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Regulation #5113A-R

Click here to view the PDF version of Regulation #5113A-R.

Attendance/High School

The administration expects that students will attend every class daily. Students, Parents/ Guardians, Teachers, Guidance Counselors, and Administrators share responsibility for student attendance. 

  • Students must attend class and keep track of any absences. They must make up any work missed during absences.
  • Parents/Guardians must provide the school with updated phone numbers and must support the emphasis on regular daily attendance.
  • Teachers must record attendance daily.
  • Guidance Counselors must inform administrators of absence patterns.
  • Administrators must enforce the attendance policy and regulation.

Documentation of Absences

Parents/Guardians are required to notify the school in writing when a student is absent within ten (10) school days of the student’s return to school.  If documentation is not received within this time frame the absence will be unexcused and, therefore, unappealable.  Documentation may come in the form of parent/guardian notes or notification from official sources.  (NOTE:  parent/guardian notes will only be accepted for nine (9) days of Appealable absences in a given school year.  For the 10th absence and all thereafter, only official absence documentation will be accepted.)

The student must present written documentation of an absence to the principal or his/her designee.  The student will be given an Absence Documentation Form to bring to each class for teachers’ signatures (see Appendix A).  The student will return the Absence Documentation Form and written documentation to the data processing office.

Types of Absences

The high school attendance policy recognizes three types of absences:  Exempt, Appealable, and Unappealable.  Exempt absences do not count towards credit loss.  Appealable and Unappealable absences do count towards credit loss.

  1. Exempt Absences are documented absences that do NOT lead to loss of credit and do NOT need to be appealed.  Students are allowed to make up missed work and apply it to their grade.
  1. Standardized Testing:  Attendance will be taken for any standardized test and documented by the school.
  2. College Acceptance Orientation:  An absence for a student attending an orientation to a college to which he/she has been accepted will not count towards loss of credit.
  3. Appointments with Student Support Staff:  A scheduled appointment made by student support staff will count as an Exempt Absence.  
  4. Death in the Family:  For absences due to a death in the family, the parent/guardian must notify the school by providing documentation for the absence.
  5. Long Term Illness:  For students who are absent because of hospitalization or long term illness (three (3) or more consecutive school days), the parent/guardian must provide a physician’s note (letterhead, signed, and dated) or other official documentation.
  6. Mandated Court Appearances:  For students who attend court or have been detained, the parent/guardian must notify the school either before the date or in writing when the student returns, and present official documentation from the court/authorities for the dates missed.
  7. Religious Holidays:  Absences as a result of observance of religious holidays must be documented with a parent/guardian note.
  8. Field Trips or School-Related Activities:  Absences relating to school activities may include, but are not limited to, field trips, early dismissal for participation in athletic events, and meetings with school personnel.
  9. Suspension:  For absences due to suspension, the parent/guardian will be notified of the suspension and the date when the student will be expected to return to school. The student must return on the indicated date.
  1. Appealable Absences are absences for which the school receives written documentation of the reason the student was absent, but do not meet the criteria of Exempt Absences. These absences MAY be appealable.  Appealable absences count towards loss of credit, but allow for students to make up missed work and apply it to their grade.
  1. College Visits:  Parents/Guardians are asked to schedule all visits during school vacations or weekends.
  2. Student-initiated Appointments:  Students should schedule appointments with a guidance counselor, social worker, or school psychologist before or after school or during a free period such as study hall or lunch.  If a student chooses to make an appointment during regular class time, the student support professional will determine if the student-initiated appointment is appealable.
  3. Short Term Illness:  An absence due to an illness up to two (2) consecutive school days verified by a note from the parent/guardian or physician.
  4. Non-emergency Medical Visits:  Doctor and dental appointments should be scheduled for after-school hours.  If after-school arrangements are not possible, then written notice from the physician is required for the absence to be considered for appeal.  The physician’s note must be presented to the principal or his/her designee upon the student's return to school.
  5. Visits to Nurse:  Visits to the school nurse will count as Appealable absences if the student brings a pass from the teacher and the nurse deems the visit necessary.
  6. Early Dismissal:  Proper documentation for early dismissal will include official documentation from the school nurse or documentation from the parent/guardian including the reason that early dismissal is necessary.
  7. Other:  Other absences with official documentation or documentation from a parent/guardian.
  1. Unappealable Absences are absences for which the school receives no documentation, documentation received beyond the ten (10) school days notification requirement, or absences that do not meet the criteria to be considered appealable.  Unappealable absences count towards loss of credit.  Students may receive a grade of zero for all missed work.  Students with five (5) or more Unappealable absences per semester in any one course forfeit the right to appeal for credit.
  1. Class Cuts:  Absences from class without permission when a student is in school for the day.
  2. Family Vacations/Trips:  Discretion should be used in planning such events. Stamford Public Schools strongly discourages travel outside of school vacation periods. Students and parents/guardians should realize that if extended vacations contribute to excessive absence, an appeal for reinstatement of credit will not be possible.
  3. Leaving School Grounds: Leaving school grounds without permission resulting in missed class time.
  4. Tardies:  See below.

