Section 7: Code of Conduct & Other Policies The life and work of an Avon student is based on integrity, responsibility, and consideration. In all dealings with others, every student is expected to be sensitive, honest, and respectful of others’ rights. He should appreciate the diversity of our community, which provides the opportunity for learning, moral growth, and character development. The School’s philosophy in approaching behavior that falls short of these values is to preserve a caring community where issues and misbehavior can be handled at the lowest possible level through conversations and positive behavior modeling. Even with this approach, however, students may engage in conduct that requires a more formal response from the School that holds a student accountable for his actions. All students are expected to maintain an appropriate level of conduct consistent with school rules and values at all times while a student at Avon Old Farms. Students who violate our expectations, including the rules listed in this section, will be held accountable for their actions in accordance with the guidance set forth in the handbook and may jeopardize their position at the School. The School also reserves the right to not re-enroll a student if his behavior demonstrates an inability to meet the School’s expectations. Each student represents Avon Old Farms; therefore, behavior off-campus and online is considered as important as behavior on campus or while school is in session. Students may be disciplined for any conduct, whether it occurs on or off-campus, while school is in session or during breaks, if the misconduct violates our rules and expectations, bring discredit to or negatively affects the School’s reputation, is inconsistent with the School’s mission, is illegal or is otherwise disruptive or harmful to the welfare of the School or our community. Examples of off-campus conduct that might subject a student to discipline include negative contact with law enforcement, inappropriate social media activity, threats to harm self or others, or any illegal conduct. It is important for students to understand and respect the health and safety protocols of the School. If necessary, policies will be designed in response to COVID-19 and each student will be required to comply with these health and safety protocols. Students who do not comply will be subject to discipline, such as Saturday Night Study Halls or Sunday Work Crews. In more serious cases, or if a student willfully or repeatedly fails to comply with these standards, he will be required to leave campus and continue his studies remotely without any reduction in tuition. Avon’s health and safety protocols relating to COVID-19 are located in Section 9 of this handbook and may be modified, revised, or updated during the school year.
I. Level 1 and Level 2 Violations
Though this handbook contains a variety of rules and expectations, violation of the rules outlined in this section represents more significant misconduct that will subject a student to the School’s formal discipline process. Rule violations are generally divided into two categories based on the severity of the misconduct: Level 1 violations are considered major violations and will usually require the student to appear before the Discipline Committee with the potential for dismissal. Level 2 violations are considered a lesser violation and are usually handled solely through the Deans of Students Office, without the need for a Discipline Committee hearing and will generally result in a Dean’s Review. When a student is disciplined for a Level 1 or Level 2 violation, a letter of misconduct will be placed in the student’s record. 24
