Principal’s Message
Dear Student and Families,
On behalf of the WGIS faculty and staff, welcome to the new school year! Success as a student is directly related to being organized, committing to doing your personal best all of the time and embracing the idea that your talents and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence. This agenda is an important tool to assist you in your efforts to be as successful as possible. Please carry it with you to each class every day, and use it to write down daily and long-term assignments.
Be Nice. Work Hard. Think Big. Do these three things every day and you will be successful. SUCCESS IS A CHOICE!
It’s a great day to be a Wildcat!
Michael McGrath, Principal
Contact Information
The West Genesee Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities, including vocational education opportunities, without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or disability.
Inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy and the grievance procedures may be directed to:
Title IX Coordinator (sex discrimination)
Stacey Eger-Converse, Asst. Supt. of Curriculum and Instruction
District Office, 300 Sanderson Drive, Camillus, NY 13031
Section 504 Coordinator (disability discrimination)
Monica Canterino, Director of Counseling and Student Services
West Genesee Central School District, 300 Sanderson Drive, Camillus, NY 13031
WEST GENESEE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
500 Sanderson Drive
Camillus, New York 13031
www.westgenesee.org
Main Office – (315) 487-4615
Fax – (314) 487-4618
Principal – Mike McGrath
Assistant Principal – Victoria (Torie) Lee
Secretary – TBA
Health Office – (315) 487-4626
Nurse – Daron Comes
School Counseling Office – (315) 487-4622
School Counselors –
Erin Paris (Cameron, Remesz, Perkins; Cunningham; Kersey, McPeak, Lepak; and Bingham, Hammerschmidt, and Parry) – Email Erin Paris
Madelyn Muckey ( Drake, Erhard, and Barbuto; Sokolowski, Meaney, and Grazul; Braun; Francesconi, Miller, and Mills) – Email Madelyn Muckey
Crystal Best (Kupiec, Barnello, and Putnam; Callahan; Howard, Gipe, Walker; Tait, Ramsden, and Duggan) – Email Crystal Best
Counseling Office Secretary – TBD
School Security
Effective April 2019, the West Genesee School District began using the Raptor Management System in all of the schools to strengthen campus safety for students and staff. Part of keeping students and staff safe is knowing who is in our building at all times, and the Raptor System allows us to do that.
Upon being allowed through the exterior door of the building, visitors will be asked to present a photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Your ID will either be scanned or manually entered into the System at the transaction window in the secure vestibule.
Once cleared, you will proceed to the Main Office to retrieve your ID, sign in and receive a pre-printed badge with your photo on it.
You will be then be directed to the appropriate location.
When in the building, you are only approved to go to the specific location requested. You should not go to any other area of the building without returning to the Main Office for approval.
When leaving the building, return to the Main Office, turn in your badge and sign out.
Student Responsibilities
It should be the responsibility of each West Genesee Intermediate School student to:
work to the best of his/her ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and to strive towards the highest level of achievement possible.
be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations that pertain to student conduct.
show respect for all staff members and fellow students, in addition to other members of the school community.
show respect for school property and the property of others.
demonstrate acceptable conduct when participating in or attending school-sponsored events as a representative of West Genesee Middle School.
display the highest standard of conduct, demeanor and sportsmanship.
attend school regularly and complete school assignments on time.
accept responsibility for his/her actions and contribute towards establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity for all school and community members.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend school on a daily basis. Parents may request in writing that a student be excused for all or part of a day. The State Education Department considers the following as “excused” absences:
1. Illness or injury
2. Medical, dental or similar appointment
3. Family emergency that requires a student’s presence
4. Death in the family
5. Religious observances
EXCUSES
Please call the health office at 315-487-4626 if your child is to be out of school for the day or will be arriving late. In addition to a phone call, a written excuse is required each time your child is absent from school. The student’s parent or guardian should sign this excuse and include the dates and reason for the absence. This should be presented to the nurse on the first day back to school. Students who will be excused from school early (ex: doctor’s appointment, etc.) should bring a note to the health office before homeroom. The note should include the time of dismissal and the reason. ALL students leaving the building for ANY reason must be signed out in the health office by a parent, guardian, or parent designee.
LATE TO SCHOOL
Any student arriving to homeroom after 7:55 AM must report to the Health Office. Tardy students should have an excuse from a parent or the parent or guardian must come in to sign the student into school for the day. The only exception is if a student arrives to school on a late bus. If a student has multiple unexcused tardies, administrators will work with parents/guardians and assign appropriate consequences.
