Student Handbook
Student Handbook - The Pilot
Attendance
Classroom learning experiences are an essential part of the Academy’s educational system. Therefore, prompt and regular attendance at school and assigned classes is a valid and reasonable requirement to promote academic success.
to override this policy.
Course Credit
- When a student exceeds six (6) class absences in a semester course or twelve (12) class absences in a full year course, credit will be withheld.
- The following absences will not count against this total:
- Class absences (including tardiness to class) because of participation in a pre-approved, school-sponsored activity
- Absences with documentation by a medical professional
- Suspension days
- Court appearances
- Religious holidays
- An approved college visit
- Course credit withheld because of excessive absences will not affect the grade awarded and recorded as earned. However, course credit toward graduation WILL NOT be awarded.
- After the lass class absence (six (6) class absences in a semester course or twelve (12) class absences in a full year course) parents/guardians will be notified that the student’s course credit will be withheld. Information about the appeals process will be available before the end of each semester.
- A student who will have course credit withheld because of excessive absences may appeal to the administration for a waiver.
- All appeals must be made in writing to the student’s Dean. Appeal forms are available in all Building Offices.
Monitor attendance at any time by accessing the live information through your PowerSchool accounts at MyNFA>Parents or MyNFA>Students.
Mental Health Wellness Absences
According to Public Act 21-26, An Act Concerning Social Equity and the Health Safety and Education of Children (section 19), a student is allowed to take two Mental Health Wellness Days during the school year to attend to the student’s emotional and psychological well-being in lieu of attending school. If your student is absent for this reason, parents/guardians should notify the Attendance Office that the absence is for a Mental Health Wellness Day. Please note that they cannot be taken on consecutive school days (e.g., Friday and Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, Tuesday and Thursday, if there is no school on Wednesday). These absences will count towards chronic absence calculations as students are missing opportunities to learn.Unauthorized absences from class are prohibited. An “unexcused class absence” is defined as the failure to report to an assigned class without a valid reason.
Note: Repeated unexcused absences/class cuts may result in a maximum consequence of a 10-day out-of-school suspension
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1st offense: conference
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2nd offense: Administrative Detention
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3rd offense: Class Absence and Extended Detention
Tardiness to School
- Extenuating circumstances for semester absences with supporting documentation;
- Class absences since the date of withholding of credit;
- Feedback from classroom teachers and/or other school personnel;
- Record of unexcused class absences (class cuts), study hall cuts, and detention cuts;
- Record of tardiness to school; and
- Evidence of improvement.
- Truant days, tardiness to school, and any cuts, including study hall and detention cuts, negatively impact an appeal for credit.
Dress Code
Standards of Acceptable Dress
Reasonable regulation of student-worn attire supports educational interests, while empowering students to engage in self-expression and prepares students for future roles in the professional workplace and adult world. NFA asks parents/guardians to ensure that their students’ attire and appearance not present a danger to the student’s health or safety, and not impede the educational process.
If faculty or staff deems that a student’s attire presents a danger to the student’s health or safety, or impedes the educational process, a student will be referred to their Dean to address the dress code violation. Clothing or uniforms required by curriculum (athletic clothes for Physical Education, CTE courses, etc.) are an exception to the Standards of Acceptable Dress.
The adviser for school functions may indicate appropriate dress for those functions.
Consequences for violation of the Standard of Dress are as follows:
- 1st Offense: Warning
- 2nd Offense: Administrative Detention
- 3rd Offense: Extended Detention
- More than 3 offenses: Saturday Detention, possible loss of privileges
If a student cannot or will not at any time change into acceptable clothing, the administration may modify the consequences, including but not limited to, immediate placement in In-School Suspension. Multiple violations may result in a parent conference.
The adviser for school functions may indicate appropriate dress for those functions.
NFA's Dress Code Philosophy can be found here.
Bullying
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Physical violence and/or attacks, including dating violence
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Verbal taunts, name-calling, and put-downs including ethnically based and gender-based verbal put-downs
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Threats and intimidation
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Extortion or stealing of money and/or possessions
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Exclusion from peer groups within the school
- Is unwelcome
- Has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment
PLEASE NOTE: The victim does not need to show that he or she has suffered any personal, physical or psychological injury, only that his or her “working environment” was affected.
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Physical - touching a person’s clothing or body, hugging, kissing, cornering, brushing up against another person, etc.
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Verbal - referring to someone as “girl,” “hunk,” “doll,” (or similar phrases), whistling, catcalls, telling sexual jokes, spreading sexually oriented rumors, etc.
