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Charlotte Central School
Family and Student Handbook
2019 - 2020
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Dear CCS Families,
We are honored to be part of the Charlotte Central School learning community and we are excited for the 2019-
2020 school year. We are committed to building on the tradition of excellence and achievement here at CCS
and we look forward to working alongside students, teachers, parents and community members to take
everyone’s learning to new heights.
We are pleased that you are taking the time to review the information in this handbook with your child and are
hopeful that you and your child will find it a helpful resource to refer to throughout the year.
We welcome your involvement and collaboration in your child’s journey at CCS. We believe that working
together, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Sumner, K-4 Co-Principal
Jen Roth, 5-8 Co-Principal
Cassandra Townshend, Director of Special Education / CVSD Behavior Systems Director
CCS Mission Statement
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2018-2019 Contact Information
Charlotte Central School 425-2771
Front Desk Administrative Assistant 425-2771
Student Absence/Tardy Line 425-6688
Changes to Afterschool Plans 425-2771
School Counselors:
Betsy Lloyd 425-6613
Health Office:
Lauren Calkins 425-6644
Part2 Kids Afterschool (Chris Nial) 825-9539
CVSD Transportation – Ken Martin 482-7120
Charlotte Recreation 425-6129 x204 ([email protected])
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The School Board meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month. Additionally, special meetings are scheduled as
needed. Meetings are advertised in the Burlington Free Press and announced in the CCS newsletter. The Newsletter is
distributed to parents via the Connect5 system every Friday. Meetings are open and the public is invited to attend.
Member Name Email Address Office Held Term Expires Term Years Town of Residence
Jocilyn Adams [email protected] 2021 3 Williston
Angela Arsenault [email protected] 2022 2 Williston
Kelly Bowen [email protected] Asst. Clerk 2019 3 St. George
Erin Brady [email protected] 2020 4 Williston
Russ Caffry [email protected] 2019 3 Shelburne
Dave Connery [email protected] Vice Chair 2020 4 Shelburne
Lynne Jaunich [email protected] Chair 2020 4 Charlotte
Colleen MacKinnon [email protected] 2020 4 Hinesburg
Ray Mainer [email protected] 2022 3 Hinesburg
Barbra Marden [email protected] 2021 3 Shelburne
Jeff Martin [email protected] Clerk 2021 3 Charlotte
Brendan McMahon [email protected] 2021 2 Williston
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Table of Contents
Introduction / CCS Mission Statement 1
2019-2020 Contact Information 2
Table of Contents 3
CCS Staff 4
CVSD Contact Information 5
General Information
After School Change of Plans 6
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Policy 6
Attendance 6
Before School/After School Guidelines 6
Birthdays 6
Buses 7
Connecting Youth Mentoring 7
Dances 7
Dress Code 7
Drop Off Of Students 8
Drop Off Safety Guidelines 8
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention 8
Early Dismissal 8
Food Service 9
Health Office 9
Lost & Found 9
Newsletter 9
Parent Conferences 10
Parent Teacher Organization 10
Parking Guidelines 10
Part 2 Afterschool Program 10
Recess 10
Rights & Privacy of Parents & Students 10
School Counseling Program 11
Special Education 11
Student Information Sheet*** 12
Student Records 12
Tardiness 12
Telephone 12
Trimester / Semester Dates 13
Truancy 13
Visitors 13
Volunteers 13
Charlotte Central School Discipline Plan 14-21
CVSD Policies Cover Page 22
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CHARLOTTE CENTRAL SCHOOL STAFF Co-Principal (K-4): Stephanie Sumner Co-Principal (5-8): Jen Roth
Director of Special Education / CVSD Behavior Systems Director: Cassandra Townshend
Administrative Assistant to the Principals: Naomi Strada Front Desk Administrative Assistant: Cindy LaWare
Bookkeeper: Bridget Thomas CCS Building Sub / Athletic Director: Mike Hulvey
KINDERGARTEN
Sarah Cota K
Beth Rowntree K
1-2 TEAM
Michelle Filardi 1-2
Dana Hanf 2 (
Monica Lubic 1-2
Shannon Spellman 1-2
3rd GRADE TEAM
Kris Gerson 3
Dana Hanf 3
(math/writing)
Linda Poirier 3
4th GRADE TEAM
Kathy Lara 4
Leslie Thayer 4
ALPHA
David Baird 5
Katie Fraser 5
Christa Duthie-Fox 6
Natasha Grey 6
OMEGA
Marley Evans 7/8
Matt Lutz 7/8
Nancy Matthews 7/8
Mary Tierney 7/8
WORLD LANGUAGE
Reina Guarnaccia 5-8 Spanish
Sarah Pierson 3-4 Spanish/
5-8 French
LIBRARY
Heidi Huestis, Library Media Specialist
ART
Lisa Bresler
MUSIC
Monica Littlefield (gen. music/chorus)
Andy Smith (instrumental/general)
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Nick Elderton K-2
Matt Kent 3-8
HEALTH EDUCATOR Nick Elderton 5-8
LITERACY (STARS) ROOM
Kelly Bouteiller - Coordinator
Nana Boffa, Literacy Intervention
MATH COORDINATOR
Penny Stearns – Coordinator
Michelle Houghton – Math / Literacy
Specialist
Kim Servin – Math Intervention
TECHNOLOGY
Allan Miller, Digital Learning Leader
Nancy Myrick, Technician
DIRECTION CENTER
Betsy Lloyd K-8 Counselor
Amy Sayre 5-8 SAP
STUDENT SUPPORT CENTER
Tim Holcomb
Mike DiNicola
MENTORING COORDINATOR
Becky Day 5-8
SUPPORT SERVICES
Allison Carr, Special Educator
Lizzy Healy, Special Educator
Caroline Homan, Speech & Lang.
Pathologist
Allyson Jones, Speech & Lang. Pathologist
Angie Morin, Special Educator
Doug Pierson, Special Educator
Beth Slater, Special Educator
Kathie Wagner, Administrative Assistant
PARAEDUCATORS
Julianna Akt Katie Bedell
Chris Evans Donna Fraser-Leary
Elizabeth Kehr Karyn Lunde
Betsy Martin Sam Morris
Zachary Pichette Melissa Skinner
Karin Small Vicki Snyder
Lin Warren
HEALTH OFFICE
Lauren Calkins
CAFETERIA
Elizabeth Skypeck, Food Service Mgr.
Helen Bora
John Gallagher
CUSTODIANS
Chris Giard – Facilities Director
Audrey Hornbeck
Todd Jacques
Doug Miller
Bill Schmidt
James Waite
CHARLOTTE BUS DRIVERS Julie Allen – Orange
Diana Fletcher – Green
TBD - Blue
May Loyer – Red
Peter Kaye – Purple
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CHAMPLAIN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Charlotte Central School is a member of the Champlain Valley School District. There are five towns comprising
CVSD: Charlotte, Hinesburg, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston. Each town serves its K-8 students locally.
Grades 9-12 are served at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg.
CVSD PHONE NUMBERS
PHONE NUMBER NAME POSITION EMAIL
985-1916 Birdsall, Bonnie Dir. of Digital Learning & Communication [email protected]
985-1918 Brodie, Sean Payroll Manager [email protected]
985-1932 Bushey, Jensa CVSD Literacy Coordinator [email protected]
985-1903 Clark, Wendy Adm Asst for Student Services [email protected]
985-1905 Cole, Cindy Dir. of Psychological Services [email protected]
985-1912 Conference Room Phone - -
985-1904 Eisensmith, Kristin Early Childhood Outreach Special Educator [email protected]
985-1913 Evans, Jeff Dir. of Learning & Innovation [email protected]
383-1242 Fax Machine
985-1921 Hedges, Rosanne Benefits Specialist [email protected]
985-1936 Hensen, Shelley Dir. of Early Education [email protected]
985-1925 Hurlburt, Stephanie Fiscal Services Specialist [email protected]
985-1922 Jensen, Jeanne Chief Operations Officer [email protected]
985-1929 Kanfer, Mike Dir. of Network Services [email protected]
985-1900 Karsnow, Jane Reception/Adm Asst/AESOP/Criminal Records [email protected]
985-1907 Kennedy, Katie School Psychologist [email protected]
985-1931 Lloyd-Newberry, Christine Director of Integrated Wellness [email protected]
985-1919 Magnier, Kelli Human Resources Manager [email protected]
383-1234 Main Switchboard
985-1915 Martin, George District Data Manager [email protected]
985-1911 McDermott, Mark Dir. of Human Resources: Personnel, Policy & Legal Services [email protected]
985-1928 Myrick, Nancy Technology Support Specialist [email protected]
985-1924 Nassau, Laura Asst Finance Director [email protected]
985-1926 Palmer-Leavitt, Josie Fiscal Services Specialist/ CY Asst [email protected]
985-1910 Pinckney, Elaine Superintendent [email protected]
985-1930 Proulx, Kurt CVSD Property Services Mgr [email protected]
985-1917 Randall, Jenn Special Education Intensive Needs Coach & Coordinator [email protected]
985-1910 Raymond, Sandy Executive Assistant to the Superintendent [email protected]
985-1901 Roberts, Vicki Reception/Adm Asst/AESOP/Criminal Records [email protected]
985-1902 Roy, Meagan Dir. of Student Support Services [email protected]
985-1920 Sessions, Betsey HR Specialist [email protected]
985-1906 Stoll, Miriam School Psychologist [email protected]
985-1914 Storey, Cheryl Adm Asst for Dir. of Learning & Innovation/
Adm Asst for Dir. of HR
985-1923 Teator, Doug Dir. of Budget & Finances [email protected]
985-1908 Wisse, Katey School Psychologist [email protected]
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GENERAL INFORMATION
AFTER SCHOOL CHANGE OF PLANS
Families are required to call the Front Desk/Administrative Assistant with any change of afterschool plans so
that we can ensure that the information gets to all who need it. Please call by 2:30pm at 425-2771, option 3 so
that we can make sure that your change in plans is relayed to the student.
ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE POLICY
Charlotte Central School recognizes that substance abuse and dependency are treatable health problems, not
restricted to any group or age, and are primarily the responsibility of the home and the community. The school
shares in this responsibility in the following areas: prevention (education), intervention (identification, referral
and support for those students attempting to change patterns of use that interfere with overall school
performance), and provision of a safe and orderly environment.
Champlain Valley School District Directors have adopted a substance abuse policy, which applies to any
occurrence on school property or at a school sponsored event. It clearly prohibits the purchase, use, possession,
sale or distribution, being under the influence, or showing evidence of having used alcohol or drugs of any kind,
or possession of devices specifically or reasonably associated with alcohol or drug use. Parents are notified
immediately in the event of a violation. This policy is located at the end of this handbook.
ATTENDANCE CCS must account for every enrolled student each day of the week. An attendance reporting procedure is in place to assist us. If a child is to be absent, a parent must report that anticipated absence by 8:00 am the day of the absence. An automated voice mail system has been established for this purpose. We have designated this line for this particular purpose in order to leave the main office line available for incoming business calls. The absent reporting line is 425-6688. If the teacher marks your child as absent and you have not called the reporting line, phone calls to parents/guardians will be made in order to determine the child’s whereabouts. For more information regarding attendance, please see the CVSD Family and Student Handbook.
BEFORE SCHOOL/AFTER SCHOOL GUIDELINES
Official school hours are 8:05 to 2:55. Students who are privately transported are asked to arrive at 8:00 a.m.
and enter through the cafeteria door or the Multi-Purpose Room Lobby door (flagpole door). Students who wish
to eat breakfast, are participating in Concert Choir, or are dropped off for early supervision in the Cafeteria,
may enter the CAFETERIA DOOR ONLY between 7:30 & 8:00 am. Students who participate in the Stage
Band may be dropped off at the East-end doors between the hours of 7:25 – 7:40 only. The East-end doors will
be locked on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:40 and will not be accessible on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
in the morning. School will be dismissed at 2:55 p.m (except on Tuesdays for early release at 1:55 p.m. – see
CCS School Calendar). Students are expected to go home on a bus, proceed directly to an extracurricular
activity, or wait for their ride at the Library or Multi-Purpose Room Lobby doors.
BIRTHDAYS
Your child's birthday will be announced on the intercom during morning announcements. They will be invited
to come to the office to receive a birthday pencil and good wishes! We announce summer birthdays beginning
in May. Each classroom has its own way of acknowledging celebrations. However, CCS asks that families
check with the teacher ahead of time regarding non-food items (allergen – safe practices).
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BUSES
Riding the school bus is a privilege and may be withdrawn from any student who, in any way, hinders the safe
operation of the buses or otherwise behaves inappropriately. Students are assigned to a bus stop and must board
at that stop and are returned to that stop after school. Any request to ride a bus or to be discharged at a stop
other than as assigned must be made in writing by the parent. We cannot honor requests for drop-offs at public
facilities unless a child is enrolled in a specific program. Notes are to be submitted to the office prior to 9:00
a.m. on the requested day. Please see the Behavioral Expectations chart within this handbook for Bus
Expectations.
CONNECTING YOUTH MENTORING See the CVSD Family and Student Handbook for more information.
If you have any questions about the Connecting Your Mentoring at CCS, please contact Rebecca (Becky) Day,
Mentoring Coordinator – [email protected] or (802) 425-6642.
DANCES
Below are the general guidelines for students and parents to know what is expected before and during the school
sponsored dances.
CCS hosts several dances each year for students in grades 6-8 (7-8 only for Winter Ball).
1. If a student receives 3 referrals between dances and/or 1 referral the week of a dance, the student may NOT attend the dance.
2. All school rules apply.
3. All school dances are in the Multi-Purpose Room and are from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (except the Graduation
Dance which will be determined). All students are to be picked up at 9:00pm.
4. School dances are for grades 6-8 (except Winter Ball which is 7-8 and the Graduation Dance which is grade
8 only).
5. Admission and snack food sale proceeds fund graduation.
6. Students may not loiter outside. Once students enter the dance they are only allowed to leave for fresh air or
early pick up if accompanied by an adult.
7. Chaperones include two teachers, and approximately four parents. Two weeks prior to the dance, the 7/8
dance committee calls parents from all grades to ask if they are available to chaperone. Requests may also
go out via the Omega news bulletin.
8. Students from other schools, who are in grades 6-8, are allowed to attend only with written permission of
the CCS principal. This includes students who may have once attended CCS. Guest permission forms must
be submitted to the principal by noon on the Wednesday before the dance. Guests who do not have prior
approval will not be allowed to enter the dance. There is a limit of 1 guest per student. If someone arrives
to the dance without prior approval, their parents will be contacted and the guest will not be permitted to the
dance.
