Parent Right-To-Know Letter
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Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School Handbook
Parent – Teacher – Student
2017-2018 Parent Right-to-Know Letter
Parent Right to Know Information as Required by The Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance (ESEA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)] and the Every Student Succeeds Act [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)]
Your child attends the Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School, which receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, we will be providing you with important information about this law and your child’s education. This letter lets you know about your right to request information about the qualifications of the classroom staff working with your child.
At the Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School we are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year and are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in ESEA. These regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:
Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching, Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.
You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additionally right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request: Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and Information on required assessments that include o subject matter tested, o purpose of the test, o source of the requirement (if applicable), o amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and o time and format of disseminating results. Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Pennsylvania state requirements.
If you have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact Joseph Renzi at 814-662-2733 ext 514 or at [email protected].
Sincerely, Joseph Renzi PLEASE COMPLETE & SIGN ALL SECTIONS AND RETURN - -
- THIS PAGE TO THE SCHOOL ------
- Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School - - -
- Parent Verification Form - - - -
- Please read the information contained in this handbook and discuss it with your child. If you have questions about - -
- any of the information, please telephone the school principal at 814-662-2733 ext. 514. - -
- ************************************************************************ - -
- I have received and reviewed the 2017-2018 student handbook and have discussed it with my - -
- child/children. ------
- Parent/Guardian Signature Date ------
- Student Signature Print Student’s Name/Grade/Teacher - -
- ************************************************************************************ - -
- During the school year there may be times we would like to highlight a special program or activity - -
- through the media: newspapers, TV, and radio. Often these media outlets like to take pictures and - -
- interview our students. In order to release pictures or interviews we need your permission. - - e n
i _____ I give my permission for my child ______to be interviewed, videotaped, l and/or photographed for educational activities and that this information can be released for publication. d e t t o ______I do not give my permission for my child ______to be interviewed, d
n videotaped, and/or photographed for educational activities and that this information cannot be released for o
t publication. u C -
- ______- -
- Date Parent’s Signature Teacher’s Name Grade - -
- ************************************************************************************ - -
- At times teachers may take their students for a walk on the outskirts of school property. We must have - -
- your permission in order for them to do this. Please complete the following information. - - - - -
- _____ I give my permission for my child ______to go with his/her teacher on walks on - -
- the outskirts of school property. - - - - -
- ______I do not give my permission for my child ______to leave school - -
- Property to go for walks. - -
- ______- -
- Date Parent’s Signature Teacher’s Name Grade ------
- Is either parent an active duty member of the armed forces including National Guard? - - - - -
- Yes_____ No______If yes, what branch of the military?______------This page intentionally left blank Table of Contents Policy Page Policy Page Absence Procedures 16 Introduction Letter/Mr. Henry 6 Aids Policy 28 Locker Policy 42 Animals in the Classroom 20 Lost and Found 20 Assessment of Student Progress 39 Medication Policy 21 Attendance Policy 16 Medication Admin & Consent 23 Bullying 33 Non-Discrimination Policy 31 Cafeteria Policy 35 Parent Right to Know Letter 2 Calendar 11 Promotion and Retention Policy 36 Child Abuse Policy 15 Property Inspection Policy 18 Child Passenger Safety Statement 45 Protection of Pupil Rights 7 Class Period Schedule (elementary) 12 Readiness for School Day 14 Closed Campus Policy 15 Recess Time 20 Code of Conduct 39 Report Cards 36 Contraband Policy 17 Safety Policy 19 Current Events 38 School Admission 19 Curriculum Review 37 School Board Members 10 Discipline Policy 17 School Bus Conduct 30 Electronic Devices Policy 44 School Closings 20 Exemption from Instruction 38 School Staff 10 Family Ed. Rights & Privacy Act 14 Security System 12 FERPA 13 Severe Weather Emerg. Preparedness 19 Field Trips 46 Special Education Services & Prog. 47 Fire Drill Instructions 18 Student Arrival/Pickup 15 Food Service Policy 35 Student Conduct and Attire 15 Forward 9 Student Discipline 29 General School Rules 18 Student Records Policy 34 Grading Standards 36 Student Rights & Responsibilities 28 Harassment 31 Suspension and Expulsion 40 Head Lice Policy 25 Technology Use 42 Homework Guidelines 17 Telephone Extensions (Elementary) 43 Infection Control 25 Video/Audio Monitors on Buses 30
Family and Friends of Salisbury School,
I am excited to announce that I will now be serving as our school’s Counselor for all students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. For those of you who do not know me, I began my teaching career at Salisbury 7 years ago. I taught my first 5 years in the Elementary, and then moved to teach Middle School Math. I have recently obtained a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from St. Vincent College.
As the school counselor, I will be conducting monthly classroom lessons in the elementary grades. These lessons will focus on academics, social/emotional characteristics, and career exploration. I will also be able to meet individually with students who may need some extra guidance. In the high-school, I will continue to conduct Botvin Life Skills lessons, individual counseling sessions, post-secondary plan development, and financial aid sessions.
This year, students in grades K-12 will also begin using an online program called Career Cruising. This program helps students find careers based on their interests and abilities, and is also able to show what colleges offer those programs. More information about the program will come at a later date.
If there is anything that I can assist you or your child with, please feel free to contact me by phone (814)662-2741 ext 504 or by email at [email protected]
Sincerely, James Henry
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA) PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)- 1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; 2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; 3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of- 1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and 3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. Inspect, upon request and before administration or use- 1. Protected information surveys of students; 2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and 3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.
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Salisbury-Elk Lick School District has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Salisbury-Elk Lick School District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Salisbury-Elk Lick School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Salisbury-Elk Lick School District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the district has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and will be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution. Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920 FORWARD
This handbook is published for the purpose of giving to students, teachers, and parents, information concerning how the Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School operates.
There will be over one hundred and fifty students and teachers in the Elementary School on a daily basis during the school year. In order that our school operates efficiently, it is necessary that everyone should become familiar with the rules, regulations, and policies that this manual contains.
It is the intent of the school system to provide one copy of this handbook to each student. It is the responsibility of each student to read this handbook and become familiar with its content. It is also the student's responsibility to maintain their individual handbook in a place where it is available for easy reference when the need arises. This book is dedicated with the hope that it may contribute to help in building a greater and better school.
It is impossible to cover all situations that may happen during the school year, so use this handbook and your good judgment as guides.
The Board of School Directors of the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, establishes policies, rules and procedures for the governance of the Board and for the safe and orderly operation of the school district. Public access to the manual is available by request through the principal’s office or the board office in the Elementary School.
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS 9 Wendell Yoder, President Randy Bluebaugh, Vice President Frances George, Treasurer Pam Baer Rebecca Jones Edmund Lynn III Leanne Mazer Michael Menges Janis Remington
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Joseph Renzi – Superintendent, Elementary Principal & Federal Programs Coordinator
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF CHAPTER I TEACHERS
James Henry, School Counselor Sharlene Bluebaugh - Reading Lynette Guyer, School Nurse/Home & School Visitor Cindy Long - Reading Kala Loya, Special Ed Coordinator/Instructional Support Teacher Julie Lewis - Math Brenda Krause, Business Manager Melissa McKenzie, PIMS Coordinator/Lunch applications Jodi Onstead, School Board/Title Secretary ELEMENTARY TEACHERS Julie Doyle, Elementary Secretary Tom McCleary, Maintenance Supervisor Breann Putman-Learning Support & Alexis Hepple, Custodian 3rd grade Home room Wanda Kimble, Custodian Dylan Cramer – Learning Support Stacey Broderick - Kindergarten Carissa Brant – 1st Grade Crystal Hutzel- 1st Grade TEACHER AIDES Kim Miller – 2nd Grade Flordeliza Bittner Amber Lavan – 3rd Grade Patty Fiscus Breann Putman -3rd Grade Stacy Krause Kelly Edwards – 4th Grade Amy Maust Lori Sines- 5th Grade Roberta Parisi Andrew Wheatley – 6th Grade Tara Prato Emily Ellis - Music Carrie Sines Amanda Ansell - Art Julie Spade Anthony DiPasquale-Health/Phys Ed. Linda Whisner Rebecca Stutzman-Health/Phys Ed. Cindy Long – Librarian/Keyboarding
SPEECH THERAPIST Contracted with IU8 CAFETERIA MANAGER Rachel Haning
SALISBURY-ELK LICK SCHOOL DISTRICT 2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDAR 10 AND EARLY DISMISSALS
August 24, 2017 In-Service for teachers (Meet the Teachers night-5:30pm-7:00pm)
August 25, 2017 Teacher In-service, Act 80 Day (No school for students)
August 28, 2017 First day of school for students - 1:15 Dismissal for students
September 4, 2017 Labor Day – No School
September 15, 2017 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
September 29, 2017 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
October 6, 2017 Springs Folk Festival – No School
October 9, 2017 Teacher In-service, Act 80 Day (No school for students)
October 20, 2017 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
October 30, 2017 End of the 1st Quarter (Tentative)
November 13, 2017 Teacher In-Service, Act 80 day (No school for students)
November 22, 2017 Early dismissal for Thanksgiving break at 1:15
November 23, 24 & 27, 2017 Thanksgiving Vacation
December 22, 2017 Early dismissal for Christmas break at 1:15
December 25, 2017 – January 1, 2018 Christmas Vacation
January 2, 2018 Snow Day
January 15, 2018 End of the 1st Semester (Tentative)
January 15, 2018 Teacher In-Service, Act 80 Day, (No school for students)
February 19, 2018 Snow Day
March 16, 2018 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
March 20, 2018 End of the 3rd Quarter (Tentative)
March 28, 2018 Early dismissal for Easter Break at 1:15
March 29, 30, April 2 & 3, 2018 Easter Vacation/Snow make- up days
April 20, 2018 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
May 11, 2018 1:15 Dismissal for students (Curriculum Assessment)
May 14, 2018 End of 4th Quarter-Seniors (Tentative) May 18, 2018 End of the 4th Quarter (Tentative)
May 28, 2018 Memorial Day – No School
May 29, 2018 11:15 Dismissal for students- Last Day of School (Tentative)
June 3, 2018 Senior Graduation (Tentative)
ELEMENTARY CLASS PERIOD SCHEDULE
11 8:10 – TEACHER’S DAY BEGINS 8:15 - STUDENTS TO HOMEROOMS 8:15 - 8:17 TARDY BELL & ANNOUNCEMENTS 8:20 - 9:02 1ST PERIOD 9:05 - 9:47 2ND PERIOD 9:50 - 10:32 3RD PERIOD 10:35 – 11:17 4TH PERIOD VARIES ACCORDING TO LUNCH SCHEDULES
5 TH PERIOD LUNCH 11:00 – 11:30 KINDERGARTEN 11:05 - 11:35 GRADE 1 LUNCH 11:10 - 11:40 GRADE 2 LUNCH 11:15 - 11:45 GRADE 3 LUNCH 11:26 - 11:56 LEARNING SUPPORT 11:25 - 11:55 GRADE 4 LUNCH 11:50 - 12:20 GRADE 5 LUNCH 11:55 - 12:25 GRADE 6 LUNCH
VARIES - 1:05 6TH PERIOD 1:08 - 1:50 7TH PERIOD 1:53 - 2:35 8TH PERIOD 2:38 - 3:18 9TH PERIOD 3:18 DISMISSAL FOR ALL BUS STUDENTS & WALKERS 3:22 DISMISSAL FOR TEACHERS
SECURITY SYSTEM
We will continue to use our security system this school year in the elementary as well as the high school to provide a safer environment for our students. As it was last year, when students and employees come in to the school in the morning, the elementary building will be open from 7:55 to 8:10 A.M. to allow easy access at the beginning of the day for elementary students. At all other times during the day you will need to be admitted into the buildings. When you approach the main entry door, you will see a silver box on the left hand side of the door. Press the button on the box which will act as a doorbell and alert the office staff that someone needs access to the school. You will then be asked if you can be helped and you will need to tell us the reason you need access to the school before you will be admitted to the building. You will only be admitted through the main entry door and then can only enter the main office. This system has not been installed to discourage parents from visiting the schools, we always welcome parent input and suggestions and we want to know if your child is having a problem. The systems purpose is for the protection of our students. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in abiding by the security system guidelines.
