Student Handbook

ADMINISTRATION

School Superintendent: Mrs. Molly Moore

High School Principal: Mr. Matthew Kindberg

HS Assistant Principal: Miss Marielle Guido

Secretary: Mrs. Lori Calimeri

Attendance Secretary: Ms. Caylea Adams

SCHOOL COUNSELORS:

Counseling Department Chair: Mrs. Chelsey Winchester

Counselor: Miss Joli Messinger

Counseling Secretary: Mrs. Linda Nobbs

School Nurse: Mrs. Tricia Conklin

School Psychologist: Mrs. Liza Babcock

Athletic Director: Mr. Kevin Salisbury

Civil Rights Compliance Officers: Mrs. Kaitlin Ring 484-1136, Mr. Matthew Kindberg 664-6273

CLASS ADVISORS

Class of 2026: Ms. Caylea Adams & Mrs. Salisbury

Class of 2027: Mrs. Michelle Cresanti and Mrs. Emilee Barnett

Class of 2028: Mrs. Ashley Beaver & Mrs. Alicia Evans

Class of 2029: Mrs. Lucia Guarnieri & Mr. Cody Hiller

ACTIVITIES ADVISORS

Art Club: Mrs. Jenny Brown

Band: Mrs. Jami Sigler

Choir & Choraliers: Ms. Susan Huther

French Club: Mrs. Autumn Bower-Mazzone

High School Bowl: Ms. Mary Zdrojewski:

Honor Society: Mr. Jefferson Pagett & Mrs. Katie Damcott

Key Club: TBD

Musical: Mrs. Christine Beichner-Miller

Newspaper: Mrs. Michelle Cresanti

Orchestra: Mr. Cody Hiller

Photography Club: Mrs. Renee Mitchener

Spanish Club: Mrs. Dana Lovecchio

Student Council: Mrs. Brittney Seiberg & Ms. Jennifer Anderson

Technical Crew: Ms. Susan Huther

Yearbook: Mrs. Renee Mitchener & Mrs. Tina Clark

Wednesday, August 27, 2025	Open House
Tuesday, September 2, 2025	First Day of Classes
Friday, October 3, 2025	Go Home Early Drill
Monday, October 13, 2025	Indigenous Peoples’/Columbus Day
Friday, October 24, 2025	Superintendent’s Day
Monday, November 10, 2025	No student attendance
Tuesday, November 11, 2025	Veterans’ Day
Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28, 2025	Thanksgiving Recess
Friday, December 22, 2025-January 2, 2026	Winter Recess
Monday, January 19, 2026	Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday-Friday, January 20-23, 2026	January Regents-No Regular HS Classes
Monday, February 16, 2026	Presidents’ Day
Tuesday, February 17, 2026	Lunar New Year
Wednesday-Friday, February 18-20, 2026	Mid-Winter Recess
Friday, March 13, 2026	Superintendent’s Day
Friday-Friday, April 3- April 10, 2026	Spring Recess
Friday-Monday, May, 22-May 25, 2026	Memorial Day
Friday June, 19, 2026	Juneteenth
Thursday, June 25, 2026	Baccalaureate
Friday, June 26, 2026	Graduation

Assemblies are a regularly scheduled part of the curriculum and, as such, are designed to be educational. They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. Each class has been assigned a specific entrance and a designated area in which to sit. Students exhibiting unacceptable behavior will be removed and subject to further disciplinary action.

INTRODUCTION

The Athletic program, an important link in preparing a young person for adult life, has an important place in the total educational program at Southwestern Central School. Sports supplement the Physical Education Program and provide a positive, controlled outlet for the energy of students. This benefits students mentally, socially, and emotionally as well as providing additional physical activity.

For the school sports program to continue as an educational tool and an extension of the classroom, it is critical that coaches work to improve the educational values of all students as well as various skills and techniques of the individual sport.

PHILOSOPHY

The district recognizes that interscholastic athletic participation is an integral part of a well-balanced educational program. Therefore, the district supports within its resources a broad sports program with equal access for both males and females through interscholastic activities. The interscholastic athletic program shall conform to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education as well as the established rules of New York State Public High Schools Athletic Association and the State Education Department. Participation in interscholastic athletics is a privilege, not a right. In order to participate in the sports program, the Board of Education, administration, faculty and coaching staff expect that a student will make academic progress and adhere to the eligibility procedures outlined in the guide.

OBJECTIVES OF PARTICIPATION

Statement of Objectives

• To provide a positive image of school athletics at Southwestern Central School.
• To strive always for playing excellence that will produce winning teams within the bounds of good sportsmanship and mental health of the student athlete.
• To provide opportunity for a student to experience success in an activity he or she selects.
• To develop high ideals of fairness in all human relationships.
• To practice self-discipline and emotional maturity in learning to make decisions under pressure.
• To be socially competent and operate within a set of rules, thus gaining a respect for the right of others.
• To develop an understanding of the value of activities in a balanced educational process.

