2021-2022 Handbook & Guide

Washington County Public Schools 2021-2022 HANDBOOK & GUIDE Building a Community That Inspires Curiosity, Creativity & Achievement. 10435 Downsville Pike Hagerstown, MD 21740 301-766-2800 “STUDENTS FIRST” August 2021 Dear parents and guardians: I encourage you to review the 2021 - 2022 Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Handbook and Guide, which contains important information for students and families. It is helpful to read through the handbook as a family and then complete and return the designated forms to your child’s school. As a parent or guardian, your involvement is critical to your child’s success in school, especially as our community continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year WCPS is committed to accelerating learning for all students. We are focused on meeting the needs of our students and recovering learning loss that many have experienced through the school closure periods. There are many ways for families to be engaged in the educational process. We encourage you to spend time talking with your child about the school day, classroom time, and homework, as many of the assignments your child will be asked to complete will benefit from your experience and guidance. One of the best ways to support your child on a daily basis is by ensuring he / she is prepared for each school day and arrives on time. In addition, we advocate for reading in families, especially with your child. We believe your interest in your child’s school success is a positive motivational force and sends a clear message to children that you value their education. There are additional ways for parents to be involved for their children, such as volunteer opportunities with advisory committees and focus groups, which seek parent participation for input and feedback in the school system’s decision-making processes. Additional details are shared through local media outlets, on the WCPS website, and in schools throughout the year. I would like to personally thank you for placing your trust in the dedicated and committed staff of WCPS to lead and guide your children through their academic career. WCPS is a “Students First” school district, where every decision we make is in the best interest of student learning. Respectfully, Boyd J. Michael III, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Building a Community That Inspires Curiosity, Creativity, and Achievement. wcpsmd.com ~ Table of Contents GENERAL INFORMATION Title III - English Learners (EL) ................................. 37 Unified Arts/Related Arts and Health ......................... 38 Introduction and Scope of Handbook and Guide ........ 1 Elementary Overview ................................................ 38 Parent Involvement and Parents Helping Students .................................................. 1 Elementary Reading/Language Arts ................... 39 Accessing the WCPS Student Elementary Math ................................................ 40 Information System .............................................. 1 Elementary Science ........................................... 41 Visiting Schools ........................................................... 2 Elementary Social Studies ................................. 41 Food and Nutrition Services ........................................ 2 Middle School Overview ........................................... 42 Media and Internet Permission ................................... 3 Middle School Reading/English Language Arts ....... 42 Overview of Information Resources ............................ 3 Mathematics ....................................................... 42 Student Enrollment ..................................................... 3 Social Studies ..................................................... 43 School Bus Transportation .......................................... 5 Science ............................................................... 43 School Closings and Delays ....................................... 7 High School Overview ............................................... 44 Responsible Use of WCPS High School Grades and Honors ............ 44 Technology Guidelines ......................................... 7 WCPS High School Diploma .............................. 45 Personally-Owned Electronic Devices ....................... 9 Multi-Tier Prevention System ............................. 46 Communication Expectations ..........................................9 Additional High School Academic Integrity .................................................... 10 Learning Opportunities .................................. 46 Homework Policy ...................................................... 12 Overview of Pre-K-12 Programming ......................... 48 Code of Conduct ....................................................... 12 Health Education Pre-K-12 ................................. 48 Dress Code ............................................................... 13 Physical Education Pre-K-12 .............................. 48 Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment, or Intimidation .... 13 School Library Media Program ........................... 48 Rights to Education Records .................................... 16 Visual and Performing Safe and Drug-Free Schools .................................... 18 Arts Programs Pre-K-12 ................................ 49 School Attendance .................................................... 20 t t t School Counseling Services ..................................... 21 Mental Health Services ............................................. 22 APPENDIX Pupil Personnel Workeras (PPWs) ........................... 22 Students' Rights and Responsibilities Student Discipline ..................................................... 22 Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance ..................... 28 Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Incident School Student Health .......................................................... 28 Investigation Form Accident Insurance for Students ............................... 30 Meritus School Health Services Handbook Promotion and Retention .......................................... 30 Physician’s Medication Order Form Special Education and Related Services .................. 30 Overnight Field Trip Medication/Treatment Section 504 of the Permission Form Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ................................... 31 Overnight Field Trip Medical and Emergency Destruction of Documents Related Information Form to Special Education ............................................ 31 Student Health/Family Information Form Special Education Citizens Treatment Authorization Form Advisory Committee (SECAC) ............................. 31 Tube Feeding Authorization Form Family Support Resource Center .............................. 31 Grievance Procedure for Students State and Federal Testing Requirements .................. 32 Alleging Discrimination Athletics - Interscholastic Standards ......................... 33 Washington County Community Agencies Extracurricular Activities Eligibility ............................. 33 WCPS Charge Regulation WCPS Student Device Agreement and Obligations INSTRUCTION AND SCHOOL ACTIVITIES INFORMATION t t t Title I Programs ......................................................... 34 Notice: The contents of this guide reflect procedures, policies, and Gifted and Talented Education information as of July 2021. Updates, changes, or revisions may and Magnet Programs ......................................... 36 occur during the year. GUIDE TO THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2021-2020 To promote effective education, schools also need the support of other members of the community, including parent and service or- General Information ganizations, public libraries, businesses, and faith-based organi- zations. Community groups will be made aware that an investment Introduction and Scope of in education is an investment in the community. Further, community groups will be encouraged to help schools develop and, as Handbook and Guide appropriate, implement school programs that promote educational goals and support high academic expectations for all students. The Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Handbook and Guide for parents, guardians, students, and staff includes school Goals system guidelines, policies, and procedures that apply to all public In partnership for student success and achievement, WCPS will schools in Washington County. In addition to this handbook and work towards the following goals, based on the National and Mary- guide, administrative teams at each school may include additional land PTA Standards: expectations for their students at the school level with the approval • COMMUNICATION—Schools and families will communicate of appropriate WCPS administrators. Please review this hand- frequently and clearly about academic opportunities, school book and guide during the early days of the school year and performance, student progress, and school-family partnerships. return the pull-out section to schools for students enrolled • PARENTING—Schools and the community will work together this school year. to support families’ parenting skills and developmental activities that prepare young children for school and promote ongoing t t t achievement. • STUDENT LEARNING—Parents, families, and community members will support academic achievement by reading with Parent Involvement and children, helping them with assignments, and engaging them in educational activities. Parents Helping

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