12 NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Those rights are: (1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal {or appropriate school official} a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. (2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the School to amend a record should write the School principal {or appropriate school official}, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. (3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted as its agent to provide a service instead of using its own employees or officials (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. {Note: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.} (4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-5920
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the child’s education records. However, Salisbury-Elk Lick School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to 13 allow the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain publications. Examples include:
A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production; The annual yearbook; Honor roll or other recognition lists; Graduation program; and Sports activity sheets such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAS) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your written consent, you must notify the District in writing by October 1. The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District has designated the following information as directory information:
Student’s name Address Telephone listing Electronic mail address Photograph Date and place of birth Major field of study Dates of attendance Grade level Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Weight and height of members of athletic teams Degrees, honors, and awards received The most recent educational agency or institution attended
READINESS FOR THE SCHOOL DAY
Communication between the school and home is an on-going process that is usually satisfied through written messages dispatched by either party. It is extremely important that any written correspondence from the school be read and maintained for future reference. Likewise, when you wish to convey a message to the school, please do so in writing: for example, whenever you wish your child to ride on another bus or to go home with another person other than yourself. Telephoning the school for an emergency request will, of course, be honored. In making the transition from the home experience to the school experience, children need to establish certain positive habits and attitudes in order to acquire a certain degree of independence and self-confidence. Please convey to your child the importance of: . Returning an excuse when he/she is absent or late . Arriving promptly and attending school regularly . Showing respect for teachers and other school officials . Respecting the personal rights of other children . Demonstrating cooperation while in school . Working up to his or her potential
STUDENT ARRIVAL/PICKUP Students are not to enter the building prior to 7:55 A.M. and should be picked up by 3:22 P.M. If a teacher needs to see a student before or after school, prior arrangements with the student's parent should be made and the teacher is responsible for the student's supervision. If a student misses their bus to go home, then the parent will be notified and the school will provide supervision of the student until the student is picked up or taken home. 14 STUDENT CONDUCT AND ATTIRE Elementary school students are expected to exemplify their best behavior when on the school bus, in school, or on the playground. Whenever it becomes necessary to discipline a child, administrators, teachers, and bus drivers shall be given authority to enforce the disciplinary guidelines as may be established by the Board of School Directors. Whenever any of the following incidents are reported to the building principal, he shall have the power to initiate action that may lead either to an out-of-school suspension or the loss of riding privileges. These prohibited acts apply equally to sponsored school activities both off and on school property. A required parent conference will be scheduled before the child is permitted to return to his classroom.
1. Bringing into the school or on the school bus, dangerous or illegal items that could inflict personal injury 2. Distributing, possessing, or using any tobacco products or controlled substances 3. Engaging in physical violence such as kicking, punching, or using force against another student or teacher 4. Committing immoral or obscene acts in written or verbal form or gestures as may be interpreted by school officials 5. Theft or vandalism of school or personal property 6. Overt insubordination to the clear directions of any school employee or bus driver 7. Constant disruption in the classroom 8. Unexcused lateness to an assigned area 9. Violation of bus regulations
Dress and grooming should be clean and not unkempt. Hair and dress should satisfy sanitary and safe conditions. Although a school is a place where there is considerable social interaction among the students, its primary purpose is to provide an education for the students. If a style demonstrates that it is disruptive to the educational process, constitutes a threat to the safety and health of oneself or others, or is in violation of any statute, it will not be permitted in school. Garments that are perceived to cause disruption to the learning process in the classroom are not permitted. These include but are not limited to: 1. Apparel that has any stated or implied reference to drugs, sex, alcohol, tobacco, violence or obscene language. 2. Shoes or sandals must be worn at all times. 3. Sleeveless undershirts, tank tops and tube tops are not permitted for outerwear. 4. Mid-Thigh is the minimum length for dresses, skirts, culottes and shorts. Pants and shorts must be worn appropriately. 5. Bare midriff, bare back, tight fitting and other revealing garments are prohibited. Undergarments are to be covered by outerwear. 6. Head coverings, gloves and sunglasses are not to be worn in school. 7. Spiked chains and other potentially dangerous jewelry are not permitted. 8. The principal and/or his designee shall determine what is unkempt, inappropriate and extreme. Within these limits, the decision regarding attire and grooming shall be left to the good judgment and responsibility of the individual and his or her parents. 9. Proper playground attire is required. No open toe sandals without strap for support.
CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY A student that arrives on campus may not leave the campus unless authorized by the school. Unauthorized leave from the school campus constitutes truancy and can be sanctioned for under the Pennsylvania School Law.
CHILD ABUSE POLICY
Duty to Report
School employees who in the course of their employment come into contact with children shall report or cause a report to be made when they have reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of their medical, professional, or other training and experience, that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is an abused child.
Salisbury-Elk Lick School District Attendance Policy (Revised 08/09/17) as per Act 138 of 2016
The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1327, mandates that “every child of compulsory school age having a legal residence in this Commonwealth…, and every migratory child of compulsory school age” attend a school meeting the requirements of the law.
Regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education found in Title 22, Chapter 11, of the Pennsylvania Code, permit “excused” absences for certain specified reasons. For example, at the parent’s written request, a student may be excused for religious holidays observed
15 by bona fide religious groups or for religious instruction under certain circumstances and for a limited time. Such requests should be submitted to the principal well in advance of the expected absence.
Students may also be excused for a non-school district sponsored educational tour or trip if requested in writing in advance by a parent or guardian, if approved by the superintendent or his designee and if adult supervision will be provided. The district may limit the number and duration of such trips.
Students may also be excused for “urgent reasons,” which generally has meant illness, quarantine, death in the immediately family, impassable roads, severe inclement weather, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, medical and dental appointments, participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H or FFA group, (upon prior written request) or other emergency conditions approved by the principal, in advance if feasible. A written parental “excuse” or statement indicating specifically the “urgent reason” for absence must be timely submitted (see below). The law provides certain other exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirements. If a special situation exists, contact the principal or superintendent to discuss it. All other absences are illegal and unlawful and could lead to appropriate discipline or prosecution, including prosecution of the parent or guardian, before a district justice. Also, the district will contact Somerset County Children and Youth Services. This referral will be made to the intake department and will include a written Truancy Referral form. Students must comply with the attendance requirements and absence procedures and may receive detention or other punishment if they do not do so.
Students who are absent fifteen (15) or more days in a semester course or thirty (30) or more days in a full year course will receive an incomplete or no credit in that course. Specific doctor or hospital excuses will be taken into consideration, as will educational trips. Parents/Guardians have the right to appeal to the Salisbury-Elk Lick School Board in writing and present to the Superintendent’s Office within ten (10) days of the denial of credit.
Absence Procedures
Absentees must present a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian to the office immediately upon return to school. The legality of the absence will then be determined. If a written excuse is not turned in immediately upon return to school, a three day grace period will be allowed for the excuse to be submitted.
If the reason given in the written excuse is not a proper reason for an excused absence, the day will be recorded as illegal. Also, if a proper excuse is not submitted within the three day grace period, the day will be recorded as illegal. All excuses must indicate the reason for the absence.
Parents or guardians may be notified any time a student is absent. If a student is absent for 15 days for illness, the parent/guardians will be notified that any future excuse for illness may need to be accompanied by a physician’s statement.
The District encourages both students and parents/guardians to cooperate to minimize absences from school so that students can take maximum advantage of the educational program offered.
Absence Definitions
Truant Student: When a student has been absent for three(3) days during the current school year without a lawful excuse. District staff shall provide notice to the person in parental relation who resides in the same household as the student within ten(10) school days of the student’s third unexcused absence. A school improvement conference will be offered by the school district in an effort to help improve the student’s attendance.
Habitually Truant Student: When a student has been absent for six(6) days during the current school year without a lawful excuse. Unexcused/Unlawful absence When a student under fifteen(15) years of age is habitually truant, the district staff:
1. Shall refer the student to: a. A school-based or community based attendance program. A mandatory school improvement conference will be held after a student is deemed habitually truant; or
b. The local children and youth agency
2. May file a citation in the office of the appropriate judge against the student or the person in parental relation who resides in the same household as the student. 16
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES The Salisbury-Elk Lick School district supports the position that homework is an integral part of the school curriculum. Accordingly, when homework is assigned, its purpose is for reinforcement, preparation, and remediation of the educational activities introduced and developed in the classroom. Each teacher uses professional judgment in assigning homework throughout the school year that can be completed in a reasonable time period. At times, both the parent and child may view such assignments as unduly excessive. In this case, perhaps, a parent-teacher conference could be requested. Ideally, both parties are encouraged to strive for better communications and cooperation between the home and school regarding homework. Parents should monitor their child's homework assignments to insure that (1) such assignments are being taken home (2) that they are being completed on time and (3) that they are being completed satisfactorily. In many instances, the teacher grades these assignments that eventually are used to compute a final grade. When homework is not completed, the teacher may use the following disciplinary measures to reinforce the importance of completing homework assignments: 1. Restrict or deny recess, activities, and privileges 2. Request that all homework assignments be returned signed by the parents 3. Reduce the over-all grade for that grading period 4. Accept late homework for partial credit
DISCIPLINE POLICY It is the responsibility of the school system and community to create an environment in which education can take place safely and effectively, and in which students can take advantage of the opportunities made available to them. Such an environment can be fostered and sustained only through the cooperative efforts of parents, students, and staff. The primary objective is to assist and support each student in the development of responsible, self-controlled behavior that will promote the basis for a meaningful and productive role in society. When it is necessary to seek corrective measures, the action taken is to be based on accepted principles and constructive practices leading toward sound educational solutions. When violations do occur, and restrictions or penalties are imposed, those involved will be treated as individuals with the primary intent of the action taken as constructive rather than punitive. It is essential therefore, that students, parents, teachers and staff know all the rules and regulations pertaining to the orderly and efficient operation of the school. It is not the intent of the school through its policies to infringe upon the rights of students in the responsible exercise of constitutionally granted freedoms. It must be understood, however, that when behavior threatens the rights of others or becomes disruptive to the educational process, appropriate action must and shall be taken. Therefore, certain standards will be applicable to all employees and students.
CONTRABAND POLICY Use or possession of contraband by students during school or at school-sponsored events is prohibited by the state school code. Reasonable search, confiscation, and legal prosecution are all permissible. Violations will not be ignored. Students involved with the use or possession of contraband will receive disciplinary action according to the CONTRABAND POLICY of the district. Contraband includes: Alcohol (all intoxicants) (refer to drug & alcohol abuse intervention procedures) Drugs (refer to drug & alcohol abuse intervention procedures) Incendiaries (A minimum 5 day out of school suspension to recommendation for expulsion) Explosives (A minimum 5 day out of school suspension to recommendation for expulsion) Weapons (A minimum 5 day out of school suspension to recommendation for expulsion) The Chief School Officer (or his or her designee), on an individualized case basis, may change or adjust action based on extenuating and mitigating factors of the individual case directly related to the policy.
