The Rochester City School District Attendance Policy requires students to maintain a minimum level of attendance in each class, each marking period, to be eligible for a passing grade. The minimum level of attendance will be increased each year through 2003-2004 and is as follows:

2001-2002: 87% (157 days)

2002-2003 90% (162 days)

2003-2004 93% (167 days)

School begins at 7:30 AM and students are dismissed at 2:05 PM (1:15 PM on Wednesdays).

• Work to the best of their own ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits and strive toward their highest personal level of achievement.
• Attend school every day unless they are legally excused and be in class, on time, and prepared to learn.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe and orderly school environment that is conducive to learning and to show respect to other persons and to property.
• React to direction given by teachers, administrators and other school personnel in a respectful, positive manner.
• Be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules and regulations dealing with student conduct.
• Work to develop mechanisms to control their anger.
• Ask questions when they do not understand.
• Seek help in solving problems that might lead to discipline.
• Dress appropriately for school and school functions.
• Accept responsibility for their actions.
• Report to school officials any information, which may help to prevent danger or injury to others in the school community.
• Conduct themselves as representatives of the district when participating in or attending school functions and to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct, demeanor, and sportsmanship.

• Recognize that the education of their child(ren) is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.
• Send their children to school ready to participate and learn. The expectation is that each student should be well nourished, well rested and given the safest and most supportive living environment that the parent or guardian can provide.
• Provide a place for study and a regular time for study; and ensure homework assignments are completed and understood by the student.
• Ensure their children attend school regularly and on time; and that necessary absences are excused.
• Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.
• Help their children understand that in a democratic society appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
• Know school rules and help their children understand them.
• Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the district and its administrators and teachers.
• Build good relationships with teachers, other parents and their children's friends.
• Help their children deal effectively with peer pressure.
• Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.

Teachers, Teachers' Assistants & Paraprofessionals
All district teachers, assistants and paraprofessionals are expected to:

• Maintain a climate of mutual respect and dignity, which will strengthen students' self-concept and promote confidence to learn.
• Be prepared to teach, or to assist the teacher.
• Demonstrate interest in teaching and concern for student achievement.
• Know District policies and rules, and enforce them in a fair and consistent manner.
• Communicate to students and parents: (a) course objectives and requirements, (b) marking/grading procedures, (c) assignment deadlines, (d) expectations for students, (e) classroom discipline plan.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents and other teachers concerning growth and achievement.

Principals, Vice Principals And Administrators

• Promote a safe, orderly and stimulating school environment supporting active teaching and learning.
• Ensure that students, parents and staff have the opportunity to communicate regularly with the Principal and approach the Principal for redress of grievances.
• Evaluate on a regular basis all instructional programs.
• Support the development of and student participation in appropriate extracurricular activities.
• Be responsible for enforcing the code of conduct and ensuring that all cases are resolved promptly and fairly. To that end, the District will sponsor a variety of staff in-service activities.

All aspects of a student's appearance (including hairstyle, hair color, jewelry, make-up, and nails) should be safe, appropriate, and not disrupt or interfere with the educational process.

The following are not appropriate on school property:

• Stocking caps, "doo rages," and bandanas
• Hats (except for medical or religious purposes)
• Revealing clothing such as men's "muscle shirts," women's tube tops, net tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, plunging necklines, and see-through clothing.
• Clothing that exposes a student's navel, buttocks, bare chest, or cleavage.
• Clothing that includes items that are vulgar, obscene, or disrespectful of others.
• Clothing that promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs or that encourages illegal or violent activities.

Underwear should be completely covered with outer clothing, and pants should be held up with a belt of appropriate size for the students waist.