Satellite Programs (Haverford High School/Penncrest High School)

Marple Education Center Low Incidence Program 85 N. Malin Road, Broomall, PA 19008 Phone: 484-423-7004 Susan A. Brousseau, Ed.D., Supervisor Kelly M. Comly, Ed.D., Assistant Supervisor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Calendar ...... Page 2 COVID-19 Statement...... Page 3 Attendance...... Page 3 Registration/Emergency Contact Information...... Page 4 District Transportation...... Page 4 Medical Guidelines...... Page 5 Students’ Anticipating Surgery...... Page 5 Physical Therapy...... Page 5 Personal Care/Bathroom Needs...... …. Page 6 Field Trips/CBI ...... Page 6 Photographs...... Page 6 Progress Reports...... Page 6 Student Dress Code...... Page 6 Electronic Devices/Other Personal Items...... Page 7 Internet Usage Policy...... Page 7 Incident Reports/Student Injury Reports...... Page 7 Medical Assistance...... Page 8 School Records and Confidentiality...... Page 8 Supportive Agencies...... Page 8

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INFORMATION REGARDING RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER COVID-19 CLOSURE:

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) guidance for reopening schools in Pennsylvania, all school districts are developing Health and Safety Plans to put guidance and strategies in place to support pandemic mitigation efforts. Our satellite classroom at Penncrest High School will follow the plan for the Rose Tree Media School District. Please refer to the school district’s website for current information regarding their plan, as well as updates that may occur. As the DCIU receives information from the school district, we will communicate the information with you.

ATTENDANCE Regular school attendance is an important part of every student’s success and is necessary in order to gain the greatest benefit from the educational experience. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law and school policy require regular school attendance.

• For an absence to be recorded as “Excused” the student must submit a written note that indicates the date(s) of absence, a valid reason for the absence, and a signature of the parent/guardian. Pennsylvania law broadly defines absences as excused when a student is prevented from attendance for mental, physical or other urgent reason such as illness, family emergency, death of a family member, medical and dental appointments, authorized school activities and educational travel with prior approval.

• Failure to provide a written note within three calendar days of the student’s return to school will result in the absence being recorded as “Unlawful”.

• If a student is absent for three or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note may be required for the absence to be recorded as “Excused”. The note should be on official letterhead and include the dates of treatment.

• All absences beyond ten cumulative days may require an excuse by a physician.

• Subsequent to a third unlawful absence, an IEP meeting may be convened to discuss the cause of the student’s truancy and to develop a plan to resolve the truant behavior.

• Parents are asked to call the numbers listed below if their child is absent:

Penncrest HS: Grade 9: 610-627-6000 Ext. 6494 Grade 11: 610-627-6000 Ext. 6496 Grade 10: 610-627-6000 Ext. 6495 Grade 12: 610-627-6000 Ext. 6497

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REGISTRATION/EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION: All teachers are required to have parent phone numbers and emergency numbers in their possession during any building evacuation. Additionally, all building supervisors have parent phone number lists and emergency contacts. You would be notified as soon as possible should the need arise for you to retrieve your child. Please notify your child’s teacher if any of your emergency numbers have been updated including work, cell phone and emergency contacts. All parents/guardians are required to supply emergency contact information for their child. Information must include parent/guardian home phone number, cell number and work number (if applicable). Information must also include the names and phone numbers of at least two (2) emergency contacts authorized to act on behalf of the parent.

DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION: Your home school district will provide the transportation for your child. Your district will contact you informing you of approximate pick-up and drop-off times. If you have any concerns regarding the transportation of your child, please contact your home school district transportation department.

In addition, parents should check for information about your home school district. If your home school district is closed or operating on a delayed schedule or an early dismissal schedule, this will impact your child’s transportation to and from school. Closing numbers for the districts are listed below:

Chester-Upland (484) 480-6097 451 Chichester (610) 485-6881 Ext. 6301 458 Garnet Valley (610) 579-7482 School district name used, not # Haverford Township (610) 853-5929 455 Interboro (610) 237-9751 450 Lower Merion (610) 645-1950 Marple Newtown (610) 359-4299 454 Penn Delco (610) 497-6300 Ext. 8604 456 Radnor (610) 293-1947 457 Ridley (610) 876-3820 453 Rose Tree Media (610) 627-6475 542 Southeast Delco (610) 522-4300 Ext.5534 464 Springfield (484) 472-6749 526 Upper Darby (610) 352-8632 452 Wallingford/Swarthmore (610) 892-3470 Ext. 1704 460 William Penn (610) 461-2586 302

Other Information for Transportation: CADES (610) 328-5955 Community Transit (610) 490-3960 County Wide (610) 490-0500 Wheat Transportation (215) 651-2709

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MEDICAL GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Keep for Future Reference

For any student to receive medication at school, we are required to have the following information on file:

1. A copy of your child’ s prescription or a letter from the doctor that includes: • Name, date and diagnosis • Name of medication(s), dosage and time schedule • Possible side effects or contradictions

2. A note from parent/guardian granting school personnel permission to administer the medication(s).

All medication must be in the original container. The pharmacy will supply you with an extra container for school if requested.