PROPERTY INSPECTION POLICY WHEREAS, the use of drugs alcohol, or controlled substances by students is already prohibited by law and policy; and WHEREAS, The reinforcement of the right to search or inspect desks and lockers is appropriate at a time when eliminating drugs, alcohol, and controlled substances is a major concern of school personnel; and WHEREAS, in the effort to eliminate drugs, alcohol, and controlled substances from school property, it would be helpful to use trained dogs to "sniff" for the presence of such contraband. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Salisbury-Elk Lick Board of School Directors as follows: 1. SCHOOL LOCKERS AND DESKS a. These are school property provided as a convenience to students for their use. Students must understand that desks and lockers are subject to inspection by school authorities. b. The lockers and desks must not be used for or contain illegal contraband. Upon inspection, any materials not permitted may be seized by school authorities and may be used in any proper manner against the student. c. Pennsylvania School Code 12.14 shall apply: "School authorities may search a student's locker and seize any illegal materials. Such materials may be used as evidence against the student in disciplinary proceedings. Prior to a locker search the students shall be
17 notified and given an opportunity to be present. However, where school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the locker contains materials which pose a threat to the health, welfare, and safety of students in the school, student lockers may be searched without prior warning." d. Lockers shall be cleared at the end of the school year and at other times in accordance with instructions given by school authorities. After any clean-out date and before reassignment, anything found in said lockers may be removed by school authorities and disposed of as they see fit with no responsibility to students. 2. USE OF TRAINED DOGS School administrators are authorized to request and/or permit, at times as they deem appropriate, the Pennsylvania State Police to use on school property and in school buildings, at no cost to the District, dogs specially trained to "sniff" for drugs or other controlled substances or contraband. Such dogs may be used to examine school buildings or property and anything on or in school buildings or property. 3. NOTIFICATION TO STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES School administrators shall make students, employees, parents, and the public aware of this policy in a manner as shall be appropriate. This policy shall be incorporated into the student handbook and other official school publications. 4. INCONSISTENT POLICIES This policy, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between existing policies, rules and regulations, shall control to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
FIRE DRILL INSTRUCTIONS The primary objective of a fire drill is to get students out of the building as quickly and safely as possible. Teachers are to turn off lights and close all doors and windows. They will take their roster with them and check for missing students. Students will be kept in a group until the all-clear signal is given to reenter the building. Teachers will report any missing students to the office immediately after returning to their room or area. Elementary School Exit Locations Teachers will: 1. Escort all students a safe distance from the building. 2. Be sure students are quiet and orderly when leaving the building so that students can hear any instructions. 3. Pre K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade(Brant) will use the exit at the North end of the building. 4. Grade 1 (Hutzel), Grade 2, Title Reading, Title Math, Computer Room, Library, Conference Room and Health Room will use the main entrance to exit the building. 5. Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 and Learning Support will use the entrance on the south end of the building opposite the high school. 6. Multi-purpose room will use the exit by the stage. Students will stay on the left side of the steps.
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES
1. Students will be respectful of each other and school property. 2. Students will conduct themselves in a manner, which will promote a positive learning environment. 3. Students will conduct themselves in a safe manner at all times.
SCHOOL ADMISSION In the spring of each school year, parents who wish their children to attend kindergarten will attend a kindergarten registration in the elementary health room. At the regular school board meeting on July 13, 2011, a ruling was passed that a child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if she/he is five (5) years old before September 1. No exceptions will be made to this ruling. The purpose of the registration is to determine the child’s readiness for school. A child is eligible for admission to first grade if she/he is six (6) years old before September 1. Parents or guardians are requested to furnish copies of their children's birth certificate and immunization records before a child can be admitted to school.
SAFETY POLICY It is the policy of the Salisbury-Elk Lick School Board that an effective Safety Education Program be conducted throughout the school system, with its prime objective being accident prevention in the school, at work, and at home.
18 The implementation of this policy will help make young people and adults more aware of the dangers that exist about them in today's technological world and the need for attitudes and habits that will ensure safe living and conservation of human resources. The superintendent shall be responsible for implementation of this policy and shall make necessary appointments and delegate authority to see that effective safety training and procedures are carried out at all levels within the school district. The staff shall make extensive use of the appropriate safety guides, manuals, and statutes that have been instituted and distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
SEVERE WEATHER EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN Upon receipt of a tornado warning or other severe weather warning, school-building principals will alert and warn all students, faculty, and support personnel. This information will be conveyed over the PA system in each of the two buildings. In order to insure that this information has been communicated, each teacher will correspondingly check with his/her colleague in the next room/area to ascertain that the message was received. Building principals should have sufficient time to alert their building personnel such as cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, clerical, and maintenance staffs to an impending severe local weather emergency. All high school teachers, students, and staff will move into the nearest hallway upon command from the high school principal or his designee. Both shop areas and the Chapter Trailer will be vacated at this time with the teachers and students moving into an adjacent hallway within the high school building. Position your students so that they are not near outside doors or windows. All elementary teachers, students, and staff will move to the nearest designated safe area upon command from the elementary principal or his designee. This is to mean the nearest interior wall or large cupboard-lined space available. Certain classes will be instructed to move into alternative locations within the building. It is important to stay away from exterior walls, doors, windows, skylights, gymnasiums, cafeterias or auditoriums. Upon exiting their respective classrooms or stations, all teachers are to: 1) take their class rosters with them 2) turn off all lights 3) if possible, close all doors and windows behind them All teachers should also instruct their students to sit down with their backs against the walls or cupboards and remain quiet. Low muffled talking may be permitted. Since it may be impossible to predict the duration of the warning alert, students may take reading materials with them. At this time, emergency lighting will be on. As soon as the superintendent or building principal receives an all-clear command from the County Emergency Management Agency, he will make an announcement for everyone to return to their classes. In the event that your classroom has received storm damage such as glass breakage, keep your students in the hallway and report this situation to the main office. If for any reason you cannot account for all of your students, report this matter to the office immediately.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS In the event that it becomes necessary to cancel school or to declare a delay or an early dismissal due to inclement weather or other unforeseen emergencies, the school district will notify the following radio stations no later than 7:00 A.M.: WQZS (93.3 FM), Big Froggy-WFRB- (105.3 FM) , and WJAC-TV Channel 6 (when time allows). In the event that the opening of school is delayed to a later opening time on any given day, the same notification procedure will be followed. School may still be canceled completely for that day provided notification of such cancellation is given prior to 8:00 A.M. according to the aforesaid procedure. In the event it is necessary to dismiss school early due to inclement weather or other emergencies, the school will contact the local radio/TV stations and ask that the decision to dismiss early be announced as soon as possible. Parents will also be contacted through the school’s One Call Now System.
19 RECESS TIME Students are scheduled for recess time weather permitting. Parents are encouraged to make sure that their child is adequately dressed to participate in this activity. If a student has a medical condition that restricts out of door activity, the parent should send a note requesting that the child remain indoors.
LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES Lost articles, when found, should be taken to the office where their owner can claim them. Parents can help by labeling all clothing especially hats, coats, and gloves. A Lost and Found Box has been conveniently placed in the office for this purpose. Parents should not allow their child to carry large sums of money to school or to bring valuable articles that may become lost or stolen. The school makes every effort to retrieve such items; however, school officials cannot be held liable for lost money or articles.
ANIMALS IN THE CLASSROOM
Precautions for the Maintenance and Exhibition of Animals in the Classroom This information update is intended to provide public health guidance to school administrators, teachers, and health care personnel concerning the proper and safe maintenance and exhibition of animals in the classroom setting. Staff should be cautioned that although it is desirable for youngsters to have experience with animals, the handling of animals under uncontrolled situations is potentially hazardous. The following precautions, in conjunction with routine thorough hand washing after animal contact and the maintenance of a clean habitat environment, should minimize any increased public health risk resulting from the presence of animals in the classroom.
1. Any animal contact by the children should be done only under the most controlled circumstances to prevent injury. 2. Domestic dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies and either leashed, caged and/or muzzled. 3. Rabbits and rodents should be caged and their habitats kept clean. 4. Fish, turtles, non-poisonous snakes, and reptiles should be maintained in appropriate aquariums or terrariums, which should always be kept clean. No turtles with a carapace less than four inches in length should be allowed into the classroom and children should not have access to the habitat's water. 5. Birds should be caged and not free flying and their cages should be cleaned daily. A psittacine (hooked bill) bird should be certified as free from psittacosis by a veterinarian before it is allowed into the classroom.
Division of School Health April 1997 Division of Communicable Disease Epidemiology
Medication Policy
Purpose The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. Although the district strongly recommends that medication be given in the home, it realizes that the health of some children requires that they receive medication while in school.
Medication prescribers and parents should be made aware of the problems associated with giving medications in the school setting and arrange for medication to be administered before and/or after school hours whenever possible. When medication must be administered during school hours, the following procedure shall be followed in order to ensure student safety.
Procedure
Delivery of Medication Any medication to be given during school hours should be delivered directly to the school nurse or other licensed health room personnel by the student’s parents(s) or guardian(s), NOT the student. The medication must be brought to school in the original pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled container and is not to be placed in any other container for storage. 20 It is recommended that the licensed prescriber (a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, dentist) should issue a prescription to the pharmacist instructing the pharmacist to place all medications that should be taken during the school day in a separate and properly labeled prescription container from the portion of the medication that will be administered outside of the school day. The parent may also ask the pharmacist to put the medication that will need to be taken at school in a separate pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled container.
Upon receipt of the medication, the school nurse will document the quantity of medication received, the date and time of receipt. This documentation shall be signed by both the nurse and the parent or guardian delivering the medication. Under no circumstances shall the school nurse accept medications in plastic bags or any containers other than the original pharmacy container/packaging.
Consent forms for prescription and non prescription medication must be signed by the licensed prescriber and accompany the medication. These consent forms must contain the information noted under the Administration of Medication section.
Storage of Medication
Prescription and non prescription(over the counter) medication will be kept in a locked cupboard in the nurse’s office in the elementary school. All medications will be stored in the original pharmacy container or packaging, Access to medications is limited to the school nurse and any other licensed health room professionals except in the case of a life threatening emergency. A refrigerator is available for medications requiring cold storage.
Administration of Prescription and Non Prescription Medication During School Hours
Prescription Medication Only a written request signed by the parent/guardian and a medication order from a licensed prescriber containing the following will be accepted:
Date Child’s Name Name of Medication Route of administration and dosage of the medication Required administration time and frequency Termination date for administration of the medication Allergies or any particular condition or circumstances relating to this patient that should cause the school nurse not to administer the medication Side effects relating to this patient that school personnel should observe for Licensed prescriber’s signature and phone number Additional helpful information may be provided and includes A listing of all other medication being taken at present Any restrictions on school activities The initial dosage of the medication shall be administered either at the student’s home, the physician’s office or the hospital except in the case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency the initial dosage may be given in school. “Initial dosage” refers to the first dose of medication administered from the prescription.
All medication orders must be renewed each school year. Prior to the administration of any medication, the school nurse must verify that they are administering the right medication to the right student in the right dosage and by the right route at the right time. Any medication that is distributed during school hours must be documented in the students School Health Record. The following information must be included in this record:
Student Name Date and time medication was given Name of medication Dosage Route and site of administration Signature of licensed person administering/observing medication being taken
Non-Prescription Medication Only a written request signed by the parent /guardian and a medication order from a licensed prescriber containing the same information as for prescription medication will be accepted. The medication must be in the original pharmaceutically dispensed and properly labeled package/container. 21 The school nurse or other licensed health personnel will be able to administer non-prescription medication under the supervision of the school physician as directed in his/her written standing orders. Parents/guardians will have signed a permission allowing the school nurse to use the school physician’s standing orders to administer selected medications to their child/children. This permission will be given by the parent on the Emergency Medical Form sent home at the beginning of the school year.
Supply of Medication For a short term illness (1-10 school days) the original prescription container can be brought in with only the amount of medication that will need to be given in school over that time period.
For a long term illness or condition (over 10 school days) a two week to one month supply of medication can be brought in at one time. The parent of the child must inform the nurse of any change in the child’s health or in the medication varying from the original written instructions. If the medication is changed, the physician and parent must complete a new consent form.
