Athens/Grafton Joint Contract School District

Student/Parent Handbook 2016-2017

Grafton Elementary School

58 School Street Grafton, Vermont, 05146 802-843-2495 http://wnesu.org/ges

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School Information: School Hours After School Plans Attendance Breakfast/Snack/Lunch Birthday/Celebratory Parties Bussing Bus Discipline Discipline Procedures (school) Communication Early Dismissal Emergency Closings Field Trips Fire/Emergency Drills Health Services Homework Internet Presence Money Personal Property Physical Education Classes Playground Ruses & Expectations Report Cards School Dress Residency Requirements Reporting Concerns Right to Know Prof. Qualification of Teachers School Choice Student Records Telephone Use Volunteers & Work Study Students Child Find Consolidated Federal Grants (CFG) Counseling Educational Support Team Non-Discrimination, Title IX & Title VI Section 504 Special Education

TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix I Page 5 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Page7 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 13 Page 13 Page 13 Page 13 Page 14 Page 14 Page 14 Page 14 Page 15 Page 15 Page 15 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 16 Page 17 Page 17 Page 17

Student, Parent and School Compact Parent Rights Under Section 504 Animal Dissection Procedure Student Meal Charging Procedure

Page 18 Page 20 Page 22 Page 23

Appendix II – School Board Policies and State/Federal Laws Harassment, Hazing & Bullying Page 25 Non-Discrimination Page 36 Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Page 37 Harassment of Employees Page 39 Tobacco Prohibition Page 43 AIDS or HIV Page 44 Student Conduct and Discipline Page 46 Search and Seizure Page 49 Student Records Page 50 Alcohol and Drugs Page 55 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Page 57 Head Lice Page 60 Weapons Page 63 Student Attendance Page 65 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys Page 68 Use of Restraint & Seclusion Page 71 Use of Copyrighted Work Page 75 Acceptable Use (Electronics & Internet) Page 77 Parental Involvement Page 80 Concussion Information Page 81 Asbestos Management Plan Availability Page 83 Provision and Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Page 84 Wellness Programs & Funding Sources Page 87 Handbook Signature Page Last Page

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FACULTY and STAFF Office Cela Dorr Mary Beth Culver Gary DeRosia Chris Towle

Principal Administrative Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Part Time Maintenance Teaching Staff

Primary Team Kerry Aube Kelly Gouin Amanda Rihm Intermediate Team Jordan Lemay Lindsey Griffiths Kathryn St. George

Kindergarten Grades 1 & 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Specialists

Rebecca Coleman Jenny Lynn Neumann Elaine Kraiger Kirsten Larson Cheryl Gay Sherwin Michelle Banning Rebecca Hall Wendy Johnson Mandy Walsh Carol Bingham Carrie Towle Doug Francis Kathy Martin

Special Education Special Education Interventionist Interventionist Speech Service (WNESU) Art Music Physical Education Librarian Nurse Guidance HCRS Clinician HCRS Behaviorist

Instructional Assistants Denise Chase, Judy Chisamore, Charles Hooker, Jeanette Mills, Kim Bates Food Service Café Services Transportation Stan Budzik WNESU Transportation Supervisor Chris Toles Bus Driver Ken Skinner Bus Driver School Board Members Edward Bank Sadie Hallock Rod Lawrence Dolly F.H. Stevens Jack Bryar Harold Noyes Deanna Wilbur Lynn Morgan Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Chris Kibbe Superintendent Sharon Reynolds Director Instructional Support Services Edie Cole Business Manager

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Welcome! Welcome back to school. It is our goal that every student at Grafton Elementary School have a challenging and safe school year. With the cooperation of students, staff, families, and the community we will achieve this goal. Together we can provide the kind of academic climate that is supportive of everyone’s growth and development. This handbook provides important information about the people, programs, policies, procedures, and practices of Grafton Elementary School. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions. The Grafton Elementary School serves children from the communities of Grafton and Athens. The current population of the school is 92 students, kindergarten through grade six. In addition, preschool is available at a number of WNESU preschool sites, as well as through private programs and schools. Students in grades seven and eight can choose to attend a number of local middle schools. Former GES students have recently attended Bellows Falls Middle School, Green Mountain Union Middle School, Leland and Gray, Putney Grammar School, Hilltop Montessori School, and the Compass School. The Grafton Elementary School offers an inclusive educational environment. Our small rural school offers strong academic programs that follow Common Core Standards. Coordinated programs in reading, writing and math provide common language and procedures across the grades, but all programs are supplemented and enriched with other materials, and targeted interventions are offered to students as needed. We believe that children learn best when they receive personal attention, encouragement, and much support. Therefore, strong community involvement through volunteers, the local Historical Society, the Nature Museum, and community service projects is an integral part of each child's education. In addition, all-school themes and multi-age activities provide opportunities for our students to learn from their peers, both older and younger. The Grafton Elementary School community encourages acceptance, respect, and caring while teaching students to become responsible, contributing citizens in today's world. Grafton Elementary School provides access to a variety of information technology tools that support students in meeting or exceeding the technology and communication components of the grade expectations. Grades K through six classrooms are equipped with SMART Boards and all areas of the school provide wireless internet access. Our server hosts network software programs for the library, internet filtering, and anti- virus programs as well as storing critical data files, and databases. Facilities at the Grafton Elementary School are in full compliance with state and federal fire, health, safety, and architectural standards. The Grafton School was built in 1989. In the fall of 2001, school and community members erected a new playground structure, appropriate for ages 5 to 13. In addition to the structure, there is blacktop space for basketball and grassy areas for other student play.

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SCHOOL HOURS: 8:00 – 3:05 There is no school supervision prior to 8:00 or after 3:05 unless your child is enrolled in a school sponsored after school activity.

*Please do not drive into the parking lot from 7:50am – 8:15 am, 8:00 – 8:15 A.M.

8:15 - 8:20 A.M. 8:20

Busses arrive and students are expected to be on the playground or in the gym at breakfast. Students planning to eat breakfast at school should plan to arrive by 8:00. Parents wishing to meet with a teacher(s) before should schedule the meeting in advance. Before school teachers are busy planning for their day. Community Meeting in the gym or outside depending upon weather. Families are welcome to attend. Students will be dismissed with their classroom teacher to start their learning. Students arriving after 8:20 are considered tardy.

*Please do not drive into the parking lot from 11:45 am – 12:45pm, Lunch/Recess

Kindergarten,1,2,&3 Lunch – 11:55 Grades 4,5,6 Recess – 11:55

Recess - 12:30 Lunch – 12:30

*Please do not drive into the parking lot from 2:45pm – 3:20pm. 3:05

Busses are loaded for departure. Students being picked up, walking home, will be released after the busses have departed.

Parents picking up children after school should wait in the entry until his/her child is dismissed. Please help us keep our students safe. When picking up or dropping off your child, please remember to use caution, drive SLOWLY, park on School Street, and be considerate of our neighbors. . Please remember it is unlawful to pass a bus with flashing lights on

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AFTER SCHOOL PLANS: At the beginning of the school year, you will be asked to complete a form describing your child’s routine transportation home (on the Personal Information Form). Children who are not going home in their usual manner MUST bring a note describing how and with whom they will be going home. Children should give this note to their homeroom teacher at the start of the school day. If we do not receive communication from home, the school will send your child on their regular route home. If your child participates in an after school activity for several weeks, please send in one note which will change your child’s regular routine for the duration of the activity. ATTENDANCE: The school’s intent is to ensure that students are in school and learning and that students and their families have support in ensuring attendance at school. Daily attendance is critical to successful school performance. Being present on time is a life skill to be cultivated. The long-term goal is for all students to gain an education and all that an education makes possible. Parents are asked to make sure that students arrive at school by 8:00 a.m. each day. Please call the school by 8:15 AM (you may call earlier and leave a message) if your child will be absent or notify the school in writing in advance of a student’s absence, whenever possible. Students arriving after 8:20 will be considered tardy. Attendance Procedures: This school attendance protocol utilizes a team approach, if necessary, to explore with the student and family what obstacles are hindering school attendance. As necessary, an individualized plan will be developed to increase school attendance. Follow up steps are set to assess if the plan is working for the student and the family. Records are kept of all contacts related to this protocol and made with the family of the student. The school shall document the cumulative absences on each student. The number of absences will determine the thresholds for intervention as described in the WNESU Attendance Policy. Student Absence: 1. Please call Mary Beth Culver at Grafton Elementary School – 843-2495 if your child is going to be absent. You may call at any time to leave a voice mail message. 2. If we are not contacted, Mary Beth or designee will attempt to call you inquiring about your child. 3. If we are unable to reach you, we may use the other contact information listed on your child’s registration form. 4. If we are still unable to reach anyone with knowledge of why your child is not at school, we may call the Windham County Sheriff’s office for assistance in assuring the child is safe and accounted for. Tardiness: 1. Please make every effort to get your child to school on time each day, as it is a huge benefit to him or her to start the day along with his or her peers, and minimizes disruptions to instruction. 2. In the event that your child arrives at school after the official start of the day your child should go directly to the office to notify us of his or her arrival and order a lunch as needed. 3. Excessive tardiness may result in the child being required to make up lost instructional time. (Please refer to the WNESU School Attendance Policy in Appendix II for additional information.) Documentation: All contacts and attempted contacts with the child’s parent/guardian will be recorded at the school. The record will contain the parties involved in the contact, the date of the contact, the number of days the child has been absent, the parent/guardian’s response to the school’s concern, and any other relevant information. Minutes of meetings will be kept and shared with the parent/guardian. Extenuating Circumstances: The principal has the authority to include information regarding any extenuating circumstances, such as extended illnesses in attendance documentation. Such extenuating circumstances may be considered when developing an attendance plan. Planned Absences: Please make every effort to plan vacation time in conjunction with the school calendar. For planned absences due to reasons other than medical treatments (requiring documentation), students will be expected to make up work missed. No work will be given ahead of time. 6

BREAKFAST/SNACK/LUNCH: — Breakfast: We will offer our breakfast program each morning from 8:00 – 8:15 am. The price for student breakfast is $1.70. Breakfast is free in Vermont for any child qualifying for free or reduced meals. Students wishing to eat breakfast at school should arrive at school by 8:05. — Snack: Children should have healthy items for snack. (Student snacks are not provided by the school.) Fruit, vegetable sticks, cheese and crackers, granola bars, etc. are good mid-morning pickme-ups. Gum, candy and soda are not acceptable snacks. On special occasions, classrooms may provide special snacks including a healthy choice. — Lunch: Grafton Elementary School participates in a Federal Hot Lunch Program. One milk is provided with each lunch order. Students will be charged for any additional milk used. Individual milk is available to buy at snack or lunchtime for $.65. The cost of a student lunch is $2.65. Lunch is free in Vermont for any student qualifying for free or reduces meals. — Payment: A menu will be sent home with students each month. We encourage families to pay for anticipated purchases at the beginning of each month. The WNESU does not allow students to carry a negative balance; to owe money. All purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase, or in advance. Please refer to the Student Meal Charging Procedure in Appendix 1 for additional information. Checks or cash payments must be clearly marked with the student’s name(s) and made out to Rockingham Lunch Program. — Applications for Free and Reduced Meals: Qualification for free or reduced meals is based upon financial need. Applications for free or reduced meals are available in the office at any time during the year. If your financial status changes during the school year we encourage you to file a new application. All information on these forms is held in the strictest confidence. Some state and federal school program funding is based upon a school’s Free and Reduced numbers. — Families can help our school get the resources we are entitled to by returning completed applications even if you do not plan to use the program.

BIRTHDAY/CELEBRATORY PARTIES: Please help your child to be sensitive to his/her classmates’ feelings about birthday parties. Invitations should be mailed, not brought to school for distribution. Teachers must be consulted prior to providing any snack for classroom distribution so they may plan accordingly.

BUSSING: Bus schedules are determined at the beginning of each school year. Copies are distributed and available at the Grafton Elementary School office. Please be aware that schedule times are approximate. Several factors including road conditions and the number of riders can make a significant difference in the timing of a run. If we are aware that the time of a bus run is going to be significantly different, we will make every effort to notify the parents. Riding a different bus/transportation changes: In order for a student to ride a bus that is not his/her regular bus, or to get off the bus at a different stop, the student must have a permission note written by his/her parent/guardian stating the change. The note is reviewed by the student’s teacher and given to the secretary to communicate with the bus driver. The end of the day is a busy time at the school. The school must receive a phone call before 2:30 pm informing us on any changes. If we receive a call by 2:15 pm, it will allow us an appropriate amount of time to ensure that the message gets to your child, their teacher, and the drivers. No student will be dropped off other than at their regularly scheduled stop without a written note from their parent or guardian stating exactly where the student is to be left off.

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BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE: The Windham Northeast Supervisory Union school bus drivers perform a very important and responsible job every day. The passengers we carry are our children and the children of the communities we serve. The way we drive, act, look, and the way we keep our equipment reflect on our professional attitude and our commitment to the safe transportation of our precious cargo. If all students, parents and employees support the following clearly defined expectations, the Grafton Elementary School community can achieve its goal of maintaining a transportation system that is both safe and efficient, ensuring students a comfortable ride to and from their destinations. Please review these with your child. Bus behavior expectations:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Cooperate with the driver. Stay seated in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop. Do not eat or drink on the bus. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats. If you are assigned a seat, stay in that seat until the driver tells you that you may again choose your own seat. 5. Be courteous, use no loud, or profane language. 6. Keep the bus clean. 7. Do not smoke, chew tobacco, or consume drugs or alcohol. 8. Do not be destructive to either the bus or others students’ property. 9. Keep head, hands, feet and all other body parts inside the bus, out of the aisles if possible, and to yourself at all times. 10. Observe the same conduct as expected in the school. Disciplinary Procedures: 1. Upon the first violation of the rules, the bus driver will verbally warn the student. 2. If the student fails to comply, the bus driver will report the incident to the building principal or designee who will complete an incident report. The principal will notify the transportation supervisor and/or the SU office and take appropriate disciplinary action 3. For severe behavior, the bus driver will contact the appropriate principal/designee, the transportation supervisor and/or the SU office immediately upon completing his or her run. Student riding privileges are suspended until the parent or guardian consults with the school personnel who are knowledgeable about the incident. The building principal will contact the parents and may suspend the student’s riding privileges for up to 10 days. 4. Future violations will be reported to the building principal, which may result in the suspension of bus riding privileges for the student for a minimum of one to a maximum of ten days. Parents will be notified of each violation. 5. At some point, when the safety of the students is threatened, violation of the rules of the bus may lead to suspension of the bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year. Transportation is a privilege, not a right. 6. The riding privilege of a student may be suspended for the entire school year without following the above steps for more serious violations such as bringing a weapon on the bus, fighting, or causing injury, etc. 7. When a student has been suspended from the school bus, the school district will not be responsible for providing transportation. The suspension will apply to other school districts within the Supervisory Union. Before a student is reinstated on the bus, a meeting between the parent/guardian, student, building level principal and transportation supervisor or bus driver must take place.

Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the transportation supervisor, at the WNESU Office, 463-9958. 8

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES: A safe and orderly learning environment is an integral part of the learning process and an essential factor in academic success. The same skills necessary for safe and respectful behavior at school are essential skills needed for lifelong learning and meaningful participation in our local and global communities. We believe that home/school communication is the foundation of a collaborative relationship that supports learning and develops consistently respectful and safe behaviors. At GES the school-wide discipline procedures are both proactive and reactive. The purposes of our disciplinary procedures are to preserve the integrity of the educational process and to help students develop the skills needed to make positive choices and work cooperatively with others. Teachers, paraprofessionals and staff are trained in methods of redirection, de-escalation and intervention that are respectful and effective. All such procedures will be carried out in conformance with Vermont and federal law, which guarantees appropriate safeguards for the rights of all students, including students with handicaps or disabilities. The Grafton Elementary School has adopted a discipline framework that consists of two basic components: expectations for appropriate behavior and consequences if expectations are not followed. The supervising teacher or staff member will work with students by recognizing and acknowledging positive behaviors and encouraging students to build those skills. School Expectations: Respect and Responsibility Respect and Responsibility mean: 1. Keeping Yourself and Others Safe 2. Taking Care of Your Environment 3. Doing Your Best Intervention Progression: 1. Staff will implement the rules/expectations by using reinforcing strategies, reminding students of desired behaviors and redirecting them. 2. Staff will give a student a warning, stating that should the objectionable behavior continue the student will be given a time out. 3. A time-out will be given in the classroom. A time-out helps the student to recover his/her selfcontrol and gives him/her an opportunity to make another choice. 4. If the student continues with the objectionable behavior, or is disruptive to the learning of others, the student will continue the time out in another setting. Staff will notify parents in writing of the incident and may also phone a parent when necessary. Students who repeatedly choose objectionable behaviors may follow an individual behavior plan. Parents will be notified and may be asked to participate in the development and implementation of the plan. Severe Behaviors: There are certain conditions whereby a student may be sent directly to the principal for behavior problems. If this occurs, the school will notify the parent in writing and may also phone the parent. Severe behaviors may include but are not limited to: — Non-compliant behavior, which is disruptive to learning, or unsafe despite teacher interventions — Aggressive or offensive language or gestures — Fighting — Serious damage or defacing of property — Weapons possession — Bullying, harassment, or threats Consequences for severe behavior will be determined by the principal and may include: restitution, loss of privileges, home/school coordination of consequences, detention, suspension (in-school or out-ofschool), interagency referral and planning, expulsion, or any combination deemed necessary. 9

Bullying: Bullying is a form of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be permitted or tolerated at Grafton Elementary School. Bullying is any overt act or combination of such acts directed against a student by another student or group of students and: — Occurs during the school day on school property, on the bus, or at a school sponsored activity — Is intended to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate a targeted student — Is repeated over time One incident of name calling, although unacceptable, does not constitute bullying. The Guidance Counselor meets with all classes, K-6, to identify the characteristics of bullying behaviors and to review the Bullying Prevention Plan, the penalties for engaging in bullying, and the procedures for reporting bullying. (See Bullying Prevention Plan in Appendix I) Harassment: Grafton Elementary School strives to maintain a respectful school environment in which each person may learn and work free from any type of harassment. It is a violation of School District Policy, as well as a serious legal and disciplinary matter for any student or adult to harass another in any setting. Off-campus behaviors can be disciplined and the impact on the target of harassment is considered. Harassment is: — Student to student and between students and adults — Can be verbal, written, or physical — Is based on a student’s or student’s family member’s, actual or perceived membership in a protected category. The Protected Categories are: race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, and disability. — Happens over a period of time, and is repeated or is a single severe incident Repeated incidents of teasing one’s hairstyle would not be considered harassment unless the victim was viewed as a member of a protected category. The Guidance Counselor meets with all classes, K-6, to review the law, language and behaviors which are forbidden by law. Please see the guidance counselor or principal if you would like any further information to help you or your child understand the prevention of harassment and the consequences of harassment. Cela Dorr and Mary Beth Culver have been designated to receive complaints of harassment pursuant to 16V.S.A. 561 (c)(1). (See full Harassment Policy in Appendix II)

COMMUNICATION: Maintaining regular communication will help us ensure your child’s ongoing success in school. Our staff is available by phone or by email. Email: Our staff email addresses all use the same format, ie: first [email protected]. For example, the secretary’s email address is [email protected] Be sure to contact your child’s teacher promptly with any concerns that might impact your child’s education. The Gabber: The Gabber is the Grafton Elementary School weekly newsletter. The Gabber contains information about school events, special classroom activities, student work, and other useful information. Please be sure to read the Gabber to stay informed about your child’s school. It is usually sent home on Fridays (with the youngest student in the family) and is also available on the school website or by email. If you would like to receive the Gabber by email please email Mary Beth at the school. Home/School Communicator (Green Folder): Each student also has a Home/School Communicator. Your child’s teacher will use this folder to share school related information with you. Please be sure to check your child’s folder daily. We encourage all of our parents to use the folder to share information with us as well.

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EARLY DISMISSAL: When it is necessary for your child to leave school during the day, he/she will be picked up and excused through the office. Please be sure the accompanying adult signs your child out at the office when picking your child up early. EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: Whenever possible, an automated phone message will be used for notification of school delays or closings. Please be sure the school secretary has your current telephone number. They will also be posted on the WNESU web site. Announcements wil be made on WWOD FM (96.3), WKNE FM (103.7), WWTSA FM (96.7), and WKVT FM (92.7) to notify you about school cancellations or delayed openings due to bad road conditions or any other unforeseen emergency. They will also be posted at sover.net on their school closings link. You may also call the school at 843-2495 for a recorded message.

FIELD TRIPS: Field trips provide excellent opportunities for teachers to expand and enrich the learning experiences of their students. A blanket permission form will be sent home on the first day of school for all field trips taken within the WNESU. For out of district field trips, parents will be asked to send in special permission. Parents will be informed of field trips by their child’s teacher or by the school newsletter, unless they are in walking distance of the school. No child will be allowed to go on a field trip without a signed permission slip. Student behavior during field trips is required to be at the same standard expected at school. FIRE/EMERGENCY DRILLS: There is a minimum of one emergency drill held each month to prepare students and staff for emergency situations. HEALTH SERVICES: Good health is the foundation of students’ academic and social success. You will be asked annually to fill out a form describing any allergies to medication or chronic illness and to let us know whom to call if you are unavailable should a medical emergency arise. The nurse’s services include: reviewing your child’s health records to be sure immunizations are up to date, measuring each child’s height and weight, and checking vision and hearing annually. 16VSA§ 1422 requires schools annually to test the hearing of students in first, second, third and fifth grades. (Parents are permitted to opt their children out of such tests. Please notify the school in writing by September 30th of each school year if you wish to exercise this option.) Various staff members have training in basic first aid. If your child is injured or has a medical emergency while at school, every effort will be made to contact you and, if necessary, your child’s medical practitioner. If a serious problem occurs, the Grafton Fast Squad will also be called. When to keep your child at home: The school asks parents to keep their child home from school if the child has exhibited any of the following symptoms in the previous 24 hours: — Temperature of 100 degrees or more (unmedicated) — Vomiting — Diarrhea — We also ask that you keep your child home for any illness that prevents him/her from adequately functioning in the classroom and participating in other school activities. If these conditions occur at school, parents will be notified, and your child may be sent home. It is very important that your child’s Emergency Contact Information is kept current throughout the school year. Please call the office promptly with any changes, especially any telephone contact numbers.

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Immunizations: Vermont Law requires that children shall not enter as students in a Vermont school unless they meet the requirements of having the following immunizations: Diphtheria series, Tetanus, Polio series, Measles series, Rubella series, and Hepatitis series. Prescription Medications: The Grafton Elementary School recognizes that at the present time many children are able to attend school because of the effective use of prescribed medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illnesses. It is more desirable for medication to be administered in the home; however, any student who is required to take prescribed medication during the regular school day must comply with the following regulations: 1. Written orders from a physician detailing the name of the student, the drug dosage, reason for giving, and time medication is to be given must be received by the School Nurse and/or the building administrator before the medication can be given. A renewal of a long-term medication order is required each school year. 2. Written permission from the parent/guardian of the student requesting that the school district comply with the physician’s order must accompany the physician’s order. 3. Students with chronic illnesses, (e.g. seizure disorders, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, etc.), who are responsible for self-administering their medications should be allowed to continue the practice. Medication shall be kept in the school health office. 4. Medications must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. 5. Unused medication shall be destroyed or returned to parent/ guardian for disposition. Non-Prescription Medication: The School nurse or secretary must be notified if a non-prescription medication is to be used during school hours or activities. Non-prescription medications will be administered only after the parent has signed a permission form. Non-prescription medications, including cough drops, must be left at the health room. Health Insurance: Accident insurance is available through the school at a reasonably low price. If your child/children are not well covered by a policy at home, this is an excellent opportunity to protect your child in the event of an accident. All students must have proof of insurance in order to participate in the winter sports program and in any after-school programs. Please be sure to check programs available to Vermont children

HOMEWORK: Homework schedules are determined by the teachers. In most cases, you will find that homework assignments will be either a review of material covered in class or an extension thereof. We ask that you support your child by establishing a regular routine for homework including a quiet, comfortable spot to work and a specific time for homework to be done. Most students benefit greatly from a parent being nearby to help answer questions or to encourage them to stay on task. It is an expectation that every child will spend time reading or being read to every night. Classroom teachers will provide specific information for each grade level. We hope that you will review your child’s assignments and show them how important you feel their work is. Sometimes the work may seem difficult. Encourage him/her to try. Take the time to listen to your child and provide encouragement and support whenever possible. You play a very important role in building up your child’s confidence, self-esteem, and perseverance. If you have questions or concerns about the amount or nature of your child’s homework, or how best to support your child in completing homework, feel free to contact his/her teacher(s).

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INTERNET PRESENCE: Grafton Elementary School maintains a web site at http://wnesu.org/ges This site contains links to the school calendar information, the Gabber, classroom pages, the Student/Parent Handbook, School Board Policies, and much more. We may also post photographs or videos of school and/or classroom activities. We strive to maintain an up-to-date website throughout the year. We also maintain a Facebook page. We have found this to be an effective way to remind parents and community members about upcoming events. Again, we may post pictures of school and/or classroom activities. Pictures or other identifiable work will not be posted on either site without parent/guardian permission. Your permission may be revoked at any time.

MONEY: It is sometimes necessary to send money to school with your child. Please: — Place the money/check in a sealed envelope — Print your child’s and what the money is for on the envelope. Please write your child’s name on the memo line of checks

PERSONAL PROPERTY: All student property/clothing should be marked for purposes of identification. Please mark them with labels or permanent ink. White out can be used on dark colored items. This type of labeling practice will allow a found item to be identified and returned to the rightful owner. During the school year, a lost and found will be located near the main office (please inquire as to its location). Periodically during the year, unclaimed items may be donated to charity. The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. Bicycles, Skateboards, etc.: Children may ride bicycles to school. Bikes must be parked in the bike rack for the duration of the school day. Skateboards, roller blades, shoes with built in wheels, bicycles, etc. may not be used on the playground or in school during school hours. Electronics, Trading Cards: Trading cards, telephones, and any electronic devices such as hand-held games, radios, walkmans, I-pods, cell phones, etc. are NOT allowed on the school bus, in the classroom, or on the playground during regular school days. Teachers will notify students if they are allowed on field trips or other special events. “Share” Items: Items a student may bring to school for the purpose of sharing with his/her class must be stored in the student’s backpack before & after sharing.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES: In order to participate safely, students should be dressed casually on gym days, (Wednesdays & Fridays) no dresses or jewelry, and they must wear sneakers. Sneakers may be kept in your child’s classroom. All students are required to take physical education. A physician’s written statement is necessary for a child to be excused from regular physical education. The statement should include the nature of the injury and for how long the student is to be excused.

PLAYGROUND RULES AND EXPECTATIONS: Free choice to be able to determine how a child spends his/her recess time is a privilege. If a student is not able to meet the rules and expectations of our school, then he/she will lose the privilege of making independent choices. Instead, the child will “walk the line”. This is a simple point “A” to point “B” path they will walk for the duration of their consequence. Respect and Responsibility on the playground means: — Play safe, play fair and have fun — Respect playground supervisors, all students, and the environment — Follow all staff directions — Use equipment properly — Only kind words, No teasing, put downs, or objectionable language — Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times — Remain within playground boundaries 13

Playground Consequences: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Five minutes out of recess to be spent “walking the line” 3. Out of recess, walking the line, for the remainder of recess and contact with family 4. Administrative Action

REPORT CARDS: Student progress is reported 3 times during the school year in November, March and June. Teachers hold parent conferences in November and as needed in March and June. Conferences give parents and teachers an opportunity to communicate the child’s progress and both can take part in goal setting strategies for his/her future. Parents who have concerns about their child’s progress are encouraged to request a conference at any time. The Grafton staff is more than willing to make time available for meeting with parents. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: All students must meet state law in terms of residency requirements. A child may be enrolled in the school district in which his/her parent resides. Proof of residency may be requested at any time. Homeless students may fall under different requirements. Contact the school or the Homeless Liason for further information.

REPORTING CONCERNS: From time to time, a parent, community member or staff member might have a concern about a teacher, paraprofessional, bus driver, staff member, an individual child’s program, or even another student. On occasion, the first the school has been aware of a grievance is after a public airing or a call to the superintendent. The staff at the Grafton School want to provide the best possible education for the students and would be glad to talk with any person who has a concern and to help solve the problem. To this end, and to be sure that the process goes smoothly and fairly, we have adopted the following procedure. Procedure for registering a concern: 1. A parent, community member or staff member who has a concern should go directly to the person they have the issue with first to try to resolve the matter. 2. If the person who has the concern calls the administrator, school board, and/or the superintendent’s office, they should try to redirect the aggrieved party to consult with the person with whom they have the concern first. This helps assure concerns are addressed directly and without unnecessary escalation. 3. As necessary, the building administrator will inform the staff person about the issue after he/she has encouraged the person lodging the complaint to talk with him/her. 4. If the issue cannot be resolved between those directly involved, then the building administrator will attempt to resolve the problem with the parties involved. 5. Every attempt will be made to keep those involved informed about issues. It is important that the process is fair and equitable and, to this end, every effort will be made by the administrator to resolve the issue fairly. 6. If the parent, community member or staff member is not satisfied with the resolution offered by the building principal, the next step would be to contact the Superintendent of Schools, and if necessary, the School Board in writing. 7. If a parent’s child has been the subject of bullying or harassment, the parent is entitled to notification of the action taken to prevent further incidents to the extent permitted under the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).

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RIGHT TO KNOW PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION OF CLASSROOM TEACHERS: As a parent of a student at Grafton Elementary School you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers: — Whether the Vermont Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances. — The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees. — Whether any paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications. If you would like to receive any of this information, Please call the school principal at 843-2495.

SCHOOL CHOICE: Athens and Grafton 7th and 8th grade students have school choice. The school will work with students and their parents to explore the options for their child. Parents are responsible for enrolling their child in the middle school of their choice. Completion of a Documentation of Residency Form and proof of residency may be required. Vermont offers limited high school choice as well. Your child’s middle school will make that information available to you.

