North Allegheny School District

CODE of CONDUCT

STUDENT RIGHTS

All students ages 6-21 are entitled to a free and full education in Pennsylvania.
The following pages contain information to help students get the most from their education.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Students have the responsibility to avoid the following whenever they speak or write:

  • Ridiculing or causing a person to be ridiculed
  • Damaging a person's reputation
  • Causing unlawful behavior or serious disruption to normal school operation
  • Using minority or racial slurs

Students have the right to speak or express themselves, publish and distribute their opinions in a respectful, accurate manner, and have access to school facilities. The exercise of these rights shall be in accordance with the appropriate Board Policies.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The District is committed to providing a physically and psychologically safe learning environment. Toward that end, no person shall make any unwelcome or unwanted sexual advance, any form of improper physical contact, or sexual remarks that create a hostile or offensive learning environment.

LOCKER SEARCH
Students are to be notified prior to a locker search and have an opportunity to be present, unless locker materials pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of others in the school.

FLAG SALUTE
Every citizen should show proper respect for our country and its flag. Students who choose to refrain from the Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Salute shall respect the rights and interests of classmates who do wish to participate.

DRESS GUIDELINES
Students may dress as they deem appropriate unless their clothing or personal hygiene causes a health or safety hazard, or disrupts the educational process.

DUE PROCESS PROCEDURES FOR EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL
A student who breaks school rules may receive a temporary suspension, full suspension, or expulsion, depending upon the nature of the offense.

The principal may temporarily suspend a student for up to three days without a hearing. The principal is required to establish the facts, allow the student to respond to the charges, and notify parents if the suspension is imposed. The principal will send a written notice to the Superintendent and student's parents.

A full suspension may be issued for up to ten days. However, the student must have an informal hearing conducted by the principal or superintendent within the first five days of suspension. Prior to the hearing, the student and parents must receive written notice stating the nature of the alleged charges and all information to which they are entitled in order to prepare properly for the hearing.

A suspension, whether temporary or full, may be served either in a supervised area of the school or in the custody and control of a student's parents or guardian, as the principal decides. Students are permitted to make up exams and work missed while on suspension.

Expulsion is exclusion from school for more than ten consecutive school days, and it may be permanent. Expulsion proceedings require a formal hearing before members of the North Allegheny School Board. Appropriate notices and appropriate information to which students and parents are entitled will be furnished. Students have the right to legal counsel at a formal hearing before the School Board.

The formal hearing shall be held in private unless the student or parent requests a public hearing. If the Board rules in a student's favor, all references to the alleged incident shall be removed from the student's records.

EXCLUSION FROM CLASSES - IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION
A principal may place a student in in-school suspension from one to ten days without an informal hearing. Prior to the suspension, the student shall be informed of the reasons and be given an opportunity to respond. The parent shall be given notice of the suspension. If the suspension exceeds ten (10) school days, and informal hearing with the principal shall be offered to the student and the student's parent.