Student Policies

Hazing is defined by the State of Pennsylvania (Act 175) as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person or which willfully destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, any organization. The term shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical health and safety of the individual, and shall include any activity which would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct which could result in extreme embarrassment, or any other forced activity which could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual, or any willful destruction or removal of public or private property.  For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with or continued membership in an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be ‘forced’ activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.” 

This policy is in effect after adoption by the Board of Trustees. Administrative staff, Educational Coordinators, athletic staff, coaches, club advisors, and relevant school personnel will receive and review the policy. The policy will be redistributed and reviewed annually.

Administrative and educational program staff will enforce this policy. The Executive Director or designee will investigate allegations of hazing, document outcomes and disciplinary actions, and maintain completed reports. Investigation results will be reviewed annually by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

All School students, faculty, staff and recognized organizations are responsible for abiding by this policy, both on campus and off campus, including on privately owned facilities and/or property.  Recognized organizations are responsible for any activity in violation of this policy by any individual or group affiliated with the organization (new member, member, auxiliary, or alumnus), unless it is proven that the group or individual activity was independent of, and occurred without the knowledge or consent of, the recognized organization. Such responsibility will apply equally to situations in which one or more members knew or should have known of the activity and failed to make every reasonable attempt to prevent or stop it.

Anyone who witnesses or suspects hazing should immediately report the concern to the Executive Director. If the concern involves a school club, organization, or sport, the incident should also be reported to the staff member, advisor, or coach responsible for that activity.

The Executive Director shall have discretion to impose any discipline deemed appropriate for an incident of hazing against both the individual who engaged in the conduct and the School organization of which they were a member.  Discipline and penalties shall include, but not be limited to, withholding diplomas or transcripts, restitution, probation, suspension, dismissal or expulsion.*  In the case of School organizations, penalties may include withdrawal of permission for the club or organization to continue to operate on campus or other school property or to otherwise operate under the recognition or sanction of the School.  Imposition of discipline by the School does not preclude any criminal penalty which may be imposed for violation of criminal laws and the School will fully cooperate, and share information, with law enforcement as part of any investigation. 

Note: Discipline and penalties will be administered in accordance with Disciplinary Exclusions of Students who are Eligible for Special Education [PDE-BECS, 11.1.12 revision and updates].

OSB’s F2T/Wellness Committee meets monthly to help develop, implement, review and update the School Wellness Policy. The committee includes representatives from across the OSB community, including students, families, educators, administrators, health professionals, food service staff and other school departments.

OSB is committed to providing nutritious meals and helping students build lifelong healthy eating habits. School meals meet applicable federal and state nutrition requirements, and nutrition education is incorporated into classroom instruction and programs such as Farm to Table, Harvest of the Month, school gardens and horticulture activities. Drinking water is available to students throughout the school day.

Foods and beverages available or sold to students outside of the school meal program must meet USDA Smart Snacks nutrition standards. OSB uses non-food classroom celebrations, and food or beverages may not be used as a reward or withheld as punishment.

Students are provided opportunities for physical activity through physical education, recess, swimming, classroom movement breaks, athletics and other activities throughout the school day. Physical education and equipment are adapted as necessary to support equitable participation based on each student’s abilities and needs. Physical activity is not withheld as a form of punishment.

Wellness is incorporated throughout the OSB campus and curriculum. The cafeteria, Horticultural Center, school gardens, athletic facilities, Kappen Aquatic Center and other learning environments provide opportunities for students to explore nutrition, movement, fitness and healthy living.

OSB works to keep families and the broader community informed about school wellness efforts and opportunities to participate. Wellness information may be shared through the OSB website, school communications, social media and family events throughout the year.

OSB regularly monitors implementation of the Wellness Policy and reviews it annually. A formal assessment is completed at least once every three years to evaluate compliance, measure progress toward wellness goals and identify necessary updates. The school also makes policy information and progress reports available to families and the public.