SCHOOL DRESS: School clothing should be functional and reflect a positive attitude on the part of the student toward his/her learning. The fit and style of clothing cannot make undergarments easily seen or displayed. Please label your child’s clothing to avoid loss. Also, check the lost and found frequently. We encourage individuality with dress, but please be aware of these requirements: • Clothing may not bear crude, profane, violent, insulting, or suggestive pictures or words • Bare midriffs, low cut necklines, off the shoulder or bare backs are not allowed at school. • No chains or stud collars are permitted. • Hats, hoods, and headbands can be worn to school, but not in the building. • Sunglasses may be worn to school, but not in the building. • If a student’s accessories interfere with his/her ability to learn, interfere with the learning of others, and/or are unsafe, the student will be asked to remove the item and place it in his/her backpack. Weather: Children should come to school dressed appropriately in order to fully participate safely in all school activities and for all weather conditions. In the fall and spring, students should wear jackets, sweatshirts, etc., and in the winter, children should have winter coats, hats, gloves/mittens, snow pants, and boots. Children may not be permitted to play in the snow unless properly dressed. At temperatures below 50 degrees, we may require students to wear jackets outside. The only times our students don’t go outside for activities are when the temperature drops below 10 degrees, there is a severe wind chill, or during unsafe or inclement weather

STUDENT RECORDS: Educational records are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act through School District Policy and Procedures. Parents have the right to: — Inspect and review the student’s educational record — Request amendment of the student’s records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights — Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act authorizes disclosure without consent 15

— File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with requirements of the Act — Obtain a copy of the school’s policy and written procedures or protocols related to student records.

TELEPHONE USE: The school phones are not for student use unless a special circumstance develops. Please be sure your children know their transportation plans for the end of the day and that they have everything they need for the school day. Remind your child that plans to have other students come to their house need to be worked out before coming to school. The proper notes need to accompany the student to school so there is no confusion about transportation plans at the end of the school day. Instruction and learning are 8:20 – 3:00. Please be advised that all non-urgent messages will be taken and delivered by office staff. Instructional time is highly valuable and distractions will be avoided. If you are picking up your child at the end of the day, please wait in the main entry until your child is dismissed.

VOLUNTEERS AND WORK-STUDY STUDENTS: The boards of school directors of the member entities of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union recognize the valuable contributions made to the schools by volunteers and work-study students. It is further recognized that appropriate supervision of volunteers and work-study students will enhance their contributions as well as fulfill the responsibility that the school districts have for the education and safety of their students. If the position for which a volunteer or work-study student is being recruited involves the potential for unsupervised contact with students, the principal will require volunteers and work-study students to complete fingerprinting and criminal records checks. All parents/volunteers must complete a criminal background check.

CHILD FIND: The Athens/Grafton Joint Contract School District wishes to inform interested parties that all people with disabilities from birth through the age of 21, who are in need of special education and related services, need to be identified, located, and evaluated. Also, any person between the ages of 3 through 21, who is in need of special education and related services, is entitled to a free and appropriate public education. Therefore, any person who has information about disabled people who fit these descriptions should contact Sharon Reynolds, Director of Special Services for the WNESU or Molly Oglesby, Parent Outreach Coordinator, at 463-9958, or Cela Dorr at 843-2495. CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL GRANTS (CFG): Consolidated Federal Grants provide schools with funding for schoolwide programs supporting literacy, math, parent involvement, and professional development opportunities. In Grafton, these funds have supported our math and literacy interventions, after school homework clubs, remedial support and in some cases, advanced academic activities. COUNSELING: The School Counseling Program at Grafton Elementary School is student centered and is available to all students of GES. The guidance curriculum consists of structured, developmentally relevant lessons for small groups and whole classrooms. In addition to curriculum based programming, we offer individual student counseling and planning, responsive services, and systems supports to school personnel, parents, and community. This comprehensive approach addresses the academic, personal, social, and emotional skills necessary for each student to realize his/her own potential for lifelong learning.

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EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TEAM: It is the policy of the boards of school directors of the member entities of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union to provide a continuum of services through a comprehensive Education Support Team (EST) to increase the ability of the schools to meet the needs of all students in the general education environment. This team provides a forum for staff to share their expertise in managing a variety of learning and behavioral challenges exhibited by students. The Grafton School will develop a comprehensive system of education services designed and implemented in consultation with parents/guardians, teachers, specialists, and others to assist your child’s teachers in accommodating your child in the regular classroom. Parents and teachers may refer a child to the Educational Support Team for difficulties with learning, behavioral issues, or enrichment opportunities. The Educational Support Team will: — Review what classroom accommodations, interventions, and supplementary aids and services have been tried and their effectiveness; — Determine whether additional accommodations, interventions, and supplementary aids and services, or referrals to other public or private agencies might appropriately meet a child’s needs; — Assist teachers in planning and providing interventions, supplementary aids and services, and other accommodations for a child for support or enrichment; — Develop a means to determine the effectiveness of the accommodations and supplementary aids and services; — Maintain a written record of our meetings and actions; — If a recommended intervention by the EST adjusts a student’s schedule (ie. Participate in afterschool support) families will be notified. Parents should contact their child’s teacher to share concerns and refer their child to the EST if desired.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION - TITLE IX and TITLE VI: The Grafton Elementary School will not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, sex, age, religion (creed), ancestry, sexual orientation, place of birth or national origin, or marital status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities to the extent provided by law. Any person having inquiries concerning the Athens/Grafton School District’s compliance with implementing Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 should contact the District Coordinators: Title IX and VI: Section 504: Sharon Reynolds, Director of Student Support Service 25 Cherry Street Bellows Falls, VT 05101 (802) 463-1612

Heather Waryas 25 Cherry Street Bellows Falls, VT 05101 (802)463-9958

SECTION 504: Section 504 prohibits discrimination based upon a disability that significantly lessens a student’s ability to access education. It is the school’s responsibility to assess the disability’s impact on learning and if a 504 Plan is necessary to address the student’s needs. (Please refer to the Parent/Student Rights under Section 504 in Appendix I)

SPECIAL EDUCATION: The school has a special education teacher(s). A full spectrum of special education services and accommodations are offered in the least restrictive environment. These services can include individualized programming, specialized assistance with assignments, or classroom accommodations such as extended time for tests within the building and the school day. (See Summary of Parent/Student Rights in Appendix I)

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Appendix I Student, Parent and School Compact For the Athens/Grafton Joint Contract School District Mission: It is the mission of the Grafton Elementary School to help each child realize his/her potential, to lead a successful and satisfying life, and to make a meaningful contribution to our local and global communities as a lifelong learner. An Invitation: Effective schools are a result of students, families, and school staff working together to ensure that children are successful in school. We cannot do this unless we all understand exactly what is expected of us. You are invited to be involved in a partnership by joining in a compact with the Grafton Elementary School. A compact is a voluntary agreement between two or more groups of people that firmly unites them. We have outlined such an agreement for students, parents, staff and administrators. Students: As a student at the Grafton Elementary School, I contribute to the standard of excellence, help to create a positive school climate, and realize the importance of working to the best of my ability. Therefore: o I will act in a way that best represents my school, family, community, and self to promote a safe and healthy environment in which to learn. o I will attend school regularly and be ready to learn. o I will do my homework and complete assignments. o I will read at home. o I will follow classroom and school rules. o I will accept responsibility for my own actions. o I will ask for help when needed. o I will treat everyone, including myself, with respect. o I will resolve conflicts peacefully. o I will have fun. Parents/Guardians: I recognize that as my child’s first and most influential teacher, I can promote his/her success and contribute to an excellent school by making the following commitments: o I will establish high expectations for my child. I will not accept minimum effort or indifference to quality work. o I will know what is expected in each of our child’s classes and communicate with teachers when I have a question or concern. o I will insist on good attendance. o I will provide a quiet time and place in our home for homework and review homework regularly. o I will establish a time for my child to read at home. o I will insist that my child accept responsibility for his/her learning and behavior. o I will volunteer time whenever possible at my child’s school. o I will attend parent/teacher conferences at least once per year. 18

o I will have fun watching my child learn and grow. Teachers: As teachers each of us is in a position to help our school achieve its mission to help each child realize his/her potential, to lead a successful and satisfying life, and to make a meaningful contribution to our local and global communities. In fulfilling our responsibilities, we share common commitments: o We will provide a safe and productive classroom environment for students – an environment with clear expectations, consistent consequences, and specific, articulated, academic goals. o We will promote a positive school climate by modeling the qualities and characteristics that we hope to instill in students. o We will foster a school environment that promotes positive relationships. o We will teach students to resolve conflicts in an appropriate and positive manner. o We will provide meaningful homework assignments that support student learning. o We will use methods of assessment that enable us to monitor the learning of individual students and plan for effective instruction. o We will collaborate with one another, students, families and the community so that students will experience success. o We will commit ourselves to on-going professional development and continuous improvement. o We will communicate with parents, keeping them informed of their child’s progress in a variety of ways, o We will have fun. Principal: As the principal of the Athens/Grafton Joint School District I am committed to placing the education and well being of each student above all other considerations. o I will model and promote behaviors that promote a safe, productive, and collaborative academic environment for student, parents, staff and the greater community. o I will foster an environment with clear expectations, consistent consequences, and specific, articulated academic goals. o I will facilitate the development of curricular programs, which reflect student needs, and interests, promote the use of technology, and enable students to achieve success. o I will follow the WNESU framework to support staff in their on-going professional growth. o I will develop and implement programs and procedures to monitor and support collective achievement and individual student success. o I will recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements of the members of the school community. o I will manage the District’s resources in a manner that addresses the needs of the school and the community, builds community support, and establishes community partnerships. o I will have fun. 19

SUMMARY OF PARENT/STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 The following is a summary of the rights granted under federal law to qualified students with disabilities and their parents. The full provisions of the federal law creating these rights can be found at 29 U.S.C. Section 794 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), 34 C.F.R. Part 104 et seq., and the Americans with Disabilities Act and its regulations. Copies of the full District 504/ADA procedures are available from the District’s NonDiscrimination Coordinator or through the student’s building principal. A.

Qualified Students with Disabilities: 1.

May not, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, programs

or activities offered by the District; 2.

May not be discriminated against on the basis of their disability in connection with any district

program or activity; 3.

Have a right to be educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided for

students without disabilities; 4.

Have a right to be educated with students who are not individuals with disabilities to the maximum

extent appropriate; 5.

Have a right to receive a free appropriate public education. (Under Section 504, a "free appropriate

public education" (“FAPE”) means the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of the qualified student with a disability as adequately as the needs of the students who are not individuals with disabilities are met); 6.

Have a right to an equal opportunity to participate with students who are not individuals with

disabilities in the district’s non-academic/extracurricular services and activities; 7.

Have a right to have evaluation, educational, and placement decisions made based upon a variety of

information sources; to periodic re-evaluations and an evaluation before any significant change in placement in a regular or special education program; and to have placement decisions made by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about the student, the meaning of the evaluation data and the placement options; 8.

Have a right to be placed in a regular educational environment operated by the District unless the

District demonstrates that the education of the student in the regular education environment with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily; 9.

and their parents: Have a right to be advised by the District regarding the District's duties under

Section 504 regulations. B.

Parents of a Qualified Individual With a Disability Have a Right:

1.

To examine their child’s education;

2.

To receive notice with respect to identification, evaluation, or placement of their child {such notice to

be in parent’s native language and primary mode of communication}; 3.

To file a local grievance;

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4.

To request mediation through the State Department of Education, and/or to request an impartial

hearing before a State hearing officer and/or any other means available through state or federal law, in the event that they disagree with an action regarding identification, evaluation, services or placement of the child; and a right to review such decision.1 In such a hearing, parents shall have the opportunity to participate and be represented by counsel at their own expense. ***Time for Filing Claims*** ** An action and/or due process proceeding seeking to enforce Section 504 and/or the ADA against this school district must be commenced within two years of the alleged violations, and not after, pursuant to Vermont law, 16 VSA §2957 and VDE Rule 1253. ** An action or due process claim for reimbursement for the costs of a unilateral placement must be filed with the Commissioner of Education within 90 days of the unilateral placement, and not after. ********* This notice shall not be construed to create any right or any claim or cause of action not otherwise provided by law. The person who is responsible for assuring that the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union and its member school districts comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act is: (Name} (Title) (Address} (Phone No.)

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Superintendent Non-Discrimination Coordinator 25 Cherry Street Bellows Falls, VT 05101 (802) 463-9958

NOTE: Mediation requests should be addressed to, and due process

hearing requests should be filed with, the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Education, 120 State Street, Montpelier, Vermont 05602.

EXHIBIT C

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Grafton Elementary School Animal Dissection Procedure It is the intent of the Athens/Grafton Joint Contract 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 and animal or any pat of an animal, or to observe any of these activities, as part of course instruction. As used in this procedure, 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. Teachers will provide prior notice to parents before an animal dissection is performed in class or on any school field trip or other school-sponsored activity. A student who is excused under this policy shall be provided with alternative methods 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. No student shall be discriminated against based on his or her decision to exercise the right to be excused afforded by this policy. The procedure will be provided to parents at the beginning of the school year and will also be distributed to teachers on a yearly basis. Parents will be provided a form with this notice, which allows their child to opt out of the dissection. Adoption Date: August 14, 2008

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Appendix C Windham Northeast Supervisory Union School Breakfast/Lunch Program 802-463-9958x112, 802-463-4652 (fax) Student Meal Charging Procedure 2016-2017 School Year

No ala carte charging is allowed by any student. The charging limit is $10.00 per student. “Free” meal eligible students

Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge to the student. Full reimbursable meals must be taken. This covers one eligible breakfast and one eligible lunch per student, per school day.

“Reduced” meal eligible students

Breakfast and lunch are provided at no charge to the student. Full reimbursable meals must be taken. This covers one eligible breakfast and one eligible lunch per student, per school day.

“Paid” Students

If a child owes $10.00 or more and does not have money for breakfast or lunch the following procedure will be used: Breakfast: - 4 (four) eligible emergency breakfasts may be charged at $.75 per breakfast per student account. - No further breakfasts may be charged after 4 (four) days.

Lunch: - 2 (two) eligible emergency lunches consisting of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, cheese, milk and a fruit or veggie will be charged at $1.00 per lunch per student account. - No further lunches will be charged after 2 (two) days. When a student reaches their charging limit: - A call will be made to the parent/guardian after the first emergency meal has been charged notifying the parent/guardian that their student is in danger of not being able to charge breakfast or lunch. A message will be left if a voicemail is available. We assume no liability for missed calls. - A letter will follow after the second emergency meal has been charged notifying the parent/guardian that the student is now not eligible to charge lunch and is in danger of not being able to charge breakfast. - A final letter will follow after the fourth emergency breakfast notifying the parent/guardian that the student is now not eligible to charge breakfast or lunch. Meals may still be purchased with cash on a day by day basis if a student has exceeded their charging limit. Staff members may charge up to two meals. Revised 7/13/2016

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Appendix II SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES AND STATE/FEDERAL LAWS: All schools within the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union recognize their responsibility to provide all students and employees with a working and learning environment that is safe. As a result, there are a series of policies to ensure that this type of environment is created and maintained. The following section of this handbook includes copies of some of the policies adopted by the Athens/Grafton Joint Contract School District and that the Vermont Department of Education requires to be published for students and parents.

Complete School Board Policies are available at the school, the Supervisory Union office, and the WNESU Website.

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WNESU Procedures on the Prevention of Harassment, Hazing and Bullying of Students I. Reporting Complaints of Hazing, Harassment and/or Bullying A.

