Student Handbook 2017 – 2018
Great Valley High School 225 North Phoenixville Pike Malvern, PA 19355 www.gvsd.org/gvhs
This School Agenda belongs to:
Name Address City/Town State Zip Phone Homeroom # Student#
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MISSION, CORE VALUES ………………………………………….………6 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES………………………………………. 6 ORGANIZATIONS ...... 7 MAP……………...... 8 TELEPHONE DIRECTORY ...... 9
ACADEMICS ...... 10 Ability Grouping ...... 10 Academic Honesty ...... 10 AP or Honors Programs………………………………………….10 Advanced Placement ...... 11 Class Rank...... 11 Eligibility for Awards ...... 11 Examinations ...... 12 Grade Point Average ...... 12 Grading System ...... 12 Graduation Requirements ...... 13 Homework ...... 13 Honor Roll ...... 14 Independent Study ...... 14 Media Center ...... 14 Progress Reports ...... 14 Promotion Policy ...... 15 Report Cards ...... 15 Study Halls ...... 15 Campus Pass ...... 15 Textbooks ...... 15 Tutoring/Extra Help ...... 16 Work Study Programs ...... 16
ACTIVITIES ...... 16 Philosophy ...... 16 Eligibility for Co-Curricular Activities ...... 16 General Student Activities ...... 17 Musical Groups ...... 21 Parent Activities ...... 23 Publications ...... 24 Selective Student Activities ...... 24
ATHLETICS ...... 25 Activity Fee……………………………………………………….26 Athletic/Activity Guidelines ...... 27 Athletic Training Room ...... 27 Attendance in School ...... 28 Awards – Letters ...... 28 Awards – Service ...... 28 College Bound Athletes ...... 28 Curfew ...... 29 Dress ...... 29 Eligibility for Co-Curricular Activities ...... 29
Page 2 Excused Absences ...... 30 Fan Conduct & Behavior ...... 30 Home Schooling – Policy #117 ...... 30 Insurance ...... 30 Maximum Age Rule ...... 31 Period of Participation Rule……………………….…………… 31 Physical Examinations ...... 31 Rules and Regulations ...... 31 Sportsmanship ...... 33 Travel………………………………………………….………….33 Violations…………………………………………………………33
ATTENDANCE ...... 33 Procedures When Absent ...... 33 Early Dismissal ...... 34 Lateness ...... 34 Make Up Work – Excused Absences and Lateness ...... 34 Make Up Work – Unexcused Absences and Lateness ...... 34 Consequences of Excessive Absences…………………………...34 Consequences of Unlawful Absences……………………………35 Miscellaneous ...... 35
COUNSELING AND STUDENT SERVICES ...... 35 Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance ...... 35 Counseling Services ...... 35 College Planning and Application Process ...... 36 Confidentiality ...... 37 Course Selection Process ...... 37 Crisis Counseling ...... 37 Dropping Courses ...... 38 Records ...... 38 Student Assistance Program (STAR) ...... 38 Homebound Instruction ...... 39
DISCIPLINE ...... 39 Philosophy ...... 39 Discipline Action Schedule ...... 40 Discipline Consequences ...... 41 Discipline Procedures – Attendance Violations ...... 43 Olweus Harassement Prevention Program ...... 44 School Board Policies and Discipline ...... 45
HEALTH SERVICES ...... 46 Accident Insurance ...... 46 Communicable Diseases ...... 46 Head Lice Guidelines...... 47 Emergency/Medical Updates ...... 48 First Aid ...... 48 Health Examinations ...... 48 Immunization Requirements ...... 49 Medications in School………………………………….…………50 Physical Education Excuses ...... 50
Page 3 Students Who Become Ill at School ...... 50 Concussions………………………………...……………………..51
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ...... 51 Buses ...... 51 Cafeteria Procedures – Breakfast Bar and Lunch ...... 52 Cafeteria Procedures – Computerized Point of Sale System ..... 52 Campus Privilege ...... 53 Cell Phones ...... 53 Courtyard ...... 53 Dances and Proms…………………………………………….….54 Directory Information ...... 54 Dress and Grooming ...... 54 FERPA ...... 55 Field Trips ...... 56 Flag Salute ...... 56 I.D. Cards ...... 56 Lockers ...... 57 Messages for Students ...... 57 Military Recruiters ...... 57 Obligations ...... 58 Open Campus ...... 58 Parking ...... 58 Physical Education Dress ...... 59 Safety Procedures ...... 59 Searches ...... 60 Theft/Vandalism ...... 61 Working Papers ...... 61
STUDENT SERVICES ...... 62
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES ...... 64 Policy #103 – Nondiscrimination………………………… .... …..64 Policy #105.1 – Review of Instructional Materials …………….67 Policy #113 – Special Education…………………………………68 Policy #123.3 – Concussion Management ...... 69 Policy #123.4 – Sudden Cardiac Arrest ...... 69 Policy #203 – Communicable Diseases and Immunization ...... 69 Policy #204 - Attendance ...... 73 Policy #209.1 – Food Allergy Management ...... 79 Policy #210 – Administration of Medications and First Aid ..... 79 Policy #210.1 – Possession of Asthma Inhalers ...... 85 Policy #216.1 – Student Records ...... 87 Policy #218 – Student Discipline ...... 87 Policy #218.1 – Weapons on School Property ...... 90 Policy #218.2 – Terroristic Threats ...... 90 Policy #222 – Smoking/Tobacco ...... 92 Policy #227 – Drug and Alcohol Awareness Policy ...... 92 Policy #247 – Hazing ...... 99 Policy #248 – Harassment ...... 99 Policy #249 – Bullying/Cyber Bullying ...... 102
Page 4 Policy #815 – Technology ...... 104 Policy #815.1 – Acceptable Use of Technology by Students .... 104 Policy #815.4 –Communications between Employees, Students, and Parents/Guardians ...... 108
For a paper copy of our school district policies, please contact the high school main office at 610-889-1900.
Page 5 MISSION CORE VALUES
Mission The mission of the Great Valley School District is to ensure that every student is inspired and prepared to be a passionate lifelong learner and a productive invested participant in the local and global community.
Core Values We believe that: Lifelong learning is essential to individual fulfillment and the betterment of society. All people have intrinsic worth. Individuals are responsible and accountable for their choices and actions. Each individual has unique gifts and talents. When committed individuals work together toward common goals, the possibilities are infinite. Honesty and integrity are fundamental to healthy relationships.
RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Great Valley School District has adopted as policy the Regulations and Guidelines on Student Rights and Responsibilities approved by the State Board of Education. A copy of these comprehensive guidelines is available in the High School main office and Media Center as well as in the final section of the Handbook.
Student Rights At Great Valley, we recognize that students have the right to: Inquire, question, exchange ideas, and express themselves in reasonable and mannerly ways. Due process. Freedom of association. Freedom of peaceful assembly and petition. Form and participate in a student government. Freedom from discrimination. Equal education opportunity. Student Responsibilities The school community expects students to: Accept the consequences of their own actions. Respect the rights of others. Practice academic honesty. Attend school regularly, to be prompt in attending classes and activities, and actively participate in the educational process. Respect school property and follow all school rules. Be willing to volunteer information pertaining to violation of rules. Dress and groom to meet reasonable safety and health standards. Not disrupt the educational process.
Page 6 ORGANIZATIONS
PARENT ORGANIZATION OFFICERS President: Mrs. Connie Dietrich
Treasurer: Mrs. Jennifer Murray
Secretary:
STUDENT BODY OFFICERS President : Sean Gowen Vice President: Edison Kim Treasurer: Justin Gould Corresponding Secretary: Anna Miller Recording Secretary: James Walters
SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS Dr. Regina Palubinsky, Superintendent Dr. Daniel Goffredo, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Dr. Stephen O’Toole, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Mr. Charles Linderman, Director of Business Affairs Ms. Jane Trimble, Student Services Coordinator
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Mr. David Barratt, President Mrs. Carol Palmaccio, Vice-President Mr. Philip Foret, Treasurer Mrs. Jennifer Armstrong Mrs. Ellen Behrle Mr. Andrew Daga Mrs. Patricia Gillespie Mrs. Stephanie Gunderson Mrs. Mary Ravenfeld
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Page 8 GREAT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY (610) 889-1900 – Main Office FAX (610) 695-8901
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Mr. Michael Flick Dr. Heidi Capetola, Ext. 21915 Ann DiMedio, Secretary Mr. Patrick Connors, Ext. 21912 Ext. 21910 Jane Garon, Secretary Ext. 21916 ATHLETICS Mr. Russ Wren NURSE Ext. 21920 Betty Byrne, Nurse Caitlin Lloyd, Aide Theresa Vastardis, Aide Ext. 21922 Ext. 21988
ATTENDANCE MAIN OFFICE Nancy Kiley, Secretary Karen Lewis, Secretary Ext. 21918 Ext. 21900 Lisa Nackers, Secretary CAFETERIA Ext. 21919 Gail Schroeder, Supervisor Ext. 21959 MEDIA CENTER Kelsey Bogan, Librarian COUNSELING OFFICE Ext 22144 Counselors Chip Harvey, Ext 22265 Meridith Bebee, Ext. 22268 Carrie Kane, Ext. 22266 Anna Saracino, Ext 22264 STUDENT ACTIVITIES Jeffrey Martin, Ext 22267 Alexander Venarchik Ext. 22130 Support Staff Leslie Gamma, Technical Coordinator STUDENT SERVICES Ext. 21931 Kim McDonnell, Secretary Jane Trimble, Coordinator, Ext. 21930 Ext. 22261 Judy Stoltenberg, Secretary Krista Russell, Social Worker, Ext. 22269 Ext. 22262 Suzanne Rice, Ext. 21926 MAINTENANCE Patrick Scott, Supervisor Ext. 21945 TECHNOLOGY Ext. 22140 DISCIPLINE Carole Chappelle, Aide Ext. 21933
Page 9 ACADEMICS
ABILITY GROUPING
Most academic courses and many electives are offered at more than one ability level. Levels are indicated on the transcript by two letters at the end of the course number: AP = Advanced Placement AA = Academic A HR = Honors
Please note the Accelerated course levels ended at the conclusion of the 2016- 2017 school year.
ACADEMIC HONESTY Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are considered serious offenses by the faculty and administration of Great Valley High School. Plagiarism is the act of representing the ideas or words of another as one’s own. Academic dishonesty is a broader term that includes plagiarism but also refers to various forms of academic misconduct such as allowing another student to use one’s work, relaying questions from a test or quiz or cheating in any of its forms. Students who are found guilty of these offenses can expect a procedure to be initiated, which will result in a teacher contacting a parent or guardian and a Referral Form being added to the student’s disciplinary file. In addition, one or more of the following actions may also occur: The student will receive a zero for the assignment. At the discretion of his or her teacher, the student may be required to rewrite or redo the assignment for a reduced grade. The student may lose membership in the National Honor Society or eligibility for membership in the National Honor Society. When a student wishes to appeal a decision, he/she should: Write a request to the principal for a hearing before an appeals committee comprised of the principal, the chair of the department within which the offense occurred, and the faculty member alleging the offense. Present evidence that supports an appeal for reconsideration of the charge or penalty that has been assigned.
HONORS OR AP PROGRAMS Accelerated, Honors and AP courses are designed to offer a greater breadth and depth of learning experiences and are considered to be substantially more difficult than others in the curriculum. In recognition of the high level of achievement expected, grades in these courses are given a weighted factor of .5 for AP and .25 for Honors in addition to the grade points indicated in the “Letter Grade Conversion Scale” found below; e.g., a grade of “B” in an Honors course would receive a quality point value of 3.25 instead of 3.0 in the GPA calculation, and a grade of “B” in an AP course a value of 3.5 in the GPA calculation.
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ADVANCED PLACEMENT INFORMATION Students who are enrolled in AP courses are expected to take AP exams in those subjects. Past experience has indicated that for some Great Valley students, AP exams provide an excellent opportunity to earn college credit or advanced standing. The AP program will be explained to all students enrolled in AP courses.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT INFORMATION Students who are enrolled in AP courses are expected to take AP exams in those subjects. Past experience has indicated that for some Great Valley students, AP exams provide an excellent opportunity to earn college credit or advanced standing. The AP program will be explained to all students enrolled in AP courses.
CLASS RANK At the May 19, 1992 Great Valley School Board meeting, the directors voted to discontinue ranking students. Class rank will not be included on report cards or transcripts beginning with the 1992/93 school year. Great Valley School District will provide colleges with a detailed grade distribution.
When requested by a student, parent or college, class rank will be reported in deciles. If a student falls in the top 5%, that fact (rather than top 10%) will be reported. Counselors will emphasize the high academic achievement of those with a 4.0 GPA or above in their recommendations. Upon written request from parents or guardian, the principal (or designee) may compute and report an estimated rank.
The High School Valedictorian and Salutatorian will be determined by the highest and second highest GPA. For transfer students to be considered, transfer students must attend Great Valley have their last 4 semesters of coursework completed at Great Valley High School and must have completed at least 12.0 Great Valley High School credits.
ELIGIBILITY FOR AWARDS The privilege of being a named award recipient for academic or co-curricular performance presumes one will maintain a high level of responsibility. A student's abilities, attitude and behavior are criteria for determining student award recipients. Upon review of the nominees, any candidate whose records show reason for concern, the administration reserves the right to remove those names to be reviewed by the selection committee.
Page 11 EXAMINATIONS Mid-term and Final Examinations will be held in January and June in all major subject areas and will cover the semester’s work. During time not scheduled for exams, students are not required to be on campus. Make up exams will be individually scheduled. For students taking an AP class, to be exempt from a final exam, a student must take the AP exam and have earned an 83% or better for both the 3rd and 4th marking periods in the course.
Senior Exam Exemptions An exemption is our recognition of a senior's earned privilege; there is no limit to the number of exemptions from full-year courses that a senior may earn. To be considered for exemption, a senior must have a 90% or better average for the 3rd and 4th marking periods. An exempted senior student may always opt to take exams by notifying the teachers. Exemptions apply only to full-year courses with one exception, the senior English core electives, and will be based solely on academic criteria.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) carries credit toward graduation but is not included in the computation of GPA. A grade of “U” (Unsatisfactory) is the equivalent of a failure and is computed in the GPA. Only Great Valley High School courses and grades will be counted in the calculation of GPA. A+ 4.25 B+ 3.25 C+ 2.25 D+ 1.25 E 0.00 A 4.00 B 3.00 C 2.00 D 1.00 A- 3.75 B- 2.75 C- 1.75 D- 0.75
GRADING SYSTEM Letter grades are based on a system of evaluation as determined by department and the individual teacher. The school scale is as follows: A+ = 97 - 100 A = 93 - 96 A- = 90 - 92 B+ = 87 - 89 B = 83 - 86 B- = 80 - 82 C+ = 77 - 79 C = 73 - 76 C- = 70 - 72 D+ = 67 - 69 D = 63 - 66 D- = 60 - 62 E = less than 60
A grade of “I” is assigned when the work of a report period is incomplete as a result of illness or some other valid reason. Work not made up within three weeks after the conclusion of the marking period will be given a zero and
Page 12 averaged with previously completed work to determine the marking period grade. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO SEE THE TEACHER TO ARRANGE MAKE-UPS.
Components of the final grade are as follows: Full Year Course: each marking period grade counts one-fifth, and the mid-term and final exam each count one-tenth. Semester Course with a final exam: each marking period grade counts two- fifths and the final exam one-fifth. Semester Course without a final exam: each marking period counts one-half.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS In order to qualify for a Great Valley diploma, students must accumulate a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits and meet the requirements below: Course Requirements: English 4 credits Mathematics 3 credits Science 3 credits Social Studies 3 credits Arts and/or Humanities Electives 2 credits Physical Education 1.5 credits Health (all year, grade 9; one semester grade 11or 12) .75credits
In addition to the above requirements, a minimum of 6.75 credits must be earned in any elective beyond the above requirements and students must complete a senior graduation project. Students in the class of 2019 and beyond must also score proficient or above on the state Keystone assessment in Algebra 1, English Literature and Biology.
HOMEWORK The Great Valley High School faculty believes homework should be a priority over employment and other activities. Homework is of value because it: Aids in the understanding of the new material. Promotes learning by reinforcing previously taught material. Helps to supplement a student's grade, directly (as homework points) and indirectly (as reinforcement for testing). Contributes to greater student success now and in the future. It is a student's responsibility to: Know the assignment. Do the assignment neatly. Meet deadlines. Contact teacher for missed work. Make up work promptly within the school deadline period (two days for every day absent). Seek additional help when necessary. Follow directions. Do homework oneself and not copy from another.
Page 13 Not share homework. Manage time effectively. *The GVHS Academic Honesty Policy guidelines directly address the issue of homework: "Plagiarism is the act of presenting...another person's work as one's own." “For students to turn in other students' paper/homework as their own", is unacceptable and subject to the consequences as put forth in this policy.
HONOR ROLL The honor roll is computed at the end of each marking period and is based on quality points as follows: 3.75 - 4.25 Distinguished Honors 3.50 - 3.74 High Honors 3.25 - 3.49 Honors All grades must be C+ or above
INDEPENDENT STUDY Students may request independent study for COURSES NOT NORMALLY INCLUDED IN THE HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM. A sponsoring faculty member, the department chairperson, the student’s counselor, the principal, and superintendent of curriculum must approve the request. The student works under the direction of the faculty member and pursues an approval topic or project by use of a well-planned outline. The work required for one credit in independent study is equal or greater than that required for one credit in another academic subject.
MEDIA CENTER HOURS: 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM Any student is welcome in the library before school & after school. Any student who would like to use the library during campus privilege, must check in with Mrs. Nackers outside the front office for attendance.
A freshman or any upperclassman that does not have campus privilege but wishes to use the library will: Get a library pass from one of his/her classroom teachers, go to study hall, get the pass signed by the study hall monitor, and then report to the library. These students will sign in on the attendance sheet. . Books are normally checked out for a four-week period and may be renewed as needed.
Overdue notices will be sent to all students with overdue library materials. At the end of each marking period, students must take care of their library obligations or lose their campus privilege.
PROGRESS REPORTS Notices to denote improvement, potential failure or drop in achievement may be sent home at any time the teacher feels it is necessary; however, they are usually sent at the midpoint to the end of the grading period to allow time for improvement and prevent failure. Parents are reminded to regularly check Skyward Family Access for updates on your child’s progress.
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PROMOTION POLICY In order to ensure that students are making reasonable progress toward graduating in four years, the following promotion requirements are in effect. For promotion to: Minimum Requirements are: Grade 10 5 credits in Grade 9 Grade 11 11 credits in Grades 9 and 10 Grade 12 17 credits in Grades 9, 10, 11
REPORT CARDS Report cards are available online four times a year, approximately a week and a half after the conclusion of the marking period. Scheduled endings of the marking periods are usually during the first week of November, the last week of January, the second week of April and the last day of school in June.
STUDY HALLS Very few students have schedules with classes in all forty-two periods of the cycle. When a class is not scheduled, a study hall assignment will appear. Study hall assignments must be fulfilled as if they were classes. The time should be used to enhance regular classroom instruction and performance through the development of good study habits. To achieve this goal and to provide some flexibility during the school day, the following study hall procedure will be followed: Students will report to rooms assigned and be prepared to engage in meaningful school related work while in study hall. Students are to work quietly. Those students who have legitimate reasons for leaving study hall, i.e., to make up tests, schedule guidance or tutorial appointments, are to sign out of study hall with an appropriate pass. STUDENTS MAY SIGN OUT TO THE MEDIA CENTER ONLY WITH A PASS FROM A SUBJECT AREA TEACHER. ALL STUDENTS WITHOUT CAMPUS PRIVILEGE WILL BE ASSIGNED TO STUDY HALL IN CLASSROOMS.
LIMITATION OF STUDY HALLS / CAMPUS PASS / SERVICE CLUBS Students are limited to no more than 6 study halls or campus pass periods in a cycle. Students may not have more than 3 service clubs each semester. The total number of combined study halls or campus pass and service club periods cannot exceed 6 total per semester.
TEXTBOOKS Textbooks are provided for the student’s use by the district. They are loaned to the student for the duration of a particular course. It is expected that textbooks will be returned in good condition at the close of each school year. A fine will be levied for damage to any book, which is deemed to show more than normal wear. LOST BOOKS MUST BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENTS.
Page 15 TUTORING/EXTRA HELP The professional staff is available for extra help for a minimum of twenty-five minutes after school each day. They are more than willing to help any student who chooses to take advantage of this help.
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS The Work Study Programs are designed to help seniors develop attitudes and skills necessary for transition into the world of work. These programs are as follows: Community Exploration: Off campus experiences designed to help students understand the challenges and duties of a variety of adult occupations. Career Internship Program: Off campus work experience designed to develop the skill and understanding required to pursue an identifiable career. Work Release Program: Off campus experience for only a portion of the school day, for students who will have fulfilled their educational requirements in only a portion of the school day.
Participation in these programs is by counselor, administrator and work-study advisor approval only and is conditional pending parent/administrator review. Seniors accepted into such programs are subject to the rules and regulations established by the school, state, and local agencies. Upon acceptance to the program, guidelines are issued.
ACTIVITIES
PHILOSOPHY Every student at Great Valley is encouraged to participate in the activities or clubs. The Student Activities program is under the direction of the Director of Student Activities. Faculty sponsors direct students involved in clubs and activities. Membership in one or more of these organizations expresses a willingness to contribute to the betterment of Great Valley High School as well as an interest in having an enjoyable experience with fellow students.
ELIGIBILITY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Rules of Eligibility: All students participating in co-curricular activities (most activities) are accountable under this policy. Exceptions are made for those activities that are part of a course taken for credit (i.e., marching band). Eligibility will be from the beginning of each marking period. Teachers will report any failing grade for the marking period each Thursday (your grade each Thursday is considered your grade for the current marking period). Coaches and advisors will receive the list of failing students no later than Friday at 12:00 p.m. each week, and no distinction will be made between major and minor subjects. Subject teachers will immediately notify each student placed on the failure list.
Page 16 Probation: Students failing one course will be placed on academic probation, but may continue to participate in the activity. Students will be removed from probation at the end of the first week after they are reported passing.
Rules of Ineligibility: Students who are reported failing two or more subjects will be declared ineligible for the following week for a minimum period of one-week (Sunday through Saturday). They will remain ineligible as long as they are failing more than one subject. Ineligible students may not play in games or meets. In addition, they may not participate in plays, concerts, or other such activities. They may attend practice or regularly scheduled meetings only with coach/advisor approval. Students failing two courses at the end of a report period or at the end of midterm will be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics for the first twenty (20) school days of the next grading period. The twenty (20) days will begin when report cards are issued. In case of incompletes, the eligibility period will begin when grades are finalized. At the end of the school year, students’ final grades for the year shall be used to determine their eligibility for the next grading period.
GENERAL STUDENT ACTIVITIES There are many student activities which are open to all students who are interested.
GV Academic Quiz Bowl Team Great Valley Quiz Bowl Team is open to all students in grades 9 -12. The club consists of a general knowledge trivia team that competes with 23 other local schools in the Chester County Academic League on both the varsity and junior varsity levels, as well as competes in numerous other state, regional, and national quiz bowl tournaments on a team and individual scale.
Allied Minds Begun in the Spring of 2017, this club is designed to share awareness and educate the GVHS community about mental health issues and how they impact all of us in our daily lives. We are working to erase stigma and build compassion, understanding and community. Open to all students. Meets every Tuesday after school.
Dance Club Dance Club is open to all students who are interested in experiencing and exploring the art of dance in a company setting. Members will work to develop a base of company repertoire that includes many different dance styles such as, modern dance, jazz, ballet, tap, and hip-hop. Opportunities are provided to challenge all levels of ability as well as provide students with a forum to create their own choreography. Dancers will perform as much as possible at GVHS and also within the community. Other activities could include master classes by guest artists and trips to area dance events.
Drama Guild Drama Guild is open to all students in grades 9-12 and offers opportunities for performance in musical and dramatic productions in the following areas: Acting,
Page 17 Directing, Pit Orchestra, Technical Crew, and Backstage Crew. Two main stage productions are offered each year. Drama Guild comprises a true cross-section of the student body and offers opportunity for interested, motivated students to participate in a theatre experience of high quality.
Environmental Enthusiasts The Environmental Enthusiasts Club is for 9 - 12 graders who enjoy experiencing and protecting the outdoors. Students participate in fundraisers and service projects that support environmental concerns.
Envirothon Team The Envirothon Team is open to all students. The Envirothon is a county, state and national competition that challenges students to think critically about the natural world and their role in it. Students work after school learning more on topics such as forestry, soils and land use, aquatics, wildlife and a current environmental topic (changes yearly). Two teams of 5 are chosen to compete at the county competition.
French Club The French Club is open to all students interested in French. There is a monthly meeting for informal discussions, games, movies, cooking French food and plays. All levels are welcome.
Future Business Leaders of America The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a national student organization. FBLA helps students develop leadership abilities and prepare for entry into, and advancement within a business occupation. Members learn how to engage in business enterprise, how to direct the affairs of a group, and how to compete honorably in competitive events. These activities help prepare students to be better employees. Students do not need to be enrolled in a business class in order to be a member.