You may use the enclosed “Medications Administered at School” form to supply this information. You can have the doctor supply you with a copy of the prescription or ask the pharmacy for a copy of the prescription. You can mail, fax (484-424-0333) or send the information to school with your child.

If these guidelines are not followed, we will be unable to administer medication at school.

If a medication or dosage is changed, please send a copy of the new prescription to school. All medications should be given to the bus driver or assistant to be delivered to school or you may bring the medication to school.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD STUDENTS BE CARRYING MEDICATIONS.

If possible, all medications should be given at home. These guidelines apply to all medications, including those given on a temporary basis, over-the-counter medications and “as needed” medications.

AN EXCEPTION IS TYLENOL, WHICH CAN BE APPROVED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN ON THE EMERGENCY CARD.

STUDENTS ANTICIPATING SURGERY: In order for the School Nurse and school staff to implement care for the post-operative student returning to school, written information is required. Please refer to the student packet if your child has surgery or had surgery over the summer. Please inform the school nurse of any upcoming surgical procedure.

PHYSICAL THERAPY: State law requires that physical therapists work under a physician’s referral. The referral needs to be renewed yearly and whenever the medical status of a student changes (after surgery, hospitalizations, etc.) Your cooperation in obtaining physician referrals for physical therapy will ensure your child receives therapy while attending school. If the program does not have a current physician’s prescription, your child will not receive this related service.

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PERSONAL CARE/BATHROOM NEEDS: Due to the many needs of our students, assistance is often required for toileting. Parent permission is required prior to assisting students in the bathroom. Please refer to the student packet if your child requires assistance in the bathroom.

FIELD TRIPS/COMMUNITY-BASED INSTRUCTION (CBI): When we return after the COVID-19 School Closure, we will not be participating in field trips/CBIs until further notice. Students will have the opportunity to participate in various field trips or community based instruction (CBI) trips. These trips provide the opportunity to practice in the community many of the real-life skills that are reinforced daily in the instructional program. Transportation for these trips is provided by the school district. They are adequately staffed to provide the necessary supervision based on the number of students and the nature of the trip. In order for your child to participate, there must be a permission slip signed for each trip. Teachers will notify parents in advance of the trips planned for a given month. The permission slips will be sent home to you for your signature, returned to the teacher, and will be kept on file for the school year. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns about a particular trip or event. For certain trips, a student fee to cover expenses may be charged.

PHOTOGRAPHS The DCIU will not take and use photos of your child without your written consent. Please refer to the parent packet for written permission to use photos for educational and/or marketing purposes.

PROGRESS REPORTS The education of each student is a joint venture involving the student, parent and school staff. Student progress is measured by closely monitoring IEP goals throughout the school year. Progress Reports that review progress on each Annual Goal identified in the IEP will be sent four times a year.

STUDENT DRESS CODE The purpose of school is to provide students with the opportunity to obtain an education and learn proper conduct in social situations. It has been documented that good grooming and appropriate dress help create an environment more conducive to learning. Students who are proud of themselves will reflect this pride by their good grooming and neat appearance. Acceptable student dress and grooming is defined as not harmful to health and safety and not disruptive to the school community. Therefore, the following guidelines have been established in order to maintain a positive educational atmosphere.

• All school attire shall be neat and clean and reflect an appearance of modesty. • Shorts are permitted to be worn throughout the school year. The length of the shorts should be sufficient to provide adequate coverage. • T-shirts with potentially offensive writing, drug-related messages or messages of violence may not be worn. • Strapless tops, spaghetti, or string shoulder straps may not be worn. Sleeveless shirts may be worn but they must cover the shoulder. • Midriffs may not be worn. This includes mesh shirts. • Shirts must be worn. • Skirts are permitted but the length must provide adequate coverage. • Spandex leggings are not permitted unless worn with an oversized shirt or top that covers to the thigh. • Pants or shorts must be worn at the waist, using a belt if necessary.