Student Reporting: Any student who believes that s/he has been hazed, harassed and/or bullied under this policy, or who witnesses or has knowledge of conduct that s/he reasonably believes might constitute hazing, harassment and or/bullying, should promptly report the conduct to a designated employee or any other school employee.

B.

School employee reporting: Any school employee who witnesses conduct that s/he reasonably believes might constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying shall take reasonable action to stop the conduct and to prevent its recurrence and immediately report it to a designated employee and immediately complete a Student Conduct Form. Any school employee who overhears or directly receives information about conduct that might constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying shall immediately report the information to a designated employee and immediately complete a Student Conduct Form. A designated employee may help the school employee complete this form. If one of the designated employees is a person alleged to be engaged in the conduct complained of, the incident shall be immediately reported to the other designated employee or the school administrator.

C.

Other reporting: Any other person who witnesses conduct that s/he reasonably believes might constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying under this policy should promptly report the conduct to a designated employee.

D.

Documentation of the report: If the complaint is oral, the designated employee shall promptly reduce the complaint to writing in a Student Conduct Form, including the time, place, and nature of the alleged conduct, the identity of the complainant, alleged perpetrator, and any witnesses. Both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator will have the right to identify witnesses and other evidence in support of their position.

E.

False complaint: Any person who knowingly makes a false accusation regarding hazing, harassment and/or bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension and expulsion with regard to students, or up to and including discharge with regard to employees. There shall be no adverse action taken against a person for reporting a complaint of hazing, harassment and/or bullying when the person has a good faith belief that hazing, harassment and/or bullying occurred or is occurring.

F.

Rights to Alternative Complaint Process: In addition to, or as an alternative to filing a harassment complaint pursuant to this policy, a person may file a harassment complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission or the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education at the addresses noted below: 25

Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin Street Montpelier, VT 05633-6301 (800) 416-2010 or (802) 828-2480 (voice) (877) 294-9200 (tty) (802) 828-2481 (fax) Email: [email protected] Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office U.S. Department of Education 8th Floor 5 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109-3921 617-289-0111 (voice) 877-521-2172 (tdd) 617-289-0150 (fax) Email: [email protected] II. Responding to Notice of Possible Policy Violation(s) A.

Upon notice of information that hazing, harassment and/or bullying may have occurred the designated employee shall: i. Promptly reduce any oral information to writing, including the time, place, and nature of the conduct, and the identity of the participants and complainant. ii. Promptly inform the school administrator(s) of the information; iii. If in the judgment of the school administrator, the information alleges conduct which may constitute harassment, hazing or bullying, the school administrator shall, as soon as reasonably possible, provide a copy of the policy on hazing, harassment and bullying and these procedures to the complainant and accused individual, or if either is a minor, cause a copy to be provided or delivered to their respective parent or guardian.

B.

Upon initiation of an investigation, the designated employee shall: i. Notify in writing both the complainant and accused individual (or if either is a minor inform their respective parent or guardian) that: 1. an investigation has been initiated; 2. retaliation is prohibited; 3. all parties have certain confidentiality rights; and 4. they will be informed in writing of the outcome of the investigation.

C.

All notifications shall be subject to state and/or federal laws protecting the confidentiality of personally identifiable student information. Pursuant to 34 CFR Part 99.30, a school administrator may seek the consent of the parent/guardian of the accused student, or the accused eligible student (if 18 or older, the accused student has the ability to consent), in order to inform the complainant of any disciplinary action taken in cases where the school determined that an act(s) of harassment, hazing, and/or bullying, or other misconduct occurred. The parent/guardian or eligible student shall provide a signed and dated written consent before an educational agency or institution discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records. 26

III.

Investigating Hazing, Harassment and/or Bullying Complaints

A. Initiation of Investigation - Timing. Unless special circumstances are present and documented, such as reports to the Department for Children and Families (“DCF”) or the police, the school administrator shall, no later than one school day after Notice to a designated employee, initiate or cause to be initiated, an investigation of the allegations, which the school administrator reasonably believes may constitute harassment, hazing or bullying. B. Investigator Assignment. The school administrator shall assign a person to conduct the investigation; nothing herein shall be construed to preclude the school administrator from assigning him/herself or a designated employee as the investigator. No person who is the subject of a complaint shall conduct such an investigation. C. Interim Measures. It may be appropriate for the school to take interim measures during the investigation of a complaint. For instance, if a student alleges that he or she has been sexually assaulted by another student, the school may decide to place the students immediately in separate classes and/or transportation pending the results of the school’s investigation. Similarly, if the alleged harasser is a teacher, allowing the student to transfer to a different class may be appropriate. In all cases, the school will make every effort to prevent disclosure of the names of all parties involved – the complainant, the witnesses, and the accused -- except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation. In all cases where physical harm has resulted and/or where the targeted student is known to be expressing suicidal ideation, or experiencing serious emotional harm, a safety plan will be put in place. Safety plans must also be considered in cases where the targeted student is known to have difficulty accessing the educational programs at the school as a result of the inappropriate behavior. No contact orders, or their enforcement, may also be appropriate interim measures. D. Due Process. The United States Constitution guarantees due process to students and District employees who are accused of certain types of infractions, including but not limited to sexual harassment under Federal Title IX. The rights established under Title IX must be interpreted consistent with any federally guaranteed due process rights involved in a complaint proceeding, including but not limited to the ability of the complainant and the accused to identify witnesses and other evidence during an investigation to support their position. The District will ensure that steps to accord due process rights do not restrict or unnecessarily delay the protections provided by Title IX to the complainant. E. Standard Used to Assess Conduct. In determining whether the conduct constitutes a violation of this policy, the investigator shall consider the surrounding circumstances, the nature of the behavior, past incidents or past or continuing patterns of behavior, the relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. The complainant and accused will be provided the opportunity to identify witnesses and other evidence during an investigation that is in support of their positions. The school will also consider the impact of relevant off-campus conduct on the school environment where direct harm to the welfare of the school can be demonstrated or the conduct can be shown to pose a clear and substantial interference with another student’s equal access to educational programs. Whether a particular 27

action constitutes a violation of this policy requires determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. F. Completion of Investigation – Timing. No later than five school days from the filing of the complaint with the designated employee, unless special circumstances are present and documented, the investigator shall submit a written initial determination to the school administrator. G. Investigation Report. The investigator shall prepare a written report to include a statement of the findings of the investigator as to whether the allegations have been substantiated, and as to whether the alleged conduct constitutes hazing, harassment and/or bullying. The report, when referencing student conduct, is a student record and therefore confidential. It will be made available to investigators in the context of a review conducted by either Vermont AOE, or investigations of harassment conducted by the Vermont Human Rights Commission or U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. H. Notice to Students/Parents/Guardians. Within five school days of the conclusion of the investigation, the designated employee shall: i. Notify in writing both the complainant and accused individual (or if either is a minor inform their respective parent or guardian) that: 1. the investigation has been completed; 2. whether or not the investigation concluded that a policy violation occurred (and which policy term was violated, i.e. harassment, hazing and/or bullying); 3. that federal privacy law prevents disclosure of any discipline imposed as a result of the investigation unless the parent/guardian of the accused student and/or the accused eligible student consents to such disclosure, pursuant to 34 CFR Part 99.30, as set forth in Section II, Part C, above. ii. Notify the Complainant Student - or if a minor, their parent(s) or guardian - in writing of their rights to: 1. an internal review by the school of its initial determination as a result of its investigation as to whether harassment occurred; 2. request an Independent Review of the school’s “final” determination as to whether harassment occurred within thirty (30) days of the final determination or although a “final” determination was made that harassment indeed occurred the school’s response to that harassment was inadequate to correct the problem; and that the review will be conducted by an investigator to be selected by the superintendent from a list developed by the Agency of Education; 3. file complaints of harassment with either the Vermont Human Rights Commission and/or the federal Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. iii. Notify the Accused Student – or if a minor, their parent(s) or guardian - in writing of their right to appeal as set forth in Section V of these procedures. I. Violations of Other Policies. In cases where the investigation has identified other conduct that may constitute a violation of other school disciplinary policies or codes of 28

conduct, the designated employee shall report such conduct to the school administrator for action in accordance with relevant school policies or codes of conduct. IV.

Responding to Substantiated Claims

A. Scope of Response. After a final determination that an act(s) of hazing, harassment and/or bullying has been committed, the school shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary and/or remedial action reasonably calculated to stop the hazing, harassment and/or bullying and prevent any recurrence of harassment, hazing and/or bullying, and remedy its effects on the victim(s). In so doing, the following should be considered: (i) Potential Remedial Actions. Remedial action may include but not be limited to an age appropriate warning, reprimand, education, training and counseling, transfer, suspension, and/or expulsion of a student, and warning, reprimand, education, training and counseling, transfer, suspension and/or termination of an employee. A series of escalating consequences may be necessary if the initial steps are ineffective in stopping the hazing, harassment and/or bullying. To prevent recurrences counseling for the offender may be appropriate to ensure that he or she understands what constitutes hazing/harassment and/or bullying and the effects it can have. Depending on how widespread the hazing/harassment/bullying was and whether there have been any prior incidents, the school may need to provide training for the larger school community to ensure that students, parents and teachers can recognize hazing/harassment/bullying if it recurs and know how to respond. (ii) School Access/Environment Considerations. The District will also take efforts to support victims’ access to the District’s programs, services and activities and consider and implement school-wide remedies, where appropriate. Accordingly, steps will be taken to eliminate any hostile and/or threatening environment that has been created. For example, if a female student has been subjected to harassment/bullying by a group of other students in a class, the school may need to deliver special training or other interventions for that class to repair the educational environment. If the school offers the student the option of withdrawing from a class in which a hostile environment/bullying occurred, the District will assist the student in making program or schedule changes and ensure that none of the changes adversely affect the student’s academic record. Other measures may include, if appropriate, directing a bully/harasser to apologize to the affected student. If a hostile environment has affected the entire school or campus, an effective response may need to include dissemination of information, the issuance of new policy statements or other steps that are designed to clearly communicate the message that the school does not tolerate harassment and/or bullying and will be responsive to any student who reports that conduct. (iii)Hazing Case Considerations. Appropriate penalties or sanctions or both for organizations that or individuals who engage in hazing and revocation or suspension of an organization’s permission to operate or exist within the institution’s purview if that organization knowingly permits, authorizes, or condones hazing. 29

(iv) Other Remedies: Other remedies may include providing counseling to the victim(s) and/or the perpetrator(s), and additional safety planning measures for the victim(s). B. Retaliation Prevention. It is unlawful for any person to retaliate against a person who has filed a complaint of harassment or against a person who assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing related to the harassment complaint. A person may violate this anti-retaliation provision regardless of whether the underlying complaint of harassment is substantiated. The District will take reasonable steps to prevent any retaliation against the student who made the complaint (or was the subject of the harassment), against the person who filed a complaint on behalf of a student, or against those who provided information as witnesses. At a minimum, this includes making sure that the students and their parents, and those witnesses involved in the school’s investigation, know how to report any subsequent problems and making follow-up inquiries to see if there are have been any new incidents or any retaliation. C. Alternative Dispute Resolution. At all stages of the investigation and determination process, school officials are encouraged to make available to complainants alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, for resolving complaints. Certain considerations should be made before pursuing alternative dispute resolution methods, including, but not limited to: (1) the nature of the accusations (for example, face-to-face mediation is not appropriate for sexual violence cases), (2) the age of the complainant and the accused individual, (3) the agreement of the complainant, and (4) other relevant factors such as any disability of the target or accused individual, safety issues, the relationship and relative power differential between the target and accused individual, or any history of repeated misconduct/harassment by the accused individual. V. Post Investigative Reviews Rights of Complainants A. Internal Review of Initial Harassment Determinations By Complainant. A complainant or parent of a complainant may request internal review by the District of a designee’s initial determination (following investigation) that harassment has not occurred via written request submitted to the District superintendent. All levels of internal review of the investigator’s initial determination, and the issuance of a final determination, shall, unless special circumstances are present and documented by the District, be completed within 30 calendar days after review is requested. B. Independent Reviews of Final Harassment Determinations By Complainant. A complainant may request an independent review within thirty (30) days of a final determination if s/he: (1) is dissatisfied with the final determination as to whether harassment occurred, or (2) believes that although a final determination was made that harassment occurred, the school’s response was inadequate to correct the problem. The complainant shall make such a request in writing to the superintendent of schools within thirty (30) days of a final determination. Upon such request, the superintendent shall promptly initiate an independent review by a neutral person as described under 16 30

V.S.A. § 570a.(b)(1) and shall cooperate with the independent reviewer so that s/he may proceed expeditiously. The review shall consist of an interview of the complainant and relevant school officials and a review of the written materials from the school’s investigation. Upon completion of the independent review, the reviewer shall advise the complainant and school officials in writing: (1) as to the sufficiency of the school’s investigation, its determination, and/or the steps taken by the school to correct any harassment found to have occurred, and (2) of recommendations of any steps the school might take to prevent further harassment from occurring. A copy of the independent review report shall be sent to the Secretary of Education. The reviewer shall advise the student of other remedies that may be available if the student remains dissatisfied and, if appropriate, may recommend mediation or other alternative dispute resolution. The independent reviewer shall be considered an agent of the school for the purpose of being able to review confidential student records. The costs of the independent review shall be borne by the District. The District may request an independent review at any stage of the process. C. Rights to Alternative Harassment Complaint Process. In addition to, or as an alternative to filing a harassment complaint pursuant to this policy, a person may file a harassment complaint with the Vermont Human Rights Commission or the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education at the addresses noted below: Vermont Human Rights Commission 14-16 Baldwin Street Montpelier, VT 05633-6301 (800) 416-2010 or (802) 828-2480 (voice) (877) 294-9200 (tty) (802) 828-2481 (fax) Email: [email protected] Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office U.S. Department of Education 8th Floor 5 Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109-3921 617-289-0111 (voice) 877-521-2172 (tdd) 617-289-0150 (fax) Email: [email protected] Rights of Accused Students A. Appeal. Any person determined to have engaged in an act(s) of hazing, harassment and/or bullying may appeal the determination and/or any related disciplinary action(s) taken to the superintendent of schools. Such appeal shall be in writing. Within 10 school days, the superintendent shall review the record of the incident and issue a report either substantiating or modifying the determination. If the person is dissatisfied with the superintendent’s determination, it may then be appealed to the school board of the school district. The school board shall conduct a review on the record. The standard of review by 31

the school board shall be whether the finding that an act(s) of hazing, harassment, and/or bullying has been committed constitutes an abuse of discretion by the school level fact finder. Appeals should be made to the school board within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the determination that an act(s) of hazing, harassment and/or bullying has occurred and/or any announced discipline. The school board shall set the matter for a review hearing at the next scheduled school board meeting to the extent practicable, but not later than 30 days from receipt of the appeal filing. B. Accused Student/Appellant Access to Investigative Reports/Findings. The school district shall make available upon request of the Accused Student/Appellant, any relevant information, documents, materials, etc. related to the investigation and related finding on appeal that can be redacted and de-identified in compliance with the requirements set forth at 34 CFR Part 99. For those documents that cannot be provided due to the requirements set forth at 34 CFR Part 99, when an Accused Student/Appellant seeks a review on the record before the school board of the school district, a school administrator may seek the consent of the parent/guardian of the targeted student, or the accused eligible targeted student (if 18 or older, the targeted student has the ability to consent), in order to inform the accused student of the findings which gave rise to the school’s determination that an act(s) of harassment, hazing, and/or bullying occurred. The parent/guardian or eligible student shall provide a signed and dated written consent before an educational agency or institution discloses personally identifiable information from the student's education records. VI.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

A.