ParentVUE
West Genesee strongly encourages students and parents to utilize ParentVUE, our district’s student information system. ParentVUE enables students and parents to have online access to the following information:
Attendance
Discipline
Report card and progress report grades
Assignments
Student contact information
Getting Started: Go to www.westgenesee.org to the ParentVUE portal.
Parents:
Username will be the email address you provided the district for the student data base.
Type in your password. If you do not have a password, please call the Guidance Office at (315) 487-4622.
Students:
Use Active Directory login and password.
WEST GENESEE COMMUNICATIONS
West Genesee Communications Powered by SchoolMessenger is the district’s news notification system that sends emails, texts, and emergency phone calls.
TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLIES
Textbooks and other school materials are loaned to students. Lost or damaged materials become the financial obligation of the student. Once a textbook is loaned to a student, they are responsible for it. If a textbook is lost, the student should report it to his/her teacher. If a student loses a textbook, and after a reasonable amount of time it is not found, the student will be required to pay for its replacement.
STUDENT LOCKERS
Lockers are the property of West Genesee and are on loan to students during the school year. When there is reasonable suspicion, lockers may be searched to insure the health, safety, and welfare of all students and staff. Students must place their books, backpack and outer garments in the hall lockers. Students are responsible for all items in their school and PE lockers. Students are prohibited from sharing lockers or locker combinations. Students should report any locker problems promptly to the principal in the Main Office. NOTE: Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or other valuables to school. Students are responsible for their own personal property.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION LOCKS
Each student is required to purchase a gym lock from the school. This lock will be used throughout their time in middle school. West Genesee Middle School is not responsible for items that are not locked.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones and other electronic devices such as Ipods, Ipads, photo/video equipment, etc. are not to be used during school hours unless a faculty member gives permission to use a device related to an instructional purpose. These devices MUST be turned off and out of sight during the school day. The school assumes no responsibility for the security of these items if brought to school. The school cannot be held responsible for their loss or damage. If electronic devices are on and cause a disruption, they will be taken from the student and arrangements will be made to have the device picked up from the office. Additional consequences will be given for subsequent offenses.
CAFETERIA RULES AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Report directly to the cafeteria from your previous class.
There is no ‘cutting’ in line to be with friends. Where you line up is where you must stay in line.
Sit at a chosen table unless otherwise directed by the cafeteria supervisors.
Students will sit at a table and may have the ability to choose which table they sit at various times throughout the school year. Once a table is chosen you may not switch seats.
All food must be eaten in the cafeteria unless arrangements have been made ahead of time with a teacher.
Caffeinated beverages, soda, and energy drinks such as Redbull and 5 Hour Energy, etc. are not permitted in school for students.
Glass bottle are prohibited.
Students must remain in the cafeteria during the lunch period unless you have a pre-signed pass.
It is the responsibility of each student to clean-up after themselves.
When you have finished your lunch, you must remain seated and may socialize quietly with your friends and/or use the time to read or complete school work. When possible, we will take students outside when they are done eating.
FOOD GUIDELINES
Parents may not send in pizza, cupcakes, cookies or other food items for student parties or lunches during the school day.
PARENT VISITATION
On rare occasions, parents have requested permission to observe their child in classroom settings. If a parent has a compelling reason for such a request, they must call the principal to discuss the goal of the requested visit, the date, time and duration (not to exceed 20 minutes). During any classroom visit that is granted, parents may not interact with students or teachers in a manner that interferes with the planned instruction.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Morning announcements occur during homeroom between 7:55 and 8:00 and in the afternoon just prior to dismissal. Students are responsible for any information that is announced at these times.
FIRE DRILLS
The law requires that we schedule a minimum of 12 fire drills each year to ensure our safety in the event of a real emergency. Students must exit the building in silence and immediately form a line at the evacuation site for attendance.
STUDENT SERVICES
Student Responsibilities
Need to arrange to be with an adult during Interaction Time if staying
Sign-up for a late bus in the main office throughout the day
Inform parents that they are staying for Interaction Time
Students cannot leave school grounds during Interaction Time and return for practice/activities unless accompanied by an adult
Procedures
Students MUST be with an adult during Interaction Time
Teachers or administrators can request that a student stay for Interaction Time
If a student does not stay for Interaction Time when required to by a teacher or administrator, that student may need to stay for IT the following day and may have to serve a late detention. Parents will need to provide transportation for the late detention.