9. Any student not able to follow the dance rules will call home to be picked up.
10. A student who does not attend school the day of the dance will not be allowed to attend the dance that
evening, without the permission of the Principal.
11. Attending the dance is a privilege and may be withdrawn from any student who, in any way, hinders the
safe operation of the dance, or otherwise behaves inappropriately at school.
DRESS CODE
As an educational institution serving students grade K-8, we believe students need to learn how to dress in
consideration of personal comfort, setting, activities, impact on others and the learning environment as a whole.
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CCS students shall wear clothing that is comfortable and conducive to learning and activities that occur at
school.
Clothing that disrupts or interferes with the health, safety, and learning process of the wearer or of other
students does not conform to the dress code. Clothing that bears offensive language or images endorsing things
we don’t allow in school including alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or weapons, do not conform to the dress
code. Wearing hats in the building does not conform to the dress code.
Students whose attire does not conform to the dress code will be referred to the school counselors for assistance.
The administration reserves the right to issue additional guidance regarding the dress code from time to time as
it deems necessary or appropriate.
The Behavioral Expectation Matrix for Students reads:
Take Care of Self: CCS students shall wear clothing that is comfortable and conducive to learning and activities
that occur at school.
Take Care of Others: CCS students will not wear clothing that offends, disrupts or interferes with the health,
safety, and learning process of other students. Students will not wear clothing that bears offensive language or
images endorsing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or weapons. Students will not wear hats in the building.
Take Care of This Place: Students will dress in consideration of setting, activities, impact on others and the
learning environment as a whole.
DROP OFF OF STUDENTS (8:00am)
1. Students may be dropped off at either the cafeteria door on the west side of the building or the flagpole
door on the east side of the building.
2. Please drop off as close to 8:00am as possible as anything after our official school start time of 8:05 is
considered tardy.
Please note that our cafeteria drop off provides supervision starting at 7:30am.
DROP OFF SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. Only let your child out on curbside / school door side.
2. Please do not pass other vehicles in line.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM- ACT 51
Vermont law requires that a sequential alcohol and drug abuse prevention education curriculum be fully
implemented in all schools. Prevention education is part of a multi-layered curricular K-8 program with
instructors including Health Educators, School Counselors and SAP’s.
EARLY DISMISSAL
Any parent or other individual picking up a child during school hours must report to the office. All students
leaving school prior to dismissal are to sign out using the student register at the office window. Students will
be allowed to change their normal after-school destination only when plans have been made at home, in
advance, and a note is sent to school indicating the parent or guardian’s permission for the change.
Students who stay after school to work on projects or assignments need to be under the direct supervision of a
teacher. Arrangements need to be made for the student to be picked up at the time designed by the teacher. If a
student is at school unsupervised, their parent will be called.
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FOOD SERVICE
The CCS Food Service Program is committed to providing the opportunity for all students to access nutritious
meals in a cost effective manner.
It is the expectation of our program that:
meals will be paid for in advance
parents will honor their responsibility to provide meals for their children and will ensure that money is
deposited into their child’s individual meal account
parents will maintain their children’s food service account throughout the year
Our food services operations are based on debit (pay upfront), not credit (pay after purchase). In order to
prevent negative balancing:
1. Parents and guardians are encouraged to keep track of student balances at myschoolbucks.com
2. Families are strongly encouraged to apply for the free and reduced price meal program. Applications
will be processed in a confidential and timely manner. All information is kept private and students
receiving free/reduced meals will not be identifiable when they receive their meals. Families may
submit an application at any time during the school year.
3. If you wish to not have your child purchase any items or want certain restrictions on your child’s
purchases you must inform our Food Service Manager, Elizabeth Skypeck, at [email protected]
Additional Food Service information can be found in the CVSD Family and Student Handbook.
HEALTH OFFICE
The health office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can reach the CCS Health
Office by calling 425-6644. Except in an emergency, students should have permission from their teachers
before going to the health office. Any needed CCS medical forms can be printed directly from the Health
Office home page on the school website.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL
Immunization guidelines and the administration of medication by school personnel can be found in the CVSD
Family and Student Handbook.
LOST & FOUND
Lost clothing, lunchboxes, boots, etc. will be kept in the lost and found area to be determined. At school break
intervals, any remaining lost and found items are swapped with another school or donated to charity. Small
items such as jewelry, glasses, etc. are kept in the office. In order to help us locate the proper owner, please
label all clothing, backpacks, lunch packs, shoes, boots, etc. and check weekly to see that your child has
returned home with all the items they brought to school that week.
NEWSLETTER
The CCS Newsletter is distributed to school families via the Blackboard Connect notification system each
Friday that school is in session. It serves as an important source of information for parents and students. It
contains announcements and articles about school happenings. Our newsletter can also be obtained by visiting
our website. If you have a school related entry that you would like to include in the newsletter, please submit
electronically to [email protected] by 12:00 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday. In order to keep our
newsletter relevant to our school and manageable in size for all, outside entries will be given to an
Administrator for vetting and approval. Please note that if an outside entry is approved, it will be given limited
space and when appropriate a link to another location.
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PARENT CONFERENCES
Parent conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring as part of our student progress reporting system. In
addition, conferences are held whenever a parent or teacher deems one necessary. Whenever you would like to
connect with a teacher, please feel free to reach out and request and conference. We encourage family – teacher
communication.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The purpose of the PTO is to enrich the school community by providing financial support and educational
opportunities designed to promote high level engagement among members of the school community. All
parents and teachers are automatically members. The PTO sponsors activities, events and programs by
providing funds, volunteer support or other resources. The PTO and CCS Administrators collaborate in
monthly meetings which are open to all parents and community members. This includes Q&A opportunities.
Anyone interested in volunteering for the PTO should contact the PTO Volunteer Coordinator at
PARKING GUIDELINES
For your convenience we have designated all but three spaces in the front of the school as "Visitor Parking."
There is a fire lane that extends from the library to the gym. The state law prohibits parking in a fire lane at
anytime. Please follow traffic arrows & signs and park in designated parking spaces only. Also,
remember, it is against the law to pass a school bus when the red flashing lights are on. This includes our buses
when they are standing or parked in front of the school. Violators can receive six points on their license and a
$500 fine!
PART 2 AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Part 2 Afterschool & Summer is a state licensed childcare program that provides children a safe environment
where they are given the opportunity to express themselves and develop socially, physically, and creatively
through a program that nurtures and respects the uniqueness of each and every child.
Chris Nial, CCS based Part2 Director, can be reached by calling 802-825-9539 or www.Part2Kids.com
RECESS
All students have the option of at least one outdoor recess per day. Since we value the wellness benefits of
getting outdoors, outdoor recess is held on all days, except rainy and sub-zero weather. All children go out
unless recovering from an extended illness or when a physician advises against it. Children should come to
school dressed appropriately for outdoor play. Hats, mittens, boots, and snow pants are essential in winter.
RIGHTS AND PRIVACY OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS
The Champlain Valley School Board of Directors endorses the right of parents and legal guardians to inspect
and review any and all official records, files and data related to their children and further endorses the
protection of individual rights to privacy and confidentiality as outlined by Public Law 93-380, Section 513,
"Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974." If parents are separated or divorced, both parents have
the same rights to review student records, receive progress reports, etc., unless a court order provides otherwise.
If the provisions of your divorce decree limit the rights of the non-custodial parent, it is your responsibility to
provide the school with a copy. Otherwise, the school will afford the same right to both parents.
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SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM
Counselors: Betsy Lloyd (K-8)
School counseling services, kindergarten through grade eight, are developmentally based and are an integral
part of each student’s educational experience.
Services are available for all students, parents and staff. For students, services include: individual counseling,
special topic small groups, and classroom sessions which address issues such as strengthening self-esteem,
learning social skills, building friendships and accepting differences.
Ms. Lloyd is available to parents for discussions regarding child development, parenting or school-related
concerns. A lending library is maintained for parents. The counselors consult with staff regarding individual
and group concerns and they attend student/teacher/parents conferences as needed.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
A team of full and part-time professionals at CCS provides Special Education services. Para-professionals are
also important members of the Special Education team. District level support is available through the CVSD
office.
The goal of our team is to provide appropriate services that enable eligible students to achieve their individual
educational goals. These services may include: assessment, direct instruction, consultation, teacher and/or
parent training, and other support in areas such as academics, communication, social, behavior, and daily living
skills. Services are provided within the regular education environment as much as possible. Parents, teachers,
and staff all play critical roles in developing and implementing student programs and assessing student progress.
Federal and state laws and regulations define the steps and criteria involved in determining student eligibility,
reporting of student progress, and service delivery.
Special Education and Section 504 (Tier 3) It is best practice to have an EST plan before a referral for more intensive evaluation or intervention.
Only in very rare circumstances would a referral be made for a student who has not been on an EST plan
and receiving intervention, while showing a lack of progress, for a period of 6 months of time.
Special Education under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) has clearly
defined guidelines and regulations as to who can qualify for these services. Typically only about 5% of
the school population will meet the IDEA criteria, including students with a disability that is defined in
the regulations and needs specially designed instruction that cannot be provided within the school’s
standard instructional conditions or through the EST process.
Students must be performing in the lowest 15% relative to same grade peers as shown on three different
measures in one of the basic skill areas. If after receiving intervention for approximately 6 months, the
student continues to show a lack of progress and demonstrates performance within the lowest 15th
percentile the EST team can decide to make a referral for consideration of an special education
evaluation. A Referral for Special Education Resources form should be filled out by the classroom
teacher (or teaching team) and submitted to the Director of Special Education for review within one
week of the team deciding to make the referral. A decision will be made and the team will be informed
within 15 days.
Should a parent wish to request an evaluation, please advise the parent that they must submit this request
in writing to the Director of Special Education. The parent must then receive a written decision whether
or not their request will be granted promptly enough for an evaluation planning meeting to be held
within 15 days of the date the request was made should the request be granted. The classroom teacher
will be asked to gather and submit data to help inform this decision making process.
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For a student to qualify for protection under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act they must
have a documented disability that substantially limits one or more “major life activities” and need specific
accommodations and/or services that will allow the student access to the educational program. A documented
disability does not automatically qualify a student for a 504 plan. There is an evaluation process to determine
eligibility for a 504 plan. The decision whether or not to pursue a 504 evaluation will be made in a similar
fashion as the request for a special education evaluation, beginning with completing the Referral for Special
Education Resources form.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF
504 REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973
No otherwise qualified handicapped individual in the Champlain Valley School District shall, solely based by
reason of his or her handicap be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the District. If any person believes that the
Champlain Valley School District or its employees has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulation of
(1) Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1963 or (2) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, he or she may
bring forward a complaint to:
Superintendent of School
Champlain Valley School District
Shelburne, VT 05482
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET***
At the start of the school year parents should review, update and sign the “Student Information Sheet” that is
send via the Informed K12 form platsform for EACH child and return it as soon as possible. In the event of an
emergency, it is important that we have the names and phone numbers of two people to contact if we cannot
reach parents. If there is any change in name, address or other information, parents are asked to notify
the school immediately.
STUDENT RECORDS
Parents (or their representatives with written permission from the parents) may review their child's records, but
may not take them out of the office. Copies will be made and given to the parents if they so request. The request
should be made in writing to the office and it will be handled as expeditiously as possible.
TARDINESS
We believe that arriving to school on time is important because it sets the stage for a positive day at school. If
you transport your child to school, please be punctual. It is imperative that students are in their classrooms by
8:05 a.m. Attendance is taken at this time. Typically, the day’s schedule is reviewed and transition activities
occur at this time by the teacher. If your child arrives after this time, they will have missed critical time needed
to transition into their day. Any child arriving after 8:05 will need to report to the office to sign in and
receive an admittance slip to class. Parents are asked to write a note, phone, or stop in the office to excuse
their child's tardiness. Tardiness, like an absence, is recorded for reporting purposes by the office staff.
TELEPHONE
The school phone (425-2771) is available for student use for school business or emergency only. Students will
not be allowed to use the school phone to make after-school plans; these should be arranged the day
before. If it is imperative to get a message to your child during the day, please call the office and we will get
your message to your child.
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TRIMESTER / SEMESTER DATES FOR 2019/2020
Trimester 1: November 22
Semester 1: January 17
Trimester 2: March 13
Trimester 3 and Semester 2: June 11 (or last day of school, pending snow days)
TRUANCY
See CVSD Attendance/Truancy policy located on our website.
VISITORS
Visitors are always welcome at CCS. It is required that visitors sign in at the office and obtain a visitor’s pass
before going elsewhere in the building. This is to ensure student safety, reduce interruption, and expedite
visitations. Student visitors are welcome with prior approval of the administrators.
VOLUNTEERS AND CHAPERONES
CVSD and Charlotte Central School welcomes volunteers! Please refer to the CVSD Family and Student
Handbook for detailed information.
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CCS DISCIPLINE PLAN
OUR APPROACH TO BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
Charlotte Central School’s discipline philosophy is rooted in two foundational beliefs. First, we believe that
every person in the school community is a valued partner in fostering a safe learning environment that promotes
the academic and social, emotional and behavioral growth of all. Second, we believe in fostering a positive and
safe learning environment where the values of Take CARE of Ourselves, Take CARE of Others, and Take
CARE of This Place are explicitly taught, encouraged, and practiced.
At CCS our behavioral expectations are:
At CCS, our mission, aligning with the mission of CVSD, is to develop citizens who learn, think, live,
contribute and pursue excellence. We believe that clear school-wide behavioral expectations and a consistent
and systematic approach to discipline supports the CCS and CVSD community in reaching its mission.
Charlotte Central School is proud to be a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) school. PBIS is a
framework for preventing and responding to problem behavior within a multi-tiered system of supports
(MTSS). MTSS is a whole-school, data-driven, prevention-based framework for improving learning outcomes
for EVERY student. The PBIS multi-tiered system is portrayed as a triangle with the universal supports that all
students need and receive at the bottom and the most specialized supports that only a few students need and
receive at the very top. Using the framework of PBIS as a guide, CCS is also guided by the principles of
Responsive Classroom® and Developmental Designs®. These are principles that foster safe, challenging, and
joyful classrooms.
The principles of Responsive Classroom® and Developmental Designs®. can be summarized as:
1. The social/emotional curriculum is important and needs to be explicitly taught.
2. How students learn must be considered: process and content go hand in hand.
3. The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
4. There is a set of social skills students need in order to be academically and socially successful:
cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control (C.A.R.E.S.)
