Student & Parent Code of Conduct

Purpose

The SGGM Sunday Vedic School is a place for spiritual learning, character development, and cultural education. To provide a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment for all students, parents and students must agree to the following expectations.

1. Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Attend classes prepared to learn and participate.
• Show respect to teachers, volunteers, temple staff, and fellow students.
• Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
• Follow classroom instructions promptly.
• Treat temple property, classroom materials, and facilities with care.
• Participate in lessons, discussions, and activities respectfully.
• Maintain respectful behavior within the temple and school facilities, including during darshan, kirtan, prasadam, and other devotional activities.
• Remain in designated classroom and activity areas unless authorized by a teacher, volunteer, or parent/guardian.

2. Mobile Device and Technology Policy

To maintain a focused learning environment:

• Mobile phones, smart watches, tablets, and other personal electronic devices should remain silenced and put away during class sessions unless specifically authorized by the teacher for educational purposes.
• Students may not use devices during class for social media, video streaming, gaming, messaging, or other non-educational activities.
• Recording, photographing, or live-streaming students, teachers, volunteers, or classroom activities without prior authorization from school administration is prohibited.
• Parents who need to reach their child during class should contact school administration or designated volunteers rather than communicating directly with students during instructional time.

If a student is observed using a device inappropriately during class:

• The teacher may issue a verbal reminder.
• The teacher may request that the device be put away immediately.
• Repeated violations may result in parent notification.
• Continued or serious violations may result in additional disciplinary action as outlined in this policy.

3. Respect for Teachers and Volunteers

Teachers and volunteers donate significant time and effort to serve the community.

Students are expected to:

• Listen respectfully when corrected or guided.
• Refrain from arguing, disrespectful responses, or disruptive behavior.
• Follow classroom rules established by the teacher.
• Show appreciation and respect for volunteers, teachers, and guest speakers.

Parents are expected to:

• Support teachers and volunteers in maintaining a positive learning environment.
• Address concerns respectfully through appropriate communication channels.
• Encourage children to follow classroom expectations.
• Partner with teachers and administrators in resolving behavioral concerns when they arise.

4. Parent Responsibilities

Parents or guardians agree to:

• Ensure students arrive on time and are picked up promptly.
• Provide accurate emergency contact information and promptly notify the school of any changes.
• Inform school administrators of any special needs, allergies, medical concerns, or behavioral considerations that may affect participation.
• Reinforce classroom expectations and respectful behavior at home.
• Respond promptly to communications regarding student behavior, attendance, or participation.
• Ensure students understand and follow the school's technology and conduct policies.

5. Student Pickup and Safety

• Students may not leave the classroom, building, or temple premises without the knowledge of their teacher and parent/guardian.
• Parents or designated guardians are responsible for timely pickup of students following class dismissal.
• Teachers and volunteers may not release a student to an unauthorized individual.

6. Disruptive Behavior

Behavior that significantly interferes with instruction, learning, safety, or the spiritual atmosphere of the program may result in:

• Parent notification.
• Meeting with school administrators.
• Temporary removal from classroom activities.
• Temporary suspension from the Vedic School program.
• Removal from the Vedic School program when necessary to protect the learning environment, safety, and well-being of all participants.

SGGM reserves the right to make final decisions regarding student participation in the program.

7. Commitment

By registering for the SGGM Sunday Vedic School, both the parent/guardian and student acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to follow this Code of Conduct. Together we can create a respectful, spiritually uplifting, safe, and distraction-free environment where every child can learn, grow, and develop strong spiritual values.