Welcome to the Avon Grove
Intermediate School
This handbook contains valuable information
that outlines many policies and procedures of the school. We urge you and your parents to read the
handbook carefully and be aware of its contents. This information will be helpful in assisting
you to have an enjoyable experience at the
AGSD
Through a collaborative effort with
students, parents and the community, students are provided with a safe learning
environment where they are individually challenged to acquire the knowledge,
skills and experiences to personally succeed and become responsible citizens in
our global society.
AGSD Vision
All students achieve individual excellence.
AGSD Shared Values
Expectations for student learning...
·
Every
student will learn.
·
Everyone
is responsible for every student's learning. Every student is entitled to
engage in high quality learning opportunities for individualized success every
day.
·
Students
will respond positively to student-centered expectations for high achievement
in scholarship and citizenship.
Expectations for professional practices...
·
Teachers
will engage students in high-quality, student-centered teaching and learning.
·
Teachers
are inventors, mentors, and role models who positively affect students.
·
District
leadership will empower and support staff so they can provide high quality
educational opportunities.
Relationship among stakeholders...
·
Respect,
trust, and collaboration characterize how we interact with one another.
·
Parents
and the community are responsible to assist the school in providing students
the support needed to succeed.
This environment is one in
which the students learn how to search for, analyze, and utilize information
which leads them to engage in critical thinking. The students are challenged to
learn how to learn, with the teacher acting as a guide and facilitator in this
process.
It is essential to maintain
open lines of communication among school, family and community. Open communication,
mutual respect and active involvement by school, family and community will
enhance a child’s school experiences and help to establish the environment
needed for a child to become a successful student.
Parents need to be aware of
individual goals set for their child and understand that these goals will be
realistic. We believe that the students should be taught at their own
instructional level regardless of grade placement in order to enable each child
to achieve his/her highest potential. Ongoing formal and informational
evaluations need to be reported with these levels and goals in mind.
It is our belief that only
when children have both self-respect and respect for others can they utilize
their assets to the best of their ability. To reach this end, the children will
take part in activities that involve cooperation and, at the same time, foster
self-esteem.
In order to successfully
instruct and interact with all students, staff members need to be
child-centered individuals who are able to use multi-dimensional instructional
approaches. To keep our staff on the cutting edge of education, individuals are
kept abreast on innovative, successful methods of instruction.
A primary purpose of the
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The
The academic school
day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m.
However, students are expected to be in their homerooms by 8:25 a.m.
ready to listen to the morning announcements, take attendance, begin
instructional time, or proceed to specials that begin at 8:30 a.m. If you are driving
your student to school, please have your child here by the 8:25 bell. Anyone
who arrives in their homeroom after 8:25 a.m. disrupts the opening exercises
and will be considered late.
ADMISSION POLICY
All students attending an elementary school in the
(In accordance with Avon
Grove School District Policy 204)
Attendance
is essential for success at school.
Every effort should be made to attend school each day it is in session. You will receive an automated
call from our Edulink system each time your child is marked absent.
The following are the only reasons that a student
will be excused from school:
a. Illness
b. Death in the immediate family
c. Religious holidays
d. Health care appointments
e. Educational family trips *
f. Urgent family reasons
g. Court appearances
*Every attempt should be made to schedule
vacations/trips around the school calendar.
Requests for trips must be made in writing at least one week in
advance of the absence and must be sent directly to the building principal
for preapproval.
Students
who are absent must bring a signed note from a parent or guardian (please
include the student's name, the date(s) of absence, and the reason for the
absence) upon returning to school. Excuse notes must be received within three (3) days.
An
absence will become unlawful if no written excuse is brought in within 3 days
of the students return to school.
A maximum of ten parental excuses may be
provided per school year. Once a student
has reached 10 parental excuses, all remaining notes must be from a doctor or
the absences will be considered unlawful.
An
excessive number of absences (excused or unexcused) hampers
your child’s academic performance. After
an accumulation of three (3) unexcused absences, you are liable for legal
action.
A student
must be present in school for at least half
of a
regular school day in order to participate in any school-related
activity.
Lateness to school:
A student's lateness will be
excused for illness, health care appointments, or urgent family problems. A student entering homeroom after 8:25 a.m.
is considered late for school and must report to the office and have
a signed note from their parent/guardian upon arrival. If a student accumulates more than three
unexcused tardies, disciplinary action may follow.
Early Dismissal:
For
an early dismissal a student must either (A) bring a signed note from a
parent/guardian stating the reason for early dismissal and a number where the
parent/guardian can be reached, or (B) be signed out be the parent/guardian
from the attendance office. Fax/email
notes are not acceptable. Except in
emergency circumstances, oral permission over the phone will not meet this
requirement. In the case of an emergency,
fax or email notes may be accepted, provided the parent/guardian contacts the
school by telephone prior to dismissal time. Students will not be dismissed early except
for emergencies and doctor appointments.
The
parent/guardian must come into the school to sign out the student. Under NO circumstances are students permitted
to leave school grounds without being signed out. The student will not be
dismissed from class until the parent/guardian arrives. If
someone other than the parent is to pick up the student, this is to be so noted
on the excuse and there must be a phone number on the note where the parent can
be reached during the day. Individuals
are required to verify their identity in the main office prior to the release
of a student.
Students are not permitted in the
building or on school grounds after normal school hours without proper
supervision and purpose.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS USE
A Facilities Use Permit is required before use of buildings and grounds. Applications may be obtained from the school office. Please check with Gail Ferrigno for available times and locations before submitting to the principal for initial approval.
A monthly menu is sent home with every student. Students may buy their
lunch in the cafeteria or bring lunch from home. We encourage healthy lunches. NO
sodas are permitted. The cafeteria aides will encourage students to eat all that is
brought from home. Snacks are available
for students to purchase after finishing their lunch.
All food that is purchased must be eaten and may not
be taken out of the cafeteria.
Unless otherwise planned, students are to eat
lunch in the school with their assigned grade level. For the purpose of
security, no visiting adult is permitted in the lunch or recess areas.
Applications for free or reduced cost lunch programs
are sent home with every student at the beginning of each school year. Extra
forms are available from any school office if a change in circumstance occurs
during the year. Information and downloadable applications for Free and Reduced
Meals are also provided on the Food Service webpage
The cafeteria requires a
physician's note if your child has an allergy that requires him/her to make any
substitutions (e.g.
no dairy products).
Information may be obtained from the nurse’s office or on the Food
Service webpage.