Gay Straight Alliance The GSA works to provide education regarding issues of diversity, difference, awareness of, and respect and acceptance of sexual minority youth (LGBTQ), their families and allies while fighting against homophobia in our community. The GSA works to provide advocacy for the safety and equal rights of persons, especially those of the LGBTQ community.
German Club The German Club meets once a month and for special events after school or evenings for a Kaffee Klatsch - informal discussion and games. Annual favorites include the Oktoberfest and trip to Philadelphia to visit the authentic Christmas market. Active membership in German Club is required for German National Honor Society Acceptance. Enrollment in German class is not necessary for club membership and all levels of German are welcome.
Great Morning Great Valley “Great Morning Great Valley” is the daily, live morning show produced by students. The show is produced in cooperation with the Video Production Club of GVHS, and takes place before and during homeroom every day. The show includes the morning announcements, special guests who stop by to discuss the events of the day, and different segments produced to provide information or entertainment. To participate, stop by the Great Valley Television Studio (room 175), or email [email protected].
Page 18 Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is an international, ecumenical housing organization that provides affordable housing for those in need. Its goal is to eliminate poverty housing for everyone. Members of GV’s HfH Club attend workdays at local jobsites, raise funds to supplement building projects, and educate the community on issues regarding substandard housing. Students who wish to be involved should attend a club meeting and/or sign up for a workday
Ice Hockey Club The Great Valley Ice Hockey Club sponsors the varsity and junior varsity ice hockey teams that compete in the Inter County Scholastic Hockey League (ICSHL). Great Valley’s teams are open to students in grades 9 through 12 with the interscholastic varsity team limited to 16-18 students that are selected in evaluations in the late spring and late summer. The ice hockey teams practice once or twice a week at rinks in West Chester and Exton from September through early March. Games are normally once a week beginning in November and running through March. Students must adhere to school attendance policies (for both practices and games) and meet academic requirements to remain eligible.
Interact Club The Interact Club is a community service organization affiliated with the local Rotary, an international service organization. Service projects may include the Giving Tree (to benefit outreach programs), annual clothing drives, holiday food drives, working in a soup kitchen, visiting retirement homes, adopting families for the holidays, Tastykakes for Troops and many seasonal activities. In addition students work with our elementary schools in various school activities and service projects. The club is open to all students in all grades.
Junior Classical League (Latin Club) Great Valley High School’s chapter of JCL is part of the National Junior Classical League, an organization dedicated to the appreciation of the language, literature and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, and also to imparting an understanding of the debt of our own culture to that of Classical antiquity. At Great Valley, Latin students participate in a considerable variety of activities to celebrate Classical culture, including trips to museums, plays, restaurants and movies, taking part in academic, athletic and artistic contests and celebrating Roman holidays together and sometimes with Latin students from all over Pennsylvania. Some years the GVJCL travels to Penn State University to join in the PAJCL Convention.
Key Club Key Club, like its sponsor, Kiwanis, is an international service and social club for students in their freshman through senior years in high school who are committed to the Club’s principles, possess good academics, and have earned sponsor approval. The acronym, KEY stands for Kiwanis Educating Youth. The Key Club’s motto is “Caring—Our Way of Life.” Student activities in the school and community are built around the concept of caring. Operating under school regulations, the Club’s objective is the development of initiative, leadership, ability and good citizenship practices. Key Club is different from many other school clubs because it not only functions on the local level, but on a district and international level. This highly developed organizational structure provides an opportunity for our students to relate to teenagers from countries all around the world. Key Club is the largest service organization of its kind with over 160,000 members in approximately 4,200 worldwide clubs.
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Math Olympiad The Math Olympiad is a student-run club for students interested in honing their math skills by discussing and solving a variety of math problems. Students of all levels are welcomed. In recent years, students have participated in monthly Math League contests and annual events including the American Mathematics Competition, the Purple Comet Math meet, and Moody’s Mega Math Challenge.
Mural Club Mural Club is an opportunity for all students to leave their mark on Great Valley School District. Projects include small and large murals in and around the high school building, all designed, painted and installed by GVHS mural club students. Members are invited to attend the mural club field trip each fall to explore the professional world of mural making in Philadelphia. Club meets once a week for 1 hour. No experience necessary.
Positive ID The Positive ID Club is a group of 9th through 12th graders who teach and mentor 3rd through 8th graders on the hazards of high-risk behavior, particularly tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use. They believe that “Staying above the Influence” can be developed to help youth resist the temptations of high-risk behavior. Ninth through twelfth graders teach lessons at Great Valley Middle School and the four elementary schools during the school year. As positive role models, they make a difference in the lives of younger children in the Great Valley School District.
Ski Club The Great Valley Ski Club has been organized to provide interested students with a chance to ski or snowboard. Any interested student may join the club provided they are capable skiers or boarders.
Spanish Club The Spanish Club is a student-run club for students of all levels who would like to enrich their knowledge and experience with the Spanish speaking cultures. Activities are selected by the club at the beginning of the year, but have included crafts, food, movies, and volunteer opportunities in the past. Meetings are held monthly.
Stage Crew The Stage Crew is composed of students who have displayed an interest in the technical staging of activities in the school. This group takes care of lighting and sound equipment, and runs student musicals as well as assemblies and activities.
Student Athletic Trainer Club The Student Athletic Trainer Club is open to any student who would like to further their knowledge of sports medicine. Students will work directly with school athletes under the supervision of the Head and Assistant Athletic Trainers.
The Rock The Rock is a non-denominational Christian organization offering an opportunity to any student to deepen his/her walk with the Lord through weekly meetings and activities. Meetings are held before school.
Page 20 Video Production Club Members of the Video Production Club volunteer their services to provide video support for different events throughout Great Valley High School. Headquartered in the Great Valley Television Studio (room 175), the club assists in the production of the daily “Great Morning Great Valley” show, as well as plays, concerts, and other events throughout the school year. To join the Video Production Club, stop by the Great Valley Television Studio and chat with Studio Director Kevin Fitzpatrick.
Volleyball Club The Volleyball Club is open to all students with an interest in playing volleyball. It meets once a week when gym space is available. Teams are picked each night, so students can come as individuals. A few times a year the club holds tournaments, where students come with a pre-arranged team.
Women in Science and Engineering Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) is for female students interested in exploring any area of science or engineering. Projects pursued by club members have included running a Science Day at the high school for elementary students and participating in the Annenberg Science Symposium with schools along the Main Line. WISE members can also learn more about their interests through guest speakers from industry and academia.
World Vision The World Vision Club works to provide funds for the non-profit humanitarian World Vision organization. Club members learn about current global needs and through student-run fundraisers, involve themselves in the transnational initiative to help those struggling across the world. Meetings are held monthly in order to organize activities.
MUSICAL GROUPS Chamber Singers This ensemble affords its members the opportunity to perform a wide variety of choral literature for small vocal ensembles. Great importance is placed on chorale reading skills and independent work outside of scheduled rehearsals. Students must be confident and mature musicians. A regular schedule of evening rehearsals is required. Performances may be scheduled outside the school day. This class may be repeated. Admission by audition. Students must be members of Concert Choir. Grades 10 - 12.
Chorale This ensemble is an auditioned choir that performs slightly more advanced literature than Concert Choir. This choir is for someone who has a developed voice, but maybe does not have the sight reading skills or time or time to dedicate to Chamber Singers. It is considered an intermediate choir. Performances may be scheduled outside the school day. This class may be repeated. Admission by audition. Students must be members of Concert Choir. Grades 9–12.
Concert Choir Choir offers an overall experience in choral singing. Students comprising this organization will refine style and performance of choral literature. All types of choral literature will be explored. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled outside of school hours. Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts required. This class may be repeated. No audition is required. Grades 9-12.
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Bella Voce Two and three-part treble voice music of various styles and periods will be used with emphasis on the development of choral technique and musicianship. This chorus is open to any treble voice student who would like the experience of group singing. No audition is required. Performances are required. This class may be repeated. Upperclassmen are encouraged to sign up for concert choir. Grades 9-12.
String Orchestra This performance ensemble is open to high school violin, viola, cello, and bass players. The String Orchestra’s repertoire includes a variety of styles and forms. Emphasis is placed on development of diverse and mature individual and ensemble musical skills. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory, schedules will be available in advance. The class may be repeated each year. Grades 9-12.
Symphony Orchestra This performance ensemble is open to qualified individuals through audition with the director. In addition to being a scheduled class the ensemble periodically meets before school for rehearsal and sectionals. As this is an auditioned ensemble, each member is expected to provide a strong musical contribution, informed through personal practice. All members of Symphony Orchestra should be a member of a related performance ensemble (e.g. violinist would be in String Orchestra). Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Schedules will be available in advance. The class may be repeated each year. Grades 9-12.
Symphonic Band This performance ensemble is open to high school woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists who are new to the high school or the instrument. The repertoire includes a variety of styles and forms. Emphasis is placed on development of diverse and mature individual and ensemble musical skills. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Schedules will be available in advance. Generally for students in 9th grade, however 10th – 12th grade students may be enrolled due to schedule conflicts. This class may be repeated.
Concert Band This performance ensemble is open to high school woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists. The repertoire includes a variety of styles and forms. Emphasis is placed on development of diverse and mature individual and ensemble musical skills. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Schedules will be available in advance. Generally for students in 10th – 12th grades, however9th grade students may be enrolled due to schedule conflicts. The class may be repeated.
Jazz Ensemble This performance ensemble is open to qualified individuals through audition with the director. The Jazz Ensemble will explore a variety of styles and genres including Swing, Shuffle, Rock, Funk and Latin. In addition to being a scheduled class, the ensemble periodically meets before school for rehearsal and sectionals. As this is an auditioned ensemble, each member is expected to provide a strong musical contribution, informed through personal practice. All members of Jazz Ensemble should be a member of a related performance ensemble (e.g. trumpet player would also be in Concert Band). Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Schedules will be available in advance. The class may be repeated. Grades 9–12.
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Marching Band This ensemble is an extracurricular activity (similar to a varsity sport) comprised of wind musicians, percussionists, and color guard members. The Marching Band represents the school at football games, parades, and competitive festivals. Rehearsals are scheduled during the summer and periodically after school in the fall. Co-participants in some fall sports may be possible. Fundraising opportunities are available to help defray operating costs and trip expenses. In past years the ensemble has performed in Disney World, North Carolina, Tennessee and Quebec. Two weeks of band camp are held in August and attendance is required. Members must maintain a positive outlook, a committed attendance record and perform consistently in order to remain a member in good standing. Grades 9-12.
Indoor Color Guard and Indoor Percussion These performance ensembles are coach-led school clubs that are open to interested high school students. The clubs begin to form in the late fall and meet until early May. They rehearse after school and attend shows and festivals. Members learn ensemble specific skills through exercises and performance opportunities. Members should participate in marching band in order to build skills and gain experience in a similar performance medium. Grades 9-12.
Pep Band This club begins in late fall and is comprised of wind musicians and percussionists (and anyone else who is interested!). The Pep Band plays at home basketball games to support the teams, partner with the cheerleaders, and promote school spirit. The ensemble typically meets one night per week during the winter basketball season.
Rock Band/Unique Ensembles Class This group is open to any GVHS student. Students will learn techniques for rehearsing and performing small ensembles – typically in styles and instrumentation as selected by the students. Focus is placed on development of individual and ensemble performance skills, composing, arranging, improvising, use of technology and equipment. This course may be repeated each semester and/or each year.
PARENT ACTIVITIES Great Valley High School Parents Organization Membership in the GVHSPO is open to all parents, and highly encouraged as a means to stay in touch with your child’s education. At their meetings, the Parent Organization targets adolescent developmental issues and specific Great Valley concerns for topics of discussion. Involvement in high school activities is a major goal of the Parent Organization. If you are unable to attend regular meetings but would like to know about parent activities at the high school, please contact one of the officers listed on page 6.
Other Parent Organizations Numerous other organizations meet regularly to promote active participation on the part of students and parents. These include, but are not limited to, Music Parents, Women’s Athletic Booster Club, and the Gridiron Club.
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PUBLICATIONS Adagio Adagio, the literary magazine, is open to all students interested in developing their creative skills. Adagio publishes the works of both faculty and students.
The Musket Each year, members of the yearbook staff tell the story of the school year with words as well as candid and formal photographs. The goal is to capture the memories that students will treasure long after they have graduated from high school. Students design pages that feature seniors and underclassmen, faculty, sports, clubs and activities. While creating the yearbook, students develop skills in writing, editing, layout, design, photography, interviewing, sales and marketing. Computer skills are essential.
The Surveyor The Surveyor is the Great Valley High School student newspaper. It is published 6 to 8 times a year. All positions on the staff are filled by students who are interested in journalism. The staff partakes in all aspects of newspaper production, including: interviewing, writing articles for all sections of the newspaper, attending sporting events for in-depth coverage, taking photographs, contacting potential advertisers, and designing the layout of pages. The newspaper promotes student functions, recognizes student achievement, publishes opinions of students, and addresses issues that pertain to students and their world. Computer and/or art skills a real plus!
SELECTIVE STUDENT ACTIVITIES Some student activities require an application and selection process; others require an election. There are several student activities which fall into this category:
Class Activities Each class is an organization composed of elected officials and faculty sponsors activities include class assemblies, specific fundraising projects, and homecoming week. Funds raised by the classes are used not only to defray expenses of the prom, but also to contribute toward such service projects as the support of needy children. Many classes use some of these funds for a class gift to beautify or add to the facilities of Great Valley.
National Honor Society The Great Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) is a service organization composed of students who excel in scholarship, character, leadership and service. Juniors and seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 are eligible for consideration as members. Academically eligible students are selected in the fall by the NHS Faculty Committee on the basis of their positive character, demonstrated leadership and demonstrated service. Inducted students are expected to perform community service individually and as a part of NHS-organized activities for a minimum of 100 hours over two years.
Student Council The Great Valley High School Student Council is a composite of the following groups: representatives from each homeroom, class officers from each grade, the student representative to the School Board and GVHS Student Council officers. Homeroom representatives voice the interests of homeroom members during general assembly meetings and report student government actions back to homeroom members. Under the leadership of its officers and faculty advisor, this organization strives to enrich the school’s climate and local community through a variety of special
Page 24 events throughout the course of the year. Some of its annual activities include Patriot’s Day, Homecoming, the Homecoming Dance, a blood drive, a winter holiday door decorating contest, and the Mr. Great Valley Contest. Student government positions are open to those who maintain minimum grade point averages of 2.0 and acceptable disciplinary records. Officers are elected each spring.
ATHLETICS
PHILOSOPHY The program of interscholastic athletics at Great Valley High School provides students with an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of sports. Strong emphasis is placed on developing character, achieving a spirit of cooperation, and establishing and striving for worthwhile goals. The privilege of playing on Great Valley’s teams carries with it a high level of responsibility on the part of those young men and women who participate in interscholastic athletics. Standards of behavior and attitudes required of athletes exceed the ordinary and help the students toward responsible adulthood. A greater ability to cope with the complex problems encountered in life evolves from the experiences had by students in athletic competition. In accordance with our philosophy of athletics and our desire to see as many students as possible participate in the athletic program while at Great Valley, we encourage coaches to keep as many students as they can without unbalancing the integrity of their sport.
Obviously, time, space, equipment, personal preference, player coach ratio and other factors will place limitations on the most effective size for any particular sport.
When students are trying out for a team, they are to be informed of the criteria that will be used in judging their potential success. After ample opportunity, coaches may release players from the squad. When players are released, the coach will either phone or meet each individual to share his/her decision. Parents who have questions concerning the releases should direct them to the coach.
Fall Sports (Begin in August-November) Cheerleading (Co-ed) Cross Country (Boys and Girls Teams) Field Hockey Football Golf (Boys and Girls Teams) Soccer (Boys and Girls Teams) Tennis (Girls Team) Volleyball (Girls Team) Winter Sports (November - March) Basketball (Boys and Girls Teams) Swimming (Boys and Girls Teams) Winter Track and Field (Boys and Girls Teams) Wrestling
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Spring Sports (March - May) Baseball Lacrosse (Boys and Girls Teams) Softball Tennis (Boys Team) Track and Field (Boys and Girls Teams)
ACTIVITY FEES All students who participate in athletics will be assessed an activity fee for each season of play. The activity fee will be $95 per sport. Activity fees will be collected by the Athletic Department each season.
Level and Family Caps: To assist families with multiple students, the District has imposed caps on activity fees as follows: Secondary – Individual student cap at $285; family cap at $750; District-wide – No family will be required to pay more than $750 per school year. Parents who believe they have exceeded these financial limits should contact their child’s principal.
Waivers All activity fees will be waived for students who qualify for our free or reduced lunch program. If your child qualifies for free or reduced lunch, please contact your child’s principal so arrangements can be made. Strict confidentiality will be maintained.
Additional Details Fees will be collected by the Athletic Department; Fees must be paid by check or money order or online at https://www.payforit.net/ (cash will not be accepted); Students may not participate in athletics until the fee has been paid by the required date for each season; Fees are non-refundable except in cases that involve roster limitations and try-out situations (Note: If a student is not selected to participate in a try-out activity, reimbursement of the payment will be made by District Office); Refunds will not be issued when students quit, transfer schools, sustain injury, or are dismissed from a team, but may be considered under extreme circumstances with Administrative approval.
ATHLETIC/ACTIVITY GUIDELINES The Board of School Directors of Great Valley School District delegate to the athletic team coaches, described in Policy #123.2 Delegation of Authority to Athletic Team Coaches, the power and authority to suspend participation in the sponsored activity of any student found to have violated any reasonable rule of conduct or deportment of which the student is given prior notice by the athletic coach. Athletes should be aware of regulations from three (3) sources: Student- Parent Handbook, Coaches’ Rules, and Board Policy. Each player and parent or
Page 26 guardian should read these guidelines and may be required to return a signed response sheet to the coach to be eligible to participate.
ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM The Athletic Training Room is available to all of the students who participate on the athletic teams at Great Valley High School. This staff consists of allied health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses in the sports settings. Athletic Training students from West Chester University, Immaculata University and the high school also assist in the care of these athletes.
Athletic Training Room – General Information The Athletic Training Room will be open from the end of the school day until the end of practices/games unless otherwise posted or needed for sports coverage. ALL injuries must be reported to the Athletic Training staff as soon as possible. Athletes will be treated on a first-come first-serve basis with the exception of teams that are traveling or teams with games. Athletes are responsible for getting their taping or treatments done in time for practices/games. No athlete is permitted to use the Athletic Training Room, its modalities and/or equipment without the supervision of a Certified Athletic Trainer. Self-treatment is not permitted at any time. Athletes must be evaluated by the Athletic Training staff prior to any treatments or rehabilitation. Treatments and rehabilitation should be completed until released by the Athletic Training staff. Please be respectful of others in the athletic training room. Vulgar and offensive language will not be tolerated. Failure to comply will result in removal from the Athletic Training room. Please leave all sports-related equipment, bags, etc. outside of the Athletic Training room. Spikes and cleats are not to be worn in the Athletic Training room. Appropriate attire is expected in the Athletic Training room. Failure to do so will result in removal from the Athletic Training room. Please keep the Athletic Training room clean and orderly. Place dirty towels in the towel bin. Medical and rehabilitation equipment should be returned to its appropriate location. No rough housing will be permitted in the Athletic Training room. Failure to do so will result in removal from the Athletic Training room.
Return-To-Play after an Injury Any time an athlete is seen by a Physician, for anything other than a routine check-up, a note from that physician is required to be presented to the Athletic Training staff detailing the condition, any restrictions due to this condition and
Page 27 any required rehabilitation or treatment needed. This includes any trips to an urgent care or emergency room. If an athlete has been restricted from practice/play by a Physician, a note from a Physician will be required to return-to-play. If the Athletic Training staff has restricted an athlete from practice/play they may not return until cleared by the athletic training staff.
ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL Athletes have chosen to participate in a sport. Therefore, if the event runs late into the evening, athletes are expected to be in school on time the next morning. If an athlete is not in school by 10:30 a.m., he/she may not participate or practice in any athletic events on that day. (10:30 a.m. on Friday for a Saturday game.)
Any athlete sent home by the school nurse during the school day due to illness is not permitted to return that day for practice or competition unless cleared to do so by a note from a Physician stating they are medically cleared to return to school and athletics.
AWARDS - LETTERS At the close of each sport season, the coach will submit to the Athletic Office the list of players to receive awards for approval. The 9th grade awardees will receive a certificate along with a chenille “Ichabod.” The Junior Varsity awardees will receive a certificate and a 4″chenille “G.V.” If there is no J.V. team, a player must have 95% attendance at all scheduled practices and competitions. The Varsity awardees will initially receive a parchment certificate and an 8″ chenille “G.V.” with the particular gold sport emblem attached. Each subsequent Varsity award will be the parchment certificate and the particular gold sport emblem attached to the initial chenille “G.V.” To earn a varsity letter, a student must participate in 1/2 of all scheduled competitions. If an athlete is disciplined for a conduct, tobacco or substance abuse violation, he or she is not eligible for an athletic award in that sport or any outstanding athletic awards in the school year which the incident occurred.
AWARDS - SERVICE Service Awards may be awarded to seniors in any sport, for sincerity and loyalty, for three years’ service if full varsity letter requirements have not been fulfilled. Such awards shall be recommended by the coach, and meet with the approval of the Principal and the Assistant Principal. A manager may be awarded a varsity letter for service of at least one full sport season upon recommendation of the coach of that particular sport. A sophomore, junior, or senior student trainer may be awarded a varsity letter for service as a trainer if that person has accumulated at least 250 hours of trainer work during the school year, If the minimum 250 hours is not met, half of the hours may be carried over into the next year of service. This varsity letter may be counted toward the “special” award. Varsity awards may also be given under special circumstances.
COLLEGE BOUND ATHLETES If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial- Eligibility Center. The NCAA Eligibility Center will analyze your academic information and determine if you meet the NCAA’s initial-eligibility
Page 28 requirements. The publication “The Guide for The College Bound Student Athlete” is available for student athletes interested in participation in athletics at the college level. Students can access this guide at: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Student athletes planning to pursue Division I or Division II athletics must register and complete the Amateurism Questionnaire online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Students can register for the clearing house in 10th grade. In order to be considered eligible to participate in Division I or Division II athletics, students must complete 16 core courses. Core courses are reviewed annually by The Eligibility Center. If you have a question regarding core courses at Great Valley High School, please refer to the website: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. This website contains a list of approved courses and can be accessed by entering our high school code: 392363. Certification processing for students planning to enroll as college freshmen will begin in August, before each school year. Student athletes should plan to have their high school transcript sent to The Eligibility Center at the end of their junior year and after graduation. To process this transcript request, forms are available on line. Be sure to request that the Counseling Office sends a transcript.
CURFEW Each coach may establish a curfew for athletes. Those who violate curfew will be subject to penalties specified by the team coach.
DRESS Athletes should present a favorable appearance in school and outside school by appropriate dress and hairstyle. Grooming must be consistent with the requirements of the sport.
ELIGIBILITY (ACADEMIC) ATHLETICS (For Co-Curricular see pg. 15) Rules of Eligibility: All students participating in activities (sports and most activities) are accountable under this policy. Eligibility will be cumulative from the beginning of each marking period and will be reported on a weekly basis. Teachers will report all grades for the marking period and ensure they are accurate each Thursday (your grade each Thursday is considered your grade for the current marking period). Coaches and sponsors will be sent the list of failing students every Friday at 2:00 p.m. each week, and no distinction will be made between core and electives subjects. Subject teachers should notify students who are in danger of failing. Any week during a marking period, that a student is failing two or more subjects, he/she will be ineligible to participate in athletic competitions (games or meets) the following week (Sunday through Saturday). During the first week of a student athlete’s ineligibility, he/she may practice with the team, but may not participate in any interscholastic contests. The student is required to contact the instructors of the classes he/she is failing for remedial work. If a student athlete is ineligible a third week during the marking period, he/she may not practice or participate in any interscholastic contests. The student is required to contact the instructors of the classes he/she is failing for remedial work.
Page 29 If a student athlete is ineligible for a fourth week during a marking period, he/she will be removed from the team.
EXCUSED ABSENCES Every athlete has a responsibility to make every effort to attend all practices and competitions. This ideal attendance is not always attainable. Please follow these guidelines when absences are unavoidable: Athletes should inform their coach as soon as they are aware that they may be absent. All athletes must realize that while they are away, practice and possibly competitions will continue. This fact may place the athlete at a disadvantage in terms of strategy, conditioning, and/or team dynamics, which he/she must work to overcome. Any student who has been absent from school during a semester for a total of twenty (20) or more school days, shall not be eligible to participate in any athletic contest until he/she has been in attendance for a total of sixty (60) school days following his/her twentieth (20) day of absence, except where there is an excused absence due to death in the immediate family or of a near relative as defined in Section 1154 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended; court subpoena; quarantine; or to attend a religious activity/function which the church requires its members to attend; or an excused absence of five (5) or more school days due to the same confining illness or injury, such excused absence may be waived from the application of this rule by the District Committee. Attendance at summer school does not count toward the sixty (60) days required. Absence from school for an entire semester, or for several semesters, shall disqualify a student for the same period as stated in this section.
