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Nassau Student Handbook
This handbook was prepared as a procedural guide for the Nassau Elementary School. It discusses board policies and procedures at Nassau as well as academics, health services, school programs, parental involvement, and more.
If you have any questions about the handbook's content, feel free to contact the classroom teacher, the principal, or a site-based team member. We hope you will find this an easy reference guide to your school.
This is to verify that I have received a copy of the Spackenkill Union Free School District Nassau Elementary School student and parents handbook for the 2009-2010 school year and that I am knowledgeable of the rules and consequences set for within. I further verify that I have discussed these rules and consequences with my child.
We have also reviewed the contents of the
Student's Name________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
Home Phone__________________________________________________
Student Signature______________________________________________
Parent Signature_______________________________________________
Date_________________________________________________________
PLEASE RETURN TO MRS. SAMPLE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This handbook was compiled by the Site-Based Management Team to assist parents and children with the rules, procedures, and happenings at
SUBJECT PAGE #
Absences........................................................... 3
Acceptable Use Policy/Technology.................... 16
Activities........................................................... 12
Arrival and Dismissal......................................... 3
Assignment Notebooks...................................... 3
Bike Policy........................................................ 4
Breakfasts & Lunches........................................ 8
Bus procedures.................................................. 4
Calendar............................................................ 5
Clothing............................................................ 5
Communication Services for Hearing Impaired.. 10
Discipline Plan................................................... 5
District
Early Dismissal.................................................. 6
Emergency Planning.......................................... 6
Field/ Class Trips............................................... 7
Gum.................................................................. 7
Illnesses............................................................. 7
Response to Intervention Team......................... 7
Library.............................................................. 7
Lost and Found................................................. 8
Medication........................................................ 8
Music Programs................................................ 13
Notification of Rights Under FERPA & PPRA.. 22
PTA.................................................................. 9
Parent/Teacher Conferences............................... 9
Recess............................................................... 9
Registering New Students................................. 9
Report Cards.................................................... 10
Review of Records............................................ 19
School Closings/Emergencies............................ 10
Special Education.............................................. 10
Students' Code of Conduct............................... back of book
Telephone Numbers/Addresses.........................
Traffic Flow...................................................... 11
Withdrawing Students....................................... 12
Vacations.......................................................... 11
Visitors............................................................. 11
Volunteers........................................................ 11
NASSAU SCHOOL
463-7844
Union Free
The guiding principles shaping education in the
Therefore, we, the parents, school, and community, are committed to:
- The right and responsibility for all children to reach their fullest potential by the development of critical thinking skills, communication skills and problem solving skills through programs which require mastery and encourage attitudes that support lifelong learning.
- The right and responsibility of all children to create a good citizenry which recognizes individual differences and concern for others, encourages the growth of self-esteem and nurtures the human potential, contributing to a democratic society.
- The right and responsibility of all children to make responsible and fulfilling career choices and to apply these choices so that
PHONE DIRECTORY
Main Office 463-7810
Attendance Office 463-7815
Guidance Office 463-7822
Athletic Office 463-7824
Main Office 463-7830
Attendance/Guidance 463-7825
Main Office 463-7843
Nurse's Office 463-6390
Main Office 463-7840
Food Services 463-7836
District Office
Main Office 463-7800
Special Education 463-7808
Director of Curriculum 463-7800
Director of Facilities 463-7800
Transportation 463-7800
Web Site Address: www.spackenkillschools.org
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ABSENCES
New York State Law requires that parents or guardians of elementary school pupils be notified by their school district of the absence of their child from school (MISSING CHILDREN'S ACT, PARENT NOTIFICATION SECTION, 53984 GOODHUE - CHAPTER 617). Therefore, please be advised that in the event your child is absent from school and you have not notified the school of his/her absence, you have the right to be notified that your child is not in attendance.
It is requested that parents contact the school in the event of your child being ill or being late for school. An absence note on the day the child returns to classes is also required. Please state the day and reason for the absence. As there is a direct correlation between school attendance and academic achievement, it is urged that parents support children coming to school on time and regularly. In the case of an absence, parents may call the school and request that work is sent to the office to be picked up prior to 4 pm. or sent home with a sibling.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Classes are from 9:15 - 3:15. Students should not arrive at the school prior to 8:45 in the morning unless they have some scheduled activity within the school since personnel are not available for supervision. Students are permitted to go to their classrooms at 9:00. Students who arrive after 9:15 a.m. are late and must get a pass from the greeter in the main lobby. Parents are asked to please certain their child arrives on time. At the end of the school day, walkers are dismissed at 3:13, those students being picked up by parents or guardians are dismissed at 3:18 and buses leave at approximately 3:30. Please send in a note if there is any change in the usual dismissal routine. Parents picking up their children will wait in the cafeteria and will be asked to sign out their children and exit through the cafeteria doors.
ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS
Assignment notebooks are purchased by the school for use with all second, third, fourth and fifth grade students. A letter is sent to all parents or guardians of these students in the summer before they enter third, fourth or fifth grade describing the other items they need to complete the assignment notebook system. The system is designed to help students and parents or guardians keep track of assignments, improve organizational and study skills and improve communications between home and school.
BIKE POLICY - HELMETS MUST BE WORN
If your child rides a bike to school, encourage him/her to walk the bike down the sidewalk, upon entry and exit of the school property. Bikes are to be locked during the school day. If your child walks to school, be sure he/she walks on the sidewalks.
BUS
1. Bus Stop
Please arrive at the bus stop 10 minutes before it is scheduled to arrive. As bus safety is always a concern, please remember the following rules:
- Wait safely at the bus stop.
- Form a line when the bus is approaching.
- Board the bus safely.
- Find a seat and remain sitting for the duration of the trip.
- Respect the bus driver.
- Large items, glass, and sharp objects are not permitted on the bus.
- Voices must be kept at a level that allows drivers instructions to be heard.
Bus consequences:
First offense
The driver will point out the misconduct of the child and may assign a special
seat.
2. The driver may send a written referral to the principal who will discuss the
misconduct with the child. A loss of privilege may occur.
3. The parent or guardian will receive a written report of the misconduct and/or
request for a conference with the principal.
Second offense
- The driver will send a written behavioral referral to the principal. The parent
or guardian will be notified.
2. Loss of activity or a logical consequence will be determined to fit the offense
will occur.
3. A parent or guardian/principal conference will be held.
Third offense
- The child will be referred to the principal and the parent or guardian will be
called in for a conference.
2. The child will lose bus-riding privileges for one to five days. If the offense
warrants more than 5 days, a Superintendent's hearing may be held.
There are some behaviors that require more immediate consequences and those will be dealt with on an individual basis. Please know that a camera exists on each bus that can capture the conduct of students. This serves to assist us in the safety of students. Further transportation questions should be directed to Doreen Wright, 463-7800.
CALENDAR
See P.T.A. calendar, the Dialogue and www.spackenkillschools.org/nassau for a schedule of events.
CELL PHONES
Students are not allowed to display or use cell phones (for any purpose) during regular school hours. Additionally, as many phones now take photos, students are not to use this function at any time on school grounds in ways that may violate someone’s privacy, compromise academic integrity, or breach school security.
CLOTHING
School dress must be appropriate for the weather and not be a distraction to other students. Skirts and shorts must be no more than two inches above the knee. T-shirts must not display anything that distracts from the learning environment. Halter tops and tube tops are also not appropriate classroom attire. Sneakers are required for gym days and appropriate shoes for all other times. For safety reasons, high soles are not appropriate for gym. Flip flops and sandals present safety concerns on the playground. Please encourage your child to wear sneakers for playing on the equipment.
DISCIPLINE PLAN
The three main goals of this plan for each child to follow are:
1. I will listen and follow directions.
2. I will keep others and myself safe.
3. I will treat others and myself with respect and courtesy.
Consequences have been developed by the staff which are correlated with the
District-Wide Discipline Plan approved by the Superintendent and the Board of Education. When an offense is deemed more severe, steps of the discipline plan may skip some levels and be a direct referral to the principal.
First Offense (One will occur)
1. A child will be asked to stop, think, and discuss the misbehavior.
2. Time out will be assigned.
3. The child will be asked to demonstrate the correct behavior.
Second Offense (One will be selected)
1. Loss of activity for one day.
2. Logical consequence to fit the offense.
Third Offense (Both will be used)
1. Loss of activity for two days.
2. A parent or guardian/teacher/student conference will be held.
Fourth Offense
The child will be referred to the principal and the parent or guardian will come
in for a conference.
Possible consequences are:
- Detention after school or loss of activity for more than 2 days. This may
include suspension from attending field trips.
2. In-school suspension where students will remain isolated from their class.
All privileges will be taken away. Class assignments will be complete
3. Referrals will be made to appropriate support personnel.
4. Out of school suspension for one to five days. If more than 5 days are
warranted, a Superintendent's hearing may be held.
