Code of Conduct

The following is a code of conduct to guide participant behavior and create a safe and inclusive environment within 10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center (TSTTC). Parents/guardians should promote cooperation and agreement between the home and 10 Star Trendsetters in an attempt to develop citizenship and high standards of behavior in our students. 

10 Star Trendsetters Responsibilities

The welfare and safety of students is the prime consideration and responsibility of 10 Star Trendsetters. The board, staff, and volunteers are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and accepting environment for every student who walks through our doors. 

10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center does not permit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, gender, economic status, age, disability or sexual orientation. Harassment is defined as intimidation by threats of or actual physical violence; the creation, by whatever means, of a climate of hostility or intimidation; or the use of language, conduct, or symbols in such a manner as to be commonly understood to convey hatred, contempt, or prejudice, or to have the effect of insulting or stigmatizing an individual. This policy applies to all activities of 10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center and includes all activities on teen center property and all teen center-sponsored activities. 

10 Star Trendsetters Board, Staff & Volunteers Responsibilities

All board, staff, and adult volunteers at 10 Star Trendsetters are mandated reporters in the state of Ohio. Child abuse and/or neglect are recognized as serious conditions by the Ohio General Assembly. In accordance with ORC Section 2151.421, teen center staff and volunteers will report suspected cases of child abuse and/or neglect to the proper legal authorities. 10 Star Trendsetters staff and volunteers will cooperate with community agencies for suspected cases of abuse and/or neglect. Staff & Volunteers will be provided with free background checks.

10 Star Trendsetters Hours of Operation

Beginning fall 2024: 2:30-6:30 Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday

Participant Responsibilities

10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center is open to students in grades seven (7) through twelve (12). 

Each year, every student is required to complete a new Student Registration Form, which must be signed by both the student and his/her/their parent/guardian. Information on the form is entered into the 10 Star Trendsetters database, which allows 10 Stars Trendsetters staff to track participation and have access to emergency contact information for each student. Students and parents/guardians are also required to read and sign off on the teen code of conduct listed below (in alphabetical order), chief among them:

• Participants shall be courteous and respectful of staff, volunteers, and fellow participants at all times.

• Participants shall obey general facility rules.

• Participants shall show respect for 10 Star Trendsetters property and personal property of others.

Belongings

Students are responsible for their own belongings and are expected to keep track of anything they bring to 10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center. 

Bullying, Violence, or Threatening Behavior

Bullying, violence, or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, hazing, assault, battery, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexting, and involuntary sexual advances, will not be tolerated at 10 Star Trendsetters Teen Center. If a participant becomes aware of any potentially dangerous and or illegal situations regarding weapons, drugs, alcohol, fights, property damage, theft, etc., or has information regarding such, they are expected to report it to a staff member. In the event of any incident of violence, or threatening behavior, local law enforcement may be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced. Each participant’s parents/guardians will also be contacted and school officials notified.  These measures are in addition to any discipline implemented by staff, up to and including expulsion.

Cameras

We have cameras throughout our facility to maintain the safety of students, staff, and volunteers.

Check-In and Check-Out

All students are required to check in at the Welcome Desk as they arrive and check out as they leave. This serves three purposes:

• Parents/guardians, school officials, and staff will be able to track when students arrive

• Staff will know how many people are in the building at any time; and

• Students have the ability to check in again if they need to return to their schools for after-school activities.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to set guidelines with students regarding whether or not they are allowed to leave during open hours. Staff are not responsible for enforcing that students remain as long as they go through the proper check-in process. It should be noted that staff will prohibit students from leaving without being picked up by a parent/guardian in the event of bad weather, or if they deem safety conditions to be hazardous. STUDENTS MUST SIGN IN AND OUT AT THE DESK EVERY TIME.

Computer Access

Use of or school issued computers requires that students only access appropriate sites. Most inappropriate sites should have been blocked already by school, but when asked to leave a site, students must immediately do so. Computers should have been given to students that require them for schoolwork already. Failure to comply with computer policies will result in the loss of computer privileges.

Concealed Weapons

Anyone with a weapon, including concealed weapons, will not be allowed into the center, including adults. A dangerous weapon is a gun, knife, razor, or any other object, which, by the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of inflicting bodily harm. In cases that clearly a weapon is used in a threatening manner, the police will be called and the individual will be subject to immediate disciplinary procedures including permanent expulsion from the center. 

Confidentiality

Information that your child shares with volunteers or staff members will remain confidential with certain exceptions outlined below:

• Suicidal risks or statements including self-harm

• Any homicidal statements 

• Any reports of abuse or neglect 

• Issues related to mental health that staff and Mental Health therapist determines parental involvement is required.

• Any substance use/abuse issue

• Any violation of 10 Star Trendsetters Code of Conduct

Dress Code

10 Star Trendsetters shares the same dress code as Winton Woods School District. Students are allowed to change clothes when they arrive only if it is required for a school activity (e.g. marching band or sports practice). Students will be asked to change if their clothing does not fit these standards, and they will be required to leave if they are unable or refuse to do so. Parents/guardians will be notified.

Emergency Preparedness Drills

Periodically, staff members will lead students through emergency preparedness drills to ensure all participants in programming are aware of what to do during a variety of emergency situations (fire, tornado, active shooter, etc. in conjunction with fire department). These drills are for the safety of students, staff, and volunteers, and everyone who is in the center on the day of a drill is expected to participate.

Equipment Use

Any damage to equipment caused by inappropriate use is the responsibility of the student, and costs to repair/replace the equipment will be charged to the student and his or her parents/guardians.

Food and Drinks

Students are permitted to bring outside food and drinks into the teen center. We also provide a variety of snack options for free.