FAN CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR The Great Valley School District does not support nor will it tolerate rude or unsportsmanlike behavior. Anyone behaving improperly will be asked to stop and warned that if such behavior continues it will result in their ejection from the event. If the improper behavior persists the individual or group of individuals will be escorted from the premises by security or the police. Any fan (student) who is removed/ejected from a contest, home or away, will be placed on social probation for a period of time determined by the High School Principal and Athletic Director.
HOME SCHOOLING - POLICY #117 (SECTION J) The Board of School Directors of Great Valley School District will offer athletic extracurricular opportunities for home schooled students.
INSURANCE All participants in interscholastic athletics are provided insurance purchased by the Great Valley School District. The insuring company will pay the first $100.00 of covered expenses without regard to other insurance. Charges must then be submitted to parents’ group insurance carrier for payment. Whatever eligible expenses the parents’ coverage will not pay are re-submitted to the claim department pursuant to the limits of the policy. If the parents have no insurance coverage, the sports accident insurance will be the primary carrier.
Page 30 MAXIMUM AGE RULE Per PIAA guidelines, if the age of nineteen (19) is attained on or after July 1, the student shall be eligible to compete through that school year.
PERIOD OF PARTICIPATION RULE Any student shall not represent this school in interscholastic sports if he/she has: been in attendance more than eight (8) semesters beyond the eighth grade. played six (6) seasons beyond the sixth grade in any one form of interscholastic sports. completed the work of grades nine, ten, eleven, and twelve inclusive.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS All initial sports physicals for Middle School and High School athletes must be completed by the child’s family physician. PIAA requirements specify that every athlete complete a “PIAA Comprehensive Initial Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation” (CIPPE) form (sections 1 through 5). Your family physician needs to complete section 4 - 6 of the form. Physicals cannot be performed earlier than June 1st. Parents must also complete an Emergency Athletic Card. Students participating in subsequent sport seasons need to complete the “PIAA Re-Certification by Parent/Guardian” (section 5 -7 of the form) prior to the start of the subsequent season. All physical and re-certification forms and Emergency Athletic Cards must be completed before the first day of practice for each sport. Forms and further information can be found on the Athletic website under “Forms.”
RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING SUBSTANCE/TOBACCO/ ALCOHOL USE FOR IN-SEASON ATHLETES Athletes are in training the year- round, and proper conditioning and care of an athlete’s body require much time and commitment whether in season or out. Athletes should not be involved with or consume tobacco, alcohol, or illegal chemical substances as they damage health, impair performance and lessen the athlete’s contribution to the team. There is an element of risk associated with all athletic competition, and we cannot insure that participants will remain free of injury.
Tobacco: Refer to Student-Parent Handbook concerning Student Smoking Policy #222. First Offense: Suspension from athletic competition for two to ten (10) school days. Athletes may participate in team practices during this time period with approval from the Athletic Director. Second Offense: Dismissal from the team. Substance/Alcohol Abuse (At School or At A School Event): Athletes who consume, possess, or constructively possess alcohol or drugs or drug paraphernalia will be disciplined as follows according to School Board Policy #227. Substance/Alcohol Abuse (At A Non-School Event):
Page 31 The following rules, regulations, and guidelines shall be used by all School District personnel when situations involve students’ unlawful use, abuse, sale, distribution, and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, or any mood altering substance or paraphernalia. Athletes who consume, possess, or constructively possess alcohol or drugs or drug paraphernalia will be disciplined as follows: First Offense: Suspension from athletic competition & practice for up to twenty (20) school days, referral to the STAR Team, and if warranted, participation in a confidential Drug and Alcohol Assessment. Second Offense: Athletes will be suspended from all athletic activities for the remainder of that season and the next two sports seasons. Drug/Mood Altering Substance or Alcohol: Alcohol, drugs, narcotics, and/or other health endangering compounds include but are not limited to alcohol, alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, amphetamines, synthetic opiates, marijuana, LSD, and other hallucinogens, glue solvent- containing substances, and “look-alike” drugs. Drug Paraphernalia: Means all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of this act. Public Law 91-513 Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Federal Law). The Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64) and Amendments. This policy is violated when any pupil involved in school related athletics uses anabolic steroids, except for valid medical purposes. Offenses are cumulative. For example, a student can commit a first offense in 9th grade and a second offense in 12th grade. Any in-school or out-of-school may result in the first offense. The second offense in-school or out-of-school results in a two-season suspension. Special Notes If an athlete is dismissed from a team, he or she may not join another team, participate in intramurals or weight training during that season. If an athlete is disciplined for a conduct, tobacco or substance abuse violation, he or she is not eligible for an athletic award or letter in that sport or any outstanding athletic awards in the school year which the incident occurred. Athletes may also be subject to their coach’s rules which may result in dismissal from the team. Any student who voluntarily admits chemical use/abuse and/or dependency to any Great Valley School District staff member, without being prompted, will temporarily not participate in any school sponsored club, activity, or athletic team until professional assessment of the chemical dependency is complete. If the student is an athlete, he/she will be reinstated as an athletic participant when evaluation and his/her program indicates he/she can safely and appropriately participate.
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SPORTSMANSHIP Sportsmanship is displayed when one strives to compete to one’s potential, while at the same time respecting the rules of the game and the integrity of the opponent. Sportsmanship is displayed by fans when one cheers for the Patriots and not against the opponent or officials. A student-athlete must maintain a sportsmanlike attitude throughout the school year. He or she will strive to improve their team and the athletic program. Athletes will not dishonor or discredit Great Valley High School. Final determination on sportsmanship problems rests with the Principal, Athletic Director, and coaches.
TRAVEL Athletes must travel to and from away contests with the team, using transportation provided by the school district. The exceptions are: injury to the athlete which would require alternative transportation. prior, approved arrangements made in writing between the athlete's parent/guardian and the Athletic Director, with the coaches understanding.
VIOLATIONS NOT LISTED IN HANDBOOK We hold our student-athletes to a higher standard than non-athletes because they are very visible in the community and are role models for younger children. Athletes should conduct themselves in a manner which reflects the high standards and ideals of their team, school, and community. Violations of conduct which are unbecoming of an athlete and are not specifically listed in the Student- Parent Handbook may lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or removal from the team.
ATTENDANCE
See School Board Policy #204. The Pennsylvania School Code and School Board Policy #204 govern school attendance. The Board requires that school age students enrolled in district schools attend school regularly. The educational program offered by the district is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress.
PROCEDURES WHEN ABSENT Parents are to call the school at 610-889-1918 ext. 21918 between 7:15 and 9:00 am to report their child’s absence. This phone call will serve as official notice of the child’s absence. If no telephone call is made an explanatory note from the parent/guardian or physician must accompany the student on his/her return to school, and be given to the attendance officer within three (3) days for any absence to be excused. A student legitimately absent for five or more consecutive days because of illness may be required to present a note from a physician
Page 33 stating the cause. Regardless of the length of absence, a student returning to school following recovery from a communicable illness must present a physician’s note certifying that he/she is no longer contagious. A Physician note must be the original note signed by a physician (not a photocopy) or must be faxed directly from the physician’s office to school. Fax #610-695-8901.
ABSENCES AND WORK COMPLETION
1. Make Up Work – Excused Absences (Including field trips, family trips, early sports dismissals, and excused lateness). Assignments are due the day a student returns or the day the student leaves if it is an early dismissal. Classwork missed must be made up within 2 days for every day absent (maximum extension 5 days). Tests must be made up immediately. Exceptions to this rule may be granted for extended illness or family emergencies. During extended periods of illness, the student should request the counselor to arrange for assignments to be forwarded to the homework pick-up drawer in the main office. 2. Unlawful, Unexcused Absences, Unexcused Lateness: Credit will not be given for class work, tests and assignments due on the day of the occurrence. All work missed may not be made up for credit later. Early Dismissal: To provide continuity in the student’s education, parents are urged to schedule all appointments for the after school hours. If it is necessary for a student to be excused during the day, he/she is to bring a written request from his/her parents to the office before classes begin in the morning. If the early dismissal is for an appointment with a family physician or dentist, the physician or dentist’s name and phone number is to be included. The student will receive a pass. Lateness to School: If a student is late, the student should report immediately to the attendance office to sign in. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action. a. Excused Lateness: Lateness is the absence of a pupil from class at the start of the school day. A phone call or satisfactory note from the parent, guardian or physician (see previous bullet regarding physician notes) must be presented to the office within three days for a lateness to be excused. Illness and verified medical appointments with a note or phone call from the parent will be considered excused. A student who arrives late after11:00 am will be considered ½ day absent. Lateness which results from a school bus being late shall be excused. A social worker may be contacted when lateness’s are extreme. b. Unexcused Lateness: Unexcused lateness is the lateness of a pupil without an explanatory note which satisfies the criteria for excused lateness. Lateness which results from oversleeping, missing the bus, or transportation problems occurring as a result of using a private vehicle will be unexcused. c. Consequences for Lateness: See Discipline consequences.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Residency – School Board Policy #202 All students at Great Valley High School must be residents of the Great Valley School District in order to attend. Students who move out of the district after April 1st may continue to attend Great Valley High School for the remainder of the school year. Students may attend Great Valley High School if it can be shown that they will become a resident within ninety (90) days from their first attendance. Tuition cost information can be obtained by contacting the Business Office at 610-889-2125, ext. 52123.
Snow Days Should inclement weather or any other emergency require cancellation of school, the information will be broadcast on the following radio stations: WCOJ-K1420 - Coatesville KYW-K1060 - Philadelphia WNAR-K1110 - Norristown WCAU-K1210 - Philadelphia WFIL-K560 - Philadelphia WIP-K610 – Philadelphia Frequent announcements will be given between 5:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Our school code number is 855. A two hour delayed opening may be announced if weather conditions are expected to improve.
Withdrawal/Transfer If your family moves from the Great Valley District or for some other reason you wish to withdraw from Great Valley, you should contact the Counseling Office several days in advance. Prior to releasing a student’s records, all obligations must be met.
COUNSELING AND STUDENT SERVICES
COMPREHENSIVE COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE The 9-12 Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Program includes four components: 1) Counseling and Guidance Curriculum - Offers guidance content in a systematic way to all students 9-12; 2) Individual Planning - Assists students in monitoring and understanding their own development; 3) Responsive Services - Addresses the immediate concerns of students; 4) Systems Support - Includes program, staff and school support activities and services.
COUNSELING SERVICES The school counselors are always available to assist students with any problems of an educational, vocational, social, or emotional nature. The counselors ask that the following procedures be followed when using counseling services: School counselors will be available from 7:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. daily, and before or after school by appointment. For the convenience of parents, counselors have scheduled evening hours. A schedule of dates and times appears in the school calendar. Students may come to the Counseling Office to make appointments to see counselors or to secure passes granting permission to see counselors before or after school or during lunch periods. In an
Page 35 emergency, teachers may issue a pass to the Counseling Office. Students are asked to schedule appointments with their counselor during study halls whenever possible. Students are assigned to their school counselors alphabetically by the first letter of their last name: Mr. Harvey –12 (A-Col); 11 (A-Cor); 10 (A-Com); 9 (TBD) Mrs. Bebee – 12 (Com-Ham); 11 (Cos-Hou); 10 (Con-Hok); 9 (TBD) Mrs. Kane – 12 (Han-Mal); 11 (Hov-Mom); 10 (Hol-McB); 9 (TBD) Ms. Saracino – 12 (Mam-Sa); 11 (Mon-Schm); 10 (McC-Sad); 9 (TBD) Mr. Martin – 12 (Sb-Z); 11 (Schn-Z); 10 (Sae-Z); 9 (TBD)
The Counseling Department website is updated regularly with information of importance to students. Students and parents may also visit the Counseling Department’s Home Page at http://www.gvsd.org/gvhs/counseling/index.html. Counseling services are directed and coordinated by the school counselors as an integral part of the school program. They are especially designated to assist in focusing the educational process on the individual.
The services of the Counseling Department are organized to help the students: Evaluate his/her abilities, achievement, strengths, interests, and needs. Become familiar with courses and options available to him/her. Make decisions about his/her high school program of study. Plan for his/her future educational career path. Make the positive adjustments to school situations, other students, and teachers; and think through personal issues.
COLLEGE PLANNING AND APPLICATION PROCESS The SAT and SAT Subject Tests, ACT, as well as Advanced Placement Tests are given at Great Valley High School. There is a fee charged for each test, and a registration deadline. Talk to your counselor if you have any questions about these tests, which are prepared by the College Board & ACT. Information on College Entrance Testing is located in the Counseling office or on the Counselor website. Registration for all SAT tests can be done online by going to Collegeboard.com and registration for the ACT can be done by going to ACTstudent.org.
College Testing Calendar For ACT’s or SATs administered at Great Valley High School – report at 7:45 am Must register before deadline at Collegeboard.com for SAT or ACTstudent.org for ACT.
Test Dates Saturday, October 7, 2017 Saturday, March 10, 2018 Saturday, June 2, 2018
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ACT Saturday, September 9, 2017 Saturday, April 14, 2018 Saturday, June 9, 2018
Advanced Placement (AP) exams will be held during the school day during the weeks of May 7-11, 2018 and May 14-18, 2018. Students who are enrolled in AP courses will be notified as to procedures for signing up for exams. The sign up period will be in March, 2018. NO LATE REGISTRATIONS ARE ACCEPTED.
PSAT Administered at Great Valley High School The PSAT will be given on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 and will be free of charge to all sophomores and juniors during the school day from 7:45 to 11:00 am. There is no need for sophomores and juniors to register for the PSAT.
Recommended Schedule: PSAT - Fall of sophomore and junior year (only junior year counts toward the National Merit) SAT Reasoning - Three test dates: Two spring of junior year One fall of senior year SAT Subject Test - At the conclusion of the last course in a given subject. See Course Catalog for recommendations. SAT II’s are required only by more selective institutions ACT – Spring of junior year and fall of senior year
CONFIDENTIALITY Information revealed by a student in confidence to a school counselor, school nurse, or school psychologist in the course of their professional duties is privileged. It cannot be divulged in any legal proceedings, civil or criminal, without the consent of the student, or if he/she is a minor, his/her parents. However, such information may be revealed to the student’s parents, teachers, or principals if there is the threat of harm to the student or others.
COURSE SELECTION PROCESS Counselors will provide general instructions regarding the course selection process to all students. The opportunity for students to review individual course selections will be available. Each year English &Physical Education courses must be selected. Although math, social studies and science courses are not
Page 37 required every year, students who are preparing for college should be aware that most colleges expect high school students to select a minimum of four (4) academic courses per year and a minimum of 2 years of a world language in high school. (More selective university programs wish to see more than two years of a world language.)
CRISIS COUNSELING The Student Services Coordinator and a school social worker have offices at Great Valley High School, and are available to students in order to intervene with high risk personal issues such as depression, suicide, drug/alcohol use and abuse, teen pregnancy, eating disorders, etc. Students can also receive assistance with problem solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. Students may seek the service of the Student Services Coordinator and/or social worker on their own or be referred by teachers, school counselors, administrators, parents or other students. The Student Services Coordinator facilitates the Student Assistance Program and also provides parent consultation.
DROPPING COURSES The course selection process is completed in late winter and the master schedule is developed based on those requests. After the master schedule is completed in June, students will receive a preliminary list of scheduled courses and should carefully check the list for missing required courses or incorrect course levels. Any requests for an elective schedule change for either the first or second semester must be accompanied by a drop add form which must be picked up from the teacher of the class being dropped. Dropping and adding courses are at the discretion of the administration and is done on a case by case basis. Course changes affect class sizes and have a major impact on our master schedule. Students are encouraged to choose classes wisely during the course selection process. The master schedule is designed around the number of requests. The drop/add time will end the last day of the second cycle each semester. Courses cannot be dropped after that day.
RECORDS Access to Records by Parents and Students The students and parents have the right to examine the student’s permanent records kept by the school authorities. Parents or students should request an appointment with his/her counselor for this purpose. Records include: transcript/grade information biographical data standardized test scores No material may be released from a student’s file without written authorization from the student or his/her parents if he/she is a minor. Before sending transcripts, students and parents are required to sign a release. A signed application to college is considered authorization to release a student’s academic records to that institution. Lists of students’ names and addresses will not be accessible to any individual or organization, including colleges, with the exception of branches of the United States Armed Services which, by legislative mandate, are given such information.
Page 38 STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (STAR TEAM) Great Valley High School's Student Assistance Program (STAR TEAM) is a group of staff and administrators specially trained to assist in identifying issues including the use of alcohol or drugs, which pose a barrier to a student’s learning and success in school. STAR is not a treatment program. It is a systematic process designed to identify issues and mobilize resources to remove barriers to students’ learning. If the problem is beyond the scope of the school, STAR assists the student and their family with information to access services available in the community.
STAR accepts referrals from any student and/or person concerned about a student. Referrals can be kept anonymous at the referring person’s request. Referrals are reviewed by the team. If indicated, a team member contacts the student to discuss the referral. Parents, an integral part of the process, are contacted. A plan of support is developed and implemented. Plans can include: arrangement for a student to access support in school, referral to a school based educational and support group, or referral to a community resource. Cases are monitored and reviewed as needed.
HOME-BOUND INSTRUCTION Home-bound instruction is provided to students who, because of illness, must be confined to their homes for an extended period of time. Contact the building administrator or guidance counselor for more information.
DISCIPLINE
PHILOSOPHY The school experience should be both exciting and satisfying to students and staff. The discipline guidelines of the School District emphasize the importance of a culture where diversity and individualism are celebrated in an atmosphere of respect. All parents/guardians, staff members, and community members share the responsibility for teaching our pupils the art of making good choices.
Great Valley staff members use many effective, positive resources to maintain a secure educational environment. Behavior guidelines are developed with the involvement of students, faculty, parents, and the community. Guidelines, practices and policies in the elementary, middle, and high school focus on self- responsibility, mutual respect, thoughtful communication, positive application, and sincere conflict-free mediation. All student discipline shall be consistent with the rights of disabled students. The support of parents is particularly critical to the success of developing students who behave appropriately. We are all very proud of our students, our schools, and our community.
Every effort will be made to conduct school classrooms and activities in a manner which supports the growth and development of all students. To this end, it is essential to include the teaching of acceptable behaviors as a formal part of the K-12 curriculum and to include discipline as a topic in staff development. In addition, district sponsored programs for parents that aid in establishing appropriate expectations and behaviors for children are an integral part of our comprehensive approach to discipline. The student peer mediation program is
Page 39 an important element of our program to help students learn how to interact with others in an appropriate manner.
Each student has the opportunity to flourish in Great Valley Schools by assuming responsibility for helping to maintain an environment conducive to learning.
The complete Student Discipline Policy #218, as it pertains to Great Valley High School, is presented in the Policy Section in the handbook.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION SCHEDULES School Board Policy #218 – Student Discipline includes a Disciplinary Action Schedule. This schedule describes three levels of discipline—Level I, Level II, and Level III. The schedule provides for examples of student behavior at each level and the array of disciplinary actions that may be taken.
Following is a brief summary of each Level:
Level 1 Behavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom procedures or interferes with the orderly operation of the school. These behavior examples are generally handled by individual staff members. Examples: academic dishonesty (cheating, lying, plagiarism), conduct disruptive to learning environment, harassment, disrespect to members of the school community or facilities, driving/parking violations, inappropriate dress, inappropriate language, insolence/insubordination, littering, possession of matches or similar devices, unexcused lateness, unprepared for class with materials and/or supplies, and other offenses which would merit this level of disciplinary response. Procedures: The supervising staff member or observer immediately intervenes and applies the most appropriate disciplinary action. Intervention Options: student/teacher conference, teacher detention, counselor referral, Student Assistance Team, parental contact, home and school visitor referral, after school detention, peer mediation, and other options as deemed appropriate.
Level II Frequent or serious behavior which tends to disrupt the learning climate of the school. These infractions may require the intervention of personnel on the administrative level because the execution of Level I disciplinary options has failed to correct the situation. Disciplinary problems referred to the administration are subject to the discretionary actions and/or recommendations of the administrator. Examples: class cutting, conduct disruptive to the learning environment, continuation of Level I behavior, excessive unexcused lateness, failure to conform to Level I discipline option, fighting, forgery, gambling, leaving school without permission, misuse of internet computer system (Code of Conduct), persistent academic dishonesty (cheating, lying, plagiarism), persistent driving violations, profanity, unlawful harassment/intimidation (Policy #248), theft, truancy, vandalism/destruction of school property, verbal disrespect and
Page 40 insubordination, and any other offense which would merit this level of disciplinary response. Procedures: The teacher or observer takes appropriate disciplinary action or refers the student to the administrator for appropriate disciplinary action. Administrator will assure that due process is provided to the parent and student. Teacher files written report of incident with administrator. The parent is notified. The administrator maintains a record of the offenses and the disciplinary action. Intervention Options: continuation of the more stringent Level I options, mediation, teacher or administrator intervention, counselor referral, home and school visitor referral, parental contact, Student Assistance Team, parental conference, after school detention, in-school detention, out-of-school suspension, legal intervention, withdraw extra-curricular privileges, and other options as deemed appropriate.
Level III Acts directed against persons or property and sometimes result from continuation of Level II behavior. These acts are more serious because their consequences may have a lasting effect on the individual or may pose a threat to the health and safety of others in the school. A commission of any offenses within the meaning of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code is a violation of school district rules. Examples: actions which threaten the health and/or safety of students or school personnel, arson, assault and/or battery on school personnel or students, bomb threats or other terroristic threats, carrying a weapon or a facsimile of a weapon (Policy #218.1), drug and alcohol policy violations (Policy #227), extortion, failure to follow disciplinary options, fighting, forgery, indecent exposure, persistent cutting of class, persistent violation of school rules, smoking (Policy #222), tampering with fire alarm system; pulling fire alarm, theft, truancy, vandalism, vandalistic use of matches or similar devices, and any other offense which would merit this level of disciplinary response. Procedures: The administrator initiates disciplinary action by investigating the infraction, confers with the staff involved and meets with the student. The administrator meets with the student and confers with the parent about the student’s misconduct, and the resulting disciplinary action. The administrator will assure that due process is provided to parent and student. The administrator makes an accurate record of the infraction and the disciplinary response. Where applicable, student makes restitution of property and damages. Where applicable, law enforcement officials are contacted. A complete report is submitted to the Superintendent. Intervention Options: Administration intervention, counselor referral, home school visitor referral, parental contact/conferences, Student Assistance Team, repair, clean, or make restitution of property and damages, in-school suspension, legal intervention, out-of-school suspension, alternative schools expulsion, and other options as deemed appropriate.
DISCIPLINE CONSEQUENCES Teacher Detention Teacher Detention is the first intervention for disciplinary consequences in the classroom. Individual teachers may assign detentions to be served in their classrooms on any school day. Teachers will give students a minimum of one day’s advanced notice in writing of a detention assignment. Teachers will communicate with parents when a detention is assigned. Students who do not
Page 41 report will be reassigned two detentions by an administrator for each unexcused absence from a teacher detention.
After School, Morning Detention and - "School Detention" After school detention is held in a designated classroom Monday through Thursday from 2:35 p.m. until 3:40 p.m. Friday AM detention is from 7:00 – 7:47. Students will participate in a silent study period.
Detentions may be assigned for (but are not limited to): class cuts and/or unexcused lateness, insubordination and/or insolence, bus misconduct, cutting a teacher detention, conduct which is disruptive to the learning environment, and disrespect to members of the school community or school facilities. Students who are unable to attend a detention because of a previous commitment (dental, medical, etc.) must present a written excuse from their parent/guardian by the day of detention. The detention must be rescheduled immediately.
Loss of Privileges Certain discipline infractions may result in the loss of certain privileges, such as student parking, campus privilege, and open campus. This decision is made by an administrator.
In-School Suspension (ISS) A student may be removed from the normal classroom and assigned to a special in-school suspension room under the supervision of a staff member. Students are placed in the in-school suspension room for violating selected rules and regulations. Rules and guidelines of expected behavior will be provided prior to placement in ISS. On the day of the suspension, students may not participate in any school sponsored activities. Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) - "Out of School Suspension" Exclusion from school by suspension means denial of entry to Great Valley High School facilities, property, and activities during the suspension. Suspended students may not participate in ANY school-sponsored activities. Suspension is for one (1) to ten (10) consecutive school days as determined by school authorities. Out-of-school suspension may be assigned for, but is not limited to, offenses that occur under Board Policy #223 (Student Smoking), Board Policy #227 (Drug and Alcohol Awareness), willful fighting, physical assault, harassment, theft, obscene conduct and language, persistent violations of school regulations, tampering with fire alarm system, carrying a weapon, or any action which threatens the health and/or safety of students to school personnel. Exclusions affecting certain disabled students shall be governed by 22 PA Code chapters 14, 15, and 342 (relating to right to education and disciplinary exclusions of certain handicapped students from special education placements. Students with disabilities will be subject to this policy unless, as a result of their disability, they require accommodations and/or modifications to the District’s policy. This and all board policies shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities.
