Student Handbook

It is the mission of the Paterson Public School District to recognize our proud traditions and diverse community and partnerships. The mission of the Paterson Public School District is to provide an academically rigorous, safe and nurturing educational environment; by meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students as we prepare them for post-secondary education and career.

The District recognizes that students have a fundamental right to a thorough and efficient public education, and that students have a corresponding duty to cooperate with teachers and administrators in fostering a school environment that is conducive to learning. Because school attendance and good discipline are essential to an orderly and effective learning environment, it is the duty of the school community to ensure that its members respect one another. Students, families, and schools must work together to achieve this goal. 

The District acknowledges its legal and moral responsibility to provide an atmosphere for a sound educational program promoting optimum conditions for learning. Violations of school rules and District policies by students are addressed in accordance with the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct provides guidelines for school responses to misconduct that take into account, at a minimum, the severity of the offenses, the developmental ages of the student offenders, and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors. 

Please familiarize yourself with this Handbook. We appreciate your understanding and support in ensuring that our schools are an educationally sound and safe place to learn.
 

Recognizing our proud traditions and diverse community and partnerships, the mission of the Paterson Public School District is to provide an academically rigorous, safe and nurturing educational environment; by meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of our students as we prepare them for post-secondary education and career.

Vision:  The District will be a leader of 21st Century innovation where students develop habits of lifelong learning and excel academically to become future ready leaders. 

Paterson STEAM High School is dedicated to cultivating a secure and supportive learning environment where academic excellence is the norm. We are committed to empowering students to surpass New Jersey State Standards while developing critical skills for thriving in 21st-century careers in environmental sustainability, mathematics, engineering, computer science, and dental and medical arts. Our approach integrates arts across various disciplines to foster collaborative teaching. We prioritize ongoing, standards-aligned assessments to drive continuous improvement and student success. Strong, meaningful communication with parents and guardians is central to our mission, as is our commitment to equitable instructional practices that inspire excellence in both student achievement and character.

Welcome to Paterson STEAM High School!

At STEAM, students are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to create a learning community where every student’s voice, identity, creativity, and curiosity drives discovery. We believe that when students are truly seen, respected, and empowered, they not only meet expectations but surpass them.

Through high-leverage teaching practices, personalized instruction, and arts integration, we strive to unlock the potential in every learner. Our mission is not just about preparing students for today, but equipping them with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed for college, careers, and life beyond standardized assessments.

We are committed to transforming data into action, ensuring that instruction, interventions, and supports are meaningful and effective. Equally important, we nurture a caring and inclusive environment where students feel a sense of belonging and are inspired to take risks, collaborate, and innovate.

Together with our families, staff, and community partners, we are shaping a future where Paterson STEAM students emerge as critical thinkers, creators, and leaders ready to contribute to a complex and ever-changing world.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s journey. I look forward to celebrating their growth, achievements, and success this year and beyond.

With pride and purpose,
Nellista Bess, PhD
Principal, Paterson STEAM High School

All members of the school community have the right to be treated respectfully by one another and to be in an orderly environment that is safe and encourages student engagement in learning, family and community engagement in school, and supports a professional work environment. 

A Community of Learners 
Schools will purposefully foster the development of relationships among students, faculty, administration and others school staff around the common goal of becoming a Community of Learners. 

All members of the school community have certain rights and responsibilities. Among these rights are the right to be free of discrimination and harassment and to be treated with respect and dignity.
 

Every student has the right to:

• Receive appropriate public education;
• Attend school in safe and secure school environment; 
• Attend school regardless of students’ marriage, pregnancy or parenthood status; 
• Privacy protections pursuant to Federal and State laws; 
• Inspect their own school records and participate in developing their own academic program;
• Freedom of speech unless such expression impinges on the rights of others; 
• Freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures; 
• Advance notice of behavioral expectations and
• Due process and appeal procedures, including the right to be informed of, respond to, and appeal any disciplinary action taken. 

Every student has the responsibility to:

• Come to school on time prepared and ready to learn each day;
• Respect self, others and their property;
• Plan for the future; and
• Ask for help when needed.

Every parent/guardian has the right to: 

• Participate in planning their child’s academic program and inspect their child’s school records; 
• Visit their child’s school according to school-based protocol; and
• Parent/guardian notification consistent with District policies, regulations, and due process procedures.

Every parent/guardian has the responsibility to: 

• Ensure their child arrives at school on time prepared to learn each day;
• Be respectful of school employees and follow staff directives; 
• Help their child plan for each day, week and year in school and be an active participant in educating their child; 
• Ask for help when unable to meet the needs of their child; 
• Reinforce the District’s behavioral expectations for students; and
• Provide the District with accurate and up-to-date address, telephone number and emergency contact information. 

Every teacher has the right to: 

• Be treated as a professional; 
• Access equipment, tools, and/or support necessary to perform their job duties; 
• Collaborate with parents/guardians, administrators and support staff regarding the needs of individual students; and
• Receive information from administrators regarding student discipline outcomes. 

Every teacher has the responsibility to: 

• Come to school on time prepared and ready to provide high quality instruction each day;
• Behave professionally and treat all members of the school community with respect; 
• Model and teach behavioral expectations to students;
• Create a positive learning environment; 
• Evaluate the progress of students;
• Communicate with parents/guardians, staff and administrators regarding student learning and support needs; 
• Seek to involve parents in educating their children; and
• Enforce the Code of Student Conduct.

Every administrator and staff member has the right to: 

• Be treated as a professional, and
• Access equipment, tools, and/or support necessary to perform their job duties.

Every administrator and school staff member has the responsibility to: 

• Come to school on time prepared and ready to work each day;
• Behave professionally and treat all members of the school community with respect;
• Model and teach behavioral expectations to students; 
• Create a positive learning environment; 
• Support effective and efficient school operations;
• Act as a school ambassador for students, families, faculty, and community partners; and 
• Enforce the Code of Student Conduct.