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Nonverbal - inappropriately staring at someone, blocking a person’s path, following someone around, giving unwanted gifts, making sexual gestures, displaying suggestive materials, etc.
Discipline
Most students will experience little difficulty living within the boundaries of the school’s defined rules. When students are in violation of a school rule, NFA will make attempts through counseling and/or sanctions to resolve the issue. Sanctions may be detention, loss of school privileges, suspension, or expulsion for a specified time. More serious infractions or repeated infractions may result in discipline up to and including suspension/expulsion and/or police action.
Compliance
- Threatening, hurting, or injuring other persons;
- Violent conduct, including but not limited to physical and/or sexual assault;
- Stealing or damaging property;
- Commission of a serious crime under applicable state and/or federal law;
- Possession of or under the influence of alcoholic beverages in violation of applicable laws;
- Possession of, under the influence of, or distributing a restricted or any other controlling substance as classified by state or federal law;
- Possession of, under the influence of, or distributing a prescription drug in violation of Board policy and/or state or federal law;
- Participation in unlawful “hate acts” under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, actions of racial or religious bigotry, intolerance or hatred;
- Possession of instruments and objects that can be used to cause injury to others even if not legally defined under state and/or federal law as dangerous instruments; and
- Violation of publicized rules of student conduct as set forth in Board policy or The Pilot.
Administrative detention and extended detention are in the cafeteria in the Tirrell Building.
- Detention is 2:25 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., on most Mondays through Thursday.
- Extended Detention is 2:25 p.m. to 3:55 p.m. on most Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Students arriving late to detention will not be admitted without a late pass from their Dean.
- Students are not allowed to bring food or beverages of any kind to detention.
- Students must perform school-related work for the entire detention period.
- Students must maintain absolute silence and remain seated until dismissed by the proctor.
- Any violation of these rules will result in a student’s immediate dismissal from detention and referral to the appropriate Dean for further disciplinary action.
Students who violate the attendance policy and/or commit certain disciplinary infractions may be required to attend a Saturday Detention.
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Was in possession of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 in violation of Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-35 or used a firearm in the commission of a crime under Chapter 952 of the Connecticut General Statutes; or
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Was in possession of and used a dangerous instrument, martial arts weapon or deadly weapon in the commission of a crime under Chapter 952 of the Connecticut General Statutes; or
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Offered for sale or distribution a controlled substance as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240(9) whose manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting or possession with the intent to sell or dispense, or offering, or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Connecticut General Statutes Sections 21a-277 and 21a-278.
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Violates NFA’s publicized policies; and
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Seriously disrupts the educational process.
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The incident occurred within proximity of a school;
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Other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement;
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The conduct involved violence or threat of violence or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes section 29-38, and whether any injuries occurred; and
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The conduct involved the use of alcohol and/or controlled substances, and/or restricted substance.
NFA students.
- Possession or use of any illegal drug, restricted substance or controlled substance, intent to sell or distribute notwithstanding;
- Threatening, hurting or injuring other persons;
- Violent conduct, including but not limited to, physical and/or sexual assault;
- Stealing or damaging property;
- Commission of a crime under applicable state and/or federal law;
- Being in possession of, or under the influence of, alcoholic beverages in violation of applicable laws;
- Participation in unlawful “hate acts” under state or federal law, including actions of racial or religious bigotry, intolerance or hatred;
- Unlawful possession of a firearm, dangerous instrument, martial arts weapon or deadly weapon under applicable state, and/or federal law;
- Possession of instruments and objects which can be used to cause injury to others even if not legally defined under state and/or federal law as dangerous instruments; and
- Violation of any other publicized policy of Norwich Free Academy concerning student conduct, including those listed in The Pilot.
- Conduct that violates a publicized NFA policy; or
- Conduct that seriously disrupts the educational process; or
- Conduct that endangers persons or property.
- Conduct that violates a publicized NFA policy; and
- Conduct that seriously disrupts the educational process.
- In cases involving possible expulsion, the student may be excluded from school until a decision is reached.
- The student’s entire record is reviewed and considered by the administration before a recommendation is made.
- A copy of the decision is placed in the student’s file.
- If the decision is to recommend expulsion, the parents or legal guardian of the student are notified, and a hearing date is established.
Students expelled from NFA may be offered an alternative educational opportunity through the Remote Learning Model of Wildcat Learning Academy. Wildcat Learning Academy aims to support students while expelled in a virtual setting. NFA is not required to offer such an opportunity to general education students age 16 and older if the student has been expelled on a previous occasion.