EARLY DISMISSAL
If your child has to leave during the day or before regular dismissal time, please remember to send a note in with them on that day. Please sign the child out with the greeter in the main lobby before leaving.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
It is important that you have a plan established with your children in the event of an emergency closing of the school. A system should be in place where your child can go to the home of a neighbor or friend.
The district’s School Messinger will notify all enrolled in case of an early closing due to weather related issues or mechanical malfunctions. It is critical to keep your phone numbers updated to ensure that calls are received.
FIELD/CLASS TRIPS
Field trips are experiences directly related to classroom studies. To provide this experience the school has established guidelines, which help to make for well-planned trips. Before any field trip, your child will be given a form, which includes the date of the trip, the date the note is to be returned and the destination of the trip. Students are expected to stay with their group and follow their chaperone's instructions. Field trips are a privilege and may be taken away as a possible disciplinary measure. If parents volunteer to assist on a field trip, they may not bring siblings along.
GUM
Gum is not allowed in school. The maintenance problem gum causes necessitates this rule.
ILLNESSES
There are times when a child will feel too sick to attend school. A child with fever, diarrhea, vomiting or symptoms of cold or flu would be much more comfortable and less contagious to others if he/she spends the day recuperating at home. A “reason for absence” note from the parent is required upon the child’s return to school. Parents may call Mrs. Ymbras, the School Nurse with questions or concerns regarding their child’s health (463-6390)
RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION TEAM
The Response to Intervention Team exists as a group of professionals who are available to assist classroom teachers and parents or guardians in resolving student difficulties. Assistance may include intervention suggestions, direct support services, consultation and/or evaluation services. The regular members of the team include the school nurse, principal, school psychologist, reading teacher, school social worker, speech/language pathologist, and the classroom teacher.
LIBRARY
The library's purpose is to provide resources for curriculum support, research, enrichment and leisure reading.
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A. Types of materials available for student use:
1. Reference books - most are available for overnight checkout - some are for
library use only.
2. Books in the general collection are signed out for one week at a time with
renewals possible on an as needed basis.
- Magazines - can be signed out by students in 3rd - 5th grade.
- Videos, DVD's, computer software and equipment are for teacher use only
except under special circumstances.
B. Accessibility to students
1. Students come with their class at assigned times during the week. They may
visit the library anytime during school hours as long as the librarian is
available.
2. Students may not be in the library without adult supervision.
C. Student responsibilities
1. A student's presence in the library indicates purposeful quiet work.
2. Students are to be considerate to others.
3. Students are expected to observe all school rules and library procedures.
4. Students must sign out all materials used.
5. Students with outstanding materials will not be allowed to sign out more
library materials but can use all materials during school hours.
6. Students are expected to take care of all library materials and are expected
to pay for all damaged or lost items. Students will be charged the cost of
replacing the item and a $3.00 processing fee.
BREAKFASTS AND LUNCHES
A notice is sent home at the beginning of the year explaining the qualifications for free or reduced prices for lunch. Tickets for 10 lunches are available for purchase. Breakfast is also available every morning. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch, also qualify for breakfast. Further questions should be directed to Mrs. Lisa French, 463-7836. In addition to the entrees listed on the school lunch menu, salads are available daily. Good nutrition is the goal of all involved in the School Lunch Program.
LOST AND FOUND
Parents or guardians are requested to put their child's name on all belongings. Any unmarked articles found will be placed in a box in the school lobby. Valuables found, like glasses, watches or wallets will be put in the office. These items will be discarded after a reasonable period of time.
MEDICATION
New York State Education law requires that medication (prescribed or over the counter) during the school day may be administered when:
- The prescribing physician writes a note indicating the name of the medication,
dosage and frequency.
2. The medication is delivered to school by the parent in its original prescription
bottle.
3. Unused medication may be returned to a child’s parent or discarded at the end
of the school year. Unfortunately, this includes inhalers and epipens. Please
remember to pick up your child’s medications from the health office before
the last day of school.
PTA - PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
An Executive Board of the District PTA heads the Spackenkill PTA. Hagan and
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences will be scheduled for the school year and attending these are wonderful opportunities to have an informative exchange with the teacher and the parents.
RECESS
Outside recess is provided daily. Children go out in winter as well, so please see that they are properly dressed. Children are only exempt from outdoor activities if they have a doctor's note. During the winter, we have sleds for our students to use during recess. However, they must be properly dressed to use them, including snow pants, boots, hats and gloves. Certain types of shoes may also be inappropriate for playing at recess. Sandals, high-soled shoes and flip-flops are not allowed if a student is using the playground equipment.
