Student Rights & Responsibilities
Each student at NACS has the opportunity to use the school as a means for self-improvement and individual and character growth. In so doing, he or she is expected to conduct his affairs in such a way as to assure other students the same opportunities. Of equal importance is the right of school authorities to prescribe and control student conduct consistent with fundamental safeguards and the mission of the school.
The rights and responsibilities of students include the following:
Students may freely express their points of view during school hours in the context of the academic subject matter at hand, or during non-instructional time, provided they do not seek to coerce others to join in their mode of expression and provided that they do not otherwise intrude upon the rights of others.
Restrictions on a student’s personal appearance will be in alignment with the dress code. Student dress or appearance may be restricted due to interference with classroom work or the creation of classroom or school disorder. Participation in voluntary activities may necessitate specific requirements for approved grooming and dress due to the nature of the activity.
Students are allowed to present petitions to the administration. Collecting of signatures on petitions is limited to before and after school hours. No student will be subjected to disciplinary measures of any nature for circulating or signing an acceptable petition addressed to the administration. All acceptable petitions must be free of obscenities, libelous statements, personal attacks, advocation of disruption to the academic program, and potential safety threats to the school. The administration reserves the right to immediately prohibit the distribution and collection of signatures on petitions, which, in the sole judgment of the administration, violate this policy.
With regard to charges made against students for violation of school rules or policies, students have a right to: (i) know what rules are; (ii) be notified of charges (iii) appeal a decision about the charges to a higher level; and (iv) have the charges or penalties removed from their records if their innocence or non-involvement is demonstrated by the evidence.
Homework and Class Work Expectations
Homework is a fundamental part of our general academic program. It prepares students for high school and college and for entry into the working world upon graduation. It also helps develop a strong work ethic and personal organizational skills. Homework’s immediate educational purpose is:
- to reinforce skills and concepts learned in class
- to develop study skills and habits
- to practice skills and knowledge in ways that are not readily accomplished in the classroom
- to inform parents of what is being taught in the classroom
The expected homework time allotment for each grade is as follows:
| Kindergarten |
10 minutes plus family reading time |
| Grade 1 |
10 minutes plus family reading time |
| Grade 2 |
20 minutes plus reading time |
| Grade 3 |
30 minutes plus reading time |
| Grade 4 |
40 minutes plus reading time |
| Grade 5 |
50 minutes plus reading time |
Homework is an essential part of education. Students at all grade levels will have assignments to work on and complete on a daily basis. Parents should be supportive of this policy by providing a suitable, quiet place to work, free from intrusion by other family members and the various media.
Homework should be an opportunity for practice or for acquisition of background material. Parent participation is encouraged, but parents are not expected to “teach” material to students. All assignments must be turned in on time.