Privacy Concerns. The privacy of the complainant, the accused individual, and the witnesses shall be maintained consistent with the District’s obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to comply with laws governing the disclosure of student records or other applicable discovery or disclosure obligations. i. Concerns Related to Harassment Complaints. The scope of appropriate response to a harassment complaint may depend upon whether a student or parent of a minor student reporting the harassment asks that the student’s name not be disclosed to the harasser or that nothing be done about the alleged harassment. In all cases, school officials will discuss confidentiality standards and concerns with the complainant initially. The school will inform the student that a confidentiality request may limit the school’s ability to respond. The school will remind the student that both federal Title IX and Vermont Title 9 prevent retaliation and that if he or she is afraid of reprisals from the alleged harasser, the school will takes steps to prevent retaliation and will take strong action if retaliation occurs. If the student continues to ask that his or her name not be revealed, the school should take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the student’s request as long as doing so does not prevent the school from responding effectively to the harassment and preventing harassment of other students. The school will evaluate the confidentiality request in the context of its responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students. The factors the school might consider in this regard include the seriousness of the alleged harassment, the age of the student harassed, 32

whether there have been other complaints or reports of harassment against the alleged harasser, and the rights of the accused individual to receive information about the accuser and the allegations if a formal proceeding with sanctions may result. If information about the incident is contained in an “education record” of the student alleging the harassment, as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, the school will consider whether FERPA prohibits it from disclosing information without the student’s consent. B.

Document Maintenance. The Superintendent or school administrator shall assure that a record of any complaint, its investigation and disposition, as well as any disciplinary or remedial action taken following the completion of the investigation, is maintained by the District in a confidential file accessible only to authorized persons. All investigation records created in conformance with this model policy and model procedures, including but not limited to, the complaint form, interview notes, additional evidence, and the investigative report, shall be kept by the Coordinator, Designated Employees and District/Supervisory Union Central Office for at least six years after the investigation is completed.

VII.

Reporting to Other Agencies

A. Reports to Department of Children and Families. When a complaint made pursuant to this policy includes allegations of child abuse, any person responsible for reporting suspected child abuse under 33 V.S.A. § 4911, et seq. must report the allegation to the Commissioner of DCF. If the victim is over the age of 18 and a report of abuse is warranted, the report shall be made to Adult Protective Services in accordance with 33 V.S.A. § 6901 et seq. B. Reports to Vermont Agency of Education. If a harassment complaint is made in a public school about conduct by a licensed educator that might be grounds under Vermont law for licensing action, the principal shall report the alleged conduct to the Superintendent and the Superintendent shall report the alleged conduct to the Commissioner. If a harassment complaint is made in an independent school about conduct by a licensed educator that might be grounds under Vermont law for licensing action, the head of school is encouraged to report the alleged conduct to the Secretary of Education. C. Reporting Incidents to Police a. FERPA Rights. Information obtained and documented by school administration regarding the school’s response to notice of student conduct that may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying may constitute an “educational record” regarding the student or student(s) involved as defined by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. Accordingly, such information may not be disclosed without prior parent approval to local law enforcement except in response to a lawfully issued subpoena, or in connection with an emergency if disclosure is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. b. First Hand Reports. Nothing in this policy shall preclude persons from reporting incidents and/or conduct witnessed first-hand that may be considered to be a criminal act to law enforcement officials. 33

c. Hazing Incidents. It is unlawful to (1) engage in hazing; (2) solicit direct, aid, or attempt to aid, or abet another person engaged in hazing; or (3) knowingly fail to take reasonable measures within the scope of the person’s authority to prevent hazing. It is not a defense in an action under this section that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity. Hazing incidents will be reported to the police in a manner consistent with the confidentiality rights set forth above in this section. D. Continuing Obligation to Investigate. Reports made to either DCF or law enforcement shall not be considered to absolve the school administrators of their obligations under this policy to pursue and complete an investigation upon receipt of notice of conduct which may constitute hazing, harassment and/or bullying. VIII. Disseminating Information, Training, and Data Reporting A.

Disseminating Information. Annually, prior to the commencement of curricular and co-curricular activities, the District shall provide notice of this policy and procedures to students, custodial parents or guardians of students, and staff members, including references to the consequences of misbehavior contained in the plan required by 16 V.S.A. 1161a. Notice to students shall be in age-appropriate language and include examples of hazing, harassment and bullying. At a minimum, this notice shall appear in any publication of the District that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures and standards of conduct for the District.

B.

Student Training. The school administrator shall use his/her discretion in developing age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning and substance of this policy with students to help prevent hazing, harassment and bullying.

C.

Staff Training. The board or its designee shall ensure that teachers and other staff receive training in preventing, recognizing and responding to hazing, harassment and bullying.

D.

Data Gathering. Public school districts shall provide the Vermont Agency of Education with data requested by the Secretary of Education.

Legal References: Title V, Section B, 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794 et seq.; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §2000d; Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.; Family Education Rights Privacy Act; 20 U.S.C. §1232g; Public Accommodations Act, 9 V.S.A. §§4500 et seq.; Education, Classifications and Definitions, 16 V.S.A. §11(26);(30)(A);(32); Education, 16 V.S.A. §140(a)(1); Education, 16 V.S.A. §166(e); Education, Bullying, 16 V.S.A. §570c; Education, Harassment, Hazing and Bullying, 16 V.S.A. § 570; Education, Harassment, 16 V.S.A. §570a; Education, Harassment, 16 V.S.A. §570c; Education, Harassment, 16 V.S.A. §570f; Education, Hazing, 16 V.S.A. §570b; 34

Education, Hazing, 16 V.S.A. §570f Education, Discipline, 16 V.S.A. §1161a; Education, Suspension or Expulsion of Pupils; 16 V.S.A. §1162; Child Abuse, 33 V.S.A. §§4911 et seq.; Adult Protective Services, 33 V.S.A. §6901 et seq., all as they may be amended from time to time. Washington v. Pierce, 179 VT 318 (2005).

35

CODE C6 BOARD COMMITMENT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION Policy The Board will not unlawfully discriminate against any person or group on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status Notice of Non_Discrimination Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, and all unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the Athens/Grafton School District are hereby notified that this District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. A person has been designated by the Athens/Grafton School District to coordinate the District's efforts to comply with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other non-discrimination laws or regulations. The designated coordinator is identified in the procedure accompanying this policy along with information on how that person may be contacted. Any person having inquiries concerning the Athens/Grafton School District's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 or other state or federal non-discrimination laws or regulations is directed to contact the non-discrimination coordinator described above. Grievance Procedure In the absence of a controlling grievance procedure outlined in a collective bargaining agreement the procedure accompanying this policy will be in effect. Date Warned: Date Adopted: Legal Reference(s):

Cross Reference: (D1)

13 April 2006 11 May 2006 9 V.S.A. §4502 (Public accommodations) 21 V.S.A. §§495 et seq. (Employment practices) 21 V.S.A. §1726 (Unfair labor practices) 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq. (IDEA) 20 U.S.C. §§1681 et seq. (Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972) 29 U.S.C. §206(d) (Equal Pay Act of 1963) 9 U.S.C. §§621 et seq. (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) 29 U.S.C. §794 (Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973) 42 U.S.C.§§2000d et seq. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) 2 U.S.C. §§12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) Personnel: Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Criminal Records Checks

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(Mandatory) ALCOHOL AND DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to maintain a workplace free of alcohol and drugs. No employee will unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use alcohol or any drug on or in the workplace. Definitions Drug means any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance as defined by state or federal statute or regulation. Workplace means the site for the performance of work for the School District, including any school building or any school premises and any school_owned vehicle or any other school_approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school activities. It also includes off school property during any school_sponsored or school_approved activity, event or function such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the jurisdiction of the School District. Employee Responsibilities As a condition of employment, each employee will notify the Superintendent in writing of his or her conviction of any criminal drug statute for a violation occurring on or in the workplace as defined above. The employee must notify the Superintendent no later than five days after such conviction. Entry of a nolo contendere plea shall constitute a conviction for purposes of this policy, as will any judicial finding of guilt or imposition of sentence. Within 10 days of notification from an employee, or receipt of actual notice of an alcohol or drug conviction, the Superintendent will notify any federal or state officers or agencies legally entitled to such notification. As a condition of employment, each employee must abide by the terms of the School District policy respecting an alcohol and drug free workplace. An employee who violates the terms of this policy may be asked to satisfactorily complete an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by the Board. In addition, an employee who violates the terms of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to nonrenewal, suspension or termination at the discretion of the Board. Administrative Responsibilities The Board will take action in accordance with the District’s policies and procedures as well as applicable state and federal law. The Superintendent will establish an alcohol and drug_free awareness program in the District to include information on the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the District's policy on an alcohol and drug_free workplace and any alcohol or drug counseling available to employees as well as any available rehabilitation and employee assistance programs.

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A copy of this policy will be given by the Superintendent or his/her designee to each District employee. The Superintendent or his/her designee will conduct a biennial review of the District's student and employee drug prevention programs as required by the Safe and Drug_Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994. The review will determine the effectiveness of the prevention programs and the consistency of the enforcement of disciplinary sanctions. Following each review, required changes will be implemented.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s):

21 U.S.C. §§1521 et seq. (Drug-Free Communities Act) 20 U.S.C. §§7101 et seq. (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities

Act of 1994) 21 C.F.R. §§1308.11 through 1308.15 21 V.S.A. §517 (Employer’s Authority) Cross Reference:

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HARASSMENT OF EMPLOYEES Policy The Athens/Grafton School District is committed to providing all employees a safe and supportive work environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect. Harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination as well as disrespectful behavior, which will not be tolerated. The Athens/Grafton School District shall provide employees a work environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct, or communications constituting harassment as defined and otherwise prohibited by state and federal law. Definitions 1. Adverse Action: Includes any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment such as diminishment of grades, suspension, expulsion, change in educational conditions, loss of privileges or benefits or other unwarranted disciplinary action in the case of students and includes any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment such as suspension, termination, change in working conditions, loss of privileges or benefits or other disciplinary action in the case of employees. 2. Employee: For purposes of this policy, an employee includes any person employed directly or through a contract with another company by the School District, agents of the school, School Board members and any student teacher, intern, school volunteer or work study student. 3. Harassment: Harassment means unlawful harassment and constitutes a form of discrimination. It is verbal or physical conduct based on an employee’s race, religion (creed), color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry, place of birth or disability which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an employee’s work or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. 4. School Community: Includes but is not limited to all students, school employees, contractors, unpaid volunteers, work study students, interns, student teachers, and visitors. 5. Sexual Harassment: Is a form of sex discrimination and means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: A. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment; or B. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as a component of the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or C. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

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Examples Harassment can include any unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct which offends, denigrates, or belittles an individual because of an employee’s race, creed (religion), color, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, ancestry or disability. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, unsolicited derogatory remarks, jokes, demeaning comments or behavior, slurs, mimicking, name calling, graffiti, innuendo, gestures, physical contact, stalking, threatening, bullying, extorting or the display or circulation of written materials or pictures. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing related to sexual characteristics, pressure for sexual activity whether written, verbal or through physical gestures, display or sending of pornographic pictures or objects, obscene graffiti, and spreading rumors related to a person's alleged sexual activities. Racial and Color Harassment Racial or color harassment can include unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s race or color such as nicknames emphasizing stereotypes, racial slurs, comments on manner of speaking, and negative references to racial customs. Religious or Creed Harassment Harassment on the basis of religion or creed includes unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s religion or creed such as derogatory comments regarding surnames, religious tradition, or religious clothing, or religious slurs or graffiti. National Origin Harassment Harassment on the basis of national origin includes unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s national origin such as negative comments regarding surnames, manner of speaking, customs, language or ethnic slurs. Marital Status Harassment Harassment on the basis of marital status includes unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s marital status, such as comments regarding pregnancy or being an unwed mother or father. Sexual Orientation Harassment Harassment on the basis of sexual orientation includes unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s sexual orientation such as negative name-calling and imitating mannerisms. Disability Harassment Harassment on the basis of a person’s disabling mental or physical condition includes any unwelcome verbal, written or physical conduct directed at the characteristics of a person’s disabling condition such as imitating manner of speech or movement, or interference with necessary equipment. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, examples cited in this policy. 40

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Reporting 1. Mandatory: It is the express policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to encourage employee targets of harassment and employees who have first-hand knowledge of such harassment to report such claims. Employees who witness or are targets of harassment shall report the incident(s) immediately to their immediate supervisor or another administrator who is not the subject of the complaint as may be appropriate under the circumstances. Targets of harassment should directly inform the person engaging in the harassing conduct or communication that such conduct or communication is offensive and must stop. 2. Privacy: Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible given the need to investigate and act on investigative results. 3. Retaliation: There will be no adverse action taken against a person for making a complaint of harassment when the complainant honestly believes harassment has occurred or is occurring, or for participating in or cooperating with an investigation. Any individual who retaliates against any employee or student who reports, testifies, assists or participates in an investigation or hearing relating to a harassment complaint will be subject to discipline by the School District. Administrative Responsibility and Action 1. Reporting: An employee who receives a complaint of harassment shall promptly inform the Principal (or designee) or another administrator who is not the subject of the complaint. 2. Investigation: The School District is responsible for acting on any information regarding harassment of which it is aware. The Superintendent shall provide for a thorough, prompt investigation of the incident; the investigation and written report shall be completed in a timely fashion in accordance with school procedures after a report or complaint, formal or informal, written or oral, has been received. No person who is the subject of a complaint shall conduct such an investigation. 3. Final Action on Complaint: The School District shall take disciplinary or remedial action as appropriate in order to ensure that further harassment does not occur. Such action may include, but is not limited to, education, training, counseling, transfer, suspension and/or expulsion of a student and education, training, counseling, transfer, suspension and/or termination of an employee. 4. False Complaint: Any person who knowingly makes a false accusation regarding harassment will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge of employees, or suspension and expulsion of students. 5. Appeal: A person judged to be in violation of this policy and subjected to action under it may appeal the determination and/or the action taken in accordance with procedures adopted under this policy. The procedures shall be consistent with the provisions of any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

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6. Dissemination: The Superintendent shall use all reasonable means to inform students, employees, and the community that the District will not tolerate harassment. A copy of this policy shall be provided to students, staff and parents each year and shall be included in the appropriate materials that are disseminated to the school and community. 7. Training: The Superintendent shall develop age-appropriate methods of discussing the meaning and substance of this policy with staff and students in order to help prevent harassment. Training may be implemented in the context of employee professional development and the school curriculum to develop broad awareness and understanding among all members of the school community.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal References:

9 V.S.A. §§4502 et seq. (Public accommodations)

16 V.S.A. 11(a)(26) (Definitions) 21 V.S.A. §§495 et seq. (Unlawful employment practice, sexual harassment) 42 U.S.C. §§2000e et seq. (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) 29 C.F.R. 1604.11 (Equal Opportunity Employment Commission) Cross Reference:

Harassment of Students (F20) Board Commitment to Non-Discrimination (C6)