Personnel Responsible for Administering Medication The school nurse or other licensed health room personnel will administer medication to students. In the absence of the school nurse medication may be administered by a licensed school nurse substitute. The school nurse may supervise the self administration of medication by a student if the nurse has assessed the student and is aware the student is capable of proper self administration and physician and parent permission have been given. If the school nurse has prior knowledge she will be absent and an appropriate substitute is not available, the nurse will attempt to contact the parent or guardian of each child currently taking medication and request they come to the school to administer medication to their child.
Emergency Medication Guidelines The school district realizes certain medical conditions such as asthma and severe allergic reactions, among others, require prompt administration of medication. Students needing emergency medications may keep these in the nurse’s office for administration by the nurse as ordered by the child’s physician and with parent consent. Student’s may self administer emergency medication in the school when they have the authorization of a licensed prescriber, their parent or guardian and the district. Prior to permitting a student to self-administer medication the school nurse will perform a baseline assessment of the student’s health status and ensure that the student is competent in self administration of the medication. Upon use of the medication the student must inform the nurse of this so proper assessment of the student’s medical condition can be made and proper medical records kept. Parents must be aware the school cannot be responsible for improper use of or loss of the medication when it is in the child’s possession.
22 Salisbury-Elk Lick School District
Medication Administration Licensed Prescriber Order & Parent/Guardian Consent
In accordance with school policy, medications should be given at home before and after school. When this is not possible, prior to receiving medication at school, each student must provide the School Nurse with a Medication Administration Consent form signed by the student’s parent/guardian and a Medication Order from a licensed prescriber. All medications must be in an original prescription bottle/container from a pharmacy.
Licensed Prescriber Medication Order
Student’s Name______Birth Date______Grade______
Name of Medication______
If Epinephrine or inhaler is prescribed, may student carry the medication? Yes____ No_____
Route and dosage______
Time to be administered at school and frequency______
Diagnosis______
Termination date of medication______
Allergies or special conditions______
Side effects needing reported to prescriber______
Licensed Prescriber’s Signature______Date______
Licensed Prescriber’s Printed Name and Credentials______
Phone______
Parent/Guardian Consent I give permission for my child, named above, to receive the following medication ordered by a licensed prescriber during the school day. I understand that the medication will be given by the School Nurse according to my child’s licensed prescriber’s directions. Has the child received the initial dose of medicine outside of school? ______
Parent/Guardian Signature______Date______
Parent/Guardian name printed______Phone______
Updated 2/23/16
23 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
24 Salisbury Elk Lick School District Head Lice Policy
The Board is committed to maintaining a healthy environment for students and staff. To fulfill that commitment, the Board established this lice policy/procedure which is in line with evidence based practice and is based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics, and National Association of School Nurses. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses advocate that “no-nit” policies should be discontinued. “No-nit” policies that require a child to be free of nits before they can return to school should be discontinued. At any time during the school year, the school nurse may examine a student for head lice. Pediculosis (infestation by head lice) should not disrupt the educational process. In cases that involve head lice, as in all school health issues, it is vital that the school nurse prevent stigmatizing and maintain the student’s privacy, as well as the family’s right to confidentiality. If lice are identified, the following procedures shall be implemented: 1. The school nurse will provide information to the parent/guardian regarding treatment. Students diagnosed with live head lice do not need to be sent home early from school; they can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment of live lice has begun. Nits may persist after initial treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. 2. Determine if the student has siblings in the district. If yes, then check the siblings and others in close contact with the affected child. Children found with live head lice should remain in class, but be discouraged from close, direct head contact with others. The school nurse should contact the parents/guardians to discuss treating the child at the conclusion of the day. After the in-home treatment has been initiated and live lice have been removed, the child may return to school, even if nits persist. Additional information regarding this policy is available in each school office and questions or concerns can be directed to the school nurse. INFECTION CONTROL AND UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS POLICY
Objective - To prevent the spread of organisms that cause illness among students and staff, and affect the health and attendance of these individuals at school. The need for the control of infectious diseases is well documented in medical literature and is necessary for health, economic, and educational reasons. The control of infectious diseases in the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District is desired by administration, the school nurse, teachers, parents, students, and custodial staff. These individuals need to be concerned about the spread of communicable diseases such as respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, mononucleosis and chicken pox, to name a few, which affect an individual's health and school attendance. In addition, an increased incidence of individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B has made the need to follow infection control procedures more urgent.
In order to implement better infection control in our school district it is advisable for certain procedures to be followed. Universal Precautions (UP) was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and is intended to prevent transmission of infection as well as decrease the risk of exposure to infection for school personnel and students. Since it is not possible to identify all infected individuals, precautions should be used with everyone. The use of UP pertains to handling blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) which may contain blood. Body fluids and wastes such as saliva, sputum, tears, nasal secretions, vomitus, urine and feces may or may not contain blood, but can be sources of other infections and should therefore be handled as if they are infectious.
The single most important step in preventing exposure to and transmission of any infection is anticipating contact with infectious materials in routine and emergency situations. School personnel and students should be prepared to use the appropriate precautions that include: A. Proper hand washing B. The use of barriers C. Appropriate disposal of waste products D. Proper decontamination of spills A. Hand Washing Proper hand washing is crucial in preventing the spread of infection. Hands should be washed: Before physical contact with individuals and after contact is completed After Physical contact with blood or body fluids Whether or not gloves are worn, and before and after gloves are used After toileting or cleaning up a toileting accident After nose blowing, sneezing or coughing Before drinking and eating Before, during and after food preparation After handling soiled garments, equipment, or used personal hygiene items
Hand Washing Guide Remove all jewelry Wet hands with running water 25 Apply antibacterial soap and lather well, washing hands for 10-30 seconds, using circular motions and friction to clean all areas of hands, including nails Rinse well under running water Dry hands with paper towels and use paper towel to turn off water B. Barriers The use of barriers is intended to reduce the risk of contact with blood and body fluids and to control the spread of infectious agents from person to person. Barriers that should be used in the school setting include disposable latex gloves, utility gloves, absorbent materials, and resuscitation devices.
Disposable gloves should be worn when: Handling items soiled with blood or body fluids Cleaning up blood, or body fluids containing blood Cleaning up items soiled with blood or body fluids Providing wound care Caring for open or oozing skin lesions Caring for nose bleeds Cleaning up vomitus Cleaning up incontinence accidents Cleaning the bathroom facilities
1) Absorbent Materials These products are commercially available and should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendations to help absorb any blood or body fluids on rugs, floors, desks, or other inanimate objects before cleanup. 2) Resuscitation Devices These devices should be available to use in event of an emergency situation requiring that cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial breathing be done on an individual. These devices are to be used according to product recommendations by persons trained in these life saving procedures.
C. Disposal of Wastes Blood, other body fluids and wastes, other potentially infectious materials, used gloves or barriers, and absorbent materials should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed in the usual procedure to dispose of waste and trash. As a General Guide: 1) When the blood or other potentially infectious material is liquid, semi-liquid, caked with blood, or is not absorbed in materials and is capable of releasing the substance if compressed, special disposal as regulated waste is required. Schools would only have regulated waste in the event of a severe incident. In this case contact the school nurse for disposal instructions. 2) A Band-Aid, towel, sanitary napkin or other absorbed waste that does not have the potential of releasing the waste if compressed would not be considered regulated waste. 3) Body wastes such as urine, vomitus, or feces, should be disposed of in the sewer system. 4) Needles and syringes used in the school setting should be placed in a special puncture proof container in the nurse’s office and will be disposed of as regulated waste by her.
D. Decontamination of Spills: Spills of blood and other potentially infectious materials should be cleaned up immediately. 1) Wear gloves 2) Clean up the spill with paper towels or other absorbent material 3) Decontaminate the soiled area with any one of the following: A solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water prepared fresh daily Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol (70%) Lysol Hydrogen peroxide A commercial EPA registered disinfectant 4) Dispose of latex gloves, soiled towels, and other wastes in a plastic bag 5) Decontaminate utility gloves by washing in warm soapy water, rinse, dry and inspect for holes, tears or deterioration 6) Wash hands thoroughly
Applying an absorbent agent, used according to directions, may clean rugs that are contaminated. Vacuum or mechanically remove with broom and dustpan. Apply a rug shampoo containing a germicidal agent with a brush, vacuum when dry or disinfect with a bleach solution if this will not harm the rug. Disinfect cleaning supplies
26 Exposure Incidents: a. An exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material through contact with broken skin, mucous membranes or a puncture would require immediate action. b. Always wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water. c. If a mucous membrane (eye, nose, or mouth) splash occurs, irrigate or wash the area thoroughly with running water d. If a human bite occurs so that the skin is broken, the area should be washed immediately with soap and water e. The exposure should be reported to the school nurse who will see if the above recommendations have been followed. If not, emergency care will be provided. 1) Exposure of a student to blood or other potentially infectious materials will be reported to a parent, with recommendations for follow-up by their family physician, local health department or/or occupational health agency.
2) Exposure of an employee will be handled on an individual basis, with follow-up care advised with the employee's physician, local health department and/or occupational health agency.
Employees should be reminded that Hepatitis B vaccine is available through the school health insurance plan and is advised for all individuals for their protection.
Guidelines for the Use of Blood Products in Classroom Settings If human blood products are used in the classroom (i.e. biology, chemistry or health classes) the following options are strongly advised by the Pennsylvania Department of Health: Obtain expired and prescreened blood from a blood bank Obtain pre-prepared slides Have each student prick him or herself, test only their own blood, utilize previously discussed Universal Precautions Procedures, and discard contaminants properly: 1) Blood contaminated materials are to be placed in a plastic bag, tied shut, and placed in the waste can.
2) Puncture devices should temporarily be placed in a covered metal container, such as a coffee can, and sent to the nurse for proper disposal.
3) Disinfect all work surfaces properly as previously discussed under decontamination.
Pennsylvania AIDS Confidentiality Law (Act 148) This statute was enacted to provide confidentiality for HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. The act states that information about a person's HIV/AIDS status is strictly confidential. It may not be disseminated without the expressed written consent of the person unless an individual or organization has been given access by law, such as through a court order. In that an individual's HIV/AIDS status and other medical conditions are confidential information, it is all the more advisable for school personnel to follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
Recommendations to Aid the School District in Infection Control The school nurse will follow established Department of Health policies regarding exclusion of students from school for communicable diseases. Parents will be kept informed as problems occur with infectious diseases in the school setting. Appropriate information will be distributed, as needed, to help parents protect their children. The school nurse can be contacted at any time to answer questions. In Addition: 1. Antibacterial soap should be available in all bathrooms 2. Plastic liners should be used in all waste baskets 3. If possible, avoid contact with the body fluids of other persons 4. Allow an injured student or staff member to help control their own bleeding and clean their own injury if they are able to, when the person attending the individual does not have protective equipment 5. Supplies will be provided to each employee for use in case a bleed occurs. The employee will be responsible for keeping the supplies readily available for use and requesting more supplies from the school nurse 6. All employees should be in-serviced on infection control procedures 7. Infection control procedures should be integrated into students curricula
27 Materials Adapted From: A Sample Policy of the Keystone Central School District, 95 West Fourth Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania Suggested Sample Guidelines for the Implementation of Universal Precautions in School Settings, Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education, Harrisburg, PA HIV Confidentiality Law (Act 148) of Pennsylvania
SALISBURY - ELK LICK SCHOOL DISTRICT AIDS POLICY To comply with Chapter 4 curriculum regulations the Salisbury-Elk School District shall provide instruction about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and related issues to its students at least once in the Elementary grades, once in the junior high school, and once in the senior high school. This instruction shall be included in the curriculum in the health course and shall be presented in a series of systemic lessons at an appropriate time during the school year.
Educational materials and instruction shall be determined by the local district and be appropriate to the age group to be taught. Each program of instruction shall include, but not be limited to, information about the nature of the disease, the lack of a cure, the ways the disease is transmitted, and how infection can be prevented.