NEW YORK STATE PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS

It is the responsibility of all concerned with high school athletics:

• To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.
• To eliminate all possibilities which tend to destroy the best values of the game.
• To stress the values derived from playing the game fairly.
• To show cordial courtesy to visiting teams, fans and officials.
• To establish a happy relationship between visitors and hosts.
• To respect the integrity and judgement of the sports officials.
• To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the games and the standards of eligibility.
• To encourage leadership, use of initiative and good judgement by the players on the team.
• To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual players.
• To remember that an athletic contest is only a game—not a matter of life or death for player, coach, school, official, fan, community, state or nation  

On September 13, 2010, Governor David A. Peterson signed into law the Dignity for All Students Act, which amended the Education Law by adding a new Article 2. The Act, which if effective July 1, 2012, was passed to help eliminate discrimination, harassment, and bullying in public schools specifically, it seeks to help children reach their academic potential and ultimately foster “civility in public schools and prevent and prohibit conduct which is inconsistent with a school’s educational mission.” Southwestern provides leadership in the areas of civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes.

The Dignity Act explicitly provides that no student must be subjected to discrimination and/or harassment by employees and/or students on school property or at a school function based on his or her actual or perceived race, color, wright, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity), or sex.

www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings/2011Meetings/June2011/611p12d4.pdf

The Dignity for All Students Act (Dignity Act) is to provide all public school students with an environment free from harassment, bullying (including cyberbullying) and discrimination, as well as to foster civility in public schools. The Dignity Act focuses on the prevention of discriminatory behaviors, including harassment/bullying, through the promotion of educational measures meant to positively impact school culture and climate.

Scope of Cyberbullying

The Dignity Act prohibits discrimination including harassment/bullying/cyberbullying , of students property, including at school functions, by any student and/or employee. As the amended act states, cyberbullying my include, among other things, the use, both on and off school property, of electronic technology, including, but not limited to, e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, chat rooms, pagers, cell phones, gaming systems and social media websites, to deliberately harass or threaten others.

Pertinent Definitions 

“School Property” means in or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, parking lot, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a public elementary or secondary school; or in or on a school but (Education Law §11[1]).

“School Bus” means every motor vehicle owned by a public or governmental agency or private school and operated for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity, to or from school or school activities, or, privately owned and operated for compensation for the transportation of pupils, children of pupils, teachers and other persons acting in a supervisory capacity to or from school or school activities (Education Law §11[1] and Vehicle and Traffic Law §142).

“School Function” means a school-sponsored extra-curricular event or activity (Education Law §11[2]).

“Disability” means:  

• a physical, mental or medical impairment resulting from anatomical, physiological, genetic or neurological conditions which prevents the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques or
• a record of such an impairment or
• a condition regarded by others as such an impairment, provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with employment, the term must be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a reasonable manner the activities involved in a job or occupation sought or held (Education Law §11[4] and Executive Law §292[21]).

“Discrimination” means discrimination against any student by a student or students and/or employee or employees on school property or at a school function including, but not limited to, discrimination based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.

“Emotional Harm” that takes place in the context of “harassment or bullying” means harm to a student’s emotional well-being through creation of a hostile school environment that is so severe or pervasive as to unreasonably and substantially interfere with a student’s education.

“Employee” means any person receiving compensation from a school district or employee of a contracted service provider or worker placed within the school under a public assistance employment program, pursuant to title 9-B of article 5 of the Social Services Law, and consistent with the provisions of such title for the provision of services to such district, its students or employees, directly or through contract, where by such services performed by such person involved direct student contact (Education Law §§11[4] an d 1125[3]).

“Gender” means a person’s actual or perceived sex and includes a person’s gender identity or expression (Education Law §11[6]).

“Sexual Orientation” means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality (Education Law §11[5]).

“Harassment/bullying” means the creation of a hostile environment by conduct or by threats, intimidation or abuse, including cyberbullying as defined in Education Law§(8), that:

• has or would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering with a student’s
• educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or mental, emotional or physical well-being; or
• reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause a student to fear for his or her physical safety; or
• reasonably causes or would reasonably be expected to cause physical injury or emotional harm to a student; or
• occurs off school property and creates or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption
• within the school environment, where it is foreseeable that the conduct, threats, intimidation or abuse might reach school property.

For purposes of this definition, the term “threats, intimidation or abuse” shall include verbal and non-verbal actions. (Education Law §11[7])

“Cyberbullying” means harassment/bullying, as defined above, through any form of electronic communication.

Acts of harassment and bullying that are prohibited include those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived membership in the following groups including, but not limited to:

• Race
• Color
• Weight
• National origin
• Ethnic group
• Religion
• Religious practice
• Disability
• Sexual orientation
• Gender (which includes a person’s actual or perceived sex, as well as gender identity and expression).

This is not an exhaustive list. For example, students with acne or short stature, who are subjected to discrimination, harassment, or bullying are also covered by the Dignity Act. Schools/districts may add to this list based on their own regional or specialized needs (for example, students of incarcerated parents).

Disciplinary and Remedial Consequences 

Southwestern Central School District emphasizes the creation and maintenance of a positive learning environment for all students. Southwestern Central School is committed to the development of measured, balanced, progressive, and age-appropriate responses to discrimination, harassment, and bullying of students by students and/or employees. The remedial responses should also be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent another occurrence of the behavior, and protect the target of the act. Appropriate remedial measures may include, but are not limited to:

• peer support groups;
• assignment of an adult mentor at school that the student checks in with at the beginning and end of each school day;
• corrective instruction that reemphasizes behavioral expectations or other relevant learning or service experience;
• Engagement of student in a reflective activity, such as writing an essay about the misbehavior and its impact on others and who the student might handle the situation differently in the future and/or make amends to those who have been harmed;
• supportive intervention and/or mediation where constructive conflict resolution is modeled;
• behavioral assessment or evaluation;
• behavioral management plans or behavior contract, with benchmarks that are closely monitored;
• student counseling and parent conferences that focus on involving persons in parental relation in discipline issues.