Every community partner has the right to:

• Be treated as a member of the school community.

Every community partner has the responsibility to: 

• Register with the Office of Parent and Community Engagement before working directly with students in schools; 
• Model and teach behavioral expectations to students; 
• Create a positive learning environment; and
• Communicate all concerns to school personnel and/or District staff.
   

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is part of our 21st-century learning environment and can enhance learning, creativity, and problem-solving when used responsibly. Students may use AI tools to support learning, explore new ideas, and develop projects, provided they maintain originality and follow all district policies.

All AI use must be transparent. Students are required to clearly acknowledge when and how AI tools were used in any assignment, project, or other schoolwork, and to verify that AI-generated content is factually accurate, appropriate, and aligned with our school’s academic standards. AI should be used as a support, not a substitute, for a student’s own effort, critical thinking, and skill development.

Improper use of AI—including plagiarism, academic dishonesty, avoiding required learning, producing harmful content, or entering private or confidential information into AI tools—will result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

By using AI responsibly, students can enhance their learning while upholding the highest standards of academic integrity.

*Please be aware that student identifying characteristics, including name, address, date of birth, phone numbers, and similar information, must not be uploaded to your AI program. It is essential to adhere to this guideline. Our Information Technology personnel will provide further guidance on this matter.

Google for Education   Each teacher will have a Google classroom which will be shared with their students during the first week of school.  Students will continue to utilize Google classroom daily for submitting assignments and for classroom updates. This will allow for students and teachers to collaborate and communicate. Students in High School with excused absences will maintain access to Google Classroom. Conversely, the instructor will deactivate access in the event of an unexcused absence.

Chromebooks – Technology    Students will be expected to bring their charged devices daily to school as it will be part of their daily instructional practices and they will take them home at the end of each day to complete homework and research. Students are responsible for the general care of the device they have been issued by the school. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the designated repair location. Do not attempt to fix the device on your own or with any outside agencies.

Device Security and Web protection   All district issued Chromebook are managed by the Paterson Public Schools Technology department.  Management includes but not limited to:

• Forcing user log into the device with only a @patersonschools.org account.
• GoGuardian – This application allows the Technology Department to track devices when misplaced, filter explicit material, monitor the users web activity and send alerts to administrators.
• Gaggle – This application monitors student emails and Google Drive documents for inappropriate use or self-harm and sends alerts to administrators. 

Anti-Big Brother Act(N.J.S.A.18A:36-39)

• Please be advised that all information transmitted from or received by District-owned devices while both on and off the District network may be subject to capture, inspection and/or storage by  District monitoring software and appliances for routing, bandwidth/application control, security/firewall and usage-reporting purposes.  
• Internet browsing history may be subject to review to ensure compliance with the District’s Acceptable-Use policies.  
• The District may also periodically access the device when on and off the District network using a Mobile Device Management solution to perform routine maintenance, “push”, or remotely install, District-approved software, manage settings, and/or remove software that violates District Acceptable-Use policies.
• In cases where a device is reported stolen or lost, the District may record or attempt to collect information regarding the Device’s location or usage activity through the use of network tracking software and utilities, which may include images taken using the devices built-in camera. Tracking may also be activated if the District receives credible information that a student has taken the device outside of the state and/or country without prior approval, which is in violation of the terms of this policy.
• Data collected may be retained for a period of up to seven years for archival purposes.
• Information collected will NOT be used in any manner that would violate the privacy rights of the student or any individual residing with the student. 
• Internet for all District Student Chromebooks provided by Altice/Optimum-WiFi - This partnership/service will allow all enabled devices to connect to the Altice SSID provided there a strong enough signal. The browsing and filtering of the internet service will be provided as stated in the previous section.

More information about Chromebooks can be found on the Technology Department Mobile Device Handbook webpage on the district website. 

(Academic Services / Academic Services and Special Programs (paterson.k12.nj.us)

Measuring, recording, and reporting academic achievement is vital to the learning process. Teachers may assign schoolwork that will be graded in order to assist each student in understanding his or her academic strengths, achievements, and progress. 

A final grade will be given in every course at the end of each school year or marking period. The grade will be based on evidence of the student’s effort and achievement in learning and proficiency on various types of assignments, including

• Homework and classwork
• Class participation
• Tests, quizzes, and exams
• Research projects
• Book reports, essays, and term papers
• Oral reports and presentations

2025-2026 School Year

PPS Graduation Eligibility: New Jersey State Minimum Graduation Requirements by Content Area 120 credits (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1)

Paterson Public Schools- Students must earn 125 credits for a High School Diploma

English Language Arts - 20 credits 

Mathematics - 15 credits including:

• Algebra 1 or content equivalent
• Geometry or content equivalent
• Third year of math that builds on the concepts and skills of algebra and geometry and prepares students for college and 21st century careers

Science - 15 credits with at least 5 credits in each: 

• Laboratory biology/life science or the content equivalent∙
• Laboratory/inquiry-based science course (i.e., chemistry, environmental science, or physics)∙
• Laboratory/inquiry-based science course

Social Studies - 15 credits including:∙

• 5 credits in world history
• Integration of civics, economics, geography and global content in all course offerings
• N.J.S.A. 18A:35-1 and 18A:35-2

Health, Safety, and Physical Education - 15 credits over four years including:

• 3 ¾ credits in health, safety, and physical education during each year of enrollment, distributed as 150 minutes per week each year
• N.J.S.A. 18A:35-5, 18A:35-7 and 18A:35-8

Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy - 2.5 credits

Visual and Performing Arts - 5 credits

World Languages - 10 credits

Technology - Integrated throughout all courses

21st Century Life and Careers - 5 credits

High School Credits  - By the end of June, students should complete:                                         

• 35 credits by the end of 9th Grade, freshman year
• 70 credits by the end of 10th Grade, sophomore year
• 105 credits by the end of 11th Grade, junior year
• 125 credits by the end of 12th Grade, senior year

Students must earn 125 credits for a High School Diploma

The guidance counselor at the school will be available to advise students and parents regarding courses, course-level selection, required course distribution, credit requirements, and issues of promotion and graduation.