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TOBACCO PROHIBITION Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to prohibit the use of tobacco on school grounds in accordance with state law. This ban extends to any student, employee or visitor to the school, and applies at all times, whether or not school is in session. Students are, furthermore, prohibited from possessing tobacco products at all times while under the supervision of school staff or at school sponsored activities. Administrative Responsibility The Superintendent or his or her designee is directed to take reasonable steps to inform students and employees of this policy, to post signs on school property and to provide notice to visitors and those who are invited to attend school activities in bulletins, programs and announcements related to school events. Violations of Policy Students who violate this policy will be disciplined under the school’s disciplinary policy and procedures, and tobacco products may be confiscated. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accord with applicable employee policies, employment contracts and requirements of law. Others who use tobacco 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 under this policy may be referred for prosecution as a trespasser. 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. Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s):

16 V.S.A. §140 (Tobacco on school grounds) 18 V.S.A. §§1422 et seq. (Smoking in the workplace) 13 V.S.A. §3705 (Unlawful Trespass) 20 U.S.C. §§6083 et seq. (Goals 2000 Educate America Act, Title X)

42 U.S.C. §§5119a et seq. (Children Protection Act of 1995) Cross Reference: Student Conduct and Discipline (F1) Bus Discipline (F2)

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AIDS OR HIV Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to tolerate no discrimination against students or employees who may be afflicted with AIDS or HIV and to provide appropriate education to students about this disease. Background The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not transmitted through casual contact and, therefore, is not reason in itself to treat individuals having or perceived as having HIV differently from other members of the school community. Accordingly, with respect to HIV disease, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the Athens/Grafton School District recognizes the: 1. rights of students and employees with HIV; 2. importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the medical condition of any individual; 3. importance of an educational environment free of significant risks to health; and 4. necessity for HIV education and training for the school community and the community-at-large. General Provisions 1. The School District shall not discriminate against or tolerate discrimination against any individual who has or is perceived as having HIV. 2. A student who has or is perceived as having HIV is entitled to attend school in a regular classroom, unless otherwise provided by law, and shall be afforded opportunities on an equal basis with all students. 3. No applicant shall be denied employment and no employee shall be prevented from continued employment on the basis of having or being perceived as having HIV. Such an employee is entitled to the rights, privileges, and services accorded to employees generally, including benefits provided school employees with long-term diseases or disabling conditions. Confidentiality, Disclosure, Testing 1. A student or student’s parent/guardian, or an applicant/employee, may, but is not required to, report HIV status to any school personnel 2. Except as otherwise permitted by law, no school personnel shall disclose any HIV-related information, as it relates to prospective or current school personnel or students, to anyone except in accordance with the terms of a written consent. The Superintendent shall develop a written consent form which details the information the signatory permits to be disclosed, to whom it may be disclosed, its specified time limitation, and the specific purpose for the disclosure. The School District shall not discriminate against any individual who does not provide written consent. 3. No school official shall require any applicant, employee, or prospective or current student to have any HIV-related test. 4. Superintendent shall develop procedures which ensure confidentiality in the maintenance and, where authorized, dissemination of all medically-related documents.

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Education and Instruction 1. HIV is not, in itself, a disabling condition, but it may result in conditions that are disabling. To the extent that a student who has HIV is determined to meet the criteria for eligibility for accommodations under state and federal non-discrimination laws or for special education services, the School District shall meet all procedural and substantive requirements. 2. The School District shall provide systematic and extensive elementary and secondary comprehensive health education which includes education in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases as well as other communicable diseases, and the prevention of disease, as required by law. 3. The Principal shall designate a coordinator to oversee the District’s HIV education plans and programs. Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions 1. The School District shall comply with applicable Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) rules in order to protect employees who are reasonably anticipated to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens as part of their regular job duties. 2. The Superintendent or his/her designess shall determine those employees (by job class and plossibly by task or procedure) who are reasonably anticipated to have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as part of their duties. These employees will be protected in strict accordance with the provisions of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. 3. Students and all staff not covered by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard shall be instructed to avoid contact with potentially infectious materials and blood and shall immediately contact a member of the staff who is covered by the exposure control plan. When this is not possible, any person providing assistance shall follow universal precautions. 4. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide training to all staff and students about the hazards of bloodborne pathogens, the recommended operating procedures of universal precautions, the existence of the VOSHA required exposure control plan, individuals or job classes to be notified in order to safely handle or clean up blood or other body fluid spills, and the location and use of appropriate protective equipment and first aid devices. 5. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide training on the recommended operative procedures of universal precautions to teaching substitutes and school volunteers. Enforcement 1. A person who violates this policy may be subject to remedial and/or disciplinary action in accordance with applicable laws, collective bargaining agreements, policies, and/or disciplinary codes. Date Warned: Date Adopted: Legal Reference(s):

13 April 2006 11 May 2006 1 V.S.A.§§317(c) (7), (11) (Public records) 16 V.S.A. §§131 et seq. (Comprehensive health education) 16 V.S.A. §906 (Course of study) 18 V.S.A. §1127 (HIV testing) 21 V.S.A. §201(c) (2) (Occupational safety), §224, (VOSHA standards) §495 (Employment practices) 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et seq.(IDEA) 42 U.S.C.§§2000d et seq. (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) 42 U.S.C. §§12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act) 29 U.S.C. §§651 et seq. (Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970) 29 C.F.R. §1910.1030 (Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Standard) Vermont State Board of Education Manual of Rules & Practices §2120.8.2.3(c

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CODE F1 (Mandatory) STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to maintain a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment. In order to ensure that the school is free from hazing, harassment, bullying and other disruptive misconduct, a system of classroom and school management practices, supported by consistent, clear and fair disciplinary procedures, will be utilized. The goal of this policy is to create an environment where the rules for student behavior are clearly stated, are understood and accepted by students and staff, and are applied in compliance with due process requirements. This policy is to be applied in conjunction with the school's overall discipline plan developed pursuant to 16 V.S.A. § 1161a. 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 16 V.S.A. §1161a. The plan will include clear guidelines for student behavior. Behavioral expectations, and the consequences of misconduct, will be stated in the student handbook and other publications distributed to students and parents/guardians. The rules of conduct will be distributed to, and discussed with, all students at the beginning of each school year in accord with procedures stated in the school discipline plan. Students will be instructed to share the student handbook with their parents. Copies of the handbook will be provided to parents or guardians in a manner determined by the Principal. The Principal may ask that parents sign a form indicating that they have reviewed the rules of conduct with their children. When new students enroll during the school year, they and their parents will be given copies of the rules of conduct as part of the pre-enrollment process. The Principal or his or her designee shall be responsible for carrying out discipline procedures conforming with the following guidelines. 1. A student may request a meeting with the Principal or his or her designee to review any disciplinary action, other than a suspension or expulsion, affecting the student. If requested, the Principal or designee shall hold an informal meeting to review the incident and to hear the views of the student and any other persons who may have information that the Principal or designee believes to be relevant in the circumstances. The Principal or designee shall issue a prompt decision to the student, which may be oral or written. Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the decision of the Principal will be final. 2. Suspension or expulsion of students shall be imposed in accordance with state and federal law and regulations, due process requirements, and the following rules and procedures:

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A. The Principal or his or her designee may assign a student to in_school detention for up to 10 consecutive school days for any infraction of school rules. As provided in the school's overall discipline plan, students assigned to in_school detention will be provided with reasonable opportunities to complete academic assignments and to benefit from counseling or other activities designed to bring about improvements in their behavior. B. A student who poses an immediate danger to persons or property or a significant threat of disrupting the academic process of the school shall be removed from the school or to a place within the school determined by the Principal, Superintendent or their designee to be sufficiently secure to ensure the safety of students and school personnel and the continuation of the academic process. The Superintendent or Principal or their designee shall notify a parent or guardian of a student who is removed from school without undue delay. If the parent, guardian or other responsible person designated as an emergency contact by the parent or guardian cannot be notified, the student will be detained at school or at another safe and secure setting for the remainder of the school day. C. No student will be removed from school for more than the remainder of a school day unless the student and his or her parents are given an opportunity for an informal hearing pursuant to paragraph “D” of this policy. When immediate removal of a student is necessary prior to a hearing, the hearing shall be held as soon as possible following the removal. D. The Superintendent or Principal may suspend a student from school for a period of 10 days or less for misconduct occurring on or off school grounds. Except as provided in paragraph b above, prior to such a suspension, the student and his or her parent or guardian shall be given an opportunity for an informal hearing with the Principal or his or her designee. The student and his or her parent or guardian must be given notice of the charges, an explanation of the evidence against the student, an opportunity for the student to tell his or her side of the story, and a decision in writing to the parent or guardian. E. The Superintendent or Principal may, with the approval of the Board and in accordance with 16 V.S.A. §1162(a), impose a long-term suspension or expulsion of a student (for longer than ten days and up to 90 school days or the remainder of the school year, whichever is longer) for misconduct on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity when the misconduct makes the continued presence of the student harmful to the welfare of the school. F. In accord with the overall discipline plan developed under 16 V.S.A. § 1161a, short-term (ten days or less) or long-term suspension or expulsion may be imposed for misconduct not on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity where direct harm to the welfare of the school can be demonstrated. G. Long_term suspension or expulsion must be preceded by notice and formal due process procedures, including the opportunity for a hearing before the School Board. The Superintendent shall notify the student and his or her parents in writing of the nature of the charges, the date, time and place of the hearing, the right to legal representation, and the disciplinary action to be recommended to the board. This notice shall be provided in sufficient time to allow the student and his or her parents to prepare for the hearing. At the hearing, the student and parent/guardian shall be given an opportunity to present evidence and to cross_examine witnesses. The Board shall issue a written decision within two (2) days of the conclusion of the hearing.

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3. Notwithstanding the above provisions, a legal pupil who has a disability or is suspected of having a disability, and is eligible for special education services or Section 504 services may be removed from his or her current educational placement for disciplinary reasons for more than 10 consecutive days, or for more than 10 cumulative days in a school year only in accordance with Vermont State Board of Education Rules 4313 or 4312. The school Principal, with the agreement of a special education administrator, may impose short-term disciplinary sanctions on special education students as provided in Vermont State Board of Education Rule 4313. The Superintendent and coordinator of special education will develop additional procedures as needed to govern the discipline of students with disabilities. 4. In the event a student brings a weapon to school, the procedures set forth in the District’s Weapons policy (F21) shall apply.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s):

16 V.S.A. §1161a (discipline) 16 V.S.A. §1162 (suspension and expulsion) 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,

4313 Cross Reference:

Board Commitment to Non-Discrimination (C6) Public Complaints About Personnel (D10) Interrogations or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Officers or Other Non_School Personnel (F4) Search and Seizure (F3) Alcohol and Drug Abuse (F7) Weapons (F21)

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CODE F3 SEARCH AND SEIZURE Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to maintain school property to assure the safety and enjoyment of students, school employees and the general public and to extend the useful life of the school facilities. To carry out this policy the school retains the right to examine all its property and to carry out searches or to seize property under the guidelines provided in this policy. Guidelines for Searches and Seizure 1. Desks, lockers, textbooks and other materials or supplies loaned by the school to students remain the property of the school, and may be opened by school employees for cleaning, maintenance or emergencies. When prohibited items are found in the course of routine cleaning or maintenance, or in the case of emergency, they will be confiscated and a report will be made to the Principal who will determine whether further investigation is warranted. 2. School property may also be searched by school employees upon reasonable suspicion on the part of the Principal, Assistant Principal, or Superintendent that a law or school policy is being violated. Searches of school property in the possession of students will not extend to areas or items not reasonably calculated to aid in the enforcement of specific policies or laws. 3. Searches of students' persons, personal effects or vehicles may be conducted if there is reasonable cause to believe that such search will produce evidence of a breach of school policy or law. Search of a student's person will be conducted by a school employee of the same sex and, whenever possible, in the presence of another school employee. A strip search will be conducted only upon probable cause (and will not be carried out by school personnel). 4. School employees are not the agents of law enforcement officials. Search and/or seizure by law enforcement officials on school property may occur when a warrant or other legal basis exists authorizing such search and/or seizure, and when the requirements of the Board's policy on interrogations by law enforcement officers have been complied with. 5. 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. Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s):

New Jersey v. T.L.D., 105 S.Ct. 733 (1985) Vernonia School District v. Acton, 115 S.Ct. 2386 (1995) M.M. v. Anker, 607 F.2d 588 (2d Cir. 1979)

Cross Reference:

Interrogation or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Officers or Other Non_School Personnel (F4) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)

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F3: Page 1 of 1

CODE F5 (Mandatory) STUDENT RECORDS Policy The Athens/Grafton School District recognizes the importance of keeping accurate and appropriate education records for students as part of a sound educational program and is committed to act as trustee of this information, maintaining these records for educational purposes to serve the best interests of its students. The information contained in students' education records belongs primarily to the students and/or their parent(s), or guardians. The principle of confidentiality underlies all policies and procedures for the collection, maintenance, disclosure and destruction of educational records. The building Principal will be the legal custodian of all student records in a given school. The Superintendent has overall responsibility for school records throughout the District and for assuring that adequate systems are in place to maintain such records. Definitions 7168. Other school official determined to have legitimate educational interests means a person who needs to review a student’s education record or receive information there from in order to fulfill his or her employment or official responsibilities and who is: o

o o o o

A person employed by the Athens/Grafton School District as an administrator, supervisor, educator or substitute therefore, paraprofessional or support staff member, including tutorial, health, law enforcement, custodial, transportation, nutrition, athletic, extra-or co-curricular, clerical or other support staff; A member of the Athens/Grafton School Board; A person or company with whom the Athens/Grafton School District has contracted to perform a special task, including an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, therapist, evaluator; A volunteer assisting another school official in the performance of his or her tasks; and Any other person designated by the Athens/Grafton School Board or Principal of any school within the Athens/Grafton School District to have legitimate educational interests. Directory information. The school will release directory information without prior written consent unless the parent or guardian or eligible student informs the Principal in writing that any or all of the information designated below should not be released without prior consent.

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F5: Page 1 of 5 Student's name, address, date of birth, dates of enrollment; Parent or guardian’s name and address; Student's grade level classification; Student's participation in recognized school activities and sports; Weight and height of member of athletic teams; Student's diplomas, certificates, awards and honors received. NOTE: FERPA regulations permit the identification as directory information any "information contained in an education record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed." The above list is, therefore, suggestive. Implementation The Superintendent is responsible for developing procedures to assure the consistent implementation of this policy. The procedures shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations governing the collection, maintenance, disclosure and destruction of education records. 7168. Parental Notification. Annually, the school will notify parents or guardians of students currently in attendance and eligible students (age 18 and over) currently in attendance of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. Notice will be given in a manner outlined by the Superintendent and likely to inform parents or guardians and eligible students of their rights. The notice will include a statement that the parent or guardian or eligible student has a right to: Inspect and review the student's education records; Request the amendment of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other rights; Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that the Act authorizes disclosure without consent; File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with requirements of the Act; and Obtain a copy of the school's policy and written procedures or protocols related to student records.

F5: Page 2 of 5

51

7168.