Page 42 Responsibilities When a Student is Suspended Administrator will: Inform student why he/she is suspended. Notify parents and superintendent in writing. When suspension exceeds three (3) days, provide parents the opportunity for an informal hearing. Adhere to Chapter 12 regulations. Parents will: Be responsible for the student during exclusion. Monitor the completion of assignments. Help restore a positive atmosphere of self-discipline by meeting with school administrators to clarify expectations for the student. Student will: Obtain assignments by contacting the Discipline Secretary and teachers directly. Turn in all assignments upon return. Make up exams and tests within the allocated time (two (2) days for each day suspended, up to a maximum of one (1) week). Student failure to meet these responsibilities will affect grades.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES – ATTENDANCE VIOLATIONS PER SCHOOL YEAR Late To Homeroom (unexcused) Students arriving during or after homeroom between 7:40-7:59AM: 4th offense - office detention. 5th offense - office detention, loss of privileges. 7th offense - loss of privileges and/or 2 detentions. 10th offense – loss of privileges up to one semester and/or ISS. Late To Class 1st late – receives an official warning by teacher. 2nd late – teacher assigned detention. 3rd and subsequent lates – after school detention (AD). Class Cut When an unexcused absence from class or class cut occurs, the teacher will notify a parent on each infraction and student receives a zero for all class activities that day (including class participation points, tests, quizzes, homework or labs) and any long term assignments or projects which were due on the day the class was cut.
1st offense - Zero for class – 1 teacher detention– parent notification. 2nd offense - Loss of privileges and/or 2 detentions 3rd offense - Loss of privileges and 2 detentions 4th offense - Possible permanent loss of privileges and parent meeting, 1 day ISS 5th offense - Possible permanent loss of privileges and parent meeting, 3 days ISS
Unexcused Absence 1st offense – 1 office detention – parent notification 2nd offense – 1 office detention – parent notification 3rd offense – 2 office detentions – parent notification
Page 43 4th offense – 1 day of In School Suspension – parent notification
Failure To Serve Consequences Students who fail to serve discipline will be issued additional discipline. The fourth time a student fails to serve his/her discipline will result in 20 (calendar) days social probation and/or additional discipline.
Loss of Campus Privilege for 20 school days with 3rd Office Detention or a suspension from school.
OLWEUS HARASSEMENT PREVENTION PROGRAM Great Valley Middle School/Great Valley High School In our ongoing efforts to create a positive climate in which all students feel safe and supported, the middle school and high school have implemented the Olweus Harassment Prevention Program. The program establishes expectations for our students and consequences when these expectations are compromised. The consequences outlined below serve as guidelines for building staff and administration. Discipline policies supersede these guidelines and building administration will determine disciplinary action.
School Community Expectations: We will not harass others. We will try to help students who are harassed. We will make it a point to include students who are left out. If we know that someone is being harassed, we will tell an adult.
Consequences: Level 1 (3 incident reports) The student will meet with a building administrator and receive an office detention. The student will be reminded of the school community expectations and consequences at levels 1, 2 and 3. The student’s parents will be contacted.
Level 2 (4th incident report) The student will receive an in-school suspension (ISS). Parent(s) will be notified when ISS is given and requested to attend a meeting with their son/daughter and an administrator to address their child’s behavior. While in ISS the student will be given an educational assignment to improve his/her understanding of harassment and reflect on his/her actions. Resources to complete the assignment will be given.
Level 3 (continued incidents of harassing behavior or an increase in the severity of the student’s action). An administrator will meet with the student with a law enforcement officer present. The administrator will make the student aware of school-related consequences (i.e. additional ISS, OSS and expulsion). The law enforcement officer will make the student aware of criminal law and legal consequences.
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Positive Consequences for Students Who Do the Right Thing: A staff member will acknowledge the positive action through conversation or a letter to the student. Parents will be notified via letter or phone call of their child’s positive action.
Incidents of Bullying can be reported anonymously on the high school web site. Go to Departments; Student Services; Olweus Incident Form. Complete the form; hit DONE.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES AND DISCIPLINE (Also available online) There are some student behaviors that have been deemed serious enough to warrant a specific school board policy regarding such behaviors. Listed below are short summaries of the policies. Drug and Alcohol Awareness – School Board Policy # 227 The policy including its rules, regulations, and guidelines, is an effort by the Great Valley School District to openly and effectively respond to the potential and current uses and abuses of drugs, alcohol, and mood altering substances by students. The policy includes definitions, enforcement, self-referral, student records, and the Student Assistance Program. Harassment – School Board Policy #248 It is the policy of the Great Valley School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment. This policy provides for complaint procedures, guidelines for investigating harassment complaints, and review procedures. Student Smoking Policy – School Board Policy #222 This policy is violated when any student possesses or uses tobacco in any form including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco while on school premises, or at any school sponsored activity anywhere, or while traveling to and from school related activities on school buses, or on any school property owned by or under the control of the Great Valley School District.
The policy describes the following consequences: 1st Offense: 2 days ISS. 2nd Offense: 3 days ISS; referral to a smoking cessation program; a fine as per Act 145. 3rd Offense: 5 days OSS; referral to a smoking cessation program; a fine as per Act 145. 4th Offense: 10 days OSS; possible expulsion hearing before the Board of School Directors; a fine per Act 145.
Technology – School Board Policy #815 This policy includes the rules for the use of technology and the consequences for the inappropriate use of technology by students.
Terroristic Threats/Acts – School Board Policy #218.2 The Board recognizes the danger that terroristic threats and acts by students present to the safety and welfare of district students, staff and community. The Board acknowledges the need for an immediate and effective response to a situation involving such a threat or act.
Page 45 Weapons on School Property – School Board Policy #218.1 The Board recognizes the importance of a safe school environment to the educational process. Possession of weapons in the school environment is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law. The Board directs the Superintendent to establish procedures, which comply with Act 26 of 1995 SC 1317.2.
HEALTH SERVICES
A certified school nurse works in each school. The school nurse’s role in an educational setting is to enable each student to realize his or her potential through healthful living. Only through cooperative efforts of the home, school, and community can the nurse’s objectives be reached.
The school nurse: Assists the principal and school physicians and dentists in planning the school health program. Provides emergency care for accidents and illnesses. Schedules all examinations which are to be given at school, assists at said examinations, arranges for special tests, immunizations programs, etc. Maintains accurate and comprehensive health records for all students. Assists with classroom instruction as requested. School nurses encourage student wellness through education on nutrition, good health habits, exercise, and proper sleep. Please feel free to call us anytime for information. We look forward to a continued partnership with parents working toward healthy and strong Great Valley School District children.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE Occasionally, students are accidentally injured while taking part in school activities. In order to eliminate any medical bills incurred as a result of an injury in school, you may purchase the student accident insurance offered at school. Insurance will be on sale only in September. Insurance coverage for athletes is provided by the School District for participants in season. The athletes’ insurance does not cover activities other than the sport in season.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Parents/guardians should report a communicable disease to the school nurse immediately. It is the responsibility of the principal to insure that students who have been diagnosed or are suspected of having a communicable disease be excluded from school. Children may be readmitted to school when the child presents a physician’s note indicating that they are no longer contagious.
Page 46 Disease Exclusion from School **Any undiagnosed rash Until diagnosis is established or symptoms are gone for 24 hours **Chicken Pox All scabs must be dry **Contagious conjunctivitis No drainage from eyes and 24 hours after the start of physician prescribed treatment Fifth disease No exclusion **Hepatitis As indicated by physician. A physician’s note should indicate allowed activity including physical education restrictions **Impetigo 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment **Meningitis As indicated by physician. A physician’s note should indicate allowed activity including physical education restrictions **Mononucleosis As indicated by physician. A physician’s note should indicate allowed activity including physical education restrictions. Pediculosis (lice) Until treated and free of lice and must be cleared by the school nurse Pinworms Until first dose of treatment is given Ringworm Until skin is clear of all scabs or crusts, or a physician’s note indicating the child is noninfectious *Scabies 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment **Scarlet Fever or Strep Throat 24 hours after the start of physician prescribed treatment **Staph or strep of the skin 24 hours after the start of physician prescribed treatment **Physician’s note must accompany the student when he/she returns to school *Physician’s note must be the original note signed by a physician (not a photocopy), or must be faxed directly from the physician’s office to #610- 889-1971
HEAD LICE GUIDELINES To minimize school absence while containing head lice infestation, the School Nurses of the Great Valley School District will follow the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Association of School Nurses, and the Centers for Disease Control on containment of head lice as listed below. Full class screening for head lice in a school setting has not been proven to significantly affect the incidence of head lice in schools. Studies have shown that these screenings are essentially ineffective; head lice have a very low contagion in classroom settings, and head lice are not known to be vectors of disease. Class screening for head lice will therefore not be performed as a measure for control.
Guidelines: Upon report or discovery of live head lice, the School Nurse will check the affected child’s head for live head lice.
Page 47 If live head lice are found, the School Nurse will call the child’s parent and request that they take their child home. The School Nurse will advise on methods of treatment for head lice. The affected child may return to school after treatment of live head lice, and will report to the school nurse to be approved for school attendance. Children may not remain in school if a significant number of live head lice are found, but they are permitted to remain in school if nits (head lice eggs) are found. If the student has siblings in the school, the School Nurse will check the siblings for any live head lice. At the elementary level, a letter will be sent home to parents in the child’s homeroom alerting them that a case of head lice was discovered and advising them to check for head lice and to treat if live lice are discovered. The School Nurse will re-check the affected child’s head a week after treatment and follow the aforementioned guidelines if live head lice are found.
EMERGENCY/MEDICAL UPDATES Emergency/Medical Updates are required annually. Parents will be invited each year via an email to log into the District's SKYWARD Family Access system to update their child's record. This record provides the school with important information relevant to each child in the event of an emergency. It is essential that parents notify the school of any changes in emergency contacts or phone numbers that occur during the school year.
FIRST AID A full time nurse is on duty during the school day. By state law, the school nurse administer’s first aid and immediate care, but will NOT diagnose illness or injury. All serious injuries at school must be reported to the school nurse.
HEALTH EXAMINATIONS Vision Screening - all grades yearly (K-12) Height and Weight; Body Mass Index Calculations - all grades yearly (K-12) Hearing Screening - yearly for all students in K-3, 7, 11, and students new to the school district, as well as those known to have hearing problems. Medical examinations are required by Pennsylvania School Code for students in grades Kindergarten OR First, 6th and 11th grades, and for all students new to the school district with incomplete medical records. Dental examinations are required for Kindergarten OR First grade, 3rd and 7th grades and for all students new to the school district with incomplete dental records. The school nurse encourages parents/guardians to have the required medical and dental examinations completed by the family physician and dentist so that there is continuity of care for the students. Health Report Card results of all screenings may be viewed in Skyward Family Access
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IMMUNIZATIONS The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has specific immunization regulations relating to school enrollment and attendance.
The minimum immunizations (as required by PA law) for any student entering school include:
Diphtheria/Tetanus (DTP, DTaP, DT, Td): o 4 doses minimum, with 1 dose on or after the 4th birthday Polio: o 4 doses (4th dose on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) o 2 doses of Measles (usually given as MMR) o 2 doses of Mumps (usually given as MMR) o 1 dose of Rubella (German Measles) (usually given as MMR) Hepatitis B (HBV): o 3 doses of Hepatitis B Varicella (Chickenpox): o 2 doses, or written history of Chickenpox disease
Children entering at the 7th Grade level or above need all of the above immunizations, plus:
1 dose of tetanus/diphtheria/acellular pertussis (Tdap), if 5 years has lapsed since last tetanus immunization 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV)
Children entering 12th Grade need all of the above immunizations, plus:
1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) upon entrance to 12th grade
All students attending school must have complete immunization records. GVSD is prohibited by law to allow children to enter school without evidence of immunizations.
These requirements allow for exemptions for medical reasons and religious beliefs. If your child is exempt from immunizations, he/she may be removed from school during an outbreak. Please call the school nurse if you have any questions.
Page 49 If your insurance does not cover immunizations, please contact the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225 to schedule an appointment for vaccines.
MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOL See School Board Policy #210.
The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. In order to request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES Participation is required in physical education classes anytime the student is in attendance at school. Please follow the procedure below if a medical problem arises: The student must present a note from parent/guardian or doctor to the school nurse at the beginning of the scheduled class. It is requested that the note specifically state the medical problem. Notes will not be accepted at a later date. A medical problem limiting activity for more than one class cycle (six days) will require a doctor’s note. The doctor should indicate the diagnosis and suggest an alternative program for the duration of the problem. When possible, use the school Phys. Ed. modifications form (under high school web page “forms” tab). Original note must be given to the school nurse. A doctor’s note must be the original note signed by a physician (not a photo copy), or must be faxed directly from the physician office to school. Fax #610-889-1971. A medical problem note does not exclude the student from class participation. The student will be required to: - Report, on time, to each class. - Dress for each class. - Participate in whatever capacity has been determined. - Complete any written assignments/tests required. Any student who is medically excused from PE class will also be excluded from sports participation until they are fully able to participate in PE class. Physical education activities change by the marking period. Medical problems need to be evaluated individually according to the assigned activity at the time, and graded accordingly.
STUDENTS WHO BECOME ILL IN SCHOOL If a student becomes ill during school hours, he/she must secure a pass from the teacher in charge and report to the nurse’s office. If the nurse is not there, he/she is to report to the Main Office. If he/she becomes ill between classes, he/she should secure the pass from the teacher of his/her next scheduled class.
Page 50 The school nurse will notify parents/guardians in the event that the child needs to be sent home. Permission by the nurse or any administrator is REQUIRED before any student with an illness may leave the building. Parents/guardians or their designated alternate are responsible for either escorting the child home from school or giving verbal permission to the nurse or administrator to allow their child to drive home.
CONCUSSIONS: If your student is diagnosed with a concussion, it is our desire that he/she recover as quickly as possible. In the medical profession, there is universal agreement that cognitive and physical rest is critical to healing. Current statistics show that, with proper rest, 96% of concussed high school students recover in less than five weeks. Therefore, the school nurse will strongly encourage parents to delay a concussed student’s return to school until his/her student is symptom-free in normal daily activities for 48 hours. Once a student has returned to school, it is assumed that, with appropriate medical accommodations, he/she is capable of working in class, completing class assignments, HW and assessments. Any medical accommodations must be updated by a medical professional on a monthly basis until your student has been cleared for full academic participation.
In our experience, the worst concussion outcomes occur with students who return too soon to physical activities such as sports or other physically demanding extracurricular activities. With decreased cognitive response times of an incompletely healed concussion, the possibility of students being reinjured (even standing on the sidelines) is greatly increased. Therefore, a concussed student will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities, field trips, or physical education until they have been medically cleared for full academic participation.
For a more detailed description of policies and procedures regarding students who have suffered a concussion and possible classroom and classwork accommodations, as well as doctor and school communications, please refer to the Great Valley High School website: www.gvsd.org.
SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
BUSES Bus transportation is provided for all Great Valley students. Students are permitted to ride only the bus to which they have been assigned, unless otherwise requested in writing by a parent and approved by the transportation department.
Students are expected to behave in a responsible manner on school buses, as in school. Students may not eat, drink or smoke on the bus. Misconduct on the bus will be handled under the discipline guidelines and may include suspension of bus privileges for a given time. Activity buses are not provided for students involved in co-curricular activities.
Digital Recording - Digital video recorders with a microphone and camera are used on all Krapf buses in the Great Valley School District to aid in the safe transportation of students. The recorder installed in the vehicle is accessible to
Page 51 authorized district personnel only. A warning notice is posted in each vehicle notifying passengers that their actions on the bus may be recorded.
LARGE OBJECTS ON BUSES The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation mandates in 67 PA Code 171.58, that the interior of a school bus must be free of objects which could cause injury. Objects must be secured and the emergency exits open and free of blockage. The following must be adhered to at all times: 1. Large band instruments or school project items are not permitted on the bus unless they can be held on the pupil’s lap. 2. Items may not be placed under the seats as they could become projectiles upon impact. 3. Nothing can be carried on the bus that will endanger others, for example: glass objects, skis, skateboards, sledding equipment, large metal objects, etc. 4. Animals are not permitted on the bus. 5. Nothing can be placed in the driver’s compartment, doorway or aisle. In case of an accident, students must be able to exit out of windows and doors.
CAFETERIA PROCEDURES – BREAKFAST BAR AND LUNCH The Breakfast Bar opens at 7:00 a.m.; closes at 7:30 a.m.; reopens at 7:50 a.m. til 9:00 a.m. each morning, Monday through Friday, providing a la carte items through first period. Breakfast will be closed during homeroom. Lunch is provided in the cafeteria during fifth period. Food and beverages should be eaten in the cafeteria or the courtyard. Eating food or drinking beverages is not permitted in hallways, homerooms, classrooms or lobby areas. As long as students are responsible for returning cafeteria equipment and trash, they may choose to eat lunch in the courtyard. Students may, however, use the lobby area to socialize during lunch periods. The cafeteria area remains open during the day for Campus Privilege students to do homework or socialize.
CAFETERIA PROCEDURES - COMPUTERIZED POINT OF SALE SYSTEM We are pleased to offer a computerized Point of Sale System for the high school cafeteria. This system allows students to deposit money into a computer account to be used for purchases in the cafeteria. Students may access their accounts by entering their student identification number into a pin pad. The student’s picture appears on the cashier’s monitor to assure accuracy. Checks may be made payable to GVSD Food Service and given to the cafeteria staff or school office. Deposit forms may be found in the cafeteria or on our web site. Students may pay cash for purchases as well.
SCHOOL MEAL ACCOUNT PROCEDURES / MAIL CHARGING POLICY CONFIDENTIALITY A student’s meal status is always kept confidential. All students have accounts to purchase their lunch and are treated the same at the register. Often the student will not even know what their lunch status is.
Page 52 HIGH SCHOOL Students are not permitted to charge meals, a-la-carte or other nonprogram foods when their individual student accounts lack sufficient funds. Students will be directed to see the cafeteria manager and dealt with on an individual, case-by- case basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Information on meal prices, menus, how to apply for free or reduced priced meals, how to check a meal balance or add funds can be found on the District’s Food Services webpage at http://gvsdfoodservice.org/?page=main or by calling 610-889-2125 ext. 51979.
CAMPUS PRIVILEGE CAMPUS PRIVILEGE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN INTO A DESIGNATED LOCATION WITH THE SAFETY AIDE. THEY ARE TO REMAIN IN THAT LOCATION UNTIL THEY SIGN OUT TO A NEW LOCATION. All 10th, 11th and 12th grade students who meet the academic, obligations, attendance, and discipline requirements defined below are eligible for the Campus Privilege System. Ninth graders are not eligible for Campus Privilege. New students are eligible for Campus Privilege if they meet the requirements. These requirements are reviewed each marking period and are based on the information from the previous marking period. Academic, attendance, and discipline records which deny Campus Privilege are: a marking period grade point average below 3.0, one (1) or more unexcused absences, 3 or more unexcused lates to school, any offenses which result in four (4) office detentions or a more serious penalty, any Campus Privilege violation, or an unmet obligation beyond ten (10) days.
Campus Privilege is earned each marking period and allows the student the privilege in lieu of study hall to select one of the following options for the period: Students may congregate quietly in designated locations where they may have snacks, listen to IPods and socialize. Work in the library. Go to the courtyard. Eat lunch anytime during 5th period. Students must sign out to each location and when they change locations. IF A STUDENT VIOLATES ANY OF THE ABOVE, CAMPUS PRIVILEGE MAY BE REVOKED IMMEDIATELY.
CELL PHONES, ETC. Cell phones and electronic devices are permitted during the following times and locations: Cafeteria and hallways Main lobby and cafeteria during lunch hours. After dismissal at 2:30 pm. Between the hours of 7:40 am – 2:30 pm, cell phone use is prohibited in the classrooms. Unless phones are being used for instructional purposes with supervision and direction by the teacher. Confiscation and/or disciplinary action may result. The high school is not liable for damaged or stolen equipment.
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COURTYARD The courtyard is open to all students during lunch, and to students with Campus Privilege. Food may be eaten in the courtyard as long as students assume responsibility for: picking up trash, returning ALL cafeteria supplies, and maintaining a reasonable noise level and/or activity so that adjacent classes are not disturbed.
DANCES and PROMS At various times throughout the school year, student dances and proms will be held. All students and guests attending the dances will be subject to a breathalyzer prior to entering the dance. Great Valley students who want to bring a guest/non Great Valley student to the dance must receive permission from administration and fill out a guest dance form found in the main office, or on the HS website, under “Forms”. Guests may not be over the age of 21.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION It is the policy of the Great Valley School District that directory information may be disclosed for purposes beneficial to the student or the school district only with the approval of the district superintendent or his designee. Directory information includes the following information relating to a student: name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weights and heights of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degree awards received, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information. Parents (or students 18 years of age or older) may restrict release of this directory information by written request to the principal within twenty (20) days of publication of this notice.
DRESS AND GROOMING –Policy #221 In August, 2002, the School Board approved revisions to Policy #221 - Dress and Grooming. The High School Faculty Advisory Committee, who researched neighboring school’s dress and grooming policies, recommended the changes. The revised Policy was adopted on August 19, 2002. The following is a summary of the Policy describing the rational and expectations.
“The Board authorizes the Superintendent to enforce school regulations prohibiting student dress or grooming practices which present a hazard to the health or safety of the student him/herself or to others in the school; materially interfere with school work, create disorder or disrupt the educational program; cause excessive wear or damage to school property and prevent the student from achieving his/her own educational objectives because of blocked vision or restricted movement…”
The dress code as outlined below will be in effect at Great Valley High School. The basic responsibility for the appearance of students rests with the parents. Students are, however, expected to attend school in clothing that is clean and appropriate. While parents have the right to determine their child’s dress, the following guidelines will be followed:
Page 54 Dress must not interfere with the educational process or the rights of others. Dress must comply with all health and safety codes. Shoes must be worn at all times. Roller blades and/or roller sneakers are not permitted in the building due to safety and liability issues. The wearing of (hats, hoods, winter knit hats, scarves, bandannas, etc.) or any other non-religious head covering is prohibited in the building. Students found wearing policy-violating headwear should surrender the headwear to a staff member on request and pick it up at the end of the school day. Clothing that includes or exhibits profane language, obscene or racist language, provocative pictures, or advertisements for alcohol, drugs, alcohol establishments or drug products is prohibited. No halters, tube tops, sports bras or exposed midriffs are allowed. Tank tops must have secure straps. Fishnet shirts or other see-through clothing may not be worn unless there is appropriate coverage underneath. Tops may not be so low as to expose cleavage or pectoral muscles. Likewise, shirts and blouses must completely cover a student’s back, side, chest and abdomen. V-neck shirts and sweaters are permissible as long as they adhere to the above stated criteria. Clothing, patches, buttons, pins, jewelry and backpacks are not permitted if they: have sexually suggestive writing or pictures, advocate violence, advertise or promote the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, or have double-meaning wording or obscene language/gestures or are racist. Skirts, shorts and dresses should be long enough to cover the posterior when a student is sitting, standing or bending. Pants also must cover the posterior and undergarments. Clothing intended as underwear may not be exposed. Outer clothing must cover undergarments (briefs, boxers, bikinis, bras) at all times. Clothing intended for outerwear including heavy winter coats or jackets and rainwear may not be worn during school time unless approved by an administrator or classroom teacher. Lightweight, unobtrusive or jean jackets are permitted. If student attire is determined inappropriate, the student will be given an opportunity to call home for a change of clothing. If a change is not immediately available, the student will either be detained in the office or sent home for the balance of the day. The classes missed as a result will be considered unexcused absences.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR GVSD ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) contains for its parents and students who are over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. They are: The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the date the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal or other appropriate school officials a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for
Page 55 access and notify the parent or eligible students of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask Great Valley School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the District will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding their request for the amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. The right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the students’ education 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 interest. A school official is a person employed by the District 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 District has contracted to perform a specific task (such as 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 task. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educational record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. (Optional) Upon request, the District disclosed educational records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
FIELD TRIPS Students going on field trips must secure written permission from parent or guardian in advance in order to attend. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A STUDENT DRIVE ON A FIELD TRIP.
FLAG SALUTE It is the responsibility of every citizen to show proper respect for his/her country and flag. Students may decline to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and may refrain from saluting the flag on the basis of personal belief or religious conviction. Students who choose to refrain from such participation shall respect the rights and interests of classmates who do wish to participate.
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I.D. CARDS I.D. cards are necessary at Great Valley for use of the Media Center and for various evening and weekend activities. Students are issued I.D. cards each year, free of charge. Replacements cost $5.00. I.D. cards are to be carried at all times and, upon request, must be given to high school staff members.