Grades will be based on each student’s academic performance and may only be lowered as a direct penalty for plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty.

Homework is an opportunity to extend student learning beyond the school day and may be assigned to promote the development of study skills, effective time management, independence, responsibility, and academic confidence. Teachers may not assign homework as a form of disciplinary action.

Failure to complete homework on time may negatively affect a student’s grades. If there is a good reason why homework cannot be completed on time, the student or their parents/Guardian should contact the teacher in advance. Students are expected to complete missed homework assignments in the event of absence for any reason. 

Report cards will be distributed four (4) times per year, at the end of each marking period. Additionally, progress reports will be distributed approximately every forty-five (45) days, in the middle of each marking period.  Students and parents will be able to access both documents using their Infinite Campus portal account.

The Paterson Public School District is taking many steps to significantly improve student achievement. One of these steps includes putting an end to “social promotion” (promoting students from one-grade level to the next when the child has not demonstrated sufficient educational growth during the school year). 

It is important for all parents to understand that if their child’s educational performance does not meet the District’s promotion policy, the student will be retained. The student will be required to attend a mandatory summer school program and show adequate growth, based on District guidelines, before being promoted to the next grade level. 

This means that the District will not promote students to the next grade level until they clearly demonstrate proficiency in language arts and mathematics or growth in these subject areas as measured by District-wide multiple measures.

High school students earn credits that advance them to the next grade level. Please refer to the table below. Credit Recovery and Summer School Credit Recovery are available; however, seats are limited and will be prioritized for seniors and juniors first.

Students are expected to attend school every day and to arrive on time. Regular attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his or her education. Every effort should be made to avoid unnecessary absences and instances of lateness. Students who are chronically late to school or class, or skip instructional or non-instructional periods, or are absent from school or class without prior excuse will be subject to consequences.  

Students who are absent from school will be excluded from that day’s athletic and/or after-school activities. Additionally, unexcused absences from school or class may result in disciplinary action. All disciplinary actions shall be subject to the availability of school resources and supervisory personnel.

Each time a student is absent from school or class without prior excuse, the student’s parent will receive an automated telephone call. The parent may be asked to explain the reason for the student’s absence.

Students who are chronically absent or late will be referred to the school Intervention and Referral Team to determine appropriate interventions and to the school attendance officer to determine if a truancy investigation is warranted. Students who reach twenty (20) or more unexcused absences in any one class may not receive course credit for that class. Twenty (20) or more unexcused absences from school may result in a loss of credit for the school year and grade retention. 

After the twentieth unexcused absence from school, the school will hold a hearing to determine whether credit recovery should be made available through an alternative education program.

Seat Time may be provided for students to make up time due to unexcused absences for high school class courses. 
 

Tardiness to school or class that is caused by a pupil's illness, an emergency in the pupil's family, the observance of a religious holiday, a death in the pupil's family, or by the pupil's compliance with a request or directive of an administrator will be considered justified and is excused. All other incidents of tardiness will be considered unexcused. Five instances of unexcused tardiness will equal one unexcused absence for the purpose of calculating unexcused absences for application of Board Policy No. 5410 on promotion and Policy No. 5460 on high school graduation.

Failure to serve an assigned detention before/after school/Saturday or at lunch will result in one (1) Saturday detention. Students who are chronically late will be referred for counseling and truancy investigation.

A tardy arrival to class may be treated as a class cut if the student misses more than half the class period. The consequence for three (3) tardy arrivals to school or to any one class shall be a written warning to the student’s parents and detention before or after school, or Saturday. The consequence for five (5) tardy arrivals to school or to any one class shall be a mandatory parental conference with the school principal or classroom teacher and two (2) detentions before or after school, or at lunch.

For each additional instance of tardiness beyond the fifth, the consequence shall be one (1) detention before or after school, or at lunch.

Students who arrive late to school will not be turned away and will be permitted to enter the school building regardless of their time of arrival. Students who are late to school will receive credit for classes attended but will not receive credit for any classes missed that day. Any student who arrives late must report directly to the school’s designated sign-in location to be processed for purposes of attendance and to avoid being marked absent for the day. 

Parents/guardians who expect their child will be absent from school are asked to call the school’s Main Office to notify the school secretary. Absences from school or class due to religious observance, illness, family emergency, or participation in a school-approved activity will be excused only if verified by appropriate documentation. Documentation must be presented in the Main Office within two days after a student returns to school.

Students who are absent due to religious observance must provide written notice signed by their parent prior to the day of absence. For absences due to family emergencies, students must provide written notice signed by the parent. For absences lasting five (5) or more days due to illness, the student must provide a doctor’s note. 
 

Students must attend scheduled classes regularly in order to keep up with coursework, achieve course objectives, learn skills, acquire knowledge, and earn the course credits required for grade promotion graduation from high school. Absences from class can seriously disrupt the learning process. Cutting class means being absent from a scheduled class without permission. This includes instructional periods as well as lunch and activities such as assemblies. 

Students may be picked up from school only by their parent or by another non-student adult who has been authorized by the student’s parent in writing or by designation on the school’s emergency contact form. Prior authorization must be submitted to the Main Office and signed by the student’s parent. Authorized adults must come to the Main Office with photo identification. 

High School attendance is accounted for period by period including homeroom.
 

Arrival:

• Students may enter the school building only after the first school bell rings. Therefore, parents should be sure NOT to drop their children off at school before the first bell as no certificated staff will be available to supervise students before that time. During inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or falling temperatures, students will be escorted to designated areas as defined by the building principal.
• The school may notify local law enforcement and/or DCP&P if we believe that a child’s early arrival at school endangers their health and well-being.