5. Knowing the students, we teach—individually, culturally, and developmentally—is essential to student
learning.
6. Working with the families of the students we teach as partners is essential to our students’ education.
7. How we work together (student to student, student to adult, adult to adult) is as important as
individual competence: Lasting change begins with collaboration among all members of the school
community.
These principles are applied through key teaching strategies used by CCS staff include morning meeting, clear
expectations and natural consequences, guided discovery, and family communication that fosters true
partnerships. The following sections describe specific features and procedures of CCS’s Approach to
Behavior and Discipline.
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CCS SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIORAL AND SCHOOL RELATED TRIP EXPECTATIONS
SETTINGS/ROUTINES
CAFETERIA RECESS HALLWAY +
TRANSITIONS
BATHROOM ASSEMBLIES BUS DIGITAL WORLD
Take CARE of
OURSELVES
Eat your own food Use good manners Stay in your seat
Play safe and have fun Dress for the weather Ask an adult for help if you need it
Walk Be on time Use self-control Keep moving to destination
Wash your hands Report any unsafe or unkind behavior
Be polite Stay focused Be engaged Use good audience manners
Report any unsafe or unkind behavior Stay in your seat and assigned area Remain seated when bus is moving
Keep personal information private Access internet with adult supervision Visit trusted websites and communicate with trusted people Tell an adult if you receive something unkind
Take CARE of
OTHERS
Use inside voices Include others to join the table Wait your turn Stay in your own personal space in line Follow the directions of ALL adults Stand up for each other Use manners
Include others Play fair Take turns Stay within boundaries Share equipment Follow the directions of ALL adults Stand up for each other
Monitor your voice level to care for the learning of others Stay to the right side to enable others to pass Leave room for others to pass Keep hands to self Follow the directions of ALL adults Stand up for each other
Flush the toilet Respect others’ privacy Use inside voices Stand up for each other
Keep feet still Maintain a calm body Stay quiet during performance Follow the directions of ALL adults Stand up for each other
Keep hands and feet to yourself Keep the aisle clear Use quiet and respectful words Follow all bus driver directions and safety rules Stand up for each other
Act as a virtual ally and up-stander Think: is this kind, truthful, and helpful BEFORE writing, sending it Limit taking/sharing photos and videos to academic settings Only use personal devices with adult permission Give credit for work and ideas to whom it belongs Stand up for each other
Take CARE of
THIS PLACE
Take care of all school spaces by: Leaving your space cleaner than you found it Using equipment and furniture appropriately Reporting damage or problems Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Compost
Keep the bus clean (the inside & outside of the bus)
Treat devices gently Return school devices to appropriate places
In all school spaces, always think before you speak: “Is it KIND?” “Is it HELPFUL?”
- 16 -
The CCS Multi-Tiered System of Behavioral Supports Diagram shows the behavioral supports and
interventions available to all students and student’s needing additional support. CCS believes in providing a
strong foundation of preventative Tier I Interventions for ALL while having Tier II and Tier III Interventions
for students needing additional support.
CCS Multi-Tiered System of Behavioral Supports and Interventions*
Tier I Interventions for ALL Students:
School-wide Behavioral expectations
Pre-correction
Redirection
Alternative seating
“Take a Break”
Buddy Classroom
Brain/Body Breaks
Behavior Specific Praise
School-wide and Class-wide Celebrations
School Counseling
Sensory/Mindfulness Activities
Planning Room
Tier II Interventions for SOME Students:
Check-in/Check-out (CICO)
School Counseling Groups
Behavior Success Plan
Mentoring
Buddy Program
School Collaboration
Homework Club
Tutoring
Interest Clubs/Groups
Delta Services & Interventions
Planning Room
Tier III Interventions for FEW Students:
Access to Counseling Services
Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
Behavior Intervention Plans
CICO Plus**
Mentoring Plus**
Buddy Program Plus**
Individualized Tutoring
Delta Services & Interventions
Planning Room
*For a complete list of interventions please see CCS Leveled Support and Intervention Chart
**Refers to any Tier II Intervention that has increased in frequency and duration, leading to a Tier III Intervention
- 17 -
Flowchart for Supporting Student Behavior
Conversations for Success
I noticed you (fill in the blank)
Tell me what you should be doing.
Can you do that?
Do you need help?
Please show me what it looks like.
Give positive performance feedback
Can you follow the expectation from now on?
These series of questions are to be
used when problem-solving with
students. For example, you see a
student running the hall.
Teacher: “I noticed you were
running in the hall. Tell me what you
should be doing.”
Student: “Walking.”
Teacher: “Can you do that? Do you
need help?”
Student: “Yes, I can walk by
myself.”
Teacher: “Please show me what it
should look like.”
Student walks safely down the hall
Teacher: “Thanks for being safe in
the hallway and taking care of
yourself and others”
REMEMBER: Always connect
behavior specific praise with our
school-wide expectations:
Take CARE of Ourselves
Take CARE of Others
Take CARE of This
Level Two Major Behavior: After exhausting classroom strategies,
including “Take a Break” and “Buddy Classroom”, call the Office – “Support is needed in RM__”
Planning Room staff will respond
Complete the Online Referral Form
Teacher, Planning Room Staff and/or Administrator determines intervention and contacts parents/guardians.
Behavior
Improves
Behavior
Improves
Behavior
Improves
Support
Room
Teacher
closes the
loop with
the
student(s)
Planning
RM staff
will send an
e-mail to
staff to close
the loop on
actions taken
Best Practices for Supporting Student
Behavior:
Teach Behavioral Expectations
Reteach Behavioral Expectations
Reinforce Positive Behaviors by giving positive feedback
Get to know your students
Continue to build relationships
Elicit parent/guardian support
Observe Problem Behavior
Menu of in Class Strategies for Level One
Behaviors: Conversation for Success
Re-teach expectations Pre-correction
Redirection
Alternative seating
Reminders
Brain/Body Breaks
Behavior Specific
Praise
Offer choices
If behavior does not improve…Try the
following RC/DD pathways to success!
Student is asked to “Take a Break”
Student is asked to go their “Buddy Classroom”.
o Student completes a reflection sheet per Buddy Classroom process
Referring Staff connects with Classroom/Support Room Teacher to determine who contacts the parents/guardians
Best Practices for Supporting Student
Behavior:
Teach Behavioral Expectations
Reteach Behavioral Expectations
Reinforce Positive Behaviors by giving positive feedback
Get to know your students
Continue to build relationships
Elicit parent/guardian support
- 18 -
Our PBIS system also provides a leveled system of supports and interventions for behaviors that do not meet our CCS expectations. All interventions
are intended to promote a student’s ability to be responsible for her/his actions and choices by attending to the following four components: 1)
reflection; 2) education; 3) repair work to rebuild relationships; and 4) natural consequences. At both levels, families are invited to be partners to help
support their children’s learning and ability to meet the behavioral expectations. The CCS Leveled Support and Interventions Chart summarizes
this.
Charlotte Central School Leveled Supports and Interventions Chart
Level One:
Minor Behaviors & Tier I Interventions
(Managed by the Teacher/Team)
Level Two:
Major Behaviors & Tier II/ III Interventions
(Managed by Planning Room Staff and/or Administrator
Behaviors:
Disrespectful
Language
Minor Physical Contact
Minor Defiance/Non-
Compliance
Minor Disruption
Property Misuse
Minor Technology Violation
Gum Chewing without
permission
Minor Disrespect - Rudeness
All interventions include the following 4 components:
Reflection, Education, Repair Work and Natural
Consequences
Range of Tier I Interventions*
School-wide Behavioral expectations
Pre-correction
Redirection
Alternative seating
“Take a Break”
Buddy Classroom
Brain/Body Breaks
Behavior Specific Praise
Choice
Mediation
School-wide and Class-wide Celebrations
School Counseling Support
Sensory/Mindfulness Activities
Positive Encouragement
Parent Involvement
Opportunities for special job/ leadership role/
recognition
Relocation in classroom
Natural consequences (if you broke something, you
fix it)
Work completion during free time (possibly recess
time)
Restitution; apology of action
Informal or verbal behavior plan/contact
Loss of privileges
Behaviors:
Chronic Minor Behaviors
Abusive/Inappropriate Language/Profanity (including threats to harm)
Overt Defiance/Non-
Compliance
Extreme Disrespect
Extreme Disruption
Physical Aggression/Fighting
Property Damage/Vandalism
Technology Violation
Alleged Bullying
Alleged Harassment
All interventions include the following 4 components:
Reflection, Education, Repair Work and Natural
Consequences
Range of Tier II & Tier III Interventions*
Check-in/Check-out (CICO), positive
encouragement system
School Counseling Groups
Behavior Success Plan
Buddy Program
School Collaboration
Interest Clubs/Groups
Mediation
Parent Involvement
Increased Supervision
School Counselor referral for Support
Mentoring (grades 5-8) Support
CVU SMILE Mentoring (grades K-4) Support
Functional Behavioral Assessment Support
Loss of Privileges
Make up work during free time (i.e. recess)
Loss of participation in events and activities (i.e.
dances, field trips, etc)
Restitution; apology of action
Community service
Detention during lunch, recess or afterschool
Loss of privilege to ride bus for a period of time
Loss of privilege to participate in sports for a
period of time
In-school suspension
Out-of-school suspension
Expulsion
*Range of Interventions differ depending on the individual case and may include but are not limited to the above listed.
- 19 -
CCS PLANNING ROOM REFERRAL FORM FOR LEVEL TWO MAJOR BEHAVIORS
Student Name: _____________________________________________________
Date: ________________________ Time: __________
Teacher: ____________________________________________________________
Grade: K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Referring Staff: _____________________________________________________
Location
Classroom Hallway
Playground Cafeteria
Bathroom Library
Bus EA: _____________
Other __________
Level Two Major Behavior (Planning RM Managed) Perceived Motivation
Others Involved
Chronic Minor Behaviors
Abusive/Inappropriate Language/Profanity
Overt Defiance/Non-Compliance
Extreme Disruption
Extreme Disrespect
Physical Aggression/Fighting
Property Damage/Vandalism
Technology Violation
Alleged Bullying
Alleged Harassment
Other:
__________________________
Get:
Peer Attention
Adult Attention
Item/Activity
Avoid:
Peer Attention
Adult Attention
Item/Activity
None
Teacher Substitute
Peers
Staff
Other:
_____________
Was this a Call for Support? Yes No
Details of Behavior (Just facts, no judgment): ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Strategies Attempted to Redirect or Decrease Behavior Communication
Redirection
Alternative seating
“Take a Break”
Buddy Classroom
Brain/Body Breaks
Behavior Specific Praise
Offer Choices
Conference with the Student
Consult with Behavior Systems
Coordinator
Other: __________________________
Family has been contacted by
teacher about previous
infractions
Yes – If yes, when & how many
times? _____________
No - If no, teacher calls
parents/guardians
Action Taken By Teacher Action Taken By Admin/Student Support Center
Time Out
Conference with Student
Loss of Privileges
Education
Repair Work
Education Parent Contact, When: ________________________
Repair Work
Conference With Student
In-School Suspension (_______hours/days)
Out-of-School Suspension (_______hours/days)
Natural Consequences: ________________________________________________________
Additional Notes: __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Support Center Staff Only: Entered into SWIS? Yes No
- 20 -
Charlotte Central School
Harassment, Hazing and Bullying Prevention Chart
K-8
Responsive Classroom (K-4)/Developmental Designs (5-8)
PBIS: Framework promoting positive behavior, interventions and supports, including the school-
wide expectations: Take CARE of Ourselves, Take CARE of Others, Take CARE of This Place
C.A.R.E: Caring adults responding effectively to school-wide needs; this group includes
administrators, school counselors, school nurse, planning room facilitator, behavior coordinator
School-wide committees such as the School Climate Committee and Diversity Committee
School-wide Assemblies: Assemblies promoting the positive well-being of all students, such as
the Carnation Ceremony, the administrators’ Read-Aloud, Musical Performances, Champ
Celebration
Anonymous Bullying/Harassment Reporting Online Form
Parental Communication: Education nights and newsletter articles
School Counseling Classes
Roadshows: Presentations by administrators, school counselors, and planning room facilitators on
universal or situational behavior such as bus safety, supporting a positive school environment,
how to manage bullying behaviors, cafeteria behavior, recess behaviors and bystanders
Internet Safety Classes including an emphasis on Cyber-bullying at specific grade levels
Student Leadership Council (5-8)
Investigation of Bullying/Harassment Allegations
Access to School Counselors; Access to School Psychologists; Access to Behavior Coordinator
Targeted Behavioral Interventions based upon PBIS Program such as Check-in/Check-out
Program or Individual Behavior Plans
Consequences for substantiated behavior as described in Charlotte Central School Consequence
Matrix
- 21 -
Response to Harassment, Hazing and Bullying Allegations Flowchart
Harassment, hazing and bullying are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will NOT be tolerated at Charlotte Central School.
Bullying means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by electronic means, directed against a student by another student or groups of students and
which: 1.is repeated over time, 2. is intended to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the student and either a. occurs during the school day on school property on a school bus or
at a school sponsored activity, b. does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear
and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs.
Harassment means an incident of incidents of verbal, written visual, or physical conduct, including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a
student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identify, that has
the purpose of effect of objectively and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources
or creating an objectively intimidating hostile, or offensive environment.
Hazing means an intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student: in connection with
pledging, being initiated into affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the educational institution; and 1.
Which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student.
Report of alleged harassment, hazing or bullying is received by any school personnel.1
Within 1 day, designee determines if an investigation is warranted.
An investigation begins: Planning Room Staff and Administrator interviews the reporter, alleged target and person allegedly being unkind/unsafe.
Parents are contacted and letters express that an investigation of harassment, hazing or bullying involving their child is written and sent home.
Did bullying,
hazing, or
harassment
occur?
If harassment, hazing or bullying is substantiated,
appropriate interventions, consequences, or supports
are applied depending on the nature of the incident.
See Appendix B. Letters to both family parties are
sent home and meetings with Administration may
occur.
Harassment, hazing or bullying is unsubstantiated
but misconduct may have occurred. Letters to both
family parties are sent home and meetings with
Administration may occur.
If misconduct is substantiated, appropriate
interventions, consequences, or supports are applied
depending on the nature of the misconduct.
Meetings with Administration occur.
***Responses to reported behavior may differ depending on individual cases, or
upon file review, and may include intervention, consequences, and supports. See
the Chart of Leveled Responses to Behavior.
NO YES
1 Any student, who knowingly makes false accusations regarding bullying, may be subject to disciplinary action.
Revised: August 2018
For the CVSD Policy on Bullying, Hazing, and Harassment please see the Appendix.
