Chancellor’s Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning

September 2023

Dear Families,

The NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) is committed to ensuring safe, supportive, and inclusive environments in all schools. We successfully foster these environments by providing professional learning for teachers and school staff on how to support students who may be experiencing challenges during or outside of the school day and by engaging families as partners in our school communities.

Driven by our Four Pillars for Building Trust in NYC Public Schools (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/FourPillars), we know that schools need to prioritize wellness and its link to student success, as well as be culturally responsive spaces where all children are affirmed and where all families are engaged as true partners. Our school communities are working diligently to support the social-emotional, mental, and physical health and safety of our students.

We ask that you, along with your child, review the Chancellor’s Citywide Behavioral Expectations to Support Student Learning (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode), which includes the Discipline Code and outlines the K–12 Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities (https://www.schools.nyc.gov/StudentRights), protections for students with disabilities, and expectations for student behavior. The Discipline Code outlines how school staff will address behavioral issues with a focus on restorative approaches.

Please discuss these behavioral expectations with your child. The Discipline Code applies to all students—and
includes both supports and interventions, as well as disciplinary responses. Please note that the 2019–20 Discipline Code remains in effect for the 2023–24 school year. The full Discipline Code is available in all NYCDOE-supported languages at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/DCode and can be provided by your school in paper copy, upon request.

We thank you in advance for reviewing the Discipline Code and for your partnership in contributing to a supportive, safe, and inclusive school climate. Thank you for making our school community better, stronger, and safer for all children. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s principal. 

 

Best wishes for the upcoming school year!

 

Best regards,
Dr. Jawana Johnson
Chief of School Climate, Culture, and Well-Being
New York City Department of Education