Tardiness

Students are expected to come to school and class on time.  Tardies cannot be appealed and will be considered Unappealable absences as follows:

  1. Four (4) tardies to a class will be recorded as one (1) Unappealable absence.
  1. Any tardy of more than 15 minutes (including arriving to school 15 minutes after the bell) will be counted as one (1) Unappealable absence, even if the student is present for the remainder of the class period.
  2. Students with sixteen (16) or more tardies per semester in any one course forfeit the right to appeal for credit.
  3. Late passes to class are not considered documented. The exception to this rule will be Late Bus passes distributed when a school bus arrives late to school.

Excessive tardies – defined as more than eight (8) in a quarter – shall necessitate school official communication with the parent/guardian to support regular attendance.  Students with excessive tardies are subject to disciplinary action.

Absences and Excessive Tardies to Study Halls and Other Classes

Study Halls and other “non-credit bearing” classes are not an “optional” part of a student’s schedule and must be attended. Privileges, such as attending prom, parking on school property, or participation in extra-curricular activities may be revoked at the discretion of the principal or designee due to a lack of attendance.

Loss of Credit

To achieve a passing grade and credit in a course, students must be in attendance. Should a student be absent from a course in excess of ten (10) Appealable and/or Unappealable absences per semesterised course or twenty (20) Appealable and/or Unappealable absences per full-year course, the student will lose credit for that course.  (See Appendix B for possible absence scenarios.)

If a student violates the Attendance Policy, his/her transcript will reflect the appropriate loss of credit.  Students are expected to attend class when credit is lost; regular attendance following loss of credit strengthens a student’s appeal.  Students losing credit can still earn a passing grade in the course. The grade will be factored into the student’s grade point average and may be used as a prerequisite for future courses as follows:

  1. GPA:  The full grade will count as if the loss of credit did not exist. On the transcript there will be a letter grade with “LC,” which indicates the loss of credit.  If/when a course is taken a second time, both courses (the first time the course was taken and the second time the course was taken) will appear on the transcript.  
  1. Prerequisites:  If a student receives a passing grade in a course that is part of a sequence, but loses credit toward graduation due to absences, the student will not need to repeat the course to move on in the sequence (e.g., a passing grade in Algebra 1 will allow the student to move on to Geometry, regardless of credits).

Appeals Process

  1. Appeals Process to Regain Credit

The attendance policy is not designed to deny credit to students who, through no fault of their own, are unable to attend school or class.  In January and June, students who have lost credit will have an opportunity to go before the Appeals Board to have credit reinstated.  To be eligible for the Appeals Process, students must continue classroom responsibilities and attend class regularly.  The following applies to the Appeals Process:

  1. Students with five (5) or more Unappealable absences or sixteen (16) or more tardies per semester in any one course forfeit the right to appeal for credit.
  2. Students must have made up any work missed in a semester/full year course and have a passing grade to qualify for an appeal.
  3. At the discretion of the principal or his/her designee, Appealable absences may be exempted.  In such cases, no further appeal is required.
  4. Students must sign up for an appeal. Therefore, students should monitor their attendance, including tardies. Teachers are not required to inform students of the opportunity to appeal. 
  1. Appeals Board

The Appeals Board will be selected by the principal and composed of:

  • 1-2 administrators
  • 2-3 classroom teachers
  • 1-2 student support staff
  • 1-2 guidance counselors

In an effort to preserve impartialness, Appeals Board members will not hear any appeal for which: 1) they have the student in class, or 2) the student is on their case-load, or 3) they are the student’s grade-level administrator.