Sports/Fine Arts Studyhall
Sports/Fine Arts studyhall during Interaction Time is designed to provide a supervised area for students who are staying after school for 3:00 practices and rehearsals. Usually held in the cafeteria, this is a supervised time that should be used wisely by students to complete homework or read.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Public Health Law requires evidence of sufficient immunization against measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, mumps and Hepatitis B. Unless these immunizations are complete, school authorities have an obligation to exclude those children from school. Effective September 2007, all children entering 6th grade will be required to show proof of receiving a Tdap vaccine booster. Effective January 2005, all children entering 6th grade will be required to show proof of immunity against varicella. Effective January 2016, all children entering 7th grade will be required to show proof of immunity against meningococcal.
MEDICATIONS
The following is the procedure to be followed if it is necessary for a student to take a physician-prescribed or over-the-counter medication (which includes, but is not limited to Tylenol, Midol, Ibuprofen, Epi-Pens, Robitussin, cough drops, sore throat sprays, etc.) during school hours. These regulations are outlined in the Nurse Practice Act and New York State Education Law and must be followed for the protection of the individual student and the entire school population. The school nurse will dispense and monitor all student medications and the following procedures must be followed:
Written orders from a physician must detail the name of the prescribed medicine, dosage and the time interval and a list of the possible side effects.
Written permission from the parent is required asking the school to comply with the physician’s order. Please indicate the time the medication is to be given and duration of treatment.
The parent must deliver the medication to the school in its original container.
Nonprescription drugs cannot be given without written permission of the parent or guardian and your doctor.
Prescriptions and orders from the doctor are only good for one school year and need to be renewed each year. Any medications not picked up at the end of the school year by a parent/guardian will be disposed of on the last day.
STUDENT ILLNESS/INJURY AT SCHOOL
Any student feeling ill or suffering an injury during the school day must report to the school nurse. The nurse will evaluate the student and make contact with parents/guardians. Students should not call or text their parents prior to coming to the Health Office. This is for the safety and well-being of our students. Any student contact with parents via electronic device prior to coming to the Health Office to inform the school nurse of an illness or injury is a violation of the cell phone and other electronic device policy.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
New York State law mandates that all 7th grade students have a current physical examination. Students who do not have this physical will be scheduled for a examination by the school physician. Parents are informed of any problems identified. All new students to the district are required to have a physical within 30 days of entering the district. All female students in grade 7 are screened for Scoliosis by physical education teachers or the school nurse unless previously screened by their physicians. Vision and hearing screenings are also completed during 7th grade unless previously screened by the student’s physician. Please direct any questions to the Health Office at 487-4626.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSE
If a student is unable to participate in PE classes due to a medical reason, they must have an excuse from their doctor which should be brought the Health Office. In addition, students may be assigned an alternative assignment to meet the PE requirement.
ACCIDENTS/INJURIES
If a student is injured during the school day or at any school function, he/she should report this immediately to the nurse or to the person in charge of the event.
SPORTS REGISTRATIONS
Any student interested in participating in sports must register online through the FamilyID Program, which allows the district to be more administratively efficient and environmentally friendly. This system replaces the former “pink form” system that was used by the District, eliminating the need for district nurses to complete, file and store hundreds of documents.
Students must register through FamilyID’s West Genesee registration page prior to participating in any West Genesee athletic program. For assistance with registration or questions about the program, contact FamilyID at 888-800-5583, Extension 1 or support@familyid.com. Family ID also offers online chat during business hours, and support is available daily.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Each student at West Genesee School is assigned to one of our school counselors in sixth grade and remains with that counselor through grade 8. Our counselors provide support in a variety of areas including personal, social and academic planning. Students may schedule an appointment with their counselor by stopping into the guidance office. Parents are encouraged to contact counselors with any concerns relative to a student’s personal development or educational progress.
HOMEWORK REQUEST
Students who are out ill:
Call the School Counseling Office at 487-4622 before 10 a.m.
Students must be out 2 or more days before homework will be collected.
Homework and textbooks can be picked up in the School Counseling Office between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. After 3:30 p.m., work will be in the Main Office.