- 22 -
**************************************************************************************************
CVSD Policies: It is required that specific policies be included in this handbook in their entirety. All policies and
procedures within this handbook are current as of 08/26/2019. As policies and procedures are subject to change, please
see our policy web page at www.CVSD.org for the most recent version. The following pages contain a complete list of
CVSD policies and the required policies.
POLICY MAINTENANCE Code A1 The Role Of Policy Code A2 Policy Development and Adoption Code A3 Policy Dissemination, Administration & Review Code A4 Action in Absence of Policy Code A5 Policy Corrections and Modifications
BOARD MEMBERSHIP Code B1 Board Member Education Code B2 Board Goal Setting & Self Evaluation Code B3 Board Member Conflict Of Interest Code B4 Board Committees
BOARD PROCEDURES Code C1 Board Meeting Agenda Preparation and Distribution Code C2 Board Meetings Code C3 Public Participation at Board Meeting s Code C4 School Visits by Board Members Code C5 Regular Board Meeting s Code C6 Board Relations with School Personnel Code C7 Board Commitment to Non-Discrimination Code C8 Capitalization of Assets Procedures for Handling Complaints of Discrimination Code C7
PERSONNEL Code D1 Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Criminal Checks Code D2 Professional Development Code D3 Staffing and Job Descriptions Code D4 Personnel Files Code D5 Substitute Teachers Code D6 Volunteers Code D7 Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Code D8 Resignations Code D9 Public Complaints about Personnel Code D10 Mandatory Drug & Alcohol Testing Transportation Employees Code D11 Job Sharing- Instructional Positions Code D12 FMLA Code D13 Harassment of Employees Code D14 Subpoenas Code D15 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Compliance Code D16 Employee Conflict Of Interest Procedures Harassment of Employees Code D13
BUSINESS AND NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS Code E1 Fiscal Management Code E2 Budgeting
Code E3 Financial Reports and Statements Code E4 Risk Management Code E5 Emergency Closings Code E6 Safety and Security Code E7 School Crisis Prevention & Response Code E8 Public Bidding-Contracts Code E9 Petty Cash Code E10 Travel and Expenses Code E11 Sale of Property Other Than Real Estate Building Code E12 Motor Vehicle Idling Code E13 Fund Balance Policy Code E14 Food Service Operations Code E15 Use of Video Surveillance STUDENTS Code F1 Student Conduct and Discipline Code F2 Bus Discipline Code F3 Tobacco Prohibition Code F4 Search, Seizure and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel Code F5 Searches, Seizures and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel Code F6 Education Records Code F7 Duty of Care to Students Code F8 Student Medication Code F9 Substance Use Code F10 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect Code F11 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Code F12 Transportation Code F13 School Sponsored Student Activities and Athletics (Co-curriculars) Code F14 Student Publications Code F15 Head Lice Code F16 Eighteen-Year-Old Students Code F17 Limited English Proficiency Students Code F18 Weapons Policy Code F19 Student Assessment Code F20 Participation of Home Study Students Code F21 Field Trips Elective Trips Code F22 Eligibility for Kindergarten Code F23 Student Placement/Assignments Code F24 Grade Advancement: Retention, Promotion and Acceleration of Students Code F25 Student Attendance/Truancy Code F26 Restrictive Behavioral Intervention Code F27 Use of Imaging and Recording Devices in School Code F28 Pupil Privacy Rights Code F29 Tuition for Admitted Students Code F30 Admission of Students
Code F31 Intraschool District School Choice Program Procedures for Intraschool District School Choice Program Code F31 Code F32 Wellness Policy Code F33 Non-School Sponsored Student Activities Code F34 Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Procedures for Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students Code F34 INSTRUCTION Code G1 Curriculum Development/Coordination Code G2 Copyrights Code G3 Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use Code G4 Complaints about Instructional Materials Code G5 Selection of Instructional Materials Code G6 Educational Support System Code G7 Local Action Plan Code G8 Role of Religion in Schools Code G10 Teaching Controversial Issues Code G11 Comparable Services Policy Code G12 Animal Dissection Code G13 Selecting Library and Media Center Materials Code G14 CVU Graduation Requirements Code G15 Minimum Optimal Class Sizes SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS Code H1 Use of School Facilities Code H2 Public Solicitations/Advertising in Schools Code H3 Visitors, Media Interviewing, Filming, Videotaping or Recording Code H4 Gifts Policy Code H5 Fund Raising Code H6 Parent-Guardian Involvement Use of Facilities Procedure Code H1
Code D6: Volunteers
CODE D6
VOLUNTEERS Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District, hereinafter referenced as “the Board” or “the District”) to ensure that volunteers will be appropriately screened prior to entering into service in the school district and that only volunteers who have been screened as outlined in the policy and approved by the Superintendent have extended unsupervised contact with students. General Information The Board recognizes the valuable contributions made to the schools by volunteers. It further recognizes that appropriate supervision of volunteers will enhance their contributions as well as fulfill the responsibility that the school district has for the education and safety of its students. Definitions For the purposes of this policy and procedures developed pursuant to this policy: 1. Volunteer: A volunteer is an individual not employed by the school district who works
on an occasional or regular basis in the school setting to assist the staff. A volunteer works without compensation or economic benefits.
a. Unsupervised: A volunteer in a position or assignment which involves
unsupervised contact with students in the building or offsite as a part of a school program such as, but not limited to, mentors, overnight field trips, or the transportation of students in personal vehicles for field trips.
b. Supervised: A volunteer who works directly with students who will be under the
immediate supervision of a school district employee and will not have unsupervised contact with students.
Guidelines: 1. Screening: The Superintendent or designee shall develop administrative rules and
procedures to ensure compliance with this policy and state and federal law.
2. Recruitment: The principal(s) or designee is authorized to recruit and approve volunteers. It is the principal(s) responsibility to be reasonably sure that the volunteer is a person of good character with the ability to make significant contributions to the school. The principal(s) will require volunteers to complete the screening requirements of this policy. A person who fails to provide full and accurate background information in response to the principal(s) request will not be permitted to work with students. If the position for which a volunteer is being recruited involves regular unsupervised contact
Code D6: Volunteers
with students, the principal(s) will carry out a criminal records and other required background checks on the final candidate in accordance with the district employment policy (Code D1). District School Boards’ will determine if they will pay for the fee(s) associated with criminal records checks.
3. Placement: Placement and replacement of volunteers will be made by the principal(s) or
the principal(s) designee. 4. Conditions of Work: Volunteers will be informed by the principal(s) or designee of the
extent to which school district insurance policies protect them from personal liability resulting from claims against them based on negligence or other injurious conduct while acting in a volunteer capacity.
5. Policies and Procedures: The principal(s) or designee will assure that all volunteers are
familiar with the school districts policies and procedures.
Responsibilities of Volunteers 1. Volunteers are responsible for complying with school policies, rules, and procedures. 2. Volunteers will be considered staff members for purposes of compliance with the state
and federal harassment statutes. Date Warned: 2/22/2017 Date Adopted: 3/8/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable Legal References: 16 V.S.A. § 260 20 V.S.A. § 2056c – Disseminating of Criminal History
42 U.S.C. § 5119a – Child Protection Act Cross References: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students –
(F34) Harassment of Employees – (D13)
Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Required Background Checks – Code (D1)
Code F1: Student Conduct and Discipline
CODE F1
STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to maintain a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment. To ensure that the school is free from disruptive misconduct, clearly stated rules for student behavior and consistent and fair disciplinary procedures will be applied in compliance with due process requirements and the school’s overall discipline plan. Definitions 1. School means any setting which is under the control and supervision of the School District. It
includes school grounds, facilities, and school sponsored events and activities whether held on or off school grounds and vehicles used to transport students to and from school or school sponsored events and activities.
2. Expelled means the termination of educational services for the remainder of the school year or up
to 90 school days, whichever is longer. 3. In-School Suspension means the exclusion within the school building of a student from the
student’s regular education program for up to but not more than 10 school days for disciplinary reasons.
4. Out-of-School Suspension means the removal of a student from the school building and from the
student’s regular education program for up to but not more than 10 school days for disciplinary reasons.
5. Restorative Justice consists of practices which recognize and seek to repair injuries to people
and communities by encouraging and supporting parties with a stake in a particular offense to participate in its resolution. Offenders are held accountable by participating in identifying the harm done and determining what must be done to address that harm.
Student Responsibilities It is the responsibility of each student to contribute to a safe and productive learning environment in the school by demonstrating respect and consideration for fellow students and adults. This includes complying with all policies and rules of conduct of the school district and individual classrooms. Administrative Responsibilities The principal, in consultation with the educational staff, will develop an overall discipline plan pursuant to state statute. Disciplinary action, suspension or expulsion of students for misconduct occurring during any school-sponsored activity shall follow due process requirements.
Code F1: Student Conduct and Discipline
The plan will include clear guidelines for student behavior. The guidelines for student behavior will include behavioral expectations and the consequences of misconduct. These guidelines will be stated in the student handbook and other publications provided to students and parents/guardians, and will be consistent with other policies, including but not limited to those listed below.
Date Warned: 3/22/2017 Date Adopted: 4/4/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s): 16 V.S.A. §1161a
16 V.S.A. §1162 20 U.S.C. § § 1400 et seq. 29 U.S.C. § 794 Vermont State Board of Education Manual of Rules & Practices §4311, 4312, 4313, 2120.8.12
Cross Reference(s):
Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel (F5) Search, Seizure and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4) Substance Use Policy (F9) Weapons Policy (F18) Board Commitment to Non-Discrimination (C7) Public Complaints about Personnel (D9) Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students (F34)
Code F2: Bus Discipline
CODE F2 BUS DISCIPLINE Policy
It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District board to provide a safe environment on school
buses transporting students to and from school and school activities and to maintain student discipline
policies.
Implementation
Bus drivers are authorized and expected to maintain appropriate student behavior on the bus. Riding
the bus is a privilege. Students who engage in inappropriate conduct may lose this privilege. In the
event a student is denied transportation privileges by the principal or designee as a result of
disciplinary action or consequences, the parent/guardian will be notified.
In the event that a student’s behavior represents an immediate threat to the health and safety of the
student, other students, the driver and/or other passengers, the child may be immediately removed
from the bus as long as:
1. the driver follows the outlined procedures for such removal, and
2. immediate removal of the student will not create a greater danger to the student, other
students, the driver and or other passengers.
Date Warned: 3/22/2017
Date Adopted: 4/4/2017
Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s): 16 V.S.A. §1222 (Students Who May be Furnished Transportation)
16 V.S.A. §1161a (Discipline)
16 V.S.A. §1162 (Suspension and Expulsion)
Cross Reference(s): Transportation (F12)
Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)
Code F3: Tobacco/Nicotine Prohibition
CODE F3 TOBACCO/NICOTINE PROHIBITION
Policy
It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to provide a tobacco and nicotine
free environment for students, employees, and guests.
Guidelines
The use of tobacco and tobacco products on school grounds is a violation of state law and
is hereby prohibited. In addition this policy shall apply to all forms of nicotine delivery
devices, including but not limited to electronic nicotine delivery systems. This ban extends
to any student, employee, or visitor to the school and applies at all times, regardless of
whether school is in session or not.
The Superintendent of Schools (or designee) is responsible for informing students and
employees of this policy, posting signs on school property, and providing notice in
bulletins, programs, and announcements related to school events to visitors and those who
are invited to attend school activities.
Students who violate this policy will be disciplined under the school's disciplinary policy
and procedures. Students in the possession of tobacco products, other products prohibited
hereunder and related materials will have this property confiscated by appropriate school
personnel and may be referred to a Substance Assistant Professional (SAP) employed by
the District and/or law enforcement authorities. Students who distribute tobacco products
on school grounds may be subject to additional disciplinary action.
Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action following
applicable employee policies and employment contracts.
Others who use tobacco or other product prohibited hereunder on school grounds will be
informed of this policy and asked to comply. A person failing to comply will be asked to
leave school grounds. A person who refuses to comply or to leave school grounds when
requested to do so shall be referred to local law enforcement authorities.
For purposes of this policy, "school grounds" means any property and facilities owned or
leased by the school and used at any time for school related activities, including but not
limited to school buildings, areas adjacent to school buildings, athletic fields, and parking
lots including private vehicles located therein. This ban extends to all school-owned and
operated vehicles.
Co-Curricular Activities
Students who violate this policy are subject to additional disciplinary actions as are defined
in Co-Curricular Activity Procedures.
Code F3: Tobacco/Nicotine Prohibition
Date Warned: 12/4/2018
Date Adopted: 12/11/2018
Date Reaffirmed:
References: 16 VSA; Sec. 140
13 VSA; Sec. 3705
18 VSA; sec. 1741
Cross Reference: School Sponsored Student Activities & Athletics - Co-Curriculars (F13)
Code F4: Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
CODE F4
SEARCH, SEIZURE, AND INTERROGATION OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL PERSONNEL
It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District (hereinafter referenced as “the Board” or “the District”), in order to provide a safe and orderly school environment, to authorize school administrators to examine all school property and to carry out searches or to seize property of students while on school property or at school related events under the guidelines provided in this policy. Scope and General Policies
A. This policy applies to searches of students’ persons, possessions, including but not limited to electronic devices, desks, lockers and vehicles by school administration. Desks, lockers, textbooks, technological devices and other materials, equipment or supplies loaned by the school to students remain the property of the school, and may be inspected and searched by school employees without reasonable suspicion and without notice to or the consent of the student.
B. Searches of students’ persons and/or students’ personal property may be conducted only
upon reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence that a student has violated a school rule or policy, or has violated the law, including possession of contraband. Searches will be conducted within the law, meet the requirements of the state and federal constitutions, and in the least invasive manner possible.
C. If there is a clear and imminent danger to the health and safety of school individuals, or
clear and imminent risk of danger to school property (such as a bomb scare), general searches of school property may be allowed under closely supervised conditions that respect individual rights.