LOCKERS Most students will have two lockers. One locker is in the corridors for your coats and books, and the other is in the gym area. Both lockers are school district property and are loaned for student convenience. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT CARRY INSURANCE TO PROTECT THE LOSS OF STUDENTS’ VALUABLES OR MONEY. Therefore, for your protection, students should: Keep locker locked at ALL times. Keep valuables and large sums of money at home. If something valuable or a large sum of money must be brought to school, check it into the office. Never let anyone else use your locker. Avoid tampering with lock mechanism or abusing the locker in any way. Any damage or locker repair needed should be reported promptly to the Main Office KEEP YOUR COMBINATION SECRET.
Students are responsible for the contents of their lockers. Private locks (not of school issue) are not permitted and will be removed from lockers for health and safety reasons. School locks are provided for both gym and corridor lockers. Private locks are only permitted for students taking gym and can only be used on the tall lockers. All locks must be removed at the end of each class period. Private locks can also be used for after school sports in the team room. All locks must be removed at the end of each season.
Lockers are the property of the School District. Therefore, students have no expectations that the contents of their lockers are private. Locker areas will be subject to regularly scheduled random canine searches during the school year. For further information, please see the “Searches” section of the handbook.
MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS Parents needing to contact their child during the school day can do so by calling the main office to leave a message. Students will be notified only if they are unaware of the delivery.
MILITARY RECRUITERS Pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act (20 U.S.C. §7908), the Great Valley School District must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of high school students.
Page 57 The district must also notify parents/guardians of their right and the right of their child to request that the district not release such information without prior written consent. Parents/Guardians wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent of the release of the above information to military recruiters or to institutions of higher learning must sign a form and return it to the building principal. Forms can be obtained in the main office.
OBLIGATIONS Students are expected to pay their obligations by the obligation deadline assigned by an administrator. Students who have unpaid obligations, will not be permitted to: Hold campus privilege Participate in athletics Attend the prom Participate in extra-curricular activities Secure a parking space Receive a diploma (for seniors) If a student lost campus privilege due to an unpaid obligation and pays the obligation they will receive campus privilege back. All obligations must be paid in full by the end of the current school year.
OPEN CAMPUS The Board of School Directors, Policy #240, grants first quarter senior students Open Campus privileges. This privilege encourages students to accept accountability for their time and behavior. To be eligible for this privilege, first quarter seniors shall meet specific requirements. Open Campus will be granted upon review of the last completed marking period. VERIFICATION THAT STUDENTS MEET POLICY REQUIREMENTS (must be validated and initialed by Mr. Connors, Assistant Principal). 3.0 term GPA with no incomplete grades. No unexcused absences. Senior year cumulative discipline record checked. Does not include more than four (4) teacher detentions, three (3) office detentions, no in-school or out-of-school suspensions. No outstanding financial obligations. Recommendation of two (2) GVHS faculty members. Open Campus privilege will be revoked immediately by an administrator if academic requirements are not maintained, attendance requirements are violated, or discipline problems occur.
PARKING Parking on school property for seniors will be first priority. G.P.A. will be considered but a 3.0 is not necessary. All drivers must be registered in the office. Hanging tags will be distributed for $100.00 per year and must be placed on the front visor of cars registered. The fee will be pro-rated for any applications approved after January. Students are to park in the designated parking lot corresponding to their registration tag. Students must observe safe driving regulations on campus (maximum 15 mph during school hours). Students will have driving privileges revoked for reckless driving,
Page 58 speeding, but not limited to the following violations: illegal parking, parking in the visitor lot during/after school, persistent lateness to school, leaving school without permission, cutting classes and insubordination to the staff. Students who park illegally (no tag, visitor lot, etc.) may be fined, warned, notified by letter to parents regarding the consequences, or the car may be towed or booted with the owner responsible for any expense or fee for towing or boot removal. Seniors who obtain their driver’s license during the school year may apply for their parking privilege at that time, however, spots may not be available. The driver or owner of the car is responsible for the car. The school is not responsible for damage to the car on the lot. Please keep cars locked. A school district safety aide monitors the parking lots throughout the day as a precautionary measure to maintain a safe school environment. Parking passes are not transferable from student to student. Parking for Juniors will only be open after Seniors have applied and only if there are spaces available. Juniors must have a 3.0 G.P.A. and will be selected in a lottery in Sept/Oct. and have obtained their license by a date set by Administration. Juniors may not park on school property until they have a parking spot approved, paid for and assigned. Junior parking information will be sent out after the school year begins. ANY junior caught parking on school property without permission will forfeit their chance to receive a parking spot.
School parking lots are private property and parking on school property is a privilege. Cars parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of school administrators and students have no right to expect that the contents of their cars are private. Vehicles may be searched if an administrator has reasonable suspicion that the vehicles may contain items that are illegal or violate school rules. Regularly scheduled random canine searches will be conducted in student parking areas. Students who apply for a parking tag must sign an agreement that they understand that these searches will occur and that they will provide access to their vehicle if an administrator makes such a request.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DRESS Students are required to be dressed in appropriate clothing for participation in Physical Education. Dress requirements will be explained at the start of each activity and will be set by the activity teacher. The overriding consideration in determining dress requirements will be the safety of each individual student and his or her classmates. In general, all students should wear socks (any color), properly tied sneakers (not hiking shoes), a clean T-shirt, sweat top and a clean pair of shorts or sweat pants that have no offensive writing, lettering, design or numbering. Cut-off shorts (blue jeans) and shirts, sleeveless shirts, and any shorts or shirts with holes in them are not appropriate dress for physical education class. Great Valley team uniforms are not to be worn during PE class.
Page 59 SAFETY PROCEDURES Evacuations In the event that there is a need to evacuate the building, students will be directed by administrators and teachers in the proper procedures. Depending on the situation, students are either evacuated to the football stadium or the middle school. Evacuation/Fire Drills It is unlawful to cause a false alarm to be sounded. The building will be evacuated quickly in an orderly manner when the alarm sounds: Leave the room and the building in single file, keeping the line closed up. Absolute quiet throughout the drill is necessary so that directions may be heard from faculty members in charge. Do not block driveways. Keep well clear of the building. ALWAYS REMAIN ALERT FOR DIRECTIONS.
Lockdowns There may be situations during the school year that require a lockdown. There are three levels of lockdowns which reflect the seriousness of the situation.
SEARCHES The principal or his/her designee is authorized to conduct appropriate inspections and searches and to seize contraband on school premises (See GVSD Policy #226 “Inspection or Search for Weapons, Illegal Drugs and Dangerous Materials). Cars Cars parked on school property are under the jurisdiction of the school administrators. Therefore, students shall have no right to expect that the contents of their cars are private. If an administrator has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a car contains items that are illegal or violate school rules, he/she is permitted to conduct a search. The administration and a canine detection agency and/or law enforcement officers will conduct regularly scheduled random inspection of student parking areas. Should the dog “alert” on a car, administrators will search the car to determine if it contains items that are illegal or violate school rules. If such substances or items are found, a student will be subject to discipline per the school policy and the police will be notified. In addition, if a dog “alerts” on a car, students will be subject to further searches. Students who apply for a parking sticker will be required to sign an agreement that they will provide school officials with access to their vehicle when requested. In addition to locker and automobiles searches, at the request of the administration, law enforcement officers and/or a canine detection agency may use trained dogs on school premises to identify property which may contain illegal or illicit materials, and to determine whether materials are present which may threaten the general health, welfare, and safety of students and/or district employees. Periodic, unannounced visits to any school or a school-sponsored event may be made by a trained dog and its handler. All areas of the building and grounds potentially could be searched. In addition,
Page 60 as part of a canine inspection and search, students may be directed to leave their personal items such as book bags, purses, coats, etc. in their classroom and depart the classroom. Once a canine inspection of these belongings is complete, students will be allowed to return to the classroom. Students will be held responsible for any prohibited items found at school or a school-sponsored event. Should prohibited items be found during a search, violators will be disciplined according to District policy and may face prosecution under local, state, and federal laws. Lockers Lockers are the property of the school district. Therefore, students shall have no right to expect that the contents of their lockers are private. If an administrator has reasonable grounds to suspect or believe that a locker contains items that are illegal or violate school rules, he/she is permitted to conduct a search. The administration and a canine detection agency and/or law enforcement officers will conduct regularly scheduled random inspection of student locker areas. Should the dog “alert” on a locker, administrators will search the locker to determine if it contains items that are illegal or violate school rules. If such substances or items are found, a student will be subject to discipline per school policy and the police will be notified. In addition, if a dog “alerts” on a locker, students will be subject to further searches. Please review the proper procedures for using school lockers.
Other Searches If an administrator has reasonable cause to believe that a student or other person has an item or substance in his/her possession which is illegal or constitutes a danger to the health or safety of any person, property, or to the school district, he/she may search the student and seize any such item or substance. Violators will be disciplined according to District policy and may face prosecution under local, state, and federal laws.
THEFT/VANDALISM We sincerely hope that there will be no acts of theft or vandalism at Great Valley High School. If there are, however, report the incident to an administrator as soon as possible. The school does not carry insurance on student property, but the administration will assist students in dealing with all incidents that occur.
WORKING PAPERS State Law requires that every boy and girl under 18 who works and who has not graduated from an accredited high school must have a Work Permit. Applications for a Work Permit are in the Main Office of the High School or on the District Web Site under “Parent Resources”. The student must present the original of either their birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or passport to verify their birth date. The student must sign their Work Permit in front of an Issuing Officer in the Main Office. Students under 16 must have their parents sign the Parental Consent Form once the employer fills it out. It is returned to the employer.
Page 61 This form can be obtained from either the high school Main Office or the employer. No student may work until they’re 14 years of age except in agriculture, street trades, or as caddies. Students under 16 may not work around machinery, near chemicals, or in construction work, and are limited in the number of working hours.
STUDENT SERVICES
SPECIAL EDUCATION A continuum of programs and services exist for students meeting the eligibility requirements for special education. Great Valley School District’s strategic plan supports the belief that all students should have the opportunity to be successful learners. Currently, Great Valley provides special education and related services in all buildings per the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Eligibility for special education services is determined by a multidisciplinary team evaluation. All programs are operated under 22 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 14. Questions should be directed to the teacher, building principal or the Office of Special Education.
504 SERVICE AGREEMENTS In compliance with state and federal law, the Great Valley School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact the Office of Special Education or the building principal. All programs are operated under 22 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 15.
GIFTED EDUCATION Among the options for mentally gifted students are: enrichment, acceleration and special study opportunities which are frequently supported by technology. Specialized teachers support the teaching staff in providing these challenges and extensions. All second grade students are screened for the gifted program in the fall. Teachers or parents of students may request screening for the gifted program by submitting a written request to the building principal. All programs are operated under 22 Pennsylvania Code Chapter 16.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT The Academic Support room is available to assist students to perform adequately in their coursework. Students may request this assistance through their counselor.
Page 62 ESL To support the English Language Learners (ELLs) in our school district, our ESL teachers collaborate with the language arts teachers to supply the students with instruction and materials that will allow them to advance in their language acquisition. This supplemental instruction takes place in the ESL classroom between the ESL teacher and a small number of students, as well as in the regular classroom when the ESL teacher pushes into some classrooms to provide additional language arts support. The ESL program provides the students with an environment that allows them to acclimate to their new surroundings and flourish in the classroom. We use many different learning strategies in our daily lessons to teach students at many different levels of proficiency. Also, the WIDA is a standardized test that is given yearly to track the progress of each English Language Learner, and it provides us with additional information regarding the areas in which students are struggling. In addition, we provide the elementary and middle school students with homework club, which is held after school to assist the students with their classroom assignments. In the summer we hold a two-week summer camp to help ELLs transition back to school (and speaking English) for the upcoming year.
NOTICE TO PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO RESIDE IN THE GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Programs For Eligible Or Protected Handicapped Students
In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the Great Valley School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services (eligible students). If your child identified by the District as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures.
Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction for the following conditions:
Autism Emotional disturbance Traumatic brain injury Blindness or visual Mental retardation Specific learning impairments Multiple disabilities disability Deafness or hearing Other-health Speech & learning impairments impairments impairments Deaf-blindness Orthopedic impairment
If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services and related services, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the needs of your child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program.
For additional information on the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time and location) and
Page 63 rights to due process procedures, you may contact the Office of Special Education or the building principal.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF EDUCATION RECORDS All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal law. The District has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policies and procedures, as well as rights to confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact in writing the Office of Special Education or any building principal.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES: ALSO, ALL POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.GVSD.ORG
Students and their parents/guardians should be advised that the Board of School Directors is in the process of comprehensively reviewing and updating all Board Policies and Administrative Regulations. Students and their parents/guardians shall be on notice that the Board Policies and Administrative Regulations presented or otherwise referred to in this Student Handbook may be superseded, modified, or eliminated during the comprehensive review process. The most recent versions of all Policies and Administrative Regulations in effect and binding on students are posted on the District’s website under the “School Board” tab. Any questions or concerns regarding this matter may be directed to the building principal.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #103 NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL & CLASSROOM PRACTICES Revised March 14, 2016
Authority The Board declares it to be the policy of the District not to discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability in its programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies. Assistant Superintendent Great Valley School District 47 Church Road Malvern, PA 19355 The District shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics and extracurricular
Page 64 activities. The equitable distribution of District resources is one means the District shall use to ensure all students receive a quality education. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute handicaps and disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations. The Board encourages students and third parties who have been subject to discrimination to promptly report such incidents to designated employees. The Board directs that complaints of discrimination shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District's legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of discrimination.
Delegation of Responsibility In order to maintain a program of nondiscrimination practices that is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Board designates the Superintendent in collaboration with specific designee as the District’s Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents/guardians, employees and the public. Nondiscrimination statements shall include the position, office address and telephone number of the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer is responsible to monitor the implementation of nondiscrimination procedures in the following areas: 1. Curriculum and Materials - Review of curriculum guides, textbooks and supplemental materials for discriminatory bias. 2. Training - Provision of training for students and staff to identify and alleviate problems of discrimination. 3. Student Access - Review of programs, activities and practices to ensure that all students have equal access and are not segregated except when permissible by law or regulation. 4. District Support - Assurance that like aspects of the school program receive like support as to staffing and compensation, facilities, equipment, and related areas. 5. Student Evaluation - Review of tests, procedures, and guidance and counseling materials for stereotyping and discrimination. The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the following duties when receiving a complaint of discrimination: 1. Inform the student or third party of the right to file a complaint and the complaint procedure. 2. Inform the complainant that s/he may be accompanied by a parent/ guardian during all steps of the complaint procedure. 3. Notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at appropriate stages of the procedure. 4. Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal is the subject of the complaint.
Guidelines Complaint Procedure – Student/Third Party Step 1 – Reporting
Page 65 A student or third party who believes s/he has been subject to conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the incident to the building principal. A school employee who suspects or is notified that a student has been subject to conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy shall immediately report the incident to the building principal. If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the student, third party or employee shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer. Step 2 – Investigation Upon receiving a complaint of discrimination, the building principal shall immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall authorize the building principal to investigate the complaint, unless the building principal is the subject of the complaint or is unable to conduct the investigation. The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant, the accused, and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The investigator may also evaluate any other information and materials relevant to the investigation. The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact that a criminal investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded. Step 3 – Investigative Report The building principal shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15) days, unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The report shall include a summary of the investigation, a determination of whether the complaint has been substantiated as factual and whether it is a violation of this policy, and a recommended disposition of the complaint. Findings of the investigation shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the Compliance Officer. Step 4 – District Action If the investigation results in a finding that the complaint is factual and constitutes a violation of this policy, the District shall take prompt, corrective action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur. Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, Board policies and District procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws. Appeal Procedure 1. If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the policy or with the corrective action recommended in the investigative report, s/he may submit a written appeal to the Compliance Officer within fifteen (15) days. 2. The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and the investigative report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation. 3. The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal within fifteen (15) days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused and the building principal who conducted the initial investigation. Equivalence Between Schools The Board directs that services in Title I schools and programs, when taken as a whole, shall be substantially comparable to services in schools and programs that do not receive Title I funds. Curriculum materials, instructional supplies and percentages of highly qualified personnel shall be equivalent between all District schools when compared on a grade-span by grade-span basis or a school-by-school basis. The Board understands that equivalence between programs and schools shall not be measured by:
Page 66 1. Changes in enrollment after the start of the school year. 2. Varying costs associated with providing services to students with disabilities. 3. Unexpected changes in personnel assignments occurring after the beginning of the school year. 4. Expenditures on language instruction education programs. 5. Other expenditures from supplemental state or local funds consistent with the intent of Title I. The District shall develop administrative regulations to implement this policy and shall maintain records documenting compliance that are updated biannually. Complaints by individuals and organizations regarding implementation of equivalence between schools shall be processed in accordance with Policy 906 Public Complaints.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #105.1 REVIEW OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS BY PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND STUDENTS Revised March 14, 2016
Authority School districts shall adopt policies to assure that parents/guardians and students have access to information about the curriculum, including expected student learning outcomes, instructional materials and assessment techniques.
Definition Instructional material means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of format including printed or representational materials, audiovisual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats. For purpose of this policy, the term does not include academic tests or academic assignments.
Guidelines The rights granted by this policy are granted to parents/guardians of students enrolled in this school district where 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.
Upon request by a qualifying parent/guardian or qualifying student under this policy, the school district will make available existing information about the curriculum, including academic standards to be achieved, instructional materials and assessment techniques.
The following conditions apply to any request:
1. No more than one (1) such request, per semester, may be made by any qualifying parent/guardian or child each school year per enrolled child. 2. To assist the school district in providing the correct records to meet the needs of the requesting party, the request must be in writing setting forth the specific material being sought for review. 3. The written request shall be sent to the building principal.
Page 67 4. The district will respond to the parent/guardian or student within ten (10) school days by designating the time and location for the review. 5. The district may take such action as is necessary to protect its materials from loss, damage or alteration to ensure the integrity of the files, including the provision of a designated employee to watch over the review of the materials. 6. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a requirement that any parent/guardian or student be permitted to remove the material provided for review or photocopy the contents of such file. The taking of notes by parents/guardians and student is permitted.
Under federal law, the rights provided to parents/guardians to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the student’s educational curriculum transfer to the student when the student turns eighteen (18) years old or is an emancipated minor, unless the student is found to be lacking educational decision-making capacity.
These rights do not transfer under state law; therefore, parents/guardians retain their rights to access information about the curriculum and to review instructional materials.
The Superintendent or designee shall notify parents/guardians and students of this policy. This notification shall be given at least annually, at the beginning of each school year, and within reasonable time after any substantial changes to the policy.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #113 SPECIAL EDUCATION Revised March 14, 2016
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to incorporate by reference and adopt as the policy of the District the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulation, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulation, the Americans With Disabilities Act and its implementing regulation, Chapter 14 and Chapter 15 of the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education as they pertain to school districts or local educational agencies.
Authority
The policy of the Great Valley School District is to adhere to and implement faithfully for all resident children with disabilities and their families all of the requirements of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulation, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulation, the Americans With Disabilities Act and its implementing regulation, Chapter 14, and Chapter 15 of the regulations of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education as they pertain to school districts or local educational agencies. The applicable requirements of these laws and regulations are incorporated by reference herein. The Superintendent shall
Page 68 ensure that training of sufficient scope and regularity is provided to all staff to ensure that staff are familiar with the requirements of these laws and regulations to the extent pertinent to their positions and understand that faithful adherence to and implementation of these requirements is an essential function of their respective positions.
The Great Valley School District shall not discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual on the basis of disability in the implementation or operation of any of its programs, activities, or facilities. The Superintendent shall designate an administrator who shall hear and investigate complaints concerning incidents of disability-based discrimination and shall cause the annual publication of the title and contact information for such administrator on the District web site and in at least one (1) other medium in general circulation within the community. The Superintendent shall also ensure that such administrator adopts and implements a grievance procedure that affords complainants appropriate due process and a prompt resolution of complaints alleging discrimination. [6]
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #123.3. CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT The Board recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of students participating in the district’s athletic programs. This policy has been developed to provide guidance for prevention, detection and treatment of concussions sustained by students while participating in an athletic activity. For the entire policy, please go to www.gvsd.org/schoolboard/policies.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #123.4. SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST The Board recognizes the importance of ensuring the safety of students participating in the district’s athletic programs. This policy has been developed to provide guidance for prevention and recognition of sudden cardiac arrest in student athletes. For the entire policy, please go to www.gvsd.org/schoolboard/policies.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #203 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND IMMUNIZATION Revised April 25, 2011 In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the Board requires all students to be immunized against certain diseases in accordance with state statutes and regulations unless specifically exempt for religious or medical reasons.
IMMUNIIZATION No student shall be admitted to or permitted to attend District schools who has not been immunized in accordance with state regulations unless provisionally admitted or exempted for medical or religious reasons by the Superintendent. Students who have been provisionally admitted and have not completed their immunizations within the provisional period are prohibited from continuing to attend school.
Page 69 All school directors, the Superintendent, all principals, and head nurses are responsible to ascertain the vaccination and immunization status of each child admitted to school for the first time. Policy implementation is the Superintendent’s responsibility.
The Superintendent shall inform parents/guardians of children, prior to their entry to school for the first time, of the requirements of immunization, the requisite proof of immunization, the exemption available for religious or medical reasons and the means by which such exemptions may be claimed. THE SUPERINTENDENT OR DESIGNEE SHALL REPORT IMMUNIZATION DATA ON THE REQUIRED FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BY OCTOBER 15 OF EACH YEAR.
A child shall be exempt from the requirements for immunization whose parent/guardian objects in writing to such immunization for religious grounds or whose physician certifies that the child’s physical condition contraindicates immunization.
Required for Attendance – Effective August 1, 2011 The following immunizations are required as a condition of attendance at schools in this Commonwealth: 1. Diphtheria - FOUR (4) OR MORE PROPERLY SPACED DOSES OF DIPHTHERIA TOXOID, WHICH MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS A SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. THE FOURTH DOSE SHALL BE ADMINISTERED ON OR AFTER THE 4TH BIRTHDAY. 2. Tetanus- FOUR (4) OR MORE PROPERLY SPACED DOSES OF TETANUS TOXOID, WHICH MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS A SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE OR IN A COMBINATION, FORM. THE FOURTH DOSE SHALL BE ADMINISTERED ON OR AFTER THE 4TH BIRTHDAY. 3. Poliomyelitis – Three (3) or more properly spaced doses of either oral polio vaccine or enhanced activated polio vaccine, WHICH MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS A SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE, OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. If a child received any doses of inactivated polio vaccine administered prior to 1988, a fourth dose of inactivated polio vaccine is required. 4. Measles (Rubeola) – Two (2) properly spaced doses of live attenuated measles vaccine, THE FIRST DOSE ADMINISTERED AT 12 MONTHS OF AGE OR OLDER, OR A HISTORY OF MEASLES IMMUNITY PROVED BY LABORATORY TESTING BY A LABORATORY WITH THE APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATION. Each dose of measles vaccine may be administered as a single antigen vaccine OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. 5. German Measles (Rubella) – One (1) dose of live attenuated rubella vaccine, administered at twelve (12) months of age or older or a history of rubella immunity proved by LABORATORY TESTING BY A LABORATORY WITH THE APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATION. Rubella vaccine may be administered as a single antigen vaccine OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. 6. Mumps – TWO (2) PROPERLY SPACED DOSES OF LIVE ATTENUATED MUMPS VACCINE, administered at twelve (12)
Page 70 months of age or older or a physician diagnosis of mumps disease indicated by a written record signed by the physician or the physician’s designee. Mumps vaccine may be administered as a single antigen vaccine OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. 7. HEPATITIS B – THREE (3) PROPERLY SPACED DOSES OF HEPATITIS B VACCINE, UNLESS A CHILD RECEIVES A VACCINE AS APPROVED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOR A TWO-DOSE REGIMEN, OR A HISTORY OF HEPATITIS B IMMUNITY PROVED BY LABORATORY TESTING. HEPATITIS B VACCINE MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. 8. CHICKENPOX (VARICELLA) – ONE (1) OF THE FOLLOWING: VARICELLA VACCINE – TWO (2) PROPERLY SPACED DOSES OF VARICELLA VACCINE, THE FIRST DOSE ADMINISTERED AT 12 MONTHS OF AGE OR OLDER. VARICELLA VACCINE MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE OR IN A COMBINATION FORM. EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY, EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY MAY BE SHOWN BY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: A. LABORATORY EVIDENCE OF IMMUNITY OR LABORATORY CONFIRMATION OF DISEASE. B. A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF A HISTORY OF CHICKENPOX DISEASE FROM A PARENT, GUARDIAN OR PHYSICIAN.
Required for Entry into 7th Grade: In addition to the immunizations listed above, the following immunizations are required at any public, private, parochial or NONPUBLIC school in this Commonwealth, including VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, INTERMEDIATE UNIT, special education programs, AND CYBER AND CHARTER SCHOOLS as a condition of entry of students entering the 7th grade; or, in an UNGRADED class, for students in the school year that the student is twelve (12) years of age:
1. TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA TOXOID AND ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS VACCINE (TDAP). ONE DOSE IF AT LEAST 5 YEARS HAVE ELAPSED SINCE THE LAST DOSE OF A VACCINE CONTAINING TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA AS REQUIRED IN ATTENDANCE (SEE ABOVE). TDAP MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS A SINGLE ANTIGEN VACCINE OR IN A COMBINATION FORM.
2. MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE (MCV). ONE DOSE OF MENINGOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE. MCV MAY BE ADMINISTERED AS A SINGLE ANTIGEN OR IN A COMBINATION FORM.
GRACE PERIOD. A VACCINE DOSE ADMINISTERED WITHIN THE 4-DAY PERIOD PRIOR TO THE MINIMUM AGE FOR THE VACCINATION OR PRIOR TO THE END OF THE MINIMUM
Page 71 INTERVAL BETWEEN DOSES SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO BE A VALID DOSE OF THE VACCINE FOR PURPOSES OF THIS REGULATION. A DOSE ADMINISTERED GREATER THAN 4 DAYS PRIOR TO MINIMUM AGE OR INTERVAL FOR A DOSE IS INVALID FOR PURPOSES OF THIS REGULATION AND SHALL BE REPEATED.
Health Records The Board of Directors of Great Valley School District is committed to the provisions of a healthful environment for students and employees. In fulfillment of that commitment, the Board has consulted and shall continue to consult appropriate medical, educational, legal and governmental authorities. The Board directs the Superintendent to develop guidelines for management of communicable diseases in the school setting.
The District shall require that prior to admission to school for the first time that the parent(s)/guardian(s) shall complete a medical history report form which shall include information regarding known communicable diseases. The nurse or school physician may use such reports to advise the parent/ guardian of the need for further medical care as set forth in Policy No. 209. A comprehensive health record shall be maintained for each student enrolled in the District. The record shall include the results of required tests, measurements, screenings, and regular and special examinations.
The school nurse(s) shall report the presence of suspected communicable diseases to the appropriate local health authority as required by the Department of Health.
All health records shall be confidential and their contents shall be divulged only when necessary for the health of the child or at the written request of the parent/guardian to a physician.
As part of the health record, a certificate of immunization for each child enrolled shall be maintained as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The Board shall require that the medical history information submitted with health and dental examinations required under Policy 209 Health Examinations be periodically revised to include recent medical advice as to communicable diseases.
Education Instruction regarding prevention of communicable and life threatening diseases shall be provided by the schools in the educational program for all levels, in accordance with state regulations.
Parents/Guardians shall be informed of and be provided opportunities during school hours to review all curriculum materials used in such instruction.
HIV/AIDS Prior to HIV/AIDS instruction, the District shall inform parents/guardians that curriculum outlines and materials used in the instruction shall be available for review.
Page 72 A student shall be excused from HIV/AIDS education when the instruction conflicts with the religious beliefs or principles of the student or parent/ guardian, upon the written request of the parent/guardian.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #204; Revised May 15, 2006 ATTENDANCE The Board requires that school age students enrolled in District schools attend school regularly, in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by the District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress.
Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in District schools during the days and hours that school is in session, except that a principal may excuse a student for temporary absences when receiving satisfactory evidence of mental, physical, or other urgent reasons that may reasonably cause the student’s absence. Urgent reasons shall be strictly construed and do not permit irregular attendance.
Compulsory school age – means the period from when the child’s parents/guardians selected to have the child enter school, which shall be not later than age eight (8) years until age seventeen (17) years. Compulsory school age does not include any child who is graduated from a regularly accredited senior high school. Absence – means not attending school, not attending class, and/or both.
Excused absence – The Board of School Directors may, upon certification by any licensed practitioner of the healing arts or upon any other satisfactory evidence furnished to it showing that a student is unable to attend school and/or classes, or is prevented from study because of illness or other urgent reasons, excuse any student from attending school as required by Section 1329, Pennsylvania School Code. The term urgent reasons shall be strictly construed and does not intend to permit irregular attendance. Unexcused absence – means any student absence that does not meet the definition of excused absence.
Unlawful absence – means any unexcused absence that is not verified by: (1) written explanation signed by a parent/guardian, or (2) a physician’s statement. Written explanation must be received by the School District not later than three (3) days from the student’s last absence date.
All public kindergartens, elementary, and secondary schools shall be kept open at least one hundred eighty (180) days for pupil instruction. Elementary students will attend nine hundred (900) hours. Secondary students will attend nine hundred ninety (990) hours.
Every child of compulsory school age who is a legal resident in this Commonwealth and every migratory child of compulsory school age must attend a day school where subjects and activities prescribed by State Board of Education
Page 73 standards are taught in the English language. Every parent/guardian, or other person who is responsible for any child or children, fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) years of age, may send the child or children to a private trade school or private business school licensed by the Department of Education, or to a trade or business school, or department operated by a local school district or districts. Modified programs offered in a public school must meet State Board of Education standards. The child or children shall attend school continuously through the entire term, during which the public schools in their respective districts are in session.
A child enrolled in a day school which is operated by a bona fide church or other religious body, and the parent/guardian or other person having control or charge of any such child or children of compulsory school age, shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section if that school provides a minimum of one hundred eighty (180) days of instruction or nine hundred (900) hours per year of instruction per year at the elementary level, or nine hundred ninety (990) hours per year of instruction at the secondary level.
All absences occasioned by observance of the student’s religion o a day acknowledged by the Board as a religious holiday shall be excused. A penalty shall not be attached to such an absence.
The Board shall, upon written request of the parents/guardians, release from attendance a student participating in a religious instruction program acknowledged by the Board. Such instruction shall not require the child’s absence from school for more than thirty-six (36) hours per school year, and its organizers must inform the Board of the child’s attendance record. The Board shall not provide transportation to religious instruction. A penalty shall not be attached to an absence for approved religious instruction.
The Board may excuse students from the requirements of attendance when students are receiving tutorial instruction in a field not offered in the District’s curricula from a properly qualified tutor approved by the Superintendent, when the excusal does not interfere with the student’s regular program of studies.
The provisions of this act requiring regular attendance shall not apply to any child who:
Has attained the age of sixteen (16) years, and who is regularly engaged in any useful and lawful employment or service during the time of public schools are in session, and who holds an employment certificate issued according to law.
Has been examined by an approved mental clinic or by a person certified as a public school psychologist or psychological examiner, and has been found to be unable to profit from further public school attendance, and who has been reported to the Board of School Directors and excused, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the State Board of Education.
Page 74 Has attained the age of fifteen (15) years and is engaged in farm work or domestic service in a private home on a permit issued by the School Board or the designated school official of the School District of the child’s residence, in accordance with regulations which the Superintendent of Public Instruction is hereby authorized to prescribe.
Has attained the age of fourteen (14) years and is engaged in farm work or domestic service in a private home on a permit issued as provided in clause 3 of this section, and who has satisfactorily completed, either in public or private schools, the equivalent of the highest grade of the elementary school organization prevailing in the public schools of the District in which he/she resides, if the issuance of such a permit has first been recommended by the District Superintendent having supervision of the schools of the District where such child resides, or by the principal of the private school where such child is enrolled, and the reason therefore has been approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Except in districts of the fourth class and those of the third class located wholly within the boundary lines of a township, or within the boundary lines of a borough which has a population of less than five hundred (500) inhabitants to the square mile, resides two (2) miles or more by the nearest public highway from any public school in session and no proper free transportation is furnished to such child to and from school.
GUIDELINES: The Board directs the Superintendent to develop guidelines to implement this policy.
The educational process requires continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study for students to attain planned educational outcomes. Student interaction in the classroom and their participation in planned learning activities under supervision of school personnel are vital to the learning process.
The District is legally required to respond to student absenteeism. The District will implement efforts to work collaboratively with the parent/guardian to address the truancy of the student. Schools are a critical part of a child’s support system and have a significant opportunity to assist children and families.
Compulsory school age refers to the period of a child’s life from the time the child enters school, which may be no later than eight years of age, until the age of seventeen or graduation from a high school, whichever occurs first, absent a statutory exception to the contrary, as detailed in the accompanying Board Policy. Excessive student absence disrupts continuity of the educational process. The correlation between school attendance and academic success requires students to regularly attend classes.
Student absences shall be considered excused, unexcused, or unlawful, as defined in the accompanying Board Policy. The following guidelines are provided as consistent with Pennsylvania truancy procedures.
Page 75
EXCUSED ABSENCES The following types of absences shall be considered excused by the District with prior approval.
1. For the purpose of observing a religious holiday that is recognized and observed by a bona fide religious group, when permission for such excusal is sought in writing by the parent/guardian of the child in advance of the date of absence.
2. To permit attendance in classes of religious instruction for a time not to exceed thirty-six (36) hours per school year, when permission for such excusal is sought in writing by the parent/guardian of the child in advance of the first of such classes.
3. For the purpose of receiving tutorial instruction in a field not offered in the District’s curricula, when the excusal does not interfere with the student’s regular program of studies, the qualifications of the tutor or instructor are satisfactory to the Superintendent or to his/her designee, and permission for such excusal is sought in writing by the parent/guardian of the child in advance of the commencement of such tutoring.
4. To allow for participation in an educational family trip/college visit, when the Superintendent or his/her designee has determined that the educational family trip/college visit has a sufficiently pedagogical purpose, the student will be accompanied and supervised by his/her parents/guardians or a competent adult throughout the educational family trip/college visit, and permission for such excusal is sought in writing by the parent/guardian of the child in advance of the educational family trip/college visit.
High School - In order for a student to be excused for an educational family trip or college visit, parents/guardians must complete and return to the principal an educational trip form prior to the trip or visit. Students or parents/guardians may secure these forms through the attendance or main office (Attachment). Requests made on the day of absence or after the fact are considered unlawful.
The student is responsible for securing and completing assignments missed. Obtaining assignments in advance is expected. Assignments are due the day the student returns. Tests must be made up within two (2) days for every day absent, with a maximum extension of five (5) days.
5. As a result of illness, when the parent/guardian has provided a written description of the illness within three (3) days of its onset and the total days of absence in any one (1) school year does not exceed ten (10) days.
6. As a result of illness, and the student will by reason thereof, exceed ten (10) total school days in one (1) school year, when the parent/guardian
Page 76 provides a note or script signed by a licensed physician describing the illness and substantiating that the illness requires absence from school.
7. As a result of an illness that is likely to exceed four (4) continuous weeks in duration, when the parent/guardian has complied with the requirements of Board Policy No. 117 (Governing medical excusal and homebound instruction).
8. As a result of the death of an immediate family member.
9. As a result of preapproved participation in school-sponsored activities.
10. For attendance at medical or dental appointments.
11. For required court attendance.
12. For other urgent reasons deemed appropriate by school administration.
CUMULATIVE EXCUSED ABSENCES A maximum of ten days of cumulative lawful absences due to illness, as verified by parental notification, is permitted during one school year. The District will issue a “Ten (10) Day” letter informing the family when a student accumulates (10) ten cumulative absences due to illness. All absences due to illness beyond the 10-day limit will require a physician’s excuse as determined by school officials.
Any absences beyond the 10-day limit due to illness without a physicians’ excuse will be considered unlawful or unexcused. If warranted, a school/family conference shall be arranged by school personnel to develop a School Attendance Intervention Plan (SAIP). At the end of the conference all parties should sign a comprehensive SAIP that is agreed to by the school representative, the child, and/or parents/guardians. The plan could include accessing academic and social/health supports from the school and community organizations, an outline of the family and student responsibilities, and levels of performance monitoring that include rewards and consequences. A referral to a truancy prevention program may be made for the student.
NOTE: In the event of excessive student absences due to a physical or psychological illness, the District may require a family conference and collaboration with outside providers (via the Release of Records form) in an effort to be proactive in addressing potential school avoidance behaviors.
UNLAWFUL ABSENCES AND UNEXCUSED ABSENCES Any absence that does not meet the criteria for excused shall be considered unlawful for students up to and including 16 years of age and unexcused for students 17 years of age or older. Students will not be eligible for any credit for any work done in class or due on any day that is considered unlawful or unexcused. A student’s absence is considered unlawful/unexcused until the District receives a written excuse from either the parent/guardian or a physician. The parents/guardians have three days to produce a written excuse. If the three calendar days pass after the absence with no excuse, the absence is
Page 77 considered unlawful for students up to and including 16 years of age or unexcused for students 17 years of age or older.
First Notice When a student accumulates (3) three unlawful absences, the District sends the parent/guardian/student a letter notifying them that the student has accumulated (3) three unlawful absences. The parents/guardians will be advised that a citation may be sent to the magisterial district judge in the event of additional unlawful absences. A school/family conference shall be arranged by school personnel to develop a School Attendance Intervention Plan (SAIP). At the end of the conference all parties should sign a comprehensive SAIP that is agreed to by the school representative, the child, and/or parents/guardians. The plan could include accessing academic and social/health supports from the school and community organizations, an outline of the family and student responsibilities, and levels of performance monitoring that include rewards and consequences. A referral to a truancy prevention program may be made for the student.
NOTE: Parents/guardians may be asked to sign a Release of Records form in an effort to collaborate with outside providers in the development of the School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP).
Subsequent Unlawful Absence(s) After agreeing to a School Attendance Intervention Plan (SAIP) or if there is not agreement on the SAIP and three days have passed since the parent/guardian received the first notice of the child’s third illegal absence, if a child is unlawfully absent, at any point within the school year, an official notice of unlawful absence will be sent home. The purpose of this correspondence is to inform the child’s parent/guardian that the child has violated the SAIP and compulsory attendance requirements. The parents/guardians will be advised that a citation may be sent to the magisterial district judge. The District will continue to call the parent/guardian to inform them of additional truant behavior.
Referral to County Children and Youth Agency If the student and family are not successful with truancy prevention programming, the District shall refer to the county’s Children and Youth agency.
(a) Children Under 13 Years of Age. Any child who has not attained the age of 13 who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements and is habitually truant, shall be referred by the District to the local county children and youth agency for services, which may include addressing family issues that may be responsible for the child’s truant behavior, or possible adjudication as a “dependent” child under the Juvenile Act. The referral to the county children and youth agency may be in addition to proceeding against the parent/guardian by sending the citation to the appropriate magisterial district judge or a school may decide to refer a family to the local county children and youth agency instead of sending a citation to the appropriate magisterial district judge. If the parent/guardian provides
Page 78 written consent, a copy of the School Attendance Improvement Plan should be forwarded to the county children and youth agency.
(b) Children 13 Years of Age and Older. Any child who has attained the age of 13 who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance requirements and is habitually truant may, in lieu of being prosecuted, be referred by the District to the local county children and youth agency for services, which may include addressing family issues that may be responsible for the child’s truant behavior or, possible adjudication as a dependent child under the Juvenile Act.
(c) The School Code defines habitually truant as absence for more than three (3) school days or their equivalent following the first notice of truancy given after a child’s third unlawful absence.
NOTE: If a student is absent 10 consecutive days, the District must drop the student from active membership unless a legal excuse is provided or the District is pursuing compulsory attendance procedures.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #209.1. FOOD ALLERGY MANAGEMENT April 21, 2014 The Board is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students with severe or life-threatening food allergies and shall establish a policy and administrative regulation to address food allergy management in district schools in order to: 1. Reduce and/or eliminate the likelihood of severe or potentially life- threatening allergic reactions.
2. Ensure a rapid and effective response in the case of a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
3. Protect the rights of students by providing them, through necessary accommodations when required, the opportunity to participate fully in all school programs and activities, including classroom parties and field trips.
The focus of food allergy management shall be on prevention, education, awareness, communication and emergency response.
The Board adopts this policy in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and the guidelines established jointly by the PA Department of Education and PA Department of Health on managing severe or life-threatening food allergies in the schools.
The Superintendent or designee, in coordination with the school nurse(s), school nutrition services staff, and other pertinent staff, shall develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.
The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify students, parent/guardians, staff and the public about the District’s food allergy management policy by publishing such in handbooks and on the District’s website, and through posted notices and other efficient methods.
Page 79 SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #210 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS AND FIRST AID DURING SCHOOL HOURS; Revised June 13, 2016
Purpose
Unless specifically authorized otherwise by Board policy, the administration of medication, in accordance with the consent of a parent/guardian and the direction of a physician to a student during school, at any school-sponsored activity, or on a conveyance providing transportation to or from a school or school-sponsored activity, will be permitted only in the event that:
1. Failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or would prevent the student from attending school or participating in a school-sponsored activity if the medication were not made available, or
2. It is a necessary component of a student's accommodation plan or service agreement, as defined by state and federal law or a component of a student's individualized education plan as defined by state and federal law.
Authority
The Department of Health of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has developed certain guidelines for the administration of medicine in school facilities. Those guidelines, as amended from time to time, are interpreted consistent with this policy and incorporated herein and made a part thereof.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy:
Medication shall mean any drug prescribed by a physician, including drugs for injection, any patent drug, or any nonprescription medication.
Possession shall include carrying, storing or controlling medication or equipment necessary for administration of medication by students on their way to or from school or while on school property or at any school-sponsored activity.
Guidelines
The student's parent/guardian must provide all medication in the original bottle or package directly to the school nurse. In the absence of the nurse, the medication shall be provided directly to the school principal or his/her designee. Students may transport medication to school as long as the medication is accompanied by the District’s consent form to be presented to the nurse. Students shall not carry or otherwise possess prescription or nonprescription medication on school property or at any school-sponsored activity at any other time or under any other circumstances. For a student who,
Page 80 because of a special medical condition, must carry medication on his/her person, the student's parent/guardian shall provide physician's recommendation evidencing this need, and give consent for school staff to confer with the physician regarding this medical condition. The school nurse will provide written approval for a student to carry medication on his/her person in the event of a bona fide request.
All Medication
Prior to the administration of any medication to any student, the parent/guardian shall complete and return to the office of the school in which the student is enrolled, a form identical in every material aspect to the one attached to and made a part of this policy, which must be renewed each school year by the parent/guardian and the student's physician. The parent/guardian shall also give written consent on an annual basis for school staff to confer with the physician regarding the administration of the medication. The District will not administer medication if the parent/guardian fails to provide this information on such a form. Medications must be in the original labeled bottle or package. Medication in packaging or bottles from which pharmacists' instructions or manufacturers' labeling has been removed will not be accepted for use. No medication will be administered if the date on the medication is more than one (1) year old or if the expiration date on the package indicates that it has expired.
If a student’s parent/guardian provides prior written consent on the Emergency Card filed in the school office, nonprescription pain relief and antacid medication may be administered to students to address minor discomfort or the onset of fever in accordance with this Board's policy and procedures developed by the Superintendent or designee.
The Superintendent or designee shall periodically review the Department of Health guidelines on administration of medication in school facilities and develop procedures for the administration of medication in the various schools of the District consistent with such guidelines.
First Aid
Nurses may administer first aid, including administration of an epinephrine auto-injector, to a student without the express written permission of a parent/guardian, where deemed necessary by a nurse pursuant to his/her professional judgment.
PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS AND FIRST AID DURING SCHOOL HOURS
The Great Valley School District recognizes that parents/guardians 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. When medication must be given during school hours, pursuant to Board Policy 210, the following procedures will be followed:
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1. The student's parent/guardian must provide all medication in the original bottle or package directly to the school nurse. In the absence of the nurse, the medication shall be provided directly to the school principal or principal’s designee. Medications must be in the original labeled bottle or package. Medication in packaging or bottles from which pharmacists' instructions or manufacturers' labeling has been removed will not be accepted for use. Students may transport medication to school as long as the medication is accompanied by the district authorization form (with a physician's signature).
2. Unless otherwise provided in writing, students will be responsible for reporting to the nurse's office at the time medications are to be given.
3. All medication is to be stored in a locked cabinet or closet and accessible to only authorized school personnel. Emergency medication for anaphylaxis (Policy 210.1) may be stored in an unlocked, but secure location. For a student who, because of a special medical condition, must carry medication on his/her person, the student's parent/guardian shall provide physician's recommendation evidencing this need, and give consent for the school staff to confer with the physician regarding this medication condition. The school nurse will provide written approval for a student to carry medication on his/her person in the event of a bonafide request.
4. Medication will be administered in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding the administration of medication in schools.
5. Medications that are more than one (1) year old or contain an expiration date which has passed, will not be administered.
6. A log will be maintained for students receiving medications at any school- sponsored activity, or on a conveyance providing transportation to or from a school or school-sponsored activity. The school nurse shall maintain a record of the name of the student to whom the medication may be administered, the prescribing physician, the dosage and time of medication, and notations of each instance of administration.
7. If a student refuses to take the medication, the refusal shall be charted, and the parent/guardian notified by phone or in writing.
8. Lunchtime medications will not be given on half days unless prior special arrangements are made with the school nurse.
9. To the extent consistent with the written consent provided by the student's parent/guardian and recommendation of the student’s physician, or with a student's accommodation plan or service agreement or with a component of a student's individualized education program, medication will be provided on field trips.
10. The parent/guardian is responsible for maintaining the necessary supply of medication and any necessary medical equipment for administration. The school nurse shall dispose of any medications left at the end of the school year.
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11. The following list of medications has been approved by the District physician. This list may be modified by the District physician without prior notification.
Acetaminophen (generic Tylenol) Ibuprofen (generic Advil) Liquid Diphenhydramine (Generic Benadryl, for emergency allergic reactions) Epinephrine Calcium Antacid
If a student's parent/guardian provides prior written consent on the Emergency Card, the District will, in the professional opinion of the school nurse, provide non-prescription pain relief medication to students during school, at any school-sponsored activity, or on a conveyance providing transportation to or from a school or school-sponsored activity to address minor discomfort or the onset of fever. The above referenced medications shall be administered consistent with the guidance promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Health regarding the administration of medication in schools.
12. No medications and/or supplies, even though they are identical, may be borrowed from one student's supply and given to another student by anyone.
13. Forms will be available in the nurse's office in each building and on school web sites.
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AUTHORIZATION TO GIVE MEDICATION AT SCHOOL GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
***This form must be completed and sent to the School Nurse if your child needs to be given medication during the school day. This includes all prescription medications and all over-the-counter (OTC) medications (OTC examples: cold/allergy medications, vitamins, herbal supplements.)***
Student’s name: ______Grade: ______
Date of birth: ______Allergies: ______
List of medications currently being taken by the child:______
PARENTAL PERMISSION
I, the parent/guardian of ______request that the School Nurses of the Great Valley School District administer the medication named below. I understand that I must give the first dose of this medication at home, and that all medications must be sent in their original pharmacy containers along with signed physician authorization to administer the medication in school. My signature on this document constitutes a complete waiver of liability claim in any and all respects against the Great Valley School District and its Board of Directors and all of its employees unless the District is negligent with regard to any claim for injury in connection with administration of the medication named below.
I understand that all medications, unless indicated in writing by the prescribing physician and approved by the school nurse, must be kept at the Nurse’s office and that my child may not carry medication on his/her person during the school day, nor may it be kept in his/her school bag.
Additionally, I agree to provide the medication to the school in the original pharmacy or physician labeled container. If I am unable to deliver it, I will place the container containing the medication with this completed authorization form in a sealed envelope for transport to the school. I also accept responsibility to provide a physician’s note and my written consent if the medication is to be changed or discontinued. I give permission for the school
Page 84 and our child’s physician to communicate regarding this medication/medical condition.
______/______Signature of Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone Numbers Date
**A new authorization form must be signed (Parent & Physician) each school year.** ______PHYSICIAN AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICATION ***Medications will not be given without physician’s signature***
Name of medication: ______Route of administration:______
Dose: ______
Time to administer: ______Discontinuation date:______
***Asthma inhaler: The student is qualified and able to self-administer the inhaler and may carry the inhaler during the school day per District Policy YES NO NOT APPLICABLE
Treatment of: ______
Side effects: ______
______Physician Signature Printed Name of Physician
______Date Physician Phone Number
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #210.1 POSSESSION OF ASTHMA INHALERS/EPINEPHRINE AUTO-INJECTORS Revised June 13, 2011
The Board shall permit students to possess asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto- injectors and to self-administer the prescribed medication used to treat asthma when such is physician and parent-authorized. Possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injectors by students shall be in accordance with state law and Board policy.
Asthma inhaler shall mean a prescribed device used for self-administration of short-acting, metered doses of prescribed medication to treat an acute asthma
Page 85 attack. Epinephrine auto-injector shall mean a prescribed disposable drug delivery system designed for the self-administration of epinephrine to provide rapid first aid for persons suffering the effects of anaphylaxis. Self-administration shall mean a student’s use of medication in accordance with a prescription or written instructions from a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Before a student may possess or use an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto- injector during school hours, the Board shall require the following:
1. A written request from the parent/guardian that the school complies with the order of the licensed physician certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant. 2. A statement from the parent/guardian acknowledging that the school is not responsible for ensuring the medication is taken and relieving the District and its employees of responsibility for the benefits or consequences of the prescribed medication. 3. A written statement from a licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant that states: a. Name of the drug. b. Prescribed dosage. c. Times medication is to be taken. d. Length of time medication is prescribed. e. Diagnosis or reason medication is needed. f. Potential serious reaction or side effects of medication. g. Emergency response. h. If child is qualified and able to self-administer the medication.