Purchasing Breakfast and Lunch
Students will purchase breakfast or lunch using pin numbers. Students will use their assigned pin numbers every year they attend Avon Grove School District. Students may pay each day they buy breakfast or lunch or they may pay ahead creating a credit account. Avon Grove School District offers the Mealpay Plus program. Using Mealpay Plus enables you to view your child’s meal account, track purchases for up to 30 days, and make prepayments to your child’s meal account. More information is available on the Food Service webpage. Free and reduced price meals are available to families who qualify.
ALLOWABLE
SCHOOL MEAL CHARGES IN ELEMENTARY GRADES (K-8)
Students in grades K
thru 8 who do not have money to pay for their breakfast, lunch or milk will be allowed to charge or debit
their meal account. A maximum of $6.60
per student is allowed for charges.
Students will never be denied a meal.
After the account reaches the charge limit of $6.60 the student will be
given a choice of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or cheese sandwich along
with a piece of fruit and white milk for lunch; for breakfast the student will
receive cereal, fruit and white milk. Meal charges will continue to accrue for
each meal received. The cafeteria cannot deny receipt
of a current meal to pay for a past due account when the child is either
prepaying or pays on a daily basis. Negative balance reminder letters
will be sent home on a weekly basis. At
the end of May each school year, announcements regarding due dates for payments
will be made, reminder notifications will be sent and meal charges will be
prohibited.
Students in grades
K thru 8 who do not have money to pay for an a la carte snack item are not
permitted to charge or debit their meal account. Students with a negative
balance will not be permitted to purchase any a la carte snack items until the
charges are paid. Please refer
questions regarding this policy to the Kitchen Manager. Cashiers are not
permitted to authorize additional charges.
DRESS CODE
Students are expected to
dress and groom themselves neatly, in clothes that are appropriate for school
activities. School attire must meet
reasonable standards of cleanliness, not endanger the student or
public health, not be substantially disruptive to the educational process, and meet reasonable
standards of appropriateness.
Offensive or obscenely
inscribed apparel or any clothing that is substantially disruptive to the
learning process is UNACCEPTABLE.
No apparel displaying, depicting or promoting violence, alcohol, drug or
tobacco advertisements are permitted, as we are a drug free school.
APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR STUDENTS is as follows:
·
No excessively torn or mutilated clothing.
·
SHORTS/SLACKS/JEANS - The length of shorts should be age and activity
appropriate. Low rider pants/shorts that fall below the
hips must be secured with a belt. No
torn holes in the knees or elsewhere on the slacks or jeans. No frayed clothing that has unstitched
hems.
·
SKIRTS/DRESSES –No frayed clothing that
has unstitched hems. The hem of skirts/dresses
should be age and activity appropriate.
·
SHIRTS – No fish net, revealing
necklines, half shirts (bare midriff), see through clothing (without proper
undergarments), tie straps, halters, inappropriate T-shirts, muscle or tank
tops. (All shirt straps are to cover the
shoulder and be approximately 2” in width and the shirt/blouse must hang below
the waistline. In PE, midriff must not
be exposed when arms are raised above the head). Shirts must be buttoned and, if longer than
shorts or pants, tucked in. Midriffs
and/or undergarments are not to be exposed at any time.
·
FOOTWEAR – No rubber
flip-flops. No bare feet. No loose laces (shoes must be secured on
feet). No sneakers with wheels.
·
Hats/bandannas/head coverings are not to be worn in class/building.
·
For health reasons, students are not to wear coats, jackets or windbreakers in the classroom. Teachers/teams
should use discretion if the classroom is cold.
·
Sunglasses may not be worn or in view
(around neck, head) while in school.
·
Pajamas/bedroom slippers are
not permitted unless it is a designated Pajama Day.
·
No face paints unless it is a designated Costume Day.
·
Any accessory or apparel, which could constitute a
potential safety hazard or substantially disrupt the educational environment
for the student or peers, is prohibited.
(No stickers on skin).
STUDENTS MUST
FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES or parents will be called to bring appropriate
clothes. Students will not be permitted
to attend classes with inappropriate clothing.
Individual classes may have a separate dress code based on the
particular classroom activities.
The
school administration reserves the right to determine whether a student’s
attire is within the limits of decency and modesty. Any exceptions to the dress code shall be
approved by the building principal or his/her designee.
The
Avon Grove School District uses a Web-based parent phone contact system (PPCS).
This system enables administrators to contact parents by phone to share
important District wide reminders and news updates, as well as school-specific
information. The school district also uses the PPCS calling feature to announce
weather-related school closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals. Such
announcements will still be communicated through radio and television stations
and on the District’s web page.
One
call per family will be made to the home number only for school or District
wide event reminders and similar routine notifications. For emergencies and
weather-related announcements, district officials can use the system to contact
multiple phone numbers per household, including home numbers and parents’ cell
phones. The system is able to make rapid notifications.
Avon
Grove’s school nurses send emergency contact information cards home with each
student at the beginning of the school year. This contact information is
entered into our student information system and is used to contact parents for
individual student concerns, such as when a child becomes ill at school. The
contact information will also be used for making phone notifications through
the Web-based parent phone contact system.
It
is important for parents and guardians to verify the information on their
child’s emergency card is current and to make updates if necessary. Parents and
guardians should return the cards to their child’s school as soon as possible
so our records can be updated.
If
a child’s address, parent phone number(s), e-mail or other contact information
changes during the school year, parents should notify the school.
Serious weather conditions or other
emergencies may make it necessary to close school, delay the opening of school,
or dismiss students early. In any one of these cases, announcements will be
made on local radio stations,
Television Stations:
Channel 3-KYW
Channel 6-WPVI
Channel 10-WCAU
Channel 29-WXTF
Radio Stations:
KYW 1060AM
WCHE 1520 AM
WDEL 1150 AM www.wdel.com
WSTW 93.7 FM www.wstw.com
WJBR 99.5 FM www.wjbr.com
In the event of an emergency school closing,
students will be sent home via the school bus.
Our children need to know what to do when they get home in the event
that you are not home to greet them. Please discuss the appropriate
arrangements with your child prior to any unforeseen emergency situation. Due
to the number of students that we serve, coupled with addressing circumstances
of an emergency situation, it is not possible to make individual phone calls to
parents and /or guardians.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE CARDS
The emergency medical information card is given to
students on the first day of school.
This card must be completely filled out and returned immediately. Should your child have an accident or a
serious illness, this information is necessary to reach parents/guardian. In addition, this information is used for our
automated parent phone calling system, which provides parents/guardians with
essential information. If during the
school year any information needs to be updated on the emergency medical
information card, please notify a school secretary.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students
are encouraged to participate in the many extracurricular activities sponsored
by the school. Along with the privilege
of participating in these activities comes the responsibility of demonstrating
a spirit of cooperation and exhibiting appropriate behavior. Students who wish to participate in any such
activities must demonstrate a spirit of cooperation, a willingness to meet the
standards set forth by the sponsor(s) and act responsibly at all times. Students who fail to meet the expected
standards will not be permitted to continue and/or practice in the activity for
the period designated by the sponsor(s).