Copies of this policy will be distributed to students when they enroll in school, and will be included in the student handbook given to students and parents at the beginning of each school year. This policy is meant to explain the legal rights of the school district, but is not meant to limit them in any way. Reasonable Suspicion In determining whether “reasonable suspicion” exists, an administrator or faculty member shall consider all relevant information, including the following:
A. The timeliness of the information that gives rise to the suspicion;
B. Whether a plausible alternative explanation exists;
C. Whether any other information exists that independently supports or detracts from the probable reliability of the new information; and
Code F4: Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
D. If the information was provided by an informant:
1. Whether the information was directly gathered by the informant, such as by visual observation or overheard conversation, or was indirectly provided by another person to the informant; and
2. Whether the informant has been shown to be or should be considered a reliable source.
Definitions As used in this policy: “Contraband” means weapons, drugs, and other illegal substances, or other objects which are evidence of a violation of state or federal law or school policy. “School property search” means the search of desks, lockers, textbooks, technological and imaging devices, and other materials, equipment or supplies loaned by the school to a student, including use of personal devices which access school network resources as outlined in the G3 Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use. “Possessions search” means a search of the student’s pockets, bags, purses and other movable possessions performed by requiring a student to empty those items or allow review of contents of an item including but not limited to photos, texts or other electronic files and communications on an imaging device or a computer. “Vehicle search” means a search of a student’s vehicle. “Person search” means a search of a student’s person and may require the student to loosen or remove outer clothing, consistent with item D under of Types of and Conditions for Searches below. “Student” means a student of the member school district or of another school who is participating in school district activities or is otherwise on school property. Persons Who May Perform Searches
A. Searches shall normally be conducted by trained school administrators. However, when an administrator is not reasonably available or cannot perform a search within a reasonable time, such as on a field trip, a designated member of the faculty may perform a search.
B. Searches and seizures by law enforcement officials shall be as outlined in Policy F5: Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel.
Code F4: Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
Types of and Conditions for Searches The extent of each search shall be directly related to the basis of the search.
A. School administrators may inspect and search school property including but not limited to lockers and/or other school property and network resources accessed by or assigned to the student or used by the student without reasonable suspicion and without notice to or the consent of the student
B. Search of a student’s possessions shall normally be conducted by requiring the student to empty his/her pockets, bag(s), purse(s), and other movable possessions or to allow review of items including but not limited to photos, texts, or other files or communications stored in or on technological devices, provided that there is reasonable suspicion to believe that the contraband is located in the place searched. The person conducting the search may pat down or otherwise search the student’s clothing, may personally examine the purse, bag, backpack or technological device to ensure that all items have been removed or shown and may search the items removed from the purse, bag, or backpack as necessary and appropriate. A search of a student’s possessions shall be witnessed by a second person who is an administrator or by a member of the faculty or staff when on a trip.
C. A vehicle search shall be made only when there is reasonable suspicion to believe that contraband is located in the vehicle; and the vehicle is either on school grounds or the vehicle is being used to transport students to or from a school sponsored event. A vehicle search shall be witnessed by a second person who is an administrator or by a member of the faculty or staff when on a trip.
A vehicle search shall normally be conducted by examination of the unlocked spaces of a vehicle. A student may be required to open locked spaces in a vehicle to permit examination of the contents therein upon reasonable suspicion to believe contraband is present within the locked space. If a student refuses to open a locked space, the vehicle may be detained on school grounds until police can be summoned and a warrant obtained.
D. In circumstances where there is reasonable suspicion to support the search of a student’s person, and the search requires the student to disrobe, in whole or in part, the search shall be conducted by a trained third party. Strip searches by school personnel are prohibited. A search of a student’s person shall be:
1. Conducted by a person of the same gender as the student, and
2. Witnessed by a third person who is an adult of the same gender as the student, and
3. To the degree that circumstances allow, conducted in a manner that maximizes the student’s interest in modesty and privacy.
Code F4: Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
Actions Following Search A. Any suspected contraband found during a search shall be confiscated. Any suspected
illegal substances or other items evidencing a crime found shall be turned over to law enforcement officials.
B. The principal or designee shall notify the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) that a search has been conducted and that evidence has been provided to the police.
Questioning of Students School district employees may detain students to question them where they have reasonable grounds to suspect that it will assist them in gathering evidence or information regarding possible violations of board policy or school behavior expectations. The Administration may act on information related to violations of school rules received from outside law enforcement personnel. School officials are not required to notify parents of questioning of students.
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is not considered a school district employee for the purpose of interrogations; therefore, students may decline at any time to be interviewed by the School Resource Officer. A student may decline to be interviewed by outside law enforcement personnel.
Date Warned: 3/22/2017 Date Adopted: 4/4/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s):
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325, 105 S. Ct. 733 (1985) Vernonia School District v. Acton, 515 U.S. 646, 115 S. Ct. 2386 (1995) Board of Education v. Earls, 122 S. Ct. 2559 (2002) Doe v. Little Rock School District, 380 F.3d 349 (8th Cir. 2004) Phaneuf v. Fraikin, No. 04-4783 (2d Cir. May 19, 2006) Wofford v. Evans, 390 F.3d 318 (4th Cir. 2004) Shuman v. Penn Manor School Dist., 422 F.3d 141 (3d Cir. 2005) In re Randy G., 110 Cal. Rptr. 2d 516 (Cal. 2001) Mislin v. City of Tonawanda Sch. Dist., 2007 WL 952048, *10 (W.D.N.Y. 2007) Bisignano v. Harrison Cent. Sch. Dist., 113 F. Supp. 2d 591, 596-97 (S.D.N.Y. 2000).
Cross References:
Searches, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel (F5) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1) Substance Use (F9)
Code F5: Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
CODE F5
SEARCHES, SEIZURES, AND INTERROGATION OF STUDENTS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL OR OTHER NON-SCHOOL PERSONNEL Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to protect the rights and safety of its students. The school district will work with law enforcement officers and other non-school personnel as necessary to provide a safe school environment and a safe community. School district administrators may invite law enforcement officers to assist them in an emergency. Unless law enforcement officers have a warrant or court order authorizing them to conduct certain activity on school property, school administration may ask them to leave. School administrators will not assist law enforcement officers (including school resource officers) in a search, seizure, or interrogation where the primary purpose is to enforce a criminal law If a law enforcement official wishes to search or seize school or student property, or interrogate a student, school administration has discretion to grant or withhold consent under certain circumstances as described below: Warrant If a law enforcement officer presents a proper warrant for the search, seizure, or arrest of a person or property, school administration must comply with the warrant and the officer’s requests. However, school administration shall review the scope of the warrant before it is executed. School Property If a law enforcement officer who does not present a warrant requests permission to search or seize school property, the principal has authority to decide whether to grant or withhold permission. School property includes student lockers, desks, textbooks and materials loaned to students, and data stored on school computers. Student Property A law enforcement officer who does not present a search warrant may be given permission by school administration to search or seize student property if the school administrators request the assistance of law enforcement to deal with an emergency affecting the safety of the school population.
Code F5: Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
If there is no emergency affecting the safety of the school population, a law enforcement officer who does not present a search warrant must obtain permission from a parent or guardian of any student under eighteen years of age before searching that student’s property on school grounds. School officials do not have authority to grant officers permission for such searches in the absence of an emergency. Notwithstanding this paragraph, if the officer directs that a parent or guardian is not to be contacted because the search is related to criminal activity of a parent or guardian or to a child abuse or neglect investigation, then the school administrator shall allow the officer to ask the student for permission to conduct the search. Interrogation Prior to the start of any interrogation by non-school personnel, school administrators shall ask for proper identification. School administrators may request the assistance of law enforcement officers to deal with a situation potentially affecting the safety of the school population, and may give law enforcement officers permission to interview students as necessary, however, the school administration will not be present where the officer’s interrogation is related to a criminal investigation. Further, a minor student must be given the opportunity to consult with a genuinely interested adult independent from the state (e.g. a parent, guardian, or attorney) before being subject to custodial interrogation. If a student is placed under arrest or removed from the school by a law enforcement officer, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) should be notified of this action by the school administration as soon as possible, as described below. Non-school personnel may also question students under the age of eighteen without notification of parents if such questioning (1) is part of a child abuse or neglect investigation conducted by the Department of Children and Families in accordance with Chapter 49 of Title 33 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated or (2) concerns possible criminal activity by the parent or guardian where the student is a victim. School administrators will not be present as a part of any criminal investigation by police. Arrest If a law enforcement officer presents a warrant for the arrest of a student or a subpoena for the student’s appearance, school administrators shall cooperate in locating the student within the school. Before releasing a student to law enforcement authorities under these circumstances, school administrators shall ask for proper identification and require the officer to sign a form indicating the reason for the removal of the student from school. If a student is placed under arrest or removed from the school by a law enforcement officer, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) should be notified of this action by school administrators as soon as possible. 1 Law enforcement officers must have probable cause that a crime has been or is being committed in order to justify a search or seizure. However, school officials concerned with a violation of school rules need only have a reasonable suspicion that a rule is being or has been broken. 2 Wofford v. Evans, 390 F.3d 318 (4th Cir. 2004).
Code F5: Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
Date Warned: 3/22/2017 Date Adopted: 4/4/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal References: 33 VSA §4915 (Child Welfare Services) J Rapp, EDUCATION LAW (Lexis 2006) W LaFave SERACH AND SEIZURE (2006) In re E.T.C., 141 Vt. 375, 378-79 (1982)
In re E.W., 2015 VT 7. K.D. v. White Plains Sch. Dist., 921 F. Supp. 2d 197, 207 (S.D.N.Y. 2013).0
Cross References: Search Seizure and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
CODE F9 Mandatory
SUBSTANCE USE POLICY
Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District that no student shall knowingly possess, use, transfer, or be under the influence of, any drug, alcohol, or other regulated substance at school or at any school-sponsored activity. It is further the policy of the District to make appropriate referrals in cases of substance use. School personnel will work in a coordinated manner to establish prevention, treatment, and support opportunities. The principal, with the approval of the Superintendent, may determine the applicability of this policy for students in grades K-4.
Prohibited Conduct It is a violation of this policy for any student to knowingly do any of the following on school property, adjacent to school property, or at any school-sponsored activity:
1. Be under the influence of any Substance (defined below); 2. Possess, use, purchase, procure, sell, give, supply, or otherwise transfer any Substance or
Paraphernalia (defined below) or any product or item believed or represented to be a Substance or Paraphernalia;
3. Attempt to commit conduct identified in # 2 above; or 4. Conspire with another person to commit conduct identified in # 2 above.
When the school administration has sufficient information as a result of observation, witness statements, or referral to reasonably suspect that a violation of this policy has occurred, the student(s) will be expected to cooperate fully with the administration. This may include, but is not limited to, removal of shoes and emptying of pockets, pocketbooks, and backpacks. In such situations, the administration also reserves the right to inspect students’ lockers and cars parked on school premises. Such actions shall conform to the District’s policy on searches. Failure on the part of the student to provide complete cooperation will constitute a violation of this policy. The principal reserves the right to contact a law enforcement agency in the event that the student fails to cooperate. It shall be a further violation of this policy for anyone to retaliate in any way against any person who has participated or cooperated in the investigation of a violation of this policy. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, verbal and physical threats, intimidation, assault and/or battery or an attempt to do any of the foregoing. Retaliation is a serious matter and it will constitute the basis for separate disciplinary action up to and including the expulsion of the student. Violations of this policy are cumulative in nature during a student’s total years of enrollment at the school. In all reported instances of a violation of this policy, the parent or legal guardian will be notified by the school principal, or other appropriate personnel. The parent or legal guardian will be requested to transport the student home. In no event will the student be permitted to leave the school without an escort.
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
Definitions Substance includes any illegal, controlled, or over-the-counter drug, and alcohol products. Drug includes any narcotic, hallucinogenic, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance as defined by state or federal regulation or statute. Drug also includes any prescription or non-prescription drug, medicine, or other chemical including, but not limited to, pain relievers, stimulants, diet pills, cough medicines and syrups, cold medicines, laxatives, stomach and digestive remedies, depressants, or sleeping pills, not taken in accordance with the provisions of school policy regarding the dispensing of medication. Substance also includes any abusable glue or aerosol paint, as defined by state or federal law, or any other chemical substance including, but not limited to, lighter fluid and reproduction fluid, for inhalation; Paraphernalia includes any handmade or commercial device or implement that assists, or is used for, the intake of a Substance. Examples include rolling paper, pipes, needles, and manipulated lab equipment. Substance use is the possession, use, or being under the influence of any Substance. Substance abuse is the ingestion of Substances in such a way that it interferes with a person’s ability to perform physically, intellectually, emotionally, or socially. Educational Program The administration shall work with appropriate staff members to develop and conduct an alcohol and drug use educational program on a sequential basis from early childhood through grade 12 as required by Vermont law. The program shall be consistent with the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Education Curriculum Plan. If the School District is a recipient of federal Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Act
funds, the ACT will be considered in the development of the alcohol and drug use educational program. Cooperative Agreements and Services In dealing with substance use cases, every effort will be made to promote responsible decision-making by the student involved and other students who are aware of another student’s substance use. The focus will be to encourage appropriate medical and/or psychological intervention by trained professionals. The principal shall annually designate a member of the appropriate school support team such as a substance use team or member of the administration to be responsible for providing information to students and parents or guardians about outside agencies that provide substance use prevention services and to encourage the use of their services and programs when appropriate. The District has established a Student Assistance Program. Students, under the age of eighteen (18) who have been referred or who refer themselves to a counselor, may be seen individually by the counselor for purposes of substance use screening and consultation. Referral and Consent Parental consent is not required for student participation in group programs conducted within the school that are educational in nature and designed to impart information and/or assist students in improving their sense of self-esteem. Such groups may be conducted only by trained professionals contracted by the school to perform such service or by trained school staff who have been approved by the administration to conduct such groups. Further, parental consent is not required for referral to an outside substance use treatment program when a
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
student who is twelve years of age or older is suspected of substance dependency, verified to have that dependency by a physician, and gives his or her own consent for treatment. See 18 VSA § 4226.
School Support Teams In each school the principal shall identify the appropriate school support team to act as a Substance Abuse Team or shall form a Substance Use Team which shall screen students who refer themselves and students who are referred by staff for suspected drug and/or alcohol use and/or use problems. The team will determine the need for further screening, education, counseling or referral for treatment in each case referred to it. In addition, the principal shall establish procedures for administering emergency first aid related to alcohol and drug use for the team to follow.
Staff Training The principal will work with appropriate staff to provide training necessary to ensure that teachers and health and guidance personnel are prepared to competently teach or provide other services required in the school’s alcohol and drug use prevention education program. Training will be designed to meet the requirements of State Board Rules or state law. The training will include a component explaining procedures that require immediate notification of the school administration by school staff of any violation of law, including the illegal possession or distribution of drugs or alcohol.
Community Involvement The principal will work with school staff and community members to design and implement a program to inform the community about substance use issues and the programs and supports provided by the school to educate students about the dangers of alcohol and drug use and to assist students who are abusing alcohol or drugs.
