Students are the only reason schools exist. They are not the property of the school. All students are worthy human beings deserving of respect and the best efforts of the school staff. Student rights must be vigorously respected and protected at all times. In turn, all students have certain obligations to be contributing participants in the learning process and to be good citizens within the school community. The basic rights of students at all grade levels include the following:

All Students Have These RIGHTS:

• To be safe.
• To be respected as individuals.
• To be treated fairly and without prejudice.
• To learn without disturbance or distraction.
• To have personal property respected and protected.
• To express views and to be heard.
• To be exposed to competent teachers and positive adult role models.
• To be challenged with materials and instructional techniques commensurate with their abilities and learning styles.
• To be free from harassment.
• To learn in a drug-free, smoke-free, and violence-free environment.
• To be called what they choose (i.e. African American, Hispanic, American, etc.).
• To have access to appropriate grievance procedures.

All Students Have These RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To treat others fairly and without prejudice.
• To obey laws and comply with school rules.
• To respect other people's rights, property, and reputations.
• To contribute to a positive and safe school environment.
• To participate in their own learning (i.e., to strive to learn to the best of their abilities).
• To respect and maintain school property.
• To attend regularly.
• To avoid violent behavior.
• To take education seriously.
• To dress and use language appropriate to a business-like learning environment.
• To practice civility and to show respect in all dealing with peers and adults in the school.