An expelled student may apply for early readmission to the Academy. Such readmission shall be at the discretion of the Board of Trustees. However, the Board of Trustees may delegate authority for readmission to the Head of School. Under such circumstances, readmission shall be at the discretion of the Head of School. The Board or the Head of School may condition readmission on specified criteria determined on a case-by-case basis.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices
Connecticut General Statute § 10-233j gives NFA the authority to restrict student possession or use of cellular telephones at school.
Electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, smart devices, iPods, Mp3 players, iPads, Kindles or laptops, may be used in the classroom for instructional purposes only and at the individual teacher’s discretion. The use of electronic devices outside of the classroom is allowed as long as such use doesn’t disrupt the school environment and use is within acceptable guidelines for use of such devices.
Personal phone calls may be made only in an office. Electronic devices may not be used in the locker room areas.
A student not adhering to these guidelines will be referred to the appropriate Dean and subject to the progressive disciplinary consequences.
NFA reserves the right, however, to deal with each specific violation in whatever manner it deems necessary and appropriate. Electronic devices are subject to a reasonable search if there is a suspicion that the device contains evidence of a violation of school policy or law.
NFA is not responsible for any student’s lost or stolen property, including the personal electronic devices discussed herein.
Students and their parents/guardians have a reasonable expectation that unauthorized photographs and/or video taken on campus will not be distributed without their knowledge and approval.
Taking, distributing, displaying/sharing of unauthorized photos, audio, or videos will be subject to disciplinary consequences.
Students who repeatedly violate the electronic device guidelines may be referred for insubordination which can result in suspension.
Social Media
Behavior on social media is an extension of behavior in person. The same guidelines which apply to face-to-face or verbal behavior also apply to social media. The use of social media to distribute, display, or share unauthorized images, video, or audio that hurts another person or persons at school or disrupts the learning environment in any way Is subject to disciplinary consequences. Remember, social media is the tool; you are the user. Do not post any content (language or images) on any social media platform which you would not like to see appear on the front page of a newspaper or to be repeated publicly in an adult forum. Remember, the Internet is permanent. Deleting does not mean that your words or images have disappeared forever and cannot be discovered.
Follow these simple guidelines to use social media positively:
- Think twice before posting.
- Always be respectful and positive.
- Know your audience.
- Don't post if you are angry, upset, or In a negative emotional state.
Tobacco and Vaping
NFA is a smoke-free campus. The no tobacco/vaping policy is in effect throughout the campus during all school-sponsored activities and at off-campus school-sponsored student functions (i.e., field trips, Senior Picnic, Senior Prom & Post-Prom). These rules also apply to all forms of tobacco/nicotine/CBD products, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices. Also, possession of tobacco/smoking/vaping paraphernalia and accessories such as pipes, rolling papers, cartridges, vape batteries, lighters, etc. is a violation of the smoking/vaping policy.
Tobacco/Vaping violations are subject to the progressive disciplinary consequences as listed in the Disciplinary Structure.
A student’s Dean will seize and retain tobacco or vaping products found on campus. Consistent with CT G.S. 53-344c regarding possession of tobacco products, such products cannot be returned to students under the age of 21. A parent or guardian must come to the campus to reclaim the items.
Smoking, vaping, or consuming THC products violates the Controlled Substance section of the Disciplinary Structure.
Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol
Students suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, and/or restricted substances, and/or controlled substances while on campus or at school-sponsored events may be referred to the proper authorities. They may also be searched and/or referred to appropriate medical personnel for observation and evaluation. Parents will be notified and asked to come to the student’s location and take custody of him/her. The student will be subject to disciplinary action as described in the disciplinary structure.
For more information about this, please refer to NFA Policy #5114.3.
In accordance with C.G.S. 10-233d, any student found in possession of a deadly weapon (i.e., any weapon or firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, a gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon or metal knuckles), a dangerous instrument, as defined in C.G.S. 53a-3(7), or found in possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or distribute on school property, school controlled property or at a school-sponsored activity will be expelled from school.