Dismissal:

• Students should leave school promptly when dismissed, or else face consequences such as written warnings, referrals to local law enforcement and/or DCP&P, and home address verification.
• Students in grades 3 through 12 will be released only to their parent/guardian at dismissal time, unless the parent/guardian has submitted either (a) an Unaccompanied Dismissal Permission Form, or (b) a Pick-Up Permission Form.
• Parents must submit the Unaccompanied Dismissal Permission Form if they wish to allow their child to walk home alone after school, without an escort. Only students in grades 3 through 12 may walk home alone.
• Parents must submit the Pick-Up Permission Form if they wish to allow someone other than a parent to escort their child from school. Only individuals named as “emergency contacts” on this form may escort the student. Students will not be released to any individual who is not listed on this form, or who is unable to provide photo ID.

Student grievances are complaints that arise out of the acts or policies of the District or its employees. It is the right of every student to seek a redress of grievances without fear of retaliation or reprisal. 

A student or their parent must first attempt to resolve a grievance directly and informally by making the grievance known to a guidance counselor or to the staff member who is the subject of the grievance. If the grievance cannot be resolved informally, the student must prepare a written statement describing the nature of the specific grievance, the facts that gave rise to it, the resolution sought by the student, and the reasons why such a resolution is appropriate. The student must then submit his or her written grievance to the school principal for an opportunity to be heard.

If an appropriate resolution is not reached, the student may then submit the written grievance to the Superintendent for hearing, and then to the Board. The student will have an opportunity to appeal any decision by the Board to the State Commissioner of Education.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of students’ educational records and affords certain rights to parents and eligible students to access and dispute the contents of these records. These rights belong to parents only concerning their children’s educational records, and they transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have been transferred are "eligible students."

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's educational records. Schools do not have to provide copies of records unless extenuating circumstances make it too difficult to review the records at the
location designated by the school. Schools may charge a fee for copies. Parents and eligible students have the right to request that school correct records, which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has
the right to include a statement in the record describing his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

• School officials with legitimate educational interest; 
• Other schools to which a student is transferring; 
• Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; 
• Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; 
• Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school; 
• Accrediting organizations; 
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; 
• Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and 
• State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law. 

Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must inform parents and eligible students about directory information and allow them a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them.

Infinite Campus 
Infinite Campus is a web-based student information system, which is designed to improve access to student data and communication between faculty, parents and students. Commencing in the 2018-2019 school year, we will be launching the district wide Campus Student Portal and Campus Parent Portal that provides access to Infinite Campus student information.  Parents and students can use the portal to check grades, attendance, view their schedule, and other tasks. It is important that contact information is current throughout the year in order to ensure access to our system. Please contact your child's school secretary to ensure that your contact information is current. 

Parent step by step directions to access Parent Portal
In order to gain access to Campus Parent, parents or guardians must complete the following steps.

To get started: 

• Go to the Paterson Public Schools Homepage: www.paterson.k12.nj.us
• Select the “Parents & Students” tab
• Click the” Campus Portal” icon  or click this link:
• Click on “Campus Parent” and then click “New User” if you have been assigned a Campus Parent Activation Key                                        
• Enter your Activation Key:  xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx
• Click Submit
• You will receive a welcome message; follow these steps:  

1. Enter a Username
2. Enter a Password
3. Verify your Password
4. Click Create Account

Policy & Regulation 2361 (Acceptable Use of Technology and Social Media), 5516 (Use of Electronic Communication and Recording Devices),  5770 (Pupil Right of Privacy), 7441 (Electronic Surveillance in School Buildings and on School Grounds) 

The District is committed to supporting and facilitating the responsible use of technology and social media for educational purposes but reserves the right to limit in-school use to educationally appropriate materials. Our district 1:1 initiative will afford all high school students an opportunity to receive a device to aide them in their academic programs.

Students are required at all times to comply with District policies and regulations regarding the acceptable use of technology, social media and the Internet. Guidelines for acceptable use are included in the “Student/Parent Agreement” attached at the end of this Handbook. All students must carefully review, sign and return (with their parent’s signature) a copy of the agreement in order to use technology and the Internet at school. 

For safety purposes, students are permitted to have personal cellular phones in school, but these devices must remain turned off during instructional class time, including all testing, unless they are being used for approved instructional purposes. Other kinds of privately owned technology are prohibited in school, except as permitted by the school principal. The District does not provide access to its computer network(s) for such devices, and assumes no responsibility for students’ privately owned technology. In the unlikely event that a student is responsible for the loss or theft of District-issued technology, the District may impose disciplinary sanctions or enforce financial obligations against the student.

Students must exercise reasonable care and good judgment when using technology or engaging in electronic communications. Websites visited or electronic files stored on District devices and networks can be reviewed by administrators. Additionally, students should be aware that all school buildings and school grounds may be monitored with electronic surveillance systems that the District has installed to enhance the safety and security of the school community. Therefore, while the expectation of privacy in school and on school grounds should be limited, none should exist when using the District’s technology. 

Video or audio recordings of students or staff members that are made without permission may violate legitimate privacy interests and can disrupt the educational process. Moreover, students’ names, photos or images, residential addresses, e-mail addresses, phone numbers and locations of students constitute personally identifiable information that cannot be recorded or published without the consent of students and their parents. 

Accordingly, students are prohibited from turning on or using audio/video recording devices or transmitters on school grounds during the school day, on school transportation, and at school events or school-sponsored activities, except in emergency situations or with permission from school staff and with proper parental consent. 

In the event that a student obtains permission from a school staff member to capture or transmit any audio and/or video recording of a curricular or school-sponsored activity where other students or staff members are present, the student must also obtain permission for the recording from every other student and their parents and/or staff members whose voice or image may appear in the recording. 

Parents who wish to permit their children to participate in publicity opportunities must complete and return the Media Release and Permission for Student Publicity form, which is attached at the end of this Handbook. 
 

