Student Expression, Rights & Responsbilities

The administration respects the right of students to express themselves in word or symbol and to distribute and/or display materials as a part of that expression. That right is limited, however, by the need to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community.

All forms of student dress/apparel are forms of expression and are covered by this policy. Prohibited forms of expression (words, phrases or graphics) are those that:

contain profanity, obscenity, or the promotion of any illegal activity;
may lead to a libelous action;
may incite violence or urge the violation of school regulations;
solicit funds for non-school organizations unless approved by the administration.

See classroom-managed infraction code 101.0 “Dress Code Violation- Minor” and office-managed infraction code 202.0 “Dress Code Violation- Major” in the Code of Student Conduct.

Approval of School-Related Materials

All materials/publications of school-related organizations and the methods of their distribution/display are subject to review by the faculty adviser and/or the administration. Obscene or libelous materials may be edited and/or removed according to this policy. Official publications are not open public forums for unrestricted student expression. Each administrator will determine regulations for students’ use of school equipment to publish approved student communications. Students may be charged for materials used.

Approval of Non-School-Related Materials

The administration will determine the conditions for displaying/distributing materials of non-school-related organizations. Requests by community organizations or unauthorized student organizations will be submitted to the Superintendent’s office. All such materials must bear the name of the sponsoring organization and the name of at least one local representative. The school name may not be used on any publication without the approval of the Superintendent’s office. The principal will approve or disapprove the request based on this policy and First Amendment rights. Judgment will be made by the Superintendent’s office within five (5) school days. That decision may be appealed to the superintendent.

Pledge to the Flag and Meditation

Opening exercises will consist of a pledge to the United States flag and a moment of silent meditation. Students who choose to refrain from such participation will respect the rights and interests of classmates who do wish to participate.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) Notice and Consent/Opt-Out for Specific Activities

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires that the school notify you to obtain consent or allow you to opt out of the following school activities: a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”):

Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
Sex behavior or attitudes;
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure, or use of student information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”), and certain physical exams and screenings.

Student Activities

Building principals will approve all student activities with the assistance of delegated members of the faculty. Any group of students that has an approved faculty sponsor should be permitted to establish an organization that may make use of school facilities.

Excuse from Activities: Parents or guardians may submit a written request that their child be excused from certain types of student activities for religious or physical reasons.

Student Dress Code

The Conestoga Valley School District Administration and School Board recognize that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference. The Administration and Board has the authority to impose limitations on students' dress in school. The Administration and Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational program of the schools or constitute a health or safety hazard. (School Board Policy #221)

Allowable Dress & Grooming:

Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent and shoes.
Clothing must cover undergarments, waistbands and bra straps excluded.
Fabric covering all private parts must not be see-through.
Hats and other headwear must allow the face to be visible and not interfere with the line of sight to any student or staff. Hoodies must allow the student face and ears to be visible to staff.
Clothing must be suitable for all scheduled classroom activities including physical education, science labs, wood shop, and other activities where unique hazards exist.
Specialized courses may require specialized attire, such as sports uniforms or safety gear.

Non-Allowable Dress & Grooming:

Clothing may not depict, advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances.
Clothing may not depict pornography, nudity or sexual acts.
Clothing may not use or depict hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation or any other protected groups.
Clothing, including gang identifiers, must not threaten the health or safety of any other student or staff.
If the student’s attire or grooming threatens the health or safety of any other person, then discipline for dress or grooming violations should be consistent with discipline policies for similar violations.

School Board Policy #221: Student engages in the one or more of the following dress code conditions:

Presents a hazard to the health or safety of the student himself/herself or to others in the school.
Materially interferes with schoolwork, creates disorder, or disrupts the educational program.
Causes excessive wear or damage to school property.
Prevents the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement.

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