Morris School District
MORRIS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Morristown, New Jersey 07960

Policy
File Code: 6145.5
Monitored:
Mandated:
Other Reasons
ORGANIZATIONS: ASSOCIATIONS

Student self-government and service organizations sponsored by the school have an important place in the educational program because, when properly organized and operated, they:
  1. Extend and reinforce the instructional program;

  2. Give pupils practice in democratic self-government;

  3. Build pupil morale and a spirit of positive support for the school

  4. Honor outstanding pupil achievement

  5. Provide wholesome social and recreational activities.
As the needs and interests of the student body demand, the number and variety of clubs may changes from year to year.

To guide the certified staff and pupils in organizations, the Board of Education sets forth the following policy guide:

Self-government Activities

Self-government associations appropriate to the maturity of the pupils involved may be formed.

The board shall appoint a qualified member of the faculty to serve as adviser to student government activities.

The Superintendent shall establish rules and regulations to implement this policy which:
  1. Invite pupil participation in their formulation;

  2. Ensure that all pupils have equal access to the student government and an opportunity to vote and hold office;

  3. Require fiscal accountability and adherence to board policy for all financial aspects of student government activity.

  4. Require that decisions made and actions taken by student government organizations, in accordance with and within the scope of the constitution approved by the board, shall not be voided or vetoed by any staff member.
School Clubs and Societies

These will be recognized as authorized school organizations if they are organized by the school, sponsored by school personnel, composed completely of current student body members, hold their meetings at school, have a democratic plan for the selection of members, establish aims which are educational, of school interest or community interest and meet all those conditions set forth in this policy for recognized school-sponsored organizations. School-sponsored organizations shall be directed by a faculty adviser appointed by the board.

Secret Societies

State legislation prohibits within the public schools the existence of any organization which is not accessible to all members of that school's student body by their own free choice. Any such organization which seeks to organize and perpetuate itself by membership decided upon by the members exclusively is considered a fraternity, sorority, or secret society and may not legally exist within the Morris School District schools.

Nonschool Clubs

All clubs not specifically authorized and organized by the school are considered to be non-school clubs and beyond the jurisdiction and responsibility of school authorities.

However, should these groups (non-school clubs) conduct activities on school property with approval, at school-sponsored activities or as a carry-over into the school day or reflect on the reputation of the school, the Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures concerning disciplinary action to be taken, in the event of the following:
  1. Initiation and hazing on school grounds or at school-sponsored events;

  2. Indulging in group functions that violate local ordinances.
Non-school clubs may become recognized school-sponsored clubs by conforming to the criteria for school clubs and societies stated earlier.

Date: April 14, 1986
October 29, 2001
November 19, 2001 Approved

Legal References:
N.J.S.A. 18A:42-5 Certain student organizations declared harmful and forbidden

Key Words
Extracurricular Activities, Cocurricular Activities, Student Activities, Clubs, Associations, Secret Societies
 

Morris School District | 31 Hazel Street | Morristown, New Jersey | Phone: 973-292-2300
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