Students suspended: Homework and textbooks will be collected by the School Counseling Office. Arrangements will be made for parents to pick up this work in the Main Office.
Family Vacations: It is the student’s responsibility to get their own work from teachers if the student is out due to vacation.
REPORT CARDS-PROGRESS REPORTS
Report cards and Progress Reports will be available to view on ParentVue by parents, guardians, and students. The principal will send a WG Communication notification indicating that grades are finalized and ready for viewing.
WORKING PAPERS
New York State law requires a person under the age of 18 to obtain working papers before being employed. A working permit may be obtained from the Guidance Office once the nurse ensures there is a current physical (less than one year old) on file.
LEARNING CENTER
The Learning Center is a place where all students can receive help with their studies. Learning Center staff is available to work with students on issues such as: study skills, organization, time management, math, reading, subject area tutoring, writing skills, and projects. Students may attend the Learning Center during their study hall, lunch, or during Interaction Time. All students must be scheduled by a Learning Center staff member prior to attending. Students are expected to make good use of this time and supports provided by staff.
Learning Center Hours:
Mon. through Fri.: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Tues. through Thurs: 2:30 PM – 3:05 PM
INTERVENTION SERVICES (IS)
Literacy and math support will be provided to those students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades who need to improve their basic skills and comprehension. Instructional support is scheduled during the regular school day and can be provided either in a push in or pull out setting or small group.
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PROMOTION POLICY
The promotion policy is based on an evaluation of the total need of each student. Such a decision will be based on the student’s particular needs and will include discussion among parents, counselor, teachers, and administrators. It is imperative that students establish a good foundation in course work before continuing on to more advanced work. If a student fails one core course (English, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science or Foreign Language) the student will be recommended for summer school. If a student fails more than one core course, summer school will be required. A student’s participation and success in summer school are utilized in the final promotion decision-making process in August. If a student is retained, the student may not repeat all of that grade level’s courses commonly referred to as Specials (General Music, Art, Home and Careers, Health and Technology). Instead, the student may be scheduled in classes providing Academic Intervention Services, in so far as possible.
MUSIC LESSONS
Music lessons are arranged according to a rotating schedule so that no pupil misses the same class each week. Band, Orchestra and Chorus students receive one lesson per week. If a student is a member of both chorus and band or orchestra, they attend their instrumental lesson. They do not receive a rotating vocal lesson. Weekly lessons are required of all instrumental and choral major ensemble ensembles and are weighted at 50% of that student’s quarterly grade. Each pupil will be given a copy of their schedule and/or it will be posted in their respective music area. Schedules will be distributed to all classroom teachers at the beginning of each week, quarter, and/or semester.
The student should notify the teacher whose class they miss for the lesson in advance.
Students are responsible for all class work and homework missed as a result of the lesson.
Where a unit test, guest speaker, or a special activity has been scheduled, the student can reschedule a music lesson.
The lesson teacher must be notified by the student before the lesson is missed.
Missed lessons must be rescheduled within the same quarter or a failing grade will be given for that lesson.
LOST AND FOUND
Any lost items should be brought to the main office.
SCHOOL CLOSING/DELAYED OPENING
In the event of an emergency or severe weather, school opening may be delayed or school may be closed for the day. Parents and students should stay tuned to television stations to obtain information regarding closing and delays. This information is also posted to the District website and notifications will be sent through WG Communications.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are planned as opportunities for students to have experiences outside of the school building. Field trips generally become a regular part of the school day; and as such, all school rules apply. Students will be permitted to attend field trips provided they have demonstrated the ability to behave appropriately. Students who have not demonstrated the ability to behave appropriately may be prohibited from participating in field trips. Parents/guardians must complete the District’s permission slip.
LIBRARY
Students are provided with library resources to give them the opportunity to extend their knowledge and learning experiences. Materials are purchased and services provided, taking curriculum needs, individual interests, abilities and opportunities for independent study into consideration.
1. Library Procedure
a. Students must return borrowed materials on time.
b. Students should maintain a studious atmosphere; refrain from disturbing others. If assistance is needed locating, gathering, or using materials or equipment, students should ask the librarian for help.
2. Missing or Lost Materials
a. Library materials are common property shared by all students.
b. Lost items must be paid for by the student.
3. The Library Provides
a. A three-week loan period for books with renewal privilege.
b. Overnight loan for materials from the Reference collection.
c. Computer access.