Policy & Regulation 5500 (Expectations for Pupil Conduct), 5511 (Dress and Grooming), 5512 (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying), 5513 (Care of School Property), 5530 (Substance Abuse), 5533 (Smoking), 5570 (Sportsmanship), 7434 (Smoking on School Grounds), 7435 (Alcoholic Beverages on School Premises), 9162 (Athletic Code of Conduct)

The District recognizes the vital role of parents in the welfare and education of their children and the pivotal part they play in shaping character and values. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure student punctuality, attendance, cleanliness, and properly dressed. 

Students are expected to demonstrate courtesy and respect to all members of the school community, to avoid offensive behaviors, and to stop those behaviors when asked or told to stop. Additionally, they must at all times comply with Federal and State laws, District policies and regulations, and instructions from school authorities. 

Students are required to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Come to school on time every day
• Focus on academics above all else
• Be prepared for class, take pride in your work, and complete all classwork and homework on time
• Be honest and trustworthy and honor your commitments
• Be courteous, kind, and polite
• Be sensitive to the needs and concerns of others
• Be considerate of other people’s differences
• Be careful, cautious, and think before you speak or act
• Be a good sport whether you win or lose
• Respect others and their property
• Respect yourself and stay away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco
• Take responsibility for your own conduct and accept its consequences
• Ask for help when you need it
• Follow school rules and expectations

SEARCHES AND SEIZURES BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS 

Lockers, desks, and other storage areas are owned by the District and are subject to search by school officials at any time and for any reason. Prohibited items will be confiscated and may be reported to the relevant authorities.

To maintain a safe school environment, officials may use metal detectors or wands to screen students and their belongings. Additionally, if there is reasonable suspicion of a student breaking the law or school rules, their person and property may be searched, taking into consideration the student's gender, maturity, the reasons for suspicion, and the nature of the suspected violation.

Cavity searches or strip searches are not permitted by school personnel. A pat-down search may be performed with the assistance of school security personnel. School officials are advised to involve local police if a more intrusive search of a student's person is necessary. Whenever possible, searches should be conducted in private. If a search is to be carried out, the student should be informed of the reasons for the search.

SEXTING 

The taking disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images of photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a CRIME under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the school district; and reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and LIFETIME inclusion on sexual offender registries.

DATING VIOLENCE

All acts or incidents of dating violence at school should be reported to the building principal or their designee, who will investigate the matter per Policy and Regulation 5519. Both the victim and the alleged aggressor will be interviewed and notified in writing of the outcome/determination of the investigation. Each act or incident will be addressed through a range of possible strategies, including remediation, intervention, education, prevention, and disciplinary consequences that are consistent with the Code of Student Conduct. If appropriate, the matter may also be referred to law enforcement.
 

If a student believes that he or she has experienced harassment, intimidation, bullying (including cyberbullying), or hazing or has witnessed another student experience these acts, it is important for the student or parent to notify a teacher, counselor, or administrator as soon as possible. The school will investigate the allegations and will take disciplinary action if necessary. 

Students who engage in acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and hazing will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct. Any retaliation against students who report such incidents is prohibited and will be punished.

The District recognizes that styles of grooming and dress communicate individual preferences and can influence student behavior, thereby enhancing a school’s learning environment. Students are expected to dress appropriately for school – this means being clean and well-groomed in appearance and avoiding styles of dress and grooming that disrupt the school environment or distract other students. Such limitations on a student’s taste and individuality are necessary to achieve the school's educational goals.

Styles that interfere with the school’s educational program and mission of the school will not be tolerated. Clothing or accessories that pose a danger to the health or safety of students, and staff or are harmful to school property are prohibited. Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing and may be required to wear a school uniform. 

Parents/guardians are reminded to monitor their children’s attire before they leave for school to prevent the loss of class time.

• Students are expected to wear school uniforms.
• Hats, hoods, scarves, or other head coverings cannot be worn except for religious or medical purposes. 
• Coats and jackets should be placed in lockers or other designated storage areas during school hours unless instructed otherwise by school officials.
• Platform shoes, flip-flops, slippers, open-back strapless shoes, and shoes with loose or untied laces or straps that pose a safety hazard are not permitted.
• Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or see-through is not permitted. 
• Sagging pants and exposed undergarments or midriffs (belly shirts) are not acceptable. 
• Shorts and skirts must come down to the length of the student’s extended fingertips
• Hanging pocket chains, sunglasses, hats, head rags, handkerchiefs, bandanas, gang paraphernalia, and clothing that displays profanity encourages gang affiliation, violence or the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or has sexual connotations is not permitted. 
• Unless the school has a uniform for physical education classes, students participating in physical education classes are permitted to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt without penalty.
• Athletic footwear (sneakers) must be worn during physical education classes.
• Changing into gym clothing is optional for high school students.  They will not be penalized or prevented from participating in class if their clothing adheres to the acceptable gym clothing apparel.
   

Paterson STEAM High School 2025–2026 Uniform Policy
All students must be in full school uniform each day.  Students must wear:

• Royal blue or gray shirts with the school logo
• Tan khaki pants
• Shoes with laces that fully cover the foot and provide heel support
• IDs must be worn at all times while in school
  • A temporary ID will cost $1.00
  • A replacement ID will cost $5.00
  • Any student who has a misprint on their ID should report to Mrs. Spiliotopoulos in Room 219 or in the ID office, which is across from the student bathrooms, to have it corrected. 

Only school logo sweatshirts are allowed inside the building.

The following items are not permitted:

• Jeans, leggings, joggers, sweatpants, hoodies, coats, or jackets in class
• No black sweaters or hoodies, and no Nike zip-ups in gray, black or combination.
• Slides, flip-flops, open-toe shoes, Crocs or any footwear without full heel support
• Sportswear or apparel from other schools is not permitted. Only approved uniform items may be worn.

Progressive Discipline for Uniform Policy (per Code of Conduct)

Each student will be held responsible for the condition, cleanliness, and contents of their assigned storage space. 

Assigned spaces, including lockers, are the property of the District and may be searched and/or inspected by law enforcement or school authorities at any time and for any reason or no reason. Prohibited items will be confiscated and may be reported to the proper authorities. 