Annual Report In a standard format provided by the Vermont Department of Education, the principal and his or her designee will submit an annual report to the Secretary of Education describing substance abuse and use prevention education programs and their effectiveness.
Notification The principal shall ensure that parents and students are given copies of the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions contained in this policy, and are notified that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory. Notice to students will, at a minimum, be provided through inclusion of these standards and sanctions in the student handbook distributed to all students at the beginning of each school year or when a student enrolls in the school. Prescription Drugs The administration and use of prescription medicines within the school will be handled in accordance with the District’s policy on medication (F8 Student Medication). Consequences for Violations of Policy Students who are experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs are in need of assistance. A twofold approach, rehabilitation and discipline, provides an opportunity for both assistance and intervention to the individual student. The administration, in consultation with other appropriate school personnel and resources, shall develop a
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
plan that includes both of these consequences. All disciplinary measures in accordance with this policy will comply with due process requirements and, where appropriate, will be consistent with the rights of students with disabilities as reflected in the school’s discipline policy.
Rehabilitative Action The rehabilitative action component requires the involvement of a substance use counseling program that provides evaluations and related services on an ability to pay fee scale and has the prior approval of the school administration. The student and the parent shall sign a release permitting the outside agency to provide information to the school administration regarding the evaluation and participation in the prescribed program. Additionally, the school will be provided with a copy of written recommendations prepared by the outside agency prescribing a plan for the student. Demonstrated proof of successful participation or planned participation will be a condition of continued attendance or reinstatement, if continued attendance or reinstatement is permitted under the consequences by the administration. A meeting with parents, the student, guidance counselor, and the principal will be held to review the above-mentioned plan. Following the completion of the plan and recommendations, an evaluation shall be conducted to determine if further assessment or counseling is required. Counseling sessions or other treatment resulting from intervention and/or referral is the financial responsibility of the student and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian.
Disciplinary Action
Sale or Distribution Selling, supplying, giving, or otherwise transferring any Substance or Paraphernalia (or any product or item believed to be or represented as such), or attempting or conspiring to do the same, in violation of this policy:
1. The school will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies. 2. Student will be suspended from school for 10 days, and the expulsion of the
student will be recommended to the school board.
Purchase or Procurement Purchasing or procuring any Substance or Paraphernalia (or any product or item believed to be or represented as such), or attempting or conspiring to do the same, in violation of this policy: First Offense:
1. The school will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies. 2. Student will be suspended from school for up to 10 days. 3. The student is subject to the consequences outlined in “Second Violation” of
Possession or Under the Influence below.
Second and additional offenses: 1. Student will be suspended from school for 10 days and the expulsion of the
student will be recommended to the school board. 2. The school will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Possession or Under the Influence Possessing any Substance or Paraphernalia (or any product or item believed to be or
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
represented as such), or being under the influence of any Substance, in violation of this policy:
First Violation:
1. Parent will be notified and the student sent home for the remainder of
the day. 2. Meeting held with parent, student, administration, and other
appropriate school personnel including SAP counselor and/or a guidance counselor to initiate rehabilitation requirements as described in Rehabilitative Action above.
3. The school will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies. 4. If the rehabilitation requirements are not pursued, completed, or
required information is not provided to the school, disciplinary action will be initiated including suspension and/or expulsion from school.
Second Violation:
In addition to consequences for first violation: 1. The student will be suspended from school for 3-5 days. 2. The principal may require the student to submit to periodic drug
testing as a component of the plan.
Third and Additional Violations:
1. Parents will be notified and the student sent home for the remainder of the day.
2. The student will be suspended from school for 10 days and the expulsion of the student will be recommended to the school board.
3. In addition to the above, the school will notify appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Co-Curricular Activities
Students who violate this policy while they are participating or engaged in one of the school’s co-curricular activities, are subject to additional disciplinary actions as defined by current school procedures or guidelines. Such disciplinary action shall be within the discretion, subject to review by the principal, of the coach or adult advisor. Any student who commits a second offense of this policy within the same season or activity period shall be ineligible to participate in or represent the school for the remainder of that season or activity period.
Observations and Referrals
The school administration will intervene when there is reasonable cause to believe that a student has violated the terms of this policy.
School personnel who observe abnormal or erratic behavior of a student, which may be associated with being under the influence or substance use, will notify the school Administration. It is the responsibility of the principal to observe the student or direct the student to the administrative office for further action.
Code F9: Substance Use Policy (Mandatory)
In some instances, school personnel may observe over a period of time changes in the academic, social, or personal behavior of a student that may be related to substance use even though the student has not committed any known violation of this substance use policy. School personnel are encouraged to observe student behavior, which may signal a need for a referral to, and assessment by, a student assistance counselor or other appropriate school personnel. Staff members are not asked to label or diagnose student behavior, but rather to become aware and sensitive to problematic student behavior related to possible substance use.
When a student recognizes that he/she has a problem with substance use and chooses to address this problem, the School District will cooperate as fully as possible with this student. Provided that no known violation of school policy has occurred, a student who is self-referred will receive assistance and support with this problem. The school will seek to create a climate by which a student may seek and receive education, referral, and/or counseling relating to the substance use problem. This will be provided without consequence provided the following conditions exist:
A) There is no imminent or apparent threat of harm to self or others;
B) The student has been referred or self-referred, and not caught in violation of school policies or the law;
C) A commitment is made to abstain from further substance use and to cooperate with a counseling plan;
D) The student and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian assumes the cost of assessment and counseling.
Date Warned: 3/22/2017 Date Adopted: 4/4/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s): 20 U.S.C. §§7101 et seq. (Safe & Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1994)
16 V.S.A. §909 (Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Education Curriculum) 16 V.S.A. 131(9) (Comprehensive Health Education)
16 V.S.A. §1045(b)(Driver Training Course)
16 V.S.A. §1165 (Alcohol and drug abuse)
18 V.S.A. §4226 (Drugs: minors, treatment, consent)
Vt. State Board of Education Manual of Rules and Practices §§4200 -4215)
Cross Reference: Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)
Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4)
Search Seizure and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel (F5)
School Sponsored Student Activities & Athletics (Co-Curriculars) (F13)
Tobacco Prohibition (F3)
Code F18: Weapons Policy
CODE F18 WEAPONS POLICY Policy Champlain Valley School District is concerned with, and interested in, protecting the health, safety, and welfare of students, employees and visitors. The Board recognizes that school buildings, facilities, vehicles, grounds and other school property are best utilized in the educational process in the absence of threats to physical well-being and safety by individuals possessing weapons. It is further the intent of the Board to maintain a student discipline system consistent with the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vermont State Board of Education rules. Conduct Prohibited Possession and/or use of any dangerous or deadly weapon or facsimile (see “hoax device” defined in 3 g. below) of any dangerous or deadly weapon in any school building on school grounds or property are strictly prohibited. It is a violation of this policy for any person to make, issue, or communicate by any means, a threat that a dangerous or deadly weapon has been, or will be, placed or used on school grounds or property. This policy is in effect before, during, and after school, as well as at any school-sponsored activity. This policy does not apply to a law enforcement officer while engaged in law enforcement duties, or to weapons or facsimiles of weapons used in school-approved functions or ceremonies. Definitions A. “Dangerous or deadly weapon” means:
1. Any knife, dagger, switchblade, or folding knife, including a pocket knife and pen knife, shall be considered a dangerous or deadly weapon if it is used, threatened to be used, or possessed in a threatening manner, or with the intent to cause harm to any person.
2. Any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate
or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used, is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
3. Weapons as defined in Section 921 of the Federal Gun-Free Schools Act,
including the following: a. Any weapon (including a starter pistol) which will or is designed
to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, or by gas or air;
b. The frame or receiver of any weapon described above;
Code F18: Weapons Policy
c. Any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; d. Any destructive device, including explosives, incendiaries, or poison
gas, including but not limited to:
(1) Bomb; (2) Grenade; (3) Rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces; (4) Missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than
one-quarter ounce; (5) Mine; or (6) Similar device,
Unless under the supervision of a teacher and used as part of the curriculum.
e. For purposes of application and enforcement of this policy, a B-B gun, pellet gun, or similar device is considered a weapon;
f. Any combination of parts either designed or intended for use in
converting any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled.
g. A hoax device, defined as any device so designed, assembled,
fabricated, or manufactured as to convey the physical appearance of an explosive or incendiary bomb, or the physical appearance of any of the devices enumerated in subdivisions (a)-(f) of Division 1 of this section, which is lacking an explosive or incendiary charge.
B. “School grounds or property” means: facilities, buildings, fields and grounds areas;
vehicles owned, leased, or used by Champlain Valley School District to transport students to and from school or school activities; parking lots (including vehicles in the parking lots); or any other setting, which is under the permanent or temporary supervision and/or control of Champlain Valley School District.
Sanctions A violation of the terms of this policy will require that the following disciplinary action be initiated, in addition to possible legal action: A. The student, individual and/or staff member, who is in possession of a “dangerous or
deadly weapon,” shall be referred to a law enforcement agency. B. The “dangerous or deadly weapon” will be confiscated.
Code F18: Weapons Policy
C. The student and/or staff member may be suspended until a school board hearing can be conducted. (Following due process procedures, as set forth in the School District Policy for Student Conduct and Discipline, in Collective Bargaining Agreements for teachers and in Employee Handbooks for classified staff.)
D. A student found by the Board after a hearing to have violated the provisions of this
policy shall be expelled for at least one (1) calendar year. However, the board may modify the expulsion on a case-by-case basis, when it finds circumstances such as, but not limited to:
1. The student was unaware that he/she had brought a weapon to
school; 2. The student did not intend to use the weapon or threaten or
endanger others; 3. The student is disabled and the misconduct is related to the
disability; 4. The student does not present an ongoing threat to others; and 5. A lengthy expulsion would not serve the best interests of the
student. Reports to the State As required by state law, the Superintendent shall annually provide the Commissioner of Education with descriptions of the circumstances surrounding expulsions imposed under this policy, the number of students expelled, and the type of weapons involved. Aiding Other Students A student who in any way encourages another student to bring weapons to school also endangers the safety of others. Champlain Valley School District expressly prohibits any such action. No student shall knowingly or willfully cause, encourage, or aid any other student to possess, handle, or transmit any of the weapons or facsimiles of weapons listed above. No student shall knowingly or willfully cause, encourage, or aid any other student to make, issue, or otherwise communicate by any means, a threat that a dangerous or deadly weapon has been, or will be, placed or used on school grounds or property. A student found to have violated this provision of the policy by causing, encouraging, aiding, etc. another student, shall be expelled for at least one (1) calendar year and treated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4, Sanctions.
Date Warned: 3/22/2017 Date Adopted: 4/4/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Code F18: Weapons Policy
Legal Reference(s): 16 V.S.A. §1166 (State law pursuant to Federal Law) 13 V.S.A. §§4004, 4016 (Criminal offenses) 20 U.S.C. § 8921(Gun Free Schools Act of 1994) 18 U.S.C. §921 (Federal definition of firearms) 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (IDEA) 29 U.S.C. §794 (Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) Vt. State Board of Education Manual of Rules & Practices, §§4311, 4312 Cross Reference(s): Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel (F5) Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)
Code F25: Student Attendance/Truancy (Mandatory)
CODE F25 Mandatory
STUDENT ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to set high expectations for consistent student school attendance in accordance with Vermont law in order to facilitate and enhance student learning. Legal pupils between the ages of 6 and 16 who are residents of the school district and non-resident pupils who enroll in school district schools are required to attend school for the full number of days that school is held unless they are excused from attendance as provided in state law. Students who are over the age of 16 are required to attend school continually for the full number of the school days for which they are enrolled, unless they are mentally or physically unable to continue, or are excused by the superintendent in writing. The Champlain Valley School District believes consistent attendance is a prerequisite for assuring the academic, social, and emotional growth of students. In addition, regular and punctual attendance is important to the development of responsible and effective work/study habits as well as demonstration that students are assuming responsibility for their own behavior. Encouraging students to take full advantage of their education is a shared responsibility of students, families, schools, and communities. The Superintendent shall develop administrative rules and procedures to ensure the implementation of this policy. All procedures regarding truant students will be consistent with state board rules and guidelines issued by the Vermont Secretary of Education. Definitions 1. A truant student is one who is subject to compulsory school attendance (16 V.S.A. §
1121) and who is absent without valid cause or excuse. 2. A valid cause or excuse for a student’s absence is an absence due to illness, observance
of a religious holiday, death in the family, family emergency, situations beyond the student’s control as determined by the administration or other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent or guardian for the health or safety of the student and are confirmed in writing or verbally by the parent or guardian of the student or as otherwise defined or provided by state law and school procedures.
Code F25: Student Attendance/Truancy (Mandatory)
Administrative Rules and Procedures The procedures for this policy will address the following issues and may include others as well:
• written excuses; • tardiness; • notification of parents/guardian; • signing out of school; • excessive absenteeism; • homebound and hospitalized students; • early dismissals; • homework assignments; • making up work
Administrative Responsibilities 1. The principal or his/her designee is responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date
records of student attendance. 2. The principal or his/her designee is responsible for assuring that the school has the
appropriate family information that allows the school to contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) of all students whenever necessary.
Date Warned: 4/19/2017 Date Adopted: 5/2/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s): 16 V.S.A. § 1121 et seq. (Attendance required) VT State Board of Education Manual of Rules & Practices: § 2120.8.3.3
Act 44 of 2009, Sec 46: Truancy Report, Appendix A, Chittenden County Truancy Protocol
Cross Reference(s): Admission of Students (Code F30)
F26: Restrictive Behavioral Intervention
CODE F26
RESTRICTIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District, hereinafter referenced as “the Board” or “the District” that students not be subjected to inappropriate restraint or seclusion as defined by Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4500. It is the intent of this policy to create a positive and safe learning environment, and promote positive behavioral interventions and supports in district schools. This policy is further intended to assist in creating a common understanding within the district of appropriate interventions by district staff.
Guidelines
The Superintendent or his or her designee shall develop administrative procedures to ensure District/Supervisory Union compliance with the requirements of Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4500. The administrative procedures shall include at least the following components.
• Prohibitions against the imposition on students of mechanical or chemical restraints by school personnel and contract service providers
• Prohibitions against the imposition on students of physical restraint in circumstances designated as impermissible by State Board of Education rules.
