Policy Statement

The Gorham School Committee is committed to maintaining a supportive and orderly school environment in which students may receive and staff may deliver a quality education without disruption or interference and in which students may develop as ethical, responsible and involved citizens.

The School Committee believes that each member of the school community should take responsibility for his/her own behavior. To that end, the School Committee recognizes the need to model and teach ethical and responsible behavior, to define unacceptable student conduct and its consequences, and ensure that discipline is administered appropriately.

Having considered the input of staff, parents, students, and the community, the School Committee adopts this Code of Conduct (“Code”).

Community Core Values

With rights come responsibilities. Members of the school community are expected to demonstrate ethical and responsible behavior consistent with its core values. Such conduct is fundamental to a supportive, safe, and orderly school environment and a civil society.
The Gorham School Committee has established five core values.

Respect - A person who is respectful of oneself, others and the environment

• Does Not…
  Verbally abuse self or others.
  Physically abuse self or others.
  Cause damage to property.

• Does…
  Demonstrate polite and appropriate interactions with others.
  Value themselves and others.
  Care for surroundings.

Honesty - A person who is honest in all endeavors

• Does Not…
  Plagiarize the work of others.
  Engage in deceptive, blaming or accept ownership and sneaky behavior.
  Take the property of others.

• Does…
  Seek to tell the truth.
  responsibility for actions and work.
  Maintain trust in all relationships.

Courage - A person who is courageous in the face of ethical challenges

• Does Not…
  Submit to peer pressure.
  Avoid challenges.
  Sacrifice aspirations when confronted by setbacks.

• Does…
  Stand up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular.
  Take appropriate risks.
  Seek advice when making difficult decisions.

Compassion - A person who is compassionate

1. Does Not…
   Ignore another’s pain, suffering or needs.
   Hurt others’ feelings.
   Take advantage of others.

• Does…
  Show empathy by being sensitive to the perspectives, needs and feelings of others.
  Care about others and help them.
  Reach out to those in need.

Responsibility - A person who is responsible as an individual and as a member of a community

• Does Not…
  Project blame on others.
  Exploit others.
  Ignore assumed duties or neglect obligations.

• Does…
  Demonstrate accountability for personal behavior.
  Take initiative to do the things that are expected.
  Follow through with commitments.