Standards of Ethical Conduct

• Our school values the worth and dignity of every person, the pursuit of truth, devotion to excellence, acquisition of knowledge, and the nurture of democratic citizenship. Essential to the achievement of these standards are the freedom to learn and to teach and the guarantee of equal opportunity for all.

• Our primary concern is the student and the development of the student's potential. Employees will therefore strive for professional growth and will seek to exercise the best professional judgment and integrity.

• Aware of the importance of maintaining the respect and confidence of colleagues, of students, of parents, and of the community, employees of our school must display the highest degree of ethical conduct.

• All instructional personnel, educational support employees, and school administrators have an obligation to report misconduct by instructional personnel, educational support employees and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Examples of misconduct include obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors. Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Maria Alejandra Mejia at maria.mejia@risingstart.org.

Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to the President of the Board, Horacio Alzate at horacio.alzate@risingstart.org.

Legally sufficient allegations of misconduct by Florida certified educators will be reported to the Office of Professional Practices Services. Policies and procedures for reporting misconduct by instructional personnel or school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student are posted in a prominent place of the school and in our web site at www.therisingstart.org

• All employees and agents have an affirmative duty to report all actual or suspected cases of child abuse, abandonment, or neglect. Call1-800- 96-ABUSE or report online at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/report/.