• Restrictions on the use of physical restraint and seclusion to circumstances allowed by State Board of Education rules, including provisions that allow the inclusion of restraint or seclusion as part of a student’s individual safety plan only when that plan meets the conditions set forth in State Board of Education rules, and provisions that require the termination of restraint or seclusion, and the monitoring of students subjected to restraint or seclusion, as established by State Board of Education rules
• Procedures to ensure that only school personnel or contract service providers who are trained in the use of restraint and seclusion are authorized to impose restraint or seclusion unless, due to the unforeseeable nature of the danger of a particular circumstance, trained personnel are not immediately available
• Processes to ensure that impositions of restraint or seclusion are reported to school administrators, parents, superintendents and the Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Education under circumstances and within the time limitations required by State Board of Education rules
F26: Restrictive Behavioral Intervention
• Processes to ensure that each school in the District/Supervisory Union maintains written records of each use of restraint and seclusion in accordance with the requirements of State Board of Education rules
• Procedures to ensure that each school in the District/Supervisory Union implements follow-up procedures that are consistent with the requirements of State Board of Education rules
• Annual notification procedures to ensure that each school in the District/Supervisory Union informs school personnel and parents of students enrolled in the school of the policies and procedures pertaining to the use of physical restraint and seclusion, and the intent of the school to emphasize the use of positive behavioral interventions as well as supports and its intention to avoid the use of physical restraint or seclusion to address targeted student behavior
• Processes for the filing, investigation, and resolution of complaints by school personnel or parents regarding the use of restraint or seclusion, including the designation of school officials who are authorized to receive complaints
The procedures for resolving complaints shall require that any complaint regarding the use of restraint or seclusion is investigated and written findings are issued within thirty (30) days of the complaint’s receipt. The following process will be used for a complaint regarding the use of restraint or seclusion, consistent with state board rules:
1. The parent shall submit a written complaint to the Principals
2. The principal will investigate the complaint and within 30 days submit a report outlining the determination of the investigation to the parent.
3. If the parent believes the matter is unresolved after the principal's investigation is completed, he or she submit a written appeal to the Superintendent.
4. The Superintendent shall have 30 days to respond to the parent's complaint.
Implementation
The Superintendent shall ensure that appropriate staff are provided training by programs recommended by the Vermont Agency of Education unless he or she submits a plan to the Secretary of Education demonstrating how a training program not recommended by the Agency of Education contains the elements required of recommended programs and meets the purposes of the State Board of Education rules on restraint and seclusion.
The Superintendent shall report annually to the Board on the implementation of the administrative procedures required by this policy, and shall include in his or her report recommendations for changes, if any, to related school district policies or procedures.
F26: Restrictive Behavioral Intervention
Definitions Behavioral Intervention Plan – A behavioral intervention plan means a plan that details strategies to address behaviors that impede learning, or are ongoing, and do not readily respond to general intervention or classroom management techniques, by teaching pro-social skills and other positive replacement behaviors. The plan may include positive strategies, program or curricular modifications and supplementary aids and supports required to address problem behaviors. Chemical Restraint means a drug, medication, or chemical used on a student to control behavior or restrict movement that is not:
a. Prescribed by a student’s licensed physician for the standard treatment of a student’s medical or psychiatric condition, and
b. Administered as prescribed by the licensed physician.
Functional Behavioral Assessment means the analysis of a student’s behavior patterns before, during, and after rule-breaking or other inappropriate behavior for the purpose of guiding the development of a behavioral intervention plan. Mechanical Restraint means the use of any device or object that restricts a student’s movement or limits a student’s sensory or motor functions unless under the direction of a health care professional for medical or therapeutic purposes. The term does not include devices implemented by trained school personnel, or utilized by a student for the specific and approved therapeutic and safety purposes for which such devices were designed, including:
a. Restraints for medical immobilization,
b. Adaptive devices or mechanical supports used to achieve proper body position, balance or alignment,
c. Vehicle safety restraints including a seat belt or harness used for balance or safety on a car or bus; or
d. Seat belts in wheelchairs or on toilets. Parent or Legal Guardian means:
a. A biological or adoptive parent of the child;
b. A legal guardian of the child;
c. A person acting in place of a biological or adoptive parent, including a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative with whom the child lives, or a person legally responsible for the child’s welfare;
F26: Restrictive Behavioral Intervention
d. A foster parent or developmental home provider who has been appointed the educational
surrogate parent by the Educational Surrogate Parent Program; or
e. An educational surrogate parent. Physical Escort means the temporary touching or holding, without the use of force, of the hand, wrist, arm, or back of a student who is experiencing minimal resistance for the purpose of directing movement from one place to another. Physical Restraint means the use of physical force to prevent an imminent and substantial risk of bodily harm to the student or others. Physical restraint does not mean:
a. Momentary periods of physical restriction by direct person-to-person contact, accomplished with limited force and designed either
i. to prevent a student from completing an act that would result in potential physical harm to himself/herself or another person; or
ii. To remove a disruptive student who is unwilling to leave the area voluntarily.
b. The minimum contact necessary to physically escort a student from one place to another;
c. Hand-over-hand assistance with feeding or task completion; or
d. Techniques prescribed by a qualified medical professional for reason of safety or for
therapeutic or medical treatment. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support means an approach to preventing and responding to targeted behavior that:
a. Is based on evidence-based practices;
b. Is proactive and instructional, rather than reactive;
c. Can operate on individual, group, classroom, or school-wide levels;
d. Includes a system of continual data collection; and
e. Relies on data-driven decisions. Prone Physical Restraint means holding a student face down on his or her stomach using physical force for the purpose of controlling the student’s movement.
F26: Restrictive Behavioral Intervention
School means a learning environment receiving public funds or over which the Vermont Agency of Education has authority. School Personnel means individuals working in schools as defined in 4500.3(10) who are employed by the school or who perform services for the school on a contractual basis and school resources officers, while acting in that capacity. Seclusion means the confinement of a student alone in a room or area which the student is prevented or reasonably believes he or she will be prevented from leaving. Seclusion does not include time-out where a student is not left alone and is under adult supervision. Student means a student enrolled in a school as defined above. Substantial Risk means an imminent threat of bodily harm where there is an ability to enact such harm. Substantial risk shall exist only if all other less restrictive alternatives to defuse the situation have been exhausted or failed or the level of risk prohibits exhausting other means. Supine Physical Restraint means holding a student on his or her back using physical force for the purpose of controlling the student’s movement. Timeout Room A timeout room is a designated room apart from a student’s assigned class or activity. It is used to separate a student from others for the purpose of eliminating or at least reducing, the occurrence and/or intensity of harmful behavior or to enable the student to regain composure and return to class or other activity. A planning room or other area used as a place in which to meet with a student to discuss his or her behavior is not a timeout room.
Date Warned: 4/19/2017 Date Adopted: 5/2/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference: Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4500
Code F27: Use of Imaging Devices in School
CODE F27 USE OF IMAGING AND RECORDING DEVICES IN SCHOOL Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District, hereinafter referenced as “the Board” or “the District”, to explicitly prohibit the use of imaging and recording devices in the school building, on school grounds, or school buses, or at school sponsored activities to take images of or make recordings of people or to reproduce course materials without an instructor’s permission. Course materials produced by school employees are works made for hire under the Copyrights Act, and are therefore the property of the School District and can be used by other employees for educational purposes without an instructor’s permission. General Information The board recognizes their responsibility to provide the protections outlined under the Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Further, the Board has an interest in protecting the privacy of students and the staff who are employed by the School District. In addition, the Board needs to follow the requirements of copyright law and wants to restrict the inappropriate distribution of course materials. Definition Recording and imaging devices include but are not limited to tablets, smart phones, cell phones, webcams, cameras, MP3 players and any other devices with built-in imaging and recording capabilities that could be used to violate privacy and copyright guidelines and/or Board policy or school rules and expectations. Conduct Prohibited
1. The use of imaging and recording devices in school without the permission of a teacher or principal, except at events where the public is reasonably expected and invited to attend, is prohibited. Permission will be limited to a specific purpose and location(s) for which the imaging and recording devices may be used and a specific date(s) on which the imaging and recording devices may be used.
2. The use of imaging or recording devices in any locker room, restroom, or any other place people have a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited.
3. The following uses of imaging and recording devices is prohibited:
a. To act in any illegal manner or in violation of Board policy or school rules and expectations;
b. To photograph or record another person without that person’s knowledge and consent.
Code F27: Use of Imaging Devices in School
c. To violate another person’s copyright or other intellectual property. d. To harass, intimidate, or bully another person or to invade another person’s
privacy. 4. The use of school resources including computers, tablets, email, internet access and
networks and other such devices and equipment to distribute images and recordings prohibited by this policy.
5. Publication or sharing of images or recordings through non-school resources, such as cellular networks, that does not occur on school property, not on a school bus or not at a school-sponsored activity but where direct harm to the welfare of the school can be demonstrated may result in a violation of this policy and other district policies including but not limited to policies on responsible computer, network and internet use, harassment and bullying.
Date Warned: 4/19/2017 Date Adopted: 5/2/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Cross References: Education Records (F6) Copyrights (G2)
Visitors, Media Interviewing, Filming, Videotaping or Recording (H3) Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use (G3) Harassment of Employees (D13) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1) Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students (F34) Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4) Search, Seizure, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel and Other Non-School Personnel (F5)
F28 Pupil Privacy Rights (Required)
CODE F28 PROTECTION OF PUPIL PRIVACY RIGHTS (Required)
Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to comply with the provisions of the federal Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment (PPRA) and Vermont State Board of Education Rules governing the administration of certain student surveys, analyses or evaluations.
Administrative Responsibilities The Superintendent of his or her designee shall develop administrative procedures to ensure School District compliance with applicable federal and state laws related to pupil privacy. The administrative procedures shall include provisions related to the following legal requirements.
1. The right of parents or eligible students to inspect surveys created by third parties before administration or distribution of the surveys to students;
2. Any applicable procedures for granting request by a parent for access to such survey within reasonable time after a request is received;
3. Arrangements of protect student privacy in the event of the administration or distribution
of a survey to a student containing one or more of the items listed in the federal Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment;
4. The right of a parent or legal guardian to inspect any instructional material used as part of
the educational curriculum for the parent’s child, and any applicable procedures for granting access to such material within a reasonable time after the request is received.
5. The administration of physical examinations or screenings that the School District may
administer to a student;
6. The collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information, including arrangements to protect student privacy in the event of such collection, disclosure or use.
7. The right of a parent or legal guardian of a student to inspect any instrument used in the
collection of personal information under subparagraph (6) above, and any applicable procedures for granting a request for such inspection within a reasonable time after receiving the request;
F28 Pupil Privacy Rights (Required)
8. Provisions to ensure that parents are notified of the School District policies and procedures adopted to comply with federal and state laws and regulations governing pupil privacy, including, but not limited to, notification of activities involving the collection of personal information from students, the administration of surveys containing items specifically listed in the Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment.
Date Warned: 4/19/2017 Date Adopted: 5/2/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s): Protection of Pupil Rights20 USC 1232h Vermont State Board of Education Rule 2120.8.12(f)
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
CODE F34 (Mandatory)
POLICY ON THE PREVENTION OF HARASSMENT, HAZING AND BULLYING OF STUDENTS
I. Statement of Policy
The Champlain Valley School District (hereinafter “District”) is committed to providing all of its students with a safe and supportive school environment in which all members of the school community
are treated with respect.
It is the policy of the District to prohibit the unlawful harassment of students based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Harassment may also constitute a violation of Vermont’s Public Accommodations Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and/or Title IX of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972.
It is also the policy of the District to prohibit the unlawful hazing and bullying of students. Conduct
which constitutes hazing may be subject to civil penalties.
The District shall address all complaints of harassment, hazing and bullying according to the procedures
accompanying this policy, and shall take appropriate action against any person – subject to the jurisdiction of the Board – who violates this policy. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit punishment of a student for conduct which, although it does not rise to the level of harassment, bullying,
or hazing as defined herein, otherwise violates one or more of the Board’s disciplinary policies or the school’s code of conduct.
The Model Procedures are expressly incorporated by reference as though fully included within this Model Policy. The Model Procedures are separated from the policy for ease of use as may be required.
II. Implementation
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall:
1. Adopt a procedure directing staff, parents and guardians how to report violations of this policy and file complaints under this policy. (See Model Procedures on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students)
2. Annually, select two or more designated employees to receive complaints of hazing, bullying and/or harassment at each school campus and publicize their availability in any publication of the
District that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for the school.
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
3. Designate an Equity Coordinator to oversee all aspects of the implementation of this policy as it relates to obligations imposed by federal law regarding discrimination. This role may also be
assigned to one or both of the Designated Employees.
4. Respond to notifications of possible violations of this policy in order to promptly and effectively
address all complaints of hazing, harassment, and/or bullying.
5. Take action on substantiated complaints. In cases where hazing, harassment and/or bullying is substantiated, the District shall take prompt and appropriate remedial action reasonably
calculated to stop the hazing, harassment and/or bullying; prevent its recurrence; and to remedy the impact of the offending conduct on the victim(s), where appropriate. Such action may include
a wide range of responses from education to serious discipline.
Serious discipline may include termination for employees and, for students, expulsion or removal from school property. It may also involve penalties or sanctions for both organizations and
individuals who engage in hazing. Revocation or suspension of an organization’s permission to operate or exist within the District’s purview may also be considered if that organization
knowingly permits, authorizes or condones hazing.
III. Constitutionally Protected Speech It is the intent of the District and its member schools to apply and enforce this policy in a manner that is
consistent with student rights to free expression under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The purpose of this policy is to (1) prohibit conduct or communication that is directed at a person’s
protected characteristics as defined below and that has the purpose or effect of substantially disrupting the educational learning process and/or access to educational resources or creates a hostile learning environment; (2) prohibit conduct intended to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate students in a manner as
defined under this policy.
IV. Definitions For the purposes of this policy and the accompanying procedures, the following definitions apply:
A. “Bullying” means any overt act or combination of acts, including an act conducted by electronic means, directed against a student by another student or group of students and which:
1) Is repeated over time;
2) Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the student; and
i. Occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-
sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity; or
ii. Does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus or at a school sponsored activity and can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s right to access educational programs.
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
B. “Complaint” means oral or written report information provided by a student or any person to an employee alleging that a student has been subjected to conduct that may rise to the level of
hazing, harassment or bullying.
C. “Complainant” means a student who has provided oral or written information about conduct
that may rise to the level of hazing, harassment or bullying, or a student who is the target of alleged hazing, harassment or bullying.
D. “Designated employee” means an employee who has been designated by the school to receive
complaints of hazing, harassment and bullying pursuant to subdivision 16 V.S.A. 570a(a)(7). The designated employees for each school building are identified in Appendix A of this policy.