The Appeals Board will hear cases and make decisions. All decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

  1. Appeals will be heard on a “first to sign up, first to be heard” basis.
  2. Appeals will be heard during January for first semester loss of credit and June for second semester loss of credit. (A first semester loss of credit must be appealed in January; it may not be appealed in June.)
  3. The Appeals Board will not hear cases if the deadline for submitting the appeal request is missed.
  4. The decision of the Appeals Board will be based on a majority vote.
  5. Decisions will be made within one week of the Appeals Process.  The Appeals Board will notify parents/guardians, in writing, of its decision.

Communication to Students and Parents/Guardians

  1. Student and parents/guardians will have access to information concerning attendance via the district’s student information system.
  1. School personnel will attempt to notify parents/guardians by telephone and by mail to report absences daily. These attempts will be documented in writing. Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to regularly monitor their child’s attendance and if there is a problem/discrepancy to notify the school through the child’s counselor or administrator.
  1. The Appeals Process, including the deadline to sign up for an appeal, will be communicated to students and posted on the school’s website.  Students will see the principal or his/her designee to sign up for an appeal. If a student fails to attend the scheduled appeal, the appeal will be denied unless the student provides a physician’s note or other official documentation.
  1. Students and parents/guardians will be notified concerning absences by mail utilizing the following letters:
  1. Loss of Credit Warning Notice: generated when one-half of the number of permitted absences has been accumulated in a course (i.e., five (5) Appealable and/or Unappealable absences in a semester course; ten (10) Appealable and/or Unappealable absences in a full-year course). The purpose of this notification is to inform the parent/guardian and the student of the possibility of loss of credit if the student’s attendance does not improve.
  2. Loss of Credit Notice: generated when a student loses credit in any course.
  3. Appeals Board Hearing Results Notification: used to communicate the decision of the Appeals Board to the student and parent/guardian when a student appeals a loss of credit.

Notification of Regulation

This regulation 5113A-R will be mailed to parents/guardians before each school year.  This regulation will be included in the Student Handbook and posted on the school website.  This regulation will be reviewed with students in Connection Time or other appropriate class at the start of the school year and will be provided to students and parents/guardians when they register during the school year.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-199 through 10-202 Attendance, truancy - in general (Revised, 1995, PA 95-304)

Action taken by State Board of Education on January 2, 2008, to define "attendance."

Action taken by State Board of Education on June 27, 2012, to define "excused" and "unexcused" absences.

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Electronic Devices / Cell Phone Use

No electronic devices, e.g., cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, etc., will be used in school. If these devices are seen or heard, school personnel will ask for them and turn them in to the administration. These devices may be returned to the student at the end of the day.  For multiple infractions the parent or guardian must come to school to retrieve the items. Any student who refuses to hand over an electronic device when asked is subject to disciplinary action. Stamford High is not responsible for lost or stolen devices.

Students may not send or receive personal calls or text messages during the school day. Only those messages of an emergency nature will be considered.

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Discipline Policy

All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves, their peers, the staff and the school. Students must behave in school, on school campus, and at off-site functions in a manner that does not disrupt or interfere with the rights of other students and staff. Student behavior and disciplinary consequences are outlined in detail in the Board of Education Policy and Regulation Manual. (5131 pp. 1-21 and 5131.5 pp. 1-6). Disciplinary action for offenses includes removal from class, detention, Saturday school, and suspension. Major offenses occurring in school and some that occur in the community may be punishable by immediate suspension and possible expulsion from school. School rules apply to students in school, on school transportation, and at school-sponsored activities, such as dances and athletic competitions. The following is a summary of school rules:

  1. No student may leave school grounds during the day without administrative permission.
  2. No beepers, electronic communication devices, headphones, radios or boom boxes are allowed in school.
  3. Hall passes are required when classes are in session.
  4. Clothing that is offensive, disruptive, or inappropriate is forbidden (See Board of Ed Regulation 5147-R).
  5. Smoking in school, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored activities is prohibited.
  6. Profanity or vulgarity is not acceptable.
  7. Cheating and plagiarism are subject to academic and disciplinary Sanctions.
  8. Excessive absences or tardiness is not permitted.
  9. Gambling or card playing in school is forbidden.
  10. Class cutting or loitering in the hallways or on school grounds is not permitted.
  11. Refusal to identify self or to give correct identification is considered a form of insubordination.

