Student organizations contributing to learning shall be encouraged. Such organizations shall operate within the framework of the law, Board policy, administrative rules, and the parameters of the learning program. When such organizations are truly contribute, their establishment and operation shall be facilitated in reasonable ways by district staff and through utilization of district resources. 

The Superintendent shall develop general guidelines for student organizations. Among other provisions, such guidelines will require the assignment of at least one faculty advisor to each student organization and the approval by the Board of Education of any student organization. 

This policy applies to in-school organizations only. It is not intended to restrict the organization of students into groups which function apart from the school district. 

Student Government 

In order to encourage student participation in the various activities of school life and to provide opportunity for training in democratic processes, the elementary and secondary schools shall maintain and operate student councils. 

Student government shall be of the students, by the students, for the students, representing all students in the school in communications with the administration and in the organizations of student activities. 

The student council shall assist in improving the general welfare of all students and shall give students the opportunity to participate in the orderly workings of the democratic process. 

Members of the student council shall be elected democratically. The rights and responsibilities of the council shall be clearly set forth. Faculty advisors for student council will be recommended for appointment by the administration. 

The student council shall not have authority to make policies for the district or regulations for the school. Nor shall they have any disciplinary authority, except for recommending removal from the council of one of their members unless a duly authorized student court system is established and properly monitored by a faculty advisor. However, a council may make recommendations to the administration on any topic of student concern. 

The administration and student council shall keep channels of communication open, not only between themselves, but between all students, the council, and the Board of Education. 

Non-School Organizations 

All organizations not specifically authorized and organized by the school are considered to be non-school organizations and beyond the jurisdiction and responsibility of school authorities. 

However, should these groups conduct activities on school property, at school-sponsored activities or as a carry-over into the school day or reflect on the reputation of the school, the Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures concerning disciplinary action to be taken. 

Activities which are contrary to the best interests of the school and reflect on the reputation of the school are forbidden, including: 

1. initiation and hazing on the school grounds or at school-sponsored events.
2. indulging in group functions that violate federal, state or city laws or county ordinances.

 

Policy adopted:  April 11, 2000

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden, Connecticut