Disciplinary Structure
Offense:
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Minimum Consequence:
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Alcohol - possession of
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10-day out-of-school suspension,
possible arrest
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Alcohol – sale/transfer/distribution of
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10-day out-of-school suspension, recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest
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Alcohol – use of/under the influence of
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10-day out-of-school suspension, parent conference, possible arrest
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Assault of another student (on or near school property or any school-sponsored event)
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Assault, physical contact, or threat to NFA faculty or staff member
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Attendance violations
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Conference; Possible loss of credit
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Bullying
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Conference with parent/guardian, 5-day out-of-school suspension
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Computer violations
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1-day in-school suspension, parent notification, loss of computer access and/or privileges, possible arrest
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Disruptive behavior
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Conference
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Dress code violations
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Parent notification & change
of clothing 1st offense: Warning
2nd offense: Administrative Detention 3rd offense: Extended Detention More than three(3) offenses: Saturday Detention, possible loss of privileges |
Drugs - Paraphernalia possession, crafting of
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3-day out-of-school suspension, parent notification, possible arrest
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Drugs – Possession of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic
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1st offense: 10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest (May be reduced to a minimum 5-day out-of school suspension with completion of drug violation course) 2nd offense: 10-day out-of school-suspension, and recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest |
Drugs – Sale, delivery, distribution, possession with intent to sell of a controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug,
and/or hallucinogenic |
Expulsion of
one (1) calendar year, possible arrest |
Drugs – Soliciting the sale, delivery, distribution of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic
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5-day out-of-school suspension (may be reduced to 3 upon completion of drug violation course)
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Drugs – Suspicion of/Under the influence of controlled substance, illegal prescription drug, restricted drug, and/or hallucinogenic
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest (May be reduced to a minimum 5-day out-of school suspension with completion of drug violation course)
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Electronic Devices – Unauthorized use of
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1st offense: Conference/Cell Phone Contract
2nd offense: Administrative Detention
3rd offense: Extended Detention
More than 3 offenses:
Possible in-school suspension
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Electronic Devices – Taking/Distributing/Displaying/Sharing Unauthorized Photos/Audio/Video
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3-day out-of-school suspension
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Explosive materials – Possession/use of
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Recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest
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False alarm – Blue Emergency Phone
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1-day in-school suspension, possible arrest
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False alarm – Fire Alarm
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Fighting
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Fighting, Aiding in a
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3-day out-of-school suspension
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Forgery
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Conference, parent notification, loss of privileges
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Gambling
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Parent notification
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Harassment (including Sexual)
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3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Hazing
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3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Incendiary (Inflammable) Devices – Reckless Use of
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10-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Incendiary (Inflammable) Devices – Intentional Use of
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Recommendation for expulsion, possible arrest
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Inciting Disruptive Behavior
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3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Insubordination 1 – Untruthful, refusal to follow direction
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Conference; parent notification
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Insubordination 2 – Refusal to identify oneself, providing false identification, disrespectful toward faculty/staff
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1-day in-school suspension
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Insubordination 3 – Serious disrespect/abusive behavior toward faculty/staff
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3-day out-of-school suspension
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Intimidation
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3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Loitering on school grounds while under out-of-school suspension or expulsion
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Possible arrest
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Medical policy violation
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Warning; parent notification
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Off-campus, leaving school grounds, returns to campus
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Extended Detention; parent notification; possible loss of credit
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Physical Contact, Inappropriate (including that of a sexual nature, while on campus or while attending a school-sponsored event) |
2-day out-of-school suspension
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Plagiarism, cheating
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1st offense: No credit for assignment with the opportunity to make it up. Parent, counselor, head of department notification. Refer to the Responsibilities section for additional details and offenses.
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Slurs – discriminatory or sexual in nature, written or verbal
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1st offense: 1-day in-school
suspension, parent notification, completion of learning packet 2nd offense: 3-day out-of-school suspension
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Social Behavior, inappropriate (including horseplay, roughhousing, insults, taunts, meanness, etc.)
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Conference
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Theft 1 – estimated value less than $50
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1st offense: 1-day in-school suspension
2nd offense: 2-day in-school suspension |
Theft 2 – estimated value $50 or more or 3rd or more offense of Theft 1
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3-day out-of-school suspension, possible arrest
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Threat 1 – Low level (on or off campus)
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Conference
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Threat 2 – Moderate level
(on or off campus) |
1-day in-school suspension, possible risk assessment and/or behavior contract
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Threat 3 – High level
(on or off campus) |
10-day out-of-school suspension, parent conference, notification of authorities, risk assessment,
possible expulsion |
Tobacco/vaping — smoking or use of tobacco or possession or use of vaping device
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1st offense: 1-day in-school suspension, parent notification
2nd offense: 5-day out-of-school suspension, parent notification, and conference
3rd offense: 10-day out –of-school suspension, parent conference
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Tobacco -- possession of products and/or paraphernalia
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Conference
Confiscation with return to parent/guardian
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Traffic violation – erratic driving
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1st offense: Temporary loss of privileges, authorities may be notified
2nd offense: Permanent loss of privileges, authorities may be notified
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Traffic violation – Parking violation
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Conference, possible loss
of privileges |
Traffic Violation – pedestrian
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Conference
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Truancy
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Parent notification, possible notification of authorities, possible loss of credit
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Unauthorized area – being present in
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Conference
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Vandalism, graffiti or willful destruction of school or personal property
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Restitution required, parent notification, possible arrest
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Vulgarity/Obscene Gestures, Language, Writing
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Conference; Extended Detention
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Weapons, possession/use of:
a) Dangerous instrument or object which can be used
to cause injury to others
b) Dangerous/deadly weapon as defined in state and/or federal statutes, including but not limited to
firearm or martial arts weapon
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a) 10-day out-of-school suspension, possible expulsion, arrest and/or risk assessment
b) Mandatory one (1) calendar year expulsion required by C.G.S., possible arrest and/or risk assessment
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Dangerous instruments or objects which can be used to cause injury to others but not legally defined as dangerous or deadly weapons, including but not limited to small knives, chemical sprays, etc.