Reporting Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying

School employees who witness harassment bullying, and/or discrimination or receive and oral or written report of such acts shall promptly orally notify the principal, superintendent, or their designee not later than one school day after such employee witnesses or receives a report of such acts and shall also file a written report with the principal, superintendent, or their designee no later than two school days after making an oral report.

The principal, superintendent or the principal’s or superintendent’s designee shall lead or supervise the thorough investigation of all reports of harassment, bullying and/or discrimination, and ensure that such investigation is completed promptly after receipt of any written reports.

When an investigation verifies a material incident of harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination, the superintendent, principal, or designee shall take prompt action, reasonably calculated to end the harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination, eliminate any hostile environment, creat a more positive school culture and climate, prevent recurrence of the behavior, and ensure the safety of the student or students against whom such behavior was directed.

Pursuant to Education Law section 13, retaliation by any school employee or student shall be prohibited against any individual who, in good faith, reports or assists in the investigation or harassment, bullying, and/or discrimination.

Dignity Act Coordinators

Southwestern Central School
600 Hunt Road
Jamestown, NY 14701

Elementary School
Mr. Michael Butler 716-484-1136

Middle School
Mr. Greg Lauer 716-664-6270

High School
Mr. Matthew Kindberg 716-664-6273

The district is committed to safeguarding the rights given to all students under state and federal law. In addition, to promote a safe, healthy, orderly and civil school environment, all district students have the right to:

• Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (which includes a person’s actual or perceived se, as well as gender identity and expression).
• Present their version of the relevant events to school personnel authorized to impose a disciplinary penalty in connection with the imposition of a penalty.
• Access school rules and, when necessary, receive and explanation of those rules from school personnel.

School District Must:

• Develop Curriculum: must include instruction that supports the development of a school environment free of discrimination and harassment. Curriculum must include instruction in safe and responsible use of the internet and electronic communications and emphasize discouraging acts of harassment, bullying and discrimination.
• Establish Reporting Materials: incidents of discrimination and/or harassment on school grounds or at a school function must be reported to NYSED annually.
• Establish a Dignity Act Coordinator: At least one staff member at every school must be designated and trained to handle human relations in the areas of: race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic croup, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex.
• Establish Employee Training: Employees must receive training to raise awareness and sensitivity to potential acts of discrimination and/or harassment and to enable employees to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment.
• Establish Employee Reporting Protocol: School employees who witness or receive a report of harassment, bullying or discrimination must notify the principal, superintendent or designee within one school day after witnessing the incident or receiving the report and must file a written report within two school days thereafter.
• Notify Law Enforcement: The principal, superintendent or designee will be required to notify appropriate local law enforcement when they believe that any harassment, bullying or discrimination constitutes criminal conduct.
• Establish Guidance and Educational Materials: The State Education Department will provide guidance and educational materials, including best practices in addressing cyberbullying, and best practices in helping families and communities to work cooperatively with schools in addressing cyberbullying.
• Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying will be defined as harassment or bullying by a form of electronic communication and include incidents occurring off school property that create or would foreseeably create a risk of substantial disruption within the school environment.
• Report Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination: The principal, superintendent, or designee must be charged with receiving reports.
• Investigate Reports: The principal, superintendent, or designee must lead or supervised the prompt and thorough investigation of reports.
• Respond to Verified Reports: The school must take prompt actions reasonably calculated to end the harassment, bullying or discrimination, eliminate any hostile environment, and ensure the safety of the student(s) toward whom harassment, bullying or discrimination was directed.

The Bottom Line: The Dignity for All Students Act was designed to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and bullying in public schools. As a result, school districts are required to design policies to prevent discrimination, harassment, and bullying in compliance with the regulations which will be set forth by the commissioner.

TRAINING RULES

The following training rules are in effect for all student participants in the interscholastic program during the duration of the season.

Hazing will not be tolerated to any degree. If it is determined that a student athlete has violated this training rule, the student athlete will be suspended from athletics indefinitely.

Sexual Harassment will not be tolerated to any degree. If it is determined that a student athlete has violated this training rule, the student athlete will be suspended from athletics indefinitely.

No use of tobacco products, any form of e0cigarette, alcoholic beverages, controlled drugs (except as   prescribed by a licensed physician) and/or illegal drugs.

Participation in interscholastic athletics requires the participant to be in excellent physical condition. Training rules are established and observed so student athletes have the necessary energy, stamina and strength to safely participate.

Any suspected infraction of the training rules shall be reported to the Athletic Director and coach. The suspected infraction must then be reported to the building principal immediately. The suspected infraction will be dealt with in the following manner:

• The athlete and his/her parents will be immediately informed of the suspected infraction and called in for consultation.
• The athletic director and building principal will thoroughly investigate any suspected infraction of training rules.
• The athletic director and building principal shall make a determination of the suspected infraction based on reasonable grounds or belief.