Students must have a
parent/guardian permission note each time they stay for an after school
activity. Students that do not have a
permission slip will not be permitted to stay for that activity and will be
sent home on the bus.
A student must be present in school for half
of a regular school day in order to participate in any school-related activity.
Students
who participate in a school related evening school activity (i.e. dances,
activity nights, etc.) will have a 15-minute time frame at the conclusion of
the activity in which to be picked up by a parent or guardian. Failure to do so will prohibit the student
from attending the next scheduled evening activity.
FIELD
TRIPS
Field
trips for educational purposes and aligned to our curriculum will be sponsored
throughout the school year. When a teacher plans a field trip, a District
permission slip must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned by the
deadline, or the student will not be allowed to go on the trip. Conduct on these trips will be such that a
favorable impression of your school will be left with the people you meet. School rules apply at all times during field
trips. All field trip chaperones are required to have valid clearances. Forms for clearances are available on the
website. Teachers will communicate to
parents regarding chaperone selection.
Each building is required to hold at least one
fire drill each month. In addition
several other types of drills including inclement weather drills and lockdown
drills are held throughout the year. Evacuation directions are posted in each
room. Students should follow the directions of the adult in charge regardless
of the type of drill.
HEALTH FORMS AND SCREENINGS
Students are required to have a dental evaluation
upon school entrance and in 4th and 7th grade. If you DO NOT wish your child to be evaluated
by the dental hygienist at school, at no cost to you, please send a letter to
the school nurse. You will then be
responsible for having your private dentist complete these evaluations.
Students are required to have scoliosis evaluations
in 7th grade. If you DO NOT
want your child evaluated for scoliosis at school, please send a letter to the
school nurse. You will then be
responsible for having your private provider complete these required
evaluations.
HOME
EDUCATION
Home education programs for
residents residing in the District shall be conducted in accordance with
federal laws and regulations, state laws and regulations, and District Policy
137.
Your child’s teacher will
communicate expectations and specific information related to homework. A variety of resources may be utilized for
homework information including the school assignment book and the teacher
website.
We consider
meaningful assignments for homework to be a vital part of the educational
process. Reinforcement must occur at
home for the student to benefit fully. Students are to record their daily
assignments in the Student Assignment Book given to them at the beginning of
the school year. It is suggested that
students identify a homework buddy in each class to call for missed assignments
during an absence.
Parents are
encouraged to review the contents/assignments in this book with their child on
a nightly basis. Each grade level has
developed a student accountability plan for students to maintain their homework
assignment book. If an assignment book
is lost, the student will be charged for a replacement.
Parents may
request homework through the main office for students who are absent for short
term illnesses. The teacher needs 24-hours notice in order to respond to
homework requests. Homework assignments will not be faxed to/from the
school.
Homework and
make up assignments for students related to pre-approved vacations will be
given to student upon their return to school.
In addition, the teacher will clarify the time frames for completion of
those items. We do encourage students to take independent reading material or
maintain logs as good educational activities while on the trip.
INSURANCE POLICY
In the fall, parents are given the opportunity to
enroll their children in a group student accident insurance plan as approved by
the Board of School Directors. Brochures with an application are sent home with
every student. Participation is
voluntary. Participants will receive appropriate accident forms. Any accident
should be reported to the school office at once. You may wish to purchase this
insurance if school accidents are not covered by your homeowner's insurance.
Instructional Support (IST) is a collaborative
process that focuses on assisting classroom teachers in planning and
implementing strategies that are designed to produce success for students
experiencing some difficulties in the classroom.
The IST process involves five steps:
·
A teacher, parent or the principal can refer a student to IST.
·
Once referred, a student's needs are identified through a data
collection process.
·
At the TEAM MEETING, an intervention plan is developed.
·
The interventions are implemented and success is monitored.
·
At the follow-up meeting, the IST team and the parent make decisions
concerning further evaluation based on the success of the intervention plan and
the degree of need of the student.
Any student experiencing
academic or behavioral problems may be
a candidate for IST.
A lost and found is located in the building. Please have your child check it periodically for lost items. Items not claimed throughout the year are donated to a charitable organization. It would be helpful if you would write your child's name on all possessions and articles of clothing, including lunchboxes, hats, sweatshirts, coats, etc.
.
The AGIS
Media Center serves as one of the main resource centers for the school
community. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. Print and multi-media resources
are available for faculty, staff and student use. The collection is continually
developed to provide a wide range of materials on varying levels to help
support and enrich the instructional program. Students may access the media center’s
electronic catalog, Destiny, and
research data bases such as World Book
Online from home as well as school using the Avon Grove School District
websites. The AGIS librarian provides
informational literacy instruction to teach effective access, use, and
evaluation of resources. Teachers at all
grade levels work collaboratively with librarians to develop research units and
integrate information skills into units of study.
Students
visit the media center weekly for book exchange. Those students in good standing (no
outstanding materials) may check out two books which are due back the following
week. Students may renew their books up
to three times unless the title has been requested by another patron.
There
are no fines for overdue materials.
However, if a student loses an item belonging to the library or an item
is damaged beyond repair and can no longer be circulated, the student is
responsible for paying the replacement cost.
The replacement cost shall be the current cost to AGIS to purchase a new
copy of the item, in the same format, as determined by the librarian. Students may, with permission of the librarian, individually purchase a
new replacement copy of the lost item. Due
to age, some items may no longer be available for purchase. In such situations, the librarian shall
select a comparable replacement item and the student shall pay the replacement
cost. Items for which the replacement
cost has been paid or a replacement has been provided shall be the property of
the
NURSE/MEDICATION
The
school has a nurse on duty during regular school hours. All school related injuries must be reported
to the nurse. Students are to obtain a
pass to go to the nurse. Parents are
encouraged to discuss any illness or disability with the nurse that might affect
school performance.
Medication
(In accordance with Avon
Grove School District Policy 210)
Medication shall
be defined as prescription medication approved by a parent and prescribed for
the student by a health care provider or an over-the-counter medication
approved by the parent and provided by either the parent or authorized school
district employee.
Before any
medication may be administered to any student by district personnel or
self-administered by a student during school hours or school-related
activities, it is required that:
·
Parents shall make every effort to give all doses of
medication at home.