To avoid theft, loss, or damage, and potential disciplinary action or criminal consequences, students should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Keep assigned storage spaces locked at all times
• Do not share combinations, keys, or space with other students
• Avoid storing money, jewelry, or other valuables

Neither the District, nor school, nor staff members will assume any obligation for the possible theft, loss, or damage of stored contents. 

Students, parents, and staff are prohibited from possessing or using alcohol, tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or illicit drugs on school grounds at all times. Any student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be referred for a mandatory drug and alcohol screening.

Policy & Regulation 5550 (Disaffected Pupils), 5560 (Disruptive Pupils),
5600 (Pupil Discipline/Code of Conduct), 5610 (Suspension), and 5620 (Expulsion)

The District aims to foster the health, safety, social, and emotional well-being of all students while supporting civil, safe, secure, supportive, and disciplined school environments that are conducive to learning. Each student will be held responsible for his or her behavior. Unacceptable conduct will be corrected and, at times, disciplinary action may be imposed to prevent or remediate problem behaviors and promote the achievement of high academic standards. 

Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct provides guidelines for school responses to misconduct that take into account, at a minimum, the severity of the offenses, the developmental ages of the student offenders, and students’ histories of inappropriate behaviors. Students will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action for violations of the Code of Conduct that occur on or off school grounds, including on a school bus or at a school-sponsored function. Approved disciplinary sanctions include: 

• Admonishment
• Before/After-School Detention
• Lunch Detention
• Saturday Detention
• Early Dismissal Day Detention
• In-School Suspension
• Out-of-School Suspension
• Expulsion

Where the discipline is greater than an admonishment, the student’s parent will be notified of the offense and of the discipline imposed and will be offered an opportunity to speak with the building Principal. For incidents of misconduct that occur outside of school, disciplinary action may be imposed if it is reasonably necessary for the physical or emotional safety, security, and well-being of the student or for reasons relating to the safety, security, and well-being of other students, staff, or school property. Discipline will be applied without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory disability or by any other distinguishing characteristic.

Infractions and Offenses
Appropriate corrective and/or disciplinary measures will be determined based on the nature and severity of the offense and frequency of infractions. Conduct offenses generally fall into three categories of severity, with Category 3 infractions being subject to mandatory and serious disciplinary action. If a student repeatedly commits a Category 1 offense, the next occurrence may be elevated to a Category 2 offense and will be subject to more severe forms of discipline. Charts of specific offenses and disciplinary sanctions are attached at the end of this Handbook.

Special education students are subject to the same disciplinary procedures as non-classified students and may be disciplined in accordance with their IEP or 504 Plan. Before suspending a classified student for ten (10) days or more, a Manifestation Determination hearing must be held to determine if the offensive conduct was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to the disability, or was the direct result of a failure to implement the student’s IEP or 504 Plan. In addition, the child’s case manager must be notified prior to the imposition of discipline.
 

What are Restorative Practices and Restorative Circles?
Restorative practices provide school administrators an opportunity to provide alternative discipline consequences that vary from traditional actions.  Restorative practices focus on resolving conflict, repairing harm and addressing the social and emotional well-being of the students. It strives to build a sense of community and build healthy relationships to reduce conflict by providing strategies to resolve conflicts. The use of “circles,” conflict-resolution practices that involve all participants may be used as deemed appropriate.  This may include students and parents if deemed necessary.

A restorative circle is a technique that builds and restores relationships through equal opportunity sharing and listening.  These talking circles build the skills individuals need when conflicts arise because they give every individual the opportunity to speak and be heard. Restorative circles are especially beneficial for youth learning how to negotiate conflict, as they help them practice respectful listening and healthy self-expression. 
 
In schools, these circles are often conducted as a response to wrongdoing or conflict as an alternative disciplinary strategy, however, this technique can be equally as effective in providing preventative factors for when future challenges arise. Circles have the power to create and strengthen support systems between peers, and lay the groundwork for a trusting classroom environment. 
 
Building administrators will use restorative circles to address student disciplinary infractions.  They can be used for all discipline categories but will not replace mandated Category III offenses.  These offenses are as follows:

• Possession or use of explosive device
• Possession of a dangerous weapon or firearm
• Substance abuse policy violation
• Sexual assault

Building administrators may include parents or other stakeholders deemed relevant to support the students involved in a restorative circle.  An additional restorative circle can be used to reintegrate students from a disciplinary infraction. 

(Please refer to Board Policy 5461, Commencement Activities)

The Board of Education endorses high school graduation activities and ceremonies. The date of high school graduation shall annually be recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education. 

High school graduation shall not occur before completion of the required one hundred eighty days of pupil instruction. 

Guidelines for Graduation Year Activities 

Pupil participation in special graduation year activities will require conduct of the highest caliber in all school situations. 

The criteria for exclusion from these activities concern consistent behavioral patterns and shall include, but not be limited to: 

1.  Consistent involvement in disciplinary action(s); 
2.  Suspension; and 
3.  Collaborative evaluation by the staff. 

Graduation Procedures and Ceremonies 

No pupil shall be barred from participation in graduation ceremonies for arbitrary or discriminatory reasons.  A pupil and parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who may be prevented from participation shall be so notified in advance, promptly before commencement.

The Superintendent and/or designee will make the final decision regarding who can participate in elementary/high school graduation ceremonies as well as 8th and 12th grade class activities which includes school proms, dances, and trips.

Schools that use a student point system or another process to determine student eligibility to participate in school events must have prior written approval from the superintendent and/or designee before implementing the program.

Policy & Regulation 7440 (Security of School Premises), 8420 (Emergency and Crisis Situations), 9150 (School Visitors), 9320 (Cooperation with Law Enforcement Agencies)

The safety and well-being of all students is important to a successful educational experience. In order to maintain a safe school environment for students, parents, and staff members, the school will cooperate closely with law enforcement and emergency personnel. Any parent who reasonably believes that a student has been or may be abused or neglected must immediately notify a school staff member and call the State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).