At the TIME OF DETERMINATION of an infraction of the training rules by a student athlete the following actions will begin:

• FIRST OFFENSE- Suspension from athletic activity for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, which will include at least five (5) school days and a minimum of one (1) missed contest. The student athlete will be involved in a program of Education and Awareness to include a minimum of three (3) counseling and support sessions commencing with the suspension within a period of two weeks.
• SECOND OFFENSE-Suspension from athletic activity for 45 calendar days which will include a minimum of five (5) missed contests. The student athlete will be involved in a program of Education and Awareness to include a minimum of six (6) counseling and support sessions commencing with the suspension within a period of two weeks.
• THIRD OFFENSE- Suspension from athletic activity for one calendar year. This suspension may be reduced to one-half calendar year after the student demonstrates successful completion of a certified drug and alcohol counseling program.

Upon notification of the athletic offense, the following procedures shall follow:

• Upon report of an alleged violation or if the student admits a violation has occurred, the building principal and/or athletic director shall provide verbal notice to the student and his/her parent (s)/guardian (s) that an investigation of the alleged violation is/has been taking place. The reasons for the investigation and the possibility of suspension or removal from the activity will be included in the notice.
• The student and his/her parent (s)/guardian (s) will meet the principal, athletic director, assistant principal and other staff, as appropriate, within two (2) school days following the initial notification. Those attending will be given the opportunity to submit additional information or explanation of the alleged violation.
• The principal, athletic director, assistant principal, as appropriate, will make a final determination and within two (2) days of conducting the investigation, give verbal and written notice to the student, parent (s)/guardian(s) and the coach or advisor of the actions being taken.

Students will not be permitted to participate in practice or awards ceremonies during suspensions.

Any student athlete who is suspended In-School Suspension (ISS) during their respective season; the day(s) they serve ISS may result in loss of athletic participation.

Any student athlete who is suspended Out-of School Suspension (OSS) during their respective season will result in loss of participation during the suspension period and a (one) game suspension.

*Please note: Training rules and suspensions may carry into the student-athlete’s subsequent year. For example, if a student receives a suspension freshman year under the guidelines of the first offence and subsequently is in violation his/her sophomore, junior or senior year, it will be treated as a level two infraction.

CONCUSSIONS

A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding”, “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear to be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If an athlete reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.

The signs and symptoms of a concussion include but are not limited to the following:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets an instruction
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall
• The athlete reports a headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to Noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not “feel right”

Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion.

• Ensure that they follow their coach’s rules for safety and the rules of the sport.
• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.
• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity (such as helmets, padding, shin guards, and eye and moth guards). Protective equipment should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.
• Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.

What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?

• Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child to return to sports.
• Keep your child out of play. Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a health care professional says it’s OK. Children who return to play too soon- while the brain is still healing- risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
• Tell your child’s coach about any recent concussion. Coaches should know if your child had a
• recent concussion in ANY sport. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell the coach.

Return to play Protocol following a concussion

The following protocol has been established in accordance to the National Federation of State High School Associations and the International Conference on Concussion in Sport, Prague 2004. When any athlete shows ANY signs or symptoms of a concussion:

• The athlete will not be allowed to return to play in the current game or practice.
• The athlete should not be left alone, and regular monitoring for deterioration is essential over the initial few hours following the injury.
• The athlete should be medically evaluated following the injury.
• Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise process. The cornerstone of proper concussion management is rest until all symptoms resolve and then a graded program of exertion before return to sport. The program is broken down into six steps in which only one step is covered a day.

The six steps involve the following:

1. No exertional activity until asymptomatic for 24 hours.
2. Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary bike, etc. No resistance training.
3. Sport specific exercise such as skating, running, etc. Progressive addition of resistance training may begin.
4. Non-contact training/skill drills.
5. Full contact training in practice setting.
6. Return to competition

If any concussion symptoms recur, the athlete should drop back to the previous level and try to progress after 24 hours of rest. The student-athlete should also be monitored for recurrence of symptoms due to mental exertion, such as reading, working on a computer, or taking a test.

ATTENDANCE

Poor attendance is defined as habitual absence from or tardiness to school, practice sessions or athletic contests.

Attendance for classes during the regular school day is important. This includes remote instruction and/or a hybrid model. Students MUST be in attendance by 8:30 in order to participate in the day’s practice and/or contest. If a student demonstrates poor school attendance, the principal may include in his disciplinary action appropriate sport participation restrictions.

Attendance for all practices and contests is equally important. If an athlete demonstrates poor attendance the coach may appropriately discipline the student.

If a student-athlete leaves school due to illness at any time during the school day and does not return by 12:00 noon, the athlete will not be allowed to participate in that day’s practice and/or athletic contest.

Exception: This would exclude a parent taking a student out of school for medical appointments with physician, dentist, etc. Written confirmation of appointment is required.

There will be a form that the student-athlete must sign saying the athlete understand he/she cannot participate in that day’s activity. The nurse will then forward a copy to the coach and the athletic director for his/her records.

An athlete who has a scheduled gym class the day of a practice or game must dress and is expected to participate in gym that day.

BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE

Participants are expected to demonstrate acceptable behavior in the school and in the community as well as during practices, during contests and traveling to and from contests.

If an athlete demonstrates unacceptable behavior at other times and places, the building principal may appropriately discipline the student.

If a participant demonstrates unacceptable behavior at other times and places, the building principal may include in his disciplinary action sport participation restrictions.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

If a coach imposes disciplinary action of a significant degree, such as restricting practice and/or contest participation or temporary short-term suspension from practice and/or contests, the coach shall promptly notify the parents, the athletic director and the building principal of the action taken and why it was taken.