REGISTERING NEW STUDENTS
Proof of residence, birth certificate and immunization records are required for registration and a screening will be done for appropriate placement. The school registration form will need to be notarized. Contact the school office for further information.
REPORT CARDS
Report Cards are issued throughout the year to serve as an additional vehicle for communication between school and home. Supplemental Scholarship Reports may also be used to inform parents of student’s progress. Teachers and or Parents may request Parent-Teacher conferences at any time during the year.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS/WEATHER EMERGENCIES
In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather, School Messinger will contact all those who are signed up for this service. Additionally, the following radio stations will announce closings and or delays:
WEOK, WKIP, WPDH, WHVW, WBNR, WSPK, WCZX, WRWD, WGYN,
WHUD, Z93, television station WRNN-TV 62, WRRV, and
Cancellations.com.
It is important to have an alternate place for your child to go in the event school is dismissed early and you are unable to be at home. Please inform the school of these arrangements.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
A full range of special education services is available for students who require such services and accommodations to meet their educational needs. If you suspect that your child may have a disability that requires accommodations or special education services, talk to your child's teacher, the school principal or contact the district's Pupil Personnel Director. The office is located at the District Office in
COMMUNICATION SERVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED
The
TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES & EMERGENCY CARDS
It is most important that we have the correct address and telephone number of each child. Please notify the school if you have a change of address, a change of your telephone number, a new work number and any changes in emergency numbers.
TRAFFIC FLOW
Please remember our safety guidelines for the use of the school driveway. The traffic pattern should flow in a loop. Cars should enter the driveway at the top of the loop next to the building and exit at the bottom of the loop, near the fence. There will be staff present in the morning to assist with the safe arrival. While following this pattern, please watch for stopped school buses that may be loading or unloading students. It is against the law to pass the bus if red flashing lights are on.
There is a high correlation between success in school and attendance. We all need to impress on the students the importance of school. Parents or guardians are urged to schedule vacations for times when the school is closed and not while classes are being held. Students are expected to make up all work that was done in their absence. Students who take vacations while school is in session must be recorded with illegal absences.
VISITORS
All parents, guardians and other adult visitors are welcome to
Students visiting from other schools are discouraged because of the disruption that may occur. Children are not allowed as guests during school hours.
VOLUNTEERS
Parents or guardians and other community people are invited to participate in the school's programs whenever possible. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available and your classroom teacher will inform you of these early in the school year. If you plan to volunteer in the classrooms, please make arrangements for siblings. Volunteers should stop at the office, sign the volunteer's book and receive a Visitor's Pass. All school volunteers’ names are given to the Board of Education for approval. This is mandatory for you to participate in any school activities in the beginning of the year as a chaperone or room parent.
WITHDRAWING STUDENTS
Please notify the school office as soon as possible when you anticipate withdrawing a student. All school materials, such as textbooks, library books and equipment need to be returned before a student leaves.
Throughout the year,
BIKE RODEO
Bike Rodeo at
BOOK FAIR – This is held twice annually and sponsored by P.T.A. This event allows the children and parents or guardians to purchase new books. It is also a fund-raiser for P.T.A. and the company that supplies the books also donates free books to the library based on the quantity of books sold.
CLASS PARTIES - In most grades, the teachers and room parents coordinate parties for Halloween, Valentines Day and a
FAMILY FUN DAY - Once a year, in June, the Nassau P.T.A. sponsors a Family Fun Day. It’s a time to get together to relax and have fun. There is entertainment, refreshments, and many outdoor games to play. It is held from 4:00 p.m. to dusk at the school. Students, friends, family, teachers and staff are welcome. However, children may not come unattended.
FIELD DAYS - Held annually in June, each class participates in a day of individual and class activities. The physical education teacher coordinates the day and refreshments are provided by P.T.A.
FIELD TRIPS – These trips are coordinated by class teachers as an extension of the curriculum. P.T.A. subsidizes and provides chaperones when necessary. Permission slips are required for students to attend.
FUNDRAISERS - Fundraisers are held by the P.T.A. to help support various aspects of the elementary program. The P.T.A. sponsors many activities and awards such as the P.A.R.P. program, assembly program speakers, subsidizes expenditures for class trips, subsidizes expenditures for the school play, cast party, book fair entertainment, Skins and Skulls, Teamwork Counts, Super Sleuth, 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, Family Fun Day, Geography Bee Awards, Reflection Awards, Field Day Awards, Science Fair Awards, Corey Simpson Award, Sanford Howard Award, etc. There are many other things supported by the P.T.A. that are not mentioned. Families are asked to participate when possible.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (4th and 5th Grades) - Evening programs are conducted each year in the fall and spring explaining the physical changes that occur in adolescence. The School Nurse/Teachers from
KINDERGARTEN SCREENING - P.T.A. provides assistance in screening the incoming kindergarten students.
