Hope Hall believes all teachers and students should be treated with dignity and respect.  It is the policy of the school to stop any behavior that harasses others and discipline any person found guilty of such behavior. Discipline may include in-school suspension, out of school suspension, or expulsion from the school. Further discipline may involve outside government agencies if needed.

The Board of Trustees, the principal, teachers and students work together to create a safe supportive environment. The teachers and students strive to respect the rights of all members of the school.

Definition of harassment in school:

Harassment is words or actions, which hurt, or embarrass another person.

1. Harassment is discrimination, treating people differently.
2. At Hope Hall we believe in fairness and respect for all.

Harassment includes:

1. Touching or talking to someone in an unwanted way.
2. Causing someone to feel hurt or offended.
3. Making it difficult for someone to do their work.
4. Repeatedly teasing or “kidding around” that is hurtful to one’s feelings
5. Speaking or behaving violently.

Harassment may include:

1. Verbal abuse. Demands or Threats. Repeatedly spreading rumors
2. Interference with another person’s learning.
3. Offensive pictures, photos, illustrations, messages or notes.
4. Cornering a person, pulling clothes

No part of one person’s body may touch another person’s body in any way that is hurtful.

Teaching and Training:

We will be giving ongoing training to students and faculty about the meaning of this policy. The school community will understand how to show respect and dignity to one another every day. We need your help and support to carry out this policy.

Guidelines for Visiting:

Parents, Guardians, Grandparents are always welcome. There are some important things to remember when coming to our school.

1. Sign In: Always come to the Main Office and sign in
2. Pick Up: If you are coming to pick up a child, please sign in and wait by the table in the front hall. We will page the child to come to the front office. This helps us to follow New York State Guidelines.
3. End of Day: Please remember that the time between 3:05 and 3:20pm is the most unsettled time of the day for our students. Do not go to their classrooms, as this disrupts the students. They are busy packing book bags and cleaning the room. Each teacher needs to give the students undivided attention and cannot take focus off the students to speak to you.
4. Speak to Teacher: If you need to speak to a teacher about a problem or concern, make an appointment. You both deserve the undivided attention that can appointment would allow.
5. Plan Ahead: You are welcome to visit a classroom. Please let the teacher know you are coming. The teacher can:

• Prepare the students; many students have attention difficulty and any change becomes a distracter unless they have preparation.
• Be sure there is a chair for you.
• Copy materials for you so you can enter into the work.