If the athletic director or building principal imposes disciplinary action on an athlete which affects his sports participation, a notification in writing will promptly be provided to the parents and coach for action taken and reason(s).

DISMISSAL FROM TEAM FOR DISCIPLINARY REASONS: If a participant is dismissed from the team, immediate notification of the parents, the coach, the athletic director and the principal is required. If dismissed, the student shall not be eligible to participate in any athletic program for the remainder of the current season; i.e., fall, winter or spring.

ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE

• To be a participant you must be a BONA FIDE student: be registered and attending in at least four full credit bearing classes including physical education.
• A student who is approved through the Athletic Placement Process Program or attains the age of 15 years while enrolled in a grade below ninth grade may participate provided all other eligibility Rules are observed.
• Participants are expected to conduct themselves in ways that do not endanger the safely, morals, health or welfare of others. An example of such prohibited conduct would be hazing, which includes any intentional or reckless act directed against another for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any school sponsored activity or team.
• A freshman 14 years of age may participate on a junior varsity or varsity team if his/her ability and physical make-up are judged by the head coach and athletic director to be adequate for this level of competition.
• A student approved to a high school varsity, junior varsity or other inter-school squad may not return to middle school competition in that sport if he has competed in any games played by the advanced squad. (This policy may only be superseded by a league or conferenced ruling.)
• If a participant decides to leave a team, he will have ten (10) school days to personally seek reinstatement with the coach. The coach’s decision is final. If reinstatement is not sought by the student within ten (10) school days, the student shall not be allowed to return to the team or participate in any other sport for the rest of the current season; i.e. fall, winter or spring. IF AN ATHLETE IS CUT FROM ONE TEAM AND WANTS TO TRY JOINGIN ANOTHER, HE MAY DO SO.
• A current, original physical exam, co-signed by the school medical practitioner must be on file, in the Health Office, for the current sports season. A copy must be retained by the coach.
• A current tetanus booster, less than ten years old and covering the entire current season, must be on fine in the Health Office.

EQUIPTMENT AND UNIFORMS

School equipment and uniforms will be issued to participants by the coaches and shall be used only for school athletic practice and contests.

At the end of the sport season or when a participant leaves a team during the season, all school equipment and uniforms must be returned to the coach within five (5) school days.

Each participant is responsible for reimbursing the school for any damaged or lost equipment and uniforms. Until satisfactory restitution is made, a student shall not be allowed to participate in any other athletic program.

TRANSPORTATION

IN NO INSTANCE MAY A STUDENT ATHLETE TRANSPORT HIMSELF/HERSELF TO AN ATHLETIC EVENT NOR RIDE WITH ANOTHER STUDENT DRIVER!

All participants shall ride to and from contests on the school provided transportation. The intent of rules pertaining to transportation is to promote team unity to and from contests and the safety of our athletes and coaches. However, it is realized that there will be exceptions:

• Transportation to the contest- When permission to travel by means other than school provided transportation to an athletic event is being requested for specific academic, family and/or medical reasons, Attachment A should be completed by the parent/guardian and MUST be approved by either the athletic director or building principal.
• Transportation from the contest-When permission to travel by means other than school provided transportation from an athletic and/or extra-curricular event is being requested by parent/guardian, the student athlete must obtain approval of the coach and have had Attachment B completed and signed in person by the parent/guardian in the presence of the coach.

All persons traveling on a team bus are instructed to:

• Remain seated at all times.
• Keep head and hands inside the bus.
• Avoid “HORSEPLAY”
• Obey the driver.
• Know the location of emergent door and equipment.
• Refrain from littering the bus or throwing objects from the windows.
• Avoid causing any damage to any part of the bus.

AWARDS POLICY

Awards shall be made to members of sports teams, cheerleading squads and team managers as symbols of achievement in athletics. The purpose is to motivate interest and encourage student participation. The coach shall consider the fulfillment of the following prerequisites in recommending a student athlete for an award:

• The student must display sportsmanship and good manners throughout the sport season.
• The student us show sincerity, interest and desire in the activity by:
  • Attending all practices and games. All absences must be personally excused by the coach. Unexcused absences may prohibit receiving a letter for that season.
  • Being prompt at all practices and games.
  • Strict adherence to training rules.
• Coaches may have individual requirements for earning awards and shall inform team members in the beginning of the season of his policy.

AWARDS

• 7th Grade: Certificate
• 8th Grade: Certificate
• Jr Varsity: Certificate
• 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grades: First award at varsity level will include a certificate and appropriate letter. All subsequent awards will include a certificate and pin.
• Varsity will receive 8” chenille letters Athletes who repeat the lettering process in the same sport at the same level of competition will receive a pin for each and every additional award.
• A higher award will always superseded the lower award; i.e., 3-D letters will be awarded in place of the standard 8” letters for team championships.
• Middle School athletes who are classified up or otherwise compete at the High School level will receive an award appropriate for that level.
• Special awards for each sport may be awarded by the coaching staff.

CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR ATHLETIC CONTESTS AND EVENTS

It is the expectation of the Southwestern Board of Education that everyone involved with athletic contests or events-athletes, spectators, students and coaches-will at all times conduct themselves in a responsible and appropriate manner that will support the Code of Ethics and other procedures and policies of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association as defined in their handbook, The discipline policy for students as approved by the Southwestern Board of Education, and the concept of positive athletic competition and sportsmanship.

