Who has authority over my child while he/she is in school?

While your child is in school, the school is charged with taking on some of the responsibilities typically reserved for parents. This relationship is termed in loco parentis and is established by Section 13-1317 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code which states:
"Every teacher, vice principal and principal in the public schools shall have the right to exercise the same authority as to conduct and behavior over the pupils attending his school, during the time they are in attendance, including the time required in going to and from their homes, as the parents, guardians or persons in parental relation to such pupils may exercise over them."