GBEB-STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS/STAFF-STUDENT RELATIONS
File: GBEB
STAFF CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS/STAFF-STUDENT RELATIONS
The relationship between the MSAD #11 staff and students must be one of cooperation, understanding and mutual respect. Staff members have a responsibility to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and to motivate each student to perform to his/her capacity.
Staff members should strive to secure individual and group discipline, and should be treated with respect by students at all times. By the same token, staff members should extend to students the same respect and courtesy that they, as staff members, have a right to demand.
Although it is desired that staff members have a sincere interest in students as individuals, partiality and the appearance of impropriety must be avoided. Excessive informal and/or social involvement with individual students is prohibited. Such conduct is not compatible with professional ethics and, as such, will not be tolerated.
Staff members are expected to use good judgment in their relationships with students both inside and outside the school context including, but not limited to, the following guidelines.
A. Staff members shall not make derogatory comments to students regarding the school and/or its staff.
B. The exchange of purchased gifts between staff members and students is discouraged.
C. Staff-sponsored parties at which students are in attendance are prohibited unless they are a part of the school's extracurricular program and are properly supervised.
D. Staff members shall not associate with students at any time in any situation or activity which could be considered sexually suggestive or involve the presence or use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.
E. Dating between staff members and students is prohibited.
F. Staff members shall not use insults or sarcasm against students as a method of forcing compliance with requirements or expectations.
G. Students shall be supervised at all times during the school day.
H. Staff members shall not send students on personal errands.
I. Staff members shall, pursuant to law and MSAD #11 Board policy, immediately report any suspected signs of child abuse or neglect.
J. Staff members shall not attempt to counsel, assess, diagnose, or treat a student's personal problem relating to sexual behavior, substance abuse, mental or physical health, and/or family relationships but, instead, should refer the student to the appropriate individual or agency for assistance, e.g., guidance counselors, social workers, and/or nurses.
K. Staff members shall not disclose information concerning a student, other than directory information, to any person not authorized to receive such information. This includes but is not limited to information concerning assessments, ability scores, grades, behavior, mental or physical health, and/or family background.
L. Transporting a student(s) for other than school related events requires the pre-approval of the school principal or assistant principal.
Staff members are encouraged to discuss issues with their building principal or supervisor when they are unsure whether particular conduct may constitute a violation of this policy.
Students and/or parents are encouraged and staff members are required to notify the principal if they believe a staff member may be engaging in conduct that violates this policy.
Staff violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Violations including sexual or other abuse will be referred to the Department of Human Services and/or law enforcement authorities in accordance with MSAD #11 Board policy JLF.
Cross Reference: ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students
JLF - Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
JRA - Student Educational Records
Adopted: March 5, 2004
Revised: February 1, 2007