Responsibilities
- To be trustworthy to my teachers and peers.
- To maintain a high standard of academic integrity.
- To have respect for school and public property.
- To dress and conduct myself in ways appropriate for public places.
- To behave maturely and responsibly during all school-sponsored activities.
- To promote a positive school community and climate free of intimidation, bullying or other inappropriate social behavior.
- To reinforce positive behavior and to model appropriate interpersonal interaction.
- To be proud of and loyal to my school.
- Demonstrate respect, consideration, and compassion for others.
- Take responsibility for my actions.
- Lead by setting a positive example for my peers.
- Promote honesty and trustworthiness.
- Cooperate with teachers and peers to foster a safe learning environment.
- Participate actively in my school community.
In keeping with its educational mission and its commitment to the development of character, NFA promotes ethical and honorable behavior, scholarship, and research practices. Academic dishonesty is unacceptable because it undermines the academic integrity and ethical atmosphere of our school.
Students shall avoid any form of academic dishonesty on any assessment. Academic assessments include, but are not limited to, homework and classwork (worksheets, written work, assigned questions to answer, problems to solve, graphs, maps, charts, etc.), quizzes, tests, projects, oral presentations/reports, essays, papers, lab reports and research papers.
- To “take, buy, or receive a paper written by someone else and present it as your own” (Corder & Ruszkiewicz 633).
- To participate in collusion: working with someone else without the permission of the instructor. Collusion is an attempt to produce work with unauthorized help that is deceptively presented as one’s own, individual work.
- To use applications to complete assignments without the permission of the instructor (i.e. an equation generating app in Math or a translating app/website in World Language).
- To turn in the same work two or more times for credit without the permission of the teachers involved.
- To Fabricate: submitting contrived or altered information in any academic exercise.
The following consequences of academic dishonesty shall apply. Consequences are cumulative within any one academic year, and offenses are cumulative among all courses taken by a student within the same academic year.
- Teacher discussion with the student
- Department Head notified of incident
- a grade of 0 with a chance to make up the assignment
- Teacher notification of parent/guardian and school counselor
- Discipline referral sent to the Dean
- Deans document violation
- Teacher discussion with the student
- Department Head notified of incident
- A grade of “F” for the quarterly marking period
- Teacher, Dean, student, and parent meeting
- Teacher notification of parent/guardian and school counselor
- Discipline referral sent to the Dean
- Students will complete a learning packet/activity in Saturday Detention
- Teacher discussion with the student
- Department Head notified of incident
- A grade of “F” for the quarterly marking period
- Teacher notification of parent/guardian and school counselor
- Discipline referral sent to the Dean
- Students will receive one day of ISS
PLEASE NOTE: Any student found to have plagiarized or cheated on a midterm, or final exam will receive an “F” (0-50) for the exam grade. Any senior found cheating on a final exam will not be allowed to march in the graduation processional or participate in graduation day ceremonies.
- Taking part in horseplay, rough-housing, or physical and verbal "fooling around."
- Making comments or remarks that are insulting, taunting, or mean.
- Spreading rumors and gossip. Rumors and gossip disrupt the learning environment and create a hostile environment for anyone targeted by them.
- Excessive public displays of affection.
- Learning of pending behavior that might take place on or off campus that has the potential to disrupt the learning environment and/or place persons or property at risk or harm and withholding that information from a member of campus safety, NFA’s administration, faculty or staff.
Privileges are afforded to members of the senior class who are responsible and conduct themselves appropriately at school and school functions. Seniors who exhibit chronic disciplinary issues, a lack of rule compliance, or poor attendance may lose senior privileges, including participation in senior activities including, but not limited to the Senior Trip, Senior Breakfast, and Senior Prom.