The following groups are subject but are not limited to the possible consequences listed below for violations of the above:

• Athletes
• Students
  • Application of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association policies and procedures as defined in their handbook
  • Application of the Southwestern Athletic Policy and Procedures
  • Application of the Southwestern School Discipline Policy
  • Other action as deemed appropriate by the administration or the supervisor in charge of the contest or event
  • Warning
  • Application of the Southwestern Discipline Policy and Procedures
  • Removal from the immediate contest or event
  • Denied further attendance at athletic contests or events
  • Police action
  • Other action as deemed appropriate by the administration or the supervisor in charge of the contest or event.

ATHLETIC PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS

Students in grades no lower than seventh may compete on a senior high school team and senior high school students may compete on any team in grades no lower than seven. Participating students shall be eligible to compete during five consecutive seasons of each sport after their entry into the eighth grade or six consecutive seasons of each sport after their entry into the seventh grade. Only those students who do not meet the age and grade criteria need meet the Athletic Placement Process Standard. Accurate school files must be kept on each student enrolled in the Athletic Placement Process. The Athletic Director must inform the section of those students who became eligible as participants using this process. The board approves the use of the athletic placement process for all secondary school interscholastic team members. The board directs the superintendent to implement the procedures and maintain a file of those student deemed eligible as a result of those procedures.

7th and 8th Grade

Students in the 7th and 8th grade level who meet the maturity and physical fitness standards for athletic placement will be eligible to participate in Varsity and Junior Varsity competition in the following manner:

• Where a middle school program exists, only exceptional 7th and 8th grade student may participate in varsity and junior varsity competition. An exceptional 7th or 8th grade student is a student who clearly excels in a sport when compared to students of similar age.
• Where a middle school program does not exist, the athletic placement process shall not be used to promote students to higher levels of competition on a routine bases for the sole purpose of filling positions on varsity and junior varsity teams. Coaches will make a reasonable effort to give senior high students' ample opportunity to participate. Proper placement of students is important.
• A parental permission slip will be required for all 7th and 8th grade students playing on varsity or junior varsity teams.
• The athletic director of the base school will review this regulation with his or her staff on an annual basis by October 1st.

The intent of the athletic placement program is to provide safe and suitable participation at an appropriate level of competition for students in grades 7 and 8. Physical fitness tests will be administered by a certified Physical Education teacher. All examinations will be signed by the Physical Education teacher who administers the tests. Students must achieve the raw score for each physical fitness test item required under the New York State guidelines. Athletic Performance Testing may be done only after athletic placement approval is given by the school physician. All students who pass all portions of these evaluations will be eligible for participation. All records of testing and evaluation will be filed in the athletic director’s file.

Student Attendance/Course Credit:

In order for students to be eligible to submit papers, homework, projects, etc., for grades required to receive credit for any course, students must be in attendance a minimum of 85% of the total days a course is scheduled to be in session. Any student who is absent more than 15% of the time, regardless of the reason (excused or unexcused), may not receive credit for the course. When a student misses 50% or more of a class period (40 minutes), this will be considered a full class absence. Assuming 180 day school year, a student who exceeds 27 absences for a 1.0 credit course or 14 day school year, a student who exceeds 27 absences for a

1.0 credit course or 14 absences for a .5 credit course may lost credit for the course. A doctor’s note will be required for absences that exceed seven absences for a .5 credit course and 14 absences for a 1.0 credit course.

Where a student earns a passing grade, credit will not be denied for the course. Transfer students and students reenrolling after dropping out of school will be expected to attend 85% of the scheduled classes during their time of enrollment.

Once a student exceeds the maximum number of allowable absences as specified, the student will not be permitted to take any remaining exams/tests, or submit papers/projects, etc., for grades necessary to receive credit for that course. Students who violate the minimum attendance standards and do not have a passing grade, nonetheless, will be expected to attend class.

Students will be considered in attendance if the student is:

• Physically present in the classroom or working under the direction of the classroom teacher during the class schedule meeting time; or
• Working pursuant to an approved independent study program; or
• Receiving approved alternative instruction or In School Suspension and/or Out of School Suspension

Students who are absent from class due to their participation in a school sponsored activity are to arrange with their teachers to make up any work missed in a timely manner as determined by their teacher.

Attendance at school sponsored events where instruction is substantially equivalent to the instruction which was missed shall be counted as the equivalent of regular attendance in class.

Upon returning to school following an absence, tardiness or early departure, it shall be the responsibility of the student to consult with his/her teacher(s) regarding arrangements to make up missed work, assignments and/or tests in accordance with the time schedule specified by the teacher(s). The district believes that classroom participation is directly related to and affects a student’s performance and grasp of the subject matter and, as such, is properly reflected in a student’s final grade. For purposes of this policy, classroom participation means that a student is in class and prepared to work.

Consequently, for each marking period a certain percentage of a student’s final grade will be based on classroom participation as well as a student’s performance on homework, tests, papers, projects, etc., as determined by the building administrator and/or classroom teacher.

It is the district’s policy that any who reaches the maximum number of days absent and has a properly excused absence, tardiness, and/or early departure for which the student has performed any assigned make-up work, assignments, and/or tests shall not be counted as an absence for the purpose of determining the student’s eligibility for course credit. District procedures will specify how student tardiness and early departures will be calculated and factored into the district’s minimum attendance standards.