·
Only medications prescribed by a health care provider and
accompanied by written medication order from that provider will be given during
school hours. The written order shall include: (1) the student’s name; (2) the
name of the medication; (3) the schedule of administration times (for home and
school, including schedules for medication administration on altered/shorten
school days and field trips; (4) dosages; (5) the method of administration for
all doses to be given; and (6) any potential side effects for that medication.
In the case of medication with flexible dosing or scheduling (eg: insulin), the
health care provider shall provide specific written parameters within which the
school nurse can medicate the student. A written consent letter from the parent
is also required.
·
Medication orders are valid until the beginning of each new
school year and can, upon written request, be extended to include summer
programs.
·
A written order from both the health care provider and parent
shall accompany any changes to the medication order during the school year.
·
Within the
parameters set by HIPAA and FERPA, medication orders may be transmitted by fax
to the attention of the school nurse. All faxes shall be sent to the school
nurse’s office fax machine to ensure confidentiality.
·
Parents shall be encouraged not to allow their children to
carry medication to school. Parents/students must bring the medication
immediately to the school nurse upon arrival, if the medication is to be administered
during school hours.
·
All prescription medication shall be clearly marked with a
label bearing the student's name, the name of the medication, dosage, schedule
of administration times, method of administration, potential side effects; and
any special instructions (i.e. refrigeration). All medications shall be
provided in an original container.
·
Any parent who wishes
to come to school and administer/dispense medication may do so in the school
nurse’s office. The parent must comply with School Visitor Policy 907 upon
entry onto the school grounds. The parent must bring in the medication bottle
since the medication must be properly documented in the student’s health care
record and medication form.
·
Students will not be permitted to carry or take medication on
their own during school hours or during school related activities, unless the
need is documented by a health care provider. Emergency medication (asthma
inhalers, Epi-pen, insulin, glucagon) will be permitted to be self-administered
by the student if the following procedure has occurred:
o
The medication is properly labeled in accordance with the
above guidelines;
o
The health care provider has provided a written statement
that provides: (1) the name of the medication; (2) the dose; (3) the times when
the medication is to be taken; (4) the diagnosis or reason the medication is
needed unless the reasons should remain confidential; (5) the potential of any
serious reaction that may occur to the medication, as well as, any necessary
emergency response; and (6) a statement that the student is qualified and able
to self administer the medication;
o
The parent has provided a written statement that (1) requests
the school comply with the order of the health care provider and (2) a
statement relieving the school or any school employee of any responsibility for
the benefits or consequences of the prescribed medication when it is
parent-authorized and acknowledging that the school bears no responsibility for
ensuring the medication is taken.
o
The student shall (1) provide a competent demonstration to
the school nurse on the proper use of medication; and (2) demonstrate that
he/she is able to respond to and visually recognize his or her name, identify
his or her medication, measure, pour and administer the proper dosage, and be
able to demonstrate knowledge of when the school nurse or emergency personnel
are to be notified if the medication does not provide relief of the student’s
symptoms during a time of emergency usage.
·
No student shall carry
another student’s medication or administer medication to another student.
·
Only emergency medications will be permitted to be taken on
class trips unless otherwise ordered by a health care provider. Students must
be able to self-administer medication in accordance with the above
self-administration guidelines.
·
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school
immediately, in writing of any changes in the student's health status, or if
there is a change or cancellation of medications.
Contagious Diseases
State regulations
require a specific period of exclusion for some illnesses. If your child has a contagious disease, including but
not limited to, diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis rubella(German measles),chicken
pox, scarlet fever, conjunctivitis (pink eye), ringworm, impetigo, pediculosis
(head/body lice), scabies, tuberculosis, or neisseria meningitidis, readmission
to school shall be in accordance with Chapter 28 of the Pennsylvania Code and
other applicable statutes and regulations.
Please contact the school for additional information.
The duration of absence from school for other
illnesses depends on the illness of the child and the discretion of the
attending physician. In order to help
control contagious diseases, you should keep your child home when he/she has
diarrhea, sore throat, nausea, skin rashes, discolored nasal discharge,
persistent cough, inflamed eyes, enlarged glands or earache. If your child has a fever
or has been vomiting, he/she should remain at home until he/she has been
fever/vomiting free for twenty-four (24) hours before returning to school.
OFFICE HOURS
Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. The
office staff can address or direct all concerns, questions and compliments to
the appropriate staff member.
OPT-OUT
The
STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP/PARKING
POLICY
If parents intend
to come in to the school for any reason they are to park in the available
parking spaces. Please do not park
along the curb when coming in to the building.
After school dismissal
requires a note from a parent or guardian for the child to show at dismissal
time. Parents should stay in a single
file line along the curb and children will be sent to your vehicle by our staff.
Arrival time is very busy
and we ask that all parents observe the following requests to ensure a safe and
orderly arrival:
·
Pull as far forward
as you can prior to your child exiting your car.
·
Please drop
children as close to the flag pole area as possible and avoid dropping children
too far from that area.
·
Please stay in a
single file line and wait for the car in front of you to depart. Avoid pulling out of line and passing others to
move in to an open spot.
·
Do not allow
children to exit your car unless you are along the curb.
·
Children are to exit the right side of the
vehicle directly on to the sidewalk.
·
We ask that
parents/guardians exhibit patience and courtesy at all times.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical
education excuses are to be written by the parent/guardian and must be approved
by the school nurse during homeroom.
Students needing to miss more than 3 days of P.E. are required to obtain
a health care provider’s note to assure a safe return.
PTA
Parent participation is crucial for our elementary schools. Our PTA is
outstanding in the educational, moral, and financial support provided to our
children, staff, and schools throughout the year. Please join this organization and read
newsletters and PTA publications for information about meetings and other
activities.
Classroom Parties & Celebrations
Classroom parties for special events such as holidays will be organized
and communicated by classroom teachers.
The homeroom teacher may work with a homeroom parent on such
events. Whenever possible enjoyable
learning activities will be incorporated into those celebrations and respect
for instructional time will be an important consideration.
Regardless of the celebration event, parents must communicate in advance
related to any requests to send in snacks or food items.
We ask all parents be aware of the Avon Grove School District Wellness
Policy and coordinate with the teacher snacks or foods that comply with this
policy. Parents may view Board Policy #246 (Student Wellness) on the district’s
website. Please check with your child’s
classroom teacher about procedures related to this.
RECESS
The following policy will be observed as
weather conditions dictate for student recess: Local weather conditions,
including but not limited to, wind chill, will be considered and the
administration shall determine if indoor recess is appropriate.