The following offenses are considered serious enough to warrant immediate suspension and possible expulsion from school for up to 180 days:

  1. Insubordination to a Stamford High School staff member
  2. Fighting
  3. Theft
  4. Vandalism and/or destruction of school property
  5. Excessive absences
  6. Assault
  7. Accumulation of minor offenses or excessive violation of any school rule
  8. Arson
  9. Pulling or attempting to pull a fire alarm
  10. Abuse or inappropriate use of computers and other technological equipment
  11. Any behavior that is disruptive of the education process or threatens the health or safety of students or staff
  12. Possession, consumption, or attempted sale of dangerous drugs, illegal narcotics or paraphernalia, or alcohol in the school or community (mandatory suspension and recommendation for expulsion)
  13. Possession of any weapon, as defined by state statute, either in school or in the community (mandatory suspension and recommendation for expulsion)

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Student Dress

Stamford High School enforces the Dressing and Grooming Policy Number 5147 of The Board of Education and encourages students to dress in a manner that reflects pride in and respect for themselves, their school, and their community. To promote a positive, safe and non-disruptive learning environment, proper attire should be worn. Therefore, the following are some of the items prohibited from being worn in the Stamford Public Schools during the academic school day: 

  1. Attire or accessories that portray disruptive, obscene writing or pictures
  2. Attire or accessories that depict logos or emblems that encourage the use of drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages
  3. Shirts and/or blouses that reveal the abdomen, chest, breasts, or undergarments
  4. See-through clothing
  5. Shorts, miniskirts, or pants that reveal the upper thigh or undergarments
  6. Other attire or accessories that, in the opinion of the principal, are not in good taste or depict vulgar, illegal, racial, or sexist viewpoints
  7. Head coverings of any kind, including, but not limited to scarves, bandanas, masks, kerchiefs, athletic headbands, hoods, etc., except those worn for bonafide religious reasons
  8. Footwear that damages floors or is a safety hazard
  9. Sunglasses (unless required by a doctor’s order)
  10. "Name" or other oversized metal belt buckles
  11. Studded bracelets, oversized or multi-finger rings, belts or any other article of attire with spikes or studs attached

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Homework Policy

Stamford Public School's Board of Education Homework Policy

Stamford Public Schools' Board of Education believes that families and teachers must work together to motivate and support our students to develop responsibility and study habits that will enable them to become life-long learners.

The Stamford Public Schools staff assigns relevant and challenging homework assignments that reinforce classroom learning objectives. The general purposes of homework are to: reinforce classroom instruction; develop specific skills through practice; prepare for future lessons; foster the habits of consistent independent study and time management; and provide an opportunity for student learning outside the classroom. Homework can also preview new learning and ready students for their class experience. Homework assignments should never be used punitively. Homework assignments are modified based on students' individual needs (i.e., IEP, 504 Plans, other interventions, and extenuating circumstances). Feedback for homework should be formative in nature, given in a timely fashion, and count for a maximum of 10% of the student’s grade.

Additionally, no assignments shall be due, or assessments given, on the day immediately following major religious holidays that are also school holidays (i.e., Good Friday, eve and day of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah). When such a major holiday falls on a weekend, no assignments shall be due, or assessments given, on the day immediately following that weekend. Students observing religious holidays, that are not school holidays, shall not be assigned homework on that day if a family or student requests an extension, as described above.

Homework Regulations

Making up Homework:

  • Students who miss homework will receive the opportunity to make it up. Students are given a one-day minimum to make up the work. It is the students' and/or families responsibility to communicate with the teacher, get work missed, and turn it in.

