LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY MANUAL 36 Oak Street
Last Updated for Web: December 2009 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY MANUAL 36 Oak Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Tel: 207-795-4100 System Structure The system is contained in 12 sections, or chapters, as follows: A – Foundations and Basic commitments B – School Committee Governance and Operations C – General School Administration D – Fiscal Management E – Support Services F – Facilities Development G – Personnel H – Negotiations I – Instruction J – Students K – School Committee Relations L – Education Agency Relations The letter classification system was designed for expansion and adaptation to local use. New descriptors and codes can and should be added to accommodate the special policy needs of local school systems and new policy concerns brought with changing times. The system calls for the use of the letter symbols –R and –E following letter codes to distinguish regulation (-R) and exhibits (-E) from policies. Color coding of the paper also distinguishes policies (white), regulations (yellow), and exhibits (green). Updated 12/28/09 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS A – FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS AC AC-R ACA ACAA ACAA-E ACAB ACAB-E ACAD Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure Non-Sexist Language Student Discrimination and Harassment Policy Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form Employee Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form Hazing AD ADA ADC ADC-R ADF Educational Philosophy/Mission School District Goals and Objectives Tobacco Use and Possession Tobacco Regulations K-12 Students School District Commitment to Learning Results B – SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS BAA BAA-R BBA BBAA BBB School Committee Self Evaluation School Committee Self-Evaluation Form School Committee Powers and Responsibilities School Committee Member Authority and Responsibility School Committee Membership BCA BCB BCC School Committee Member Code of Ethics School Committee Member Conflict of Interest Nepotism BDB BDD BDE School Committee Officers School Committee-Superintendent Relationship School Committee Subcommittees BE BEA BEC BEC-E BEDA School Committee Meetings School Committee Use of Electronic Mail Executive Sessions Executive Session Law Notification of School Committee Meetings -1- Updated 12/28/09 BEDB BEDC BEDD BEDG BEDH Agenda Preparation and Dissemination Quorum Rules of Order Minutes Public Participation at School Committee Meetings BG BG-R School Committee Policy Process Policy Adoption Procedure BIA BIB New School Committee Member Orientation School Committee Member Development Opportunities C – GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION CB CB-R CBI CBI-E School Superintendent Superintendent of Schools Job Description Evaluation of the Superintendent Evaluation of Superintendent CF CF-E CFA School Building Administration School Building Administration Defined Program Directors CHD Administration in the Absence of Policy D – FISCAL MANAGEMENT DA Fiscal Management DB Annual Budget DI DID Fiscal Accounting and Reporting Inventories DJ DJG Purchasing Vendor Relations/Gifts DM Cash in School Buildings DN School Properties Disposition -2- Updated 12/28/09 E – SUPPORT SERVICES EB EBAA EBAA-R EBBB EBCA EBCA-E EBCB EBCB-R EBCC EBCE EBCF Environmental and Safety Program Chemical Hazards Chemical Hazard Audit Protocol Accident Reports Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (Signature Page) Fire Drills Fire Drills Administrative Procedure Bomb Threats School Closings and Cancellations Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) ECA ECAAA ECB ECBA ECBA-E1 ECBA-E2 ECBA-E3 Buildings and Grounds Security Identification Badges Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Pest Management in School Facilities and on School Grounds Pest Management Notification Pest Management Notification (Registry) Notice of Planned Pesticide Application ED Material Resources Management EE EEA EEA-R EEAEAA EEAEAA-R EEBB Transportation Services Management Student Transportation Services Student Transportation Services – Street Listing Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers Administrative Procedure Use of Private Vehicles on School Business EFC EFDA EFE EFE-E Free and Reduced Price Food Services Sale of Foods and Beverages Outside of the School Nutrition Program Vending Machines Vending Machines – Examples F – FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT G – PERSONNEL GBB GBE GBEBA GBEC GBGA GBGAA Staff Involvement in Decision Making Professional Staff Responsibilities Staff Dress Drug-Free Workplace Staff Health Bloodborne Pathogens -3- Updated 12/28/09 GBGAB GBI GBJ GBJAA GBJAA-E GBJC GBN GBN-R1 GBN-R2 GBO Ergonomics Staff Participation in Political Activities Personnel Records and Files Confidentiality in the Hiring Process Confidentiality Form Retention of Application Materials Family and Medical Leave Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Administrative Procedure Maine Family Medical Leave Administrative Procedure Family Care Leave GCAAD GCAAD-R GCAAD-E GCBA GCCAD GCF GCFB GCFB-R GCGA GCGA-R GCI GCI-R GCOA GCOC GCQC GCSA GCSA-R GCSA-E Athletic Coaching Positions Volunteer Coaches Volunteer Coach Application Form Vocational Instructor Salaries Military Leave Professional Staff Hiring Recruiting and Hiring of Administrative Staff Recruiting and Hiring of Administrative Staff Procedures Substitute Teachers Teacher Responsibilities to Substitutes Professional Staff Development Opportunities Professional Staff Development Opportunities Administrative Procedure Supervision and Evaluation of Professional Staff Evaluation of Administrative Staff Resignation of School Unit Employees Employee Computer and Internet Use Employee Computer and Internet Use Rules Employee Computer/Internet Use Acknowledgment Form H – NEGOTIATIONS I – INSTRUCTION ICB Extended School Year Services ID School Day IE Organization of Instruction IGA Curriculum Development and Adoption IHBA IHBA-R IHBAA IHBAA-R Individual Education Plans Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Membership Referral/Pre-Referral of Students with Disabilities Referral/Pre-Referral Procedures of Students with Disabilities -4- Updated 12/28/09 IHBAC IHBACA IHBACA-R IHBAD IHBAE IHBAG IHBAI IHBAJ IHBAJ-E IHBAK IHBAL IHBEA IHBEA-R IHBG IHBGA IHBGB IHCDA IHD IHD-R IHDA Child Find Identification of Students as Disabled/Handicapped Identification of Students as Learning Disabled Personnel Development Parent Involvement Programming In the Least Restrictive Environment Special Education Independent Evaluations Special Education Student Oversight Agreement Progress Report Form Life-Sustaining Emergency Care Grievance Procedure for Persons with Disabilities Program for Limited English Proficient Students Lewiston School Department’s LAU Plan Home Schooling Home Schooling—Participation in School Programs Special Education Services for Students in Private Schools or Home Schooling Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Adult/Community Education Adult-Community Education Administrative Procedure Post-Graduate Students IJJ IJJ-E IJL IJNC IJNC-E1 IJNC-E2 IJNDB IJNDB-E IJNDB-R IJOA IJOA-R Instructional and Library-Media Materials Selection Citizen’s Challenge of Educational Media Form Library Material Selection and Adoption School Libraries Library Bill of Rights Access to Resources & Services in the Library Media Programs Student Technology and Internet Use LMS Computer Home Use Procedure Student Computer and Internet Use Rules Field Trips Field Trips Administrative Procedure IKA IKAB IKB IKE IKE-R IKE-E1 IKE-E2 IKE-E3 IKF Student Grades/Evaluations Progress Reports Homework Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students Promotion, Retention and Acceleration Administrative Procedure (K-8) Promotion/Retention/Assignment Student Information Form Grades K-6 Parental Consent Form Grades K-6 Lewiston Middle School Promotion/Retention/Assignment Graduation Requirements IL ILA ILD Evaluation of Instructional Programs Tests/Assessment Educational Research: Student Submission to Surveys, Analyses, or Evaluations -5- Updated 12/28/09 IMBB IMDA IMDB IMDC IMG IMGA Exemption from Required Instruction Patriotic Exercises Flag Displays Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs Animals in School Animals on School Premises SECTION J: STUDENTS JCA Assignment of Students to Schools and Classes JEA JEA-R Compulsory Attendance Ages LHS/LRTC Attendance Policy JFAA JFAB JFABB JFC JFCK Admission of Resident Students Admission of Non-Resident Students Admission of Foreign Students Dropout Prevention-Student Withdrawal from School Student Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices JGAA Assignment of Students to Kindergarten/Grade 1 JHB Truancy JI JIC JICA JICC JICC-R JICH JICIA JICIAA JICK JID JIH JIH-R JIH-E Student Rights and Responsibilities System-Wide Student Code of Conduct Student Dress Student Conduct on School Buses Student Conduct on School Buses Administrative Procedure Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Weapons, Violence and School Safety Psychological Evaluation/Risk Assessment Bullying Students of Legal Age Questioning and Searches of Students Questioning and Searches of Students Administrative Procedure Student Search Checklist JJE JJI JJI-R1 JJI-R2 JJI-R3 JJIB Student Fundraising Activities Lewiston School Department’s Philosophy of Athletics Lewiston High School Academic Eligibility Lewiston Middle School Academic Eligibility Athletic Eligibility Rules Sponsorship and Evaluation of Athletic Programs -6- Updated 12/28/09 JJIBA JJIBB JJIBC Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches Sportsmanship Relations With Booster Groups JK JKB JKD JKE JKE-R JKF JKF-R JKG JKGA JKGA-R Student Discipline Detention of Students Suspension of Students Expulsion of Students Expulsion of Students – Guidelines Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities Administrative Procedure Physical Restraint Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraints Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint Administrative Procedure JL JLC JLCB JLCC JLCCA JLCD JLCD-E1 JLCD-E2 JLCD-E3 JLCD-E4 JLCE JLCE-R JLCEA JLCEA-E1 JLCEA-E2 JLDBG JLF JLF-E1 JLF-E2 JLG JLIB Student Wellness Student Health Services Immunization of Students Communicable/Infectious Diseases Students with HIV/AIDS Administering Medicines to Students Authorization to Administer Medication Form, K-6 Students Authorization to Administer Medication Form, 7-12 Students Record of Training of School Personnel in the Administration of Medicines Incident Report – Medication Administration First Aid and Emergency Medical Care First Aid – Procedures School Guidelines for Managing Students with Food Allergies Sample Letter for a Parent with a Child with an Allergy Food Allergy Action Plan Reintegration of Students from Juvenile Correctional Facilities Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report Form School Accident Report Form Education of Homeless Students Student Dismissal Precautions JO Employment of Students JRA JRA-R JRA-E 1 JRA-E2 JRA-E3 Student Educational Records Student Educational Records Administrative Procedure Annual Notice of Student Education Records and Information Rights Consent/Denial of Consent to Release Student Information Consent/Denial of Consent to Release Student Information -7- Updated 12/28/09 K – SCHOOL-COMMUNITY-HOME RELATIONS KBF KBF-E1 KBF-E2 Title I – Parent Involvement Lewiston School Department Title One Parent Involvement Policy Elementary Schools Title One Parent Involvement Policy KCB Community Involvement in Decision Making KDA KDB KDB-E Public Information Program Public’s Right to Know/Freedom of Information Public’s Right to Know/Freedom of Information Request Form KE Public Concerns and Complaints KF KF-R KF-E1 KF-E2 KF-E3 Community Use of School Facilities Lewiston Middle School Auditorium Use/Administrative Procedure Lewiston Public Schools Facility Rental Rates Lewiston Public Schools Facilities Rental Agreement Lewiston Regional Technical Center/Culinary Arts Facilities Rental Agreement KHB KHC KI Advertising in the Schools Public Distribution/Posting of Non-Curricular Materials Visitors to the Schools KLG KLG-R Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure L – EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS LB Lewiston and Auburn School Committees – Educational Cooperation -8- SECTION A: FOUNDATIONS AND BASIC COMMITMENTS Section A of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the district’s legal role in providing public education and the basic principles underlying school committee governance. These policies provide a setting for al of the school committee’s other policies and regulations. AC AC-R ACA ACAA ACAA-E ACAB ACAB-E ACAD Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure Non-Sexist Language Student Discrimination and Harassment Policy Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form Employee Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form Hazing AD ADA ADC ADC-R ADF Educational Philosophy/Mission School District Goals and Objectives Tobacco Use and Possession Tobacco Regulations K-12 Students School District Commitment to Learning Results NEPN/NSBA Code: AC NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Discrimination against and harassment of school employees because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, or disability are prohibited. Discrimination against and harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry or national origin, disability or sexual orientation are prohibited. The School Committee directs the school administration to implement a continuing program designed to prevent discrimination against all applicants, employees, students and individuals with disabilities having access rights to school premises and activities. Lewiston Public Schools’ Affirmative Action Plan will include designation of an Affirmative Action Officer who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal and state requirements relating to nondiscrimination. The Affirmative Action Officer will be a person with direct access to the Superintendent. The School Committee directs the administration to provide notice of compliance with federal and state civil rights laws to all applicants for employment, employees, students, parents, and other interested persons, as appropriate. The School Department will require all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors, and other persons and organizations doing business with or performing services for the school unit to subscribe to all applicable federal and state laws pertaining to contract compliance. Legal Reference: Equal Employment Opportunities Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-261) amending Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000(e) et seq.) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-352) Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.) Equal Pay Act of 1963 (29 U.S.C. § 206) Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.) Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) Maine Human Rights Act of 1972 (5 MRSA § 4571), as amended Cross Reference: Adopted: Revised: Lewiston Public Schools Affirmative Action Plan ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ACAB – Employee Harassment and Sexual Harassment AC-R – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure June 7, 2000 May 22, 2006 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: AC-R NONDISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Lewiston Public Schools will provide equal opportunities to all persons and will adhere to rules and regulations regarding equal opportunities as set forth in state and federal laws. Should a person feel discriminated against, these procedures will be followed. The Affirmative Action Officer may be contacted for needed assistance in filing a grievance. If the employee is more comfortable speaking with a female Affirmative Action Officer, there will be one available. The following notice has been posted for and disseminated to all employees and students: An employee and/or student who believes that he/she has been or is being subjected to discriminating acts or conduct should bring such acts or conduct to the prompt attention of a supervisor, manager, administrator or teacher who is either his/her immediate supervisor, the personnel authority, or other appropriate management representative. Inquiries and/or grievances can be made directly to the Superintendent of Schools, Dingley Building, 36 Oak Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240, telephone (207) 795-4100. Employees and/or students may use the following internal grievance procedure (see following), or may report their grievance(s) directly to the Maine Human Rights Commission, State House Station #51, Augusta, ME 04333, telephone (207) 624-6050, or to the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02110-1491, telephone (617) 223-9662. Grievance Procedure Any student or employee who has a grievance concerning discrimination should consult the appropriate school official (teacher, coach, building administrator, superintendent, manager, supervisor, etc.). If, however, the grievant shows cause acceptable to the Affirmative Action Officer for by-passing the appropriate school official or if satisfaction is not secured through consultation with the appropriate school official, further relief may be sought through the Affirmative Action Officer who shall follow the guidelines of the grievance procedure. If referred to the Affirmative Officer, the grievance procedure shall consist of a two-step process. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: AC-R A. Step One Step one shall be a first level conference. In the case of a student grievance, the conference shall involve the grievant, the building administrator and the Affirmative Action Officer. The conference will take place within five working days of written notification. If the grievant is an employee, the first level conference shall involve the employee, the supervisor and the Affirmative Action Officer. At a first level conference, the Affirmative Action Officer may consult with other school officials when considering the grievance or arriving at a decision. The conference will take place within five working days of receipt of the written notification to the Affirmative Action Officer. The Officer will render a resolution within five working days of the first level conference being held. If a resolution is arrived at from the first level conference, the results shall be submitted in writing by the Affirmative Action Officer to the appropriate official for implementation, with a copy forwarded to the grievant and to the Superintendent. The report of the resolution shall contain a timetable for implementation and a requirement for a follow-up report at a specified date. B. Step Two Step two shall be a second level conference. Should the student or employee not be satisfied with the outcome of the level one conference, he/she may request further relief through the Affirmative Action Officer who will arrange for a second level conference with the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall, within five working days of receipt of written request from the grievant, establish a meeting with the grievant. The Superintendent shall render a resolution within five working days to the grievant. If the grievant is not satisfied with the outcome of level two, he/she may request further relief through the State or Federal agency having jurisdiction over these matters. It should be understood that a grievant may bypass the local grievance procedure and deal with State or Federal agencies identified above – specifically, Maine Human Rights Commission and/or Regional Office of Civil Rights, respectively. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: AC-R Rules Regulating Grievance Procedure A. All charges shall be filed in writing and shall specify all facts giving rise to the charge. B. Upon receipt of a grievance, the person(s) against whom charges of specific acts are made shall be notified of the charges and given the opportunity to appear at the first level conference or hearing to respond to the charges. The Superintendent of Schools shall be notified of the pending conference by the Affirmative Action Officer. C. The Affirmative Action Officer shall act as moderator at all conferences and hearings. D. The Affirmative Action Officer shall bring out all evidence relevant to the case. E. All evidence shall be presented in an orderly manner. F. Conferences and hearings shall be carried out within a reasonable period of time following a reported grievance. G. All concerned parties shall be officially notified of the resolution of a grievance. H. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy of the grievant and the alleged offender. All investigatory and disciplinary actions will comply with collective bargaining agreements. 5/06 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ACA NON-SEXIST LANGUAGE The School Committee expects all staff members to be especially alert to and avoid the use of sexist or other discriminatory language in all communications, both oral and written. Cross Reference: Adopted: AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAA STUDENT DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT POLICY Preamble: The Lewiston School Committee prohibits harassment and discrimination. I. Discrimination and Harassment are prohibited. The Lewiston School Committee is committed to maintaining a positive climate for learning and working, one in which all individuals are free from harassment or discrimination. Discrimination against and harassment of students because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability are prohibited. II. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is prohibited by state and federal law. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s educational benefits; 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions on educational benefits; 3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive education environment. Examples of sexual harassment include: • • • • unwelcome sexual advances suggestive or lewd remarks unwanted hugs, touches, kisses requests for sexual favors Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAA III. Discipline for Discrimination or Harassment Any student who engages in harassment prohibited by this policy will be subject to discipline, including suspension and, in severe cases, expulsion. IV. How to Make a Complaint Students who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against in violation of this policy should report their concern to the principal/director, in addition each school site will identify another male and female to whom complaints can also be made. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with the principal/director or a guidance counselor if they are not sure whether discrimination or harassment has occurred. Students will not be retaliated against for reporting suspected discrimination or harassment. Staff members, parents and other adults and students are also encouraged to report possible incidents of student discrimination or harassment to the principal/director. Employees have a responsibility to report incidents of suspected student discrimination or harassment, particularly on behalf of younger students. V. Complaint Handling and Investigation 1. The principal/director shall promptly inform the superintendent of the complaint. 2. The complaint will be investigated by the principal/director, unless another person is appointed by the superintendent to investigate the complaint. 3. The principal/director shall keep a record of all parts of the investigation. The confidentiality rights of students and employees shall be carefully observed. 4. The principal/director may take interim remedial measures to reduce the risk of further harassment or discrimination while the investigation is pending. The principal may consult with the superintendent concerning any issue relating to the investigation, conclusions and remedial and disciplinary actions. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAA 5. If, after completing the investigation, the principal/director determines that discrimination or harassment has occurred, the principal will: a. Determine what, if any, remedial action is required; and b. Determine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the individual(s) who engaged in the discrimination or harassment. Disciplinary action against students and employees shall be kept confidential in accordance with applicable state and federal law. 6. If the complaining student’s parent or guardian is dissatisfied with the principal’s/director’s conclusions and/or remedial action, the parent or guardian may appeal to the superintendent. The superintendent shall review the report of the investigation and may conduct further investigation if he/she deems it appropriate. The superintendent’s decision shall be final. Students also have the right to report incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Maine Human Rights Commission, State House Station 51, Augusta, Maine 04333, telephone 207-624-6050; or to the federal Office for Civil Rights, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Education, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02110-1491. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: June 18, 2001 Revised: June 19, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ACAA-E DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM TO: Superintendent of Schools 36 Oak Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Date of Receipt by Superintendent: __________________________ Type of dispute resolution requested (select one): ____ Mediation ____ Complaint If requesting a complaint are you willing to participate in mediation? (A mediation will not interfere with the timelines for a complaint.) ___ Yes ___ No Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: Home: ________ - _________ Work: ________ - _________ FAX: ________ - _________ Student’s name if this is being made for a student. Date of Birth: _______ / _______ / _______ Disability: ____________________________________ (If Applicable) Student’s Residence (if different from parent): ____________________________________________ School district the student attends: ______________________________________________________ School: ____________________________________________ Grade: __________________ Attorney/advocate: ___________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Telephone: ( ______ ) ______ - _______ FAX: ( ______ ) ______ - _______ Describe the nature of the problem and any facts relating to the problem. (Attach additional pages if necessary.) ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Please complete page 2 of this request form. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ACAA-E DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM (Continued) How could this problem be resolved? (Attach additional pages if necessary.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ What actions has the school taken to address the problem? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Who did you notify? __________________________ Date notified: _______ / _______ / _______ How did you notify this person? _________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of individual submitting request: __________________________ Date: _______ / _______ / _______ ******************************************************************************************** For additional information or assistance you may wish to contact: • The Superintendent or Affirmative Action Officer of Lewiston Public Schools – Tel: 795-4100, FAX: 753-6413, e-mail: [email protected] • The Special Needs Parent Information Network (SPIN) – 1-800-870-7746 • The Maine Human Rights Commission 624-6050. 6/01 3/03 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAB EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT POLICY AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURE Preamble: The Lewiston School Committee prohibits harassment and discrimination. I. Discrimination and Harassment Are Prohibited The Lewiston School Committee is committed to maintaining a positive climate for learning and working, one in which all individuals are free from harassment and discrimination. Discrimination against and harassment of school employees because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability are prohibited. II. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is prohibited by state and federal law. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an employee’s work environment or employee benefits; 2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis for decisions on employment benefits; 3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. Examples of sexual harassment include: A. B. C. D. III. Unwelcome sexual advances Suggestive or lewd remarks Unwanted hugs, touches, kisses Requests for sexual favors Discipline for Discrimination or Harassment Any employee who engages in harassment or discrimination prohibited by this policy will be subject to discipline, including in severe cases, possible dismissal. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAB IV. How to Make a Complaint Employees who feel they have been harassed or discriminated against in violation of this policy should report their concerns to the building principal/director, or if uncomfortable reporting concerns to him or her, then the report should be made to the Affirmative Action Officer or to the superintendent. In addition, each school site will identify another male and female to whom complaints can also be made. Employees are encouraged to discuss concerns with any of these individuals if unsure about whether discrimination or harassment has occurred. Employees will not be retaliated against for reporting suspected discrimination or harassment. V. Complaint Handling and Investigation 1. The principal/director shall promptly inform both the superintendent and the person who is the subject of the complaint that a complaint has been received. 2. The complaint will be investigated by the principal/director, unless the superintendent chooses to investigate the complaint, or appoints another person to investigate it on his or her behalf. 3. If the complaint is against an employee of Lewiston Public Schools, the employee’s rights under his or her collective bargaining agreement shall be fully respected. 4. The principal/director shall keep a record of all parts of the investigation, the confidentiality rights of students and employees shall be carefully observed. 5. The principal/director may take interim remedial measures consistent with any applicable collective bargaining provisions to reduce the risk of further harassment or discrimination while the investigation is pending. The principal/director may consult with the superintendent concerning any issue relating to the investigation, conclusions and remedial and disciplinary actions. 6. If, after completing the investigation, the principal/director determines that discrimination or harassment has occurred, the principal/director will: a. Determine what, if any, remedial action is required: and b. Determine what, if any, disciplinary action should be taken against the individual(s) who engaged in discrimination or harassment. Disciplinary action against students and employees shall be kept confidential in accordance with applicable state and federal law. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ACAB 7. If the complaining employee is dissatisfied with the principal’s/director’s conclusions and/or remedial action, he or she may appeal to the superintendent. The superintendent shall review the report of the investigation and may conduct further investigation if he or she deems it appropriate. The superintendent’s decision shall be final. Employees also have the right to report incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Maine Human Rights Commission, State House Station 51, Augusta, Maine 04333, telephone 207-624-6050; or to the Federal Office for Civil Rights, Regional Director, U.S. Department of Education, 33 Arch Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02110-1491. Adopted: Revised: Revised: June 7, 2000 June 18, 2001 June 19, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ACAB-E DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT COMPLAINT FORM Lewiston Public Schools encourages you to resolve any problem or issue informally with the individuals involved. However, if you have a concern or experience a problem that affects you or your co-workers, we ask that you complete this form and return it to the Director of Human Resources. To: Director of Human Resources Lewiston Public Schools Dingley Building 36 Oak Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Date Received: _________________ Employee Information Name of person claiming incident ___________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________ Telephone # ____________________________________________________________ Incident Information Date/time of incident _____________________________________________________ Location of incident ______________________________________________________ Description of incident (attach narrative) _____________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Witnesses of incident ______________________________________________________ What ideas do you have for remedying the situation? _____________________________ Is there any other information you feel is relevant to this incident or situation? _________ ________________________________________________________________________ Signature of person preparing report: _________________________________________ Date: ____________ Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ACAD HAZING Maine statute defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school.” It is the policy of the School Committee that injurious hazing activities of any type, either on or off school property, by any student, staff member, group or organization affiliated with this school unit, are inconsistent with the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times. No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school unit shall engage in, encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate injurious hazing activities. No student, including leaders of students' organizations, shall plan, encourage, or engage in injurious hazing activities. Persons not associated with this school unit who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to ejection from school property and/or other measures as may be available under the law. Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action which may include suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate measures. In the case of an organization affiliated with this school unit which authorizes hazing, penalties may include rescission of permission for that organization to operate on school property or to receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school unit. These penalties shall be in addition to any civil or criminal penalties to which the violator organization may be subject. The Superintendent shall assume responsibility for administering this policy A copy of this policy shall be included in all school, parent, and faculty handbooks or otherwise distributed to all school employees and students. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA Sec. 6553 Cross Reference: ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ACAB – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Employees JICA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: October 30, 2000 June 18, 2001 July 22, 2002 March 24, 2003 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: AD EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY/MISSION The School Committee recognizes that we live in a world society where technological, social, cultural, economic and political forces stimulate a changing environment. With such a dynamic society, one’s ability to adapt to change is critical. In meeting this challenge, the acquisition of basic skills becomes essential. However, since we cannot forecast with certainty what today’s students will need to know as tomorrow’s adults, we believe students should also be able to direct their own learning by developing skills which lead to the effective use of knowledge. Our schools believe the building blocks for success and fulfilled adulthood in the 21 Century and the six Guiding Principles: A Clear and Effective Communicator; A Self-Directed & Lifelong Learner; A Creative & Practical Problem Solver; A responsible & Involved Citizen; A Collaborative & Quality Worker; An integrative & Informed Thinker. Our schools will strive to create an environment which will provide opportunities for all students to develop intellectually, physically, and emotionally which in turn will lead the students to a better understanding of themselves, their fellow person and the world around them. In order to achieve our purpose, a collective effort is necessary. It takes a community determined to have the highest quality schools. It necessitates a highly competent and dedicated faculty and administration. It requires students committed to the realization that the right and privilege of education demands responsibility on their part to be involved in the learning process. Finally, it requires a positive and forward thinking School Committee dedicated to evaluating school programs and to providing the support and resources necessary to achieve the goals of the School Department. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 1001 et seq.; 4511.3, A June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES The School Committee recognizes its responsibility to set goals for the efficient operation of the school unit. In discharging this responsibility, the School Committee will strive to ensure that the resources of the unit are directed toward meeting the educational needs of each eligible student. The School Committee will develop annual goals based on input solicited from a variety of sources. These goals will be shared with the community, the staff, and the students. The administration shall develop appropriate objectives designed to achieve the stated priorities. The School Committee will regularly evaluate progress toward meeting the goals and will adopt appropriate policies designed to facilitate their accomplishment. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 4511.3, A June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ADC TOBACCO USE AND POSSESSION In order to promote the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and visitors and to promote the cleanliness of Lewiston Public Schools’ facilities, the School Committee prohibits smoking and all other use of tobacco products in school buildings and other school unit facilities, on school buses, school vehicles or vehicles leased to schools, and on school grounds at all times by all persons. In addition, students are further prohibited from possessing, selling, distributing or dispensing tobacco products in school buildings, facilities and on school grounds and buses during school-sponsored events and at all other times. Employees and all other persons are also strictly prohibited, under law and School Committee policy, from selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products to students. Legal Reference: 22 MRSA §§ 1578(B), 1580(A)(3) Me. PL 470 (An Act to Reduce Tobacco Use By Minors) 20 USC 6081-6084 (Pro-Children Act of 1994) Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: November 27, 2000 Revised: February 11, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ADC-R TOBACCO USE AND POSSESSION ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE GRADES K-6 Smoking and the use, possession and sale of tobacco products are prohibited by school policy in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times. 1. First Incident a. Confiscate material b. Notify parent/guardian c. Refer to guidance counselor d. Meet with D.A.R.E. officer e. May refer to police f. Other consequences as appropriate, including suspension. 2. Second and subsequent Incidents a. Confiscate material b. Notify parent/guardian c. Refer to police d. Meet with D.A.R.E. officer e. A minimum of one hour detention which may include a tobacco prevention education component f. Two days of suspension per offense up to 10 days g. Other consequences as appropriate GRADES 7-12 Smoking and the use, possession and sale of tobacco products are prohibited by school policy in school buildings, on school grounds, on school buses and at school-sponsored functions at all times. A. Smoking, Possession, Distribution, Sale or Use of Tobacco Products 1. First Incident a. Confiscate material b. Notify parent/guardian Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ADC-R A. Smoking, Possession, Distribution, Sale or Use of Tobacco Products (Cont.) c. d. e. f. Refer to police Provide the SMOKELESS SATURDAY program option, if appropriate or two-day suspension. Refer the student for assessment to the substance abuse counselor or tobacco intervention person Other consequences as appropriate 2. Second Incident a. Confiscate material b. Notify parent/guardian c. Refer to police d. 4 day suspension e. Refer the student for assessment to the substance abuse counselor or tobacco prevention person 3. Third and Subsequent Incidents a. Confiscate material b. Notify parent/guardian c. Refer to police d. Refer the student to the substance abuse counselor or tobacco intervention person e. 2 days of suspension added for each offense up to ten days per offense B. Support for Students Who Volunteer for a Cessation Program 1. Provide smoking-related educational materials 2. Offer a SMOKELESS SATURDAY CLASS 3. Provide a substance abuse counselor or a person trained in tobacco prevention education C. Employees and All Other Persons The use of tobacco products by employees and all other persons is prohibited in school buildings, facilities and on school buses during school-sponsored events and at all other times on school grounds. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ADC-R D. Other Persons in Violation All other persons violating this policy, e.g., employees, visitors, shall be immediately directed to cease violative behavior. In addition, all persons suspected of selling, distributing or in any way dispensing tobacco products to students shall be referred to a law enforcement agency. Any employee violating this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures. Legal References: 20 USC §6081-6084 (Pro-children Act of 1994) 22 MRSA 1578-B Me. PL470 (An Act to Reduce Tobacco Use by Minors) Adopted: November 27, 2000 Amended: May 22, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ADF SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITMENT TO LEARNING RESULTS The Lewiston School Committee hereby adopts the system of Learning Results and the Maine Department of Education’s applicable rules. The Learning Results system is intended to serve as a foundation for education reform and to promote and provide assessment of student learning, accountability and equity. The School Committee recognizes that the legislative intent of the Learning Results system is to provide children with schools that reflect high expectations and create conditions where these expectations can be met. The School Committee understands that implementation of the Learning Results system has broad implications for the school unit, including curriculum, budget, professional development, student assessment, professional evaluation, and graduation requirements. Therefore, the School Committee is committed to examining its policies to ensure that they are consistent with the intent and goals of the Learning Results system. This will require a concerted and coordinated effort involving the School Committee, the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the community. The School Committee directs the Superintendent to develop a plan and timeline for implementing the Learning Results system. Legal References: Adopted: 20-A MRSA §§6208-6209 L.D. 1536, Chapter 51 Resolves Chapter 131 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rules) June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION B: SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS Section B of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the School Committee – how it is appointed or elected; how it is organized; how it conducts meetings, and how the committee operates. This section includes bylaws and policies establishing the committee’s internal operating procedures. BAA BAA-R BBA BBAA BBB School Committee Self Evaluation School Committee Self-Evaluation Form School Committee Powers and Responsibilities School Committee Member Authority and Responsibility School Committee Membership BCA BCB BCC School Committee Member Code of Ethics School Committee Member Conflict of Interest Nepotism BDB BDD BDE School Committee Officers School Committee-Superintendent Relationship School Committee Subcommittees BE BEA BEC BEC-E BEDA BEDB BEDC BEDD BEDG BEDH School Committee Meetings School Committee Use of Electronic Mail Executive Sessions Executive Session Law Notification of School Committee Meetings Agenda Preparation and Dissemination Quorum Rules of Order Minutes Public Participation at School Committee Meetings BG BG-R School Committee Policy Process Policy Adoption Procedure BIA BIB New School Committee Member Orientation School Committee Member Development Opportunities 9/22/08 NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA School Committee Self Evaluation The Lewiston School Committee believes that continuous evaluation is essential to exemplary stewardship. The primary purpose of this policy is to improve school committee effectiveness and leadership. Educational leaders recognize the power and potential to improve teaching and learning in our public schools through cooperative, purposeful and professional working relationships between superintendents and school committee. It is critical that this relationship be as strong as possible. For success, the school committee and the superintendent of schools in any school district must share the same goals and visions for providing students with quality education. While school committee and superintendent roles are different, they should complement each other. For the greatest success, school committee members and the superintendent must work collaboratively as a governance team, with each clear on their roles and areas of responsibility, each respecting the others’ roles and responsibilities and collaborating effectively on those responsibilities that are shared. In general, the school committee is a legislative body that develops, evaluates and oversees education policies. The superintendent is the professional educator chosen by the school committee to implement policies and to provide professional leadership and vision for Lewiston Public Schools. According to the 1994 study of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and the National School Boards Association (NSBA), school districts with highquality governance teams and high student achievement are characterized by excellent working relationships between the superintendent and school committee. The Committee will use the self-evaluation form BAA-R to assist with the process of insuring quality governance. It will be completed individually as a self-evaluation by each School Committee member. In addition, a composite profile of responses will be tabulated to allow for a more thorough analysis of School Committee performance. This composite profile will be reviewed in conjunction with the annual performance evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools. Adopted: September 22, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R LEWISTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE SELF EVALUATION* Please rate 1-4 (with 4 being the highest). 1 2 3 4 1. The chair runs meetings in a fair, open, orderly fashion. 2. School committee members are prepared for meetings. 3. School committee members relate to each other in a courteous manner. 4. School committee members always insist on adequate background information before making decisions. 5. School committee members always have the educational well-being of children as the top priority. 6. School committee members are given the chance to speak At meetings. 7. School committee members support decisions made by the board, even if they disagree during the discussion. 8. School committee members recognize that they have no individual power, and operate accordingly. 9. The school committee follows "Robert's Rules of Order" and its bylaws. 10. The duties and responsibilities of school committee members are clearly stated in policy regarding board committees. 11. The school committee keeps informed and current on educational issues through reading and attendance at conventions and workshops. 12. School committee members arrive at meetings on time. 13. School committee members read their agenda packets before the meeting and are prepared to discuss issues on the Agenda 14. The school committee employs written policies and procedures for conducting board meetings. 15. The public interaction between the school committee and the superintendent is a positive one. 16. The school committee conducts meetings in adequate facilities for attendance of staff and community. Page 1 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 17. The school committee defers action on items not on agenda until they can be studied and discussed and until the administration has a chance to respond. 18. School committee members avoid public criticism of staff or staff recommendations. 19. School committee members respect the confidentiality of executive sessions. 20. The school committee works toward compromise and consensus when there are disagreements among members. 21. The school committee exhibits effective decision making skills. 22. School committee members do not allow their political activities to affect their working as a board on district matters. 23. School committee members bring community comments and remarks about district personnel to the superintendent to check on and report back before accepting them as true. 24. The school committee evaluates itself on a regular basis, at least once a year in conjunction with the Superintendent evaluation. 25. The school committee conducts an orientation program for new board members. Comments: Page 2 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 Policy 1. The school committee adopts policy on a regular, basis. 2. All members of the school committee have read their policy manual. 3. All school committee members demonstrate an understanding of the existing body of policy. 4. The school committee reviews the existing body of policy on a planned basis. 5. The school committee monitors that policy is being implemented in a way that is acceptable to the board. 6. The school committee refrains from making policy under pressure. 7. The policy manual is readily available to all interested persons. 8. The school committee insists that all board and staff adhere to policy. 9. The school committee seeks the superintendent's recommendations on policy issues. Comments: Page 3 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 Superintendent Relations 1. The school committee acts as a policy-making and governance body, holding the superintendent responsible for administration and evaluation of programs, as well as staff evaluation. 2. The school committee develops, with cooperation from the superintendent, a set of criteria used for superintendent evaluation, which is done annually. 3. The school committee evaluates the superintendent fairly, diligently and in a timely manner, in a mutually agreed upon process. 4. The school committee requests information through the superintendent and not directly from staff. 5. The school committee works and plans with the superintendent in a spirit of mutual respect, trust, confidence and cooperation. 6. The school committee, with the assistance of the superintendent, has formulated clear performance expectations against which the superintendent can be measured. 7. The school committee provides the superintendent with sufficient time to plan projects thoroughly and develop thoughtful recommendations. 8. The school committee provides meaningful praise to the superintendent where deserved. 9. The school committee encourages and supports the professional advancement of the superintendent. Comments: Page 4 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 Community Relations 1. The school committee has clear, written policies on community-board relations. 2. The school committee encourages community attendance at meetings via specific, planned activities. 3. The school committee makes clear the opportunities for appropriate participation by community members. 4. The school committee demonstrates cooperation with the news media. 5. The school committee keeps the community informed of its actions in a positive, continuing manner via specific, planned activities. 6. The school committee channels all concerns about the system through the superintendent for study, and requests that he/she report back to the school committee if action is required. 7. The community demonstrates an awareness of school committee policies, and knows where to find such policies for their inspection, such as the library, town hall, etc. 8. Community involvement in the schools is demonstrated and encouraged. Comments: Page 5 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 Staff and Personnel Relationships 1. The school committee employs sound and concise personnel policies to support the superintendent's authority. 2. The school committee has developed and uses procedures for staff complaints and suggestions to the board. 3. The school committee recognizes on a regular, planned basis, outstanding staff performance. 4. The school committee encourages professional growth in the staff by providing for attendance at educational meetings and staff development programs through policy and appropriate budgetary support. 5. The school committee policy affirms the importance of teachers and teaching. Comments: Questions The Instructional Program 1. The school committee employs clear policies on curriculum development, implementation and review. 2. The school committee maintains a assessment program which appropriately measures the aptitude and achievement of all students. 3. The school committee monitors administrative utilization of assessment results to improve programs and increase student achievement. 4. The school committee demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence. Comments: Page 6 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 Fiscal 1. The school committee employs comprehensive policies on sound fiscal management. 2. The school committee understands the development of the budget process. 3. The school committee members, via specific activities (policies, board activities, etc.) create a climate of acceptance for their budget. 4. The school committee begins and completes the budget process in a timely fashion. 5. The completed budget is fiscally responsible while meeting the needs of students. 6. The school committee makes certain that the budget, as developed by the superintendent and approved by the board, is directly related to identified board priorities, policies, and approved (budgetary) goals and guidelines. 7. The school committee communicates with the town fiscal authority, both during the budget cycle and at other times of the year. Comments: Page 7 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: BAA-R Questions 1 2 3 4 Goals: 1. The school committee establishes clearly defined annual goals for the district. 2. The school committee actively seeks input from the community in establishing goals and objectives. 3. The school committee checks periodically on the status of the district goals. 4. The district has met the goals for the past year. 5. The school committee has a strategic plan. 6. The school committee reviews the strategic plan prior to setting annual district goals. 7. The school committee establishes annual performance goals for the board. 8. The school committee reviews annual performance goals for the board. Comments: *Self-evaluation tool is adopted from the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Inc. Sep-08 Page 8 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BBA SCHOOL COMMITTEE POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The School Committee shall have general charge of all the public schools of this unit and shall exercise such other responsibilities as specifically provided by law. The Committee shall concern itself primarily with broad questions of policy rather than with administrative details. The application of policies is an administrative task to be performed by the Superintendent and his/her staff, who shall be held responsible for the effective administration and supervision of the entire school system. The Committee, functioning within the framework of state and federal laws and regulations, court decisions, attorney generals’ opinions, and the Lewiston City Charter, and recognizing the authority of the state, fulfills its mission as the governing body of a political subdivision by acting as follows in the execution of its duties: A. Enacts policy; B. Selects, employs and evaluates the Superintendent; C. Provides for the planning, expansion, improvement, financing, construction and maintenance of the physical plant of the school system; D. Prescribes the minimum standards needed for the efficient operation and improvement of the school system; E. Requires the establishment and maintenance of records, accounts, archives, management methods and procedures incidental to the conduct of school business; F. Approves the budget, financial reports, audits, major expenditures, payment of obligations, and policies whereby the administration may formulate procedures, regulations, and other guides for the orderly accomplishment of business; G. Estimates the funds necessary from taxes for the operation, support, maintenance, and improvement of the school system; H. Adopts courses of study; I. Provides staff and instructional aids; Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BBA J. Evaluates the educational program to determine the effectiveness with which the schools are achieving the educational purposes of the school system; K. Provides for the dissemination of information relating to the schools necessary for creating a well-informed public; and L. Approves/disapproves personnel nominations from the Superintendent and determines (where appropriate via collective bargaining) compensation and working conditions of all staff. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 1001 June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BBAA SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES Members of the School Committee have authority only when acting as a School Committee legally in session. The Committee shall not be bound in any way by any action or statement on the part of any individual Committee member except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instructions from the Committee. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA §§ 1001-1003 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BBB SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP In accordance with the Lewiston City Charter, the Lewiston School Committee consists of nine (9) members. Each city ward elects one member (for a total of seven), and one member is elected at large. The ninth member is a City Councilor nominated and appointed by the City Council. Legal Reference: Adopted: Lewiston City Charter Article 5 V. School Administration Section 5.01 School Committee June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BCA SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS Having accepted the challenge of service on this School Committee, I accept the principles set forth in the following code of ethics to guide me in helping to provide free public education to all the children of my school unit within the State of Maine. A. I will view service on the School Committee as an opportunity to serve my community, state, and nation because I believe public education is the best means to promote the welfare of our people and to preserve our democratic way of life. B. I will at all times think of children first and base my decisions on how they will affect children, their education, and their training. C. I will make no disparaging remarks, in or out of the School Committee meetings, about other members of the School Committee. D. I will remember at all times that as an individual I have no legal authority outside the meetings of the School Committee, and that I will conduct my relationship with the school staff, the local citizenry, and all media of communications on the basis of this fact. E. I will recognize that my responsibility is not to operate the schools but to see that they are well operated. F. I will seek to provide education for all children in the community commensurate with their needs and abilities. G. I will listen to all citizens, refer all complaints to the proper authorities, and discuss such complaints only at a regular meeting after failure of administrative solution. H. I will not criticize employees publicly but will make such criticism to the Superintendent for investigation and action, if necessary. I. I will make decisions openly after all facts bearing on a question have been presented and discussed. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BCA J. I will refuse to make promises to other members as to how I will vote on a matter that should properly come before the School Committee as a whole. K. I will not discuss the confidential business of the School Committee in my home, on the street, or in my office; the place for such discussion being the School Committee meeting. L. I will confine my School Committee action to policy making, planning, and appraisal, leaving the administration of the schools to the Superintendent. M. I will welcome and encourage cooperation and participation by teachers, administrators, students, and other personnel in developing policies that affect their welfare. N. I will endeavor at all times to see that schools have adequate financial support within the capabilities of the community and state in order that every child may receive the best possible education. O. I will resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as a School Committee member to benefit myself or any individual or agency apart from the total interest of the school unit. P. I will endeavor to attend every regular and special School Committee meeting recognizing that my presence means representation for my city. If I find that this is not possible for an extended length of time, I will give consideration to resigning from my position on the School Committee. Q. I will recognize at all times that the School Committee of which I am a member is an agent of the state, and as such, I will abide by the laws of the state and the regulations formulated by the Maine Department of Education and by the State Board of Education. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: October 16, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BCB SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER CONFLICT OF INTEREST A School Committee member shall not have any direct or indirect pecuniary interest (as defined by law) in a contract with the school unit, nor shall he/she furnish directly any labor, equipment, or supplies to the unit. In the event that a School Committee member is employed by a corporation or business, or has a secondary interest in a corporation or business which furnishes goods or services to the schools, the School Committee member shall declare his/her secondary interest and refrain from debating or voting upon the question of contracting with the company. It is not the intent of this policy to prevent the school unit from contracting with corporations or businesses because a School Committee member is an employee of the firm. The policy is designed to prevent the placing of School Committee members in a position where their interest in public schools and their interest in their places of employment (or other indirect interest) might conflict, and to avoid appearances of conflict of interest even though such conflict may not exist. A School Committee member may not, during the time the member serves on the School Committee and for one year after the member ceases to serve on the School Committee, be appointed to any civil office of profit or employment position which has been created or the compensation of which has been increased by the action of the School Committee during the time the member serves on the School Committee. A member of the School Committee or spouse of a member may not serve as a volunteer when that volunteer has primary responsibility for a curricular, co-curricular or extracurricular program or activity and reports directly to the Superintendent, principal, athletic/activities director or other school administrator in a public school within the jurisdiction of the School Committee to which the member is elected, or in a contract high school or academy located within a supervisory union in which the member is a representative on the School Committee Volunteer activities of a member of the School Committee or member’s spouse, other than in roles that are prohibited by this section, may be prescribed by policies developed and approved by the School Committee. For the purpose of this policy, the following statutory definitions apply: A. “Employee” means a person who receives monetary payment or benefits, no matter the amount paid or hours worked, for personal services performed for a school administrative unit. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BCB B. “Volunteer” means a person who performs personal services for a school administrative unit without monetary payments or benefits of any kind or amount. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA§ 1002 et seq., § 1051 17 MRSA § 3104 30-A MRSA §§ 2251, 2604 et seq. June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BCC NEPOTISM It shall be the policy of the School Committee not to employ personnel to the staff of the school unit when the candidate is a member of the immediate family of a School Committee member or of the Superintendent. Immediate family, except spouses, employed by the school unit as of the date of policy adoption, will be excluded from this policy. No person shall be employed in a position which is within the jurisdiction of an administrative officer who is a member of the immediate family of such person, nor shall any person be employed in a position where a member of the immediate family is responsible, in whole or in part, for the supervision and/or evaluation of the employee. Whenever a member of the immediate family of any employee is hired, the School Committee shall be notified of the relationship. The School Committee may approve an exception to this policy where the Committee determines that granting of such exception is in the best interest of the school system. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply. A. “Administrative Officer” shall mean any person who holds a supervisory position of principal or higher rank. B. “Member of immediate family” shall mean spouse, brother, sister, parent, son or daughter. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 1002 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BDB SCHOOL COMMITTEE OFFICERS The Chairperson shall be elected by Committee members at its first meeting in January each year. Duties of the Chairperson The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the School Committee and shall perform other duties as directed by law, Maine Department of Education rules, and by this School Committee. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Chairperson shall: A. Sign the instruments, acts, and orders necessary to carry out state requirements and the will of the School Committee; B. Consult with the Superintendent in the planning of the School Committee meeting agendas; C. Confer with the Superintendent on crucial matters which may occur between School Committee meetings; D. Appoint subcommittees, subject to School Committee, and serve as an exofficio member of all such committees; E. Call special meetings of the School Committee as necessary; F. Be the public spokesperson for the School Committee at all times except as this responsibility is specifically delegated to others; and G. Preside at and be responsible for the orderly conduct of all School Committee meetings. As presiding officer at all meetings of the School Committee, the Chairperson shall: A. Call the meeting to order at the appointed time; B. Announce the business to come before the School Committee in its proper order; C. Enforce the School Committee’s policies relating to the order of business and the conduct of meetings; Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BDB D. Explain, as appropriate, what the effect of a motion would be; E. Restrict discussion when a motion is before the School Committee; F. Put motions to a vote and announce the vote result. The Chairperson shall have the right, as other School Committee members have, to offer motions, discuss questions, and vote. If the chairperson is absent, the School Committee shall elect a chair pro tem to preside over the meeting. Duties of the Secretary The Superintendent shall serve as Secretary of the School Committee, with the right to speak on all questions and offer recommendations. The Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring that records are kept of all business transacted by the School Committee at both regular and appropriately called special meetings, and shall perform such other functions as are ordinarily functions of this office. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 1055 June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BDD SCHOOL COMMITTEE-SUPERINTENDENT RELATIONSHIP The School Committee believes that exercising its legislative function through policymaking is an important responsibility it takes seriously. The School Committee is also responsible for setting the direction for the school unit and evaluating progress toward goals. The management of the schools is the function of the Superintendent. The School Committee holds the Superintendent responsible for complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations; for administering School Committee policies and decisions; for the operation of the schools and educational program; for the system of supervision and evaluation of staff; and for keeping the School Committee informed about school operations, problems and opportunities. The School Committee recognizes that the Superintendent may delegate certain responsibilities to other personnel. Such delegation does not relieve the Superintendent of the final responsibility for actions taken. The School Committee, collectively and as individual members: A. Recognizes the Superintendent as the educational leader of the school unit; B. Provides direction for the Superintendent through written policies, objectives and goals for the school unit; C. Gives the Superintendent full administrative authority and support for properly discharging his/her professional duties, while holding him/her responsible for acceptable results; D. Holds all School Committee meetings in the presence of the Superintendent, except as otherwise permitted by law or when the Superintendent voluntarily excuses him/herself at the request of the School Committee. E. Refers complaints, criticisms, and requests to the Superintendent or other appropriate personnel and discuss them at School Committee meetings only after administrative solutions have been exhausted; and F. Evaluates the Superintendent and provide appropriate opportunities for the Superintendent to share his/her perceptions regarding the working relationship between the School Committee and Superintendent. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BDD Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. 20-A MRSA §§ 1001 et seq.; 1051 et seq.; 13201; 13301 Cross Reference: BBA - School Committee Powers and Responsibilities BCA - School Committee Member Code of Ethics CB - School Superintendent CB-R - Superintendent Job Description CBI - Evaluation of the Superintendent Adopted: February 25, 2008 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BDE SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEES The School Committee shall authorize the establishment of only such subcommittees from among its membership as it finds strictly necessary to study operations in specific areas and to make recommendations for School Committee action. The following rules will govern the appointment and function of such subcommittees. A. The subcommittee shall be established through action of the School Committee. B. The subcommittee members shall be appointed by the School Committee Chairperson. C. The subcommittee shall be provided with a list of its specific functions and duties. D. The subcommittee may make recommendations for School Committee action, but it may not act for the School Committee. E. The School Committee Chairperson and Superintendent shall be ex-officio members of all standing committees. F. All subcommittees shall be dissolved at the end of the School Committee’s year—at an annual organizational meeting—unless they are specifically re-appointed. They may be dissolved at any time by a vote of the School Committee. G. All subcommittee meetings shall be open to the public and subject to the Freedom of Access law. Subcommittees shall be composed of less than a majority of the membership of the School Committee. Legal Reference: Adopted: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS All meetings of the School Committee shall be open to the public, except executive sessions, as provided by law. Regular Meetings The School Committee will hold regular business meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month from September through May. During the months of June, July and August, one regular meeting will be held each month on a day and time approved by a majority vote of the School Committee. Special Meetings A special meeting may be called by the Chairperson or the Superintendent, at their discretion, or at the request of any two members of the School Committee. No business shall be transacted except that for which the meeting is called. Emergency Meetings An emergency meeting is any meeting called with fewer than four days’ notice. This meeting may be called by the Chairperson or Superintendent. No business shall be transacted except that for which the meeting is called. Informational Meetings The School Committee may, at its discretion, hold informational meetings on topics of interest or in preparation for regular School Committee meetings. No official action shall be taken at informational meetings. Executive Sessions Executive sessions of the School Committee shall be called in accordance with state law and at such time and place as required for discussion of matters permitted by statute. No action may be taken on topics while in executive session; all actions of the School Committee are required by law to be in a public meeting. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 403 et seq. 20-A MRSA § 1001 Cross Reference: BEC - Executive Sessions BEDA - Notification of School Committee Meetings Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEA SCHOOL COMMITTEE USE OF ELECTRONIC MAIL Use of electronic mail (e-mail) by School Committee members should conform to the same standards of judgment, propriety, and ethics as other forms of School Committee related communication. School Committee members shall comply with the following guidelines when using e-mail in the conduct of School Committee responsibilities: A. The School Committee shall not use e-mail as a substitute for deliberations at School Committee meetings or for other communications or business properly confined to School Committee meetings. B. School Committee members should be aware that e-mail and e-mail attachments received or prepared for use in School Committee business or containing information relating to School Committee business are likely to be regarded as public records which may be inspected by any person upon request, unless otherwise made confidential by law. C. School Committee members should avoid reference to confidential information about employees, students, or other matters in e-mail communications because of the risk of improper disclosure. School Committee members should comply with the same standards as school employees with regard to confidential information. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA §401 et. seq. 20-A MRSA §§6001-6002 20 USC §1232g Cross Reference: GBJ – Personnel Records and Files JRA – Student Educational Records Adopted: August 28, 2006 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEC EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Except as provided by law, all meetings of the School Committee shall be open to the public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend the meetings. The School Committee may hold executive sessions upon recorded vote of 3/5 of the members present and voting, and any motion to go into executive session shall indicate the nature of the business of the executive session. Deliberations may be conducted in executive sessions only on those matters defined in the law. No action can be taken in executive session. By its very nature, the subject matter of executive sessions is highly confidential. It is expected that all parties to such discussions will respect the need for confidentiality. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. Cross Reference: BE - School Committee Meetings BEC-E - Executive Session Law Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEC-E EXECUTIVE SESSION LAW I. II. III. To Enter Executive Session, a School Committee must: A. Start with a public meeting; B. Have a public recorded vote of 3/5 of members present and voting; and C. State the precise nature of business in motion to enter executive session. The nature of each matter must be stated if more than one. When labor contracts are the subject of an executive session, the parties must be named. Restrictions During Executive Session A. Only matters stated in the motion may be considered. B. No actions can be taken. C. No public record shall be kept. Items Which May Be Discussed In Executive Session A. Discussion or consideration of employment, appointment, assignment, duties, compensation, evaluation, resignation, disciplining, promotion, demotion or dismissal of public officials, appointees or employees or the investigation of charges or complaints against persons, subject to the following conditions: 1. Only when public discussion could be reasonably expected to cause damage to the reputation or violate the individual's right to privacy; 2. Person charged or investigated has right to be present; 3. Person charged or investigated may request in writing that the investigation be conducted in open session. Such requests must be honored; and 4. Any person bringing charges shall be permitted to be present (does not specify participation). Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEC-E B. Discussion or consideration of suspension or expulsion of a student, the cost of whose education is paid from public funds. The student and legal counsel (and parents or guardian if student is a minor) shall be permitted to be present if student, parents or guardian so desire. C. Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or the use of real or personal property only if premature disclosure would prejudice the bargaining position of the body or agency. D. School Committee discussion of labor contracts and proposals and meetings may be held in executive session. (Negotiations between the representatives of a public employer and public employees are closed unless opened by agreement of both parties.) E. Consultations between a body or agency and its attorney concerning legal rights, pending litigation, and settlement offers, when premature public knowledge would give the School Committee substantial disadvantage. F. Discussion of records made, maintained or received by the body or agency, when access by the general public is prohibited by statute. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 405 Cross Reference: BEC - Executive Sessions 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDA NOTIFICATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS It shall be the policy of the School Committee to announce all meetings publicly. Except in the event of rare emergencies, such announcement will be made by the Superintendent/designee in ample time to allow public attendance and shall be disseminated in a manner reasonably calculated to notify the general public. Whenever possible, School Committee members shall receive notice of special or emergency meetings at least 24 hours in advance. Such notice shall include the date, time, location and purpose of the meeting. The Superintendent/designee shall, whenever practical, notify local representatives of the media by the same or faster means as used to notify School Committee members. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. Cross Reference: BE - School Committee Meetings Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDB AGENDA PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION The Superintendent, in cooperation with the Chairperson, shall prepare an agenda for each meeting. Agendas and supporting information will be distributed to each School Committee member no later than the Friday prior to the regular Monday meeting. Copies of the regular meeting agenda will be posted in the schools and mailed to the press and school-affiliated organizations at the same time it is sent to School Committee members. Other interested parties may have regular agendas sent to them upon written request and payment of printing and mailing costs. Copies of the agenda may also be obtained at the regular meeting or the Superintendent’s Office. Cross Reference: Adopted: BE – School Committee Meetings June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDC QUORUM Unless otherwise required by law or School Committee policy, five members of the School Committee shall constitute a quorum for purposes of taking action. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDD RULES OF ORDER Except as otherwise provided by law, by regulations of the Department of Education, or by School Committee policy, Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised (latest edition available) shall be used to resolve procedural matters. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDG MINUTES The Superintendent, in his/her function as School Committee Secretary, shall ensure that accurate records are kept of all meetings of the School Committee. Minutes of all meetings shall be distributed to all School Committee members, the media and other designated persons with the next regular meeting agenda and posted in each school building. Committee meeting minutes are made available for public inspection in the Superintendent’s Office during regular business hours. Minutes shall be reviewed at the next regular Committee meeting, corrected if necessary, and approved. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1055 Cross Reference: BEDB – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS School Committee meetings are conducted for the purpose of carrying on the official business of Lewiston Public Schools. All regular, special and emergency meetings of the School Committee are open to the public; except that Executive Sessions are not open to the general public. The public is cordially invited to attend and participate in School Committee meetings consistent with the provisions of this policy. The School Committee will provide appropriate opportunities for citizens to express opinions and concerns related to the matters under consideration by the School Committee. The intent is to allow a fair and adequate opportunity for the public to be heard and to provide adequate time for the School Committee to obtain information and opinions on subjects before it, while ensuring that the time allowed for public input does not interfere with the fulfillment of the scheduled agenda. Time will be set aside for public input for items not on the meeting agenda. Members of the public may address the School Committee within the guidelines provided in this policy. The Chair shall be responsible for maintaining proper order and compliance with these guidelines. The following guidelines shall apply to public participation at School Committee meetings. A. Citizens and employees of the school unit are welcome to participate as provided in this policy. Others may be recognized to speak at the Chair’s discretion. Individual employees and/or employee groups will not be permitted to discuss matters for which complaint or grievance procedures are provided. B. The Chair may limit the time allotted for comments on a particular topic as well as the time each individual may speak. C. The Chair may require persons interested in speaking to sign up so they may be called on in a fair and efficient manner. D. During the time set aside for public input, the Chair will be responsible for recognizing all speakers, who must identify themselves as they begin speaking. E. Speakers are not permitted to share hearsay, gossip, make defamatory comments, or use abusive or vulgar language. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BEDH F. All speakers are to address the Chair and direct questions or comments to particular School Committee members or the Superintendent only with approval of the Chair. Requests for information or matters that require further research may be referred to the Superintendent to be addressed at a later time. G. Members of the School Committee and the Superintendent may ask questions of any person who addresses the School Committee but are expected to refrain from arguing or debating issues. Questions must be addressed through the Chair. H. No complaints or allegations will be allowed at School Committee meetings concerning any person employed by the school system or against particular students. Personnel matters or complaints concerning student or staff issues will not be considered in a public meeting. Such matters must be handled using established policies and procedures. I. In order to use meeting time efficiently, the School Committee discourages duplication or repetition of comments to the School Committee. The School Committee requests that groups or organizations be represented by designated spokespersons. J. The Chair has the authority to stop any presentation that violates these guidelines or the privacy rights of others. K. Persons who disrupt the meeting may be asked to leave, and the Chair may request law enforcement assistance as necessary to restore order. An agenda shall be published in advance of each meeting in accordance with School Committee policy. Copies will be posted and/or available prior to regular meetings, at the Dingley Building. Anyone desiring additional information about an agenda item should direct such inquiries to the Office of the Superintendent. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. Cross Reference: BEC – Executive Session BEDA – Notification of School Committee Meetings BEDB – Agenda BEDD – Rules of Order KE – Public Concerns and Complaints Adopted: February 25, 2008 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BG SCHOOL COMMITTEE POLICY PROCESS The School Committee considers policy development its chief function. It is the intent of the School Committee to develop written policies to serve as the framework for the successful and efficient functioning of the school unit. The School Committee accepts the definition of policy set forth by the National School Boards Association: School Board policies are statements that set forth the purposes and prescribe in general terms the organization and program of a school system. They create a framework within which the Superintendent and the staff can discharge their assigned duties with positive direction. They tell what is wanted. They may also indicate why and how much. Policies should define clearly the goals and objectives of the school system, allow for the flexibility that is vital in day-to-day operations, reflect the School Board’s vision, define roles and responsibilities (who is supposed to do what), and include measurable outcomes. It is the School Committee’s intention that its policies serve as sources of information and guidance and direction for people who are interested in or connected with the schools. The policies of the school unit are framed and are meant to be interpreted in terms of federal and state statutes, rules of the State Board of Education and Department of Education and other regulatory agencies within the local, county, state and federal government. The policies are also framed and are meant to be interpreted in terms of those educational objectives, procedures and practices which are broadly accepted by leaders and authorities in the public education field. Changes in needs, conditions, purposes and objectives will require revisions, deletions and additions to the policies of the current School Committee and those of the future. The School Committee will welcome suggestions for ongoing policy development. The development of draft policies shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent. Action on policy proposals will be taken by the School Committee. Cross Reference: Adopted: BG-R – Policy Adoption Procedure June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BG-R POLICY ADOPTION PROCEDURE The following procedure shall be used to adopt, review, revise or delete School Committee policies: A. The Superintendent is charged with reviewing and recommending all policies/policy changes to be considered by the School Committee. 1. Individual School Committee members, other standing committees, or other interested party should submit policy suggestions and concerns to the Superintendent. 2. The Superintendent shall have the responsibility to review and research each suggestion in accordance with School Committee policies, prepare draft policies as appropriate, and make recommendations to the entire School Committee. Any School Committee member may request that consideration of the adoption, revision, or deletion of a policy be placed on the agenda of any regular meeting if the Superintendent, after having had full opportunity to consider the member's submitted suggestion, fails to recommend action satisfactory to the member. 3. At an appropriate stage in the process, the Superintendent shall contact the representative teacher organization to meet and consult regarding any proposed new or changed educational policy. To the fullest extent practical, the Superintendent shall also discuss the proposal with other groups affected by the policy. B. Upon recommendation by the Superintendent, the first reading of a new policy, revision or deletion of policy shall be placed on the agenda of a regular School Committee meeting. School Committee members shall receive the policy and recommendations in advance of the meeting date. Discussion may take place on the substance of the policy proposal, and a formal vote shall be held to acknowledge the first reading of the policy. Any changes to the policy agreed to by consensus or formally adopted amendment shall be made prior to the second reading. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BG-R C. At a subsequent regular meeting, more than two weeks and less than eight weeks after the first reading, the policy shall be placed on the agenda for second reading and action. Amendments may be introduced and acted upon. If a main motion to approve the policy is not passed at such a meeting by a majority vote of the whole School Committee, the process for that policy is ended. However, if appropriate, further consideration of the policy may be tabled to a specific date. D. Immediately upon approval, policies/revisions/deletions shall be disseminated. Policies deleted and changed shall be recalled. The Superintendent/designee shall ensure that all policy manuals are kept up-todate. Legal Reference: 26 MRSA § 965.1,C Cross Reference: BG - School Committee Policy Process 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BIA NEW SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER ORIENTATION A new School Committee member or a member-elect of the school unit shall be afforded the fullest measures of courtesy and cooperation by the School Committee and staff. Every feasible effort shall be made to assist the new member to become fully informed about the School Committee’s functions, policies, procedures, and current issues. A. In the interim between appointment/election and actually assuming office, the new member will be invited to attend meetings and functions of the School Committee and is to receive reports and communications normally sent to School Committee members. B. New members will be encouraged to attend appropriate out-of-district orientation and boardsmanship workshops. Activities involving the possible reimbursement of expenses should be cleared first with the School Committee Chairperson or Superintendent. C. The new member is to be provided with copies of all appropriate publications and aids, the School Committee policy manual, and publications of the national and state school boards associations including the MSBA Handbook. D. An orientation session is to be scheduled and conducted by the Chairperson and the Superintendent for any new School Committee member(s) as soon as practical. Ample time is to be provided for the roles and responsibilities of the School Committee and individual members to be discussed, along with the basic ways the School Committee functions, general information about the school system, and resources which are available. All School Committee members are to be invited to the orientation session and encouraged to attend. The experience should serve as a useful review of basic boardsmanship concepts for experienced members as they provide information and counsel to new members. E. The School Committee Chairperson and members of the administrative staff will also confer with the new members as necessary on special problems or concerns. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: BIB SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES On-going development and in-service education are critical aspects of the overall operation of a school system. It is recognized that the School Committee members of this school unit, like administrators, teachers and other school personnel, need to be wellinformed and to stay current on education issues. Continually enhancing boardsmanship skills is necessary to make each member the best that he/she can be. Participation is encouraged in appropriate local, regional, state and national programs sponsored by the Maine School Boards Association, the Maine School Management Association, The National School Boards Association and other recognized leaders in education. This School Committee is committed to the further development of its members so that the greatest good can be rendered by them on behalf of the children in our schools. Adequate funds are to be budgeted annually to fulfill that important responsibility of school governance. Reasonable expenses incurred by School Committee members when giving of their time to obtain in-service education shall be reimbursed in accordance with existing policy and budget allocations. Members shall briefly report to the School Committee and the public at a meeting subsequent to a formal in-service experience. This is to share knowledge gained and to inform the community of the benefits from such expenditures to enhance the ability to oversee the school system effectively. Written reports, by School Committee members or about in-service education events attended, shall appear in school and community publications when appropriate as part of the school unit’s public information program. The School Committee is committed to the individual and collective seeking of good advice, reliable information and feasible solutions to problems. The School Committee’s needs are included with those of the staff for a well-developed, comprehensive in-service education program to assist all who are responsible for effective and enlightened school leadership. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION C: GENERAL SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Section C of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on school management, administrative organization, and school building and department administration – including the administrative aspect of special programs and system-wide reforms such as school- or site-based management. It also houses personnel policies on the superintendent, senior administrators (management team,) and school principals. All phases of policy implementation – procedures or regulations – are properly located in this section. CB CB-R CBI CBI-E School Superintendent Superintendent of Schools Job Description Evaluation of the Superintendent Evaluation of Superintendent CF CF-E CFA School Building Administration School Building Administration Defined Program Directors CHD Administration in the Absence of Policy NEPN/NSBA Code: CB SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT A primary function of the School Committee is to select a Superintendent of Schools. To select a Superintendent, a majority vote of all members of the School Committee shall be required. He/she may be appointed to a contract of up to five years, in accordance with the laws of the State of Maine. The Superintendent shall be executive officer of the School Committee. In addition, under Maine Statutes he/she shall serve as secretary ex officio to the School Committee. He/she shall attend all meetings and have the right to speak on all subjects, but shall have no vote. The Superintendent shall administer and supervise the public educational system of the city. He/she shall have discretionary authority, subject to later approval by the School Committee, to act upon all emergency matters and those as to which his/her power and duties are not specifically set forth or limited. The Superintendent shall devote his/her entire working time to the duties of the position. He/she may, without violation of the provisions of this section, perform educational functions outside the town with the approval of the School Committee. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 1001, 1053 Cross Reference: CBI - Evaluation of the Superintendent Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Superintendent of Schools JOB GOAL: To provide leadership in developing and maintaining the best possible educational programs and services for the students of our school system. To lead, guide, and direct every member of the administrative, instructional, and support services teams in setting and achieving the highest standards of excellence in educational programs and operating systems. To be responsible for a system of supervision and evaluation for all staff designed to meet the goals of the school system. To oversee and administer the use of all facilities, property, and funds in the best interests of students and the school system. MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS: Superintendent Certification (010) Maine Department of Education (or certifiable). REPORTS TO: School Committee SUPERVISES: All administrative and supervisory personnel of the school system. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES AND CRITERIA: The criteria for performing the job responsibilities of the Superintendent include the ability to function effectively in the following categories: 1) Communication; 2) Community Relations; 3) Curriculum; 4) School/Community Involvement; 5) Leadership; 6) Organizational Management; 7) Personnel Management; 8) School Facility Management; 9) School Finance/Budgeting; 10) School Improvement; 11) Staff Development; 12) Superintendent/School Committee Relations; and 13) Supervision/Evaluation. A. Communication—Able to communicate clearly with staff, parents, students, and community, both verbally and in writing. 1. Keeps the public informed of the status of the schools. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 9 NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R B. C. 2. Conducts meetings of administrators, teachers and other staff members as necessary for the discussion of matters concerning the improvement and welfare of the schools. 3. Communicates to all staff members, directly or through delegation, actions of the School Committee relating to personnel matters and receives from employees communications to be made to the School Committee. 4. Confers as appropriate with professional and lay groups concerning the school program and transmits suggestions to the School Committee and others, as appropriate. Community Relations—Recognizes the importance of both stimulating and reflecting community needs/wants regarding education. Demonstrates ability to involve the community in developing and implementing goals. Views the community/ school relationship as a partnership. 1. Establishes and maintains a program of public relations to keep the public well informed of the activities and needs of the school system, effecting a wholesome and cooperative working relationship between the schools and the community. 2. Communicates with and understands the needs and perspectives of various community groups. 3. Attends, or delegates a representative to attend, meetings of municipal agencies at which matters pertaining to the school system appear on the agenda or are expected to be raised. 4. Keeps the public informed about current educational practices, educational trends, and the policies, practices, successes and challenges of the schools. Curriculum—Strong commitment to leading the effort to define and deliver an effective, consistent curriculum K-Adult Education. 1. Administers the development and maintenance of educational programs designed to meet the needs of the community and to carry out the policies of the School Committee. Page 2 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R D. E. 2. Conducts reviews of the total school program, and advises the School Committee on recommendations for the educational advancement of the schools. 3. Recommends to the School Committee, through the use of appropriate personnel, adoption of courses of study, curriculum, teaching materials, etc. 4. Oversees timely revisions of curriculum and courses of study. School/Community Involvement—Visible in the schools, aware of current issues and activities in the schools, and shows an interest in community affairs. 1. Visits schools and classrooms as appropriate. Attends a reasonable number of student/staff events. 2. Seeks to stay informed about issues and activities in the schools. 3. Has a reasonable level of knowledge of administrators, staff, and students. 4. Has a reasonable level of knowledge about community events, concerns, accomplishments, and direction. Leadership—Able to motivate, lead, guide and direct people. Committed to implementing the Mission and Vision Statement of the school system. 1. Facilitates the development of and implements a collaborative educational vision and assists the School Committee in setting priorities for the school system. 2. Serves as the educational leader of the school system. Performs job responsibilities using the Mission and Vision Statement as a guide. 3. Communicates the educational vision and priorities effectively to staff, students, and community. 4. Attend conventions and conferences to keep abreast of latest educational trends. Page 3 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R 5. F. Ensures that policies, procedures and school rules promote a safe, respectful, and healthy school environment. Organizational Management—Uses a systematic approach to managing and improving the schools. Excellent organizational skills, working knowledge of school law, and proven ability to resolve organizational conflicts. 1. Administers, as chief school executive, the development, maintenance, and improvement of the educational program. 2. Maintains, directly or through delegation, such personnel records, pupil accounting records, business records and other records as required by law and/or School Committee policy. 3. Files, or causes to be filed, all reports required by state or federal laws/regulations. 4. Advises the School Committee of the need for new and revised policies, and ensures that all policies of the School Committee are implemented. 5. Makes administrative decisions necessary for the effective and efficient operations of the schools. Acts on own discretion when emergency action is necessary in matters not covered by School Committee policy. Reports such emergency actions to the School Committee and recommends policy for future guidance. 