Visitors

Parents and others are welcome to visit District schools. For the safety of students and staff, and to avoid disruption of instructional time, all visitors must first report to the Main Office and sign the Visitor’s Book upon entering and exiting the building. 

Visitors are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of courtesy and conduct; disruptive behavior will not be permitted.  Teacher conferences should be scheduled in advance so as not to disrupt classes or disturb the schools’ daily routine. All visitors are required to carry and display a visitor’s pass at all times during their visit.

Building Security Surveillance Systems 

All Paterson Public School properties use a video security surveillance system that is managed by our Director of School Safety. School administrators and our dedicated security staff will actively monitor student behavior and work cooperatively with all stakeholders to create a safe and orderly school environment.  The use of video monitoring devices will be used to monitor school security.  The recording of inappropriate student behavior may be used in the determination of appropriate disciplinary actions.  In some cases, the video recordings may be forwarded to law enforcement agencies when deemed necessary.  All recorded data will be used at the discretion of the Superintendent’s designee. Staff, students, parents, and school administrative personnel are prohibited from viewing and disseminating video footage without written consent of the Superintendent or designee.
 

Student ID Cards 
It is our responsibility to create and maintain a safe and orderly environment for all our stakeholders.  All high school students will be issued school ID cards that must be visible at all times while within their schools.  The cards must contain the following information on the its back:

• The New Jersey Suicide Prevention Hopeline (NJ Hopeline) 855.654.6735 
• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988.

 All students will be responsible to pay for lost and/or damaged ID cards at a cost of $5.00.  

Student Expectations During Safety Drills

• All students are required to follow staff directions promptly and respectfully during fire drills, lockdowns, shelter-in-place, and other emergency preparedness drills.
• Students must remain quiet, orderly, and attentive to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
• Any behavior that disrupts the drill, endangers others, or shows non-compliance with staff instructions will be considered a serious safety violation.

Any behavior that disrupts a drill, endangers others, or demonstrates non-compliance with staff instructions will be considered a serious safety violation. Students will be subject to Category I disciplinary measures for the first offense. Repeated violations may result in Category II outcomes, and continued non-compliance may escalate to
Category III disciplinary measures.

Examples of other types of security drills:

Active shooter;  Evacuation (non- fire);  Bomb threat;  Lockdown;  Shelter-in-place;  Evacuation to relocation site;  Testing of school’s notification system and procedures;  Testing of school’s communication system and procedures;  Tabletop exercise;  Full scale exercise.

Policy & Regulation 5310 (Health Services), 5330 (Administration of Medication),
5331 (Management of Life-Threatening Allergies), 8505 (School Nutrition)

Any student who becomes ill during school hours must obtain a pass from a teacher or administrator and report to the school nurse in the health office. If a student must be sent home due to illness during the school day, the nurse will contact the student’s parent. No student will be permitted to leave without his or her parent. 

Medication

Students who require medication during school hours must inform the school nurse. All medication must be stored at the school nurse’s office and consumed under the supervision of the school nurse unless the student’s parent has submitted a signed written authorization permitting the student to self-administer the medication and a written certification from the student’s doctor identifying the particular medication and stating the student is capable of and has been instructed in proper self-administration of the medication. 

If a student requires epinephrine via epi-pen during school hours, the student’s parent must submit written authorization for the administration of epinephrine by the school nurse and written orders from the student’s doctor stating that the student may require epinephrine and does not have the capability to self-administer.

If a student requires the use of a nebulizer during school hours, the student’s parent must submit a treatment plan prepared by the student’s doctor, which identifies asthma triggers. 

In all cases, a signed authorization from the student’s parent must state that the school and District will not be held liable for any injury that may arise from the student’s self-administration of medication and that the student and student’s parent will hold harmless the District and its employees and agents against any claims arising from self-administration of medication by the student. 

Healthy Eating and Food Allergies

The health and well-being of children can significantly affect academic achievement. For students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being, it is essential that they learn and adopt healthy eating patterns early in life. Students are encouraged to bring only healthy foods to school.

In an effort to protect students who may have dietary restrictions or severe allergies to certain foods or food ingredients, parents and students are prohibited from bringing food or treats to share with the class for holidays and other celebrations.

School Hours for STEAM High School

Breakfast will be served between 7:30 A.M. – 8:10 A.M..

Paterson Public Schools Universal Schedule (at other PPS high schools)

Tardiness 

• 3 Tardy Arrivals = Penalty: Written warning to parents and one (1) forty-minute detention before or after school, or on Saturday.
• 5 Tardy Arrivals = Penalty: Mandatory parental conference with the school principal or classroom teacher and two (2) detentions before or after school, at lunch, or on Saturday.
• 6 or more Tardy Arrivals = Penalty: For each tardy arrival beyond the fifth, one (1) forty-minute detention before or after school, or on Saturday.
• Failure to serve an assigned detention before/after school or at lunch will result in one (1) Saturday detention. Students who are chronically late will be referred for counseling and truancy investigation.

Skipping/Cutting School or Class 

• 1 Class Skipped/Cut = Penalty: 1st written warning to parents and one (1) forty-minute detention before or after school, or a one-hour detention on Saturday.
• 2 Classes Skipped/Cut = Penalty: 2nd written warning to parents and three (3) forty-minute detentions before or after school, or a two-hour detention on
  Saturday.
• 3 Classes Skipped/Cut = Penalty: 3rd written warning to parents and five (5) forty-minute detentions before or after school, or a three-hour detention on Saturday.
• 4 Classes Skipped/Cut = Mandatory parental conference with the school principal and seven (7) forty-minute detentions before or after school, or two Saturday
  detentions. 
• 5 or more Classes Skipped/Cut = Penalty: For each cut beyond the fourth, the consequence is three (3) Saturday detentions, with possible out-of-school suspension and referral to an alternative educational setting.