Homework Guidelines for Staff:

  • Assign relevant and challenging homework that reinforces the learning objective.
  • Give clear homework instructions and check that students understand the purpose.
  • Give formative feedback and/or correct homework, in a timely manner.
  • Communicate with the student and/or parent if a pattern of late or incomplete homework develops.
  • Homework assignments may be modified based on individual students needs.

Homework Guidelines for Students:

  • Record assignments, and make sure assignments are done according to the given instructions.
  • Be sure all assignments are clear; don’t be afraid to ask the teacher questions if necessary.
  • Set aside a regular time for studying; managing time in a way that homework can be completed and be submitted on time.
  • Produce original, quality work.
  • Pursue non-assigned independent reading and/or learning activities.

Homework Guidelines for Families:

  • Monitor student's organization and daily list of assignments.
  • Give students assistance, as needed, without doing the work for them.
  • Contact teachers to stay well informed about your student's learning process.
  • If your student seems to be spending an inordinate amount of time doing homework, contact your child's teachers or guidance counselor.

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Technology Policy

Adopted – 05-05-99 Amended – 08-13 Amended – 05-15

City of Stamford Technology Policy

The City of Stamford provides information technology resources to a large and varied group, including City and Board of Education employees, elected and appointed officials, vendors, contractors, volunteers, and guests. All members of this community are accountable for using these resources in an ethical and respectful manner that protects sensitive City information and follows the information technology policies and procedures.

Purpose: To establish a policy regarding the proper use of all City computer hardware, software, internal and external storage devices, electronic and other telecommunication technology systems, including but not limited to, internet, intranet, satellite, broadband, cable and similar platforms, (collectively the "Technology Systems") of the City of Stamford, Connecticut (the "City") by City and BOE employees, elected or appointed officers, contractors, consultants, and any other person or entity authorized by the City to use the Technology Systems (hereafter referred to as a "Users").

Policy: The following policies define appropriate use of the City of Stamford computer networks, computers, mobile devices, all related peripherals, software, electronic communications, and internet access. These policies apply to the access of the City's computer network and use of computing technology resources at any location, from any device, via wired or wireless connection. They apply to all Users of City technology resources. All Users of City computing and network resources shall use such resources in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner. All use of technology resources must be consistent with the intent and requirements of all City policies and work rules, as well as Federal and State laws. Technology resources are intended for City business purposes and may not be used for other commercial purposes.

The City owns all data, files, information, and communications created, stored, transmitted, received or exchanged on its network, communication systems, equipment and devices, including email, voicemail, text messages and internet usage logs even if such communications reside with a third party provider. City systems and all information contained thereon are City property. Information created, sent, received, accessed or stored using the City systems is the property of the City.

The City has the right to inspect, monitor, intercept, restrict, filter, and evaluate any and all usage of the City's Technology Systems as permitted by law. No User has any right or expectation of privacy in anything that is created, sent, received or stored on or by computer (including email), facsimile, cell phone (including text messages) or voice mail.

The City may conduct random and requested audits of Users' accounts (including accounts with commercial or other third party providers if used in the course of conducting City business) in order to ensure compliance with policies and requirements. Internet, email, voicemail, text message communications and internet usage logs may be subject to public disclosure. Information stored, created, sent or received on City systems may be accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. Pursuant to Public Act 98-142 and the State of Connecticut's "Electronic Monitoring Notice" the State reserves the right to monitor and/or log all activities without notice. This includes but is not limited to correspondence by email and facsimile. Adopted – 05-05-99 Amended – 08-13 Amended – 05-15

1. Technology resources may be used for incidental personal needs as long as such use is de minimis and does not subject the city to additional cost or liability, interfere with business, productivity and/or performance, pose risk to security, cause damage to the City's reputation or credibility, or conflict with the requirements of any City policy or work rule. Professional judgment, etiquette, and common sense should be exercised while using City resources.

2. Usage should be focused on business-related tasks. Incidental personal use is allowed as discussed under the previous section, but there is no right to privacy in an employee's use of the internet. Employee internet usage is monitored. Web Usage Reports are provided to IT to help IT monitor the staff's use of the internet.

