FREEDOM OF INFORMATION POLICY

 

IMLCS is subject to the NYS Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which allows third parties to request certain information from the school. The school has a FOIL policy, which is posted in the office and is followed when information is requested in writing from third parties pursuant to FOIL. According to the policy, the school will respond to the requests within five business days, by making the information available; providing an approximate date for when the information will be available; or denying the request. If a written FOIL request is denied the individual may, within 30 days, make a written appeal to the IMLCS Board of Directors. The school will forward a copy of the appeal and the ultimate determination by the Board to the New York State Department of Education.

 

Please note that IMLCS will deny access to requested information on grounds including the following:

• such access would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

• such access would violate either state or federal law.

• such records are compiled for law enforcement purposes.

• such records are inter-agency or intra-agency material which is not statistical or factual tabulation of data instructions to staff that affect the public, or a final policy.​

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Student Code of Conduct

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IMLCS Leaders have a right to exceptional education, one that requires a purposeful school climate and a safe and supportive community. IMLCS has developed a Code of Conduct to define behaviors that promote a productive learning environment. The Code is designed to help Leaders understand and accept responsibility for their behavior and actions, and teach them to cultivate a serious academic environment. The Principal reserves the right to modify any policy at any time. 

 

The IMLCS Code of Conduct contains specific rules and regulations relating to the Leader's behavior and discipline. Parents, guardians, and caregivers must review all school rules with their children and emphasize the importance of the rules for building a safe and positive school environment. Leaders are expected to adhere to the school's Code of Conduct, but they are also expected to report others who violate the Code. In particular, Leaders must report threats, possible fights, and other dangerous situations as soon as possible to a teacher or administrator. 

 

It is the responsibility of both parents and staff to teach leaders appropriate behavior for a learning environment. IMLCS promotes a positive behavior management program. Teachers seek to teach and reinforce the positive behaviors of individuals and groups. Emphasis is placed on praising and encouraging positive, appropriate, behaviors instead of reprimanding Leaders. Behavior management systems may change according to class culture and Leader's grade level. Each teacher will have specific classroom expectations and policies for dealing with behavioral problems, which will be communicated at the beginning of the year. When behavioral issues arise, teachers assess the problem and clearly communicate the school's expectations and consequences for the Leader's behavior.

 

 The Code of Conduct is found on starting at page 25 in the IMLCS Parent-Student     Handbook​

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DASA Policy (The Dignity for All Students Act) 

 

New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (The Dignity Act) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at any school function.

 

The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2012. Amendments to the act are effective as of July 1, 2013 and are noted below under ***DIGNITY ACT NEWS***.

 

The original legislation amended State Education Law by creating a new Article 2 – Dignity for All Students. The Dignity Act also amended Section 801-a of New York State Education Law regarding instruction in civility, citizenship, and character education by expanding the 

concepts of tolerance, respect for others and dignity to include: an awareness and sensitivity in the relations of people, including but not limited to, different races, weights, national origins, ethnic groups, religions, religious practices, mental or physical abilities, sexual orientations, gender identity, and sexes. The Dignity Act further amended Section 2801 of the Education Law by requiring Boards of Education to include language addressing The Dignity Act in their codes of conduct.

 

Additionally, under the Dignity Act, schools will be responsible for collecting and reporting data regarding material incidents of discrimination, harassment, and bullying.