The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District shall excuse students from instruction in AIDS when this instruction conflicts with the religious beliefs or moral principles of the parent(s), guardian(s), or of the student. Salisbury-Elk Lick shall require written requests in letter form addressed to the appropriate administrator to be excused from the instruction.
Prior to the commencement of AIDS instruction, the school shall publicize the detailed curriculum outlines, and all curriculum materials used in connection with the instruction shall be available to the parent(s) or guardian(s) during normal school hours, or at teacher/parent conferences. Such materials, where practical, shall be made available by the school for home instruction used by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of any student excused from the districts program of AIDS instruction.
STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work and homework, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students are responsible to share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. 2. No student has the right to interfere with the education of fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process. 3. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. 4. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following: a. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. Students should assume that, until a rule is waived, altered or repealed in writing, it is in effect. b. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property. c. Dress and groom to meet standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes. d. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for the students enrolled therein. e. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws. f. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment g. Attend school daily and be on time at all classes and other school functions. h. Make up work when absent from school. i. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by local school authorities. j. Report accurately in student media. k. Not use obscene language in student media or on school premises.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
In helping to teach students basic responsibilities, we will encourage students to practice the following.
28 1. Students are encouraged to assist with keeping our building clean. Good housekeeping is everyone's job in the school. 2. Students are responsible for the textbooks they use, and should, therefore, take care of them properly. Textbooks are not to be marked or defaced in any way. Students should be reminded that the textbooks they use now will be used by other students in the future. 3. Students are responsible for completing all class work assigned by their teacher and making sure that it is turned in on time. 4. All students are responsible for following and respecting the rules and guidelines set by the school and their teachers. 5. Students should show respect for their fellow classmates and treat others, as they would like to be treated themselves. 6. Students are responsible for keeping their desks clean and neat. 7. Students will be responsible for bringing home school letters to parents on the same day they receive them. 8. Students should remember to be good listeners during special programs and special school performances. Always be a good audience, and the show or program will be a much more enjoyable experience. It will also be a good reflection upon our school. 9. Students should be prepared to start school - for example, pencils sharpened, paper ready, etc. 10. All students should remember that their behavior sets an example for others. 11. Upon returning to school following an absence, students should try their best to make up missed assignments.
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
The Board acknowledges that student conduct is closely related to learning. An effective educational program requires a safe and orderly school environment; and the effectiveness of the instructional program is, in part, reflected in the behavior of students.
The Board shall require each student to adhere to Board policies and the rules and regulations promulgated by the administration and to submit to disciplinary measures appropriately assigned for infraction of those rules. School rules and Board policies shall govern student conduct in school, at school-sponsored activities, and during the time spent in travel to and from school.
The Board shall adopt a Code of Student Conduct to govern student behavior.
Rules governing student conduct shall require students to: 1. Conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior. 2. Respect the rights, person, and property of others. 3. Preserve the degree of order necessary to the educational program in which they are engaged. 4. Obey constituted authority and respond to those who hold that authority.
Any student disciplined by a district employee shall have the right to notice of the infraction and a hearing before the building principal prior to being disciplined, and the student may appeal the discipline determination to the Superintendent or designee.
The district has a discipline referral form to notify parents about disciplining students.
The Superintendent or designee shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement Board policy governing student conduct which: 1. Are not arbitrary, but bear a reasonable relationship to the need to maintain a school environment conducive to learning. 2. Do not discriminate among students. 3. Do not demean students. 4. Do not violate any individual rights guaranteed to students.
The Superintendent or designee shall designate sanctions for the infractions of rules which: 1. Relate in kind and degree to the infraction. 2. Help the student learn to accept responsibility for actions. 3. Are directed to ameliorating any harm caused by the student’s misconduct. 4. Hold parents and guardians accountable for the actions of their students.
The Superintendent or designee shall prepare guidelines for actions against delinquent children which provide for parental conferences, sequential discipline, psychological and medical examination, and suspension from school attendance in accordance with Board policy, or referral to juvenile authorities.
The Superintendent or designee shall publish and provide to all staff, students and parents the rules for student behavior contained in the Code of Student Conduct and the sanctions that may be imposed for violations of those rules. A copy of the Code shall be made available in each library.
The building principal shall have the authority to assign discipline to students, subject to the policies, rules and regulations of the district and to the student’s due process right to notice, hearing, and appeal. 29 Teaching staff and other district employees responsible for students shall have the authority to take reasonable actions necessary to control the disorderly conduct of students in all situations and in all places where students are within the jurisdiction of this Board and when such conduct interferes with the educational program of the schools or threatens the health and safety of others.
VIDEO/AUDIO MONITORS ON SCHOOL BUSES
The board of school directors and school officials recognize that undesirable behavior and serious misconduct on a school bus not only makes it difficult for the driver and fellow passengers, but also jeopardizes the safety and well-being of all. Therefore, video/audio-monitoring cameras shall be used as an aid in discouraging misconduct. This policy also includes: athletic event transportation, field trips and other school related activities. The use of video/audio cameras on a school bus does not replace The School Bus Discipline Policy or the authority and responsibility of the bus driver or school officials to take appropriate action regarding misconduct.
Parents will not be given the opportunity to review video/audio unless their child is involved in a violation and is receiving disciplinary action as the result of an infraction and only if the video/audio was used to confirm the violation.
A student’s use of bus transportation provided by the district will be considered as the relinquishment of any expectation of privacy in regards to the use of video/audio monitoring camera system.
EXPECTED CONDUCT ON THE SCHOOL BUS
Once a student boards the school bus, he or she becomes the responsibility of the district. Such responsibility of the district shall end when the student is delivered to an approved bus stop at the close of the day. The school bus is an extension of the classroom and the school district shall require students to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior and additional standards for safe transportation.
Pupils Must:
1. Recognize that the bus driver is the authority on the bus; obey the bus driver and be courteous to him/her and to fellow students. The driver has the authority to assign seats to maintain discipline or promote safety. 2. Conduct yourself in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner at all times. 3. Go directly to your seat and remain seated until directed by the driver to do otherwise. 4. Do not mar or deface the bus. The pupil performing the act must pay for willful or careless damage. 5. Do not use profanity or indecent language or gestures. 6. Do not wave or shout at pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles. 7. Do not throw objects in the bus or from a window or throw objects at the bus from the outside. 8. Do not carry on the bus oversized objects that would block the aisle, cause loss of passenger seat space, obstruct the driver's view or create a safety hazard. Objects will be permitted only if they can be held in the pupil's lap. 9. Do not throw paper or litter on the floor. 10. Have a written request from parents to go home on an alternate bus, one for the teacher, and one for the bus driver. 11. Be aware that no change will be made in the location of bus stops or bus routing without the approval of the transportation supervisor. 12. Remain seated on the bus until it comes to a full stop. 13. Leave the bus in an orderly manner; pupils in the front seats discharge first.
EXPECTED CONDUCT AT THE BUS STOP Pupils must: 1. Be on time. Be at their regular stop five minutes before the regular pick up time. The driver is not permitted to wait on a student who is not at the bus stop. 2. Stand back from the traveled portion of the roadway while waiting for the bus. Parents are responsible for children's behavior and safety at the bus stop. 3. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop then walk to the front door. Never run or play around a moving bus. 4. Board the bus in an orderly fashion and take your seat. 30 5. Report immediately to the driver any illness or injury sustained on or around the bus. 6. Always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic when walking to a bus stop. 7. Do not cross the road or street to board the bus until the bus stops with lights flashing and the driver directs you to do so. Always cross in front of the bus. Be in a position where the driver can see you at all times when near your school bus. 8. When being dropped off in the evening, leave the bus stop area when safety permits as soon as discharged from the bus, do not loiter around the bus or bus stop. When it is necessary to cross a highway, always cross in front of the bus at a distance of at least ten feet; cross only when the driver has signaled that it is safe to do so.
SCHOOL BUS DRILLS The purpose of a school bus evacuation drill is to follow through on established procedures in the event of an accident or emergency. Each bus driver will conduct two (2) yearly drill exercises sometime during the first week of school and sometime in March as is mandated by the school code. It is for your children's safety and welfare that these drills are carried out in a cooperative and orderly manner.
NON - DISCRIMINATION POLICY The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District has agreed to comply with the provisions of Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 of the Civil Rights Act and all requirements imposed pursuant thereto, to the end that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or age be excluded from participation in, be denied benefit of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in the provision of any educational services or care.
Specifically, the above includes (but is not limited to) the following characteristics: 1. Students will be provided all services and activities on a non-discriminatory basis. All pupils will be admitted and receive service without regard to race, color, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin. 2. All students will be assigned to rooms, classes and sections without regard to race, color, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin. 3. Employees will be assigned to educational services without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, or disabilities of either the student or employee. 4. Staff privileges will not be denied professionally qualified personnel on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, and national or ethnic origin. 5. All facilities of the institution will be utilized without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. 6. Transfer of students from rooms, or classes assigned and/or selected will not be made from reasons of race, color, sex, disability or national origin.
For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Mrs. Jennifer Ferraro, Title IX coordinator, or Joseph Renzi, Title VI director at Salisbury High School, Salisbury, PA 15558 (814) 662-2741, X-504. For information regarding services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by disabled persons, contact Mrs. Jennifer Ferraro, Section 504 coordinator at the same address and phone number.
UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students in the schools. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated.
The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of students by all district students and staff members, contracted individuals and vendors, and volunteers in the schools.
The Board encourages students who have been harassed to promptly report such incidents to the designated employees.
The Board directs that complaints of harassment be investigated promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations. Neither reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of harassment.
The term harassment includes but is not limited to repeated, unwelcome and offensive slurs, jokes, or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age or handicap/disability that create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
Ethnic harassment includes the repeated, unwelcome and offensive use of any derogatory word, phrase or action characterizing a given racial or ethnic group that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.
31 Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s academic status. 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic or work decisions affecting the individual. 3. Such conduct deprives a student of educational aid, benefits, services or treatment. 4. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s school performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive education environment. Examples of sexual harassment include but are not limited to sexual flirtations, advances, touching or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body; sexually degrading words to describe an individual; jokes, pin- ups, calendars, objects, graffiti, vulgar statements, abusive language, innuendoes, references to sexual activities, overt sexual conduct; or any conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to work or learn or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment.
The district shall annually inform students, staff, parents, independent contractors and volunteers that unlawful harassment of students will not be tolerated, by means of distribution of written policy, publication in handbooks, and presentation at an assembly.
The district shall provide training for students and staff concerning all aspects of unlawful harassment.
Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all forms of unlawful harassment.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of their fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of unlawful harassment.
Students shall be informed that they may choose to report harassment complaints to building principals, teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators.
All employees who receive harassment complaints from a student shall report such to the building principal.
If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the student shall report the complaint directly to the Superintendent or designated administrator.
Guidelines When a student believes that s/he is being harassed, the student should immediately inform the harasser that the behavior is unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate. If the unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate behavior continues, the student shall follow the established complaint procedure.
Complaint Procedure A student shall report a complaint of harassment orally or in writing to the building principal or designated employee, who shall inform the student of his/her rights and the complaint process.
The building principal immediately shall notify the Superintendent or other designated administrator and shall conduct an impartial, thorough, and confidential investigation of the alleged harassment.
In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes harassment, the totality of the circumstances, nature of the conduct, and context in which the alleged conduct occurred shall be investigated.
The building principal shall prepare a written report summarizing the investigation and recommending disposition of the complaint. Copies of the report shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, the Superintendent and others directly involved, as appropriate.
If the investigation results in a substantiated charge of harassment, the district shall take prompt corrective action to ensure the harassment ceases and will not recur.
Discipline A substantiated charge against a district staff member shall subject such staff member to disciplinary action, including discharge.
A substantiated charge against a district student shall subject such student to disciplinary action, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, and may include educational activities and/or counseling services related to unlawful harassment.