All children must go outside for recess
barring disciplinary or valid medical conditions that justify remaining
indoors. Students should be encouraged to dress appropriately for outdoors. A
health care provider's note is required to be excused from outdoor recess.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Student Assistance
Program is designed to identify students exhibiting behaviors that pose a
barrier to their academic and/or social development. The goal is to help students and their
families identify problems, and develop strategies to address them. Many factors impact a student’s ability to
learn. By accurately identifying students experiencing difficulties including,
but not limited to, emotional concerns, life stressors, or substance use,
S.A.P. can assist them in realizing their full potential.
WHERE TO CALL:
FOR INFORMATION OR GUIDANCE ON ANY PROBLEM
REFERRING TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL:
Department of Drug and Alcohol Services
601 Westtown Road
Suite 325
West Chester, PA
19380 610-344-6620
Chester County
Council on Addictive Diseases (COAD)
930 E. Lancaster
Ave.
Exton, PA
19341
610-363-6164
WHAT ARE THESE SERVICES AND WHAT IS THEIR PURPOSE?
PREVENTION- Activities of an
educational and informal nature intended to increase awareness and improve
decision-making ability in order to foster positive growth. These programs are
school and community based.
INTERVENTION- Efforts
designed to discourage people already experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol
from further use and possible dependency. These services, usually coming at a
time of crisis, define the nature of the problem and result in referral to
appropriate treatment. The Alcohol Safe Driving Program located at COAD
(363-6165) is intervention for DUI offenders.
TREATMENT- Assistance to
people whose lives are negatively affected by their own or another’s use of
drugs and/or alcohol. This can be done on an outpatient or residential basis.
Persons needing immediate medical care are detoxified prior to treatment.
AFTERCARE- Aftercare refers
to the process of monitoring a person’s actions for signs of relapse and
re-intervening if a return to negative patterns seems imminent. SAPs can be
instrumental in monitoring students who have returned from chemical dependency
treatment facilities by watching student’s disciplinary records, attendance and
appropriate class participation closely.
FOR ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY HELP AND INFORMATION:
CRISIS INTERVENTION CHESTER
COUNTY CARES
222 North Walnut
Street 540
E. Union Street, Suite L
West Chester, PA
19380 West
Chester, PA 19382
Toll Free:
1-877-918-2100 (610)
436- 4040 (9:00-4:30)
Or 610-918-2100
CRIME VICTIMS CENTER DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE CENTER
236 West Market
Street 800-799-7233
West Chester, PA
19382 or
610-431-3546
610-692-4959
LA COMUNIDAD
HISPANA HOLCOMB
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
731 West Cypress
Street 920
E. Baltimore Pike
Kennett Square, PA 19348 Kennett Square, PA 19348
610-444-4545 610-388-7400
A PERSON IN MEDICAL DANGER should be taken to a hospital emergency room.
WHERE TO TURN:
TO JOIN IN A SUPPORT GROUP
with others recovering from drug or alcohol addiction:
ALCOHOLICS
ANONYMOUS (AA) NARCOTICS
ANONYMOUS (NA)
South
Eastern Penna Intergroup Assn. P.O. Box 316
444 North 3rd
Street, Suite 3E Downingtown,
PA 19335
Philadelphia, PA
19107 610-344-3250
215-923-7900 OR
877 9DIAL AA
TO FIND SUPPORT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS or anyone who cares about a substance abuser:
AL-ANON SUPPORT
GROUPS
Chester County
P.O. Box 47
West Chester, PA
19381
610-696-4216
Call or write to ask about
ALATEEN groups for young people who live with alcoholism at home or ADULT
CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS, groups for those who grew up with an alcoholic in the
family.
If someone close to you has a
drug abuse problem, call: 535-6262 FAMILIES ANONYMOUS, someone who cares will
return your call.
ALATEEN PARENT
SUPPORT
P.O. Box 47 Northeast
Philadelphia
West Chester, PA
19381 800-333-1069
610-696-4216
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District Policy 216)
1.
reasonable requests for an explanation and
interpretation of these records by school district personnel;
2.
providing copies of the records if circumstances
effectively preclude the parent/guardian from inspecting or reviewing the
educational record. Note, the District
may charge a modest per page fee for copying;
3.
having the educational records inspected and reviewed
by a representative of the parent/guardian’s choosing upon presentation of
proper documentation.
A parent/guardian may request in writing that the District amend any
portion of an educational record that he/she believes is innaccurate,
misleading, or in violations of the student’s right to privacy. Within thirty (30) school days of the receipt
of the written request to amend the record, the parent/guardian will be
notified in writiting whether the District will amend the record. Should the District determine that it will
not amend the record, the parent/guardian has the right to request in writing
an informal hearing before a disinteresed school official to challenge the determination.
Parents and/or guardians will receive an annual FERPA notice.
Students
who wish to ride the bus home with another
1. All students must obey and
cooperate with the bus driver.
2. All students shall line up
to get on the bus in an orderly fashion and take a seat immediately upon
entering the bus. Students are required
to ride facing forward at all times.
3. All students must allow
other students to sit anywhere on the bus unless there is assigned
seating. Three to a seat is required
when necessary. Two to a seat is
permissible when the bus is not crowded.
4. All students are to refrain
from being loud or using abusive or vulgar language on the bus.
5. Students should refrain from
talking to the driver while the bus is in motion.
6. Student must not tamper with
the bus, its equipment or any property on the bus. They will be liable for any
damage.
7. Students are to keep arms,
hands, legs, or any other part of the body inside the bus at all times.
8. Students are to refrain from
throwing anything on or from the bus.
9. Students must remain seated
when the bus is in motion.
10.
Students are only permitted to get off the bus at their assigned stops
unless they have written permission from an administrator.
11.
Students may not transport animals except by special written permission
of school authorities.
12.
Guests are only permitted to ride a bus with written permission from an
administrator.
13.
Any large objects that could block the aisle are prohibited from being
brought on the school bus. If students
must bring any item to school, (i.e. for musical instruction, show and tell,
class projects etc.) parents are expected to transport the student.
14.
Students are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke in the bus.
15.
No weapons are allowed on the bus.
16.
Any offense not listed that the building administration believes is
applicable for punishment.
Violation of the District
Bus Rules will result in a referral to the administration.
Procedure:
1. Verbal Warning: If a student misbehaves while riding on the
school bus, the student shall be told by the driver or another person
designated by school authorities, that such behavior is inappropriate and constitutes
a safety hazard for everyone on the bus.
2. First Written Bus Conduct: If a student continues to misbehave after the
verbal warning, the bus driver will give the building principal a written Bus
Conduct Report stating the misbehavior.
The principal and the student will discuss the incident. A copy of the Bus Conduct Report will be sent
home so that the parents are informed.