MUSIC PROGRAM
ALL COUNTY - Instrumental and vocal students are chosen on the basis of ability to perform with other county students in a concert.
BAND - Students in grades 4-5 are eligible to participate in band lessons. These small group lessons are given once a week for thirty minutes during the school day. Beginners participate in a Spring Concert and have rehearsals during the school day.
During the second year of lessons, students also participate in the Elementary Band, which rehearses one day a week before the beginning of the school day.
Students are encouraged to begin lessons during these two grades, as it becomes more difficult to begin in later years due to scheduling difficulties.
ORCHESTRA/STRINGS - Students in grades 3-5 are eligible to participate in the strings program. Lessons are given once a week during class time. Rental instruments is also available. Students enrolled in orchestra/strings are expected to participate when practice is scheduled.
CHORISTERS - Members are selected from students in grades 3-5 and are expected to actively participate for the full year, barring extenuating circumstances.
CONCERTS - School chorus, orchestra/strings, and band members participate in two major concerts. A holiday concert is held in December and district-wide concert is held in the spring. These are held at the High School Auditorium.
NYSSMA - New York State School Music Association hosts competition for band, orchestra, and chorus members. Participation is based on student ability determined by music teachers.
CURRICULUM NIGHT/OPEN HOUSE - Held annually at the beginning of the school year, parents or guardians are invited to meet with the teachers who will provide an overview of the curriculum and expectations for the year. We have two nights for this; K-2 on one night and 3-5 on the other night. Refreshments are provided by P.T.A. Because of the nature of this presentation, children are not permitted to attend. Parents can also sign up for volunteering, for teacher conferences, and for classroom parties during these open houses.
P.A.R.P. - Parents As Reading Partners - is a reading program designed to encourage families to share the joy of reading on a daily basis. It is hoped that this will instill a love of reading and establish life long leisure reading habits. The program is a cooperative endeavor that involves the P.T.A., the students and their families, the teachers and the entire school community. The month long celebration of reading is fun, exciting and rewarding. Many special activities and events occur during this month and weekly packets full of ideas and hints are sent home.
ROOM PARENTS - P.T.A. volunteers from each class assist the teacher in planning class parties, picnics, and any other function where the teacher or P.T.A needs parent participation.
SCHOOL PICTURES - Sponsored by P.T.A. each fall, photographers come to each of the schools to take individual and class pictures of all of the students. The parents or guardian may purchase pictures and participation is optional. Pictures are also included in the school's Memory Book. There may also be an opportunity for spring pictures.
SCHOOL PLAY - These are put on annually and involve 4th and 5th graders with a theme involving music and dancing.
SCHOOL STORE - A school store is available every Friday during lunch periods. Students may purchase various school materials during this time.
SCIENCE FAIR - Primarily for students in the 5th grade, this is an opportunity for children to engage in the scientific process. Participation in this event is held during the month of March. The event supports
STAFF APPRECIATION - The P.T.A. also has periods of appreciation for the Board of Education, the teachers, and the staff. P.T.A. provided a luncheon for office staff during Secretaries' Week. The day is determined at the convenience of the staff.
SHARPE TRIP - Each year the 5th grade students of
SITE BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM - A State mandated Committee organized to set goals aimed at improving the quality of education, discipline, and parent or guardian-teacher communication. The Committee consists of the principal, teachers and P.T.A. representatives. Terms for committee members (except principal) are for two years.
SUMMER LIBRARY - During the summer, the library is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for about four weeks.
STATE TESTS - The New York State Education Department now requires testing in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. All of these students are tested in English Language Arts and Math. 4th graders are also given the Science test while 5th graders are additionally tested in Social Studies.
1. Develop and strengthen strategies which will support success in school,
while meeting
2. Reduce academic loss over the summer months.
3. Familiarize students with state standards and assessments.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM - The Summer Enrichment Program is typically for four weeks, each session is one week long and 3 1/2 hours per day, with offerings for children from incoming kindergartners to eighth graders. The classes include fun activities in the areas of arts and crafts, computers, dramatics, reading, math, science, and physical activity.
Information and registration materials are distributed to parents or guardians in the early spring to allow summer planning.
