The purpose of the NHPS Code of Conduct adopted on February 8, 2021 is to provide school personnel, students, parents and guardians with a consistent framework of expected behaviors and responses to behaviors that are harmful or negatively affects others’ ability to learn. The Code is designed to ensure that:

1.  Behavioral expectations are fair, age appropriate and consistent across all schools.

2.  Behavioral expectations protect and support the educational process and every student’s right to an education.

3.  All students understand the behaviors expected of them.

4.  All students understand what will happen if they engage in behaviors that harm others and/or disrupt the learning environment.

This Code of Conduct applies to EVERY student under the jurisdiction of the New Haven Board of Education. It is in effect on all school properties and wherever school personnel have responsibility for students. It also applies to all students when they travel to and from school.

The Code reflects a restorative approach to supporting cooperative and productive behaviors in our school communities. Restorative Practices “are processes that proactively build healthy relationships and a sense of community to prevent and address conflict and wrong doing.” Therefore, a restorative approach is meant to restore balance, improve or build relationships, and promote cooperation between community members. It is most effective when used proactively to prevent conflict and harm, rather than solely as a response to events.

Cooperation and attention to the needs of parents, guardians, family members, school personnel, and students are necessary to achieve a school climate that enables learning. With guidance and assistance from the Board of Education staff, all schools will develop a whole school restorative practices plan to promote a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, teachers, and staff. The plan will include restorative practices and a positive behavior support system which develop mutual respect, promote constructive restorative conflict resolution skills, encourage good behavior and have fair, reasonable, and restorative consequences for inappropriate behavior.  Other school staff, School Resource Officers, bus drivers, cafeteria, clerical, administrative, and custodial staff are important contributors to the school and school transportation environment. In their interactions with students, school staff should contribute to promoting a safe, supportive learning environment using restorative practices.