File:  JJA - STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Organizations

Student organizations in the District shall be encouraged when they meet the criteria of contributing to student self-esteem and performance and should operate within the framework of state statutes, School Committee policies, and administrative procedures.

Each building Principal shall develop general guidelines for the establishment and operation of student organizations within the particular school.  Among other provisions, such guidelines shall require the approval of the Principal prior to the formation of any club or organization in the school and the assignment of at least one faculty or designated adult advisor to each approved student organization.  Within such guidelines will be provisions for a periodic review of all student organizations.

The formation of any student organization that may engage in activities of a controversial nature shall require approval by the principal and superintendent.

All student organizations shall be required to open membership to all interested and/or eligible students.  Disruptive groups, secret societies, and/or gangs shall not receive recognition in any manner under this policy.

All forms of hazing in initiations shall be prohibited in a student organization.  No initiation shall be held for a student organization which will bring criticism to the school district or be degrading to the student.

The faculty or designated adult advisor must attend every meeting of the student organization whether conducted on school premises or at another location.

Student Organizations - High Schools

In addition to the above requirements, all clubs or organizations at the high school level will relate to the subject matter covered by the curriculum.  The Principal is responsible for determining that the purpose of a student organization is related to the curriculum.  The Principal is authorized to deny requests by unauthorized student organizations desiring to meet or form in a particular school, the Principal shall inform the group of the reasons for the denial.  The students and/or group may submit a written request to the appropriate District administrator for review of the Principal's decision.

SOURCE: MASC - Reviewed 2021

CROSS REF:   JICF, Gang Activities/Secret Societies

LEGAL REF.:  603 CMR 26.00