TALENTED AND GIFTED (TAG) PROGRAM/ENRICHMENT PROGRAM –
All students in grades K - 3 participate in a challenging enrichment program designed collaboratively between the classroom teacher and the TAG (Talented and Gifted) teacher. Instruction is held within the regular classroom. Those in grades 4 & 5, who have been screened and identified as high ability students, attend pullout TAG classes two - three times a week. The identification criterion includes results from the
The TAG program also offers a variety of special adjunct enrichment programs open to all students. These adjunct topics are evaluated each year to determine if they will be continued or if new ones will be considered. They include:
- Math enrichment for students in grades 1-3. Each school year students are selected by his/her classroom teacher based upon classroom performance and standardized test scores.
- Continental Math League - A nationwide program that involves a series of math tests taken by students in grades 3-5. Students must qualify for the program. Awards are given to the top three in each grade.
- Geography Bee - This event is held for students in Grades 4-5 and is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. A preliminary competition is held in each classroom to determine a class winner. These winners compete in a school-wide competition. The school winner is eligible to compete in a statewide competition.
- Math Carnival – Students in the 4/5 TAG program create math games and host a carnival-like event. All students in grades 3 – 5 participate in playing the games. District PTA funds this event.
- Odyssey of the Mind - OM is an international, creative, problem-solving competition. All students in grades 3 through 12 may participate in tryouts to be on the seven member teams, which are coached by volunteer parents/guardians or teachers. Teams practice for the Regional Competition (
- Starlab – A portable planetarium is brought in for students in grades 3 and 5. The stars, constellations and Greek mythology are studied.
- Teamwork Counts – This is an annual event for fifth grade students of Hagan and Nassau. They work in groups consisting of students from both schools. Stations are set up for teams to work on a variety of problem solving activities. Parent volunteers run the various stations.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY/TECHNOLOGY
The Spackenkill Board of Education is committed to the optimization of student learning and teaching and, therefore, encourages the use of computers and networked resources, including the Internet (an international network made up of smaller contributing networks). The Board encourages computer network use as an integral part of the curriculum. Through software applications, on-line databases, libraries, bulletin boards and electronic mail, the network will enhance educational experience and provide statewide, national, and global communications opportunities for staff and students.
The use of school computers, software, network resources and/or the Internet for non-educational purposes, such as for profit activity, personal business or illegal activity, is prohibited.
Each student or staff member, who wishes to use the various schools' networks, must establish a user (ID) account. It is our effort to assure the integrity of the use of the network and Internet in the
Any account user who, after due process has been afforded, is determined to have used district computers, networked information resources and/or the Internet in violation of this Policy and its Administrative Procedure may have his/her user account suspended and/or revoked. Also, a breach of the terms of this Policy and Administrative Procedures may result in disciplinary action consistent with applicable laws and regulations, the Student Code of Conduct and collective bargaining agreements. A breach of the terms of this Policy and Administrative Procedures shall result in a referral to appropriate law enforcement officials where the breach involves suspected illegal or criminal activities.
Users acknowledge that in the course of using the Internet, there may occur interruptions in service beyond the control of the District, which may result in the loss of data, information or files. The District disclaims any and all responsibility for loss of data, information or files, caused by such service interruptions.
Users shall not use the Internet for any purpose that would violate any District Policy and/or regulation, or that would violate any State or Federal law or regulation.
Administrative Procedures
General: A user account issued pursuant to District Policy and these Administrative Procedures may be suspended or revoked in the event of a breach of any of the provisions set forth below. A breach of the terms of the District Policy and these Administrative Procedures may also result in disciplinary action against the user consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, any applicable collective bargaining agreement, and State and Federal laws and regulations, and, where the breach is suspected to be illegal, referral to appropriate law enforcement officials.
Responsibility: An individual user is not permitted to damage or tamper with computers, computer systems, networks, or other user's folders, work or files. Due to the wide availability of services and information on the Internet, some of which may be potentially offensive to certain groups of users, the individual user must be responsible for his/her actions in navigating the network.
Privacy: Although users may possess privacy rights with respect to their electronic mail transmissions, they acknowledge that the network administrator may periodically need to review on-line activities in the course of performing routine maintenance of the system. Users further acknowledge that if they are suspected of having violated this policy or any other District policy, rule and/or regulation, or any law, in any manner, the network administrator and/or appropriate school official may require access to their files to review on-line activities.
The District, and/or any of its agents and employees who review on-line activities of account holders suspected of having violated this policy, shall not be subject to any claims arising out of such review of on-line activities.
Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the network involves many users. Anyone identifying a security problem on the Internet must notify a network administrator.