3. Second
Written Bus Conduct: Please be aware
that if the student receives a second written Bus Conduct Report, at any other
time during the year, he/she may lose the privilege of riding the bus for at
least three days. The principal may
determine the student is to receive school punishment OR removal from the bus
for three days. The principal will contact the parents.
4.
Additional written Bus Conducts Reports will result in additional days
off the bus. Any future incidents may
require additional school punishment or removal from the bus for a minimum of
five (5) days.
Bus removal does not excuse a student’s absence from
school. Parents/guardians are responsible for acquiring or providing
transportation to and from school.
Notwithstanding, the school bus rules, the Avon
Grove School District reserves the right to implement the terms of the school
discipline policy and discipline code, in full or in part, as to any misconduct
occurring on a school bus.
PLEASE REINFORCE THE NEED
FOR YOUR CHILD’S APPROPRIATE CONDUCT AT ALL TIMES AND HIS/HER COOPERATION WITH
THE BUS DRIVER.
TECHNOLOGY
All students must abide by the
(In accordance with Avon
Grove School District Policies 816 and 907)
All
visitors to the school, adult or student, must sign in at the office. This includes parents, students, tutors and
helpers. All visitors will be issued a “Visitor’s Pass” which they will need to
display while they are in the building.
To further ensure a
The Board recognizes the
need to provide a safe and orderly learning environment for students and staff
and to protect district property and equipment. The proper use of video
surveillance cameras can be a tool toward achieving those ends.
The Superintendent shall designate an individual to
serve as the Districts Law Enforcement Unit (LEU), who will coordinate the
placement and use of video surveillance systems and be responsible for the
maintenance of surveillance records. The use of video cameras for surveillance
by any person not authorized by the LEU is prohibited.
Generally, placement is appropriate to monitor activity
in hallways, common areas, cafeteria, gymnasium, parking lot, and grounds, but
is not appropriate for bathrooms and changing areas. Video surveillance systems may also be
placed, pursuant to the direction of the LEU, on District-contracted school
buses. Placement of video surveillance
systems on District-contracted school buses shall be by agreement with the
contracted bus company.
Signs or placards will be prominently
displayed in various locations where video surveillance is being conducted,
including, but not limited to school buses, to inform students, staff, and the
public that video surveillance cameras are in use. Unless authorized by state law
or appropriate law enforcement or judicial authorities, video surveillance
shall not include any audio recording or listening component.
All video surveillance records
shall be created only pursuant to the direction and on behalf of the LEU. All video surveillance records created in any
medium shall be maintained solely and exclusively by the LEU. Video surveillance records shall be
maintained by the LEU primarily for law enforcement purposes, but may also be
used in disciplinary actions or proceedings.
The use of LEU video surveillance
shall be subject to other policies of the district, including policies
concerning the confidentiality of student and staff records.
Any activities which may be
detected through contemporaneous observation of a video surveillance monitor
and that present a breach of state or federal criminal law; the security of
students, staff or school property; or discipline policy will be reported
immediately to the building principal. The principal shall promptly report such
activity to the Superintendent and an investigation shall be commenced.
The LEU may furnish police with video surveillance records without
warrant or subpoena with regard to possible criminal violations and to protect
school property and services. Further, the LEU may, upon request, provide video
surveillance records to a school administrator to be used a basis for any
disciplinary for any violation of law and/or school rules.
The use of
video surveillance cameras and equipment by the district shall in no way place
any duty on the district to regularly monitor live images and/or videotapes and
it shall not place on the district any additional duty in regard to providing a
safe facility.
In order to assist teachers in
the educational program and to give students the benefits of exposure to the
diverse talents and skills represented in this community, the
Training and direction will
be provided by the district and volunteers will be advised of their protection
and responsibilities under the district’s rules, laws, and insurance
provisions.
The principal (or his/her designee) shall assume the
same general authority over volunteers which she/he maintains over the
employees in his/her school.
Building level
administrators are responsible for ensuring that all volunteers having direct
contact with children shall undergo and complete criminal background and child
abuse clearance checks prior to serving. Such clearances are to be maintained
by the principal at each school. Volunteers shall be reimbursed for the cost of
these clearances (Act
34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances, as well as, any other clearance required
by law) after filing appropriate receipts. The clearance requirement shall not
apply to a volunteer for a single event where the volunteer will have no
contact with children, other than under the direct supervision and in the
physical presence of district staff.
The Superintendent shall maintain supervisory
control over the program, and shall provide for the development of
administrative guidelines in the implementation of volunteer service in each
district school.
If a parent volunteer has
obtained valid clearances during the 2010/2011 school year, and has volunteered
in any capacity in the Avon Grove School District during the 2010/2011 school
year, their clearances will remain valid for the 2011/2012 school year, and can
be used at any school during the year. Volunteering at any Avon Grove school at
least once during the school year maintains the validity of the clearances.
The Avon Grove School District
will reimburse the cost of the clearances one time only; if a volunteer
obtained reimbursement for clearances, but did not volunteer during the 2010/2011
school year, and therefore needs to obtain new clearances, the volunteer will
not be reimbursed a second time.
1.
Be Fair
2.
Be Respectful
3.
Be Responsible
4.
Be Safe
Our
students are expected to demonstrate acceptable behavior not only during school
hours, but also during all school related activities, and while being
transported to and from school.
Therefore, school rules are in effect not only in school, but also
during all school activities, and during the time in which students are going
to and from their homes. Any student
exhibiting behavior considered inappropriate by the faculty/administration will
be disciplined.
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES
The following is a limited list of rules that students need to abide
by:
1.
Students must be in school and attend all of their classes on time.
2.
Students may not leave
3.
Students must be respectful and obey all members of the school staff.
4.
Students may not disrupt or interfere with the education of other students.
5.
Students must not endanger the health, safety or welfare of the
students or staff.
6.
Students must not take anything that does not belong to them. Any items found should be turned into the
office immediately.
7.
Students must not damage, deface or destroy school or personal
property. Textbooks issued to students
must be covered at all times.
8.
No insulting, threatening or vulgar words are to be used.
9.
Students must not fight or start a fight.
10.
Students must not possess/use tobacco products and paraphernalia. (Note:
Students in lavatory stall with smoke rising will be assumed to be
smoking).
11.
Possession or use of explosives, firecrackers, smoke bombs or caps is
forbidden.
12.
The possession or lighting of matches or lighters, and setting of fires
are forbidden except under teacher supervision.
13.
False alarms or bomb threats constitute a violation of school and state
law.
14.
Students must obey all school bus regulations.
15.
The use, possession or sale of drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol is
strictly forbidden, as well as “look-a-likes”.
16.