E. “Employee” includes any person employed directly by or retained through a contract with the District, an agent of the school, a school board member, a student teacher, an intern or a school volunteer. For purposes of this policy, “agent of the school” includes district staff.
F. “Equity Coordinator” is the person responsible for implementation of Title IX (regarding sex-based discrimination) and Title VI (regarding race-based discrimination) for the District and for
coordinating the District’s compliance with Title IX and Title VI in all areas covered by the implementing regulations. The Equity Coordinator is also responsible for overseeing implementation of the District’s Preventing and Responding to Harassment of Students and
Harassment of Employees policies. This role may also be assigned to Designated Employees.
G. “Harassment” means an incident or incidents of verbal, written, visual, or physical conduct,
including any incident conducted by electronic means, based on or motivated by a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, that has the purpose of effect of objectively
and substantially undermining and detracting from or interfering with a student’s educational performance or access to school resources or creating an objectively intimidating hostile, or
offensive environment.
Harassment includes conduct as defined above and may also constitute one or more of the following:
1) Sexual harassment, which means unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, that includes sexual violence/sexual assault, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written,
visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature, and includes situations when one or both of the following occur:
a. Submission to that conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
of a student’s education, academic status, or progress; or
b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as a component of the
basis for decisions affecting that student.
Sexual harassment may also include student-on-student conduct or conduct of a non-employee third party that creates a hostile environment. A hostile environment exists where the harassing
conduct is severe, persistent or pervasive so as to deny or limit the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program on the basis of sex.
2) Racial harassment, which means conduct directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived race or color, and includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, racial slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti,
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
display, or circulation of written or visual material, and taunts on manner of speech and negative references to cultural customs.
3) Harassment of members of other protected categories, means conduct directed at the characteristics of a student’s or a student’s family member’s actual or perceived creed,
national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity and includes the use of epithets, stereotypes, slurs, comments, insults, derogatory remarks, gestures, threats, graffiti, display, or circulation of written or visual material, taunts on
manner of speech, and negative references to customs related to any of these protected categories.
H. “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or in concert with others, against another student: in connection with pledging, being initiated into affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any
organization which is affiliated with the educational institution; and
1) which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect
of, endangering the mental or physical health of the student.
Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, extra-curricular, or military training program goals, provided that:
1) The goals are approved by the educational institution; and
2) The activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by
the educational institution and normal and customary for similar programs at other educational institutions.
With respect to Hazing, “Student” means any person who:
1) Is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution;
2) Has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident
occurs; or
3) Intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after an official academic break.
I. “Notice” means a written complaint or oral information that hazing, harassment or bullying may have occurred which has been provided to a designated employee from another employee, the
student allegedly subjected to the hazing, harassment or bullying, another student, a parent or guardian, or any other individual who has reasonable cause to believe the alleged conduct may have occurred. If the school learns of possible hazing, harassment or bullying through other
means, for example, if information about hazing, harassment or bullying is received from a third party (such as from a witness to an incident or an anonymous letter or telephone call), different
factors will affect the school’s response. These factors include the source and nature of the information; the seriousness of the alleged incident; the specificity of the information; the objectivity and credibility of the source of the report; whether any individuals can be identified
who were subjected to the alleged harassment; and whether those individuals want to pursue the matter. In addition, for purposes of violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, notice may
occur when an employee of the District, including any individual who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or responsibility, knows or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known about potential unlawful harassment or bullying.
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
J. “Organization” means a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, association, corporation, order, society, corps, cooperative, club, or other similar group, whose members primarily are students
at an educational institution, and which is affiliated with the educational institution.
K. “Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.
L. “Retaliation” is any adverse action by any person against a person who has filed a complaint of harassment, hazing or bullying or against a person who assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to the harassment complaint. Such adverse action may include
conduct by a school employee directed at a student in the form of intimidation or reprisal such as diminishment of grades, suspension, expulsion, change in educational conditions, loss of
privileges or benefits, or other unwarranted disciplinary action. Retaliation may also include conduct by a student directed at another student in the form of further harassment, intimidation, and reprisal.
M. “School Administrator” means a superintendent, principal or his/her designee assistant principal/technical center director or his/her designee and/or the District’s Equity Coordinator.
N. “Student Conduct Form” is a form used by students, staff, or parents to provide in written form, information about inappropriate student behaviors that may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying.
Date Warned: 4/19/2017 Date Adopted: 5/2/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s):
Cross Reference:
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
APPENDIX A - DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES/EQUITY COORDINATORS
The following employees of the Williston School District have been designated by the District to receive complaints of bullying and/or harassment pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. § 570(a)(7) and 16 V.S.A. §570C(7) and under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Angela Filion, Principal
Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, Williston, VT 05495 802-871-6200
Shari Carr, Planning Room Director Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, Williston, VT 05495
802-871-6252
Nadine Paffett-Lugassy, Planning Room Coordinator
Williston Central School, 195 Central School Drive, Williston, VT 05495 802-871-6180
Joe Carr, Planning Room Coordinator Williston Central School, 195 Central School Drive, Williston, VT 05495
802-871-6181
The following employees of the Shelburne Community School have been designated by the District to receive complaints of bullying and/or harassment pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. § 570(a)(7) and
16 V.S.A. §570C(7) and under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Scott Sivo, Principal Shelburne Community School, 345 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-3331
Rachel Oberst, Planning Room Co-Director
Shelburne Community School, 345 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482 802-985-3331
Yasamin Gordon, Planning Room Co-Director Shelburne Community School, 345 Harbor Road, Shelburne, VT 05482
802-985-3331
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
APPENDIX A - DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES/EQUITY COORDINATORS
The following employees of the Hinesburg Community School have been designated by the District to receive complaints of bullying and/or harassment pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. § 570(a)(7) and
16 V.S.A. §570C(7) and under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Kate Myhre, Student Behavior Coordinator
Hinesburg Community School, 10888 Rt. 116, Hinesburg, VT 05461 802-482-2106
James Kelliher, Student Behavior Coordinator Hinesburg Community School, 10888 Rt. 116, Hinesburg, VT 05461
802-482-2106
The following employees of the Charlotte Central School have been designated by the District to receive complaints of bullying and/or harassment pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. § 570(a)(7) and 16 V.S.A. §570C(7) and under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Cassandra Townshend, Director of Special Services
Charlotte Central School, 408 Hinesburg Road, Charlotte, VT 05445 802-425-2771
Mike DiNicola, Behavior Specialist Charlotte Central School, 408 Hinesburg Road, Charlotte, VT 05445
802-425-2771 The following employees of the Champlain Valley Union High School have been designated by the
District to receive complaints of bullying and/or harassment pursuant to this policy and 16 V.S.A. § 570(a)(7) and 16 V.S.A. §570C(7) and under federal anti-discrimination laws.
Adam Bunting, Principal Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461
802-482-7111
Anna Couperthwait, Director of Special Services Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461 802-482-7115
Robin Lauzon, Chittenden/Fairbanks House Director
Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461 802-482-7140
Nick Molander, Nichols/Snelling House Director Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461
802-482-7160
Code F34: Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students
Katherine Riley, Curriculum & Instruction Director Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461
802-482-7150
Dan Shepardson, Director of Student Activities Champlain Valley Union High School, 369 CVU Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461 802-482-7113
Code G3: Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use (Mandatory)
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CODE G3 Mandatory
RESPONSIBLE COMPUTER, NETWORK & INTERNET USE Policy It is the policy of Champlain Valley School District, hereinafter referenced as “the Board” or “the District”) to provide and fully support student and staff access to a multitude of information technology (IT) resources in compliance with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and applicable federal and state laws that regulate the provision of access to the internet and other electronic resources. It is the intent of the District to provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within our community and with the global community beyond by:
1. Creating an environment that fosters the use of information technology in a manner that supports and enriches the curriculum, provides opportunities for collaboration, and enhances staff professional development.
2. Ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to maintain the safety of everyone who accesses the district’s information technology devices, network and web resources.
General Information This policy applies to anyone who accesses the District’s network, electronic collaboration and communication tools, and/or student information systems either on-site or via a remote location, and anyone who uses the District’s IT devices either on or off-site. If employees or students choose to bring in their own equipment and devices to use or access school provided resources, they are still subject to all provisions of this policy. They also are responsible for ensuring that their equipment is virus free and will not compromise school systems. The school reserves the right to prohibit access to school resources and systems where otherwise allowing access will present a danger or risk to the school. Guidelines The Superintendent is responsible for establishing procedures governing use of IT resources consistent with the provisions of this policy. These procedures must include:
1. An annual and/or ongoing process for educating students about responsible digital citizenship. As defined in this policy, a responsible digital citizen is one who:
• Respects Self. Users will maintain appropriate standards of language and
behavior when sharing information and images on social networking websites and
Code G3: Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use (Mandatory)
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elsewhere online. Users shall not distribute personally identifiable information about themselves and others.
• Respects Others. Users shall not use technologies to bully, tease, or harass other people or otherwise violate school norms, rules or board policy. Users will report incidents of cyber bullying and harassment in accordance with the district’s policies on bullying and harassment. Users will not use another person’s system account or password, or from present themselves as another person.
• Protects Self and Others. Users protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials and communications. They are responsible at all times for the proper use of their account by not sharing their system account password.
• Respects Intellectual Property. Users do not infringe the intellectual property rights of others.
2. Provisions necessary to ensure that internet service providers and other contractors
comply with applicable restrictions on the collection and disclosure of student data and any other confidential information stored in district electronic resources.
3. Technology protection measures that provide for the monitoring and filtering of online activities by all users of district IT, including measures that protect against access to content that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors with the understanding that the district is unable to control access to this content in the event that school devices are being used with outside networks out of the school/district buildings.
4. Methods to address the following: • Control of access by minors to sites on the internet that include inappropriate
content, such as content that is: Lewd, vulgar, or profane Threatening Harassing or discriminatory Bullying Terroristic Obscene or pornographic
• The safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, social media sites, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
• Prevention of unauthorized online access by minors, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities.
• Unauthorized disclosure, use, dissemination of personal information regarding minors.
• Restriction of minors’ access to materials harmful to them.
5. A process whereby authorized persons may temporarily disable the district’s internet filtering measures during use by an adult to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.
Parental Notification and Responsibility
Code G3: Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use (Mandatory)
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Each school will provide written notice to staff, parents/guardians, and students about the use of electronic resources including but not limited to networks, electronic devices and the internet. Use of electronic devices, school networks or access to the internet through school resources will be assumed to constitute the user's agreement to follow all district policies regarding such use and access. Limitation/Disclaimer of Liability The District is not liable for unacceptable use or violations of trademark copyright restrictions or other laws, user mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The District is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the District’s electronic resources network including the internet. The District is not responsible for any damage experienced, including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through or stored on the electronic resources system including the internet, or for financial obligations arising through their unauthorized use. Discipline and Enforcement The use of District IT resources by students, staff, or others is a privilege, not a right. However, with the privilege of access comes the responsibility of students, teachers, staff, and the public to exercise responsible and ethical use of these resources. The same rules and expectations govern student use of IT resources as apply to other student conduct and communications, including but not limited to the District’s harassment and bullying policies. The District’s computer and network resources are the property of the District. Users shall have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, receive or display on or over the District’s equipment or network resources, including personal files and electronic communications, whether using school issued equipment or personal devices. The District reserves the right to examine any computer, imaging or recording device, including but not limited to laptops, desktops, netbooks, tablets, cell phones, cameras, and any other electronic devices with built-in computing, imaging or recording devices or network if there is reasonable suspicion that any of the above guidelines are being violated. This includes any device onsite including both personal and school owned devices. Violations of these guidelines will result in loss of network privileges and/or disciplinary review. The District expects its users to make the right choices in using the internet and the school network. The District reserves the right to revoke access privileges and/or administer appropriate disciplinary action for misuse of its IT resources. In the event there is an allegation that a user has violated this policy, the school district will handle the allegation consistent with the student disciplinary policy. Allegations of staff member violations of this policy will be processed in accord with contractual agreements and legal requirements.
Code G3: Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use (Mandatory)
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Date Warned: 6/7/17 Date Adopted: 6/20/2017 Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference(s):
15 U.S.C. §§1114-1125 (Trademark Act) 17 U.S.C. §§101-120 (Federal Copyright Act of 1976 as amended)
20 U.S.C. § 6777 et seq. (Enhancing Education Through Technology Act) 18 U.S.C. §2251 (Federal Child Pornography Law—Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children)
47 U.S.C. §254 (Children’s Internet Protection Act) 47 CFR §54.520 (CIPA Certifications)
13 V.S.A. §§2802 et seq. (Obscenity, minors) 13 V.S.A. § 1027 (Disturbing Peace by Use of…Electronic Means) 13 V.S.A. §2605(Voyeurism)
Cross Reference: Student Conduct and Discipline (F1) Use of Imaging and Recording Devices in School (F27) Policy on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students (F34) Search, Seizure and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel (F4)
Search, Seizure and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel (F5)
Use of Copyrighted Work (G2) Selection of Instructional Materials (G5) Complaints About Instructional Materials (G4)
Code G12: Animal Dissection
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CODE G12 Mandatory
ANIMAL DISSECTION
Policy It is the policy of the Champlain Valley School District to comply with the requirements of Act 154 of 2008 regarding the right of students to be excused from participating in or observing activities involving the dissection or vivisection of animals. Students enrolled in district schools shall have the right to be excused from participating in any lesson, exercise or assessment requiring the student to dissect, vivisect or otherwise harm or destroy an animal or any part of an animal, or to observe any of these activities, as part of a course of instruction.
Definition As used in this policy, the word “animal” means any organism of the kingdom animalia and includes an animal’s cadaver or the severed parts of an animal’s cadaver.
Discrimination No student shall be discriminated against based on his or her decision to exercise the right to be excused afforded by this policy.
Guidelines The Superintendent shall develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with the provisions of Act 154 of 2008. The procedures shall include: 1. provisions for the timely notification to each student enrolled in the course and 2. provisions for the timely notification to the student’s parent or guardian of the student’s right
to be excused from participating in or observing the lesson and 3. the process by which a student may exercise this right
Alternative Education Method A student who is excused under this policy shall be provided with alternative methods, such as electronic simulation through which he or she can learn and be assessed on material required by the course. The alternative methods shall be developed by the teacher of the course, in consultation with the principal if necessary.
Date Warned: 6/7/2017
Date Adopted: 6/20/2017
Code G12: Animal Dissection
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Date Reaffirmed: Not Applicable
Legal Reference: Act 154 of 2007-2008 Adjourned Session 16 V.S.A. §912
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