Network Etiquette (Netiguette): Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to: being polite, not being abusive in messages to others; using appropriate language, not swearing and not using vulgarities. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
Copyright: Users must respect all copyright issues regarding software and attributions of authoring. The unauthorized copying or transfer of copyrighted materials may result in the suspension or revocation of a user's account.
Improper Use: Users shall not post, send, transmit, publish, download, upload, copy, print or otherwise disseminate information containing any advertising or solicitation of other members to use goods and services that are not for school-related purposes. Users shall not use an account to conduct business or activity which is prohibited by law. The District shall not be responsible for any financial obligation that may arise from a user's unauthorized use of the technology.
Communicating: When using the District's computers and networked information resources, all users should use language appropriate in the school context. Profanity, obscenity, vulgar or sexually offensive language is prohibited.
Users must respect the rights of others and be mindful of the age and maturity of those with whom they are communicating.
Information on Other Systems on the Internet: Some systems contain information that contains defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, pornographic, age-inappropriate and otherwise offensive, threatening, inflammatory, hate-promoting, violence-promoting, anti-social, or illegal materials. The
Use of Network for Illegal Activities: Users shall not tamper with, vandalize, read, modify, edit, delete or otherwise engage in unauthorized use of other users' files.
Safety: Any user who receives harassing, threatening, or unwelcome communications should immediately bring them to the attention of the teacher or principal.
Due Process: Any student user who is suspected of using the Internet in a manner that would violate this policy or any other District policy, rule and/or regulation, or would violate any State or Federal law or regulation, will be notified of the alleged violation and provided with an opportunity to respond to and discuss the allegations.
Any staff user who is suspected of using the Internet in a manner that would violate this policy or any other District policy, rule and/or regulation, or would violate any State or Federal law or regulation, will be notified of the alleged violation and provided with an opportunity to respond to and discuss the allegation in a manner consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS OR GUARDIANS AND ELIGIBLE STUDENTS OF RIGHTS REGARDING STUDENT RECORDS
The “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974” (FERPA”) protects student and family privacy, and protects access to children’s education records. This document provides information regarding your rights under FERPA.
Section 1. Pursuant to FERPA, it shall be the policy of this school district with respect to parents or guardians of a student under 18 years of age and with respect to students 18 years of age or older (an “eligible student”) to permit such persons to inspect and review any and all official records, files and data directly related to that student, including all materials that are incorporated into each student’s cumulative record folder, and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system, and specifically including, but not ecessarily limited to, identifying data, academic work completed, level of achievement (grades, standardized achievement test scores), attendance data, scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests, interest inventory results, health data, family background information, teacher or counselor ratings and observations, and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.
Section 2. Parents or guardians of a student under 18 years of age or an eligible student shall have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of that student’s school records, to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of students, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any such inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein.
Section 3. In order to implement the rights provided for in Sections 1 and 2 hereof, the following procedures are adopted:
1. A parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age or an eligible student shall make a request for access to that student’s school records, in writing, to the Superintendent of Schools. Upon receipt of such request, arrangements shall be made to provide access to such records within 45 days after the request has been received.
2. A parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age or an eligible student, who wishes to challenge the contents of that student’s school records, shall submit a request, in writing, identifying the record or records which they believe to be inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student together with a statement with the reasons for their challenge to the record to the Superintendent.
3. Upon receipt of a written challenge, the Superintendent shall provide a written response indicating either that he/she finds the challenged record inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation and it will be corrected or deleted, or that he/she finds no basis for correcting or deleting the record in question, but that the parent/guardian or eligible student will be given an opportunity for a hearing. Such written response by the Superintendent shall be provided the parent/guardian or eligible student within 14 days after receipt of the written challenge. Said response shall also outline the procedures to be followed with respect to a hearing, if desired by the parent/guardian or eligible student.
4. Within 14 days of receipt of the response from the Superintendent, a parent/guardian or eligible student may request, in writing, that a hearing be held to review the determination of the Superintendent.
Section 4. Student records, and any material contained herein which is personally identifiable, are confidential and may not be released or made available to persons other than parents/guardians or students without the written consent of parents/guardians of students 18 years of age or younger. Such records and material may be made available without the written consent of parents/guardians or eligible students in the following cases:
1. To other school officials, including teachers within the district who have
legitimate educational interests;
2. To officials of another agency or institution that has requested the records;
3. To authorized representatives of certain designated federal and state
agencies, including state educational authorities, for the purpose of the audit
and in connection with the enforcement of federal legal requirements;
4. In connection with a student’s application for or receipt of financial aid;
5. Pursuant to court order or subpoena, after reasonable effort to notify the
parent/guardian or eligible student (unless the subpoena is issued for a law
enforcement purpose and the court or other issuing agency has ordered that
the existence or contents of the subpoena or the information furnished in
response to the subpoena not be disclosed);
- The disclosure is information designated by the district as “directory
information”; and
7. The district may disclose personally identifiable information from education
records to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if the
knowledge or information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the
student or other individuals.