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they have study hall first or last period,
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they have a signed permission slip on file,
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they have no debt to NFA.
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they had a GPA of 2.6667, or greater, the previous school year,
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they did not lose credit in any course in the previous year,
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they did not have to appeal for credit due to absences in the previous year,
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their parents/guardians give permission
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their Dean approves the request and the student has confirmed approval with their Dean’s Office.
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no class or detention cuts
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no more than 5 tardies to school
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no disciplinary consequences assigned
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no debt is accrued.
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they have study cafe or study hall first or last period of the day,
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they had a GPA of 2.6667, or greater, the previous school year,
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they did not lose credit in any course in the previous year,
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they did not have to appeal for credit due to absences in the previous year, and
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they do not have any student debt owed to NFA.
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no class or detention cuts
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no more than 5 tardies to school
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no disciplinary consequences assigned
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no debt is accrued.
To retain the privilege of arriving late and/or leaving early through-out the semester, seniors and uppers must:
- Not accumulate any class or detention cuts
- Have no assigned disciplinary consequences, including suspensions of any type
- Uppers and seniors must have signed parental permission slips on file with their Attendance Secretary for Late Arrival and Early Release.
- Must sign in to the office in the building where their first class is located when they arrive at school and before going to their first class
- Must sign out in the office in the building of their last channel class for a last period of the day study hall
- Must be present in their first class before the final bell. Failure to do so will negatively impact overall attendance counts for that class and may result in disciplinary consequences and/or loss of credit.
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Absentee rate is less than 15%
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Number of tardies less than 15
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No class cuts
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GPA is 2.0000 or greater
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Limited disciplinary issues
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SENIORS have the option of reporting directly to Study Cafe or to the library. All other students must report to Study Cafe.
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Students will check in to Study Cafe with a proctor for attendance to be taken. There are Chromebooks and rosters in the black binder, found by the ice maker in the kitchen.
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Students may sit in the front or back cafe. If students are using both the front and the back cafe, proctors must be in both cafes as well.
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Study cafe will be held in the cafeteria for all channels.
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Students should report to Slater .
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Students in Study Cafe will take last lunch.
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Students in Study Cafe are to check in with their proctors.
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Students must sit in the seats at the front of the auditorium; the desks at the back are for students eating lunch. There should be no eating in the front of the auditorium.
Qualifying students who prefer a regular study hall should contact their school counselor.
- Earn 25 credits or will be able to earn 25 credits with the successful completion of summer school
- Be free of any violation of NFA standards of behavior that may have restricted them from participation in any or all senior activities.
- Be present for the mandatory graduation rehearsal.
- Be dressed appropriately in accordance with graduation dress requirements.
Technology
Technology Code of Ethics Agreement
YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR PASSWORD UNTIL THIS DOCUMENT IS SIGNED.
NFA uses technology as one way of enhancing the mission of teaching the skills, knowledge, and behaviors students will need as successful and responsible adults. The school’s computers and infrastructure provide opportunities to explore and use a varied set of resources including computer programs, applications, and the Internet. School personnel expect that people will use the school’s technology consistent with NFA’s educational mission.
Students are responsible for proper care of equipment and software. Intentional misuse or purposefully not adhering to the Technology Code of Ethics below will lead to disciplinary action which may include the loss of all technology privileges and/or network access. Restitution for damages will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian.
Students at Norwich Free Academy, agree to the following Technology Code of Ethics:
1. I will use the computer hardware, software and electronic devices only for authorized educational purposes. I will use only files assigned for use by the instructor or documents I have created.
2. I will print only material relevant to my assignments.
3. I will log on to my assigned technology equipment only under my NFA student account. I understand I will have limited access to the computer environment because of NFA’s set security features. I will not attempt to bypass this secured environment by any means including the use of proxy servers.
4. I will maintain the integrity of the hardware configuration of the computers on the network by not modifying the physical linkage of the computer (disconnecting wires, cables, or disassembling any parts of the computer).
5. I will access the Internet only with the permission and direct supervision of the instructor. I will connect only to places on the Internet about subject matter specifically related to assignments.
6. I will respect and uphold copyright laws – this prohibits installing copied or unlicensed software.
7. I will not install or remove hardware (except for USB drives), software, or software documentation from the computer. This includes installing software to my assigned network storage areas. I will not modify, tamper with, or delete any program or system files.
8. I will not copy and/or delete any computer software or files belonging to NFA, NFA faculty & staff, or another student.