Students who have been absent, or were suspended (out of school) during
the day of an after-school or evening activity may not be present at any
after-school or evening activity. This
includes social, sporting, musical and other activities.
17.
Students must act appropriately with other students.
18.
Students are expected to follow the established dress code as outlined
in this handbook.
19.
Students are prohibited from possession of laser pointers and
attachments on school grounds, on buses and other vehicles provided by the
district, and at school sponsored activities.
20.
Students are prohibited from using or
displaying audio listening devices (CD players, MP3 players, etc), handheld
electronic games, digital cameras, or other such devices during school hours
unless they have permission from a staff member to do so as part of a classroom
activity.
21.
Students may possess cell phones, but use or
display during school hours is strictly prohibited. Use includes any cell phone
function or feature. Cell phones must be
turned off upon entry to the school building and may not be turned on again
until the end of the school day.
22.
Selling of unauthorized items is prohibited.
23.
Threats of violence will not be tolerated.
24.
Students may not possess or use a potential weapon.
25.
Students shall abide by all District policies and regulations.
We expect that
most situations can be handled by the classroom teachers through a variety of
techniques. Some of these are: verbal reprimand, isolation, behavioral
contract, counseling, withdrawal of privileges,
restrictions, detentions and contact with parents.
Certain
situations will require the intervention of the principal and or assistant
principal. At this time, any of the
above techniques may be used. Other
alternatives that are available to the administration are: (1) detention, (2) in-school suspension (3)
out-of-school suspension, and (4) recommendation for expulsion. The administration may use any one or
combinations of disciplinary options, as well as other options deemed
appropriate.
CONDUCT-RELATED AVON GROVE
EXPULSION FOR WEAPON
POSSESSION
(In accordance with Avon Grove
School District Policy 218.1)
Students are prohibited from possessing any weapon. A weapon is defined to include, but not be
limited to, "any knife, cutting
instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, a replica of a
weapon and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting
serious bodily injury." The
District shall expel for a period not less than one (1) year, any student in
violation of the weapon’s policy.
TOBACCO USE
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District
Policy 222)
Tobacco use is defined as
possessing and/or using tobacco in any form, including but limited to in or as
a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, snuff, chewing tobacco and
smokeless tobacco.
Students
are prohibited from tobacco use in the school buildings, on school grounds, on
school buses or vehicles, or while
participating in a school activity/event on or off school grounds.
Students
violating these rules will be subject to discplinary action including, but not
limited to, suspension, expulsion, and fines.
TERRORISTIC THREATS/ACTS POLICY
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District
Policy 218.2)
The Board prohibits any
district student from communicating terroristic threats or committing
terroristic acts directed at any student, employee, Board member, community
member or school building. Any student
in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with
said policy.
BULLYING/HAZING
(In accordance with Avon Grove School District
Policy 252)
The
Bullying is 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: (1) substantially
interfering with a student’s education; (2) creating a threatening environment;
or (3) substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Examples of an act or series
of acts that may constitute bullying if it meets the preceding definitions
including, but are not limited to: physical intimidation or assault; extortion;
oral or written threats; teasing; putdowns; name-calling; threatening looks;
gestures, or actions; cruel rumors; false accusations and social isolation.
Bullying behavior
accomplished through electronic device mediums, as well as, computers,
Internet, instant messaging, email, social networking sites and other such
mediums shall be subject to this policy.
The Board and staff shall not
tolerate any bullying or hazing on District grounds or at any school activity
on or off campus by any student K-12.
Staff Intervention
The District expects staff
members who observe or become aware of an act of bullying or hazing to take immediate,
appropriate steps to intervene – unless intervention would be a threat to staff
members’ safety. If the staff member is
unable to intervene, believes that his/her intervention has not resolved the
matter, or if the objectionable action persists, s/he shall report the bullying
to the school principal for further investigation.
Students and Parents Shall
Report Bullying and Hazing
The District expects students
and parents whom become aware of an act of bullying or hazing to report it to
the school principal for further investigation.
Any student who retaliates against students, staff or other persons for
reporting bullying or hazing is subject to the consequences listed below under
Consequences/Intervention.
Upon learning about a
bullying or hazing incident, the principal or designee shall contact the
parents of both the aggressor and the subject of the aggression, interview both
students, and thoroughly investigate.
This investigation may include interviews with students, parents and
school staff; review of school records; and identification of parent and family
issues.
Consequences for students who
bully or haze others shall depend on the results of the investigation and may
include, but are not limited to, counseling; a parent conference; detention;
suspension and/or expulsion. Depending
on the severity of the incident, the principal may also take appropriate steps
to ensure student safety. These may
include implementing a safety plan; separating and supervising the students
involved; providing staff support for students as necessary; reporting
incidents to law enforcement, if appropriate; and developing a supervision plan
with the parents.
(In
accordance with Avon Grove School District Policy 248)
The Avon Grove
School Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students
in the schools. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to maintain
an educational environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated.
The Board
prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of students by all district students
and staff members, contracted individuals and vendors, and volunteers in the
schools.
The Board encourages
students who have been harassed to promptly report such incidents to the
designated employees.
The Board directs
that complaints of harassment 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 charges of harassment.
For purposes of this
policy, harassment shall consist of verbal, written, graphic or physical
conduct relating to an individual’s protected characteristics, such as, race,
color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age disability, sexual orientation,
medical condition, marital status or religion when such conduct:
1.
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.
2.
Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering
with an individual’s academic performance.
3.
Otherwise adversely affects an individual’s learning opportunities.
Examples of conduct which may constitute harassment if
it meets the immediately preceding definition include, but are not limited
to: graffiti containing offensive
language, name calling, jokes or rumors; physical acts of aggression or hostile
acts against a person or his property because of that person’s protected
characteristic; or written or graphic material which is posted or circulated
and which intimates or threatens, or which is intended to intimidate or
threaten, a person based on that person’s protected characteristic.
Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct and
other inappropriate verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to
such conduct or communication is made explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of a student’s academic status.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct or
communication is used, implicitly or explicitly, as the basis for academic or
work decisions affecting the individual.
3. Such conduct or communication deprives a
student of educational aid, benefits, services or treatment.
4. Such conduct is sufficiently severe,
persistent or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of substantially
interfering with the student’s school performance or creating an intimidating,
hostile or offensive educational environment.
Examples of conduct
that may constitute sexual harassment, if it meets the immediately preceding
definitions, include but are not limited to sexual flirtations, advances,
touching or propositions; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or
suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body; sexually degrading
words to describe an individual; jokes; pin-ups; calendar; objects; graffiti;
vulgar statements; abusive language; innuendos; references to sexual
activities; overt sexual conduct; or any conduct that has the effect of
unreasonably interfering with a student’s ability to work or learn or creates
an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning or working environment.
