Code of Conduct

The 3 R’s of Sussex Citizenship
As Sussex Citizens, We RESPECT others by:
Listening courteously
Speaking politely and truthfully
Keeping our hands and feet to ourselves
Showing consideration for the property of others
Demonstrating a willingness to help others
Show RESPONSIBILITY by:
Following directions
Doing our best work
Walking and talking quietly within the school building
Keeping personal and school property neat and clean
Maintaining safety on school property
Value our RIGHT to:
Be listened to respectfully
Be spoken to politely and truthfully
Have our belongings treated with consideration
Learn and play in a clean, safe environment
Be proud of our best work


Consequences/Discipline
Our Code of Conduct helps to establish a peaceable school.  When a child is having difficulty following school rules, consequences are necessary.  Consequences are not punishment, but rather a way to help the student learn the appropriate behaviors that are expected of all members of the Sussex community.
The classroom teacher has the primary responsibility to address behavioral issues.  The teacher will speak to the child and, if necessary, contact the parent.  If the child’s negative behavior continues, the teacher will complete a referral form and send the child to the office.  After a conference with the child, the principal will make a determination about further action and share that decision with the child and the teacher.  A phone call may also be made to the parent.
Our parents are partners in this process.  Each child’s circumstances are reviewed carefully to determine what is best and fair for each child.  If the problem persists, discussion by the Intervention and Referral (I&RS) committee is in order, in consultation with the school counselor and parent or guardian.  This group will develop a plan of action together.  Serious behavior problems may require more severe and immediate consequences.
Consequences will be related as closely as possible to the offense, and often result in the temporary loss of a privilege:

  1. Loss of recess, either in the cafeteria or in the office.
  2. In-school suspension for half a day or full day.  The student is required to complete all classroom assignments outside the classroom environment.  Parents are notified immediately of this action.
  3. Out-of-school suspension according to Board of Education policy.  Students may be suspended for one, two, or three days, depending on the seriousness of their action.  Parents are notified immediately and must accompany the child to school for a conference with the principal at the end of the suspension period.

Suspension is used to protect all members of the school community from unacceptable behavior.  The following are examples of behavior that could lead to a suspension, according to Board of Education policy:
Fighting                                                                       Damaging school property
Behavior that is dangerous to self or others                   Refusing the directions of a staff member
Inappropriate language                                                 Disrespect towards a staff member

DRESS CODE:  Students are expected to dress in a manner that is neat and clean.  Clothing should not be hazardous to the health and safety of the student or others, nor should it disrupt the educational program.  Hats are not to be worn in the building.  Sneakers are required for Physical Education.  Abbreviated clothing that reveals too much skin, either on the shoulders or the midriff, or is decorated with inappropriate language or images is not permitted.  The school reserves the right to ask students to change inappropriate clothing.  Flip-flops should not be worn to school.

BUS CONDUCT:  Discipline problems on the bus are reported to the principal by bus drivers, who fill out bus conduct forms.  If your child is involved in significant misbehavior on the bus, a copy of the form will be mailed to you.  Please remind your child of the rules for safe behavior on the bus.  Students who do not follow bus safety rules may lose the privilege of riding the bus for a period of time.