9. I will not use a faculty, staff or another student’s password to log on to their account.
10. I will not EAT, DRINK, or CHEW GUM when near computers.
11. I will not deliberately access inappropriate materials or show others how to do the same. I will notify my instructor immediately of any inappropriate sites accidentally accessed.
12. I will use computing devices for entertainment purposes (e.g., watching inoffensive videos, playing games, listening to music) only at the discretion of the instructor.
Technology Rules: Daily Classroom Procedure
Please:
- Work only with assigned technology
- Inspect condition of the technology and notify the instructor of any problems immediately
- Work only on programs or applications assigned by the instructor as part of the assignment
- Log off and shut down the technology properly
Do not:
Use a teacher workstation without teacher permission and supervision
Please leave system configuration as set by your teacher. Do not change:
- Desktop background and icons
- Wallpaper display
- Windows settings
- Startup settings
- Screensaver
NFA Issued Student Chromebooks
All NFA issued Chromebooks are the property of NFA and are to be returned to NFA upon unenrollment or graduation. Chromebooks must be treated with care and good digital citizenship. Do not:
- Put stickers or other markings on an NFA Chromebook
- Destroy or remove the NFA asset tag or serial number
- Attempt to install non-NFA software on the Chromebook
- Attempt to hack or circumnavigate the network controls on the Chromebook
Internet Access Rules: Communication via the internet
NFA’s technology and network connection may not be used to access any of the following:
- Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok or similar social networking programs
- Software- or music-sharing websites
- External programs (e.g., launched from a thumb drive)
- Any non-academic websites
Downloading Software
- Only approved software by the NFA Information Technology (IT) department is allowed to be installed on NFA technology. The installation of any other software is strictly forbidden.
Software Viruses
- NFA technology is to remain virus free. Malicious, hacking, and monitoring programs are strictly forbidden
Disciplinary consequences for technology violations:
- Minimum discipline: 1-day in-school suspension, parent notification, loss of technology access and/or network privileges, and possible arrest
- Maximum discipline: recommendation for expulsion and possible arrest
General Info
CAMPUS BOUNDARIES
Students must remain on campus from the time they arrive at school in the morning until dismissal time. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in an assignment to Saturday Detention (9 a.m. - noon).
“On campus” is defined as all Academy grounds. The Italian Heritage Monument (7 a.m.-5 p.m.) and the Park Congregational Church grounds (7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) are considered part of Academy grounds on days when school is in session. Students are “on campus” while being transported between the Compass Program and the Broadway Campus. Students are not to walk between the Compass Program and the Broadway Campus unless they have a signed permission form on file to walk between campuses and are accompanied by an NFA staff member. All of the rules regarding campus behavior apply during those time periods, including those prohibiting the use of electronic devices, tobacco/vaping, and access to personal vehicles.
“Off campus” includes both sides of Joseph Perkins Road and both sides of Broadway and Carroll Avenue.
During school hours, without permission of an administrator or his/her designee, students are not permitted to enter their cars regardless of where they are parked. Students are not allowed to climb over a fence to exit campus.
LOITERING ON SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students are not allowed to arrive on campus before 6:45 a.m. unless given explicit permission in advance.
At the close of each school day, all NFA students are to leave school property unless they have business at school. School business includes extra help from a teacher or participation in an after-school activity (e.g., sports, performing arts, club meetings or using the library).
Students awaiting rides home after school should instruct drivers to pick them up behind the library. Students awaiting rides home after dark are asked to wait in the front lobby of the Tirrell building and should instruct drivers to park within the traffic circle for pick-up.
Non-students (of school age) are allowed on campus only when they are attending a specific after-school activity they are entitled to attend or when they have written permission from school authorities.
During after-school athletic events or any school-sponsored events, only student participants are allowed in the locker room areas. A student not participating in an after school sport will not be allowed in the locker room area unless he or she is under the supervision of a teacher/coach. Only students who are involved with the athletic program should be in the gym after school unless special permission has been granted by a teacher/coach.
Any student who has been suspended will not be allowed on campus after school. Students on suspension lose their social privileges during the period of their suspension. When asked to leave campus by security or anyone in authority, students must leave or be subject to disciplinary action and possible arrest.
UNAUTHORIZED AREAS
Certain areas on and around NFA’s campus are not appropriate for students to occupy during certain hours or for the entire day. Students found in the following areas are subject to discipline:
- On the Italian Heritage Monument or the grounds of the Park Congregational Church during the school day, as cited in the previous section.
- In NFA’s Reynolds Road parking lots during the school day.
