1. ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance is mandatory for all students to ensure academic success and maintain a positive learning environment.

• Students must maintain the minimum attendance percentage as per their class level.
• Absence must be reported by parents/guardians before 9:00 AM on the day of absence through the GSAS Parent App or by phone call to the school office.
• Medical certificates from registered medical practitioners are required for absences exceeding the specified consecutive days.
• Late arrivals will be recorded, and repeated tardiness beyond the monthly limit may result in disciplinary action.
• Students failing to meet the minimum attendance requirement may not be eligible to appear in final examinations.
• Parents will receive monthly attendance reports through the GSAS Parent App.

2. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

GSAS Academy is committed to fostering a culture of honesty, trust, and responsibility in all academic endeavors.

Prohibited Activities:

• Plagiarism in any form, including copying from books, internet sources, or peers without proper citation.
• Cheating during examinations, tests, or assessments.
• Unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments or projects.
• Falsification of academic records, documents, or signatures.
• Use of unauthorized materials during examinations (cheat sheets, mobile phones, smart watches, etc.).
• Impersonation or allowing another person to take an exam on one's behalf.

Consequences for Violations:

1. First Offense: Zero marks for the assignment/examination, written warning, and parent conference.
2. Second Offense: Zero marks, suspension for 3-5 days, and mandatory counseling.
3. Third Offense: Suspension for 7-10 days and may lead to expulsion from the school.
4. Severe Cases: Direct expulsion for serious violations such as examination paper leakage or mass cheating.

3. CODE OF CONDUCT

All students are expected to demonstrate respect, responsibility, and exemplary behavior both on and off campus.

Expected Student Behavior:

• Treat all teachers, staff, fellow students, and visitors with respect and courtesy.
• Follow instructions from teachers and school authorities promptly and respectfully.
• Maintain cleanliness and take care of school property, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
• Use appropriate and respectful language at all times; profanity and abusive language are strictly prohibited.
• Respect cultural, religious, and individual differences among the school community.
• Participate actively in classroom activities, discussions, and school events.
• Be punctual for all classes, assemblies, and school functions.

Zero Tolerance Policy:

The school maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards:

• Physical violence, fighting, or threatening behavior
• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or any other factor
• Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or any intoxicating substances)
• Possession of weapons or dangerous items
• Sexual harassment or misconduct
• Vandalism or deliberate damage to school property

Violations of the zero-tolerance policy will result in immediate suspension and may lead to expulsion.

4. UNIFORM & DRESS CODE POLICY

Proper uniform is mandatory for all students to maintain discipline and equality within the school community.

Daily Uniform Requirements:

• Students must wear the prescribed school uniform daily as per the class and season (summer/winter).
• Uniforms should be clean, properly ironed, and in good condition at all times.
• School ID cards must be worn visibly around the neck using the school-provided lanyard.
• School shoes (black formal shoes) and white socks must be worn daily.
• School sweater/blazer must be worn during winter months as specified.

Hair & Grooming:

• Hair should be neatly groomed and tied back properly.
• Boys must maintain short hair (not touching the collar) and be clean-shaven.
• Girls with long hair must tie it in two plaits or a single ponytail with black/blue ribbons only.
• Fancy hairstyles, hair coloring, and unconventional haircuts are not permitted.

Jewelry & Accessories:

• Minimal jewelry is allowed: small earrings for girls, wristwatch only.
• No rings, necklaces, bracelets, or excessive accessories.
• Nail polish, makeup, and mehendi are strictly prohibited.

Sports Uniform:

• Sports uniform is to be worn only on designated physical education days or sports events.
• Proper sports shoes (white) must be worn with the sports uniform.

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

• First instance: Verbal warning
• Second instance: Written warning to parents
• Repeated violations: Student may be sent home to change and parents will be called

5. TECHNOLOGY & MOBILE DEVICE POLICY

Technology should be used responsibly to enhance learning while minimizing distractions.

Mobile Phone Policy:

• Mobile phones are strictly prohibited during school hours (7:30 AM to 2:00 PM).
• If students bring mobile phones to school, they must be switched off and kept securely in school bags.
• Mobile phones should not be visible or accessible during school hours, including break times.
• Emergency calls should be made through the school office.
• Smartwatches with communication features are also prohibited.

Consequences for Violation:

1. First offense: Device confiscated and returned to parents only after one week.
2. Second offense: Device confiscated for one month, parents called for meeting.
3. Third offense: Device confiscated for the remainder of the academic session.

Computer & Internet Use:

• School computers, tablets, and internet facilities must be used only for educational purposes.
• Accessing inappropriate content, social media, gaming websites, or entertainment sites is strictly prohibited.
• Students must not attempt to bypass internet filters or security measures.
• Downloading or installing unauthorized software is not permitted.
• Students must respect copyright laws and not download pirated content.

Cyberbullying & Digital Citizenship:

• Cyberbullying, online harassment, or creating fake profiles targeting school members is strictly prohibited.
• Sharing inappropriate content about school, teachers, or students on social media will result in severe disciplinary action.
• Recording videos or taking photographs of teachers or students without permission is not allowed.
• Students must maintain digital citizenship and use technology ethically and responsibly.