The Compliance
Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and the complaint procedure
at least annually to students, parents, employees, independent contractors,
vendors, and the public.
The district shall
provide regular in-service education and training for students and staff
concerning all aspects of unlawful harassment.
Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain
an educational environment free from all forms of unlawful harassment.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the
rights of his/her fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all
forms of unlawful harassment.
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 alleged
harassment. Further, any student who has
knowledge of conduct which may constitute harassment should report any such
conduct.
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.
The complaint
should be made orally or in writing to the building principal. The complainant is encouraged to use the
report form available from the building principal, but oral complaints are
acceptable.
The building
principal shall inform the student or third party of the right to file a
complaint in accordance with the policy and the complaint procedure. The building principal shall immediate
forward the complaint to the compliance officer.
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. If the
Compliance Officer is the subject of the complaint, the building principal
shall report the incident to the Alternative Compliance Officer.
The compliant,
the identity of the complainant and the identity of the person accused of
harassment will be disclosed only to the extent necessary to fully investigate
the complaint and only when such disclosure is permitted by law. Additionally, a complainant who wishes to
remain anonymous shall be advised that such confidentiality may limit the
District’s ability to fully respond to the complaint.
Upon receiving
a complaint of unlawful harassment, 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 shall be completed as soon as
practicable, which generally should be not later than fifteen (15) calendar
days after authorization by the Compliance Officer to investigate. Upon receiving the complaint, the Compliance
Officer shall acknowledge receipt of the complaint by giving written notice to the
complainant and the alleged harasser that the complaint has been received. Also upon receiving the complaint, the
Compliance Officer shall determine whether interim measures should be taken
pending the outcome of the investigation.
Such interim measures may include, but are not limited to, reducing or
eliminating contact between the alleged harasser and the complainant and, in
cases involving potential criminal conduct, determining whether law enforcement
officials should be notified. If after
consultation with the building principal, the Compliance Officer determines
that more than fifteen (15) days will be required to investigate the complaint,
the complainant and the alleged harasser shall be notified of the reason for
the extended investigation and of the date by which the investigation will be
concluded.
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.
All students
and employees shall cooperate with any investigation of alleged harassment
conducted under the policy or by any investigating local, state or federal
agency.
The building
principal shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15) days, which shall
be provided to the Compliance Officer, upon completion of the investigation
unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The report shall include a summary of the
investigation and findings of the investigation. The findings of the investigation shall
include a determination of whether the complaint has been substantiated as
factual, whether it is a violation of this policy, and any recommended
corrective/disciplinary action.
Within 15
calendar days of receiving the building principal’s report the Compliance
Officer or his/her designee or the Alternative Compliance Officer as the case
may be, shall issue a decision regarding whether and how the policy was
violated and the corrective/disciplinary actions to be taken. The decision
shall be provided in writing to the complainant and the alleged harasser.
If the
investigation results in a finding that the complaint has been substantiated as
factual and constitutes a violation of this policy, the district shall take
prompt, appropriate corrective and disciplinary 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 local,
state and federal laws.
If it is
concluded that a student has knowingly made a false complaint under this
policy, such student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding
of no violation of the policy or with corrective action recommended in the
investigative report, s/he may submit a written appeal to the School Board
within fifteen (15) days of the complainant’s receipt of the findings of the
investigation. Any such appeal shall be
in writing and filed with the Compliance Officer who shall forward the appeal
and the investigation record to the School Board. The School Board shall make a good faith
effort to make a decision within 30 calendar days of receiving the record. The School Board may ask for oral or written
argument from the complainant, the Compliance Officer, the alleged harasser
and/or other persons.
Retaliation against students, employees or other persons who report
harassment pursuant to the policy or who participate in any related proceedings
is prohibited. Retaliatory acts are as harmful as harassing
acts and appropriate action against student, employees or other person who
retaliates against any student, employee or other person who reports alleged
harassment or participated in related proceedings will be taken. Such actions may include discipline up to and
including expulsion or discharge.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
(In
accordance with Avon Grove School District Policy 227)
The Avon
Grove Board of School Directors recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a
serious problem with legal, physical and social implications for the whole
school community. As the educational
institution of this district, the schools should strive to prevent drug
abuse. The educational program should
address the physical and psychological dangers caused by drug and alcohol
use/abuse.
For purposes of this policy,
"drugs" shall mean: all
dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law, all "look alike"
drugs, all alcoholic beverages, any drug paraphernalia and any prescription
drug or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has
been granted or anabolic steroid.
TAKING ANY
DRUG, WHETHER PRESCRIPTION OR NON-PRESCRIPTION, WITHOUT THE SCHOOL NURSE’S SUPERVISION
IS A VIOLATION OF THE ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY.
The Board prohibits the use,
possession, distribution, or being under the influence of any drug or
possession with the intent to distribute any drug: during school hours, which
includes the hours it takes for a student to travel to and from school, on
school property; at any school sponsored event, including traveling to and from
any event; and on school buses/vans.
Appropriate disciplinary
action will be taken by the Board as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct,
which is in compliance with all laws and regulations of the
Student Assistance Teams consisting of specially
trained school personnel have been established in order to ensure appropriate
identification, interventions, and support for "At Risk" students.
The privileged
confidentiality between students and guidance counselors, school nurses, school
psychologist, home and school visitors, drug and alcohol counselors, student
assistance team members, and other school employees shall be respected. No confidential communication made to any
such employee shall be required to be revealed without the consent of the
student or his/her parent unless the best interests of the student can be
served by doing so.
A student who, while under the school's jurisdiction,
is found to posses, use or abuse drugs OR is found to be distributing or
possessing with the intent to distribute drugs shall be subject to the
following action:
Discipline resulting from from possession or use will be in
accordance with Board Policy 227. As part of discipline outlined in
Board Policy 227, the student will be
referred to the Student Assistance Program, known as Support Our Students
(SOS), and be required to complete a minimum of eight (8) drug and alcohol
education sessions. Drug and alcohol
counseling with a qualified professional in another setting and approved by our
administration will satisfy this requirement as long as documentation indicating
eight (8) hours of drug and alcohol counseling have been completed and
submitted
SEARCH
PROCEDURES
(In
accordance with Avon Grove School District Policy 226)
To maintain order and discipline in the schools and to
protect the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, the Board
reserves the right to authorize school officials to search a student, lockers, automobiles,
and/or school property in certain circumstances and may seize any illegal or
unauthorized materials discovered during
the search. School officials may conduct
blanket searches or canine searches in compliance with Policy 226 Search
Procedures.