MIDDLE LEVEL ELIGIBILITY POLICY
Academic standards of eligibility for participation in school sponsored co-curricular student activities, including athletics and fine arts, are established as follows:
Beginning of Fall co-curricular activities: 4th quarter report card from previous year (summer school adjustment is permitted.) Final average of 70% in 4 out of 5 core classes
Beginning of Winter co-curricular activities: 1st quarter report card. Final average of 70% in 4 out of 5 core classes
Beginning of Spring co-curricular activities: 2nd quarter report card. Final average of 70% in 4 out of 5 core classes
The eligibility of any student may be appealed at any time to the eligibility committee which will consist of the principal, school counselor and a team teacher.
Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria above may remain on the co-curricular team or club but will not compete in contests. An action plan will be developed by the eligibility committee which must include staying after school to complete homework in detention or to receive extra support by the Learning Center.
Coaches are responsible for monitoring academic improvement of students. School counselors are responsible for generating eligibility lists which will be submitted to the Athletic Director and Director of Fine Arts.
TRANSFERS
Parents/Guardians should notify West Genesee Intermediate School in writing of their intention to transfer their child to another school. The student must obtain a clearance form from the Guidance Office to be completed by the teachers, librarian and Health Office.
CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION
Parents should notify the School Counseling Office of any change in contact information at (315) 487-4622.
TRANSPORTATION
BUS CHANGES
Starting at mid-point of the 2018/19 school year, the procedure for riding a bus to school in the morning other than a student’s normal bus was updated. Students riding to school on a bus other than their normal one, must have a form completed by a parent, and approved by office staff. This form and additional Transportation information can be found at https://westgeneseecsdny.sites.thrillshare.com/page/transportation.
The afternoon procedure for riding a different bus will remain the same. Student should bring a written note to the Main Office by 1:00 p.m. The student will receive a bus pass approved by office staff. The bus pass is then given to the bus driver.
BUS CONDUCT
All school rules are in effect while a pupil is riding a bus. Please review the behavioral guidelines for the school bus:
Be on time at the bus stop.
Wait for the bus well back from the road until the bus comes to a complete stop.
Cross in front of the bus, keeping in sight of the bus driver at all times.
Board and disembark from the bus in an orderly manner (no pushing).
Remain seated during the entire bus ride.
Never throw anything inside or out of the bus.
Help to keep the bus clean.
Keep the bus aisle clear at all times.
Avoid distracting the bus driver.
Maintain appropriate behavior without horseplay throughout the bus ride.
Know all emergency procedures.
Cooperate with the bus driver and obey all instructions.
BUS DRILLS
Bus drills are conducted three times during the school year. The purpose of these drills is to practice evacuating the buses in the event of an accident, fire or emergency. During the drill, the following rules are to be observed:
Two students sit near the emergency door to open the door when the driver signals and help the students off the bus.
Students leave lunches, books, book bags, etc. on the bus during the drill.
Students should keep their arms bent at the elbows and knees slightly bent when they exit through the emergency door.
Students are to go around the rear of the bus after leaving the emergency door and stay at least 50 to 75 feet away from the bus on the school lawn.
When the signal is given, students should return to their seats on the bus, get their belongings and exit in the usual manner.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The West Genesee Intermediate School “Code of Conduct” follows the guidelines, practices and procedures of the West Genesee Central School District “Code of Conduct.” The District “Code of Conduct” is posted on the school website.
STUDENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Punishable Offenses
The following is a list of punishable offenses as defined by law or by West Genesee Intermediate School regulations. These offenses include, but are not limited, to the following:
Use of obscene language or possession/distribution of obscene literature.
Use of defamatory remarks regarding race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity etc., against any person at West Genesee.
Immoral conduct.
Theft.
Extortion.
Gambling and/or card playing.
Fighting.
Cheating.
Vandalism.
Sale, distribution, possession, use, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Possession of drug paraphernalia, vaping paraphernalia, or alcoholic containers.
Sale, distribution, possession, or use of weapons or facsimiles, or explosives (including but not limited to firecrackers, fireworks, smoke bombs or lighters) on school property.
Harassment, bullying and/or assault on a staff member or student.
Threats, direct or implied, that compromise the safety of others and/or the operation of the school.
Cutting class.
Loitering on school premises.
Endangering the lives and property of others.