Section 5. Whenever a student record or any material contained therein is to be made available to third persons, other than those covered by the exceptions indicated in Section 4 hereof, the parent or guardian of a student under 18 years of age or an eligible student must file a written consent to such action and any third party to whom such records have been made available must sign a written statement that he will not further release such records without the consent of the parent/guardian or eligible student.
Section 6. All persons requesting access to such records except for those persons provided for in subdivision 1 of Section 4 hereof, state agencies provided for in subdivision 3 of Section 4 hereof and those persons provided for in subdivision 5 of Section 4 hereof shall be required to sign a written form which indicates a legitimate educational or other interest that such person has in inspecting the records. Such form shall be kept with the student’s file.
Section 7. Whenever the district is requested to forward a student’s school records to an institution where the student seeks to enroll, the following procedures shall be followed:
1. A student’s school records, including health records, shall be forwarded to
the school from which such a request is made upon the receipt of a request
by the appropriate administrator of the requesting district.
2. The prior written consent of the student’s parents/guardians or eligible
student shall not be necessary. However, upon the forwarding of the
student’s records, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student or eligible
student shall be notified in writing that the records have been transferred.
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA AND PPRA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and student over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents, or eligible students, should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents, or eligible students, may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent, or eligible student, when the request is made.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. Upon request, the school discloses education records, with consent, to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school 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,
5. The right to request that Student Directory Information be withheld. Additionally, military recruiters, upon appropriate request, will be provided access to secondary school students’ names, addresses and telephone listings unless parents notify the District, in writing at the commencement of the school year, that they do not wish such information be provided to military recruiters without their prior written consent.
The purpose of establishing directory information is to avoid the need to obtain individual parent consent each time the District might wish to recognize individual student or group accomplishments. Directory information is considered public information and may be distributed without obtaining prior parental consent.
Parents, or guardians, who do not wish to have their child included within the directory information, as described above, are to annually notify the Office of the Superintendent, in writing, within two weeks of the publication of this notice. Parents/guardians may object to any or all of the five items listed above. No information, which has been objected to in writing, will be distributed without prior consent from the parent or guardian.
If you have any questions regarding the access to student information, please contact the Superintendent’s office.
PPRA
In Accordance with the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act, the
1. Third party surveys - Parents shall have the right, upon request, to inspect a third party (non-U. S. Department of Education) survey before the surveys administered are distributed by the District to students.
2. In the event that a third party survey contains any of the following types of information:
a. political affiliations, or beliefs, of the student or the student’s parent;
b. mental and psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
c. sex behavior or attitudes;
d. illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating; demeaning behavior;
e. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close
family relationships;
f. legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships such as those of
lawyers, physicians and ministers;
g. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student with student’s
parent;
h. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for
participation in the program or for receiving financial assistance under such
program).
then the District will protect the privacy of the student in the event of administration of such a test, including by allowing parents to inspect the survey prior to administration and by advising the students that their responses should contain no personally identifiable information. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any survey administered to a student in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
3. Parents shall have the right to inspect, upon request, instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for students. The request should be made, in writing, and directed to the Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction & Technology. The response will be provided within a reasonable period of time from the date of receipt of the request. Instructional materials include material provided to a student regardless of format including printed or representational materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the internet). The term does not include academic tests or academic assessments.
4. With regard to administration of physical examinations or screening that may be administered to students, parents have the opportunity to opt out of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance and administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance and not necessary to protect immediate health and safety of the student, or other students. For these purposes, “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves exposure of private body parts, or any act or such examination that includes incision, insertion or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening. Additionally, this paragraph does not apply to any examinations or screening permitted without parental notification.
5. The District will not provide personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or selling.
6. The parent shall have the right to inspect, upon written request, any instrument used in the collection of personal identifiable information from students that may be used for marketing or selling.
7. The District will provide annual notification to parents that they have the right to “opt out” of third-party surveys as described in paragraph “II” or physical examinations or screening as described in paragraph “IV”, and activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing for selling the information, or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose.