Food and drinks are permitted in all areas of the teen center except the future video gaming areas and on any of our gaming tables (pool, air hockey, ping pong, etc.). 

Gambling

All forms of gambling are prohibited. 

Illegal Substances

Use of or possession of any illegal substance, including cigarettes/e-cigarettes/juuls, drugs and alcohol, at 10 Star Trendsetters or at any sponsored activity is grounds for immediate suspension. If a student is caught using or in possession of an illegal substance, law enforcement will be notified and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced.

The student’s parent/guardian will also be contacted.  These measures are in addition to any discipline implemented by Staff, up to and including expulsion. Additionally, any student who appears to be under the influence of an illegal substance when arriving at the center may face disciplinary actions up to and including suspension/expulsion, and parents will be contacted.  

Loitering

Out of respect for the businesses and individuals that surround TSTTC, students are required to stay on TSTTC’s property during after-school hours. Only students who are waiting for pick-up may be in front of TSTC; congregating in the front is prohibited.

Students who have signed in to TSTTC’s after-school program must remain inside the assigned teen center space.

Media

MUSIC: TSTTC will subscribe to music services to play over the teen center loudspeaker. With permission of TSTC staff, students may choose songs from the approved playlists.

FUTURE VIDEO GAMES: Students WILL BE permitted to check out and use any of TSTTC’s video games. Any additional games that students wish to play must be approved by TSTC staff. Games that have aggressive, violent, or other inappropriate content are not permitted.  

MOVIES: Any movies played at TSTC will be rated G, PG, or PG-13.

Parent Pick-Up/Closing Time

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to arrange for your child’s transportation home from TSTTC. Students must leave the TSTTC designated facility space when staff depart at 6:30pm. If you have an issue, please contact Dr. Dees 513-602-7726 to discuss possible arrangements.

TSTTC reserves the right to prevent a student from being picked up by any person (including parent/ guardian) who appears to be impaired. It is our responsibility to practice risk management and safety for all involved. If, for any reason, TSTTC staff feels that the person picking up the student may constitute a safety hazard, staff is required to retain the student and contact another authorized adult listed on the Student Registration Form.

Photos

Students are not permitted to take, look at, or share inappropriate photos. Students are not permitted to take photos of any other TSTTC teen without their permission. 

Profanity/Cursing

Students are expected to show respect to others through both their actions and words. Students are asked to refrain from using profanity. Failure to refrain from profanity could lead to suspension, and parents/guardians will be notified.

Public Displays of Affection

Appropriate personal relationships are encouraged. However, public displays of affection (PDA) are discouraged. Hand-holding is acceptable, but sitting on another’s lap, kissing, and inappropriate touching are not acceptable. 

Theft

TSTTC is not responsible for valuables brought into the building. Participants are discouraged from bringing valuable items or large amounts of money to TSTTC, and all participants have the responsibility for taking care of their own possessions. Any student who believes he/she is the victim of theft should report missing items to TSTTC staff as soon as possible. Theft is a serious violation of the law, and law enforcement may be notified, and all applicable state and federal laws will be enforced. The student’s parent/guardian will also be contacted. These measures are in addition to any discipline implemented by TSTTC staff, up to and including expulsion.

Transportation of Students

Transport of participants by TSTTC staff will only happen for officially sanctioned teen center events. Students being transported by TSTTC staff must have an additional signed permission slip specifically for transport to that event only. The only exception to this rule is for students who participate in TSTTC’s community service program, who must complete an Emergency Contact Form and have a signed permission slip that is valid for participation in community service projects for one (1) academic year.

Restroom Access

TSTTC is dedicated to encouraging a supportive culture where all teens are valued, accepted and respected. ONLY ONE AT A TIME!!!

Only one STUDENT at a time will be permitted and cleanliness is mandatory!

REMEMBER TO PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS! MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS CLEAN LIKE YOU FOUND IT!!

REPORT ANYTHING THAT NEEDS ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY PLEASE!!

Vandalism

Damaging TSTTC property or the property of others will not be tolerated. All incidents will be documented by staff to keep a record of such behavior. Parents/guardians may be liable to pay for damages. If the damage is deemed excessive, law enforcement will be called to investigate and a police report will be filed. Repair/Replacement costs will be charged to the student and his or her parents/guardians. 

Violations of TSTTC’s Code of Conduct

Violations of these policies will be dealt with and investigated on a case-by-case basis. Parents/guardians and/or police will be called in the event of serious violations. 

Violations of the Expectations and Responsibilities will be written up and kept on file. In addition, violations shall be handled as follows:

• Violation #1: Verbal Warning. The student will receive a verbal warning from an TSTTC staff member.

• Violation #2: Written Warning. Staff will communicate the specific violation to the student and parent if appropriate. The violation will be written up on an TSTTC Incident Report Form. The After School Coordinator may notify parents at this point in an effort to avoid teen suspension. 

• Violation #3: Suspension. The student will be written up again and will be suspended from TSTTC for a period of time designated by Operations Director and Executive Director. The After School Coordinator will communicate the incident and suspension to the student’s parent/guardian. In the event of a suspension, a scheduled meeting with the student, parent/guardian, and TSTTC staff may be required prior to the student’s return to TSTTC.

• Violation #4: Expulsion. The student will be banned from all TSTTC-sponsored events.

Please note that based on the severity of the incident, TSTTC staff have the right to skip any steps in the violation process at their own discretion. All disciplinary interactions must be reported to the After School Coordinator & Executive Director in a timely manner, preferably before the teen(s) has left the building.

10 STAR TRENDSETTERS TEEN CENTER (TSTTC) IS VERY VALUABLE AND A PRIVILEGE!

PLEASE TAKE CARE OF IT WITH PRIDE!

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COMPLETE AND TOTAL COOPERATION!

DR. SANDRA DEES