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• Outerwear, such as coats or jackets, may not be worn in the classroom. Sweatshirts, blazers and flannel shirts are permitted. • Hats, bandanas and other headgear should be removed upon entrance into the building.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND OTHER PERSONAL ITEMS: Cell phones, CD players, handheld games, and other electronic items are not permitted in school. If these items are brought to school and seen by school staff, they will be confiscated and stored in a locked area for the day. Items being held will be returned to the student at dismissal. On the third occasion of a student violating this school rule, a parent or guardian will be required to pick up the confiscated item. We also recommend that students not bring personal items or money to school. School staff cannot be responsible for the loss of any personal items brought to school.

INTERNET USAGE POLICY: Internet access is available to students for instructional and educational purposes. Use of the internet is a privilege, not a right and it comes with clearly defined guidelines for its use. With the use of the internet also comes the availability of material that may not be considered appropriate in a school setting. It is impossible to regulate and monitor all information received or sent by individuals. However, to the extent possible, steps will be taken to promote the safety and security of users. Student users must adhere to the following:

• Students will not use the system to access inappropriate materials or materials that may be harmful to minors. • Students will not disclose, use or disseminate any personal identification information of themselves or other students. • Students will not engage in or access chat rooms or instant messaging without the permission and direct supervision of a teacher or administrator.

All student use of the Internet will be closely monitored by the DCIU and by school staff. Students have no right or expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to the Internet. All students who use the Internet must agree to and abide by all conditions set out in the “Internet Access, E-Mail & Network Resources Acceptable Use Policy”. Students and their parents will be asked to sign an agreement to abide by the established guidelines. Only students with an agreement signed by themselves and their parents will be allowed to access the Internet via use of any DCIU computer.

Consequences for inappropriate use of DCIU computers may include a loss of computer privileges, disciplinary actions and reimbursement for damages to equipment, suspension, and expulsion.

INCIDENT REPORTS/STUDENT INJURY REPORTS: Student Injury Reports and/or Incident Reports are completed for any situation involving student injury or significant student behavior. Any student injuries that occur during the course of a day will be treated by the nurse. The extent of the injury and the treatment provided will be noted on the report. Parents will be notified of any injuries that occur or that may require further care.

Documentation of significant student behavior that requires staff intervention and results in consequences for the student will be recorded with a description of the incident and any known precipitating events. In any situation requiring physical intervention by staff, the student will be checked by the nurse after he/she has deescalated. The nurse will check for any injuries and note any observations on the report. Parents are informed about Incident Reports via the daily point sheet summary that is sent home with each student each day. Under

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Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines, any physical intervention will require an IEP meeting within 10 school days. Parents are encouraged to call if they have any questions or concerns.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE All students at DCIU, PHS and HHS, are eligible for Medical Assistance based on the fact that they have a disability. Their eligibility is based solely on their classification as a special education student with a disability. If a student is covered by private insurance, the Medical Assistance can serve as a secondary coverage. Our School Social Worker can assist any family with the process for applying for Medical Assistance and we encourage all families to take advantage of this available coverage.

SCHOOL RECORDS AND CONFIDENTIALITY A number of state and federal laws protect the confidentiality of both your child’s health information and educational records, and guarantee your right to access that information. These include:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA protects your child’s health information.

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (called FERPA). FERPA protects the confidentiality of your child’s education records, and guarantees you the right of access to your child’s education records. Information that is protected by FERPA’s confidentiality requirements is not protected by HIPAA.

Education records, including Evaluation Reports and Individualized Education Plans, are kept confidential. Please note: Education records cannot be released to other agencies without a Release of Information signed by the parent/guardian.

SUPPORTIVE AGENCIES We encourage parents and families to become familiar with the various agencies that can provide support services to students with disabilities. In order to assist you in accessing some of these services a brief description of several of them are outlined below. Please feel free to call our School Social Worker at any time for more information or to access any assistance you may need.

The Office of Intellectual Disabilities (OID) is the office assigned to assist persons who have significant cognitive impairments. We recommend that parents register their child for OID services early in their educational career.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation provides persons with disabilities the support necessary to maximize employment, independence, and integration into society. Eligibility for services is based on having a disability which interferes with a person’s ability to get and keep a job. Referrals are typically made approximately two years prior to graduation. Decisions regarding appropriate referrals will be discussed as part of the transition planning during Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings.

Mental Health services are provided through two Base Service Units located in Delaware County. Crisis Intervention Services are available at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital and Crozer Chester Medical Center.

There are many other agencies available to provide support and assistance for unusual situations that may arise. Our School Social Worker is available to assist you with accessing any of the agencies discussed above or to identify other resources that may be needed.

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