4. The student shall be made aware that the asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector is intended for his/her use only and may not be shared with other students. The student shall notify the school nurse immediately following each use of an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector. Violations of this policy by a student shall result in immediate confiscation of the asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector and medication and loss of privileges. The District reserves the right to require a statement from the licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant for the continued use of a medication beyond the specified time period. Permission for possession and use of an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector by a student shall be effective for the school year for which it is granted and shall be renewed each subsequent school year. Student health records shall be confidential and maintained in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.
To self-administer medication, the student must be able to: 1. Respond to and visually recognize his/her name. 2. Identify his/her medication. 3. Demonstrate the proper technique for self-administering medication. 4. Sign his/her medication sheet to acknowledge having taken the medication. 5. Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in all aspects of self-administration.
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The Superintendent or designee, in conjunction with the school nurse(s), shall develop procedures for student possession of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injector and self-administration of prescribed medication. The District shall annually inform staff, students and parents/guardians about the policy and procedures governing student possession and use of asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injector. Prior to the administration of any medication, the parent/guardian shall complete and return to the school the prescription medication form completed by the licensed physician and parent/guardian. This should be kept on file in the office of the school nurse. The nurse shall review pertinent information with the student and/or parent/guardian, specifically the information contained on the statement submitted by the licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The nurse shall determine the student’s ability to self-administer medication and the need for care and supervision. The nurse shall maintain a medication administration record for all students possessing asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injector.
Students shall be prohibited from sharing, giving, selling, and using an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector in any manner other than which it is prescribed during school hours, at any time while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity, and during the time spent traveling to and from school and school-sponsored activities. Violations of this policy shall result in loss of privilege to self-carry the asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector and disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy. If the district denies a student’s request to self-carry an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector or the student has lost the privilege of self-carrying an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector, the student’s prescribed medication shall be appropriately stored at a location in close proximity to the student. The student’s classroom teachers shall be informed where the medication is stored and the means to access the medication.
The district shall annually distribute to students and parents/guardians this policy along with the Code of Student Conduct.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #216.1 STUDENT RECORDS Revised September 18, 2012
For the entire policy, please go to www.gvsd.org/schoolboard/policies.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #218 STUDENT DISCIPLINE Revised November 14, 2011 Philosophy The school experience should be both exciting and satisfying to students and staff. The discipline guidelines of the School District emphasize the importance of a culture where diversity and individualism are celebrated in an atmosphere of respect. All parents/guardians, staff members and community members share the responsibility for teaching our pupils the art of making good choices. Each
Page 87 student must adhere to Board policies and the Code of Conduct governing student discipline. Great Valley staff members use many effective, positive resources to maintain a secure educational environment. Behavior guidelines are developed with the involvement of students, faculty, parents/guardians, and the community. Guidelines, practices and policies in the elementary, middle, and high school focus on self-responsibility, mutual respect, thoughtful communication, positive application, and sincere conflict-free mediation. All student discipline shall be consistent with the rights of disabled students. The support of parents/guardians is particularly critical to the success of developing students who behave appropriately. We are all very proud of our students, our schools, and our community.
Corporal Punishment A form of physical discipline intended to cause pain and fear, in which a student is spanked, paddled or hit on any part of the body with a hand or instrument.
Every effort will be made to conduct school classrooms and activities in a manner which supports the growth and development of all students. To this end, it is essential to include the teaching of acceptable behaviors as a formal part of the K-12 curriculum and to include discipline as a topic in staff development. In addition, District-sponsored programs for parents/guardians that aid in establishing appropriate expectations and behaviors for children are an integral part of our comprehensive approach to discipline. The student peer mediation program is an important element of our program to help students learn how to interact with others in an appropriate manner.
Each student has the opportunity to flourish in Great Valley Schools by assuming responsibility for helping to maintain an environment conducive to learning. The purpose of this discipline is to ensure: Understanding by students and parents/guardians of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. Discipline is consistently enforced throughout the District. A fair and equitable treatment of all students. The protection of students and staff from any individual who abuses his/her rights and responsibilities. The students and parents/guardians understand the process which leads to detention, suspension, exclusion, or expulsion. An atmosphere of mutual respect for all.
Student Rights Every Great Valley student has the right to: A full education while assuming certain responsibilities which reflect self-discipline. Enjoy and benefit from opportunities for physical, social, and emotional development. The respect of his/her rights by his/her peers and all adults involved in his/her education. The appropriate use of school facilities, materials, and equipment, which have been provided for his/her educational and recreational use.
Page 88 Any student disciplined by a District employee shall have the right to notice of the infraction. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his/her fellow students.
The Board prohibits the use of corporal punishment to discipline students for violation of District policies, rules or regulations. Reasonable force may be used by teachers and school authorities under any of the following circumstances, to quell a disturbance, obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects for the purpose of self-defense, and for the protection of persons or property. Suspensions and expulsions shall be carried out in accordance with Policy 233.
Student Responsibilities Students share with the staff and community the responsibility to develop a climate within the school which contributes to worthwhile learning and living. Student responsibilities include: Regular and punctual school attendance. Conscientious effort in classroom work and homework. Expressing ideas and opinions in a respectful, courteous manner. Observing the rules and regulations of student behavior for Great Valley School District. Properly using school materials, equipment, and facilities. Accountability for their actions.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to: Ensure that children attend school daily and arrive on time. Review and support the rules and regulations for student behavior and discuss them with their children. Assist the school staff in ensuring a safe school environment for all students. Oversee student projects and homework. Participate in school discipline conferences. Play an active role in their child’s educational experience. It is the responsibility of the Board and Administrators to: Provide an atmosphere of mutual respect for all, “…make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of students in school…within statutory and constitutional restraints.” PA Chapter 12 Regulations, 12.3(a) Ensure fair and equitable treatment of all students. Make every effort to maintain a safe school environment conducive to learning. Develop effective communication between schools and parents/guardians and students. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that rules and regulations are developed to implement board policy governing student conduct.
The Superintendent or designee shall publish and distribute to all staff, students and parents/guardians the rules and regulations 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 of Student Conduct shall be available in each school library and school office.
Page 89 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.
Teachers and other District employees responsible for students shall have the authority to take reasonable actions necessary to control the conduct of all 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.
WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY POLICY #218.1 Revised September 21, 1999 “Weapon” - the term shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku stick, brass or metal knuckles, fire-arms, shotgun, rifle, bb or pellet gun, look-alike gun, chemical agent, explosive device, bows and crossbows, slings and slingshots, bludgeons, straight razors, gases, and/or any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. Ammunition, bullets, cartridges, primers, propellant powder, pellets, arrows, bolts and darts that can be used in connection with any prohibited weapon shall also constitute a weapon. “Possession” - a student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the person of the student; in the student’s locker; under the student’s control while he/she is on school property; on property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, at any school event held away from the school; or while the student is on his/her way to or from school. Possession of weapons and facsimile weapons in any school district building, on school property, at any school sponsored activity, and in any school sponsored or public conveyance providing transportation to or from school or a school sponsored activity is prohibited. The school district shall expel for a period of not less than one (1) year any student who violates this weapons policy. Such expulsion shall be given in conformance with formal due process proceedings required by law. The Superintendent may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. In the case of an exceptional student, the Superintendent shall take all necessary steps to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Superintendent shall report the discovery of any weapon prohibited by this policy to the student’s parents and to local law enforcement officials.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #218.2 TERRORISTIC THREATS/ACTS Revised November 14, 2011
The Board recognizes the danger that terroristic threats and acts by students’ presents to the safety and welfare of district students, staff and community. The Board acknowledges the need for an immediate and effective response to a
Page 90 situation involving such a threat or act. Terroristic Threat – shall mean a threat to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize another, to cause evacuation of a building, or to cause serious public inconvenience. Terroristic Act - shall mean an offense against property or involving danger or harm to another person. Terroristic Threat Inquiry – a thorough review of a threat situation as of type and level of threat by a team of appropriate school professionals. The Board prohibits district students from making terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts directed at any student, employee, Board member, community member or school building. The Board directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information and knowledge concerning a possible or actual terroristic threat or act. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing administrative regulations to implement this policy. Staff members and students shall be responsible for informing the building principal regarding any information or knowledge relevant to a possible or actual terroristic threat or act. The building principal shall be responsible for informing the superintendent. Process of investigation to be performed immediately: Interview complainant; Interview accused; Interview any other persons with personal knowledge of the allegations of the complaint. Consistency of witnesses’ statements will be reviewed; When interviews have been completed, the building administrators in conjunction with the student services coordinator will discuss with the superintendent and other appropriate district level administrators whether further inquiry is necessary; If further inquiry is determined, the following criteria shall be used: Criteria for Threat Inquiry shall include: Credibility and past history of complainant and/or witnesses including parent input; Assessment of accused in terms of past history of violent or aggressive behavior; patterns of threatening behavior; Presence of sufficient evidence upon completion of investigation; Consistency of witnesses’ statements; Perception of the victim as to whether the “threat” produces fear of pending danger; Developmental appropriateness based on age and maturity level. Discipline: When an administrator has evidence that a student has made a terroristic threat or has or is about to commit a terroristic act, the following guidelines shall be followed: The building principal shall promptly report the incident to the Superintendent. The building principal may suspend the student as per the discipline policy #218. Any suspensions beyond three (3) must have superintendent’s approval. Based on further investigation, the administrator may report the student to law enforcement officials. The Superintendent may recommend expulsion of the student to the Board.
If a student is expelled for making terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts, the Board may require, prior to readmission, that the student provide competent and credible evidence that the student does not pose a risk of harm to
Page 91 others. If a student is expelled for making terroristic threats or committing terroristic acts, upon return to school, the student shall be subject to random searches. If it is concluded that a terroristic threat/act has not occurred and that the complaint was lodged in bad faith, then the Superintendent and/or building principal may impose appropriate discipline on the complainant, subject to limitations of law. Student records concerning violations of this policy will be maintained cumulatively from grades 6 – 12. In the case of exceptional students, the district will comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #222 SMOKING/TOBACCO Revised November 14, 2011
This policy is violated when any student possesses or uses tobacco in any form including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco while on school premises, or at any school sponsored activity anywhere, or while traveling to and from school related activities on school buses, or on any school property owned by, leased by, or under control of the Great Valley School District. First Offense: Any student who violates this policy will receive an in-school suspension for two (2) days and will not participate in or attend as a spectator, any school related or school sponsored activity during this time. School related and/or school sponsored activities include, but are not limited to: clubs, musical groups, publications, athletics, and other activities such as National Honor Society, Student Council and class activities (spirit week, homecoming, class trips, fund-raisers, dances, proms, and commencements). Second Offense: Any student who violates this policy a second time will receive an in- school suspension for three (3) days and will not participate in or attend as a spectator, any school related or school sponsored activity during this time. A recommendation will be made that such student will enroll in a smoking cessation program. As per Act 145, Great Valley will also initiate proceedings against such student before district justices. If convicted, the student faces a fine, or at the discretion of the court, admittance to an alternative program in lieu of the fine. Third Offense: Any student who violates this policy for a third time will be suspended out-of-school for five (5) days. A recommendation will be made that such student will enroll in a smoking cessation program. As per Act 145, Great Valley will also initiate proceedings against such student before district justices. If convicted, the student faces a fine, or at the discretion of the court, admittance to an alternative program in lieu of the fine. Fourth Offense: Any student who violates this policy for a fourth time will be suspended out-of-school for ten (10) days and a recommendation for an expulsion hearing before the Board of School Directors will be made. A recommendation will be made that such student will enroll in a smoking cessation program. As per Act 145, Great Valley will also initiate proceedings against such student before district justices. If convicted, the student faces a fine,
Page 92 or at the discretion of the court, admittance to an alternative program in lieu of the fine.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #227 DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS POLICY Revised November 14, 2011 Purpose: The Great Valley Board of School Directors recognizes increased drug and alcohol use and instructs the District Superintendent to augment the educational program so that students know the physical and psychological dangers caused by drug and alcohol use/abuse. The policy, including its rules, regulations, and guidelines, is an effort by the Great Valley School District to respond openly and effectively to the potential and current uses and abuses of drugs, alcohol, and mood altering substances by students. Through curriculum, the Student Assistance program, Student Services Coordinator, community support and resources, strong and consistent administrative and faculty commitment, rehabilitative efforts, and disciplinary procedures, Great Valley School District will strive to educate, prevent, and intervene in the use and abuse of all drug, alcohol, and mood altering substances by students. The accompanying regulations/procedures, and guidelines shall be used by all school district personnel when situations involve students’ unlawful use, abuse, sale, distribution and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, any mood altering substance, or paraphernalia. The District Superintendent or designee consistent with State and Federal law is authorized to prevent any person from entering Great Valley School District premises, who possesses or attempts to distribute, or is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or mood altering substances. Consistent with State and federal law, any student on school premises with drugs, alcohol or mood altering substances shall be subject to immediate exclusion from the school premises. In the event that this policy has been violated, this information may be shared with the appropriate law enforcement agency. Consistent with State and federal law, any student, about whom the District Superintendent or designee has reasonable, individualized suspicion to believe possesses drugs, alcohol or mood altering substances while on district premises, shall be subject to a reasonable search. In the event that this policy has been violated, information regarding this search shall be shared with the appropriate law enforcement agency. The privileged confidentiality between students and District student services coordinator, guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists, home and school visitors and other school employees shall be respected, to the extent required by law. Confidential communication will only be disclosed consistent with State and federal law. The Board directs the Superintendent to develop guidelines to implement this policy. I. Policy Violation This policy is violated when any student, visitor, or guest unlawfully manufactures, uses, abuses, possesses, constructively possesses, distributes, or attempts to distribute drugs, alcohol, or any mood altering substances, or drug paraphernalia on school premises, or at any school sponsored activity anywhere, or while traveling to and from school or school related activities, or who conspires, aids, or abets the use, abuse, active possession, constructive
Page 93 possession, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or any mood altering substances. This policy is violated when any pupil uses anabolic steroids, except for valid medical purpose as prescribed by a physician. This policy is violated when a pupil possesses anabolic steroids on school premises. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) shall not be included as an anabolic steroid under provisions of Act 93. II. Definitions Drug/Mood Altering Substance/Alcohol: alcohol, drugs, narcotics, and/or other health endangering compounds which include but are not limited to: alcohol, alcoholic beverages, tranquilizers, amphetamines, synthetic opiates, marijuana, LSD and other hallucinogens, glue, solvent-containing substances, “look-alike” drugs, prescription drugs, anabolic steroids, and includes all controlled substances identified in the following laws: Public Law 91-513 Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (Federal Law) The Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64) and Amendments. Look-Alike Drugs: substances manufactured or designed to resemble drugs, mood altering substance, narcotics, or other health endangering compounds. This also includes “over-the-counter” drugs. Student Assistance Program: a multidisciplinary team that includes teachers, administrators, nurse, and counselors. This team is trained to understand and work with adolescent chemical use, abuse, and dependency. The team’s primary role is to identify, refer, and intervene when student chemical use, abuse, possession and/or distribution is suspected. Distribution: to deliver, sell, pass, share, or give to another person, or to assist distribution of any alcohol, drug, or mood altering illegal substance. Active Possession: to possess or hold without attempt to distribute, any alcohol, drug or mood altering illegal substance. Constructive Possession: is a person’s knowing joint control and access with other persons to any alcohol, drug, or mood altering illegal substance. Cooperative Behavior: is the student’s willingness to reasonably and helpfully work with staff and school personnel, and to comply with Student Assistance Program requests and recommendations. Drug Paraphernalia: Means all equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance in violation of this act. In determining whether an object is drug paraphernalia, school authorities shall consider, in addition to all other logically relevant factors, statements by an owner or by anyone in control of the object concerning its use, the proximity of the object, in time and space, to a direct violation of this policy, the proximity of the object to controlled substances, the existence of any residue of controlled substances on the object, direct or circumstantial evidence of the intent of an owner, or of anyone in control of the object, to deliver it to persons whom he knows, or should reasonably know, intend to use the object to facilitate a violation of this act, the innocence of the owner or of anyone in control of the object, as to a direct violation of this act should not prevent a finding that the object is intended for use or designed for use as drug paraphernalia, instructions, oral and written, provided with the object concerning its use, descriptive materials accompanying the object which explain
Page 94 or depict its use, national and local advertising concerning its use, the manner in which the object is displayed for sale, whether the owner, or anyone in control, is a legitimate supplier of like or related items to the community, such as a licensed distributor or dealer of tobacco products, direct or circumstantial evidence of the ratio of sales of the objects to the total sales of the business enterprise, the existence and scope of legitimate uses for the object in the community, and expert testimony concerning its use. Immediate precursor: means a substance which is designated as being a principal compound commonly used or produced primarily for use, and which is an immediate chemical intermediary used or likely to be used in the manufacture of a controlled substance. Manufacture: means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a controlled substance, other drug or device or the packaging or repackaging of such substance or article, but does not include the activities of a practitioner who, as an incident to his/her administration or dispensing such substance or article in the course of his/her professional practice, prepares, compounds, packages or labels such substance or article. The term “manufacturer” means a person who manufactures a controlled substance, other drug or device. Marijuana: consists of all forms, species and/or varieties of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds or resin. Narcotic: means any of the following, whether produced directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of vegetable origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis: (i) opium, (ii) any opiate having an addiction-forming or addiction-sustaining capacity similar to morphine, but not including the isoquinoline alkaloids of opium, (iii) any compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, or preparation of opium or any opiate, and (iv) any substance, compound manufacture, salt, derivative, or preparation thereof, which is chemically identical with any other substances referred in (i), (ii), or (iii). District Premises: includes on the way to and from school, on transportation to and from school, on school property, at school sponsored activities, and on transportation to and from school sports and activities. III. Searches Generally - The Superintendent, a principal, or person whom either designates, may search a student or any other person under school jurisdiction. Such search may extend to an individual’s clothes, handbag, wallet, desk, locker, car, or other possessions if reasonable grounds exist for suspecting the presence of alcohol, a drug, a mood altering substance, or drug paraphernalia. Lockers and Desks - As school lockers and desks are school property loaned to a student for the student’s convenience; school authorities may search lockers and desks without prior warning. Persons and Personal Effects - School administrators with reasonable suspicion that this policy is violated shall have the authority to require students or other persons under school jurisdiction to submit to a reasonable search of his or her clothing and personal effects. A staff member conducting such a search shall have another staff member as a witness. If a search of a student’s clothes involves the touching of a student, the person making the search and the witness shall be of the same sex as the student. The person conducting the search shall confiscate any alcohol, drugs, mood altering substance, drug paraphernalia or
Page 95 contraband revealed by the search and in the event that this policy has been violated information regarding this search will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Cooperation - If a student refuses to cooperate with a search conducted in accordance with these Guidelines, such refusal shall constitute further grounds for exclusion from school. IV. Enforcement 1. The principal or designee will be immediately notified. 2. The principal or designee will meet with the student who will explain the circumstances related to a possible policy violation. 3. The principal or designee will notify the police for appropriate investigation and disposition. 4. The principal or designee will notify the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) concerning the incident. 5. The student may be sent home or removed from the school to receive medical attention if required. When parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot be reached, the principal or other school authority will decide to obtain medical treatment for the student or to temporarily isolate the student. 6. Exclusions from school: (See disciplinary policy #218) 7. Formal Hearings: (See disciplinary policy #218) 8. Informal Hearings: (See disciplinary policy #218) 9. Additional Requirements a. Any student who violates this policy will: (1) Have a drug and alcohol assessment provided by a SAP-certified liaison at parental expense. (2) Attend a student intervention group led by Great Valley staff who are members of STAR Team. (3) Parents(s)/guardian (s) may select similar type alternative programs for students to attend as specified in paragraph (1) above. However, parent(s) and guardian(s) must have the district Superintendent’s written approval prior to any student’s participation in an alternative program. Prior to receiving the Superintendent’s written approval for a student to attend an alternative program, parent(s)/guardian(s) must give written permission to the Superintendent or designee to obtain all complete records when the student attends an alternative program. The district will not pay any expense incurred by the student, parent(s)/guardian(s) when the student participates in an alternative program. If the parent refuses to sign the permission to release the records, the student will then be required to attend the district recommended program.
V. Exclusions from School All procedural safeguards will be observed in disciplining students. These administrative guidelines will be read consistently with the rights of disabled students.
First Offense Any student will be suspended out-of-school for ten (10) days and will not participate in or attend as a spectator any school related or school sponsored activity for twenty (20) school days except when individual circumstances warrant a different outcome in the opinion of the Superintendent. School related and/or school sponsored activities include but are not limited to: clubs, musical groups, publications, athletics, and other activities such as National Honor
Page 96 Society, student council, and class activities (spirit week, homecoming, class trips, fund-raisers, dances, proms, and commencement). Further, the student must successfully complete the SAP-certified assessment liaison program and comply with all assessment recommendations or approved alternative assessment and the Student Intervention Group Program. If the student refuses to participate in or does not successfully complete the programs mentioned in the previous paragraph, as scheduled by the district, the student will be suspended out-of-school for an additional ten (10) days and will not participate in or attend as a spectator any school related or school sponsored activity for an additional twenty (20) school days. School related and/or school sponsored activities include clubs, musical groups, publications, athletics, and other activities such as National Honor Society, student council, and class activities (spirit week, homecoming, class trips, fund-raisers, dances, proms, and commencement). Second or Subsequent Offense Any person who violates this policy a second time commits a second offense. All requirements, procedures, due process, and penalties that govern first offense under this policy will apply under the second offense. In addition, the following disciplinary action and requirements apply: a. The student will be suspended ten (10) days out of school. b. The student will obtain a drug and alcohol assessment and will comply with all assessment recommendations as a condition for re-admission to school after the suspension for required rehabilitation. Any student who receives a second offense and who refuses to obtain a drug and alcohol assessment or who obtains the reassessment and does not comply with the recommendations will not be readmitted to school from an expulsion until the student either obtains an assessment or complies with the assessment recommendation, as the case may be. c. The student will be referred to the Board for expulsion for a period that exceeds ten (10) days and may be permanent. Student Delivery/Distribution of Drugs/Possession with Intent to Distribute The first offense shall result in a ten (10) day external suspension from school and a Board hearing shall be held with administration recommendation for exclusion of the student from school for one (1) year except when individual circumstances warrant a different outcome in the opinion of the Superintendent. The student will be referred to an appropriate agency for counseling and treatment at parent expense. As additional requirements, any student who violates this policy will: Have a drug and alcohol assessment provided by a SAP-certified liaison. Comply with the recommendations contained in the assessment. Parent(s) guardians(s) may select similar type alternative programs for students to attend. However, parent(s) and guardian(s) must have the district Superintendent’s written approval prior to any student’s participation in an alternative program. Prior to receiving the Superintendent’s written approval for a student to attend an alternative program, parent(s)/guardian(s) when the student participates in an alternative program. If the parent refuses to sign the permission to release records, the student will then be required to attend the district recommended program. Anabolic Steroid Use for Athletics The following minimum penalties, in addition to penalties under first offense or second offense enforcement, will be imposed on school district student athletes who violate rules and regulations that prohibit use of anabolic steroids as per Act
Page 97 189-93 except for valid medical purposes as prescribed by a physician: a. First Violation: The student will be suspended from school athletics for remainder of the season. b. Second Violation: The student will be suspended from school athletics for remainder of the season and for the following season. c. Third Violation: The student will be permanently suspended from participation in school athletics. No student shall be eligible to resume participation in school athletics unless there is medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exits. The Board of School Directors may require participation in drug counseling, rehabilitation, testing, or other programs as a condition for reinstatement to the school district athletic program. VI. Self-Referral Any student who is self-referred, or who is voluntarily referred by anyone else and who seeks help with a chemical use/abuse and/or dependency, and who is not under the immediate influence of a chemical substance or is not in an immediate situation of being apprehended for drug use or possession is not subject to this policy’s provisions as outlined for FIRST OFFENSE violations. Any student who voluntarily admits chemical use/abuse and/or dependency to any Great Valley School District staff member will temporarily not participate in any school sponsored club, activity, or athletic team until professional assessment of the chemical dependency is complete. If the student is an athlete, he/she will be reinstated as an athletic participant when evaluation and his/her program indicates that he/she can safely and appropriately participate. A referral will be made to the STAR Team in either case. VII. Student Records Student records concerning violations of this policy will be maintained cumulatively from grades 6-12. A second violation during the years encompassing grades 6-12 will result in a Board hearing for expulsion except when individual circumstances warrant a different outcome in the opinion of the Superintendent. VIII. Student Assistance Program Referral Phase - Referrals may come from a multitude of sources. Staff, students, parents, etc., may inform STAR Team of any suspicions, issues, behaviors or concerns that appear to be drug/alcohol/mental health related. Community concerns also will be noted and these will be investigated if they seem appropriate. Assessment Phase - Once a referral has been received and deemed to be an appropriate Star Referral, the student’s teachers will be asked to complete a checklist of observable behaviors, including the student’s strengths and needs. A summary of behaviors observed and reported by teachers, along with the student’s discipline, attendance and grades will be reviewed by the Star Team. A Star Team member will be chosen to meet with the student to discuss the referral, inform parents of the referral and to request parental permission to move forward with a plan of agreed upon support, assessment or intervention. This plan may include providing the student with individual or group support in school, completing a more formal, detailed and holistic interview/assessment of the student to better understand the issues involved and an appropriate course of action or helping the student and family to find appropriate help and support through resources in our community. Intervention Phase - During this phase a SAP-certified assessment liaison will be more actively involved as a consultant in determining the appropriate modality
Page 98 of treatment and proper placement (in-patient or out-patient). a. Informal Intervention May require meetings with student or student and parent where information has been gathered is discussed and options are explored. These may be: D/A assessment; continue to monitor; contract; or psychological evaluation, if so indicated. May require immediate D/A assessment and then continued meetings. There is no required number of informal interventions. If progress is made as determined by a SAP-certified assessment liaison, a formal intervention may never be needed. b. Formal Interventions - When all efforts are exhausted, this is a mandatory procedure. When a student reaches this point he/she has no other recourse, if he/she wishes to remain on district rolls. Failure to follow the recommendations of this team and/or the D/A assessment at this point will mean expulsion as determined by district policy. X. Discipline for Students with Disabilities (See discipline policy #218) Adopted: September 21, 1998
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #247 – HAZING Revised March 14, 2005 The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe, positive environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the district and are prohibited at all times. For the entire policy, please go to www.gvsd.org/schoolboard/policies.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #248 - HARASSMENT Revised March 14, 2005 It is the policy of the Great Valley School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is free from harassment.