• A tardy arrival may be treated as a class cut if the student misses more than half the class period. Failure to serve an assigned 40-minute detention will result in one (1) Saturday detention (pending the availability of funds and/or Saturday detention program)

Absenteeism 

• 2 days absent in September = Penalty: After 2 days in September, the school administration will call the parent/legal guardian.
• 5 and 7 absent days = Penalty: The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will receive a telephone call from the attendance office.
• 10 absent days = Penalty: At 10 days of unexcused absences, a student is considered truant by law and there will be a home visit conducted by the attendance office, and the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be scheduled for a mandatory court appearance. Truancy is a disorderly person’s offense that may result in fines at the court’s discretion.
• 15 absent days = Penalty: The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will receive a telephone call from the attendance office.
• 18 absent days = Penalty: A student is considered chronically absent by law. A mandatory attendance meeting with the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be scheduled at the school.
• 20 absent days = Penalty: A student may be retained at grade level per board policy.
• Parents will receive an automated phone call each time student is absent from school. Each unexcused absence is an instance of truancy. Absent students must complete all assignments missed. Principal must send any missed assignments home to students who are absent for a known period of time.

Category I Infraction

• Violation of dress code - Failure to comply with school dress code.
• Failure to report for detention - Absence from detention without a valid, documented excuse.
• Use of obscene or profane language or gestures - Use of language or gestures that are foul, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning.
• Failure to produce school identification card upon request - Failure to produce District-issued student identification card for inspection by a school staff member.
• Noncooperation or defiance - Discourteous, uncivil, or insolent conduct that demonstrates a lack of respect for the authority of teachers or other school staff members.
• Disruptive or disorderly conduct - Willful conduct that creates public inconvenience, hazard, annoyance or alarm.

PENALTIES = Notification of parent/guardian, possible referral to counseling. Possible detention before/after school, at lunch, or on Saturday.

Category II Infraction

• Repeated recurrence of a Category I offense 
• Theft - The unauthorized taking of property that belongs to the District or to another person. 
• Use of profane language or gestures toward staff - Use of foul, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning language or gestures toward school staff.
• Aggressive physical contact - Intentionally hitting, pushing, or shoving a person other than a District employee.
• Unauthorized departure from school or class. - Departure from class, from the school building, from school grounds, or from a school-sponsored activity without the permission of a supervising staff member.
• School bus misconduct - Willful violation of school rules or transportation safety requirements as a passenger.
• Smoking policy violation (including vaping) - Violation of District policies on smoking in school or at off-site school functions. 
• Trespass or unauthorized entry onto school premises - Entry onto school premises or access to a portion of the premises without permission and without authority.
• Sexual harassment - Inappropriate speech or conduct that may constitute sexual harassment. 
• Sexting - The taking disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images of photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, emailing, etc.) may constitute a CRIME under state and/or federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the school district; and reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution, and LIFETIME inclusion on sexual offender registries. 
• Gambling - Wagers of anything of value on games of skill or chance. 
• Prohibited use of electronic device - Use of District-issued or privately owned technology in a manner or for a purpose that would interfere with or inhibit the educational mission of the school.
• Possession of an imitation firearm - Possession of an object or device reasonably capable of being mistaken for a firearm. 
• Harassment, intimidation and or bullying - Any act or communication that is directed at a student based on any distinguishing characteristic and which has the effect of physically or emotionally harming a student or damaging the student's property. 
• Consensual sexual contact between students - Any sexual act that takes place between students on school grounds.

PENALTIES = Immediate notification of parent/guardian, parent/guardian conference with the administrator, possible restitution for damages, possible referral to law enforcement, to counseling, or to HIB Officer. Possible detention before/after school, at lunch, or on Saturday. Possible in school or out-of-school suspension for up to five (5) days, or expulsion.

Category III Infraction

• Repeated recurrence of a Category II offense
• False fire alarm, bomb threat, or tampering with the alarm system - Any act that causes an alarm for fire, bomb, or other hazardous condition to sound where no emergency exists or that causes such alarm to be disabled for any period of time.
• Assault with an imitation firearm or weapon that is not a firearm* - Attack or threatened attack upon a person, other than a District employee, with an object or device reasonably capable of being mistaken for a firearm, or with an object or instrument that is not a firearm but is readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury.
• Substance abuse policy violation^Ŧ - Violation of District policies on drugs or alcohol in school or at off-site school functions. 
• Arson - Intentional or reckless act that causes a fire for a malicious purpose on school grounds. 
• Extortion/Robbery - The use of force or threatened force to obtain a thing of value from another person. 
• Vandalism - An act of defacement that causes damage to the property of the District or of another person.
• Assault of a District employee* - Attempted, threatened or willful act for the purpose of causing bodily injury to a person who is employed by the District. 
• Assault of a person other than a District employee. - Attempted, threatened or willful act for the purpose of causing bodily injury to a person who is not a District employee. 
• Possession or use of explosive device* - Possession, transfer, or detonation of any explosive device on school grounds.
• Academic dishonesty - Cheating, plagiarism or other use of another’s academic work without proper source citation. 
• Forgery or fraud - Falsification of documents or of an adult’s signature on a school document 
• Sexual assault - The use of force, threatened force, or intimidation to coerce a sexual act.

PENALTIES = Immediate notification of parent/guardian, parent/guardian conference with the administrator, possible restitution for damages, possible referral to law enforcement or DCPP, to HIB Officer, to counseling, or to Child Study Team. Possible detention before/after school, at lunch, or on Saturday. Possible elimination of after-school activities. Possible expulsion. Possible in school or out-of-school suspension for up to ten (10) days. Referral to attend the district off-site out of school suspension center for up to 10 days.

Ŧ Mandatory referral for immediate medical examination in accordance with Policy 5530.
* Mandatory immediate removal from school and placement in an Interim Alternative Education Setting pending a formal disciplinary hearing within ten (10) days.