Student Rights & Responsibilites
- Discipline Guidelines
Student Rights & Responsibilites
Statements of rights and responsibilities of students are summaries of broad principles. More specific details of the application of these principles in the practices and procedures of OSSD schools can be found throughout the handbook. These principles are meant to guide students toward finding more and greater opportunities to serve themselves and society. Notice that for every right that is listed, a corresponding responsibility is also listed.
Rights cannot exist for all without responsible behavior by every student.
Respect for Persons and Property
The student has the right to be respected by his/her peers and school personnel. The student must show respect to his/her peers and school personnel.
The student has the right to personal property, within school rules, that does not interfere with the educational process. The student has the responsibility of knowing school rules and of gaining school approval for possession of other properties.
The student has the right to the protection of property, as set forth in the laws of the State of Mississippi. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the parent or proper authority of the damage.
The student has the right of access to the appropriate use of public school properties to develop educational skills and knowledge. The student has an obligation to respect and protect public property and individual property. See OSSD BOT Policy JCBD - Vandalism/Destruction of Property.
Knowledge and Observation of Rules and Conduct
The student has the right to be made aware of rules of conduct relating to school and school activities. The student has the responsibility to abide by rules of conduct as prescribed by OSSD BOT Policy JCA - Student Conduct and school procedures.
The student has the right to know that corrective disciplinary action will be administered when rules are broken. The student has the responsibility to accept corrective disciplinary action as a means of helping him/her improve behavioral patterns.
The Right to Learn
The student has the right to a school atmosphere conducive to learning. The student has the responsibility to help maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Free Speech and Student Publications
The student has the right to refrain from any activity which violates the precepts of their religion. The student has the responsibility to respect the rights of the religious beliefs of others. See OSSD BOT Policy IGAA - Student Religious Liberties.
The student has the right to form and express their own opinion on issues without jeopardizing their relations with their teacher or school. The student has the responsibility to make efforts to become informed and knowledgeable about issues and express their opinion in a manner that is suitable for the forum in which the discussion is taking place.
The student has the right to discuss issues related to the school environment. The student has the responsibility to respect the decision rendered after discussion.
The student has the right to express themselves through the use of school publications. The student has the responsibility to respect the rights of others. Also, they may seek consent and approval from teachers, advisors, and school administration and must observe the normal rules of responsible journalism.
The student has the right to conference with teachers, counselors and administrative staff concerning personal or school-related problems. The student has the responsibility to request a personal conference.
The Right to Privacy
The student has the right to private consultation with teachers, counselors, and school administrators concerning matters of a personal nature. The student has the responsibility to respect the discretion and judgment of the teacher, counselor, or administrators in a situation that may involve a violation of a federal, state, or local law. If a situation should occur regarding a violation of the law on school property, then the principal should be notified and parent involvement should be accomplished as soon as possible.
The Right to Participate in School Programs and Activities
The student has the right to participate as a spectator. The responsibility of the student is to participate in school activities, not only in attendance but to show good sportsmanship along with good behavior and respect for the rights of others as well as for personal and public property.
The student has the right to participate in school programs and activities. The student has the responsibility to develop to his/her fullest potential and to promote the activities of the school by participating in school activities at maximum performance levels and to abide by sponsor, school, and county regulations while participating in in-county or out-of-county activities.
The Right to a Safe Learning Environment
The student has a right to a safe learning environment. In order to make this a priority, OSSD has taken numerous steps to ensure the safety of the students and staff members while on campus. Recent years have seen the creation of a district police force, increased security checkpoints, secured lobbies, a visitor management system, student badges, additional training and drills, and a more significant emphasis on school safety. The student is responsible for wearing their ID badge (grades 7-12), not opening doors for individuals without a badge, not leaving doors propped open, driving safely on campuses, and reporting any suspicious behavior or bullying.
- AEC
- K-3
- OSHS
- OSMS
- OSUE