3. Except for City business-related purposes, visiting or otherwise accessing the following types of sites is prohibited:

  • "Adult" or sexually-oriented websites
  • Sites associated with hate crimes or violence
  • Sites associated with discrimination (racial, sexual, etc.)
  • Personal dating sites
  • Gambling sites
  • Sites that would create discomfort to a reasonable person in the workplace

4. The City recognizes that public internet communications technologies are effective tools to promote community and government interaction and that Users may want to participate in public communication via blogging, discussion forums, wikis, mashups, social networking, message boards, email groups and other media that are now commonplace tools by which people share ideas and information.

Since activities on public internet communication sites are electronically associated with City network addresses and accounts that can be easily traced back to the City of Stamford, the following rules must be followed for participation in these interactive public communication platforms.

  1. When expressing User’s personal view, make it clear beyond a doubt that the User's view does not necessarily represent the views of the City of Stamford. Opinions or views other than those reflective of City policy must contain the following disclaimer: "The opinions expressed in this communication are those of the author and not the opinions of the City Government or management, nor are the opinions endorsed and/or encouraged in any way by the City of Stamford."
  2. Always protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all critical information.
  3. Users may not post any material that is obscene, profane, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or embarrassing to or of any other employee, person, and/or entity.
  4. Public internet communications activity should contribute to staff's body of work as an employee of the City and may not interfere with or diminish productivity.

Adopted – 05-05-99 Amended – 08-13 Amended – 05-15

5. Email content must conform to the standards that apply to any other form of written (or verbal) communication occurring in a business setting and to documents that are subject to public disclosure.

6. The City provides Users access to Exchange/Outlook messaging (email) system. Access or usage of any other messaging systems for personal use is permitted. However, such usage will not be supported by the City IT department. Staff may access web-based personal email but should not download personal documents or attachments from these sites. Staff may not install client based software such as AOL for internet service on city equipment.

7. Users should be observant of emails that have unusual or questionable subject lines to avoid or mitigate spam, phishing and script born viruses that come into the network through email attachments or by clicking on links that lead to hostile/inappropriate web sites. Upon discovery, Users should report suspicious emails to the IT Department.

8. Users shall not use the City's Technology Systems, including access to the internet, to disseminate indecent information, material, images or messages including, but not limited to, sexual innuendo, chain letters, jokes, harassing or threatening statements. Additionally, Users shall not disseminate information, material or messages, which may be hostile or offensive to another based on sex, age, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status or disability. Indecent, vulgar, harassing, fraudulent, intimidating or other unlawful material may not be sent by email, voice mail, facsimile or other form of electronic communication, or displayed on or stored in the City's Technology Systems except by law enforcement officials during official investigations.

While Users cannot always control what material they receive, Users who do receive any such referenced material from any other User or third party must not transmit or forward such material to any other person. The recipient User should request the sender to stop sending the User inappropriate material.

9. The use of email to send or solicit the receipt of inappropriate content such as sexually oriented materials, hate mail, content that a reasonable person would view as obscene, harassing or threatening and having no legitimate or lawful purpose or any other inappropriate content is prohibited.

10. The incidental personal use of email from a City account to express opinions or views other than those reflective of City policy must contain the following disclaimer: "The opinions expressed in this communication are those of the author and not the opinions of the City Government or management, nor are the opinions endorsed and/or encouraged in any way by the City of Stamford."

11. The City has an obligation to retain certain information stored on the Technology Systems in accordance with General Letter 98-1 "Electronic and Voice Mail: A Management and Retention Guide for State and Municipal Government Agencies" issued by the State of Connecticut Office of Public Records Administrator and State Archives as it may be amended from time to time. While many email messages are temporary communications which are non-vital and may be routinely discarded, email messages that are more formal or substantive must be retained by the City in accordance with state standards. Examples of such messages include, but are not limited to, messages related to policies, decision-making, material connected to a specific case or business matter, contracts, parts of a larger record, or business functions. Adopted – 05-05-99 Amended – 08-13 Amended – 05-15

12. The IT Department must authorize access to central computer systems. The use of another User's account is prohibited. Users are responsible for protecting access to the network by locking their computers or logging out of their accounts when leaving their computers unattended. Staff members with access to critical information are responsible for its protection. Staff must, to the best of their ability, ensure the safety of critical information by, for example, not putting important information on laptops, not storing, saving, or transmitting critical data to a home computer or other personal devices.

