Board adopts updated code of character, culture and conduct; district sets cell-phone storage and enforcement framework under new state law

Port Washington — After a public hearing and extended discussion on Aug. 5, the Fort Washington Board of Education voted 4–0 to adopt revisions to the district’s Code of Character, Culture and Conduct (policy 51-44) and to revise policy 56-95 (student and personnel personal electronic devices) to align with New York Education Law 2803’s bell-to-bell requirements. The code changes refocus the dress-code section on “fairness, inclusion and dignity” and move enforcement language toward education rather than punishment. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Baer described the revised dress-code language as emphasizing “clarity, dignity, and consistency” and said the committee that drafted the revisions sought to avoid body shaming and to protect identity-related expression while banning attire that promotes hate or discrimination. On…