Student Handbook - Hoosic Valley Central School

overwhelmed with responsibilities and expectations, and peers, teachers and counselors can
provide tremendous support. Ideally, students should ask for help or confide in an adult. In the
event that there is a concern for a student’s mental health or well being contact a trusted school
employee. District employees are required to report concerns and school staff can help students
manage their worries.
If at any point you feel that your child, a friend or you yourself are feeling suicidal or are
having suicidal thoughts call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-237-TALK (8255) or
speak to an adult.
Security/School Safety
The Hoosic Valley School District is committed to providing a safe learning environment
for all students and staff. For this reason it is the district’s practice to maintain secure facilities.
For the protection of all students and staff, all visitors during the school day will be required to
enter through the main entrance by the flag pole and sign in at the main office
(elementary)/attendance office (middle/high school). Secondary access doors will be locked
during the school day to limit outside intrusions to the building. Students and staff leaving and
entering the building must do so through an entrance that is monitored by staff. No student or
staff member is authorized to open secondary entrances to allow others to enter the facility. No
secondary entrances should be unlocked or propped open without administrative permission.
CLARIFICATION OF GUN-FREE/DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS
Weapons Prohibition
No student shall have in his/her possession upon school premises any rifle, shotgun,
pistol, revolver, other firearm, knives, dangerous chemicals, explosives, or any object that is not
necessary for school activities and that could be used as a weapon. A weapon is defined an any
instrument capable of firing a projectile, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a firearm
muffler or silencer, any explosive device, or any other instrument capable of inflicting bodily
harm.
In accordance with the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, a student found guilty of bringing a
firearm (as defined in federal law) onto school property, after a hearing has been provided
pursuant to section 3214 of the Education Law, will be subject to at least one year suspension
from school. However, after this penalty has been determined, the Superintendent of School will
review the penalty following an immediate five-day suspension and may modify the one-year
suspension on a case-by case basis. If the Superintendent believes a one-year suspension
penalty to be excessive, he/she may modify the penalty based on criteria including but not
limited to:
* The age of the student and the student's grade level
* The student's prior disciplinary record
* The Superintendent's belief that other forms of discipline may be more effective
* Other extenuating circumstances
Alcohol/Drug Prohibition
Hoosic Valley Central School has been declared a Drug-Free School Zone. The presence of
any controlled substance on school property or at any school function is prohibited.
No student may use, possess, sell, offer, manufacture, or distribute alcohol or other
substances, nor may possess drug paraphernalia, on school grounds or at school-sponsored
events. The term “alcohol and/or other substances” refers to all substances including, but not
limited to, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids,
look-a-like and synthetic drugs (whether or not specifically illegal or labeled for human
consumption). The inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is also
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Hoosic Valley Central School District