Determination of Excused and Unexcused Absences, Tardiness and Early Departures

The high school requires parents/guardians to contact the Attendance Office the day on which their child is unable to attend school. A written excuse must be presented to the Attendance Office the day the child returns to school.

Where and when applicable, the district has determined that absences, tardiness and early departure will be considered excused or unexcused to include but not be limited to the following standards:

Excused: Upon receipt of written excuse. All absences are entered as unexcused pending receipt of a note or medical excuse. An absence, tardiness or early departure may be excused if due to personal illness, illness or death in the family, impassable roads due to inclement weather, religious observance, quarantine, required court appearances, attendance at health clinics, pre-approved college visits, pre-approved cooperative work programs, obtaining learners permit, road tests, military obligation, pre-approved educational trips, emergency situations, late bus arrival, required medical attention for other family members who rely on the student for medical treatment, to attend a funeral of a family member, friend or staff member, or other such reasons as may be approved by the Board of Education * Trips other than noted above need to be approve by the building principal.

Unexcused: An absence, tardiness or early departure is considered unexcused if the reason for the lack of attendance does not fall into the above categories (i.e. family vacation, hunting, babysitting, haircut, fishing, oversleeping, missing the bus, needed at home for non-emergency purposes, personal reasons non-specific, recreational activities not related to school sponsored events, shopping, truancy, visiting relative or friends, work).

Tardy: If a student is late to school, he/she must report to the Attendance Office. An admit slip will be issued to the student which will allow entrance into the classroom. Subsequent tardiness will result in progressive disciplinary action. Students that are tardy three times will receive one day of detention for each instance.

Truancy: If it has been determined that a student is or has been truant for all or part of the day, the parents will be informed as soon as possible. The student will be subject to progressive disciplinary action. This will result in loss of all class credit, homework and test for that day.

General bus rules include the following: no smoking on the bus, remaining in one’s seat while the bus is in operation, no food or drink consumed on the bus and students should get on and off buses only at regular us stops. Passes to ride a different bus or to get off at other than your regular stop may be obtained from the main office. In order for special bus pass to be issued, the student must bring a note from a parent allowing this special bus arrangement on the morning of the requested bus change.

Bus riding is a privilege and may be withdrawn from a student whose bus behavior is less than that which is expected and desired.

Expression	Block	Time	Length
1	EET	7:48-8:25	40 mins
2	Blk 1	8:30-9:08	38 mins
3	Blk 1	9:12-9:50	38mins
4	Blk 2	9:55-10:33	38 mins
5	Blk 2	10:37-11:15	38 mins
6	LUNCH 1	11:20-11:50	30 mins
7	Blk 3A	11:20-11:58	38 mins
9	Blk 3A	12:02-12:40	38 mins
8	Blk 3B	11:55-12:33	38 mins
10	Blk 3B	12:37-1:15	38 mins
11	LUNCH 2	12:45-1:15	30 mins
12	Blk 4	1:20-1:58	38 mins
13	Blk 4	1:58-2:40	38 mins

In accordance with New York State guidance, Southwestern Central School has adopted a new cell phone policy which will take effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. During school hours (7:45 am-2:40 pm), students will be expected to store their phones, air pods, smart watches and/or any personal item(s) with internet access, in their school-issued locker(s).

If a student does not follow the policy above, the following consequences will occur: Level One Action – WARNING; Parent Conference; Confiscation

Level Two Action- Parent Conference; Confiscation; Loss of Privilege Level Three Action-Parent Conference; Confiscation; Loss of Privilege

• Failing to comply with the reasonable directions of teachers, school administrators, or other school employees in charge of students or otherwise demonstrating disrespect.

We want our students to be engaged learners and model appropriate cell phone etiquette. As a general rule, discipline will be progressive. This means that a student’s first violation will usually merit a lighter penalty than subsequent violations. However, a serious infraction may merit a more severe consequence even if it is the student’s first code violation.

Senior class rank will be calculated at the conclusion of the third quarter of the senior year. Rank is established by multiplying the final grade received in a particular subject by the index number assigned to that subject. Courses repeated will only be counted if the grade is higher.

We will calculate rank by using the six classes yielding the highest point total, including physical education, for each student’s rank.

All classes taken at a post-secondary level will receive a Regents index number. Students who graduate early or have received credit outside of the United States will not be ranked.

To be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, the student must reside in the Southwestern District for at least two full year (four semesters) if transferring from out of state, one full year (two semesters) if from within New York State.

Index numbers: Advanced Placement 1.2

Advanced 1.15

Regents 1.1

General/Non-Regents 1.05

COURSES-SELECTION, ADDING, DROPPING

Careful consideration should be given to course selections and graduation requirements. Discontinuing a course after the first seven school days or at the beginning of each semester will result in a grade of “F” for the permanent record.

Semester 1
NO CHANGES	September 8, 2025
Add/Drop Days	September 20, 2025
Semester 2
NO CHANGES	January 20,2026
Add/Drop Days	February 9, 2026

Southwestern Code of Conduct

At Southwestern Central School, students and their families are primarily responsible for choosing personal attire, hairstyles, jewelry, and personal items like backpacks or book bags. However, the school will ensure that these choices:

• Do not interfere with student health or safety
• Do not create a hostile or intimidating environment
• The goal is to support individual expression while maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive school community for everyone.