- In any area on campus clearly not intended for student occupancy.
- On the walkway behind the Frank Center, except during emergency evacuations.
- In posted “Unauthorized Areas” in the Atrium except during emergency evacuations.
- In all specifically posted “Unauthorized Areas.”
- In any area or room on campus not actively monitored by a member of the faculty or staff at the time of such occupancy.
- In buildings after school hours when not engaged in an authorized activity.
- In the gymnasium locker areas at any time when not present for an authorized activity.
- In the gymnasium lower level hallway during normal school hours, except for students exiting gym class and those with classes in the academic classrooms on that floor.
CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS
NFA takes every effort to provide a safe and secure campus environment for everyone. Most measures to achieve this goal are collaborative among students, their families, their communities and faculty, staff and administration.
Closed-circuit cameras monitor NFA’s campus, buildings, and common areas. They monitor and record images only. Cameras are, and will not be, placed in any areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as locker rooms or bathrooms.
CAMPUS TRAFFIC
Because of the traffic congestion on campus at the close of school each day, and for efficient and safer dismissal of students, the following rules regulating vehicular traffic are in effect:
- During the school day, visitors must use the South (Main) entrance on Crescent Street.
- Morning Drop-off – Parents may use the North Entrance to drop off students in the morning. The North Entrance avoids the bus congestion to the south of campus and allows parents to pull in, drop off at the Shattuck Circle, and exit via Broadway.
- For student safety, during the morning bus drop-off period (approximately 6:55 – 7:25 a.m.) on the south end of campus,
- private vehicles may not drop off students by entering campus at the South (Main) Entrance on Crescent Street. Parents are asked to drop off their children curbside along Crescent Street.
- All campus vehicular traffic must remain standing until all buses are loaded and have left campus. Drivers are requested
- not to move any vehicles on campus during the 10 minutes before the dismissal bell until 10 minutes after the buses have left.
- The posted speed limit on campus is 5 MPH at all times.
- Vehicles are not to drive behind Alumni Gym at any time.
- Vehicles moving on campus during passing time (between classes) are to stop and remain in place until passing time is over and students have returned to classes.
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Not move any vehicles on campus during the times of 10 minutes before the dismissal bell and 20 minutes after dismissal.
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Follow the posted speed limit on campus, 5 MPH, at all times.
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Not drive behind Alumni Gym at any time.
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Not move vehicles on campus during passing time (between classes), remaining stopped and in place until passing time is over and students have returned to classes.
The following rules regulating pedestrian traffic are in effect for students:
- Students are to use crosswalks at all times.
- Students must ensure that vehicles are granting them the right of way using a crosswalk.
- Students are not to cross between buses.
- Students should refrain from taking shortcuts across the grass and/or through the hedges.
- Students are not to jump over any of the fences on campus.
PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that students do not engage in behavior that seriously endangers themselves or others. Disciplinary action will be taken against students who violate the rules stated above, even if such behavior takes place within 100’ of the campus boundaries.
For the safety of all campus pedestrians, students are not to ride bicycles, motorbikes, skateboards, scooters and in-line skates on campus at any time.
Students are expected to use the lavatory facilities in the classroom building to which they are assigned when they receive a lavatory pass unless other arrangements have been made. Students are not to leave one building to use the lavatory in another building. Teachers have been instructed to limit the use of lavatory passes during class to emergency situations whenever possible. LAVATORY PASSES MAY NOT BE ISSUED DURING THE LUNCH PERIOD. During their lunch, students are to use the lavatories located near the cafeteria on the lower level of the Tirrell Building.
Lavatory passes are a privilege and may be revoked if misused. Under certain conditions, teachers may deny a student’s request for a lavatory pass.
If they have an S-Card, students can leave a study hall for the library, the Career Center, or another authorized, supervised destination. S-Cards can be issued to students by their academic teachers (not study hall proctors) and only when there is an academic purpose for accessing the library. Each student should have his/her own S-Card.
Teachers will sign their permission on the S-Card before giving it to a student. Students will ensure that the S-Card is legible and the student ID number is clear. Students will take the S-Card to their study hall teacher at the beginning of their study hall period. Students will sign the card, note the time they are leaving the room, take the S-Card with them to their destination, and give it to the person in charge.
NFA is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Students are responsible for school property assigned to them.
Students are responsible for maintaining control of their personal property and for school property assigned to them.
Do not leave property unattended or unsecured.
If a student needs to store property and they do not have access to a locker, they should make arrangements with a classroom teacher, activity adviser or coach, staff, or Dean.