property of others and help to keep such property free from damage and theft
  • obey school regulations and rules made by school authorities
  • be aware of and comply with state and local laws
  • dress and groom themselves to meet fair standards of safety and health and common standards of decency
  • be familiar with this Policy and the Student Code of Conduct

Adopted by the Board of Education: February 10, 1986

Revised:

  • July 6, 1993
  • June 21, 1994
  • February 24, 2004
  • October 14, 2020