Universal Dress Code/Students must wear:

• Top (shirts, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.)
• Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.): and
• Footwear
• Blankets ARE NOT Permitted.

This policy permits additional student attire requirements when necessary to ensure safety in certain academic setting (e.g. physical activity, science or CTE courses). Additionally, this policy allows for reasonable variation in required student attire for participation in certain activities.

The following items are prohibited attire at Southwestern Central School

Clothing or accessories are not allowed if they:

• Are pornographic, threatening, or promote illegal or violent behavior (e.g. drugs, alcohol, weapons).
• Show hate speech or symbols targeting protected groups.
• Show private parts or fail to cover them with opaque material.
• Cover the face in a way that makes a student unidentifiable (unless for religious, ethnic, or medical reasons).
• Include hats, visors, or hoods worn indoors (except for religious, ethnic, or medical reasons).
• Show gang affiliation or symbols.

NOTE: Religious attire is always allowed and respected.

Southwestern High School offers a wide variety of activities, both curricular and extra-curricular. Students who are involved in their school and extra-curricular activities typically receive better grades and enjoy school more. While we desire and encourage involvement in extra-curricular activities, our primary purpose is the learning process and academic achievement in the classroom. The eligibility policy exists to ensure that students are placing the proper emphasis on their studies, rather than simply on activities. Participation in extra-curricular activities (for example, DECA & Musical) is a privilege which can be withdrawn for reasons including, but not limited to, poor attendance, low academic achievement, inappropriate behavior and outstanding student obligations (i.e. fines).

New York State Regents and local examinations are administered in June. Students are responsible for knowing their examination schedules. Students who are truant from a final examination will receive a zero for the examination grade.

To be eligible for Honor Roll and Merit Roll a student must minimally be enrolled in 6.5 credits for grades 9-11 and 4.5 for 12^th grade per semester.

To be eligible for Honor Roll a student must attain an average of 90% or better. The Honor Roll will be posted at the end of each 10 week period.

To be eligible for the Merit Roll, A student must have an average between 84.5 and 89.

Students who receive an incomplete should have all work made up prior to the end of the second week after the ten-week grading period ends. If there are extraordinary circumstance which would not allow for this time frame to be met, both teacher and student should check with the principal. Work not completed within the two-week period will be graded accordingly. Incompletes will only be issued as a result of excused absence. Students receiving an incomplete have ten school days to complete his/her assignments.

Your High School Library is a vibrant space you are encouraged to visit to learn new things. The library has helpful staff that can guide your search for print and online resources to help with any school project. The library has thousands of titles for recreational reading and has an active and evolving Maker space.

In our Makerspace, you can learn to design and 3-d print objects or use a vinyl cutter to make stickers and t-shirts. Our space is always changing and offering new opportunities to learn technology. The library also has a student-run Help Desk, where you can get technology help when you need it.

Freshman will become familiar with the library during an orientation at the beginning of the school year. New Students at any grade level are encouraged to come in and receive an orientation at any time. Our school library is open all day and after school.

Your library also offers lunch time clubs and themed programming that is engaging and fun-so visit us! We have an open and respectful space that is a privilege to visit. Unacceptable student behavior will result in disciplinary action and/or revocation of library privileges.

All students will be issued a locker and combination lock. Lockers should be locked at all times and combinations should be kept private and should not be shared with anyone. This will eliminate many unnecessary problems. Students will be held responsible for the condition of their lockers as well as the material placed in them. No writing, painting or pictures will be allowed on the outside of doors or anywhere inside. Items may be taped on the inside but not glued onto the walls or doors. There is to be absolutely no paint used anywhere on or in the lockers. Questionable pictures, materials, etc. Will be removed. Gym lockers, to which the above conditions apply, will be administered by the PE teachers. All hall and gym lockers are the property of Southwestern School, and the school administration has the legal right to enter and search the lockers. All non-school locks will be removed by the custodial staff. Students will be charged for any damage done to the locker while assigned to the student.

The Southwestern Central School District cannot be held responsible for student items lost or stolen. It is responsibility of each student to keep secure all personal items or school issued supplies or materials. Students are responsible to replace school issued supplies or materials that have been lost or stolen. It is strongly advised that students leave valuable personal items or large sums of money at home or stored in the school safe.

In order to keep the cafeteria orderly, clean and attractive, the following rule must be observed:

• All lunch food must be eaten in the cafeteria (unless students are eating lunch in a supervised area).
• During lunch period, students are to remain in the cafeteria.
• Students may not leave the cafeteria without permission.
• Students are not to be in the hallways during lunch.
• Return all trays, dishes and silverware to the proper receptacles.
• Keep tables and floors clean. Pick up and clean up any food you drop or spill.
• Talk in a normal voice.
• Keep the cafeteria lines orderly.
• Never push or run.
• Students are not permitted to have food delivered to school from outside restaurants without securing prior administrative permission.
• Failure to comply with these rules may result in loss of cafeteria privileges, assignment to lunch detention or clean up being assigned.
• ID numbers/finger scans are required for lunch purchase.

Students are not permitted to leave the school building at any time during the school day without permission from the office. If you must leave because of illness, you must be excused by the school nurse and sign out in the Attendance Office. If you must leave for any other reason, it must be done only with approval of the building principal. For safety and accountability reasons, the district opposes students leaving the building for lunch. Failure to follow the proper procedure will be considered a truancy.