8242 - Civility, Citizenship an Character Education/Interpersonal Violence Prevention Education

Policy: Civility, Citizenship an Character Education/Interpersonal Violence Prevention Education	Policy Number: 8242
Date of Original Policy: 07/10/2002	Date Revision Adopted: 01/19/2022
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 08/16/2017	Date of Next Review: 09/16/2025
Replacement of Policy Number:

Civility, Citizenship and Character Education

The Board of Education recognizes that teaching students respect, civility and understanding toward others, as well as the practice and reinforcement of appropriate behavior and values of our society, is an important function of the school system.

The School District wishes to foster an environment where students exhibit behavior that promotes positive educational practices, allows students to grow socially and academically, and encourages healthy dialogue in respectful ways. By presenting teachers, staff, Board of Education members, and parents as positive role models, the District stresses positive communication and discourages disrespectful treatment. This policy is not intended to deprive or restrict any student of his or her right to freedom of expression but, rather, seeks to maintain, to the extent possible and reasonable, a safe, harassment free and educationally conducive environment for our students and staff.

Furthermore, the District shall ensure that the course of instruction in grades K-12 includes a component on civility, citizenship and character education in accordance with Education Law. Character educations is the deliberate effort to help students understand, care about, and act upon core ethical values.

Character education shall instruct students on the principles of:

• Honesty  
• Tolerance
• Personal responsibility       
• Respect for others       
• Observance of laws and rules      
• Courtesy       
• Dignity

Character education may also take the form of one or more of the following programs:

• Second Steps
• Wisdom Thinkers
• Recognition of the learner profile traits
• Recognition of the district’s mission, vision, and value statements

As determined by the Board of Regents, and as further enumerated in Commissioner's Regulations, the components of character education shall be incorporated in existing school district curricula as applicable.

The District encourages the involvement of staff, students, parents and community members in the implementation and reinforcement of character education in the schools.

Education Law Sections 801and 801-a
Education Law Section 804(4)