6. SAFETY & SECURITY POLICY

The safety and well-being of all students is our top priority.

Campus Safety Measures:

• Students must remain within school premises during school hours unless given written permission by the principal.
• Students are not allowed to leave the campus during break times or free periods.
• Permission from the principal and parent authorization is required for any student to leave campus during school hours.
• All visitors must report to the security gate and obtain proper authorization before entering the campus.
• Students should report any suspicious activity, strangers on campus, or safety concerns immediately to teachers or the office.

Emergency Procedures:

• Emergency drills (fire, earthquake, lockdown) will be conducted regularly throughout the year.
• Student participation in all emergency drills is mandatory.
• Students must follow teacher instructions carefully during emergency situations.
• Emergency contact information must be kept updated in school records and the GSAS Parent App.

Prohibited Items:

• Weapons of any kind (knives, firearms, sharp objects)
• Illegal substances (drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes)
• Explosive materials, firecrackers, or dangerous chemicals
• Laser pointers or items that can cause harm
• Excessive cash or valuable items (school is not responsible for lost valuables)

Possession of prohibited items will result in immediate confiscation, parent notification, suspension, and may involve police action.

7. HOMEWORK & ASSIGNMENT POLICY

Homework is an essential part of the learning process and must be completed with diligence and integrity.

Homework Guidelines:

• All homework and assignments must be submitted on time as per the deadline given by the teacher.
• Homework should be completed neatly in the designated homework notebook or assignment book.
• Students must record homework assignments daily in their school diary.
• Parents should check and sign the school diary daily to monitor homework completion.

Late Submission Policy:

• Assignments submitted one day late: 10% marks deduction
• Assignments submitted two days late: 20% marks deduction
• Assignments submitted more than two days late: 50% marks deduction
• Assignments not submitted within one week: Zero marks
• Valid reasons (medical emergencies, family emergencies) with proper documentation may be considered for extension.

Make-up Work for Absences:

• Students are responsible for obtaining and completing all missed work due to absences.
• Students should contact classmates or check the GSAS Parent App for missed assignments.
• Students have the same number of days as the absence to complete make-up work (e.g., 3-day absence = 3 days to complete work).

Parent Involvement:

• Parents are encouraged to monitor and support their child's homework completion.
• Parents should provide a quiet study environment at home.
• Parents can access homework information through the GSAS Parent App.
• Free special classes are available for students who need extra help in any subject.

8. EXAMINATION POLICY

Examination Schedule:

• Half-yearly examinations will be conducted in September-October.
• Annual examinations will be conducted in February-March.
• Pre-board examinations for Classes X and XII will be held in December in place of annual exams.
• Unit tests and periodic assessments will be conducted throughout the year.

Examination Conduct:

• Students must reach the examination hall 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Students must carry their school ID card and admit card for all examinations.
• Only authorized stationery and materials are allowed in the examination hall.
• Students found using unfair means will receive zero marks and face disciplinary action.
• Students must follow all examination rules and instructions from invigilators.

Absence from Examinations:

• Medical certificate is mandatory for absence from any examination.
• Re-examination may be conducted only in genuine cases with principal's approval.
• Students absent without valid reason will receive zero marks for that examination.

9. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The school follows a progressive discipline system to address policy violations and maintain a positive learning environment.

Levels of Discipline:

1. Level 1 - Verbal Warning: First-time minor violations receive verbal counseling by the class teacher. Student is advised about proper conduct.
2. Level 2 - Written Warning: Repeated minor violations or first-time moderate violations receive written warning in school diary. Parents are notified and must acknowledge in writing.
3. Level 3 - Detention/Community Service: Continued violations result in after-school detention (30-60 minutes) or community service (cleaning, library work, etc.). Parents are called for meeting.
4. Level 4 - Suspension:
   • In-school suspension: Student attends school but is isolated from regular classes (1-3 days)
   • Out-of-school suspension: Student is sent home (3-10 days based on severity)
   • Parent must attend mandatory meeting before student returns
5. Level 5 - Expulsion: Permanent removal from school for:
   • Repeated serious violations after multiple warnings and suspensions
   • Severe misconduct (violence, drugs, weapons, severe harassment)
   • Actions that threaten safety of students or staff
   • Continuous disregard for school rules despite interventions

Note: The school administration reserves the right to determine the appropriate level of discipline based on the nature, severity, and frequency of the offense. In cases of serious misconduct, the school may skip intermediate levels and proceed directly to suspension or expulsion.

Appeal Process:

Parents may appeal disciplinary decisions by submitting a written appeal to the Principal within 7 days of the disciplinary action. The Principal's decision on the appeal will be final.

10. PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION

• Parent-Teacher meetings (PTMs) are conducted quarterly to discuss student progress.
• Parents can schedule meetings with teachers through the school office or GSAS Parent App.
• Regular communication between parents and teachers is encouraged through the school diary and parent app.
• Parents must attend all scheduled PTMs; absence may affect the student's progress report.
• Free psychological counseling services by qualified psychologists are available for students and parents.
• Free home visits by teacher-guardians are conducted to better understand student needs.