Notification to Parents Required by the No Child Left Behind Act

7168. Parents of students attending grades 9-12 and eligible students shall be notified annually that the No Child Left Behind Act requires the release of a student’s name, address and telephone listing to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning upon request. In accord with the Act, parents or eligible students will further be notified that they may request that the district not release this information, and the district will comply with the request. 7169. Parents shall be notified annually if the district has or adopts a policy on the collection or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose, including arrangements to protect student privacy in the event of such collection, disclosure or use. 7170. Release/Review of Student Information o o

o o o o o o

Disclosure of student information will be made only with the written consent of the parent or guardian or eligible student subject to the following exceptions: Information may be disclosed to officials of the school in which the student is enrolled who have a legitimate educational interest in the records and require the information to adequately carry out their jobs; Information may be disclosed upon request to officials of a school in which the student seeks or intends to enroll; Under court order or subpoena; To individuals seeking Directory Information: see definitions In connection with a student’s request for financial aid; To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency. Parents or guardians of students or eligible students may inspect and review the student’s records upon request. Parents or guardians should submit requests to the Principal in writing specifying as precisely as possible the information he or she wishes to inspect. The Principal will make appropriate arrangements to meet with the parent(s) or guardian(s) for such inspection according to procedures developed by the school’s administration.

52

F5: Page 3 of 5 I

if an eligible student or parent or guardian believes the education records contain information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of any of the student’s rights, s/he may request the building Principal to amend the record. If the building

Principal decides not to amend the record as requested, the student or parent or guardian may appeal using the District’s general appeal process. o

o

Non-custodial Parents: Access to a student’s school records shall not be denied to a parent solely because that parent has not been awarded parental rights and responsibilities by a court. However, access will be denied where a court order or other legally binding document specifically revokes a parent’s right of access to such records. Each contract entered into between the Athens/Grafton School District and persons or entities who may either receive a student's education records or personally identifiable information shall contain a provision setting forth the restrictions on redisclosure of information from education records.

1. School District will maintain a record of all requests for and/or disclosures of information from a student’s records according to the school’s procedures. The District will record, also, all requests for amendment of the record and the disposition of the request(s). Juvenile Court Records. The Family Court is required to inform in writing the Superintendent of the District in which a student is enrolled within seven days of a court finding that the student has committed a delinquent act requiring notice. o

o

Sharing of Information. The Superintendent shall inform only those for whom the information is necessary for the rehabilitation program of the child or for the protection of staff or students, and only after first evaluating rehabilitation and protection measures that do not involve informing staff or students. “Need to know” should be narrowly and strictly interpreted. Persons receiving this information shall not discuss the information with anyone except the Superintendent, the child, the child’s parent or guardian, law enforcement personnel, the student’s probation officer or others who have been similarly informed. Maintenance of Records. The notice from the Family Court shall be maintained by the Superintendent in a file separate from the student’s education record. Upon the graduation of the student or when the student turns 18, the Superintendent shall destroy the record. If a student transfers to another public or private school,

53

F5: Page 4 of 5 the Superintendent shall forward the written notice in the original marked envelope to the Superintendent or headmaster of the school to which the student is transferring.

o o

Transfer of Records. When a student transfers to another school or school district, all student records shall be forwarded. Staff Training. Annually, the Superintendent shall ensure that training is provided to each member of the School Board and staff concerning his or her responsibilities to maintain the confidentiality of information from student education records consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Such training shall be tailored to the scope of the staff or Board member’s duties and, as appropriate, include presentation of information on:

The maintenance and storage of education records; Record keeping requirements regarding disclosure of a student’s education records; The potential penalties both to the staff member and the school for inappropriate disclosure of a student’s education record or personally identifiable information there from. The definitions of “record,” “education record,” “directory of information,” and “personally identifiable information” under federal law; Where to receive advice and direction in circumstances where the Board or staff member’s responsibilities in this regard are unclear; and The penalties for violation of the rules of confidentiality set forth in Vermont law.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s): Act of 1974)

20 U.S.C. §§1232f-1232j (Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy 20 U.S.C. § 7908 (NCLBA Armed Forces Recruiter/Higher Education

Access) 34 C.F.R. Part 99 1 V.S.A. §317 (Definitions) 15 V.S.A. §670 (Non-custodial parents) 33 V.S.A. §5536a (Juvenile court records) VT State Board of Education Manual of Rules and Practices §2120.8.3.3

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CODE F7 (Mandatory) ALCOHOL AND DRUGS Policy It is the policy of this School District that no student shall knowingly possess, use, sell, give or otherwise transmit, or be under the influence of any illegal drug, regulated substance, or alcohol on any school property, or at any school sponsored activity away from or within the school. Philosophy This policy is concerned with the health and well-being of all students and the policy takes into consideration the individual needs of students with alcohol and substance abuse problems as well as the right of all students to receive an appropriate education in an alcohol and drug free environment. The Board encourages educational programs that provide every student with an understanding of the physical, psychological, social and legal dangers associated with drug abuse. Chemical abuse and dependency are treatable health problems that are primarily the responsibility of the home and the community. The school shares this responsibility in the areas of prevention (education) and intervention (identification and referral). Community and schools share in this responsibility because chemical problems often interfere with behavior, learning, and the fullest possible development of each student. Definitions Alcohol and drug (substance) abuse is the ingestion of a substance in such a way that it interferes with a person’s ability to perform physically, intellectually, emotionally, or socially. Drug means any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana or any other controlled substance as defined by state or federal regulation or statute. Implementation The Superintendent (or designee) is responsible for implementing procedures to see that the following requirements are met: 1. Educational Program. The District shall conduct an alcohol and drug abuse educational program on a sequential basis from early childhood through grade 12 in accordance with the mandates of 16 V.S.A. §909, the Vermont Alcohol and Drug Education Curriculum Plan, and the federal Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (20 U.S.C. §§7101 et seq.). 2. Cooperative Agreements. In dealing with substance abuse 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 use or abuse. The focus will be to encourage appropriate medical and/or psychological intervention by trained professionals. Students and parents or guardians will be given information about outside agencies and will be encouraged to take advantage of their services and programs.

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The Athens/Grafton School District has established a Student Assistance Program. Students, under the age of eighteen, who have been referred or who refer themselves to the Student Assistance Program counselor may be seen individually by the counselor for purposes of substance abuse screening and consultation. It will be the goal of the Student Assistance Program to encourage the student to involve his/her parents or guardians at the earliest point in time. No student under the age of eighteen will be referred to an outside agency for substance abuse treatment without parental consent unless, in accord with 18 V.S.A. §4226, the student is 12 or over and found by a licensed physician to be dependent upon regulated drugs or an alcoholic. Parental consent is not required for student participation in group programs conducted within the schools which 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 schools to perform such service or by trained school staff who have been approved by the school administration to conduct such groups. 3. Substance Abuse Team. In each school the Principal shall form a Substance Abuse Team which shall screen students who refer themselves and students who are referred by staff for suspected drug and/or alcohol use and/or abuse problems. The membership of the team and the procedures to be used by the team will be developed by the Principal and disseminated in writing to the building faculty and staff. 4. Staff Training. The District will provide school staff with training such that teachers and health and guidance personnel can competently teach or provide other services required in the school’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention education program. Such training is outlined in State Board Rule 4213.2. 5. Community Involvement. The District will provide for a program to inform the community about substance abuse issues and about how schools are handling such issues. 6. Annual Report. In a standard format provided by the Department of Education, schools will submit an annual report to the Commissioner of Education describing substance abuse education programs and their effectiveness. 7. Notification. Parents and students will be given a copy of the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions contained in this policy and accompanying procedures, and will be notified that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory. Date Warned: 13 April 2006 Date Adopted: 11 May 2006 Legal Reference(s): 20 U.S.C. §§7101 et seq. (Safe & Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1994) 16 V.S.A. §909 (Education curriculum) 16 V.S.A. §1045 (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 and Seizure (F3) Interrogations or Searches of Students by Law Enforcement Officers or Other Non_School Personnel (F5)

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REPORTING SUSPECTED SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT

F8

POLICY: It is the policy of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union and its member districts (hereafter, District) to fulfill their legally required reporting requirements in cases where a mandated reporter employed by the District reasonably suspectss abuse, neglect or sexual abuse of a child. This Policy shall be provided each year to the parents of students in attendance at District Schools, to each employee and paid contractor of the District. This Policy shall be posted on the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union website. TERMS:


Mandated Reporters:
An individual who is a) employed by a school district or an approved or recognized independent school or b) contracted and paid by a school district or an approved or recognized independent school to provide student services, including any school superintendent, school principal, headmaster of an approved or recognized independent school, school teacher, student teacher, school librarian, and school guidance counselor; and,
Health care provider, including any licensed practical nurse, psychologist, and registered nurse.





Abused or neglected child:
means a child whose physical health, psychological growth and development, or welfare is harmed or is at substantial risk of harm by the acts or omissions of his or her parent or other person responsible for the child’s welfare. An “abused or neglected child” also means a child who is sexually abused or at substantial risk of sexual abuse by any person and a child who has died as a result of abuse or neglect.




Risk of harm





means a significant danger that a child will suffer serious harm by other than by accidental means, which harm would be likely to cause physical injury, or sexual abuse, including as the result of: (A) a single, egregious act that has caused the child to be at significant risk of serious physical injury; (B) the production or preproduction of methamphetamines when a child is actually present; (C) failing to provide supervision or care appropriate for the child’s age or development and, as a result, the child is at significant risk of serious physical injury; (D) failing to provide supervision or care appropriate for the child’s age or development due to use of illegal substances, or misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol; (E) failing to supervise appropriately a child in a situation in which drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia are accessible to the child; and (F) a registered sex offender or person substantiated for sexually abusing a child residing with or spending unsupervised time with a child.

Sexual abuse 57







consists of any act or acts by any person involving sexual molestation or exploitation of a child, including: (A) incest; (B) prostitution; (C) rape; (D) sodomy,; (E) lewd and lascivious conduct involving a child (F) aiding, abetting, counseling, hiring, or procuring of a child to perform or participate in any photograph, motion picture, exhibition, show, representation, or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse involving a child; (G) viewing, possessing, or transmitting child pornography, with the exclusion of the exchange of images between mutually consenting minors, including the minor whose image is exchanged; (H) human trafficking; (I) sexual assault; (J) voyeurism; (K) luring a child; or (L) obscenity.

Serious physical injury


means, by other than accidental means: (A) physical injury that creates any of the following: (i) a substantial risk of death; (ii) a substantial loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ; (iii) a substantial impairment of health; or (iv) substantial disfigurement; or (B) strangulation by intentionally impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or by blocking the nose or mouth of another person.2

PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING 1) Any mandated reporter who reasonably suspects abuse or neglect of a child shall report, within 24 hours of the time information regarding the suspected abuses or neglect was first received or observed to the Department for Children and Families. 2) Reports may be made by phone to Department of Children and Families at 1 1--800800649649-5285 24 hours a day/7 days a week. 3) The reporting individual shall inform their direct supervisor and/or building administrator of the circumstances concerning the suspected abuse or neglect. a. In the event that the direct supervisor or the building administrator are the alleged abuser, the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee shall be informed of the report and the circumstances leading up to the report. b. Providing a report to an employee’s supervisor, building administrator or the Superintendent does not relieve the individual of their legal obligation to report in a timely manner to the Department for Children and Families. c. Failure to report in a timely manner to the Department for Children and Families and/or the appropriate District supervisor/administrator may result in the imposition of fines pursuant to Vermont law, disciplinary action and/or licensing discipline action by the Agency of Education. 4) In cases where multiple employees become aware of suspected abuse or neglect, each individual employee is required to report to the Department for Children and Families. This report may be done as a group reporting.

2

Definitions from Act 60 of 2015

58

5) In instances where a written report is requested by either Department for Children and Families or District Administration, all reporting employees shall either sign one report or provide an individually prepared or signed report. Written reports may be faxed to the Department for Children and Families at (802) 241241-3301. 6) The Department for Children and Families intake or case worker shall determine whether or not the child’s guardian, family, or parents shall be informed of the report. TRAINING All School District employees shall receive training on an annual basis on the requirements of this policy, reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, and assistance in recognizing the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Athens/Grafton Joint School District Date warned: September 1, 2015 Date adopted: September 10, 10, 2015 Legal References: 33 V.S.A. Section 4911 et seq. Act 60 of 2015

59

60

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CODE F21 (Mandatory) WEAPONS Policy It is the policy of the Board to comply with the federal Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, and 16 V.S.A. §1166 requiring school districts to provide for the possible expulsion of students who bring weapons to school. 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. Definitions 1. For the purposes of this policy, the terms “weapon” and “school”, and “expelled” shall have the following meanings: A. Weapon means a firearm as defined in Section 921 of Title 18 of the United States Code and 13 V.S.A. §4016, including: i. any weapon whether loaded or unloaded which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive ii. the frame or receiver of any weapon described above iii. any firearm muffler or firearm silencer iv. any explosive, incendiary or poison gas a. bomb b. grenade c. rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces d. missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one quarter ounce e. mine, or f. similar device v. any weapon which will, or which may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and which has any barrel with a bore of more than onehalf inch in diameter vi. 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. vii. 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. B. School means any setting which is under the control and supervision of the School District. It includes school grounds, facilities, school-sponsored events whether held on or off of school grounds and vehicles used to transport students to and from school or school activities. C. Expelled means the termination for at least a calendar year of educational services to a student. At the discretion of the Board and administration, an expelled student may be afforded limited educational services at a site other than the school during the period of expulsion under this policy.

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Sanctions Any student who brings a weapon to school shall be brought by the Superintendent to the School Board for an expulsion hearing. A student found by the Board after a hearing to have brought a weapon to school shall be expelled for at least one 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 or she had brought a weapon to school.

2.

