MCS to Unveil Shorter Student Code of Conduct

By David Avitabile

MIDDLEBURGH - The current Middleburgh Central School student code of conduct is many pages long and filled with a lot of "legalese," Superintendent Mark Place told school board members at their February 12 meeting.

For the 2025-26 school year, the district will have a shorter "abridged" version of the code that is more "kid friendly." The code is now much more on grade level. The new version of the code is not new just shortened, Mr. Place stressed.

The new abridged code totals 14 pages, including eight pages of charts easily explaining responses to behavior violations. There are four levels of response. Level one: Classroom support and student support team, level two: Classroom support, intensive out-of-class support, and appropriate administrative interventions, level three: Supports and consequences up to a short-term suspension (maximum five days OSS), and level four: Supports and consequences up to a long-term suspension (greater than five days OSS).

The introduction of the new code reads, "At Middleburgh Central School, we want our school to be a safe and peaceful place where everyone can learn and grow. Students should focus on learning, and teachers and staff can teach without interruptions. To make this happen, everyone—students, teachers, staff, parents, and visitors—must act responsibly. We expect everyone on school grounds, online, and at events to: Respect others, Be honest and show good character, Be kind and fair, Act responsibly as part of our school community. The rules for behavior apply to everyone, not just at school but also at school events and even outside of school if actions might cause serious problems at school."

The goal of the student code of conduct is, "At Middleburgh Central School, we want to help every student learn how to manage their behavior, make good choices, and treat others with respect. Here’s how we work together to create a positive school environment: Help Students Grow – We use fair and age-appropriate ways to help students learn how to manage their behavior and get along well with others. Keep Spaces Safe and Respectful – We work to make sure classrooms, hallways, and other areas are safe, respectful, and calm places to be. Stop Unsafe Behavior – We look for ways to stop unsafe or inappropriate actions before they happen. Support for Students Who Need Extra Help – For students who need more help, we provide extra support to improve their behavior. What We Focus On: Fair Discipline – We try to avoid using in-school and out-of-school suspensions too much. Instead, we focus on other ways to encourage positive behavior. Clear Expectations for Everyone – All adults in our school are committed to following and supporting our behavior expectations. Strong Support from Administrators and Counselors – Our school leaders and support staff work together to help students make better choices, especially those who need it most. Respectful Problem Solving by Teachers – Teachers are dedicated to helping students improve behavior in respectful and helpful ways.

The abridged version made be altered before the start of school in September, Mr. Place noted, with an update on the use of cell phones, according to what happens this spring.

The code emphasizes that it is a privilege to ride the school buses, Mr. Place said, If students do not behave, their parents will have to provide transportation.

The code notes that the district can conduct searches of lockers, etc., Mr. Place noted.

The code can be changed and updated, if needed.