32 If it is concluded that a student has made a false accusation, such student shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
Appeal Procedure 1. If the complainant or accused is not satisfied with the principal’s decision, the student may file a written appeal to the Superintendent. 2. The Superintendent shall review the initial investigation and report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation. S/He shall prepare a written response to the appeal. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, building principal and others directly involved, as appropriate.
BULLYING POLICY
The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District strives to provide a safe, positive learning environment for all the students in the school district. The District recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the policy of the school district will be that bullying and cyber bullying will not be tolerated in any form.
Definitions: Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself that has the effect of: Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student Damaging, extorting or taking a student’s personal property Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities Cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student or staff member by using text messages, e-mails, digital pictures, images or websites, including blogs especially if they have the effect of: Physically, emotionally or mentally harming a student Putting or placing a person in reasonable fear of physical, emotional or mental harm Placing a student in reasonable fear of damage to or loss of personal property Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that can jeopardize a student’s opportunity for an education
The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District feels that all forms of bullying are unacceptable and create a disruption to the educational process of the District and all offenders shall be subject to appropriate staff intervention, which may result in administrative discipline.
Delegation of responsibility: Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain a bullying free educational environment in the school and in the classrooms. Students should feel free to report bullying or cyber bullying to any administrator or school staff person and feel that their needs have been met.
All staff members receiving reports of bullying or cyber bullying should gather information and seek help from the administration. If the reports turn out to be true, corrective action shall be taken and confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained.
33 When an incident of bullying is reported, parents/guardians will be notified of their child’s involvement through a bullying prevention parent letter that will be sent home. The letter will be sent home to all individuals involved in the incident which include the alleged perpetrator, victim, bystanders, and reporter. The letter will be signed by parents and returned to the school. Parents are always encouraged to call the school with any questions.
The policy will also be posted on the District website.
STUDENT RECORDS POLICY The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District's policy on student records has been approved as meeting the minimum requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as outlined in State Board Regulations 1232(b). The purpose of this policy is to inform parents and eligible students (18years old or older) of their right to inspect and to review the educational records of the student, the right not to have personally identifiable information from the student's records released without prior written consent, the right of the parent or eligible student to see the log of requests for the disclosures of personally identifiable information maintained by the school, the right of parents and eligible students to seek the correction of educational records through request or by hearing, and the right of the parent or eligible student to have a copy of the policy or student records. The educational records of students are maintained in the elementary and high school offices. Other rights and requirements of the school, the parents or eligible student, not mentioned above, are set forth in the policy regarding student educational records.
Parents and students 18 years old and older have the right to the following:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education record within thirty (30) days of the district’s receipt of the request for access. 2. The right to request amendment of the student’s education records that the parent, guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise violate the privacy rights of the student. 3. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA and state laws authorize disclosure without consent. 4. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest if the district discloses certain materials without prior consent. 5. The right to request that information not be provided to military recruiting
Upon request, the School discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
CAFETERIA POLICY The homeroom teachers will take the cafeteria count each morning before 1st period. This tabulation should be as accurate as possible and sent to the office with the absentee list.
Parents may make advanced payments for meals and milk with cash or check, made payable to the Salisbury-Elk Lick School Cafeteria Fund. Payments may cover purchases for one week or more. All payments must be identified by the child’s first and last name. Please put all payments in an envelope on which you list the child’s “full” name, grade, homeroom teacher’s name and amount of money enclosed. If more than one child’s payment is enclosed, please be sure to include all information for each child so all money can be credited to the right account. Money remains in your child’s account until it is deducted for purchases. Because the purchase of meals during the lunch line slows down the meal service, this practice should be kept to a minimum. However, ALA CARTE items may be purchased at this time. Elementary students in grades K through 4 are not allowed to use money in their accounts for A LA CARTE items. Students in grades 5 and 6 may purchase A LA CARTE items if they have money in their accounts. Students are not allowed to "charge" items. Prices for meals are as follows: 34 $1.20 per day for the regular breakfast $.30 per day for the reduced breakfast $1.60 per day for the regular elementary school lunch $1.70 per day for the regular high school lunch $.40 per day for a reduced school lunch $.70 for a carton of milk $1.70 for an adult breakfast $3.00 for an adult lunch $.70 for kindergarten snacks GENERAL RULES: Certain standards of conduct and regulations pertaining to the cafeteria must be followed to avoid confusion and provide for the orderly completion of the lunch period. Students are expected to adhere to certain rules: 1. Avoid running, pushing, and loud talking. 2. Keep in an orderly line while waiting to be served. Line jumpers will be penalized. Students are not permitted to pick up lunch for anyone not in line unless there are extenuating circumstances. 3. All food must be eaten while at the table. No food is to be taken out of the cafeteria. 4. If food is dropped, it should be cleaned up by the person or persons involved. 5. Place trash in the cans provided. Place dishes, trays, and silverware on the receiving counter in an orderly manner. 6. Students may use the restrooms during the lunch period. SALISBURY-ELK LICK SCHOOL DISTRICT FOOD SERVICE POLICY The Board has adopted the following policy on handling delinquent accounts: Elementary 1. No students will be denied either breakfast and/or lunch because of negative balances on his/her account. 2. No a la carte items can be purchased by elementary students when the student’s account reaches a negative balance of $5.00 or more. 3. When the student’s account reaches a negative balance of $5.00 or more, the parent/gaurdian will be notified by the cafeteria manager by telephone stating the amount owed. 4. Once a parent/guardian has been notified three times, or when a student’s account balance reaches a negative balance of $25.00 or more, a certified letter will be sent by the cafeteria manager to the parent/guardian stating the amount due and describing further action that will be taken if the parent/guardian does not pay promptly. 5. If payment is not received within ten (10) days, the student’s out-standing debt will be turned over to the magistrate for collection. The parent/guardian will be responsible to to pay the outstanding debt due to the cafeteria as well as any and all fees assigned by the magistrate for the collection of monies. 6. Balances from each school year are carried over to the next school year. Any student left with a negative balance at the end of the school year will be notified by the cafeteria manager by letter over the summer and again prior to the start of the following school year. 7. Parents/guardians of seventh graders entering the junior/senior high the following year will receive balance letters from the cafeteria manager as well as the high school meal charging policy. Students who are carrying over a negative balance from the elementary school level must settle this debt prior to school beginning in order to be eligible for charging meals to their FSS accounts in accordance with this policy. If you have any questions regarding your child’s account, please contact the cafeteria manager, Rachel Haning, at 814-662-2733 ext. 207. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
Philosophy: A student's academic progress in school is best communicated through a grading system that has certain agreed upon standards for student promotion or retention. It should be recognized that any grading system might be flawed or imperfect; however, certain well-established standards must be established to determine the degree to which students have made progress throughout the school year. It should be further emphasized that due to the incredibly complex nature of the learner, no single evaluative procedure no matter how well detailed or planned is able to measure quite definitively the academic achievement of every student with great precision or predictability. Understandably, then, the decision to retain a student ultimately should be the responsibility of the classroom teacher who working cooperatively with the school counselor and building principal will determine whether or not a student should be retained or promoted.
35 Grading Standards
1. In order to be promoted, students must complete the criteria of a particular subject area with a 60% rate of success. Percentages gathered will include testing of skills in the scope and sequence of a subject area as well as scores from resources such as but not limited to book reports, projects, weekly checks and quizzes and writing samples. 2. A student will be retained in kindergarten through third grade if he/she receives a final grade of 59%/"F" in any two of the following subjects: Spelling, Language, Reading, or Mathematics. 3. A student will be retained in fourth through sixth grade if he/she receives a final grade of 59%/"F" in any two of the following subjects: Spelling, Language, Reading, Math, Science, or Social Studies. 4. All teachers shall keep in a file folder of evidence believed to confirm justification for a pupil's retention. Test papers, class work, absenteeism reports, and anecdotal notations should be maintained to validate a recommendation. 5. Parents are to be notified immediately when their child is being considered as a candidate for retention. a. Copies of all correspondence will be kept in the student's permanent record file. b. Initial notification to parents of the potential of retention may be made at any time during the school year, but no later than the end of the third report period. c. Parents will be notified of definite retentions prior to the last day of school. 6. These requirements will not apply to any subject area that is governed by an Individualized Educational Program for students identified as exceptional. 7. Parents or guardians shall have received a copy of this policy prior to the new school year. 8. In the event that a student is retained, attendance at a "summer school program" or tutoring will not be considered as a condition for promotion to the next grade unless approved by the Superintendent. 9. Excessive absenteeism may be used as a criterion for retention.
Grading Scale for Grades K-6 90 - 100% - A 80 - 89% - B 70 - 79% - C 60-69% - D 59% and Below – F
REPORT CARDS
Teachers will evaluate students and a progress report will be sent home at the end of each 9-week period. A progress report may also be issued by the teacher(s) prior to the end of the marking period if there is a need to inform the parent that the child is having a problem with his/her course work. Either party throughout the school year may request a parent/teacher conference.
CURRICULUM REVIEW BY PARENTS AND STUDENTS
The educational interests of students, families, and society require that parents have access to, can review, and when appropriate, exclude students from district established curriculum and state standardized assessment.
The Board recognizes its responsibility for state and federal legal compliance and shall adopt a comprehensive plan for all aspects of parental rights as related to curricular matters.
The rights granted by this policy are granted to parents of students enrolled in the school district when the students are under the age of eighteen (18) and to the students themselves when the student is age eighteen (18) or over, unless the student is incapable of making the decision due to a disability.
The district shall assure that students, parents and/or guardians have the following: 1. Access to information about the curriculum including academic standards to be achieved, instructional materials, and assessment techniques. 2. A process for the review of instructional materials. 36 3. The right to have their children excused from specific instruction, which conflicts with their religious beliefs, upon receipt by the school district of a written request from the parents or guardians. 4. If upon inspection of state assessments, parents or guardians find the assessments in conflict with their religious belief and wish their student excluded from the assessment, the right of parents or guardians will not be denied upon written request to the district Superintendent. 5. Opportunity for involvement in the strategic planning process under law. The right to have their children excluded from research studies or surveys conducted by entities other than the school district, unless prior written consent has been obtained. 6. The right of the parent or guardian to review the state assessments in the school district two (2) weeks prior to their administration during convenient hours for parents and guardians. All necessary security requirements to maintain validity of the assessment must be taken in accordance with the state assessment administration instructions.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan pertaining to students and parental rights and access to the curriculum that is approved by the Board and meets the legal requirements of all state and federal statutes and regulations.
Safeguards established by LEA regulatory procedures (promulgated from) will be available to ensure and protect the rights of parents and students.
In order for a parent and/or guardian to employ their rights, a written request must be made to the Superintendent or designee resulting in a timely, mutually agreed upon hour and place to conference.
At the conference parents shall have the right to: 1. Access information about the curriculum, including academic standards to be achieved, instructional materials and assessment techniques in the presence of administration or designee. 2. Review instructional materials in the presence of administration or designee. 3. Excuse/exclude their child/children from specific instruction which conflicts with their religious beliefs. 4. In order for a parent and/or guardian to employ their rights, a written request two (2) weeks prior to state assessment administration must be made to the Superintendent or his/her designated representative resulting in a timely, mutually agreed upon hour and place to conference.
At the conference parents shall have the right to: 1. Review and inspect State Assessments in the presence of administration or designees. 2. Exclude/excuse their child/children from assessment when “in conflict with their religious belief” and “upon inspection.”
In order for a parent and/or guardian to employ their rights, a written request must be made to the Superintendent or his/her designated representative resulting in a timely, mutually agreed upon hour and place to conference.
At the conference parent shall have the right to: 1. Formerly request opportunity for involvement in the strategic planning process. 2. Exclude/excuse their child/children from research studies or surveys conducted by entities other than the school district.
EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION
The purpose of this policy is to comply with the requirement of the State Board of Education that school districts provide parents the right to have their children excused from specific instruction that conflicts with their religious beliefs.
The Board adopts this policy to ensure that parents have the right to have their children excused from specific instruction that conflicts with their religious beliefs.
As used in this policy the phrase specific instruction means identifiable elements of instruction by the teacher. It does not include required reading or academic standards.
The rights granted by this policy are granted to parents of students enrolled in this district when the students are under the age of eighteen (18) and to the students themselves when the student is eighteen (18) or over, unless the student is incapable of making the decision due to a disability.
The district shall excuse any student from specific instruction, as defined in this policy, subject to the following conditions:
37 1. To assist the school district in ensuring that the student is excused from the correct specific instruction, the request must be made in writing and must detail the specific instruction from which the student is to be excused. 2. The written request to be excused shall be sent by the qualifying parent or student to the building principal. One copy of the request shall be retained in the student’s permanent school records, a copy shall be kept by the school principal, and a copy shall be submitted to the teacher from whose instruction the student is to be excused. 3. It shall not be the responsibility of the district or any of its employees to ensure that the child exercises his/her right to be excused, and school employees are prohibited from initiating action to have any student leave class in accordance with a parental request. Instead, it is the responsibility of the student to request permission to leave class when the specific instruction objected to is or is about to be presented. When the student seeks to be excused, the teacher shall excuse the student if (a) the teacher has a copy of the written request or, if upon checking with the principal, the principal has a copy of the written request; and (b) the written request adequately describes the instruction that is taking place or about to take place. 4. The written request must contain a statement that the specific instruction described conflicts with the religious beliefs of the student or of the parents. 5. The parent and/or student may request suggested replacement educational activities. The only permissible educational activity for this purpose shall be in the nature of replacement instruction that is consistent with the goals set for the course and that does not require the provision of any extra resources by the district. 6. The building principal shall determine where the student shall report during the time the student is excused. 7. All students excused from specific instruction shall be required to achieve the academic standards established by the district as necessary for graduation.
CURRENT EVENTS
The Board believes that consideration of current events has a legitimate place in the educational program of the schools. Properly introduced and conducted, discussion of such events can help students learn to identify important issues, explore fully and fairly all sides of an issue, weigh carefully the values and factors involved, and develop skills for formulating and evaluating positions.
For purposes of this policy, a current event is a topic not expressly enumerated in the course guide as appropriate for the course of study.
The Board shall permit the introduction and proper educational use of current events provided that their use in the instructional program: 1. Is related to the course’s instructional goals and the student’s level of maturity. 2. Does not tend to indoctrinate or persuade students to particular point of view. 3. Encourages balanced presentations and open mindedness. 4. Is conducted in a spirit of scholarly inquiry.
In the discussion of any event, a teacher may express a personal opinion but shall identify it as such and must not express an opinion for the purpose of persuading students to his/her point of view.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS
The Board recognizes that a system of assessing student achievement can help students, teachers, and parents to understand and evaluate a student’s progress toward educational goals and academic standards.
Assessment shall be the system of measuring and recording student progress and achievement that enables the student, parents and teachers to determine a student’s attainment of established academic standards and to learn the student’s strengths and weaknesses, plan an educational or vocational future for the student in areas of the greatest potential for success, and know where remedial work is required.
The Board directs that the district’s instructional program shall include a system of assessing all students’ academic progress. The system shall include descriptions of how achievement of academic standards will be measured and how this information will be used to assist students having difficulty meeting required standards.
Students with disabilities shall be included in the district’s assessment system, with appropriate accommodations when necessary.
The district’s assessment system shall include a variety of assessment strategies which may include: 1. Written work by students. 2. Scientific experiments conducted by students. 3. Works of art or musical, theatrical or dance performances by students. 38 4. Demonstrations, performances, products or projects by students related to specific academic standards. 5. Examinations developed by teachers to assess specific academic standards. 6. Nationally available achievement tests. 7. Diagnostic assessments. 8. Evaluations of portfolios of student work related to achievement of academic standards. 9. Other measures, as appropriate, which may include standardized tests.
The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement procedures to assess student progress, in accordance with district goals and regulations of the State Board of Education.
At the outset of any course, each student should be informed about the academic standards to be attained Each student should be kept informed of personal progress during the units of a course of planned instruction Methods of assessment shall be appropriate to the planned instruction and maturity of students Assessment strategies should objectively evaluate and reward students for their efforts Students should be encouraged to assess their own academic achievements
CODE OF CONDUCT The purpose of this code is to provide students in the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District an effective and safe learning environment. This handbook has been prepared in accordance with the discipline procedures of the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District. It contains information for school personnel, students, and parents. Included in the handbook are an outline of expected behaviors and the consequences relating to various violations. Expected behavior is behavior that promotes learning and encourages maturity during the school day as well as during all school-related activities. Students and their parents need to know and understand this code in order to achieve these goals.
Each student is guaranteed the right: To be heard To have fair and consistent rules To due process procedures
These student rights are accompanied by student responsibilities:
Participate fully in the learning process. Students need to report to school and class on time, attend all regularly scheduled classes, remain in class until excused or dismissed, pay attention to instruction, complete assignments to the best of their ability, and ask for help when needed.
Avoid behavior that impairs their own or other student’s educational achievement. Students should know and avoid the behaviors prohibited by this code, take care of books and other instructional materials, and cooperate with others. Show respect for the knowledge and authority of teachers, administrators, and other school employees.
Student must obey reasonable directions, use acceptable and courteous language, avoid being rude, and follow school rules and procedures.
Recognize and respect the rights of other students and adults. All students should show concern for and encouragement of the educational achievements and activity participation of others.
Although this handbook contains a listing of infractions, it is clearly intended not to be all-inclusive, since no list can be. It is also intended that the administration and/or the Board of Education have the power to administer discipline for any other offense which is in violation of law or school district policy or procedures, or in violation of what is deemed accepted standards of conduct for students in the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District.
Disciplinary action for violations of expected behaviors will include appropriate hearings and reviews. In all cases, the rights of the individual will be ensured and protected. The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District will make every reasonable effort to administer the discipline code consistently. When applicable, individualized plans (i.e. IEP, 504, and SST) will be reviewed for appropriate consequences.
Grievance Procedures Grievances or complaints from students or parents shall be initiated in the following manner: 1. All grievances shall be submitted in writing to the principal. They should be as detailed as possible. 2. The principal, after receiving the grievance in writing, shall arrange a meeting date which is mutually convenient to all parties involved. At this time, concerns and suggestions for improvement will be discussed
39 SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION The Board recognizes that exclusion from the educational program of the schools, whether by suspension or expulsion, is the most severe sanction that can be imposed on a student and one that cannot be imposed without due process.
The Board may, after a proper hearing, suspend a student for such time as it deems necessary or may permanently expel a student.
Exclusion from School – Suspension The principal or teacher in charge of the school may suspend any student for disobedience or misconduct for a period of one (1) to ten (10) consecutive school days and shall report the suspension to the Superintendent as soon as possible.
No student may be suspended without notice of the reasons for which s/he is suspended and an opportunity to be heard on his/her own behalf before the school official who holds the authority to reinstate the student. The parents shall be notified immediately in writing when a student is suspended.
When the suspension exceeds three (3) school days, the student and parent or guardian will be given the opportunity for an informal hearing with the designated school official. Such hearing shall take place as soon as possible after the suspension. When extraordinary circumstances involving the health and safety of the student or others in the school require immediate exclusion, the hearing may be delayed to such time as circumstances permit.
A student may be suspended up to ten (10) school days following a hearing by the principal.
Exclusion from Class – In-School Suspension No student may receive an in-school suspension without notice of the reasons for which s/he is suspended and an opportunity to be heard prior to the time the suspension becomes effective. The parent or guardian shall be informed of the suspension action taken by the school.
Should the in-school suspension exceed ten (10) consecutive school days, the student and his/her parent or guardian shall be offered an informal hearing with the designated school official. Such hearing shall take place prior to the eleventh day of the in-school suspension.
Expulsion The Board may either expel for a period exceeding ten (10) school days or may permanently expel from the district rolls any student whose misconduct and disobedience warrants this sanction. No student shall be expelled without an opportunity for a formal hearing before the Board, a duly authorized committee of the Board, or a qualified hearing examiner appointed by the Board and upon action taken by the Board after the hearing.
Attendance Requirements A student under seventeen (17) years of age who is expelled has forfeited his/her right to an education in the district schools, but she/he has not been excused from compliance with the compulsory attendance statute.
The initial responsibility for providing the required education rests with the student’s parent or guardian. Parents or guardians who are unable to provide an education for their student shall submit a written statement within thirty (30) days that they are unable to do so. The district shall then make provisions for the student’s education.
If thirty (30) days pass without satisfactory evidence that the required education is being provided, the district shall contact the parent or guardian and make provisions for the student’s education.
The Board directs the Superintendent or designee to assist the parent or guardian in placing the student in an appropriate educational program other than in this district.
If the approved educational program is not complied with, the school district may take action to ensure that the student will receive a proper education.
Hearings Students suspended for a period of time longer that three (3) days shall be afforded an informal hearing. Delay of such hearing shall not delay return to school.
40 The Board requires that each hearing shall be closed to the public; but should the student and/or the parents agree, the hearing may be held publicly.
Each suspended student involved in a formal hearing shall be restored to the regular educational program pending the outcome of the hearing except when, in the opinion of the Superintendent, the presence of the student in school poses a danger to the student or others in the school community.
Any student who accumulates three (3) suspensions for any reason will be scheduled for a conference with the Superintendent of schools. Any student who is suspended four (4) times for any reason will be scheduled for a hearing before the Board.
A student suspended during examinations, near the end of the school year, or at any period of time critical to his/her educational future may request an immediate hearing, even though the suspension is for a short term.
The formal hearing shall observe the due process requirements of: 1. Notification of the charges in writing by certified mail to the student or the student’s parents or guardian. 2. Notice of the time and place of the hearing. 3. The hearing shall be private unless the student or parent requests a public hearing. 4. The right to representation by counsel. 5. Disclosure of the names of witnesses and the testimony they have made. 6. The right to testify and present witnesses on the student’s behalf. 7. The hearing shall be held with all reasonable speed. 8. Recording of the proceedings. 9. A copy of the transcript available at the student’s expense. 10. The Superintendent or designee shall develop rules and regulations to implement this policy which includes: a. Publication of conduct standards in accordance with Board policy on student discipline. b. Procedures that ensure due process in depriving a student the right to attend school.
Regulations regarding student records which require that records of disciplinary suspension be maintained in accordance with Board policy on student records.
Procedures for periodic case review of expelled students. The name of a student under eighteen (18) years of age whose conduct has been disciplined shall not become part of the agenda or minutes of a public meeting, nor part of any public record of the Board; but such students may be designated by code.
DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY USE
The Salisbury-Elk Lick School District’s goal in providing computer technology is to promote the educational benefits and opportunities for all students. It’s imperative that everyone understands the accepted rules of use and responsibilities, emphasizing that District computers will be used for educational purposes only.
Prohibited uses are: 1. Illegal activity 2. Commercial or “for-profit” purposes 3. Non-work or non-school related work 4. Product advertising or political lobbying 5. Hate mail, discriminatory remarks, or offensive/inflammatory communication 6. Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction of copyrighted material 7. Accessing obscene or pornographic material 8. Inappropriate language or profanity 9. Transmitting material which may be offensive or objectionable to recipients 10. Intentionally obtaining or modifying files, passwords, and data belonging to other users. 11. Impersonation of another user, anonymity, and pseudonyms 12. Fraudulent copying, communications, or modification of materials in violation of copyright laws. 13. Downloading or using unauthorized games, programs (inc. chat and e-mail) files, or other electronic media 14. Disrupting the work of other users 15. Destroying, modifying, or abusing network hardware and software 16. Quoting personal communications in a public forum without the original author’s prior consent. 41 17. All (non-school) compact discs and thumb drives are prohibited.
