Massapequa officials outline proposed update to student code of conduct to address new recording devices

District administrators presented a review of the Massapequa Union Free School District’s code of conduct during the board meeting, recommending a single substantive change to clarify prohibited student conduct involving modern recording devices.

The presentation described the code’s two organizing principles — progressive discipline and a whole‑child approach — and said the recommended revision to student prohibited conduct (listed in the district’s code as "5,300.25" in the presentation) would add “flip devices, meta glasses, and Apple watches, and other recording tools” to the list of electronic devices principals may prohibit when they are used to engage in disruptive conduct. The proposal grew out of discussions with building principals, assistant principals and deans, administrators said.

Administrators framed the code as a mechanism to promote positive student behavior, not only as a list of sanctions. The presenter said the district will continue multi‑step communications to families, offer opportunities for students and parents to review the updated code, and use a team approach that involves Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) in tailoring responses to individual students. The presentation also described monthly behavioral threat assessment and management team meetings and said the district will add full‑time district social workers at the elementary level.

During board discussion trustees praised the presentation’s focus on prevention, social‑emotional learning and supports for positive decision making. No formal vote or change to the code was taken at the meeting; the board discussed the recommendation and invited public questions but none were raised during that portion of the meeting.

Administrators said they will continue to refine communication plans and implementation steps with principals and PPS before bringing any final revision to the board for approval.