The New York Chess Academy afterschool program is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and enriching environment for all participants. To maintain this standard, we have established a three-strike policy to address instances of misbehavior. This policy is aligned with New York City guidelines for youth programs.

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Expectations

Participants are expected to:

• Show respect to all staff members and peers.

• Follow program rules and instructions.

• Respect the property of others and the program.

• Use appropriate language at all times.

• Refrain from any form of bullying, harassment, or physical aggression.

 

Three-Strike Policy

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Strike 1: Verbal Warning

• Incident: Upon the first instance of misbehavior, the participant will receive a verbal warning from a staff member.

• Documentation: The staff member will document the incident, noting the behavior and the verbal warning given.

• Communication: The participant's parents or guardians will be informed of the incident and the warning.

 

Strike 2: Written Warning and Meeting

• Incident: If the participant misbehaves a second time, they will receive a letter warning.

• Documentation: The incident will be documented, and a written warning will be issued to the participant.

• Meeting: A meeting will be scheduled with the participant, their parents or guardians, and a program coordinator to discuss the behavior and outline expectations for improvement.

• Action Plan: An action plan will be developed during the meeting to support positive behavior changes.

 

Strike 3: Suspension or Expulsion

• Incident: Upon a third instance of misbehavior, the participant will face suspension or expulsion from the program, depending on the severity of the behavior.

• Documentation: The incident and the decision to suspend or expel will be documented.

• Communication: Parents or guardians will be notified immediately, and a formal letter will be sent outlining the reasons for the suspension or expulsion.

 

Additional Notes

• Immediate Action: Certain behaviors, such as physical aggression, bullying, or any actions that jeopardize the safety of others, may result in immediate suspension or expulsion without following the three-strike progression.

• Appeal Process: Parents or guardians have the right to appeal a suspension or expulsion decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing within five days of the decision, and a meeting with program administrators will be scheduled to review the appeal.

• Re-entry: If a participant is suspended, they may rejoin the program after the suspension period if they, along with their parents or guardians, attend a re-entry meeting and agree to a behavior contract.

 

Conclusion

Our goal is to support all participants in developing positive behavior and to ensure a constructive and enjoyable experience for everyone in the program. By adhering to this policy, we can maintain a safe and respectful environment conducive to learning and personal growth.