13. Users should not transport critical City data on unencrypted devices such as thumb drives, CD's, or Smartphones.

14. Users are prohibited from sharing their passwords or allowing anyone else to use their network accounts for any reason. It is the User's responsibility to protect his/her password and access to the network.

15. Users are not permitted to directly connect devices to the City/BOE network. This includes PC's, network hubs and switches, printers, scanners, handheld devices as well as wired and wireless devices.

16. The installation, removal, copying, or altering of any software on City-owned equipment is prohibited without authorization.

Users must comply with all software licenses, copyrights, and all other laws governing intellectual property, including all materials found on the internet.

17. Disabling, altering, over-riding, or turning off any mechanism put in place for network protection is forbidden. This includes the installation of any software designed to circumvent security measures.

18. Any technology resource found to be lost or stolen should be immediately reported to the Technology Department and the Risk Management department. If technology is stolen, a police report will be required.

19. The City may acquire and place wireless Technology (such as Cell Phones, Smart Phones and Tablets) into service in those instances where such technology will enhance the ability of City Users: to deliver services more effectively and/or to protect or otherwise secure public safety and well-being.

The approval of a request for a cellular device must be made, by the employee's Director, before the department may proceed to purchase equipment and service. All purchases of cellular devices and services will be made through the vendor selected by the City.

Like all other City assets, technology and resources, the use of mobile devices is also subject to review at the discretion of the City. City employees are responsible for calls placed and received on the devices assigned to them.

20. Please consult with the IT department prior to purchase as not all devices are compatible with the City/BOE network. Adopted – 05-05-99 Amended – 08-13 Amended – 05-15

Each User is responsible for using the City's Technology Systems, resources and services in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner and in accordance with applicable statutes, ordinances and this Policy. This Policy applies to all Users of the City's Technology Systems, wherever the Users or Technology Systems are located. Violations of this Policy will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Non-employee Users who violate this policy may have their right to access to or use of the City's Technology Systems revoked.

The City reserves the right to monitor its Technology Systems at any time, without notice, to ensure they are being used for City purposes only. The City's monitoring policy will be in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, including Public Act 98-142 (codified at Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 31-48d).

This policy may be amended or revised from time to time at the City's discretion.

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Fire Drills

Fire drills are held at regular intervals throughout the school year. They are required by law and are an important safety precaution. A fire drill evacuation plan is posted in each room and students should be aware of the routes to be followed to exit the building. When the first signal is activated or instructions are given over the public address system, students will immediately follow their teacher’s instructions and leave the building quickly and quietly. Students should stand away from the building. It is a federal violation to illegally activate a fire alarm.

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Visitor Policy

No student is allowed guests in the building, or on school grounds, during the course of the regular school day.

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Hall Passes

Hall passes (green) are needed when classes are in session. When a staff member asks to see the pass and/or asks for the student's name, it is to be given without an argument. Proper hallway decorum is expected. Improper hallway behavior, such as running, yelling, disturbing classes, etc. is not tolerated. Proper passes to the library are issued by media personnel prior to study hall periods.

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Bullying

Board of Education Policy 5005 defines bullying as "an overt act by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are repeated against the same student over time." Bullying acts are subject to school discipline up to and including suspension and expulsion.

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Title IX

It is hereby made known, as a matter of public information, that Stamford High School intends to comply with Chapter IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended by Public Law 93-568, and effective July 21, 1976. The individual student or patron who feels there exists discrimination based upon sex should submit, in writing, to the building authority, a statement of the problem and the remedy sought. The grievance must be signed and include address, telephone number, and homeroom designation of the person with the grievance.

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Sexual Harassment

Any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical contact of any nature may constitute sexual harassment and will not be tolerated. Students who feel they are being harassed should tell their teachers, administrators, or any other staff member in the school.

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Plagiarism / Copying / Web Pasting

With students having more access to computers and the internet plagiarism/copying/pasting is becoming a major issue. Any student caught submitting another's work under his/her name will be subject to teacher disciplinary action.

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