Security: All users will abide by and agree to, the “District Technology Use” rules as it relates to network access, established by the Salisbury- Elk Lick School District, January, 2002.
Students should recognize and understand that usage of the network is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use or violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action, and/or cancellation of this right.
By signing the “Parent Verification Form” at the front of this handbook, you the parent/guardian are stating you have read the above agreement with your child/children and give permission for his/her usage of the network as set by the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District. You also understand that the District will provide close supervision, taking precautionary measures, during your child’s scheduled computer/network time.
SALISBURY-ELK LICK ELEMENTARY LOCKER POLICY
The lockers in the Salisbury-Elk Lick Elementary School are the property of the Salisbury-Elk Lick School District and are provided by the district for the use of students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6. All students in the above mentioned grades will be assigned a locker and the following policy will be in effect:
1) The lockers are the property of the Salisbury-Elk Lick S.D. and subject to search by school authorities at any time. 2) By accepting use of this locker, the student and the parent consent to any search of the locker and its contents. Students may be informed of the search and have the right to be there during the search. Students and their parents should not assume any form of privacy with the use of the lockers. 3) The school district is not responsible for anything that is or may be stolen from the locker. Any valuables that the students bring in to school should be given to the classroom teacher for safe and secure storage. 4) Students will also make sure the locker is kept clean and there will be periodic clean-ups of the lockers by the students. 5) No locks will be permitted on lockers unless they are given out by the school district.
ELEMENTARY TELEPHONE EXTENSIONS – 2017-2018
Ansell, Ms. - Art 155 Bluebaugh, Ms. – Title Reading 220 Brant, Mrs. – 1st Grade 222 Broderick, Mrs. - Kindergarten 223 Computer Lab, (elem) 216 Cramer, Mr. – Learning Support 203 Custodian 507 DiPasquale, Mr. – Health / Phys Ed 215 Doyle, Mrs. - Elementary Secretary 512 Edwards, Mrs. - 4th Grade 206 Ellis, Ms. - Music 147 Guyer, Mrs. – School Nurse 517 Haning, Ms.– Cafeteria Manager 207 Henry, Mr. - School Counselor 504 Hutzel, Mrs. - 1st Grade 217 Krause, Ms. - Business Manager 516 Lavan, Mrs. – 3rd Grade 205 Lewis, Mrs. - Title Math 218 Long, Mrs. - Librarian 212 42 Loya, Mrs.– Special Ed Coordinator/Instructional Support 213 McKenzie, Mrs. – PIMS Coordinator/Lunch Applications 502/519 Miller, Mrs. - 2nd Grade 221 Onstead, Ms. - School Board/Title Secretary 519 PRE-SCHOOL 224 Putman Ms. - 3rd Grade & Learning Support 202 Renzie, Mr. - Superintendent, Elem Principal, Federal Programs 514 Sines, Mrs. - 5th Grade 204 Stutzman, Ms. - Health / Phys Ed 215 Wheatley, Mr. - 6th grade 201
ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY
Definitions The following definitions shall apply for the purposes of this policy:
“Personal Electronic Device” or “PED” is an electronic device that emits an audible or visual signal, displays a text message, visual image or otherwise summons the user of the device in some manner. This definition includes but is not limited to the following devices. Cellular telephones Smart phones (iPhone, Android, and similar devices) Digital audio players (iPods or MP3 players) Digital cameras Digital video recorders Electronic e-mailing devices Laptop computers Tablet computers (personal iPads and similar devices)
43 Pagers Portable game players eReaders (Nooks, Kindles and other similar devices) Any device that provides a wireless connection to the internet
“Use” shall mean any of the following: Carrying or possessing a PED that is either visible (regardless if it is on or off) or can be heard A PED that emits an audible signal, vibrates, is in sleep mode, displays a message, or otherwise summons the device user. A PED device in an off position and stored out-of-sight in a backpack, book bag, locker, pocket, purse, vehicle, etc. shall not be deemed in use.
Guidelines 1. Students shall not use PEDs during instructional times unless permission is granted by a teacher or principal. Instruction times include classrooms, home room and study halls.
2. Students shall not use PED’s in locker rooms, lavatories, assemblies or the nurse’s office for any reason.
3. Students shall not engage in the unauthorized audio or video recording of another person during the school day.
4. Students shall not use PEDs to bully, harass, or threaten another person in violation of District policies and rules.
5. Students shall not use PEDs to take, display, or transfer video images depicting nude or partially nude individuals. Students who have received such images must report such activity to school officials without violating this policy.
Electronic Devices Policy, continued
6. Students may use PEDs in the classroom during the school day for instructional purposes if they have the prior permission of the teacher or building administrator to do so.
7. Students may use PEDs after school hours, on school grounds, and at school functions so long as such use does not disrupt school activities, violate state or federal law, or violate any school policy or directive associated with a student’s participation in interscholastic athletics, extracurricular activities, or school- sponsored events.
If a student violates the electronic device policy, the following disciplinary actions may be taken: First Offense – Electronic device is taken from the student and returned at the end of the school day. 44 Second Offense – Electronic device is taken from the student and the parent/guardian must come to the school office and pick up the electronic device. Continued Violations - will result in further disciplinary action.
The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student.
CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY STATEMENT OF POLICY
The school district has a child booster seat for use in the school van when necessary. The seat is to be kept in the school van so that it will be conveniently available. Below are the guidelines for use of the booster seat.
All children under 8 years of age traveling anywhere in a passenger car, Class I truck, Class II truck, classic motor vehicle, antique motor vehicle or motor home must be fastened securely in a child passenger restraint system or child booster seat. Children 4 years of age shall be securely fastened in a safety seat belt system and a child passenger restraint system appropriate for their height and weight in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. Children 4 years of age but younger than 8 years of age shall be securely fastened in a safety seat belt system and an appropriately fitting child booster seat in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Children 4 years of age but younger than 8 years of age who weigh less than 40 pounds may, in lieu of use of a booster seat, be securely fastened in a child safety seat or other child passenger restraint system appropriate for their height and weight in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Children 4 years of age but younger than 8 years of age who weigh more than 80 pounds or who are of a height of 4 feet 9 inches or taller may be fastened in the safety seat belts system without the use of a child booster seat.
45 FIELD TRIPS
The Board recognized that field trips, when used for teaching and learning are integral to the curriculum, are an educationally sound and important component of the instructional program of the schools. Properly planned and executed field trips can: 1. Supplement and enrich classroom learning by providing educational experiences in an environment outside the schools. 2. Arouse new interests among students. 3. Help students relate academic learning to the reality of the world outside of school. 4. Introduce community resources, such as natural, cultural, industrial, commercial, governmental, and educational. 5. Afford students the opportunity to study real things and real processes in their actual environment.
For purposes of this policy, a field trip shall be defined as any trip by students away from school premises that is an integral part of approved planned instruction, is conducted as a firs-hand educational experience not available in the classroom, and is supervised by a teacher or district employee.
The Board shall approve annually a list of potential field trips. All proposed field trips not listed must be approved individually by the Board.
Students on field trips remain under the supervision and responsibility of this Board and are subject to its rules and regulations.
The Board does not endorse, support nor assume responsibility in any way for any district staff member who takes students on trips not approved by the Board or Superintendent. No staff member may solicit district students for such trips within district facilities or on district grounds without Board permission.
The Superintendent or designee shall prepare and implement procedures for operation of field trips.
Field trips shall be governed by guidelines which ensure that: 1. The safety and well-being of students will be protected at all times. 2. Parental permission is sought and obtained before any student may participate. 3. The principal approves the purpose, itinerary and duration of each proposed trip. 4. Each field trip is properly planned, integrated with the curriculum, and followed up by appropriate activities that enhance its value. 5. The effectiveness of field trip activities is monitored and evaluated continuously. 6. Teachers are allowed flexibility and innovation in planning field trips. 7. No field trip will be approved unless it contributes to the achievement of specified instructional objectives. 8. Authorization shall be obtained from the administration at least two (2) weeks prior to the trip.
Transportation for the Field Trip
The teacher will secure a bus and notify the teacher of the bus to be used.
The bus driver will be made aware of the following plans: 1. Time of departure, stops, places to be visited. 2. Estimated time of return to school.
Chaperones
Teachers have the authority and responsibility for supervision of all members of the group. Parents will be secured as volunteers and the number of them will be related to the nature of the activity and age of participants.
2017-2018 Annual Public Notice Of Special Education Services and Programs
Salisbury-Elk Lick School District provides a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities who need special education and related services. School age children who need special education and related services are identified as children with disabilities. These students have been identified as being in need of specially designed instruction and have one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities:
Autism Emotional Disturbance Deafness Hearing Impairment Specific Learning Disability Intellectual Disability Multiple Disabilities Other Health Impairment Orthopedic Impairment due to chronic or acute health problems Speech and Language Impairment Visual Impairment including blindness Deaf-Blindness Traumatic Brain Injury Developmental Delay
Early Intervention Eligible young children are afforded the rights of school age children with disabilities, including screening, evaluation, individualized education program planning, and provision of appropriate programs and services.
Potential signs of developmental delay and other risk factors that could indicate disabilities and the possibility that a child is an eligible young child could include: By the age of 3: not saying many words; not using 2 or 3 word phrases and sentences; not walking; awkward gait (walking); drooling; not able to answer “who” or “what” questions; not using utensil to feed self; By the age of 4 (all of the above included): not toilet trained; difficulty with directional words (in, on, under, out); not playing with other children; not able to draw a circle, cross or imitate a vertical line; not able to understand the child’s speech most of the time; difficulty following simple two-step directions (pick up the paper and put it in the garbage); By the age of 5 (all of the above included): unable to answer “where” questions; unable to recall details from a story; not drawing a person with at least 6 parts; immature speech patterns (me instead of I); not able to hop forward with one foot without support; Other warning signs-at any age: Little or no eye contact; over/under sensitivities to pain, light, noise; hand flapping; no awareness of space-always bumping into other people or things; awkward hand or foot positioning; won’t touch or eat certain textures; child no longer can do things he/she used to do; developed normally, then stopped; echoes what is said; plays with toys inappropriately (watches wheels spin on the car but doesn’t play with the car).
For screening purposes, the Intermediate Unit 8 and each school district in Bedford, Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties has established and implemented procedures to locate, identify, and evaluate students and young children suspected of being exceptional. These procedures include screening activities which include, but are not limited to: review of group-based data (cumulative records, enrollment records, health records, and report cards); hearing screening (at a minimum of kindergarten, special ungraded classes, first, second, third, seventh, and eleventh grades); vision screening (every grade level); motor screening; and speech and language screening. In schools which have a Pre-Referral, Child-Study, Early Intervening or Instructional Support Team, the above screening activities may lead to consideration by the teams to move to the next level of screening activities.
Intermediate Unit 8 and each school district have an established annual schedule to conduct screening activities. The screenings are conducted at specific times during the school year in designated school buildings and community sites. Screening may also be conducted in the student’s home school unless other arrangements are necessary. Parents, guardians or surrogate parents may contact their local school district or Intermediate Unit 8 contact person if they wish to learn more, have questions, believe their child may need to be identified or to obtain specific information about the times and locations of screening activities. Contact information is listed below.
Special Education Contacts
Salisbury-Elk Lick School District Mrs. Kala Loya PO Box 68 Special Education Coordinator Salisbury, PA 15558 1-814-622-2733, ext. 213 1-814-662-2733 [email protected] www.selsd.com
Mr. Joseph Renzi, Superintendent Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Elementary Principal, Federal Programs Coord Mrs. Amy Woomer 1-814-662-2733, ext. 505 400 Sixth Avenue [email protected] Altoona, PA 16602 1-814-940-0223 - www.iu08.org