Throwing of objects including but not limited to: snowballs, food, writing utensils, etc.
Displays of affection involving physical contact.
Smoking, or possession/use of tobacco products in the building, on school grounds, or at school events.
Cutting class (not attending class(es)), leaving school building/grounds without prior permission and an excused reason.
Forging notes or passes from parents or staff members.
Swearing or using socially unacceptable language.
Wearing clothing that promotes the acceptance or use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol products, or that may be considered offensive to others.
Wearing accessory items such as wallet chains, necklaces, or rings that could be used as weapons.
Wearing hats and outerwear during the school day in the building.
Use of electronic devices including, but not limited to: cell phones, headphones, photo/video equipment, CD players, pagers, IPODS, IPADS, or MP3 players during the school day upon entering the building. Cell phones ARE NOT to be visible, turned on or used during the school day upon entering the building.
Possession or use/lighting of matches or lighters, etc., in school or on school property.
Provoking, bullying, intimidating, harassing, menacing, or any behavior that incites or is intended to incite another person into a confrontation.
Use of skateboards or in-line skates on school property.
Tampering with any safety equipment, including but not limited to fire extinguishers, alarms, AED Units, etc.
Unauthorized recording, promoting or distributing audio and/or video of any kind.
Unauthorized possession or use of open containers/liquids within the building.
Failure to follow procedures for leaving the building due to illness or injury (see Excuses earlier in the handbook).
Sharing bathroom stalls, lockers, etc.
Insubordination or failure to respond to a directive from a staff member.
Disruptive behavior or class disruption that negatively influences the learning environment of the student and others.
Types of Disciplinary Action
The goal of the disciplinary program at West Genesee is to effect positive change in students’ behavior. It is an attempt to modify behaviors from unacceptable to acceptable levels. Consequently, there are several forms of action that result from inappropriate behavior or from violating school rules, regulations or policies. These actions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Student Conference
Parent Conference
Lunch Detention
After School Detention
Restricted Pass Privileges
In-School Suspension
Saturday Detention
Activity Suspension
Out-of-School Suspension
Principal’s Meeting
Probation
Superintendent’s Hearing
Disciplinary Policies and Procedures
The following is intended to serve as a guideline to students and parents. Its purpose is to make students and parents aware of the consequences of certain actions. This list is not intended to be restrictive or all-inclusive.
1. Student Searches and Interrogation
The Board of Education is committed to ensuring an atmosphere on West Genesee property and at West Genesee functions that is safe and orderly. To achieve this kind of environment, any school official authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty on a student may question a student about an alleged violation of law or the district code of conduct. Students are not entitled to any sort of Miranda-type warning before being questioned by West Genesee official, nor are West Genesee officials required to contact a student’s parents before questioning the student.
In addition, the Board authorizes West Genesee nurses, principals, program supervisors, and teachers to conduct searches of students and their belongings if the authorized West Genesee official has reasonable suspicion to believe that the search will result in evidence that the student violated the law or district code of conduct (Board of Education Policy #5330 & 5330-R). An authorized West Genesee official may conduct a search of a student’s belongings that is minimally intrusive, such as touching the outside of a book bag, without reasonable suspicion, so long as the West Genesee official has a legitimate reason for the very limited search.
An authorized West Genesee official may search a student or the student’s belongings based upon information received from a reliable informant. Individuals, other than the West Genesee employees, will be considered reliable informants if they have previously supplied information that was accurate and verified, they make an admission against their own interest, they provide the same information that is received independently from other sources, or they appear to be credible and the information they are communicating relates to an immediate threat to safety. West Genesee employees will be considered reliable informants unless they are known to have previously supplied information that they knew was not accurate.
Before searching a student or the student’s belongings, (i.e. backpacks, purses, belongings etc.) the authorized West Genesee official should attempt to get the student to admit that he or she possess physical evidence, they violated the law or district code, or get the student to voluntarily consent to the search. Searches will be limited to the extent necessary to locate the evidence sought.
Whenever practical, searches will be conducted in the privacy of administrative offices and students will be present when their possessions are being searched.
2. Student Lockers, Desks and other School Storage Places
The rules in this code of conduct regarding searches of students and their belongings do not apply to student lockers, desks and other school storage places.
Students have no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to these places and West Genesee officials retain complete control over them. This means that student lockers, desks and other West Genesee storage places may be subject to search at any time by West Genesee officials, without prior notice to students and without their consent.
