The Somers Central School District Board of Education (Board) is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive, and district personnel may deliver, quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, other district personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The Code of Conduct, Community, and Support was created to define the environment in which all students, faculty, and staff can have equitable access to instruction while simultaneously protecting the due process rights of all stakeholders. This code is a primary tool in helping the Somers Central School District achieve the mission of “Engaging all Students at a Personal Level to ensure success in a Global Society.” The code is revised each year to ensure content is reflective of the needs of community members and demonstrates the board and district’s commitment to reflective practice as it moves “Forward in Excellence.”

The district has a long-standing set of expectations for conduct on school property and at school functions. These expectations are based on the principles of civility, mutual respect, citizenship, character, tolerance, honesty, and integrity.

No individual shall be subjected to harassment by anyone on school property or at school functions. Nor shall any individual be subjected to discrimination by anyone on school property or at school functions based upon the individual’s actual or perceived race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, the languages they speak, learning differences, background, or any other difference.

The Board recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, identify the possible consequences of unacceptable conduct, and to ensure that discipline, when necessary, is administered promptly and fairly. To this end, the Board adopts this code of conduct ("code").

The Somers Central School community is committed to creating a positive school environment where all members are valued, feel safe and have a shared sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of others. When missteps are made, this code will be used to ensure that members are held accountable while also creating a space for growth through reflection. The Somers school community strives to create an empathetic culture where all are conscious of their decisions and how they impact others.

Unless otherwise indicated, this code applies to all students, school personnel, parents, and other visitors when on school property or attending a school function whether such function is held on or off school grounds.
 

Mission, Vision, Values

Our Mission

During the 2010-11 school year, the Somers School District engaged all stakeholders including students, staff, parents, and community members to clarify the District mission, vision, and values. The results of this work are below. The District has also used these collective components to drive the annual improvements in the District and each school via distinct and yet interdependent success plans. The plans have in turn provided for annual adjustments to the overall programs and structures to support the development of the Whole Child.

Somers Central School District will ignite a passion in each student by engaging students at a personal level to ensure success in a global society.

Our Vision

The vision for SCSD encompasses three fundamental areas, each an important component of the Whole Child —

• 21st Century Knowledge & Skills
• Social-Emotional-Physical Wellness
• Global Citizenship

Our Values

The stakeholders of the Somers Central School District are a community that:

• Believes our schools are the center of our community a safe place to be and grow.
• Leads by example and encourages students to follow their passions.
• Holds high expectations for student achievement and character.
• Develops a k-12 curriculum, instructional resources, and assessments intended to prepare students to thrive in a global community.
• Recognizes and celebrates the collective efforts and achievements of the Somers community and embraces a healthy balance of participation from all stakeholders.
• Values social/emotional/physical wellness as much as academic achievement.
• Believes the arts are vital to the core curriculum.
• Gives back to the community through service to others.
• Understands the law, the constitution, and our civic, ethical and personal responsibilities to each other.
• Develops relationships that are characterized by honesty, respect and integrity.
• Learns from and works collaboratively with individuals from diverse cultures, religions and lifestyles in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue.
• Supports and encourages professional collaboration, district-wide and with local organizations, to promote student learning.
• Is driven by a sense of continuous improvement.

The mission, vision and values stated above form the foundation for creating a safe and nurturing learning environment that fosters respect, empathy and compassion for all stakeholders. This code is premised on them as a foundation for creating a healthy and supportive learning environment.