Definitions: For the purposes of this policy, “Harassment” consists of verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religion when such conduct: Is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment. Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational performance. Substantially disrupts school operations or activities. Otherwise materially and adversely affects an individual’s learning opportunities. Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include, but is not limited to the following: verbal harassment or abuse; pressure for sexual activity; repeated remarks to a person, with sexual or demeaning implications; unwelcome touching; suggested or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats concerning one’s grades, or conduct of a sexual nature which creates a hostile environment antithetical to the process or progress of learning. Procedures: Any person who alleges harassment by any staff member or
Page 99 student in the district may use the district’s complaint procedure or may complain directly to his/her immediate supervisor, building principal, guidance counselor or other individual designated to receive such complaints. Filing of a complaint or otherwise reporting harassment will not reflect upon the individual’s status nor will it affect future employment, grades or work assignments except in the case of false or malicious reporting. Therefore, false accusations will result in the same severe disciplinary action applicable to one found guilty of harassment. The right to confidentiality, both of the complainant and of the accused, will be respected consistent with the district’s legal obligations, and with the necessity to investigate allegations of misconduct and to take corrective action when this conduct has occurred. A substantiated charge against a staff member in the district shall subject such staff member to a disciplinary action, including discharge. Complaint Procedure: Each building principal shall designate building harassment liaisons, at least one of each gender, to receive harassment complaints from staff and students in that building. Each school year, staff and students shall be notified of the identity of the designated individuals, and shall be informed that then said individuals are available to receive harassment complaints, answer questions concerning harassment, and assist in resolving problems within the building which may involve harassment. Students shall also be informed that they may lodge harassment complaints with other appropriate individuals in the district, including teachers, nurses, or administrators. All harassment complaints so lodged shall be promptly and thoroughly investigated. Complaints involving student-to-student harassment which are lodged at the classroom or building level may be resolved at that level. If the problem cannot be informally resolved, it should be referred to the building liaisons for investigation as set forth below. The process will be as follows: interview of complainant. interview of accused. interview of any other persons with personal knowledge of the allegations of the complaint. All employees involved in such an investigation shall maintain strict confidentiality. Disposition of Complaint: In all cases investigated, the results of the investigation shall be reported to appropriate administrators. Such reports shall include a conclusion and a summary of facts upon which such conclusion is based, and a recommendation for any necessary remediation, or discipline if appropriate. A pattern of behavior, as revealed by a series of inconclusive reports, may be relevant to the disposition of the current complaint under investigation. If the Sexual Harassment Liaisons conclude that sexual harassment has occurred, the Superintendent and/or building principal shall determine appropriate remediation and/or discipline. Any disciplinary action shall be subject to limitations of the School Code, State Board regulations and other applicable law, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement. If the Sexual Harassment Liaisons conclude that no unlawful sexual harassment has occurred, the Superintendent and building principal shall be so notified. Under no circumstance shall any record of a complaint which is found to be without basis be placed in an accused student record or released to any person other than the accused, the Superintendent, the building principal, and the staff
Page 100 member to whom the complaint was originally made, without consent of the accused, except by order of court. If it is concluded that harassment has not occurred and that the complaint was lodged in bad faith, then the Superintendent and/or the building principal may impose appropriate discipline in the complainant, subject to limitations of law. In addition, if it is concluded that the accused retaliated against the complainant in any way because of the complaint, then the Superintendent and/or building principal may impose appropriate discipline on the accused, subject to limitations of law. Guidelines for Investigating Harassment Complaints: Individuals vested with responsibility for investigating staff and student harassment complaints are called upon to exercise independent judgment in determining the appropriate procedure to follow within the confines of due process and collective bargaining agreement protections. The following guidelines are intended to assist the investigators in conducting such an investigation. Interview the complainant. The complainant should be encouraged to tell his or her story in a private setting, accompanied by a parent, if appropriate. Two investigators shall be present. The investigators should attempt to elicit specific facts from the complainant, including the identity of the alleged harasser, the time and place of the incident or incidents complained of, exactly what the harasser did or said, and the names of witnesses or other possible victims of harassment. Interview the accused harasser. The accused should be informed of the specific charges against him or her and should be allowed to fully explain his or her version of the incident. If the complainant is an adult, he or she should be ordinarily identified. If the complainant is a student or students, the investigators must use discretion in determining whether or not to disclose his or her identity, considering the student’s age, maturity, emotional condition, and vulnerability to intimidation or retaliation. The investigators should also bear in mind that an accused has a right to be informed as to the identity of his or her accuser before discipline is imposed. Interview any witnesses with actual knowledge of the incidents complained of, either staff or students. Such witnesses should be instructed to refrain from discussing the investigation with others. Written statements signed by the witnesses in the presence of the investigators shall be obtained. Interview any other individuals who may have been subject to harassment by the accused. Remember that the more people interviewed the greater the likelihood of damaging gossip; therefore, interview only individuals whom one has reason to believe may have been the subject to harassment by the accused. Instruct such individuals to refrain from discussing the investigation with others. To the extent practical, refrain from sharing details of the complaint’s allegations with witnesses. When the complainant is a student, the investigators must use their discretion in deciding whether and at what stage to inform the student’s parents. The State Board of Education Regulations allow educators to disclose confidential information to students’ parents if the educators believe that the health, safety or welfare of the student or others so requires. The investigators shall consult with the Superintendent before deciding whether to inform parents. The Superintendent shall determine whether the solicitor is to be present at any such consultations. When the accused is a student, the student’s parents must be informed if the student is suspended or expelled. In other situations, the investigator must
Page 101 exercise his or her judgment concerning whether to inform the parents, again bearing in mind the discretion allowed educators under the State Board regulations. In some instances, harassment may constitute sexual abuse, sexual assault or otherwise constitute criminal conduct. If the complainant is an adult, the investigator should advise him or her that the complaint of harassment may constitute a crime, and advise that the complainant has the right to contact the police or district attorney about the harassment. If the victim is a student, the investigator should also advise the student and/or parents that they have the right to contact the police or district attorney about the harassment. However, the investigator must comply with reporting requirements of the child protective services law (Act 151 of 1994) when he or she suspected that the student is an abused child. Student-to-student harassment in the lower grades should ordinarily be handled the same as any other student misconduct. Except in extreme or unusual cases, the classroom teacher or the building principal should investigate and impose discipline, if necessary, just as they would in any other situation involving student-to-student misconduct. In situations involving severe misconduct or threat of harm to other students, the teacher and building principal should take steps to remediate the situation and protect the victim or victims just as they would in situations involving severe misconduct. However, because of the increased public awareness of harassment and the potential for legal liability, administrators dealing with serious misconduct among young students should consider involving the Superintendent and the district solicitor. Review Procedure: If the complainant or accused is not satisfied with the decision of the building and/or district liaison, he/she may file a written request with the Superintendent to review that decision. The written request for review should set forth the specific reason(s) for the request. The Superintendent shall review the initial investigation and report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation. The Superintendent 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.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #249 BULLYING/CYBERBULLING Revised March 16, 2015 Purpose The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for District students. The Board 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 Board prohibits bullying by District students.
Definitions Bullying means an intentional electronic, written verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following: Substantial interference with a student’s education. Creation of a threatening environment. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.
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Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber bullying.
School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.
The Board prohibits all forms of bullying by District students. The Board encourages students who have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the building principal or designee. The Board directs that complaints of bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith reports of bullying.
Delegation of Responsibility Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of others and to ensure an atmosphere free from bullying. The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that this policy and administrative guidelines are reviewed annually with students. The Superintendent or designee, in cooperation with other appropriate administrators, shall review this policy every three (3) years and recommend necessary revisions to the Board.
District administration shall annually provide the following information with the Safe School Report: Board’s Bullying Policy. Report of bullying incidents. Information on the development and implementation of any bullying prevention, intervention or education programs.
The Code of Student Conduct, which shall contain this policy, shall be disseminated annually to students.
This policy shall be accessible in every classroom. The policy shall be posted in a prominent location within each school building and on the District web site. This policy shall be placed in all student handbooks.
Education The District may develop and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs. Such programs shall provide District staff and students with appropriate training for effectively responding to, intervening in and reporting incidents of bullying. Olweus is a current program utilized within the District.
Consequences For Violations A student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with the Code of Student Conduct, which may include counseling within the school, parental conference, loss of school privileges,
Page 103 transfer to another school building, classroom or school bus, exclusion from school-sponsored activities, detention, suspension, expulsion, counseling therapy outside of school, and referral to law enforcement officials.
Please see page 41 for information on Olweus, GVSD’s Bullying Prevention Program.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #815 - TECHNOLOGY I. PURPOSE The Great Valley School District envisions the use of technology should permeate all aspects of instruction and the organization to enhance and enrich the learning experience. The district believes that: Each student should effectively and ethically use technology. Technology will be integrated into all aspects of classroom instruction. Technology will be utilized into all areas of school administration. Technology is an essential ingredient to support the ongoing restructuring of the educational process.
II. DEFINITION Technology encompasses the total school program from kindergarten to grade twelve and beyond, and includes “all manner of video, distance communication, curriculum management systems, and administrative networks.” III. AUTHORITY The authority of the development of a long-term technology master plan and an ongoing plan for its reevaluation and update comes from the Great Valley School District Strategic Plan.
IV. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY The Superintendent is responsible for the enforcement of this policy, development of the technology master plan, its implementation and evaluation.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #815.1 ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY STUDENTS Revised April 25, 2011
The Board supports the use of the Internet and other computer networks in the District's instructional program in order to facilitate learning and teaching through interpersonal communications, access to information, research and collaboration. The use of network facilities including remote access shall be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the School District as well as the varied administrative and instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the student. Authority: The electronic information available to students and staff does not imply endorsement of the content by the School District, nor does the District guarantee the accuracy of the information received on the Internet. The School District shall not be responsible for any unauthorized charges or fees resulting from access to the Internet. The School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The School District is not responsible for loss or damage of information, data, non- deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions nor shall the District be
Page 104 responsible for any information that is retrieved via the internet. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE, LOSS OR THEFT OF ANY PERSONAL DEVICES. Student use of the Great Valley School District technology may be reviewed by authorized District staff. Consequently, messages transmitted or otherwise conveyed by these systems are not and should not be considered private. Any party who uses Great Valley School District's technology systems to transmit or receive communications shall be deemed to have consented to having the content of any such communications reviewed by the Great Valley School District. The existence of passwords and message delete functions do not restrict Great Valley School District's ability or right to access communications. The Board establishes that use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right; inappropriate, unauthorized, and or illegal use may result in the cancellation of those privileges and appropriate disciplinary action as stated in the District's Student Discipline Policy (#218). The Board also establishes that the following materials in addition to those stated in law, are inappropriate for access: sites with pornography, sites which promote violence, sites which provide information on performing criminal or unethical acts, sites which promote or provide information on the use of illegal drugs, sites advocating or promoting discrimination or intolerance, sites which promote gambling, sites which promote possession or the use of illegal weapons, sites containing materials that are harmful to minors, sites containing materials which are demeaning, harassing, abusive, threatening or embarrassing to other users and any other sites that the School District may deem, on a case-to-case basis to be inappropriate in a school setting. The building administrator shall have the authority to determine what is not appropriate use, and his/her decision is final, unless the Board determines otherwise.
The Great Valley School District will make every effort to ensure that this educational resource is used responsibly by students. Administrators, teachers, and staff have a professional responsibility to work together to help students develop the intellectual skills necessary to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use the information to meet their educational goals. Students have the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of every other user in the District and on the Internet.
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for implementing technology and procedures to determine whether the District's computers are being used for purposes prohibited by law or for accessing inappropriate, unauthorized or illegal materials, to include sexually explicit materials. Accordingly, the School District has developed lockout software blockers and other prescreening technology filters (Technology Protection Measures) that reduce the opportunities for students to access pornographic or other offensive or inappropriate materials. Only the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee may give permission before a technology protection measure is disabled. The technology protection measures shall at least: Utilize a technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access to certain visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, harmful to students and District employees or determined inappropriate for use by the Board.
Page 105 Maintain and secure a usage log. Monitor online activities of students. Merely because a technology protection measure does not prevent access to a particular site or to particular materials does not indicate that the site or the materials are appropriate.
Technology Code of Conduct - A technology code of conduct permission form must be signed by parents/guardians and students annually to allow access to District's technology system. Rules for Use of Technology - Network accounts will be used only by the authorized user of the account for its authorized purpose. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be the property of Great Valley School District and shall not be disclosed. Great Valley School District reserves the right to review all communication on District technology systems. Authorized users shall respect the privacy of the other users on the system. The users of technology at Great Valley School District agree that they have the responsibility to act in an ethical and legal manner in accordance with District policy, accepted rules of network etiquette, and federal and state law. They understand that they have the responsibility to read, understand, and fully comply with the principles enumerated below: To protect the privacy and property of all others and to refrain from quoting personal communications in a public forum without the original author's prior consent. Not to use the facilities for illegal purposes. Not to use the facilities for commercial, for-profit purposes, product advertisement or political lobbying. Not to use the facilities for hate mail, discriminating remarks, offensive inflammatory communication or offensive language or graphics. Not to use the facilities to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords or data belonging to other users. Not to misuse, abuse, modify or destroy hardware, software, and the configuration of same. Not to download, upload, create or distribute unauthorized and/or obscene materials, games, programs or other electronic media. Not to impersonate another user or use pseudonyms. Not to participate in any fraudulent copying, communications, or modifications of materials in violation of copyright laws. Not to disrupt the work of other users. No bullying/cyber bullying.
STUDENTS USING APPROVED PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY FOR CLASSROOM USE IN ADDITION, FOR ANY STUDENTS USING APPROVED PERSONAL DEVICES A STUDENT NETWORK ACCESS AGREEMENT MUST BE SIGNED ANNUALLY AND RETURNED TO THE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY PRIOR TO ACCESSING THE NETWORK. PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DISCOVERED ON THE GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NETWORK WITHOUT A COMPLETED FORM MAY BE CONFISCATED BY THE OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY (APPENDIX B). GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE WHERE AND WHEN PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY MAY ACCESS THE NETWORK. USERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO CONNECT
Page 106 ON A SPACE-AVAILABLE BASIS AND GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT RESOURCES WILL RECEIVE PRIORITY OVER NON-GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT EQUIPMENT. PERIPHERAL DEVISES SUCH AS PRINTERS MAY NOT BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE NETWORK AND CONNECTED TO PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY. AS APPLICABLE, ALL PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY MUST BE RUNNING UP-TO-DATE, GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT-APPROVED VIRUS DETECTION SOFTWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEM CRITICAL UPDATES PRIOR TO ACCESSING THE NETWORK. EQUIPMENT MUST BE CERTIFIED AS VIRUS-FREE BEFORE BEING CONNECTED TO THE NETWORK. GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT-OWNED SOFTWARE MAY NOT BE INSTALLED ON PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT. FILE STORAGE ON THE NETWORK IS LIMITED TO SCHOOLWORK ONLY. THE USER MUST SUPPLY ALL NECESSARY HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY OR BUILDING PRINCIPAL HAS THE RIGHT TO DENY THE CONNECTION OF PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY TO THE NETWORK.PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY MAY BE REMOVED FOR THE GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NETWORK AT ANY TIME ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF PERSONNEL LISTED ABOVE.
PHOTOS TAKEN OF STUDENTS IN SCHOOL WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS THAT MAY INCLUDE LOSING THE PRIVILEGE TO POSSESS AND USE ELECTRONIC DEVISES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.
Consequences for Inappropriate Use: Great Valley School District has the right to temporarily or permanently revoke privileges to use technologies and assign additional penalties such as suspension, expulsion and/or other appropriate actions if technology is misused. This action will be consistent with the District's discipline policy (#218). The network user shall be responsible for any damage of the equipment, systems, and software resulting from deliberate or willful acts. Illegal use of the network; intentional deletion or damage to files of data belonging to others; copyright violations or thefts of services will be reported to the appropriate authorities for possible penalties. General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the Internet, in addition to the stipulations of this policy. Loss of access and other actions shall be consequences for inappropriate use. Vandalism will result in cancellation of access privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet or other networks. This includes but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Students committing such vandalism will be subject to discipline consistent with Policy #218. Security: System security is protected through the use of passwords. Failure to adequately protect or update passwords could result in unauthorized access to personal or District files. To protect the integrity of the system, the following guidelines shall be followed:
Page 107 Students shall not reveal their password to another individual. All passwords should be confidential and secure. Users are not to use a computer that has been logged in under another user's name. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network. All computers and devices on the network must be secure in a “logged off” mode when leaving them unattended. Users must not establish unauthorized external network devices including router gateway, remote dial-in access server, or set up a computer to use such devices. Users must not engage in network packet sniffing or snooping.
Safety: To the greatest extent possible, users of the network will be protected from harassment or unwanted or unsolicited communication. Any network user who receives threatening or unwelcome communications shall immediately bring them to the attention of a teacher or administrator. Network users shall not reveal personal information to other users on the network, including chat rooms, e-mail, Internet, etc. Any District computer/server utilized by students and staff shall be equipped with Internet blocking/filtering software. If security problems are observed, it is the responsibility of all great valley network users to report problems to the administration for investigation. Internet safety measures shall effectively address the following: Control access by students to inappropriate, unauthorized or illegal matter on the Internet. Safety and security of students when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Prevention of unauthorized online access by students, including "hacking" and other unlawful activities. Unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal information regarding students or staff. Restriction of students’ access to materials harmful to them. Restriction on use/listening of internet radio stations to preserve district bandwidth.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICY #815.4 COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS, AND PARENTS/GUARDIAN Revised November 12, 2012
It shall be the policy of Great Valley School District that all electronic communications conducted by a District employee with a student and/or parent/guardian must relate to educational or extra-curricular programs or activities. This policy applies to communications between District employees and: (a) current students, (b) former students who are minors, and (c) parents/guardians of students when the communication relates to those students.
Page 108 The authorized methods of communication include the following: 1. Face-to face in school; 2. District-provided email and web pages, wiki spaces or other District hosted web content; 3. District-sponsored website (including school and teacher web pages); 4. Telephones (not including texting, unless otherwise permitted under number 5 below); and 5. Other electronic communication methods that are authorized by the administration in support of educational or extra-curricular programs or activities.
USAGE 1. All electronic communications occurring at any time by employees to students and parents/guardians are to be professional. For purposes of this Policy, “professional” means related to educational or extra-curricular programs or activities. 2. District employees are prohibited from using personal email, personal text messaging, and/or personal instant messaging, and personal social- networking accounts, personal websites, and any other applications for communicating with parents and students unless permission is granted in writing by the building principal. Some examples of permitted communications include the following: Employee is a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent of a District student; Employee has relationship with parent independent of the employee’s relationship with the District student.
3. In regard to the use of text messages, the Board realizes that this may be a form of electronic communication that is valuable in certain contexts when the possibility of immediate and/or urgent contact with students by employees is desirable. Such contexts include but are not limited to the following: Employee coaches who need the ability to reach student athletes, team members, etc. quickly; Employee advisors of extra-curricular programs or activities who need to reach student participants quickly; Employees chaperoning District field trips who need the ability to monitor the location of students.
4. If an employee plans to communicate electronically with students through the use of text messages, the employee must obtain permission to do so from his/her building principal. If permission is received, the employee must not only provide students’ parents with written notification of the intent to use text messaging but must also obtain written parental permission to do so. All parents shall be copied on the text message.
5. Improper and/or inappropriate electronic communication between employees and students is prohibited, regardless of whether the employee or the student initiates the communication. Improper and/or inappropriate electronic communication is communication that violates District policy, student code of conduct, or any law. Such communication may include but
Page 109 is not limited to any type of message that may be viewed as: derogatory; sexual, lewd, pornographic, or obscene in content; offensive through the use of profanity; threatening or harassing; discriminatory; facilitation of illegal activities; having the purpose to assist personal, commercial or for-profit ends; expression of political viewpoints; unauthorized or illegal distribution, reproduction, or use of copyrighted materials; fraternization or otherwise crossing the line between professional and personal boundaries; and/or suggestive in nature.
REPORTING
1. Any electronic communication made by an employee to a student or that is received by an employee from a student, using a means other than one provided by or authorized by the District, shall be reported by the employee to his/her building principal or his/her designee.
2. Employees must report to their building principal or his/her designee, any student-initiated electronic communication that may be construed as improper and/or inappropriate. This includes communications shared by parents with an employee such as an intercepted text message sent to the child of the parent by another student. Such reports shall be made immediately or at the employee’s first available opportunity. 3. Records of any reported electronic communications, as described herein, shall be maintained by the building principal or his/her designee in accordance with the District’s record retention schedule.
VIOLATIONS 1. Employees shall be required to comply with Board policy regarding electronic communications with students. Any failure to do so may constitute cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment. Should an employee’s failure to comply also violate state or federal law, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall report such violation to the proper authorities.
2. Any suspected violation of this policy shall be immediately investigated by the employee’s building principal or his/her designee. The investigation shall include dates, the name of the person reporting the allegation, and the specific allegation made.
3. The building principal or his/her designee shall meet with the employee to document his/her response to the allegation.
All information from the investigation shall be documented and provided to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee.
Page 110 Investigation records shall be maintained by the building principal and the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee in accordance with the District’s record retention schedule.
NOTIFICATION The District shall ensure that upon hiring, all new hires shall be informed of the provision of this policy.
Page 111 GREAT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT 47 Church Road, Malvern, PA 19355
PARENTAL CONSENT FORM
I have read and understand the Great Valley School district Technology Code of Conduct. I know that violation of these rules is unethical and will result in disciplinary action. This may include suspension, expulsion, and/or other appropriate actions.
STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE
As the parent or guardian of ______, I have read and discussed the Technology Code of Conduct with my student. I realize it is impossible for Great Valley School District to restrict access to all controversial material and will not hold it responsible for materials acquired through misuse of technology. Also, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my student’s use is not in a school setting.
I authorize my student to use all available technologies at Great Valley School District.
I authorize my student to use all available technologies, except the Internet.
PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE DATE
I certify that has completed the technology code of conduct orientation.
TEACHER’S SIGNATURE DATE
District Superintendent – Dr. Regina Palubinsky (610) 889-2125, ext. 52112 Great Valley High School · Great Valley Middle School · Charlestown Elementary · K. D. Markley Elementary · General Wayne Elementary · Sugartown Elementary Equal Opportunity Employ
Page 112 CONFIDENTIALITY OF EDUCATION RECORDS All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal law. The District has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction and disclosure to third parties of this information. For information about these policies and procedures, as well as rights to confidentiality and access to educational records, you may contact in writing the Office of Special Education or any building principal.
Great Valley School District 47 Church Road Malvern, PA 19355
Great Valley School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability in its programs and activities, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania School Code, and Americans with Disabilities Act. For information regarding civil rights, grievance procedures, services, activities, and facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Dr. Daniel Goffredo, Great Valley School District, 47 Church Road, Malvern, PA 19355,(610) 889-2125, ext. 52116.
District Superintendent – Dr. Regina Palubinsky. (610) 889-2125, ext. 52112 Great Valley High School•Great Valley Middle School•Charlestown Elementary School•Kathryn D. Markley Elementary School•General Wayne Elementary School Sugartown Elementary School
Equal Opportunity Emplo
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