The student did not intend to use the weapon to 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 a lengthy expulsion would not serve the best interests of the pupil. An expulsion hearing conducted under this policy shall afford due process as required by law. In addition, any student who brings a weapon to school shall be referred to a law enforcement agency. 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. Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

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):

Interrogations or Searches of Students (F5)

Search and Seizure (F3) Student Conduct and Discipline (F1)

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CODE F27 (Mandatory) Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys Policy It is the intent of the Board to comply with the provisions of the federal Pupil Privacy Rights Amendment (PPRA) governing the administration of certain student surveys, analyses or evaluations funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education. Definitions. As used in this policy, the following terms shall mean: “Invasive physical examination” means a medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision or scoliosis screening. “Personal information” means individually identifiable information including a student’s or parent’s name, address, telephone number, or social security number. “Instructional material” means instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of format. It does not include tests or academic assessments. “Parent” means a natural or adoptive parent, a legal guardian or other person standing in loco parentis (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the welfare of a child). Student Rights. The rights provided to parents under the Pupil Rights Amendment and this policy transfer to the student when the student turns 18 years old, or is an emancipated minor under applicable Vermont law. Policy No student shall be required, without parental consent, to take part in a survey, analysis, or evaluation funded by the U.S. Department of Education that reveals information concerning: political affiliations or beliefs of a student or a student’s parents; mental or psychological problems of a student or student’s family; sex behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of other individuals with whom student respondents have close family relationships;

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legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians or members of the clergy; income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program for receiving financial assistance under such program; or religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents. Parents shall have the right to inspect any survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to a student. Requests for inspection shall be in writing, and shall be made in sufficient time to allow a response at least two weeks in advance of any survey to be given. Parents shall be notified at least annually, at the beginning of the school year or when enrolling students for the first time in district schools, of this policy. The notification shall explain that parents/guardians or students 18 years of age or older, have the right to “opt out” of the following activities: the collection, disclosure and use of personal information gathered from students for purpose of marketing or selling that information. This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational services for, or to students such as: college or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment; book clubs, magazines and programs providing access to low cost literary products; curriculum and instructional materials used in schools; tests and assessments; student recognition programs; and the sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related activities. the administration of any survey that includes the subject areas listed above; or the administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school not necessary to protect the immediate health or safety of a student or other students and not otherwise permitted or required by state law. Parents shall be notified, through U.S. Mail., e-mail or other direct means, at least annually at the

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start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of any activities described in subparagraphs 1-3 above, and shall be provided an opportunity to opt out of participation in those activities. Parents shall have the right to inspect, upon request, and instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. The superintendent or his or her designee shall develop administrative procedures as required to ensure implementation of this policy.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal References: Legal Reference: Protection of Pupil Rights, 20 U.S.C. § 1232h

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CODE G2 USE OF COPYRIGHTED WORK Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to respect the personal property of others, whether tangible or intangible, in accordance with the Copyright Act of 1976 as amended (17 U.S.C. §§101120). Background Federal law protects the control of the distribution of intellectual property, including copyrighted materials. The law provides that the use of copyrighted material, under certain circumstances, is not copyright infringement and the permission of the copyright holder is not required. Duplication of copyrighted materials without written prior permission from the owner is prohibited except under the fair use doctrine articulated in Section 107 of the Act. Assessing fair use is a highly subjective process and for this reason, the Congress has published concrete guidelines for the copying of various media for educational purposes. Implementation 1. The Superintendent or his or her designee shall develop procedures to implement this policy which may include the federal guidelines published by Congress and other groups with expertise in this area. A. "Guidelines for Classroom Copying in Not_for_Profit Educational Institutions" B. "Guidelines for Off_Air Recording of Broadcast Programming for Educational Purposes" (developed by the Kastenmeier Subcommittee of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in 1979) C. "Guidelines for Educational Uses of Music" published by the Media and Technology Services Area of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in 1979. D. Procedures for the protection of microcomputer software should take into consideration the guidelines developed by the International Council for Computers in Education (University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon). The Congressional guidelines represent the minimum fair use. Should a staff member or student want to use copyrighted materials in a manner that exceeds the guidelines, that individual shall seek permission from the copyright holder using the designated Board-approved permission form. 2. The Principal will assure that students and staff are advised of this policy at least annually and are educated about the use of this policy and its accompanying procedures. Student and Staff Responsibilities All students and staff members are responsible for complying with this policy and its accompanying procedures. Any student or staff member who willfully fails to seek permission from the copyright owner prior to using copyrighted materials in a manner that exceeds the fair use guidelines shall be considered personally liable for any results of their actions and shall be considered to have acted in violation of this policy.

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Ownership of Work 1. Employee work: All work completed by employees as part of their employment shall be considered works made for hire. The School Board on behalf of the District shall own any and all rights to such works including any and all derivative works, unless there is a written agreement to the contrary. All work owned by the Board shall be accompanied by a standard copyright notice as set forth in the administrative procedures. 2. Student Work: All work completed by students as a part of the regular instructional program is owned by that student as soon as it is created, unless such work is created while the student is acting as an employee of the school system or unless such work has been paid for under a written agreement with the school system. Such work shall be considered a work made for hire and shall be the property of the School Board. All student work that is owned by the student shall be accompanied by a standard copyright notice. Staff members shall obtain a student's permission prior to distributing his/her work to parties outside the school. Violations Staff members who violate the provisions of this policy shall be considered to have committed misconduct while employed and such misconduct shall be grounds for disciplinary action. Students who violate the provisions of this policy shall be disciplined in accordance with the student discipline policy.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s):

17 U.S.C. §§101-120 (Copyright Act of 1976 as amended)

Cross Reference:

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CODE G11 (Mandatory) ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES & THE INTERNET Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to use electronic resources including the Internet to support and enrich the curriculum. The Board believes that the benefit to students from access to electronic information resources and opportunities for collaboration far exceed the disadvantages. General Information The Board supports access to rich information resources by students and staff as well as the development of staff instructional skills to analyze, evaluate and incorporate electronic resources within the curriculum. This policy complies with the statutory requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and promotes the safe, ethical, responsible, and legal use of District electronic resources including the Internet to support the effective use of these resources for educational purposes. CIPA requires the installation and use of filtering software or services on all computers with access to the Internet to prevent access to visual depictions of obscenity, child pornography or other materials harmful to minors. Access to District electronic resources including the Internet will be available to students and staff who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner and abide by the requirements of this policy. Violation of this policy and the procedures developed in accordance with this policy may result in disciplinary action or referral to local, state or federal law enforcement officials. Administrative Responsibilities The Superintendent or designee will coordinate and oversee the use of District electronic resources including the Internet. The Principal or designee will serve as the building-level coordinator for use of the electronic resources including the Internet and will develop building-level procedures necessary to implement this policy. The procedures will include provision for educators to receive proper training, guidelines for the supervision of students using the system, monitoring the use of the system, and overseeing management of the “acceptable use procedures” agreement process. The District will stipulate in any agreement or contract that Internet service providers will not collect, analyze, and/or sell individual or anonymous student use data for the purpose of commercial advertising and marketing research activities. The collection and analysis of student use data strictly for the purpose of educational evaluation is acceptable, provided that student confidentiality standards are maintained. The Principal or designee will conduct an annual analysis of the effectiveness of the selected filtering product or service and make recommendations to the Superintendent and Board regarding current and future use of the product or service. Staff Responsibilities School staff members are responsible for assuring that students are instructed and supervised in a manner that is appropriate to the age of the students and circumstances regarding the safe, ethical, legal, and responsible use of electronic resources including the Internet. The Principal or designee will develop and disseminate staff supervision guidelines for their respective schools.

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Student electronic records are confidential and should be treated like all other student records. User Responsibilities During school hours, users may access electronic resources including the Internet for educational purposes only. The term "educational purpose" includes use of the system for classroom activities, which may involve e-mail communication, career development, and curriculum driven research. The District may provide e-mail access for students and staff. Students and staff may use real-time electronic communication, such as chat or instant messaging (only for specifically organized educational activities). Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people and agree to follow communication safety requirements outlined in administrative procedures when using electronic communications including the Internet. Students and staff may access the District’s electronic resources for limited personal use. Limited personal use of the District’s electronic resources including the Internet shall be allowed if permission is granted in advance, and the use: A. imposes no tangible cost to the District; B. does not unduly burden the District’s electronic resources; C. occurs during non-instructional time and does not impede other student or staff access for educational purposes; and D. does not violate this policy. Users will respect the rights of copyright owners and will not plagiarize works they find on the District electronic network including the Internet by presenting them as their own. Users should not expect that any files and records of their online activity created on the District’s system are private. Users will be fully and regularly informed about the District’s supervision and monitoring activities and the limitations on their privacy. Students and staff may not access materials for any purpose that the District deems to be potentially harmful, inappropriate, illegal, and non-educational. This includes materials that are obscene or child pornography. Parental Notification and Responsibility Each school will provide written (annually) notice to parents/guardians about student use of District electronic resources including the Internet, the policies and procedures governing their use, and the limitation of liability of the District. Parents/guardians must sign an agreement to allow their child(ren) (all students18 years of age or older must sign their own agreement) to access District electronic resources including the Internet and return this agreement to the school before access will be granted. Limitation/Disclaimer of Liability The District is not liable for unacceptable use or violations of 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.

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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. Due Process In the event there is an allegation that a user has violated this policy, a student will be provided with notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in the student disciplinary policy. Staff member infractions will be dealt with in accordance with contractual agreements. Notice of violations of this policy shall be forwarded to the Principal to evaluate compliance with this policy and the appropriate implementation procedures. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to illegal activities conducted through the use of the District’s electronic resources including the Internet.

Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal References:

15 U.S.C. §6501 (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act)

17 U.S.C. §§101-120 (Federal Copyright Act of 1976 as amended) 18 U.S.C. §2510 (Electronic Communications Privacy Act) 18 U.S.C. §2251 (Federal Child Pornography Law) 47 U.S.C. §230 (Computer Decency Act) 13 V.S.A. §§2802 et seq. (Obscenity, minors) Cross References: Student Conduct and Discipline (F1) Copyrights (G2) Selection of Instructional Materials (G5) Complaints About Instructional Materials (G6)

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CODE H2 PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Policy It is the policy of the Athens/Grafton School District to encourage and support the involvement of parents in their children’s education. Background Research has shown that parent involvement is a key factor in the academic and social success of students. The Board believes it is important that parents are involved in their child's education at home, in school, and within the larger community. New educational initiatives mandate or encourage the strengthening of the parent/school/community relationship. Implementation The Principal shall develop and implement programs and procedures to accomplish the following objectives: 1. Parents should be informed about their children's educational programs, instructional methods and objectives, and notified directly of any significant changes. 2. Parents should be provided with opportunities to become informed about program design, operation and evaluation, and to communicate with educators on these subjects. 3. Parents should be encouraged to observe instructional activities, attend program meetings, discuss concerns with educators, participate in program evaluation and improvement efforts, and give recommendations to school staff, administration, and Board members. 4. Parents should be provided with information and opportunities intended to improve their abilities to work with their children at home and in school, and to build partnerships between homes and schools. 6. Professional and non_professional staff members, administrators, School Board members, and school community partners should be provided with training opportunities intended to improve their abilities to build more effective relationships with parents. Date Warned:

13 April 2006

Date Adopted:

11 May 2006

Legal Reference(s): Cross Reference:

16 V.S.A. §165 (School Quality Standards) Visits to Schools (H5) School Community Relations (H1)

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Vermont Department of Education

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Wellness Programs & Funding Sources 1

WELLNESS PROGRAMS & FUNDING SOURCES (February 2008) As a service to its users, the Vermont Department of Education offers links from its Web site to resources and Web sites developed by other organizations. These links are provided as a resource only. Unless specifically stated, the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement or support of information, products or services offered by an organization other than the Vermont Department of Education. Information contained on such linked resources should be independently verified. For more information or to provide feedback about these resources, contact Lindsay Simpson, Physical Education Consultant, at (802) 828-1461 or [email protected]. NOTE: All the links provided below will take you off the department’s Web site. ------------------------------------------------------------------Wellness Resources Act 161 of the 2005 session (16 VSA § 216) requires the Commissioner of Education to prepare and continually update a list of school and community programs which have the potential to improve childhood wellness. Federal and National Programs CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health Various resources http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/index.htm CDC’s Body and Mind (B.A.M.) program http://www.bam.gov/ Alliance for a Healthier Generation http://www.healthiergeneration.org/ US Department of Agriculture, Team Nutrition program http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/ National Association for Sport and Physical Education Various resources http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/ PE4Life http://www.pe4life.org American Heart Association http://www.americanheart.org Vermont Department of Education Wellness Programs & Funding Sources 2

American Cancer Society School health programs http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_6_School_Health.asp?sitearea=PED YMCA Various programs http://www.ymca.net/ Walk for Life http://www.walk4life.com/ Take 10! http://www.take10.net/whatistake10.asp?page=new Yoga Kids http://www.yogakids.com/ “Energizers” Classroom based physical activities that integrate physical activity with academic concepts. 87

http://www.ncpe4me.com/energizers.html Nickelodeon: Let’s Just Play http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/ljp_home07.jhtml SPARK (Sports, Play and Active recreation for Kids), After School http://www.sparkpe.org/programAfterSchool.jsp Learn and Serve America http://www.learnandserve.org/ National Programs with Vermont-based chapters Vermont Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance http://www.vtahperd.org/ Action for Healthy Kids - Vermont http://www.actionforhealthykids.org/state_profile.php?state=VT Safe Routes to Schools – Vermont Agency of Transportation http://www.aot.state.vt.us/progdev/sections/ltf/srts/vtsrts.htm 4-H “Growing Connections” Program http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmext/programs/4h/programs/growingconnections/default.php Girls on the Run Vermont Youth running programs http://www.gotrvt.org/ Vermont Department of Education Wellness Programs & Funding Sources 3

Regional Programs Winter Kids http://www.winterkids.org Vermont Programs Vermont Department of Health - Fit and Healthy Kids Initiative Ongoing programs http://healthvermont.gov/fitandhealthy.aspx Special Olympics Vermont Unified Sports program http://www.vtso.org/ Vermont Out-Of-School Time (VOOST) http://www.voost.org/ Vermont FEED http://www.nofavt.org/programs/vtfeed.php Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition BikeSmart programs http://www.vtbikeped.org/#BikeSmart RunVermont, Youth Running Programs http://www.runvermont.org/youth/index.html Community Connections Various youth wellness programs http://www.communityconnections.us/ Model Coordinated School Health Teams in Vermont [email protected] Funding Sources Funds are available from the following sources for schools and communities that wish to develop wellness programs. Federal/National Funding Sources Carol M. White (PEP) Grant for Physical Education http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/index.html 88

NASPE Grant Opportunities and Resources http://www.aahperd.org/naspe/template.cfm?template=grant_opp.html Vermont Department of Education Wellness Programs & Funding Sources 4

Federal Grant for Safe Schools/Healthy Students Program http://www.sshs.samhsa.gov/apply/kit.aspx US Potato Board and School Nutrition Foundation - School Wellness Grant http://www.potatogoodness.com/healthEducators.php?id=11 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/ General Mills: Champions for Healthy Kids Grant http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx Nickelodeon: Let’s Just Play http://www.nick.com/all_nick/everything_nick/ljp_home07.jhtml The Center for Health and HealthCare in Schools An ongoing list of private and corporate funding opportunities http://www.healthinschools.org The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust http://www.lindsaytrust.org/ National Gardening Association Grants http://www.kidsgardening.com/awards.asp Schering-Plough Foundation http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/corp/foundation_grant.jsp Polar Technology Grant Support Program http://www.polarusa.com/education/fundinggrants/grantapplication.asp School Grants Web Site http://k12grants.org/ State Funding Sources School Wellness Grants for Implementation of Heart Rate Monitors in High School Physical Education http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_curriculum/physical_ed.html Recreational and Educational Facilities Grant Program http://www.bgs.state.vt.us/news_and_links.htm Farm-to-School Grants http://www.vermontagriculture.com/buylocal/learn/farmtoschool.html School Food Service Equipment Grants http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/pgm_nutrition/food_service_equip_application _09.pdf Vermont Department of Education Wellness Programs & Funding Sources 5

Safe Routes to Schools – Vermont Agency of Transportation http://www.aot.state.vt.us/progdev/sections/ltf/srts/vtsrts.htm

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GRAFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Handbook Signature Form Dear Parents/Guardians: These are the rules and procedures that enable us to provide a safe and successful environment for all of our students. It is our hope that this handbook provides the information you need in order to continue as a participating partner in the education of your child. After you and your child (children) have reviewed the materials, including the Student, Parent, and School Compact, Parent Rights and District Policies, please sign this page and return it to school. Thank you,

Cela Dorr Principal _______________________________________________

My child (children) _______________________________________________ and I have reviewed the handbook and agree to abide by the rules as outlined.

________________________________ Student’s Signature

________________________________ Parent’s Signature

________________________________ Student’s Signature ________________________________ Student’s Signature ________________________________ Student’s Signature

________________________________ Date

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