3. Drug, Vaping and Alcohol Procedure
The use and unlawful possession of illicit drugs, vaping paraphernalia, and alcohol by students of the District is wrong, harmful, and inconsistent with the district’s primary mission of educating students. The Board of Education is committed to the prevention of alcohol, vaping and illicit drug use/abuse. Throughout this policy, the phrase “alcohol, illicit drugs, and other substances” shall include, but not be limited to the following substances: alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroine, steroids, look-a-likes, and those substances that may be referred to as “designer drugs” (adopted 11/6/91 by the West Genesee Board of Education).
Sale, distribution, possession of or being under the influence of illegal drugs (including alcohol) on school property or any supervised school functions shall result in the following:
NOTIFICATION OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN
IMMEDIATE OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION FOR 5 DAYS
PROMPT NOTIFICATION OF CAMILLUS POLICE DEPARTMENT YOUTH OFFICER
SUPERINTENDENT’S HEARING
Please Note: All over-the-counter and prescription medications should be left at the nurses’ office. Violations are subject to disciplinary action. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary consequences.
Possession of drug paraphernalia, alcoholic containers, etc. is also subject to suspension and Superintendent’s Hearing.
Tobacco
Smoking or use of tobacco is not allowed in this school building or on school grounds. You are in violation of the tobacco usage policy if you are found:
Smoking
In the possession of (“holding”) a lighted smoking material
In the process of lighting a smoking material
Warning smokers of the impending arrival of a staff member
In the possession or use of tobacco products
Prohibited Items
Weapons – The West Genesee Board of Education policy states: No student shall knowingly have in his/her possession upon any school premises any rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, other firearm, knives, explosive, dangerous chemicals or any other object which is not necessary for school activities that could be used as a weapon (adopted 2/7/90 – West Genesee Board of Education).
Detention/Saturday Detention
Detention is typically held Tuesday – Thursday and is supervised by a teacher. Transportation home is provided by parents/guardians at 4:00 PM.
Saturday detention is sometimes used when behaviors are more severe or regular detention has not modified behavior. Saturday detention runs from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and is held at the West Genesee Middle School.
Expectations for behavior in detention/Saturday detention are that students will remain quiet and work productively. Students may not talk or sleep.
Student Attire
Students are asked to wear clothing that is appropriate for an academic environment. It is the parents’ responsibility to see that their children are dressed in clothing that is “not dangerous, distracting or indecent”, according to the Commissioner of Education. Footwear must be worn in the building at all times. No hats, head gear or coats are to be worn during the school day. Pajamas and slippers may not be worn. Clothing with alcohol, tobacco, drug messages, suggestive and/or offensive words or graphics are not permitted. Shirts must cover the stomach completely and provide adequate coverage at the neckline. Muscle shirts and tank tops with very thin straps are not permitted. Students who are inappropriately dressed will be sent to the School Counseling Office or Main Office and parents will be contacted.
Backpacks/Bags
Backpacks and bags must be stored in the student’s locker. Students are not allowed to carry backpacks or bags between classes and during school hours.
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY
CODE OF CONDUCT
Access to District technology resources is a privilege made available to staff, Board of Education, and students. All users should respect and protect the rights of every other user. They shall act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner, considering the following:
United States, New York State, and local laws
The missions and purposes of other networks used via the Internet
The following Code of Conduct
All users must avoid the following inappropriate uses of the District’s technology resources:
Using resources for financial gain or profit
Degrading or disrupting equipment, software, or system performance
Using resources to interfere with the proper operation of any computer, or destroy data
Using information obtained through network and computer resources without giving proper credit to the source (plagiarism)
Intentionally interfering with the work of others
Using resources in any manner that violates Board Policy, federal, state, or local law, including unauthorized copying or transmission of software
Gaining unauthorized access to systems and networks
Invading the privacy of individuals
Using an account owned by another user, or allowing another user to use your account
Posting personal communications without the original author’s consent
Posting anonymous messages
Initiating or forwarding “chain” letters
Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others
Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that contain information considered dangerous to the public at large
POSITIVITY PROJECT PROGRAM
The West Genesee Central School District has adopted the Positivity Project Program. The program highlights and teaches 24 character strengths throughout the school year with an emphasis on building positive relationships and the belief that relationships are the cornerstone to health, happiness, and resilience