6. Develops and implements rules and procedures for staff and students as necessary to comply with School Committee policies, and state and federal laws/regulations. 7. Delegates to other staff, at own discretion, the exercise of any powers and duties, with the knowledge that such delegation does not relieve the Superintendent of final responsibility for any actions taken. 8. Recommends attendance boundaries for all schools and the transfer of students from one building to another in the interest of good administration of the instructional program. Implements School Committee policies and state laws/regulations for the promotion, retention and acceleration of students. Page 4 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R 9. G. H. Makes recommendations to the School Committee concerning the transportation of students in accordance with School Committee policies, state laws/regulations, and student safety considerations. Personnel Management—Excellent people skills. Ability to recruit and retain high quality staff. Strong personnel management practices and understanding of collective bargaining issues. 1. Develops and implements a hiring process that complies with applicable state and federal laws and attracts the most qualified candidates. 2. Nominates to the School Committee for employment the most qualified and competent teachers and administrators. 3. Employs the most qualified and competent support staff. 4. Develops job descriptions for all staff. 5. Assigns and transfers employees as the interests of the school system require. 6. Participates, as deemed appropriate by the School Committee, in negotiations with recognized employee bargaining units. 7. Handles employee grievances or problems in accordance with applicable School Committee policies, collective bargaining agreements, and/or state/federal laws and regulations. 8. Establishes and implements personnel policies and procedures for non-union staff. 9. Ensures that the School Committee complies with meet and consult requirements on educational policy issues. School Facility Management—Good understanding of facilities management, including development of long-term maintenance plans, and budgeting/planning for future building needs. 1. Makes recommendations to the School Committee on the location and size of new school sites and additions to existing sites; the Page 5 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R location and size of new buildings on sites; plans for new school buildings; appropriates for sites and buildings; and improvements, alterations and changes in buildings and equipment. I. 2. Develops and implements short and long-term maintenance plans for school buildings and grounds, delegating particular duties as the Superintendent deems appropriate. 3. Includes maintenance and other facilities/equipment needs in budget planning. 4. Develops and implements guidelines and procedures governing the use and care of school facilities and property. School Finance/Budgeting—Strong working knowledge of school finance, including budget development and management. Ability to effectively communicate with the School Committee, staff, community and local municipal officials. Clear understanding of federal, state, and local funding issues. 1. Demonstrates the ability to perform effective financial forecasting and long and short-term financial planning. 2. Supervises the preparation and presentation of the annual budget and recommends it to the School Committee for approval. 3. Establishes and maintains efficient procedures and effective controls for all expenditures of school funds in accordance with the adopted budget. 4. Clearly explains proposed budgets, needs and priorities to the School Committee, community and local municipal officials. 5. Conducts all financial operations and purchasing within School Committee policies and applicable state/federal laws/regulations. 6. Maintains appropriate financial accounts and ensures that audits are performed on an annual basis. 7. Provides prior notice to the School Committee when there is a need to depart from School Committee policy in any financial matter. Page 6 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R J. K. School Improvement—Commitment to supervise and evaluate school programs in the spirit of continuous improvement. Understanding of educational practices, research, and national/state/local initiatives, including Maine’s Learning Results. Ability to frame issues for discussion, reach timely decisions, and implement change. 1. Develops, implements, and monitors the change process to improve the educational program. 2. Is familiar with current research and educational issues. 3. Involves the staff and community in plans to improve the educational program. 4. Ensures that there is a comprehensive system of student assessment in place. 5. Informs and advises the School Committee about educational programs and instructional practices in the schools. 6. Communicates effectively with staff, students and the community about educational trends, curriculum needs and instructional programs. 7. Ensures that the educational program complies with School Committee policies and applicable state and federal laws/regulations. 8. Ensures that administrators and teachers communicate student progress and school curricula to parents on a regular basis. Staff Development—Committed to and fosters continuous staff improvement. Emphasizes both system-wide and individual development. 1. Fosters an environment that encourages continuous learning and improvement on the part of school staff. 2. Develops and implements an effective system of staff development focused on improving the educational and operational programs of the schools, with appropriate input from the School Committee, administration and staff. Page 7 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R L. 3. Provides reasonable opportunities for staff to participate in conferences, visitations and coursework within the framework of the school system’s budget. 4. Ensures that all staff are involved in the school system’s staff development opportunities. 5. Informs the School Committee of staff development priorities, needs, and activities. Superintendent/School Committee Relations—Understands that the Superintendent is responsible for management of the schools under the School Committee’s policies and is accountable to the School Committee. Supports and facilitates the work of the Committee. Maintains open communication with the Committee. 1. Supervises and ensures compliance with all laws, regulations and School Committee policies. 2. Keeps the School Committee informed about programs, activities, accomplishments, problems, and needs of the schools. 3. Presents information and recommendations necessary to assist the School Committee in performing its duties effectively, including the need for policy on particular subjects. 4. Schedules and attends meetings of the School Committee. 5. Serves as Secretary to the School Committee as required by law. 6. Serves as an ex officio member of all school system/School Committee committees, attending meetings as specified by the School Committee. 7. Advises and recommends action by the School Committee as appropriate concerning student and staff disciplinary issues. 8. Assists the School Committee in developing annual and long-range goals for the school system. 9. Represents the school system with the media and other groups as deemed appropriate by the School Committee. Page 8 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CB-R 10. M. Performs such other tasks as may be assigned by the School Committee. Supervision/Evaluation—Understands the importance of accountability for staff and self. Uses an evaluation process that establishes clear performance standards and follows through to resolve performance issues. 1. Develops and implements an effective system of supervision and evaluation for all staff, based on School Committee policies and with appropriate input from administration and staff. 2. Oversees methods of teaching, supervision, evaluation and administration in the schools. 3. Handles employee disciplinary issues as necessary. 4. Recommends salary changes or dismissal/non-renewal of administrators and teachers to the School Committee for final action. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Work year shall be twelve (12) months. Length of contract, salary and benefits shall be determined by the School Committee and Superintendent under the Superintendent’s individual contract. EVALUATION: Performance shall be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the School Committee’s policy on evaluation of the Superintendent. Cross Reference: CBI – Evaluation of Superintendent Adopted: ________ Page 9 of 9 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CBI EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT As a regular and scheduled activity, the School Committee will evaluate the performance of the Superintendent with written standards agreed to by the evaluatee and the evaluators. The primary purpose of the evaluation will be to effect improvements in administrative leadership. Performance Objectives Using the evaluation of performance for a given year and new priorities established by the School Committee, the School Committee and the Superintendent will mutually establish, prior to October 1, a new set of specific performance goals and standards for the Superintendent for the ensuing year. These will then become the primary criteria for the next School Committee evaluation of the Superintendent at the end of the designated year. Cross Reference: Adopted: CB - School Superintendent June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CBI-E EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Guidelines A. The Superintendent should be involved in the development of the standards with which he/she will be evaluated, or at least accept previously developed standards as appropriate to his/her current operations. B. Evaluation should be at a scheduled time and place, with no other items on the agenda, at a study or executive session with all School Committee members present. C. The evaluation should be a composite of the individual School Committee members’ opinions, but the School Committee as a whole should meet with the Superintendent to discuss the evaluation. D. The evaluation should include a discussion of strengths as well as weaknesses. E. Both parties should prepare for the evaluation—the Superintendent by conducting a rigorous self-evaluation, the School Committee by examining various sources of information relating to the Superintendent’s performance. F. The School Committee should not limit itself to the items that appear on the evaluation form. No form or set of guidelines can encompass the totality of the Superintendent’s responsibilities. G. Each judgment should be supported by as much rationale and objective evidence as possible. One School Committee member’s opinion should not be the sole basis for judgment on an appraisal item. H. The evaluation may include an examination of the working relationships between the School Committee and Superintendent. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CF SCHOOL BUILDING ADMINISTRATION The Building Administrator is responsible for the actual day-to-day administration and supervision of the school building, staff and students. The Building Administrator is responsible for administering school operations and programs in accordance with School Committee policies and under the direction of the Superintendent. The Building Administrator’s major responsibility is to serve as the educational leader of his/her school and staff to support and improve the instructional program. The Building Administrator will inform the Superintendent on a regular basis regarding the needs and conditions of the students, staff and facilities for which he/she is responsible. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CF-E SCHOOL BUILDING ADMINISTRATION DEFINED All school principals, assistant principals, LRTC director and assistant director. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CFA PROGRAM DIRECTORS Program directors are the chief administrators in the actual day-to-day management and supervision of particular programs. Program directors are responsible for administering programs in accordance with School Committee policies and under the direction of the Superintendent. They will inform the Superintendent on a regular basis regarding the needs and conditions of their program. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: CHD ADMINISTRATION IN THE ABSENCE OF POLICY In cases when action must be taken within the school system and the School Committee has provided no guidelines for administrative action through policy, the Superintendent shall have the power to act. The Superintendent shall inform the School Committee of the need for policy on such topics. Cross Reference: Adopted: CB - School Superintendent CB-R - Superintendent Job Description November 18, 2002 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION D: FISCAL MANAGEMENT Section D of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on school finances and the management of funds. Policies on the financing of school construction and renovation, however, are filed in Section F, Facilities Development. DA Fiscal Management DB Annual Budget DI DID Fiscal Accounting and Reporting Inventories DJ DJG Purchasing Vendor Relations/Gifts DM Cash in School Buildings DN School Properties Disposition NEPN/NSBA Code: DA FISCAL MANAGEMENT The School Committee recognizes that money and money management comprise the foundational support of the whole school program. To make that support as effective as possible the School Committee intends: A. To encourage advance planning through the best possible budget procedures; B. To explore all practical and legal sources of revenues; C. To guide the expenditure of funds so as to achieve the greatest educational returns; D. To require maximum efficiency in accounting and reporting procedures; and E. To maintain a level of per student expenditure needed to provide high quality education. As trustee of local, state and federal funds allocated for use in education, the School Committee has the responsibility to protect the funds and to use them wisely. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DB ANNUAL BUDGET The School Committee recognizes that financial resources and the proper management of same are fundamental to the support of school programs and operations. With this in mind, the School Committee will develop and present an annual operating budget as directed by applicable laws. The annual budget will be for a 12-month period covering the fiscal year July 1 through June 30. The School Committee shall designate the Superintendent as its budget officer, but he/she may delegate portions of such responsibility as appropriate. The three general areas of responsibility of the budget officer are budget preparation, budget presentation and budget administration. The Superintendent shall work with school administrators and staff in determining budgetary needs and priorities and developing the annual budget for School Committee review. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 15617 et seq. June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DI FISCAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING The Superintendent shall be responsible for properly accounting for all funds of the school unit. The accounting used shall be in accordance with requirements of the Maine Department of Education and with good accounting practices, providing for the appropriate separation of accounts, funds and special moneys. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent/designee to direct and supervise the preparation of reports to the School Committee; to advise building administrators and other administrators periodically of expenditures related to budget appropriations; and to prepare financial reports required by the Maine Department of Education or other agencies with jurisdiction. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 1055 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DID INVENTORIES Inventory of property and equipment shall be taken on an annual basis at the close of the school year. The inventory system shall serve the functions of control and conservation. Responsibility for the inventory system shall be with the Superintendent/designee, to whom building administrators and other administrators shall be accountable for the maintenance and reporting of accurate inventories in their schools/programs. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ PURCHASING This purchasing policy provides a guide for procurement of supplies, materials, equipment and contractual services in Lewiston Public Schools. All purchasing activities are to be performed in accordance with this policy and applicable laws. Any deviation therefrom must have the approval of the Superintendent and the School Committee. Definitions For the purpose of this policy, the following terms, phrases, words and derivations shall have the meaning given herein unless the context in which they are used clearly requires a different meaning. A. Purchasing. Purchasing includes purchasing, renting, leasing, or otherwise obtaining supplies or services. B. Supplies. Supplies shall mean and include all supplies, materials and equipment. C. Services. Services shall mean and include all telephone, gas, water, electrical and power services, towel service, laundry and cleaning service, insurance, leases or rentals of all grounds, buildings, offices, space or equipment required by the School Department or leased or rented by the School Department to others, the repair or maintenance of equipment or real property owned by or the responsibility of the School Department. Purchasing Procedures The Business Manager shall be responsible for supervising the purchase or contracting of all supplies and contractual services in accordance with this policy, under the supervision of the Superintendent. A. Formal Competitive Bids. All supplies and contractual services except as otherwise provided herein, when the estimated cost thereof shall exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), shall be purchased by formal competitive bids from the lowest responsible bidder, after due notice inviting proposals. B. Preparation. Preparation of the invitation for bids shall describe the requirements of the School Department clearly, accurately and completely, but avoid requirements which might unduly limit the number of bidders. Page 1 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ The Business Manager is authorized to develop appropriate specifications for all purchases and may utilize School Department personnel and private vendors as necessary to accurately describe the requirements for any purchase. C. Notices. The Business Manager shall place an advertisement in a local newspaper of general circulation in Lewiston or other newspapers or publications. D. Bid Deposits. Bid bonds will be required on all construction projects when the estimated value of work to be done exceeds $20,000; is deemed necessary by the Business Manager; or is required by federal or state law. The bid deposit required shall be included in the public notice inviting bids. Bid deposits shall be a minimum of 10% for bids under $500,000 and a minimum of 5% for bids over $500,000. Surety of the unsuccessful bidders shall be returned by the Business Manager after the bid has been awarded. A successful bidder shall forfeit any surety required by the School Committee upon failure on his/her part to enter into a contract within ten days after the award. E. Performance & Payment Bonds. When the estimated value of work to be done is in excess of $20,000 or when deemed necessary by the Business Manager, a 100% performance bond will be required. The performance bond requirement shall be included in the public notice inviting bids or proposals. F. Bid Opening Procedure. Sealed bids shall be submitted to the Business Manager and shall be identified as bids on the envelope. Openings shall be in public at the time and place stated in the public notices. A record of all bids submitted shall be kept by the Business Manager, and such record shall be open to public inspection during regular business hours. G. Awards of Contract. Upon recommendation of the Business Manager, all formal bids shall be awarded by the Superintendent. When the Business Manager recommends a bid award to other than the low bidder and the award exceeds $10,000, the recommendation shall be submitted to the School Committee for final action. Page 2 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ H. Lowest Responsible Bidder. Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, the following factors shall be considered in addition to price: 1. The ability, capacity and skill of the bidder to perform the contract or provide the service required; 2. Whether the bidder can perform the contract or provide the service promptly, or within the time specified, without delay or interference; 3. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience and efficiency of the bidder; 4. The quality of performance of previous contracts or services; 5. The previous and existing compliance by the bidder with laws and ordinances relating to the contract or services; 6. The sufficiency of the financial resources and ability of the bidder to perform the contract or provide the service; 7. The quality, availability and adaptability of the supplies, or contractual services to the particular use required; 8. The ability of the bidder to provide maintenance and service for the use of the subject of the contract; and 9. The number and the scope of conditions attached to the bid. I. Award to Other Than Low Bidder. When the award is not given to the lowest bidder, a statement of the reasons for placing the order elsewhere shall be prepared and filed with the papers relating to the transaction. J. Preferential Treatment. Local vendors shall not be granted preferential treatment except if all bids received are for the same total amount/unit price, with quality and service being equal. K. Tie Bids. If all bids received are for the same total amount/unit price, with quality and service being equal, the contract shall be awarded first to a local bidder and second to an in-state bidder. If neither of the above applies, the contract shall be awarded to one of the tie bidders by drawing lots in public. Page 3 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ L. Rejection of Bids. The Superintendent shall have the authority to reject any and all bids when bids are deemed non-responsive, token, collusive, or otherwise unacceptable and such action is in the best interest of the School Department. M. Emergencies. When the public exigency will not permit the delay incident to advertising, the Superintendent may authorize immediate negotiated purchases of supplies or services necessary to protect the best interests of the School Department. N. Formal Competitive Bids Impractical. When the specialized and professional nature of services required render the competitive bid process impractical or impossible, direct purchase may be authorized by the Superintendent. O. “Waiver of Competition” may be authorized by the Superintendent when the services or items are: 1. A single source item; 2. Must meet compatibility requirements with existing equipment owned by the School Department; 3. A specialized service with only one vendor available; and 4. A product or service is unique and easily established as one of a kind. P. Documentation. The Business Manager will document each waiver in as much detail as possible to show justification for each waiver. Q. Authorization. After review of the criteria and documentation, the Superintendent may authorize a waiver of competition. R. Negotiation Procedures and Policies. Negotiated procurements shall be on a competitive basis to the maximum extent practical. Whenever supplies or services are procured by negotiation, price quotations or other evidence of reasonable prices and other vital factors deemed necessary by the Superintendent shall be solicited from the maximum number of qualified sources of supplies or services available, consistent with the nature and requirements for the particular supplies or services. Page 4 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ S. Decentralized Purchases. At the discretion of the Business Manager and subject to his/her review and approval, the Superintendent, building administrators and directors may make purchases in amounts not to exceed $200.00. The Business Manager shall issue such rules, procedures and forms as he/she deems necessary to control such purchases. He/she may also permit this monetary limitation to be exceeded with the approval of the Superintendent. T. Purchases—Not to Exceed $2,000. When the Business Manager considers prices to be fair and reasonable and the total amount of a purchase does not exceed $2,000, procedures and documentation will be simplified to the maximum degree possible. He/she shall establish such rules and procedures for such purchases as he/she feels necessary to ensure against abuse. U. Purchases—$2,000 to $5,000. Negotiated purchases exceeding $2,000, but not exceeding $5,000 in total cost, will be supported by a record of price quotation from three competitive sources or adequate explanations justifying the absence of such competition. Such quotations may be obtained in writing, verbally, or by other means as deemed appropriate by the Business Manager. Special Professional Services A. Architect, Engineer and Consultant Services—Policy and Procedures. All requirements for such services shall be announced publicly and contracts awarded on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualifications for the type of professional services required; the technical merits of offers; and the price of services to be rendered. B. Fees. No contracts shall be awarded wherein the fee is stated as a percentage of the project cost. The preferred method of establishing a fee shall be that of a firm fixed fee. Other methods may be employed if it is impossible to arrive at a firm fixed fee. C. Selection. The Business Manager shall request firms engaged in the lawful practice of their profession to submit a statement of qualifications and performance data. If the anticipated fee exceeds $10,000, this data shall be evaluated by a committee appointed by the Superintendent. The selection committee shall conduct discussions with at least three firms, if possible, regarding anticipated concepts and the relative utility of alternative methods of approach for furnishing the required services. The committee shall Page 5 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ select, in order of preference, no fewer than three firms deemed to be adequately qualified to provide the services required. If for sound, specific and documented reason(s), the committee decides that only one firm is qualified, the Business Manager will negotiate a fair and reasonable price subject to the final approval of the School Committee. D. Insurance and Bonds. All firms selected as qualified must provide evidence of insurance covering their entire scope of operation for any “error or omissions” resulting from their endeavors. The amounts of such insurance coverage shall be commensurate with the magnitude of the project under consideration and shall be established by the Business Manager. Should timely performance be a matter of importance to the School Committee, the firm selected may be requested to furnish an acceptable performance bond, and/or a reasonable “Liquidated Damages” penalty, and/or such other form of surety as may be mutually agreed upon to ensure adherence to a mutually agreed time schedule. E. Award. After the selection committee has selected and rated those firms qualified for a specific project, the Business Manager shall negotiate a contract with the highest rated firm at compensation which the selection committee determines to be fair and reasonable to the School Department. In making this decision, the selection committee shall take into account the estimated value, scope, complexity and professional nature of the services to be rendered. Should the Business Manager be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with the firm considered to be the highest rated at a fee which the selection committee determines to be fair and reasonable, he/she will undertake negotiations with the second-rated firm. If agreement is not reached with the second firm, he/she will undertake negotiations with the third-rated firm. Should the Business Manager be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the rated firms, the selection committee shall select and rate additional firms and shall continue negotiations in accordance with this section until an agreement is reached. F. Small Project. In instances where the fee does not exceed $10,000, the procedures for selection may be simplified by the Business Manager in consultation with the Superintendent. The Business Manager shall select and rate three adequately qualified firms with whom he/she may negotiate for a fair and reasonable fee. A complete record of the reasons for selecting the qualified firms and the negotiation proceedings shall be part of the record. G. Disqualification of Bidders. The Business Manager shall have the authority to disqualify bidders who failed to complete the project, or default LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 6 of 7 NEPN/NSBA Code: DJ on their bids, quotations, contracts or purchase orders from receiving further awards from the School Department for a stated period of time. Vendors with legal actions pending may be disqualified per discretion of Superintendent. The Business Manager will notify the bidder in writing of such disqualification, and the bidder shall have the right to appeal to the School Committee for a reversal or reinstatement. General Purchasing Rules A. Requisition. Purchases involving the immediate encumbrance of funds shall be made only on a written requisition. B. Revisory Power. The Business Manager shall examine each requisition and shall have the authority to revise it as to quantity, quality or estimated cost; but revision as to quality shall be only with the approval of the Superintendent. C. Appropriation Required. No purchase of supplies or services not provided for in the annual appropriation resolve as approved by the City Council shall be made. D. Unauthorized Purchases. It shall be unlawful for any employee to purchase any supplies or services other than through the Business Manager and/or in accordance with these policies. E. Cooperative Purchasing. The Business Manager shall have the authority to join other units of government (federal, state, county, municipal and municipal subdivisions, including quasi-municipal agencies) in cooperative purchasing plans when the best interests of the School Department would be served thereby and such action is in accordance with applicable laws. F. Other Business Manager Duties. The Business Manager shall perform such other duties related to the functions, duties and authorities set forth herein, as may be prescribed by the Superintendent and any applicable laws. Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 1743-A 20-A MRSA § 1001.14; 5401.13D; 5402 § 13C (Maine State Board of Education Rules for School Construction) Cross Reference: DJG – Vendor Relations/Gifts Adopted: June 7, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 7 of 7 NEPN/NSBA Code: DJG VENDOR RELATIONS/GIFTS No School Committee members or employees of Lewiston Public Schools shall accept any money, loan, gift, favor, service, or opportunity that reasonably tends to influence them in the performance of their official duties. Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 October 16, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DM CASH IN SCHOOL BUILDINGS No money collected by staff shall be kept overnight in schools except in a locked depository that the building administrator has made available for the purpose. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: DN SCHOOL PROPERTIES DISPOSITION The Superintendent is authorized to determine, through procedures he/she develops, when personal property (supplies, materials, equipment), as distinguished from real property, is obsolete or no longer of use to the school unit and to declare it surplus. A. Other municipal departments are to be informed in writing of property declared surplus and are to have first option to purchase. The charges for municipal purchases shall be determined by the Superintendent. B. Surplus property, including books, to be offered for sale shall be disposed of by public sale. Public notice of any sale of surplus property shall be given at least one week in advance. C. Any surplus property which is offered for public sale and is not sold may be disposed of in a manner deemed advisable by the Superintendent. D. Any property determined to be worthless, or for any reason is considered to be inappropriate for sale, shall be disposed of in a manner the Superintendent deems appropriate. E. Any school unit identification that has been applied to the surplus property shall be removed or, if not possible to remove, be further identified to indicate the intended disposition and surplus nature (i.e., “SOLD BY,” “SURPLUS”). All revenues which result from the sale of surplus property shall be credited as miscellaneous income except in any instance where law requires that it be credited to a specific account. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 7 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION E: SUPPORT SERVICES Section E of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on non-instructional services and programs, particularly those on business management such as safety, building and grounds management, office services, transportation, and food services. EB EBAA EBAA-R EBBB EBCA EBCA-E EBCB EBCB-R EBCC EBCE EBCF Environmental and Safety Program Chemical Hazards Chemical Hazard Audit Protocol Accident Reports Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (Signature Page) Fire Drills Fire Drills Administrative Procedure Bomb Threats School Closings and Cancellations Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) ECA ECAAA ECB ECBA ECBA-E1 ECBA-E2 ECBA-E3 Buildings and Grounds Security Identification Badges Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Pest Management in School Facilities and on School Grounds Pest Management Notification Pest Management Notification (Registry) Notice of Planned Pesticide Application ED Material Resources Management EE EEA EEA-R EEAEAA EEAEAA-R EEBB Transportation Services Management Student Transportation Services Student Transportation Services – Street Listing Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers Administrative Procedure Use of Private Vehicles on School Business EFC EFDA EFE EFE-E Free and Reduced Price Food Services Sale of Foods and Beverages Outside of the School Nutrition Program Vending Machines Vending Machines – Examples 2/25/08 NEPN/NSBA Code: EB ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY PROGRAM Accidents are undesirable, unplanned occurrences which may result in tragic consequences—bodily harm, loss of school time, property damage, legal action and even fatality. It shall be the policy of the School Committee to guard against such occurrences by taking precautions to protect the safety of all students, employees, visitors and others present on school property or at school-sponsored events. The practice of safety shall also be considered a facet of the instructional plan of the schools through educational programs in traffic and pedestrian safety, fire prevention, emergency procedures, and other pertinent issues appropriately geared to students at different grade levels. The Superintendent and school administrators shall be responsible for the supervision of a safety training program for the schools. General areas of emphasis shall include but not be limited to: in-service training; accident record keeping; physical plant inspection; driver and vehicle safety programs; fire prevention; emergency procedures; evacuation plans; and traffic safety relevant to students, staff and the community. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBAA CHEMICAL HAZARDS Lewiston Public Schools shall comply with all applicable Maine and federal laws and regulations concerning chemical hazards. The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing a hazard communication program, training programs and any other procedures necessary to ensure that the school department is in compliance with this policy and applicable laws/regulations. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) A. The school department will obtain MSDS for all hazardous chemicals utilized in the school department. Copies of the MSDS will be available for inspection during regular business hours in each building where the chemicals are used. B. MSDS will be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. C. MSDS for new products put into use in the school department will be reviewed and employees who may be exposed to the product shall receive appropriate training as necessary. Employee Training and Information Program A. All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals shall be given a list of hazardous chemicals utilized in the school department and a copy of this policy. B. All employees whose work involves hazardous chemicals are required to attend a training program before commencing work. Training will also be provided whenever a new chemical the employees have not been trained on is introduced into their work area. Employee attendance at each required training program must be documented. C. The school department’s training program shall be conducted in compliance with applicable laws/regulations and include the following elements at a minimum: 1. An explanation of applicable laws and/or regulations; 2. Identification of work/storage areas where hazardous chemicals are present: Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBAA 3. Description of methods for detecting the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in work/storage areas; 4. Explanation of potential health problems associated with hazardous chemicals in the workplace; 5. Explanation of how to read a MSDS, product labels and other documents related to hazardous chemicals and where in the facility the MSDS may be found; 6. Explanation of methods to protect employees from hazardous chemicals, including the purpose, proper use and limitations of personal protective equipment; and 7. Explanation of emergency procedures. Purchase of Hazardous Chemicals The school department will establish a Hazardous Chemical Screening Process for the Review and approval of purchases of hazardous chemicals needed for instructional and service purposes. The process will be implemented under the supervision of the Superintendent/designee, in consultation with school employees in areas in which hazardous chemicals are to be used. Requests for purchases of hazardous chemicals shall include at least the following information: 1. The common and chemical name of the chemical; 2. The amount of the chemical needed for the year; 3. The storage requirements, instructional use and waste disposal procedures for the chemical; and 4. The amount and age of any existing quantities of the chemical. The school department shall order quantities that are expected to be fully consumed under normal conditions within two years of purchase of, if the hazardous chemical has a shelf life of less than two years, a quantity that is expected to be consumed within the shelf life period. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBAA Storage of Hazardous Chemicals Hazardous chemicals will be stored in accordance with specifications described in MSDS’s and with applicable laws and regulations. All hazardous chemicals and products shall be labeled as required by law/regulations. Containers that are not properly labeled shall not be allowed in the school department. Product Disposal The school department shall dispose of hazardous chemicals properly. When required by law/regulations, hazardous chemicals shall be disposed of through an agency licensed by the State. When it is necessary to store hazardous chemicals prior to removal from school property, storage shall be in an approved tank or building. Outside Contractors The school department shall inform all outside contractors of hazardous chemicals they could be exposed to in the course of their work, along with appropriate protective measures. The school department shall also request outside contractors to provide notification about their use of hazardous chemicals. Annual Review This policy shall be reviewed by the Superintendent/designee on an annual basis. Legal Reference: 29 C.F.R. § 1910.1200 26 M.R.S.A. § 565 Me. Reg. Ch. 2 § 12-179 Me. Reg. Ch. 161 (Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: EBCA – Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Adopted: November 18, 2002 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBAA-R CHEMICAL HAZARD AUDIT PROTOCOL Please circle Y N 1. Y N 2. The inventory lists the material, amount on location, and is safely stored. Y N 3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are kept at location site and a complete building list is kept in the main office or permanent area for ready access. Notations: A building or program inventory of hazardous chemicals has been completed. Areas of particular concern include: science labs, home economics, LRTC labs, nurse’s supplies, custodial supplies, office supplies, technology supplies, industrial labs, and art. a) Annual audit will be completed by September 15 of each year. b) Audits will be completed by building administrators in conjunction with Director of Nutrition, Director of Maintenance, and MIS Director. Director of Maintenance will complete the Dingley Building audit. _______________________ School Building/Program _____________________________ Signature of Building Administrator ____________ Date Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBBB ACCIDENT REPORTS Accurate and prompt accident reporting is essential to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. When there are personal injuries and/or property damage, prompt reports are also vital in assuring the school unit, staff, students and others of proper insurance coverage. The School Committee requires that an accident report be filed for every accident that takes place on school property; involves a school vehicle, students or staff on schoolsponsored trips; or involves staff members on authorized school business trips. Accident reports are required whether or not an injury or damage is immediately evident. The Superintendent/designee shall develop and implement accident report procedures and forms which will be available in each school. The purposes of the forms are to: 1) provide information that will be helpful in preventing future accidents, 2) provide information needed for filing insurance claims, and 3) provide information which may be important in litigation. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCA COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (FORMERLY: CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN) The School Committee hereby adopts Lewiston Public Schools’ Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The Superintendent and building administrators shall be responsible for developing, in consultation with staff and persons or agencies with expertise in planning for and responding to emergencies, a comprehensive emergency management plan that identifies and addresses all hazards and potential hazards that could reasonably be expected to affect the school unit and school facilities. [NOTE: P.L. Chapter 408, effective September 20, 2007, repealed and replaced M.R.S.A § 1001(16). The statute now requires School Committees to annually approve a plan “developed by the school unit administration working with teachers and staff and local, county and state public safety officials, fire-fighting personnel, emergency management officials, mental health officials and law enforcement officials . . .” The previous version of the statute required School Committees to “annually approve a plan developed by the school unit administration working with local public safety, mental health and law enforcement officials to deal with crises and potential crisis situations involving violent acts by or against students in each school in the school administrative unit.” The new law involves a wider range of input and reflects a shift to an “all-hazards” preventionpreparedness-response-recovery approach to emergency planning and management.] The Superintendent and building administrators shall be responsible for ensuring that the plan is implemented in each school and evaluated on an annual basis. It is understood that specific procedures may vary from school to school due to differences in school facilities and the ages of students. As required by law, the School Committee will approve the plan annually. Any substantive changes in the plan shall be subject to the approval of the School Committee. The following information pertaining to Lewiston Public Schools’ Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is considered public information: A. A description of the scope and purpose of the Plan and the process used for developing and updating it; B. General information on auditing for safety and preparedness; C. Roles and responsibilities of school administrators, teachers and staff and the designated chain of command during an emergency; and Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCA D. Strategies for conveying information to parents and the general public during an emergency. Except as specified in paragraphs A through D above, those portions of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and any other records describing security plans, security procedures or risk assessments prepared specifically for the purpose of preventing or preparing for acts of terrorism shall not be considered public information under the Freedom of Access Act but only to the extent that the release of such information could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the physical safety of school unit personnel or the public. For the purpose of this policy, “terrorism” is defined as in 1 M.R.S.A. § 402(3)(L) as “conduct that is designed to cause serious bodily injury or substantial risk of bodily injury to multiple persons, substantial damage to multiple structures whether occupied or unoccupied or substantial physical damage sufficient to disrupt the normal functioning of a critical infrastructure.” Legal Reference: Adopted: Revised: Revised: 20-A MRSA § 1001(16) March 22, 1999 June 7, 2000 February 11, 2008 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCA-E COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (Signature Page) In accordance with the Lewiston School Committee Policy Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (EBCA) I certify that I have updated and reviewed with the staff the school’s Emergency Response Plan for the ________________ school year. I also certify that in accordance with the Lewiston School Committee Policy Fire Drills (EBCB) I have provided the staff and students annual orientation of the fire drill procedure. Signature _____________________________ Principal/Director Date ________________________________ NOTE: This form is to be completed and sent to the Superintendent of Schools by September 15 annually. 12/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCB FIRE DRILLS In order to protect the health and safety of students and staff and in compliance with the provisions of the Life Safety Code, schools at all levels, K-12, are required to hold two fire drills during the first two weeks of school. Each elementary school will hold an additional eight fire drills during the year; the Lewiston Middle School an additional six fire drills; and Lewiston High School an additional four fire drills. Each building administrator, in cooperation with local fire officials, will develop procedures designed to accomplish the evacuation of school buildings as quickly and efficiently as possible. Building administrators shall keep a record of all fire drills held in their schools, stating the date and time the drill was held; the time required for evacuation of the building; and any deficiencies noted and corrected. This information will be reported to the Superintendent or his/her designee after each drill. Fire officials will be notified before each drill. Staff members will receive an annual orientation to this procedure, and the fire drill procedure will be prominently displayed in each classroom. At the beginning of each school year, building administrators will ensure that each teacher acquaints the students under his/her care with the designated evacuation routes. Legal Reference: CHAP. 125.17, B (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: EBCB-R – Fire Drills Administrative Procedure Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCB-R FIRE DRILLS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Fire drills shall be conducted regularly in accordance with the applicable provisions of the following: A. Each school shall conduct two exit drills within the first two weeks of each new school year. In addition, each elementary school shall conduct eight additional drills during the school year; the Middle School shall conduct six additional drills during the school year and the High School shall conduct four additional drills during the school year. B. When weather is severe during the winter months, drills should be held in the fall and/or spring of the school year so as to complete the required number of drills and not endanger the health of the students. C. Drills shall be executed at different hours of the day or evening; during the changing of classes; when the school is at assembly, etc., so as to avoid any distinction between drills and actual fires. If a drill is called when students are going up and down the stairways, as during the time classes are changing, the students shall be instructed to form in line and immediately proceed to the nearest available exit in an orderly manner. D. Every fire exit drill shall be an exercise in proper school management for the building administrator and teachers. The chief purpose of every drill is the complete control of the students so that the teachers may form ranks quickly and silently, may halt it, turn it, or direct it as desired. Great stress shall be placed upon the execution of each drill in a brisk, quiet and orderly manner. Running shall be prohibited. In case there are students incapable of holding their places in a line moving at a reasonable speed, provisions shall be made to have them taken care of by the more sturdy students, moving independently of the regular line of march. E. Monitors shall be appointed from the more mature students to assist in the proper execution of all drills. They shall be instructed to hold open doors in the line of march or to close doors where necessary to prevent spread of fire or smoke. There shall be at least two substitutes for each appointment so as to provide for proper performance in case of absence of the regular monitors. The searching of toilets or other rooms shall be the duty of the teachers or other members of the staff. If the teachers are to do the searching, it should be done after they have joined their classes to the preceding lines of evacuation. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCB-R F. As all drills simulate an actual fire condition, students shall not be allowed to obtain clothing after the alarm is sounded, even when in home rooms, on account of the confusion which would result in forming the lines and the danger of tripping over dragging apparel. G. Each class or group shall proceed to a predetermined point outside the building and remain there while a check is made to see that all are accounted for, leaving only when a recall signal is given to return to the building, or when dismissed. Teachers must have either rank books, registers or some other means of verifying that their students are out of the building. Some points shall be sufficiently far away from the building and from each other so as to avoid danger from any fire in the building, interference with fire department operations, or confusion between different classes or groups. H. Where necessary for drilling lines to cross roadways, signs reading STOP, SCHOOL FIRE DRILL or equivalent shall be carried by monitors to the traffic intersecting points in order to stop traffic during the period of the drill. I. Fire exit drill alarms shall not include any fire extinguishing operations. J. Evacuation plans for handicap students shall be the responsibility of each building administrator. Signals A. All fire exit drills shall be sounded on the fire alarm system and not on the signal system used to dismiss classes. B. Whenever any of the school authorities shall determine that an actual fire exists, they shall immediately call the Lewiston Fire Department using the public fire alarm system or such other facilities as are available. C. In order that students will not be returned to a building which is burning, the recall signal shall be one that is separate and distinct from and cannot be mistaken for any other signal. Such signals may be given by distinctive colored flags or banners. If the recall signal is electrical, the push buttons or other controls shall be kept under lock; the key for which shall be in the possession of the building administrator or some other designated person in order to prevent a recall at a time when there is a fire. Regardless of the method of recall, the means of giving the signal shall be kept under a lock or be a clearly designated signal from the administrator. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCB-R Inspection A. It shall be the duty of the building administrators and teachers to inspect all exits in order to make sure that all stairways, doors and other exits are in proper condition. B. Open plan buildings require extra surveillance to ensure that exit paths are maintained clear of obstruction and are obvious. Notice to Lewiston Fire Department A. Immediately prior to the calling of a fire drill, the administrator must notify the Lewiston Fire Department of the school’s intent to have a drill and the time that the drill will be scheduled. B. Immediately upon the conclusion of a drill, the administrator must notify the Lewiston Fire Department that the drill has ended. A written report will be sent to the Director of the Fire Prevention Bureau within 48 hours of the conclusion of the drill, and the administrator will note the same on the weekly Principals’ Report to the Superintendent. 6/00 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC BOMB THREATS The School Committee recognizes that bomb threats are a significant concern to Lewiston Public Schools. Whether real and carried out or intended as a prank or for some other purpose, a bomb threat represents a potential danger to the safety and welfare of students and staff and to the integrity of school property. Bomb threats disrupt the instructional program and learning environment and also place significant demands on school financial resources and public safety services. These effects occur even when such threats prove to be false. Any bomb threat will be regarded as an extremely serious matter and treated accordingly. The School Committee directs the Superintendent to react promptly and appropriately to information concerning bomb threats and to initiate or recommend suitable disciplinary action. A. Conduct Prohibited No person shall make, or communicate by any means, whether verbal or non-verbal, a threat that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises. Because of the potential for evacuation of the schools and other disruption of school operations, placement of a bomb or of a “look-alike” bomb on school premises will be considered a threat for the purpose of this policy. It is also a violation of the School Committee policy to communicate by any means that any toxic or hazardous substance or material has been placed, or will be placed, on school premises with the intent to endanger the safety and welfare of students or staff and/or to disrupt the operations of the schools. For the purpose of this policy, “toxic or hazardous substance or material” means any material or substance, including biomedical materials or organisms, that, when placed as threatened, could be harmful to humans. B. Definitions 1. A “bomb” means an explosive, incendiary or poison gas bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine, “Molotov cocktail” or other destructive device. 2. A “Look-alike bomb” means any apparatus or object that conveys the appearance of a bomb or other destructive device. 3. A “bomb threat” is the communication, by any means, whether verbal or nonverbal, that a bomb has been, or will be, placed on school premises, including possession or placement of a bomb or look-alike bomb on school premises. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC 4. “School premises” means any school property and any location where any school activities may take place. C. Development of Bomb Threat Procedures The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for developing and implementing procedures specific to bomb threats as part of the school unit’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. These procedures are intended to inform administrators and staff to appropriate protocols to follow in the event that a bomb threat is received and should include provisions to address: 1. Threat assessment (for the purpose of identifying a response that is in proportion to the threat, in light of what is necessary to ensure safety); 2. Building evacuation and re-entry (including selection of potential alternative sites for those who are evacuated); 3. Incident “command and control” (who is in charge, and when); 4. Communications contacts and mandatory bomb threat reporting; 5. Parent notification process; 6. Training for staff members; and 7. Support services for students and staff. The initial bomb threat procedure will be subject to approval by the School Committee. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for overseeing a review or evaluation of bomb threat procedures prior to the School Committee’s required annual approval of the school department’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, or following implementation of the procedure in response to a specific threat. D. Reporting of Bomb Threats A student who learns of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises must immediately report such information to the building principal, teacher, the School Resource Officer or other employee in a position of authority. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC An employee of the school department who learns of a bomb threat shall immediately inform the building administrator. The building administrator shall immediately take appropriate steps to protect the safety of students and staff in accordance with the school department’s bomb threat procedure, as developed under Section C, and inform the Superintendent of the threat. All bomb threats shall be reported immediately to the local law enforcement authority, as provided in the bomb threat procedures. The Superintendent shall be responsible for reporting any bomb threat to the Department of Education within two business days of the incident. Reports will include the name of the school, the date and time of the threat, the medium used to communicate the threat, and whether or not the perpetrators have been apprehended. E. Student Disciplinary Consequences Making a bomb threat is a crime under Maine law. Any student suspected of making a bomb threat shall be reported to law enforcement authorities for investigation and possible prosecution. Apart from any penalty imposed by law, and without regard to the existence or status of criminal charges, a student who makes a bomb threat shall be subject to disciplinary action by the school. The administration may suspend and/or recommend for expulsion any student who makes a bomb threat. The making of a bomb threat will be considered deliberately disobedient and deliberately disorderly within the meaning of 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(9) and will be grounds for expulsion if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school. In addition, a student who is found after hearing by the Board to have brought a bomb to school shall be expelled from school for at least one year in accordance with 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(9-A) and Policy JICIA (Weapons, Violence and School Safety), except that the Superintendent may modify the requirement for expulsion based on individual circumstances. A student who has been identified through the PET process as having a disability and whose conduct in violation of this policy is related to the disability shall be disciplined as provided in Policy JKF (Suspension/Expulsion of Special Education Students). LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC F. Aiding Other Students in Making Bomb Threats A student who knowingly encourages, causes, aids or assists another student in making or communicating a bomb threat shall be subject to the disciplinary consequences described in Section E of this policy. G. Failure to Report a Bomb Threat A student who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb or other destructive device in a school building or on school property may be subject to disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension and/or expulsion. H. Staff Disciplinary Consequences A school system employee who makes or communicates a bomb threat will be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. Disciplinary action taken shall be consistent with collective bargaining agreements, other employment agreements and School Committee policies. A school system employee who fails to report information or knowledge of a bomb threat or the existence of a bomb on school premises will be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment. I. Civil Liability Lewiston Public Schools reserve the right to bring suit against any individual responsible for a violation of this policy and to seek restitution and other damages as permitted by law. J. Lost Instructional Time Instructional time lost as a result of a bomb threat will be rescheduled at the earliest appropriate (or practicable) opportunity, as determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the School Committee. Time lost may be rescheduled on a weekend or vacation day, or after what would normally be the last day of the school year, except on days when schools must be closed as required by law. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 4 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCC K. Notification Through Student Handbook All student handbooks shall address the school department’s bomb threat policy and procedures and explain the educational consequences of bomb threats. In addition, student handbooks shall notify students and parents that bomb threats violate School Committee policy and civil and criminal law. Legal References: 18 U.S.C. §§ 921; 8921 17-A M.R.S.A. § 210 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 263; 1001(9); 1001(9-a); 1001(17); 1001(18) Cross References: EBCA – Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety Student Code of Conduct Adopted: November 18, 2002 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCE SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS The Superintendent is authorized to cancel school because of weather and/or road conditions or when any emergency endangers the health and welfare of students and staff. “No school” announcements will be made via local radio and television stations. The School Committee recognizes that occasionally the schools may need to be closed after students have already arrived. Each school will have in place a procedure for dismissing students in an emergency closing which has been reviewed and approved by the Superintendent and communicated to parents. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EBCF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED’S) The Board recognizes that from time to time medical emergencies may arise that warrant the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Lewiston Public Schools may acquire one or more AEDs for use in its schools and at school athletic events. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing, in consultation with the school physician or other qualified expert and in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, protocols for the use, storage, location, testing, and maintenance of the school unit’s AEDs and for identification of school personnel who should be trained in the use of an AED. Although the School Committee authorizes the acquisition of AEDs, it cannot and does not guarantee that an AED or a person trained in its use will be available at any particular school site or school-sponsored event. Legal Reference: 14 MRSA § 164 20-A MRSA § 4009 22 MRSA § 2150-C Cross Reference: EBCA - Crisis Response Plan JLCE - First Aid and Emergency Medical Care Adopted: February 25, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECA BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SECURITY Buildings and grounds represent a large financial investment for the school unit, and it is necessary to safeguard this investment for students and the taxpayers of the community. The Superintendent/designee shall develop and implement the administrative procedures necessary to provide security for the school unit’s buildings, grounds and property. The School Committee encourages close cooperation with the local, county and state public safety departments, as well as insurance company inspectors in maintaining and improving security. Security shall include maintenance of secure buildings, protection from fire hazards and faulty equipment, and safe practices in the use of machinery and electrical, heating and plumbing equipment. Access to school buildings outside of regular school hours or authorized school and recreational activities shall be limited to school staff whose work requires it. An adequate key control system shall be established which limits access to authorized personnel and safeguards against keys being obtained by unauthorized persons. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECAAA IDENTIFICATION BADGES The School Committee recognizes the importance of a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff. Being able to easily determine whether an individual is in a building legitimately is one aspect of providing such an environment. Therefore, all employees of Lewiston Public Schools shall be provided with and are required to wear a picture identification badge. The district’s photo identification badge system will serve as an instant identification system for security purposes and will assist parents and other visitors to school locations in identifying school employees. Employees will display the identification badge at all times in the performance of their duties on district property. All employee identification badges are the property of the School Department and must be returned to the building administrator upon resignation, termination, or retirement. Employees are required to report the loss or theft of their identification badge to the Office of Human Resources (795-4100) as soon as possible during normal business hours. A badge system, with appropriate designation, shall be used for visitors to schools during regular school hours and for substitutes and/or temporary employees. The Superintendent shall develop appropriate procedures to implement this policy. Adopted: September 12, 2005 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECB BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE The School Committee recognizes its responsibility to protect the community’s investment in school buildings and grounds and to ensure that they are properly maintained. The Superintendent shall ensure that a maintenance program is developed and implemented that meets applicable health and safety requirements and protects the financial investment of the community. The Superintendent may delegate the direct supervision of the maintenance program and personnel as he/she deems appropriate, while retaining overall responsibility for the program. The Superintendent shall report periodically to the School Committee on the maintenance program and any significant problems. The Superintendent/designee shall develop such administrative procedures as deemed appropriate to encourage the proper care and respect for the school unit’s property by staff, students and the public. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §1001; 1054; 4001 Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA PEST MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ON SCHOOL GROUNDS The School Committee recognizes that structural and landscape pests can pose significant problems for people and school unit property, but that use of some pesticides may raise concerns among parents, students and staff. It is therefore the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to incorporate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and procedures for the control of structural and landscape pests. A copy of this policy shall be kept in every school and made available upon request to staff, parents, students and the public. IPM is a systematic approach to pest management that combines a variety of methods for managing pests including monitoring; improved horticultural, sanitation and food storage practices; pest exclusion and removal; biological control; and pesticides. For the purpose of this policy, “pests” are populations of living organisms (animals, plants or microorganisms) that interfere with use of school facilities and grounds. “Pesticide” is defined as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pests and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant. The objective of the school unit’s IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. The goals of the IPM program include managing pests to reduce any potential hazards to human health; preventing loss or damage to school structures or property; preventing pests from spreading beyond the site of infestation to other school property; and enhancing the quality of life for students, staff and others. The Superintendent and/or designee shall develop and implement a Pest Management Plan consistent with the following IPM principles and procedures: A. Appointment of an IPM Coordinator The Superintendent/designee will appoint an IPM Coordinator for the school unit. The IPM Coordinator will be the primary contact for pest control matters and will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the IPM plan, including making pest control decisions. The IPM Coordinator will consult with the building principal and/or Superintendent before a decision is made to do a pesticide application for which notice is required and before providing notification of the planned application. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA The IPM Coordinator’s responsibilities may include: B. 1. Recording and monitoring data and pest sightings by school staff and students; 2. Coordinating pest management with pest control contractors; 3. Recording and ensuring that maintenance and sanitation recommendations are carried out where feasible; 4. Ensuring that any pesticide use is done according to the school unit’s Pest Management Plan and Chapter 27 Me. Dept. of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control Rules (“Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools”); 5. Making the school system’s pest management policy available in every school building; 6. Having available for parents and staff a copy of the Maine regulation pertaining to pesticide applications in schools (Chapter 27 Me. Dept. of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control “Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Maine Schools”) and a record of prior pesticide applications and information about the pesticides used. 7. Initiating and coordinating notification of parents and staff of pesticide applications according to the school unit’s notification procedure and posting notification signs as appropriate; and 8. Recording all pesticides used by either a professional applicator or school staff and maintaining other pest control data. Identification of Specific Pest Thresholds Routine inspection and accurate identification of pests are needed to recognize potential problems and determine when action should be taken. Action thresholds for specific sites will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the IPM Coordinator in consultation with the building principal and/or Superintendent, and if necessary, with the advice of a professional pest control expert. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA As pest management objectives will differ from site to site (e.g.: maintaining healthy turf and specific playing surfaces on athletic fields, carpenter ant control in buildings, or maintenance of ornamental plants), differences should be considered before setting an action threshold. C. Pesticide Applicators Any person who applies pesticides in school buildings or on school grounds, including school personnel, must possess a Maine pesticide applicators license and should be trained in the principles and practices of IPM. All pesticide use must be approved by the school unit’s IPM Coordinator. Applicators must follow state regulations and label precautions and must comply with the IPM policy and pest management plan. D. Selection, Use and Storage of Pesticides Pesticides should be used only when needed. Non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible to provide the desired control. The choice of using a pesticide will be based on a review of other available options (sanitation, exclusion, mechanical means, trapping, biological control) and a determination that these options have not worked or are not feasible. When it has been determined that a pesticide must be used to achieve pest management goals, the least hazardous effective pesticide should be selected. Application should be conducted in a manner that, to the extent practicable using currently available technology, minimizes human risk. Decisions concerning the particular pesticide to be used and the timing of pesticide application should take into consideration the use of the buildings or grounds to be treated. Pesticide purchases should be limited to the amount expected to be used for a specific application or during the year. Pesticides will be stored and disposed of in accordance with label directions and state and federal regulations. Pesticides must be stored in an appropriate, secured location not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA E. Notification of Students, Staff and Parents of Use of Pesticides A notice will be provided to staff, students and parents within the first two weeks of the school year briefly explaining the school unit’s IPM/ pesticide use policy including provisions for notification to parents and staff of specific planned pesticide applications in school buildings or on school grounds. When required by regulations, the school will notify staff, students and parents/guardians at least five days in advance of planned pesticide treatments in the school or on school grounds, including playgrounds and playing fields. When required by regulations, signs will be posted at each point of access to the treated area and in a common area of the school at least two working days prior to the application and for at least 48 hours following the application in accordance with applicable Maine Board of Pesticides Control regulations. F. Recordkeeping When a pesticide has been used, records pertinent to the application including labels and material safety data sheets will be maintained at a designated location for two years following application. Records are to be completed on the day the pesticide is applied. Pest surveillance records should be maintained to verify the need for pesticide treatments. Legal Reference: 7 MRSA §§ 601-625 Cross Reference: EBAA - Chemical Hazards Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 22 MRSA §§ 1471-A-1471-X Ch. 27 Me. Dept. of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control Rules (Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools) Adopted: September 15, 2003 Revised: May 9, 2005 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA: ECBA-E1 PEST MANAGEMENT NOTIFICATION Lewiston Public Schools use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the control of insects, rodents, microorganisms, weeds and other pests in school buildings and on school grounds. IPM combines a variety of methods for managing pests including monitoring, improved sanitation and food storage practices, pest exclusion and removal, biological control, and pesticides. The objective of the IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. Pesticides Non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible. However, sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the least hazardous effective pesticide feasible. Notification When required by law, parents/guardians and school staff will be notified at least five days in advance of specific pesticide applications. When required by law, pesticide application notices will be posted in school and on school grounds. Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law or regulations to pose little or no risk of exposure to students or staff. A copy of the school system’s IPM/Pest Management policy is available for review in the school office. The school also keeps records of prior pesticide applications and the pesticides used. You may review these records, a copy of the policy and Maine’s “Pesticides in Schools” regulation (Chapter 27 of the Department of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control “Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools”) by contacting our IPM Coordinator the Director of Maintenance at the Dingley Building, 36 Oak Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 (207) 795-4107). 9/03 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA-E2 PEST MANAGEMENT NOTIFICATION (REGISTRY) Lewiston Public Schools use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the control of insects, rodents, microorganisms, weeds and other pests in school buildings and on school grounds. IPM combines a variety of methods for managing pests including monitoring, improved sanitation and food storage practices, pest exclusion and removal, biological control, and pesticides. The objective of the IPM program is to provide effective pest control while minimizing pesticide use. Pesticides Non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented whenever possible. However, sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the least hazardous effective pesticide feasible. Notification When required by law, parents/guardians and school staff will be notified in advance of specific pesticide applications. In order to receive notification, you must request to be placed on the school’s notification registry. Notification will be given at least five days before the planned pesticide application. When required by law, pesticide application notices will be posted in school and on school grounds. Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law or regulations to pose little or no risk of exposure to students or staff. A copy of the school system’s IPM/Pest Management policy is available for review in the school office. The school also keeps records of prior pesticide applications and the pesticides used. You may review these records, a copy of the policy and Maine’s “Pesticides in Schools” regulation (Chapter 27 of the Department of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control “Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools”) by contacting our IPM Coordinator the Director of Maintenance at the Dingley Building, 36 Oak Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240 (207) 795-4107. For further information about pests, pesticides and notification, you may contact the Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-27631 or go to their website www.state.me.us/agriculture/pesticides/schoolipm. 9/03 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ECBA-E3 NOTICE OF PLANNED PESTICIDE APPLICATION The following notice is provided in compliance with State regulations establishing standards for pesticide applications and notification in schools. ________________________________, EPA registration number _________________, Product name containing ___________________________________________ will be applied by chemical name _____________________________________________________________________ name of pest control company or licensed applicator to _____________________________________________________________________ area in building or on school property where pesticide will be applied during ______________________for the purpose of controlling __________________. approx. time of day & date of application type of pest For additional information regarding this application, you may contact the Director of Maintenance at (207) 795-4107. Legal Reference: Ch. 27 § 4, Department of Agriculture Board of Pesticides Control Rule (Standards for Pesticide Applications and Public Notification in Schools). 9/03 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ED MATERIAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Proper management of the school unit’s materials, supplies and equipment—both instructional and non-instructional—is the general responsibility of the Superintendent. The Superintendent may delegate particular resource management duties as he/she deems appropriate. The Superintendent/designee shall establish procedures as necessary for the proper control of materials, supplies and equipment. Controls shall include an inventory system, maintenance records and records of materials/equipment assigned to students or staff members for personal use. Staff and students are expected to exhibit reasonable care for school property issued for their use. Cross Reference: Adopted: DID – Inventories GCSA – Employee Computer and Internet Use June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES MANAGEMENT The school unit shall provide transportation services for elementary and secondary students in accordance with School Committee policies and applicable laws. The major priorities of the school unit’s transportation program are to provide safe, comfortable transportation for students in the most efficient and economical manner feasible. All vehicles used to transport students shall be inspected and maintained regularly so as to provide safe and efficient transportation with a minimum of delays and disruptions due to mechanical or equipment failure. All legal and safety requirements shall be scrupulously observed. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5401 Cross Reference: EEA - Student Transportation Services EEAEAA - Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers JICC - Student Conduct on School Buses Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEA STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES The School Committee will provide transportation for all students who live beyond a reasonable distance from their school as the School Committee has determined. Students in kindergarten through grade 6 shall be transported if they live one mile or more from school. Students in grades 7 and 8 shall be transported if they live one mile or more from school, or if they reside on streets listed in EEA-R. Students in grade 9 through 12 shall be transported if they reside one and one-quarter mile (1.25) or more from school, or if they reside on streets listed in EEA-R. Distance shall be measured by the shortest publicly traveled way from the residence to the bus stop or school door. In cases questioned, distance will be measured and established by the Superintendent/designee. Exceptions to the above distance shall be made for the following reasons only: A. Health Exceptions to established walking distances may be made for students with disabilities as required by their IEP. Exceptions may also be made to accommodate a student’s need for transportation with written documentation for the student’s physician. B. Hazardous Walking Conditions Hazardous walking conditions shall be defined as those which would place a child of a given age in a situation of greater than normal or average danger. See streets listed in EEA-R. Authorized bus stops will be located so as to load and unload students with the most safety allowed by road conditions. The distance between stops may vary according to safety factors. If possible, students will be loaded and unloaded so that it is not necessary for them to cross a main highway to reach their homes. Requests for bus stops inconsistent with these guidelines must be made in writing and submitted to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall consider all relevant factors including the best interest of the student, bus capacity and established routes in deciding whether to grant the request. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEA Buses which arrive at school more than 15 minutes prior to the start of school shall not discharge their passengers until the regularly-scheduled time unless authorized to do so by the building administrator or duty teacher/staff member. Legal Reference: Cross Reference: Adopted: Revised: 20-A MRSA § 5401 JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses June 7, 2000 May 21, 2007 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: EEA-R STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES STREET LISTING Grades 7 and 8: Students in Grade 7 and 8 shall be transported if they live one mile or more from school, or if they reside west of Main Street (inclusive of the westerly side of Main Street); north of Russell Street (inclusive of the northerly side of Russell Street); and east of East Avenue (inclusive of the easterly side of East Avenue). Grades 9 through 12: Students in grade 9 through 12 shall be transported if they reside one and onequarter mile (1.25) or more from school, or if they reside west of Main Street (inclusive of the westerly side of Main Street); north on Main Street starting at the intersection of Main Street and Frye Street; north of Russell Street (inclusive of the northerly side of Russell Street); south of Canal Street; south of Lisbon Street starting at the intersection of Lisbon Street and Adams Avenue and proceeding in a southeasterly direction (inclusive of the southerly side of Lisbon Street); and east of Scribner Boulevard (inclusive of both sides of Scribner Boulevard). The following streets shall also be eligible for transportation: Rosemount Street, Cote Street, East Cote Street, Fairmount Street, Ashmount Street, Hilltop Avenue, Webster Street starting at the intersection of Webster Street and Hilltop Avenue and proceeding in a southeasterly direction, Orleans Street, Revere Street, Shank Street, Marguerette Street, Russell Street Extension, Harold Street, Bushey Circle, and Holy Family Street. 5/21/07 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS In accordance with the federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, in addition to other pertinent state and federal laws promulgated to effectuate a drug and alcohol free workplace, the Lewiston School Committee is committed to the establishment of an alcohol and controlled substance testing program for school bus drivers, in addition to any other employees who drive vehicles to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the driver. The purpose of the testing program shall be to help prevent accidents, injuries and deaths resulting from the misuse of alcohol and controlled substances by drivers performing safety-sensitive functions. The Superintendent shall be responsible for the implementation of an alcohol and drug testing program consistent with federal regulations and shall implement additional administrative procedures to assist and further the implementation of the federal mandates regarding alcohol and controlled substances testing as he/she deems necessary. Bid specifications and contracts for transportation shall require that the contractor establish a drug and alcohol testing program which complies with federal regulations. Legal References: 49 CFR Part 382 26 MRSA §§ 681(8)(B); 685(2); 689 Cross Reference: EEAEAA-R – Drug and Alcohol Testing of School Bus Drivers Administrative Procedure Adopted: Revised: April 8, 1996 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING OF SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The Lewiston School Committee is committed to the establishment of an alcohol and controlled substance testing program that meets all applicable requirements of the federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, in addition to pertinent state laws and regulations. The purpose of the testing program shall be to help prevent accidents and injuries resulting from the misuse of alcohol and controlled substances by drivers performing safety-sensitive functions. The following administrative procedure represents a summary of the main provisions found in federal regulations promulgated to effectuate drug and alcohol testing of bus drivers. The following procedure in no way attempts to modify said regulations, which should always be referred to when questions as to implementation of this policy/ procedure arise. I. APPLICABILITY All persons operating a commercial motor vehicle in commerce in any state and subject to the commercial driver’s license requirements mandated under both federal and state laws, including the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, shall be subject to the drug and alcohol testing provisions herein contained. II. IMPLEMENTATION The Superintendent shall be responsible for implementing a drug and alcohol testing program which complies with procedures set forth in Title 49 Parts 40, 382, 390 and 395 of the Federal Code of Regulations. Such testing program shall include pre-employment/pre-duty drug testing, post-accident testing, random testing, reasonable suspicion testing, return-to-duty and follow-up testing. This school unit shall provide parties subject to testing with written notice of materials and information available to them as required by Part 382. III. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES Controlled substances in this policy/procedure refer to those covered by the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). Page 1 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R IV. SAFETY-SENSITIVE FUNCTION Safety-sensitive function(s) in this policy/procedure refer to functions defined in 49 CFR §382.107 and §395.2 (On-Duty Time, paragraphs (1) through (6)). V. PROHIBITIONS All drivers subject to this policy shall be prohibited from: VI. A. Using any alcohol while on duty and four (4) hours prior to going on duty; B. Possessing alcohol while on duty; C. Reporting for duty or remaining on duty while having an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater; D. Using any alcohol for eight (8) hours following an accident, or until he/she undergoes a post-accident alcohol test, whichever occurs first; E. Refusing to submit to a required alcohol or controlled substance test(s); F. Reporting for duty or remaining on duty when using any controlled substance, except when use is pursuant to the instructions of a physician who advised the driver that the substance does not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle; and G. Reporting for duty, remaining on duty, or performing a safety-sensitive function, if the driver tests positive for a controlled substance. REQUIRED TESTING A. Pre-Employment Testing. Prior to the first time a driver performs a safety-sensitive function for the school unit, the driver shall undergo testing for controlled substances. However, no driver shall be subjected to preemployment controlled substance testing prior to having been offered a position. Employment is conditioned upon a verified negative controlled substance test result. Page 2 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R B. Post-Accident Testing. As soon as practicable following an accident, each surviving driver will be subject to alcohol and controlled substance testing as follows: 1. Any driver performing safety-sensitive functions with respect to the vehicle if the accident involved loss of human life; 2. Any driver who receives a citation under State or local law for a moving violation arising from the accident; and 3. a. Causes bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or b. Should one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, require a motor vehicle to be transported away from the scene by a tow truck or other motor vehicle. In addition, the following provisions will also apply. a. Alcohol. If a test required under this section is not administered within two (2) hours following the accident, the school unit shall prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not promptly administered. If a test is not administered within eight (8) hours following the accident, the school unit shall cease attempts to administer the test and shall prepare and maintain the same record. Records shall be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) upon request of the Associate Administrator. b. Controlled Substances. If a test required by this section is not administered within thirty-two (32) hours following the accident, the school unit shall cease attempts to administer the test and shall prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not promptly administered. Records shall be submitted to the FHWA upon request of the Associate Administrator. Page 3 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R C. D. Random Testing. All drivers subject to this policy/procedure will be subject to random and unannounced alcohol and controlled substance testing throughout the year. The minimum annual percentage rate for testing of bus drivers is as follows: 1. Random alcohol testing shall be a minimum of 10 percent of the number of driver positions each selection period; and 2. Random controlled substance testing shall be a minimum of 50 percent of the number of driver positions each selection period. Reasonable Suspicion Testing. All drivers subject to this policy/ procedure shall submit to alcohol and controlled substance testing when the employer has reasonable suspicion to believe that the driver has violated the prohibitions found in Part V. of this procedure, with the exception of Part V. B. regarding alcohol possession. The school unit shall base its determination that reasonable suspicion exists requiring the driver to undergo such testing on observations concerning appearance, behavior, speech or body odors of the driver. When controlled substances are at issue, observations may include indications of the chronic and withdrawal effects of controlled substances. In addition, the following provisions also apply. 1. Alcohol. Alcohol testing will be performed only if the aforementioned observations are made during, just preceding, or just after the period of the work day that the driver is required to be in compliance with this policy/procedure. If a test required under this section is not administered within two (2) hours following the reasonable suspicion determination, the school unit shall prepare and maintain on file a record stating the reasons the test was not promptly administered. If a test required under this section is not administered within eight (8) hours following a determination that reasonable suspicion exists, the school unit shall cease attempts to administer an alcohol test and shall state in the record reasons for not administering the test. The school unit shall submit to the FHWA records of tests required by this section that were not completed within eight (8) hours according to the mandates of 49 CFR §382.307 (3). 2. Controlled Substances. The school unit shall, within twenty-four (24) hours or before the results of the controlled substances test are Page 4 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R released, whichever is earlier, create a written record of the observations leading to a controlled substances test which shall be signed by the supervisor or school unit official making said observations. E. Return-to-Duty Testing. Prior to returning to duty requiring the performance of safety-sensitive functions when a driver has engaged in conduct prohibited under this policy/procedure, the driver shall undergo a return-to-duty alcohol and/or controlled substances test(s) as appropriate. Drivers found to have engaged in prohibited conduct under the alcohol provisions of this policy/procedure will not be permitted to return to duty unless the subsequent alcohol test reveals a result less than or consistent with federal and state standards. In cases involving controlled substances, a verified negative result is necessary before a driver may return to duty. F. VII. Follow-up Testing. In the event that a driver has been found to have been in violation of the prohibitions herein contained and is identified as requiring assistance in resolving problems associated with alcohol and/or controlled substances, the school unit shall require the driver to submit to at least six (6) unannounced follow-up alcohol and/or controlled substances tests during the first twelve (12) months after returning to duty. Follow-up tests will be unannounced and may continue for up to sixty (60) months after returning to duty. Follow-up alcohol testing shall be conducted only when the driver is performing, just before, or just after ceasing to perform safety-sensitive functions. REFUSAL TO SUBMIT TO TESTING All drivers who are required by federal regulations to submit to drug/alcohol testing must do so immediately upon being directed to submit to the test(s). A driver’s refusal to submit to testing will subject the driver to immediate removal from the performance of safety-sensitive functions. In addition, failure to comply with Federal regulations or this procedure is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any of the following actions on the part of a driver constitutes a refusal to submit to a test: A. Failure to provide adequate specimens/samples of substance(s) undergoing testing, including but not limited to breath and urine, without a valid medical reason; B. Engaging in conduct which obstructs the testing process; and C. Refusal by an employee to complete and sign testing forms. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R VIII. TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS This school unit will assign persons who will be designated to determine whether reasonable suspicion exists to require a driver to undergo testing under Part 382, with at least sixty (60) minutes of training on alcohol misuse and receive at least an additional sixty (60) minutes of training on controlled substances. Training shall cover the physical, behavioral, speech, and performance indicators of probable alcohol misuse and use of controlled substances. IX. ENFORCEMENT This school unit, in its independent authority as an employer, shall subject any driver who violates this policy/administrative procedure or Federal regulations to potential disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, except to the extent that any state law or collective bargaining agreement requires otherwise. In addition, any driver who refuses to submit to a post-accident, random, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty or follow-up test(s) shall not perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions. Furthermore, no driver tested and found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater but less than 0.04 shall perform or continue to perform safety-sensitive functions including driving a commercial motor vehicle until the start of the driver’s next regularly scheduled duty period, but not less than twenty-four (24) hours after the test was administered. X. RECORDS Employee drug and alcohol tests and results shall be maintained under strict confidentiality in a secure location with controlled access and released only in accordance with law. A driver, upon written request, shall receive copies of any records pertaining to his/her use of drugs or alcohol, including any records pertaining to his/her drug tests. Records shall be made available to subsequent employers or other identified persons only when expressly requested in writing by the driver. XI. NOTIFICATIONS Each driver shall receive educational materials prior to the school unit’s commencement of alcohol and controlled substances testing. Such material will explain the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49 Part 382, and contain a copy of the School Committee’s policy and administrative Page 6 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R procedures for meeting these requirements. Representatives of employee organizations shall be notified of the availability of this information. The school unit shall also include in the package of informational material submitted to each driver, a statement certifying that he/she has received the informational material. The school unit shall maintain the original signed copy of the statement on file. In addition to the aforementioned items, the school unit shall also make available to drivers and representatives of employee organizations information which shall identify: A. The person designated by the school unit to answer questions about the materials; B. The procedures that will be used to test for the presence of alcohol and controlled substances; protect the driver and the integrity of the testing processes, safeguard the validity of the test results, and ensure that those results are attributed to the correct driver; C. Information concerning the effects of alcohol and controlled substances on an individual’s health, work, and personal life; signs and symptoms of an alcohol or a controlled substance(s) problem (the driver’s or co-worker’s); and available methods of intervening when an alcohol or controlled substances problem is suspected, including confrontation, referral to any employee assistance program and/or referral to management. XIII. REFERRAL, EVALUATION, & TREATMENT A. Referral. A driver who has engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy/procedure shall be advised by the school unit of resources available to the driver in evaluating and resolving problems associated with the misuse of alcohol and use of controlled substances. The information the bus driver receives will include: names, addresses, and telephone numbers of substance abuse professionals, counseling and treatment programs, in addition to information relating to his/her responsibility with regard to payment of such services. B. Evaluation/Treatment. A driver who engages in such prohibited conduct shall be evaluated by a substance abuse professional who shall determine what assistance or treatment, if any, the employee needs in resolving controlled substance(s) use. Page 7 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEAEAA-R XIV. RETURN TO DUTY If a school unit has not discharged a driver due to his/her engagement in prohibited conduct under this policy/procedure, the bus driver must, prior to returning to safety-sensitive duties: XV. A. Undergo return-to-duty testing and obtain an alcohol concentration level of less than 0.02 and/or a verified negative test for controlled substances; B. Have been evaluated by a substance abuse professional; and C. Have followed prescribed and/or recommended treatment. OTHER POLICIES/PROCEDURES Nothing contained in this administrative procedure shall prevent the School Committee from establishing and enforcing independent policies/procedures relating to the possession, being under the influence of, distribution, sale or use of alcohol or controlled substances or any misconduct associated therewith and the penalties for violation of those policies/procedures, up to and including dismissal. Legal References: 49 CFR Parts 40, 382, 390, 395 Title 26 MRSA §§ 681(8)(B); 685(2); 689 6/00 Page 8 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EEBB USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES ON SCHOOL BUSINESS The School Committee recognizes that certain school employees use their own vehicles for school business. To safeguard the school unit in matters of liability, particularly regarding the transportation of students, employees shall strictly adhere to administrative procedures concerning the use of private vehicles. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EFC FREE AND REDUCED PRICE FOOD SERVICES Lewiston Public Schools shall take part, as feasible, in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and other food programs which may become available to assure that all children for whom this School Committee is responsible shall have the opportunity to receive proper nourishment. Parents shall be advised that this program is available and eligibility criteria shall be made public. In accordance with the guidelines for participation in these programs, and in accordance with the wishes of the School Committee, no child who a teacher believes is improperly nourished shall be denied a free lunch, breakfast or other food, simply because proper application has not been received from his/her parents or guardian. No student is to be denied food as a disciplinary measure. The School Nutrition Program Director shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the food service program under the supervision of the Superintendent. The Superintendent/designee shall implement and communicate, as appropriate, administrative procedures which conform with state and federal requirements and the intent of this policy regarding participation in programs for free/reduced price meals and supplementary food. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 6601 et seq. June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EFDA SALE OF FOODS AND BEVERAGES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Lewiston Public Schools support good nutrition as part of a school environment that contributes to student health and encourages positive food choices and eating habits. The School Committee believes that nutrition influences a student’s ability to take full advantage of the school system’s educational program and is, therefore, related to student achievement. The School Committee also recognizes that proceeds from the sale of foods and beverages outside of the School Nutrition Program (“competitive foods 1”) are a significant source of funds for student activities that Lewiston Public Schools might not otherwise be able to provide. RESTRICTION ON SALE OF FOODS AND BEVERAGES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Maine Department of Education Rule Chapter 51 mandates that any food or beverage sold at any time on school property of a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall be a planned part of the total food service program 2 of the school and shall include only those items which contribute both to the nutritional needs of children and the development of desirable food habits, and shall not include foods of minimal nutritional value as defined in applicable federal 1 Beginning July 1, 2005, any food or beverage sold at any time on school property of a school participating in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall be a planned part of the total food service program of the school and shall include only those items which contribute both to the nutritional needs of children and the development of desirable food habits, and shall not include foods of minimal nutritional value as defined in Section 1 above, except that the local School Committee or the Career and Technical Education Region cooperative board, established in accordance with 20-A MRSA Section 8301-A(6), may permit, by policy, the sale of food and beverages outside the total food service program. 2 According to DOE Rule Chapter 51 (1)(b), the “Total Food Service Program” includes the federal Milk Program as defined in 7 C.F.R. § 215; the federal Breakfast Program, which means the federal program under which a breakfast that meets the nutritional requirements set forth in 7 C.F.R. § 220 is offered; the National School Lunch Program (including the After School Snack), which means the federal program under which the school operates a nonprofit lunch program that meets the requirements of 7 C.F.R.§ 210; or any combination of these programs. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: EFDA regulations 3, except as provided for by School Committee policy in certain circumstances. As allowed by Rule Chapter 51, the sale of food and beverages outside the total food program is permitted with respect to: 1. The public at community events held on school property. 2. Staff Vending Machines that are in accordance to Vending Machine Policy (NEPN/NSBA CODE: EFE). 3. LRTC School Store, consistent with the requirement that this program excludes foods of minimal nutritional value as defined in applicable federal regulations. 4. LRTC Culinary Arts Program. When foods and beverages are sold to raise funds for schools or student activities, students, staff, parents, or school-sponsored organizations involved in such sales are encouraged to include healthy food choices. SALE OF CANDY OR CANDY SALES The sale of candy or candy sales by a school or school sanctioned organization, at any time, is prohibited. FUNDS FROM SALES OF FOODS AND BEVERAGES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM Funds from all food and beverage sales made at any time on school property shall accrue to the benefit of the school’s non-profit school food service program, except that funds raised through authorized sales outside the total food service program shall accrue to the 3 “Foods of minimal nutritional value” as defined in 7 C.F.R. § 210.11 means: (a) In the case of artificially sweetened foods, a food which provides less than 5 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for each of the eight specified nutrients per serving; (b) in the case of all other foods, a food which provides less than 5 percent of the RDI for each of eight specified nutrients per 100 calories and less than 5 percent of the RDI for each of eight specified nutrients per serving. The eight nutrients to be assessed for this purpose are: protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, and iron. This definition is applicable to foods that are part of the total food service program of the school, and foods and beverages sold at food sales, school stores, and in vending machines. A listing of “Categories of Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value” is in Appendix B to 7 C.F.R. Part 210 (National School Lunch Program). LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: EFDA sponsoring school or approved student organization in accordance with applicable policies, cash-management procedures and administrative directives. COMPLIANCE The building principal, in consultation with the Director of Food Services, shall monitor compliance with this policy. TRANSITION Organizations and parent support groups, such as booster clubs, may use stock that is currently on hand, but may not order additional stock of prohibited items under this policy. Notwithstanding the transition provision in this policy, sales of foods and beverages outside of the school nutrition program shall be prohibited effective November 21, 2005. Contracts with vendors to provide products for sale of items prohibited under this policy may be fulfilled so long as the contract has been in force prior to the adoption of this policy. Contracts may not be initiated with any vendor to provide products for sale of prohibited items under this policy after the effective date of this policy. POLICY REVIEW This policy will be reviewed within one year of its adoption. Legal Reference: Ch. 51 (Department. of Education Rule) (Child Nutrition Programs in Public Schools and Institutions) Adopted: July 17, 1989 Revised: June 7, 2000 Revised: October 17, 2005 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: EFE VENDING MACHINES Good nutrition provides the foundation for student growth, development and learning. Many children consume at least one-third of their daily food intake in the school setting. Having healthy foods available contributes to better nutrient intake and more appropriate levels of caloric consumption. Healthy eating can improve academic performance, attendance, mood, alertness and behavioral issues. In order to model healthy food choices and establish consistency with health and nutrition information, taught in the classroom, the sale of soft drinks and other foods as defined below in all vending machines is prohibited in Lewiston Public Schools. Food Prohibited From Sale in Vending Machines Soft drinks – includes regular and low calorie carbonated soft drinks, carbonated fruit juice drinks and sweetened and unsweetened carbonated water. Artificially sweetened foods are foods that provide less than 5% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for one of the eight specified nutrients per 100 calories, and less than 5% of the RDI for one of the eight specified nutrients per serving. The eight specified nutrients are protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, calcium, and iron. Responsibilities 1. The building principal in consultation with the Director of Food Service – shall monitor compliance with the vending machine policy. 2. Revenues and expenses derived from the vending machines other than those maintained by the school nutrition program shall be the responsibility of the building principal. 3. The building principal shall report all vending machine revenues and expenditures to the Business Manager. Exceptions Vending machines located in teacher's rooms shall be in compliance with the policy by December 31, 2005. Cross Reference: EFDA Restrictions on sale of food. Adopted: May 23, 2005 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: EFE-E Examples of the 5% Rule NUTRITION FACTS Item: Pretzels Serving Size 1 package Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving 1 oz Calories 110 Per Serving Total Calories = 110 Times 5% = x .05 ______ 5.5% Product must contain 5.5% of the RDI for one of the 8 Specified Nutrients. NUTRITION FACTS Item: Potato Chips Serving Size 1 oz. Servings Per Container 1.75 Amount Per Serving 28g/about 15 chips Calories 150 Per Serving Total Calories = 150 Times 5% = x .05 ______ 7.5% Product must contain 7.5% of the RDI for one of the 8 Specified Nutrients. Calcium 0% *Thiamin 8% *Niacin 6% Vitamin A 0% Calcium 0% *Iron 8% Riboflavin 4% Phosphorus 2% *Vitamin C 10% Iron 0% * Meets 5% Rule in Thiamin, Niacin and Iron * Meets 5% Rule in Vitamin C NUTRITION FACTS Item: Snickers Bar Serving Size 1/3 Bar Servings Per Container 3 Amount Per Serving 1.23 oz Calories 170 Per Serving Total Calories = 170 Times 5% = x .05 ______ 8.5% Product must contain 8.5% of the RDI for one of the 8 Specified Nutrients. NUTRITION FACTS Item: Ice Cream Sandwich Serving Size 1 Sandwich Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving 3.5 oz Calories 160 Per Serving Total Calories = 160 Times 5% = x .05 ______ 8.0% Product must contain 8.0% of the RDI for one of the 8 Specified Nutrients. Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 2% Iron 0% Thiamine 2% Riboflavin 2% Niacin 4% * Does Not Meet the 5% Rule. Vitamin A 2% Calcium 4% Vitamin C 0% Iron 4% * Does Not Meet the 5% Rule. 5/05 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION F: FACILITIES DEVELOPMENT Section F of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on facility planning, financing, construction, and renovation. It also includes the topics of temporary facilities and school closings. [This section is intentionally left blank.] SECTION G: PERSONNEL Section G of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on all school employees except for the superintendent (policies on the school chief are located in Section C, General Administration). The category is divided into three main divisions: GB has policies applying to all school employees or to general personnel matters; GC refers to instructional and administrative staff; and GD refers to support or classified staff. GBB GBE GBEBA GBEC GBGA GBGAA GBGAB GBI GBJ GBJAA GBJAA-E GBJC GBN GBN-R1 GBN-R2 GBO Staff Involvement in Decision Making Professional Staff Responsibilities Staff Dress Drug-Free Workplace Staff Health Bloodborne Pathogens Ergonomics Staff Participation in Political Activities Personnel Records and Files Confidentiality in the Hiring Process Confidentiality Form Retention of Application Materials Family and Medical Leave Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Administrative Procedure Maine Family Medical Leave Administrative Procedure Family Care Leave GCAAD GCAAD-R GCAAD-E GCBA GCCAD GCF GCFB GCFB-R GCGA GCGA-R GCI GCI-R GCOA GCOC GCQC GCSA GCSA-R GCSA-E Athletic Coaching Positions Volunteer Coaches Volunteer Coach Application Form Vocational Instructor Salaries Military Leave Professional Staff Hiring Recruiting and Hiring of Administrative Staff Recruiting and Hiring of Administrative Staff Procedures Substitute Teachers Teacher Responsibilities to Substitutes Professional Staff Development Opportunities Professional Staff Development Opportunities Administrative Procedure Supervision and Evaluation of Professional Staff Evaluation of Administrative Staff Resignation of School Unit Employees Employee Computer and Internet Use Employee Computer and Internet Use Rules Employee Computer/Internet Use Acknowledgment Form 2/25/08 NEPN/NSBA Code: GBB STAFF INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING The formulation of policy involving the curriculum, instruction and the overall school program is one of the primary responsibilities of the School Committee, and the Committee reserves the right to make the final decision regarding such policies. The School Committee believes that the best interests of the district’s students should be the principle guiding the adoption of all educational policy. The School Committee further believes that appropriate input from the professional staff is important to the decisionmaking process. The Superintendent shall ensure that there is a process in place to encourage meaningful professional staff input prior to making recommendations regarding curriculum, instruction and the school program to the School Committee. The process should be conducted in a spirit of cooperation, with a clear focus on student learning as the most important function of the schools, and with the understanding that the staff is collectively responsible for student performance. Participation in the decision-making process is accompanied with an expectation of accountability by the professional staff. All proposals for changes to the curriculum, instruction or the district’s educational goals should incorporate evaluation procedures linked to student outcomes. The School Committee encourages the use of professional development activities specifically directed to improving staff research, analytical and decision-making abilities. The Superintendent shall ensure that the administrative team has the appropriate support to lead an effective instructional program with a consistent focus on student learning and outcomes. Legal Reference: 26 MRSA § 965 Cross Reference: GCI – Professional Staff Development Opportunities GCOA – Supervision and Evaluation of Professional Staff Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBE PROFESSIONAL STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES Professional staff have a responsibility to make themselves familiar with and abide by School Committee policies, administrative procedures, school rules and applicable state and federal laws. Professional staff are expected to carry out their job responsibilities conscientiously and to participate in staff development programs, staff meetings, parent conferences and school functions as directed by the administration. Staff members are also encouraged to develop outside interests and to participate in community activities. Professional staff are expected to devote to their assignments the time necessary to meet their responsibilities. Lesson Plans A. Teachers are responsible for completing their lesson plans at least three days in advance. B. Lesson plans shall be left at school unless prior approval is given by a building administrator. C. Lesson plans shall be in sufficient detail so as to explain the procedures and to provide an understanding of what the teacher plans to accomplish in each lesson. D. Lesson plans shall be checked periodically by an administrator and/or department head. E. All lesson plans shall be retained by the building administrator at the end of the school year to be used as a reference. Cross Reference: Adopted: GBEBA – Staff Dress GCI – Professional Staff Development Opportunities June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBEBA STAFF DRESS The School Committee expects school staff to maintain a standard of dress that reflects their professional status and does not interfere with the effective performance of their job responsibilities in the performance of their duties. Cross Reference: Adopted: GBE – Professional Staff Responsibilities June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBEC DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE The School Committee recognizes that alcoholism and drug dependency are treatable diseases. Left untreated, they may result in serious personal and family problems. At the same time, the School Committee is also seriously concerned about the effects of alcohol and drug dependency upon an employee’s job performance and ability to serve as a role model for our students. The School Committee believes strongly that all employees and students should be able to work and learn in an environment free from alcohol and drug abuse. Accordingly, the school unit expects all employees to report for work and to perform their duties in a manner which does not jeopardize the health, safety and well-being of co-workers and students. No employee shall distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall an employee unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any look-alike substance or narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid or any other controlled substance (as defined in schedules I through V of section 202 of the federal Controlled Substance Act [21 USC § 812]; by regulation at 21 CFR, § 1300.11 through 1300.15; and in 17-A MRSA, § 1101). This applies before, during and after school hours, at school or in any other school system location, defined as follows: “School system location” means in any school building or on any school premises; in any school-owned vehicle or in any other school-approved vehicle used to transports students to and from school or school activities; off school property at 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 unit; or during any period of time such employee is supervising students on behalf of the school system or otherwise engaged in school unit business. Any employee who suspects that he/she may have an alcohol or drug dependency problem is strongly encouraged to contact his/her supervisor to seek voluntary diagnosis and treatment. The employee will be provided confidential referral services to an outside agency upon request and assisted in determining the extent to which insurance coverage to help pay for such services is available. All voluntary referrals shall be kept confidential. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBEC Any illegal use, possession, furnishing, selling or provision of assistance in obtaining alcoholic beverages or scheduled drugs not covered by the preceding paragraph may, depending upon the circumstances, constitute sufficient grounds for discipline, up to and including dismissal. Referrals under foregoing paragraphs of this policy will not preclude disciplinary action under this paragraph, depending on the circumstances. As provided in the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, any employee is required to notify the school unit of a criminal or civil conviction for a drug violation occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction. In turn, the Superintendent, within 10 calendar days of learning of such a conviction, is to give written notification to the U.S. Department of Education and to any other federal agency from which the unit receives grant funds. Appropriate personnel sanctions shall be taken against any employee who violates the terms of this school unit’s drug and alcohol policy, up to and including termination. Employees may also be referred to law enforcement authorities as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent. Implementation The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and administering appropriate procedures to implement this policy. Communication A copy of this policy is to be given or mailed to all current employees and to new employees at the time of their employment and is to be posted in appropriate locations throughout the school system. Legal Reference: 21 U.S.C. § 812 (Controlled Substances Act) 21 C.F.R. §§ 1300.11-1300.15 Fed. P.L. 101-226 17-A MRSA § 1101 Cross Reference: JICH - Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBGA STAFF HEALTH The school unit will comply with all applicable laws pertaining to communicable diseases. The School Committee retains the right to require employees to submit to a physical examination when there are reasonable grounds to believe that an employee’s condition may pose a health and/or safety risk to students and staff. Cross Reference: Adopted: AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBGAA BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS The School Committee acknowledges the risk of infection from bloodborne pathogens that employees may incur when they handle or participate in procedures that involve blood, other body fluids or other potentially infectious materials. The School Committee directs the Superintendent to implement the mandated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to potentially infectious material for employees who have a reasonable anticipation of exposure to blood and other body fluids. The Superintendent shall prepare for School Committee consideration and approval an initial Occupational Exposure Control Plan with updates on at least an annual basis. The adopted plan shall be distributed to all employees. The following issues shall be addressed in the plan: A. Exposure determination; B. Preventive measures including training, universal precautions, Hepatitis B vaccination, engineering controls, work practice controls, and personal protective equipment; C. Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up; and D. Recordkeeping. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBGAB ERGONOMICS Lewiston Public Schools support ergonomically correct work sites. A plan will be developed and site reviews will be conducted by qualified personnel on a regular basis. Training will be provided to specific school personnel to insure compliance with recommended standards. A component of student and adult technology education will include an understanding of and use of ergonomically correct work stations. Adopted: March 23, 1998 (Vote 2) Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBI STAFF PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES Employees of Lewiston Public Schools may participate in political activities in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Constitution and federal and state laws. Employees may not distribute political materials or promote particular political parties or candidates while performing their duties for the school unit. Teachers may not use the classroom as a personal forum to influence the political views of students. Teachers may identify and express their own point of view, provided that they identify it as such and the opinion is presented in the context of instruction which provides a balance of viewpoints. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 13602 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBJ PERSONNEL RECORDS AND FILES The school unit shall maintain records of current and former employees in the Office of the Superintendent in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Directory Information As required by law, a record of directory information for each employee shall be open to inspection and copying by any person. Directory information shall contain: A. Name of employee; B. Date(s) of employment by the school unit; C. Regular and extra-curricular duties, courses, subjects taught, and any other responsibilities since the start of employment by the school unit; D. Post-secondary education institution(s) attended; E. Major and minor field(s) of study as recognized by those institutions; and F. Degrees received and dates degrees were awarded. Confidential Information As required by law, all information (except Directory Information) about an employee, applicant for employment, or an employee/applicant’s immediate family shall be kept confidential if it relates to the following: A. All information, working papers, and examinations used in the evaluation or selection of applicants for employment; B. Medical information of any kind, including information pertaining to diagnosis or treatment of mental or emotional disorders; C. Performance evaluations, personal references and other reports and evaluations reflecting on the quality or adequacy of the employee’s work or general character compiled and maintained for employment purposes; D. Credit information; Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBJ E. The personal history, general character or conduct of the employee or any member of the employee’s immediate family; F. Complaints, charges of misconduct, replies thereto and memoranda and other materials pertaining to disciplinary action; G. Social Security number; H. Any teacher action plan and support system documents and reports maintained for certification purposes; and I. Criminal history record information. Personnel Files Personnel files will contain a cumulative history of the staff member’s employment, including formal or informal employee work evaluations and reports relating to the employee’s character, credit, work habits, compensation and benefits. Other Confidential Personnel Records The school unit must maintain the following confidential employee records separate from the personnel files: A. Medical information of any kind; and B. Teacher action plan and support system documents and reports maintained for certification purposes. Disciplinary Action Information Any written record of a decision involving an employee disciplinary action by the School Committee shall not be included within any category of confidential information. Procedures for Review of Personnel Files For the purpose of this section, a personnel file shall include, but not be limited to, any formal or informal employee evaluations and reports relating to the employee’s character, credit, work habits, compensation and benefits that are maintained by the school unit for employment purposes. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBJ A. The Superintendent shall, upon written request and within five (5) business days, provide the employee, former employee, or his/her duly authorized representative(s) with an opportunity to review and copy his/her personnel file, if the Superintendent has a personnel file for that employee. B. Reviews of personnel files shall take place at the location where the personnel files are maintained and during normal office hours. C. The cost of any copying is to be paid by the person requesting the copy. D. Access to confidential college placement records and letters of reference will be granted only to the Superintendent/designee. Access to Personnel Files Access to personnel files may be given to the following persons without the consent of the employee. A. The Superintendent or his/her designee, the employee’s building administrator or other supervisor(s). Personnel files are not accessible to individual School Committee members. Relevant portions of a personnel file may be summarized and/or shared with the School Committee by the Superintendent when consideration is being given to performance evaluation, continuation of employment or disciplinary action. B. The general public shall have access only to the Directory Information as outlined above. Access to personnel files will not be granted to any other persons except under the following circumstances: A. When the employee gives written consent for the release of his/her records. The written consent must specify the record(s) to be released and to whom they are to be released. Each request for consent must be handled separately; blanket permission for release of information will not be accepted; and B. Upon advice of counsel, when subpoenaed or under court order. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBJ Records Management The Superintendent has overall responsibility for maintaining and preserving the confidentiality of all employee/applicant records. The Superintendent may designate a staff member who shall be responsible for granting or denying access to records according to the guidelines in this policy. Written reports shall be maintained in personnel files to document compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and School Committee policies regarding employee evaluations. Once a document is properly placed in a personnel file, it shall remain in the file permanently. Records Retention The school unit will retain all personnel records and files in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6101 20-A MRSA § 13015 26 MRSA § 631 Chapter 10, Rules for Disposition of Local Government Records (Maine State Archives) Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 29 U.S.C. 2611 et seq. Cross Reference: KDB - Public’s Right to Know/Freedom of Information GBJC – Retention of Application Materials Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 January 26, 2004 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: GBJAA Confidentiality in the Hiring Process Maine State Law strictly requires that all information relating to applications for employment remain confidential. This applies to school committee members, administrators and secretarial staff by virtue of their positions. It also applies to other staff and members of the public whenever they are involved in a screening and/or interviewing committee assisting in the selection process. Therefore, the following three components shall be included in procedures used to fill all positions: A. Potential candidates shall be notified on the application form that the materials submitted may be disclosed to a screening and/or interview committee which may include board members, administrators, staff and members of the community. An individual must sign the consent form in order to be considered an applicant. B. Any screening and/or interviewing committee is to receive a thorough orientation on the strict responsibility to maintain confidentiality pursuant to State Law. C. Each individual, prior to serving as a screening and/or interviewing committee member, shall sign a standard form (GBJAA-E) acknowledging that he/she understands and intends to honor the strict requirements to maintain confidentiality regarding applicant information. Such forms shall be retained on file at the Central Office. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA Sec. 6101.2B Adopted: May 21, 2001 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSB CODE: GBJAA-E LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Confidentiality Form The School Committee appreciates your willingness to assist in the process of screening applicants for the position of __________________________. We are confident that your participation will contribute to our selection of the best possible candidate. Understanding the intent and seriousness of the legal requirement to maintain strict confidentiality is most important. In this regard, Title 20 Section 6101.2B of the Maine Statues in part: “…information in any form relating to an employee or applicant for employment, or to an employee’s immediate family, shall be kept confidential if it relates to the following: (1) All information, working papers and examinations used in the examination or evaluation of all applicants for employment;…” At least one test case has substantiated that even the name of an applicant is protected (including the fact that a person has applied). Moreover, the prohibition from discussing these confidential matters does not end with the selection and appointment of the successful candidate. It is permanent and applies to all unsuccessful candidates as well. Therefore, in agreeing to participate in this important undertaking, we expect you to acknowledge having been provided with an orientation on the requirement for confidentiality, and that you are accepting this responsibility. Again, thank you very much for your assistance. I understand and pledge to honor the strict requirement to maintain confidentiality regarding applicant information. Signature:_______________________ Date: ______________________ 5/21/01 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBJC RETENTION OF APPLICATION MATERIALS State and federal law permit submission of a complaint to the Maine Human Rights Commission and/or the U.S. Office of Civil Rights within six months of an act alleged to have been unlawful discrimination. These offices recommend local school units to retain application materials for at least one (1) year. Therefore, all records accumulated in the process of employing all instructional and support staff shall be retained for at least one (1) year. This shall include all applications, accompanying materials, references, notes made in checking references, all screening and interviewing rating sheets, and other pertinent information as well. Documentation of the recruiting and selection process shall also be retained. All application materials and hiring process documentation accumulated in the employment of administrators (positions requiring Maine Department of Education administrator certification) shall be retained for at least three (3) years. Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 4551 et seq. (Maine Human Rights Act) 5 MRSA § 4576 20-A MRSA §§ 6, 254.8-10, 256.1, 7, 1001.13, 4502.4, A, 13011.6, 13019-A.1, D, 13019-B.1, C Cross Reference: GCFB - Recruitment and Hiring of Administrative Staff Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS EPN/NSBA Code: GBN FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE Lewiston Public Schools shall comply with all applicable provisions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Maine Family Medical Leave Law, and any other Board policies and collective bargaining agreements regarding family and medical leave. The Superintendent is responsible for implementing administrative procedures to comply with this policy. Legal Reference: 26 USC § 2601 et seq. 29 CFR Part 825 26 MRSA § 843 et seq. Cross-Reference: Adopted: Revised: GBN-R1 – Family and Medical Leave Act Administrative Procedure GBN-R2 – Maine Family Medical Leave Administrative Procedure May 21, 2002 February 11, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R1 FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT (FMLA) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The following administrative procedure covers the main provisions of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The guidelines in no way attempt to modify the Act, which should always be referred to when questions about implementation arise. The school unit is responsible for analyzing each employee request for leave to determine whether he/she is eligible under the federal and/or state statute. I. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS To be eligible under the FMLA, employees must work at a site where 50 or more employees of the same school board are employed within 75 miles of that work site. An employee must have been employed by the school unit for at least twelve months and have worked at least 1250 hours in the previous twelve-month period. According to the law, teachers employed on a full-time basis are presumed to meet the minimum hours requirement. Under the FMLA, an eligible employee is entitled to receive up to twelve weeks of leave during a twelve-month period for the following reasons: A. The birth and care of a child; B. The adoption or foster placement of a child with the employee; C. To care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition; or D. The employee is unable to perform the functions of his/her position because of a serious health condition. II. ADMINISTRATION A. If the leave request is due to the employee’s serious health condition, the employee is required to provide medical certification stating the date the health condition commenced, the probable duration, the appropriate medical facts concerning the condition, and that the employee cannot perform the functions of his/her job. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R1 If the leave request is due to the serious health condition of a family member, the employee is required to provide medical certification stating the date the health condition commenced, the probable duration, the appropriate medical facts concerning the condition, and an estimate of the Time the employee will be needed to care for the family member. B. The twelve-month period in which an employee is entitled to twelve weeks of FMLA leave shall be July 1 to June 30. C. An employee must submit an application for leave at least 30 days in advance when the leave is foreseeable, or as soon as practicable if it is not foreseeable. If an employee fails to provide 30 days’ notice of foreseeable leave, the leave may be delayed to start 30 days after notice is given, provided that the employee had actual notice of FMLA notification requirements. D. Any leave taken for FMLA-qualifying purposes (including leave taken under employment policies, bargaining agreements, or contracts) shall also be applied to an employee’s annual FMLA entitlement. When paid leave taken for FMLAqualifying purposes is exhausted, the balance of FMLA leave shall be unpaid. E. Upon an employee’s return to work, he/she will be restored to his/her previous position or to an equivalent position with equivalent pay, benefits, conditions and terms of employment. F. An employee returning from FMLA leave for his/her own serious health condition is required to submit medical certification that indicates fitness to return to work and ability to perform the functions of the job. G. If the employee is unable to return to work because of his/her own serious health condition at the expiration of allowable FMLA leave, the [Superintendent/School Board] may consider a request for extension of unpaid leave and benefits on a case-by-case basis. Failure to return to work upon the expiration of FMLA leave may subject the employee to immediate termination unless such an extension is granted. Legal Reference: 26 USC § 2601 et seq. 29 CFR Part 825 5/21/01 2/11/08 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R2 MAINE FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The following administrative procedure covers the main provisions of the Maine Family Medical Leave Act. The guidelines in no way attempt to modify the statute, which should always be referred to when questions about implementation arise. The school unit is responsible for analyzing each employee request for leave to determine whether he/she is eligible under the federal and/or state statute. When an employee is eligible for leave under both the federal and state statutes, the applicable law with regard to each benefit shall be the one, which provides the greater benefit (usually federal FMLA). I. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for Maine Family Medical Leave, employees must work at a site where there are 15 or more employees of a school board. An employee must have been employed by the same employer for 12 consecutive months and not taken such leave within the immediately preceding 24-month period, or have used less than 10 weeks of family medical leave. Under the Maine Family Medical Leave Act, an eligible employee is entitled to up to 10 weeks of leave during a 24-month period for the following reasons: A. Serious health condition of the employee; B. Birth of the employee’s child or the employee’s domestic partner’s child; C. Placement of a child 16 years of age or less in connection with the adoption of the child by the employee or the employee’s domestic partner; D. Serious health condition of a child, domestic partner’s child, parent, domestic partner or spouse; Serious health condition means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves inpatient care in a hospital, hospice or residential medical care facility or continuing treatment by a health care provider; Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R2 F. II. The death or serious health condition of the employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child if the spouse, domestic partner, parent or child as a member of the state military forces, as defined in Title 37-B, section 102 of the Maine Revised Statutes, or of the United States Armed Services, including the national Guard and Reserves, dies or incurs a serious health condition while on active duty. DOMESTIC PARTNER DEFINED For the purpose of determining eligibility for Maine Family Medical Leave, “domestic partner” means the partner of an employee who: III. A. Is a mentally competent adult as is the employee; B. Has been legally domiciled with the employee for at least 12 months; C. Is not legally married to or legally separated from another individual; D. Is the sole partner of the employee and expects to remain so; E. Is not a sibling of the employee; and F. Is jointly responsible with the employee for each other’s common welfare as evidenced by joint living arrangements, joint financial arrangements or joint ownership of real or personal property. ADMINISTRATION A. B. C. The school unit may require certification from a physician to verify the amount of leave requested. An employee who in good faith relies on treatment by prayer or spiritual means, in accordance with the tenets and practice of a recognized church or religious denomination may submit certification from an accredited practitioner of those healing methods. An employee requesting leave shall provide at least 30 days’ notice of the intended dates upon which the leave will commence and terminate, unless prevented by medical emergency from giving required notice. Any leave taken for Maine Family Medical Leave qualifying purposes, including leave taken under other applicable statutes, employment policies, collective bargaining agreements or contracts, shall also be considered leave under the Maine Family Medical Leave and shall be applied to an Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R2 employee’s 10-week Maine Family Medical Leave entitlement every 24month period. When paid leave taken for Maine Family Medical Leave qualifying purposes is exhausted, the balance of Maine Family Medical Leave shall be unpaid. IV. D. During Maine Family Medical Leave, an employee shall be permitted to continue his/her medical insurance plan, providing the employee remits the monthly premium to the Superintendent’s Office no later than the first day of the month for which the premium is due. E. Upon an employee’s return to work, he/she will be restored to his/her previous position or to a position with equivalent seniority status, benefits, pay, and other conditions and terms of employment. F. An employee taking Maine Family Medical Leave for his/her own serious health condition may be required to submit certification that he/she is fit to return to work and is able to perform the functions of the position. G. If at the end of the allowable leave under Maine Family Medical Leave the employee is unable to return to work because of his/her own serious health condition, the Superintendent and School Board may consider a request for extension of unpaid leave and benefits on a case-by-case basis. Failure to return to work upon the expiration of Maine Family Medical Leave may subject the employee to immediate termination unless such an extension is granted. H. An employee who is not eligible for Maine Family Medical Leave may be eligible for federal Family and Medical Leave. LEAVE TAKEN INTERMITTENTLY OR ON A REDUCED LEAVE SCHEDULE Subject to the other requirements of this policy, leave taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule (i.e., a leave schedule that reduces the usual number of hours per workweek or hours per workday of an employee may be taken subject to the following: Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBN-R2 A. Leave for birth or placement related to adoption may not be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule unless agreed to by both employer and employee; B. Leave for a serious health condition of the employee or his/her child, domestic partner’s child, parent, domestic partner or spouse, or for organ donation by the employee may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule when medically necessary; C. The taking of leave intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule may not result in a reduction in the total amount of Maine Family Medical Leave to which the employee is entitled beyond the amount of leave actually taken; D. If an employee requests intermittent leave or leave on a reduced leave schedule for a serious health condition of the employee or his/her child, domestic partner’s child, parent, domestic partner or spouse, or for organ donation by the employee that is foreseeable based on planned medical treatment, the employer may require the employee to transfer temporarily to an available alternative position offered by the employer for which the employee is qualified and that 1) has equivalent pay and benefits, and 2) better accommodates recurring periods of leave than the regular employment position of the employee. Legal References: Adopted: 26 MRSA § 843 et seq. February 11, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBO FAMILY CARE LEAVE This policy governs employee leave under 26 M.R.S.A. § 636, “An Act to Care for Families”), referred to in this policy as the “Family Care Act.” Leave under this policy is referred to as “Family Care Leave.” The School Committee recognizes that under Maine’s “Family Care Act,” if an employer provides paid leave under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement or employment policy, the employer must allow an employee to use the paid leave for the care of an immediate family member who is ill. In law and for the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply: 1. “Employer” means a public or private employer with 25 or more employees. 2. “Immediate family member” means an employee’s child, spouse or parent. 3. “Paid leave” means time away from work by an employee for which the employee receives compensation. Paid leave is limited to sick time, vacation time, compensatory time and leave that is provided as an aggregate amount for use at the discretion of the employee for any of these purposes. Paid leave does not include paid short-term or long-term disability, catastrophic leave or similar types of benefits. Employees may take up to 5 days of paid leave as Family Care Leave per 12 month period, or the amount provided by an applicable collective bargaining agreement, whichever is greater. The 12-month period shall be the same for all employees and shall be from July 1 to June 30. An employee is not entitled to use paid leave until that leave has been earned. a. An employee may elect which type of paid leave and the amount of each type of paid leave to use for Family Care Leave. b. Any employee electing to take Family Care Leave must apply such leave against available paid sick leave, and if sick leave is exhausted, against personal leave, then against vacation leave (and so on) until all paid leave available has been exhausted, except as otherwise provided in applicable collective bargaining agreements. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GBO Notice/verification of illness for Family Care Leave shall be the same as that required for the employee’s own illness. The employee must specify that leave is being taken pursuant to the Family Care Act. APPLICATION OF FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE REQUIREMENTS For purposes of applying family medical leave requirements (i.e., FMLA), the school unit shall treat leave under the Family Care Act in the same manner as the employer treats leave for an employee illness. Therefore, Family Care leave and FMLA leave shall run concurrently. Legal Reference: 26 M.R.S.A. § 636 Cross Reference: GBN/Family and Medical Leave Adopted: September 12, 2005 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCAAD ATHLETIC COACHING POSITIONS It is the intent of this policy to provide for the proper screening and training of coaches, to ensure the safety of student athletes, and to improve the overall quality of the interscholastic athletic program. A person shall be eligible to be considered for paid or volunteer coaching positions if he/she meets the following requirements and subject to approval of the Superintendent and the School Committee: A. Candidates must be at least 20 years of age and be a high school graduate or have high school equivalency at the commencement of the applicable sport season. A season is deemed to have commenced on the first day of team practice, including practices scheduled to determine the members of the team, in accordance with Maine Principals Association (MPA) rules. B. Candidates must successfully complete the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP) “Sport Science” program or an equivalent program within one year of hire. Any equivalent program must be determined and approved by the Building Administrator and/or Athletic Director and cover the following topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. C. Coaches’ role on sports medicine team; Sports first-aid game plan; Anatomy and sports injury terminology; Injury evaluation; First-aid basics; Moving an injured athlete; Respiratory and circulatory emergencies; Head and neck injuries; Internal organ injuries; Sudden illness; Temperature related problems; Musculoskeletal injuries; Soft tissue of the face and head; and Skin problems. Candidates must successfully complete and have current certification in basic CPR within one year of hire. Cross Reference: Adopted: GCAAD-R – Volunteer Coach Guidelines GCAAD-E – Volunteer Coach Application Form Guidelines June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCAAD-R VOLUNTEER COACHES In addition to the requirements for coaching eligibility delineated in policy GCAAD, volunteer coaches must meet the following guidelines: A. Any coach who wants to have a volunteer or volunteers work in their program must obtain the approval of the Building Administrator and Athletic Director prior to discussing the matter with prospective volunteers. B. If approval is given, prospective volunteers must complete an application and be interviewed by the Building Administrator and Athletic Director to determine their qualifications and suitability to work in the school system. C. Volunteers who work directly with student athletes must be under the direct supervision of the coach. D. Volunteer coaches must meet the same standards of personal appearance and conduct expected of all other coaching staff. E. Relationships between volunteers and athletes must be maintained on a professional level and be consistent with the standards expected of all other coaching staff. Cross Reference: GCAAD – Athletic Coaching Positions GCAAD-E – Volunteer Coach Application Form 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCAAD-E LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS VOLUNTEER COACH APPLICATION FORM Name: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ Telephone: ___________________________ Social Security #: __________________ School where volunteering will take place: ____________________________________ Educational Background: _________________________ Date of Birth: ____________ Previous Volunteer Experience: _____________________________________________ Description of volunteer activities to be involved in: _____________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Staff person supervising the volunteer: ________________________________________ Date of interview with School Building Administrator/Athletic Director: ____________ I wish to be involved as a school volunteer in Lewiston Public Schools. I understand that information regarding students is confidential and should only be discussed with appropriate school staff. I understand my volunteer responsibilities as they have been outlined in writing for me. I give of my time freely and request no compensation from Lewiston Public Schools. I understand that I am not covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance because I am a volunteer and not an employee. I further understand that my status as a volunteer may be terminated at any time. Please answer the following question and be sure to sign and date the form. 1. Have you ever been charged with or investigated for sexual abuse of another person? ____ Yes ____ No 2. Have you ever been charged with, pleaded guilty or “no contest” (nolo contendre) to, or been convicted of, any crime involving sexual abuse of any person or any other crime of moral turpitude? ____ Yes ____ No 3. Have you (a) ever been convicted of a crime, other than a minor traffic offense; or (b) ever entered a plea of guilty or a plea of “no contest” (nolo contendre), or has Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCAAD-E any court ever deferred further proceedings without entering a finding of guilty and placed you on probation, for any crime other than a minor traffic offense? ____ Yes ____ No 4. If you have answered yes to any one of the previous questions, please explain, in detail, including the date of any court action, the offense in question, and the address of the court involved. (Note: Conviction of a crime is not an automatic bar to employment by Lewiston Public Schools.) ___________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Any falsification of information or misleading information on this application shall be fully sufficient grounds to be denied a position as a school volunteer. My signature below constitutes authorization to check my employment history, including without limitation, criminal arrest and conviction record checks, reference checks, and release of investigatory information possessed by any state, local or federal agency. I further authorize those persons, agencies or entities that Lewiston Public Schools contact in connection with my volunteer application to fully provide Lewiston Public Schools any information on the matters set forth above. I expressly waive my rights in connection with any request for or provision of such information, any claims, including without limitation, defamation, emotional distress, invasion of privacy, or interference with contractual relations that I might otherwise have against Lewiston Public Schools, its agents and officials or against any provider of such information. Applicant’s Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________ 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCBA VOCATIONAL INSTRUCTOR SALARIES The salaries of certified (or certifiable) vocational instructors who have a high school diploma, but less than a baccalaureate degree, shall be determined by a formula of two years of credit on the Bachelor’s Degree salary scale for every five years of work experience related to the program area being taught. Certified (or certifiable) vocational instructors who have a baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree shall receive two years of credit on the appropriate salary scale for every three years of work experience related to the program being taught. If a vocational instructor has completed a recognized apprenticeship program of no less than four years’ duration, then he/she will be allowed one additional step on the appropriate salary scale. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCCAD MILITARY LEAVE The School Committee recognizes our nation’s need to maintain a system of uniformed military services. Therefore, the School Committee shall make provision for military leave requests by school unit employees in accordance with applicable laws and this policy. A. Regular employees will be entitled to a military leave for service with the uniformed services of the United States for a period not to exceed five years, except that such period may be extended beyond five years as provided by law. No employee granted such leave shall be subject to a loss of seniority due to such leave. B. The employee must immediately notify his/her supervisor and the Superintendent in advance of the need for military leave, unless the giving of such notice is precluded by military necessity or is otherwise impossible or unreasonable. The employee should submit a letter requesting leave to the Superintendent and the letter should include the dates when leave shall begin and end. C. Military leave shall be without pay. For military service of less than 31 days, health care coverage shall be provided as if the employee had remained employed. Employees performing military duty of more than 30 days may elect to continue health care coverage at their own expense up for up to 18 months. D. If the period of service was less than 31 days, the employee must return to work at the beginning of the next regularly scheduled work period on the first full day after release from service, taking into account safe travel home plus an 8-hour rest period. If the period of service was more than 30 days but less than 181 days, the employee must submit an application for reemployment within 14 days of release from service. If the period of service was more than 180 days, the employee must submit an application for reemployment within 90 days of release from service. These reporting and application deadlines may be extended for employees who are hospitalized or convalescing because of an injury or illness occurring or aggravated during the period of service, as provided by law. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCCAD E. If the period of service lasted 1 to 90 days, the employee has the right to be re-employed in the job the employee would have held had the employee remained continuously employed so long as the employee is qualified for the job, or can become qualified after reasonable efforts. If the period of service lasted 91 days or more, the employee has the right to be re-employed in the job the employee would have held had the employee remained continuously employed, or a position of equivalent seniority, status, and pay, so long as the employee is qualified for the job, or can become qualified after reasonable efforts. Re-employement of a person is excused if the School Department’s circumstances have changed so much that re-employment of the person would be impossible or unreasonable. An example would be a reductionin-force that would have included the individual. F. As provided by federal law, a returning service member cannot be terminated without cause as follows: 1. If the period of service lasted 180 days or less—for 180 days following the return to work; or 2. If the period of service lasted more than 180 days – for a full year following the return to work. G. Employees eligible for vacation or sick time shall not accrue vacation or sick time while on military leave. H. Any person employed to take the place of a person on such leave shall be informed in his/her employment agreement of the temporary nature of the position and the rights of the employee on military leave upon his/her return. I. In the event of conflict between any provision of this policy and an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the latter shall apply. J. In the event of conflict between a provision of this policy and any federal or state statute relating to military service by public employees, the provisions of federal or state statute shall apply. Legal Reference: Adopted: 38 USC § 4301-4333(Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act) June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCF PROFESSIONAL STAFF HIRING Through its employment policies, the School Committee shall attempt to attract, secure and hold the highest qualified personnel for all professional positions. The selection program shall be based upon an alertness to candidates who will devote themselves to the education and welfare of the children attending our public schools. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent and of persons to whom he/she delegates this responsibility to determine the personnel needs of the school system and to locate suitable candidates to recommend to the School Committee for employment. Through effective administrative procedures, the Superintendent shall recruit and recommend to the School Committee the employment and retention of personnel who are motivated to do their best work and to be creative from their own inner resources. It shall be the duty of the Superintendent to see that persons nominated for employment in the schools shall meet all certification requirements and the requirements of the School Committee for the type of position for which the nomination is made. The following considerations shall be used in the selection of personnel: A. There shall be no illegal discrimination in the hiring process; B. Interviewing and selection procedures shall assure that an administrator has the opportunity to aid in the selection of any staff member who will work under his/her supervision; C. No candidate shall be hired without a personal interview; D. All candidates shall be considered on the basis of their merits, qualifications and the needs of the unit. In each instance, the Superintendent and others playing a role in the selection shall seek to hire the best qualified person for the job; and E. While the School Committee may accept or reject a nomination, an approval shall be valid only if made with the recommendation of the Superintendent. F. Candidates approved by the Committee must sign and return their contract to the Superintendent within 14 days of notification or the contract shall be deemed void. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCF Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 13201 et seq. Cross Reference: AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB RECRUITING AND HIRING OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF In response to An Act to Promote Equity of Opportunity for Women in Administrative Positions in the Public School System (PL 1990, Chap. 889), the School Committee affirms its commitment to the strict prohibition of discrimination in employment on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability, and to the principle of affirmative action to obtain wide and representative candidate pools. In accordance with 20-A MRSA, § 1001.13, the Superintendent shall prepare a procedure designed to ensure nondiscriminatory practice in recruitment and hiring for all positions requiring administrator certification, as well as to result in selection of the most qualified candidates. This procedure shall be attached hereto as GCFB-R, and shall be reviewed periodically. Moreover, upon each occasion of administrative vacancy, the Superintendent shall review the procedure and make appropriate adaptations as may be warranted by special circumstances. In the case of a vacancy in the Superintendent, the School Committee shall review the procedure, adapting as appropriate. In accordance with 20-A MRSA, § 4502.4-A, the unit’s Affirmative Action Plan shall include: a description of the status of the unit’s nondiscriminatory administrator hiring practice; plans for in-service training programs on gender equity for teachers, administrators and the School Committee; and the relationship of the above to the State’s five-year goal for the employment of women in administrative positions. Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 4576 20-A MRSA §§ 6, 254.8-10, 256.1, 7, 1001.13, 4502.4A, 13011.6, 13019-A.1D, 13019-B.1C Cross Reference: AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action GCFB-R – Recruiting and Hiring of Administrative Staff Administrative Procedure Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB-R RECRUITING AND HIRING OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PROCEDURES These procedures implement School Committee policy GCFB and are designed to establish a thorough, efficient and nondiscriminatory practice for the recruiting and hiring of the most qualified candidates for administrative positions. A. Job Description Development/Review To ensure that a written role description of the vacant position accurately represents the current functions and needs, the Superintendent/designee (the School Committee in a Superintendent search) is to: B. 1. Conduct a review of the job description, with input from persons affected by the position; 2. Include the criteria (skills, knowledge, abilities) required to perform the duties/responsibilities of the position; and 3. List the minimum qualifications (training, education and experience) for the position. Recruitment To attract a strong pool of qualified candidates, the Superintendent/designee is to advertise (except in the circumstances described in K below) by: C. 1. Posting notice of the vacancy within the unit; 2. Placing a display advertisement in appropriate print media, considering at least one appearance in a major Maine weekend or Sunday newspaper; and 3. Identifying and notifying other possible sources of potential candidates, such as professional associations, educational administration programs and placement offices at colleges and universities in Maine and other states, and the Maine Department of Education. Screening To ensure that a fair and efficient screening process will occur, the Superintendent/designee is to: Page 1 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB-R D. 1. Ensure that all applications are reviewed by more than one individual with attention given to an unbiased regard for the criteria and qualifications in the job description; 2. Appoint a screening panel with representation as deemed appropriate to the particular vacancy; 3. Provide orientation on confidentiality and equity issues to screeners; 4. Eliminate all candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications; 5. Conduct preliminary reference checks, as appropriate; 6. Select candidates for interview based on the degree to which they meet the criteria and demonstrate the skills, knowledge and abilities outlined in the job description; and 7. Notify applicants not selected for interview. Interviewing To ensure that the interview process will be conducted in a legal and proper manner, the Superintendent/designee is to: 1. Appoint an interview panel (may be the same persons who serve the screening function) with representation as deemed appropriate to the particular vacancy; 2. Provide orientation on the process including the function and extent of responsibility of the panel, the weighting of criteria and the nomination/hiring procedure; and 3. Conduct training to ensure that panel members are aware of the legal aspects of interviewing, including confidentiality and equity issues. The interviewing panel is to: 1. Design interview questions which match the criteria and the duties/responsibilities outlined in the job description; and Page 2 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB-R 2. E. Provide equal opportunity for the candidates to respond to the same questions/questioners. Selection The interview panel is to: 1. Individually assess the candidates according to their answers to the job description-related questions, rating and commenting on each candidate; and 2. Submit a report to the Superintendent, including the individual rating forms as well as a list (usually 2 to 4) of candidates to be considered further for the position. The Superintendent/designee is to: F. 1. Have reference contacts made, as appropriate, to check perceived strengths and weaknesses of the candidates; 2. Review the material on the finalist candidates to determine whether additional information is needed; 3. Conduct final interviews of any or all finalists, as deemed necessary; 4. Select the most qualified candidate who fits the criteria and the duties/responsibilities outlined in the job description, based on his/her own professional judgement along with those of the interview panel (or, reject all finalists, reopen the position and begin the process anew); and 5. Have any further reference checks made, as appropriate. Nomination/Employment The Superintendent is to: 1. Notify and obtain agreement of the successful candidate, pending School Committee approval; 2. Inform the interview panel; and Page 3 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB-R 3. G. Nominate and employ the successful candidate in accordance with state law and local policies. Notification The Superintendent/designee may: H. 1. Notify the nominee of the School Committee approval and employ the administrator; and 2. Notify the other candidates interviewed. Orientation and Support To ensure that the new administrator is provided with the proper information about the system and job expectations, the Superintendent/designee is to provide an orientation that includes expectations of the duties/responsibilities of the position along with the policies and procedures of the local school unit. I. Record Keeping To ensure that the confidentiality of employee and applicant records are properly maintained, the Superintendent is to provide for the maintenance in secure files of all applications and documentation of the hiring, screening and interviewing process for a period of three (3) years. J. Confidentiality To ensure that confidentiality is maintained throughout and permanently following the hiring process, the School Committee, all employees involved, and any other participants are to maintain absolute confidentiality about candidates, including names, in accordance with state law (20-A MRSA § 6101). The School Committee is to assume responsibility through the Superintendent for providing adequate orientation at appropriate stages of the process, including at the completion. K. Hiring of Current Employees The school unit may forego one or more of the steps set forth in sections B-E of this procedure and appoint a person who is currently employed by the unit to fill an administrative position only if the Superintendent, after consultation with the School Committee, or the Search Committee in a Superintendent search, determines that the following circumstances exist: Page 4 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCFB-R 1. The currently employed candidate is exceptionally well qualified for the position; and 2. The decision to forego all or part of the recruitment and screening process will not detract from the goals of this policy. 6/00 Page 5 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCGA SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS Substitute teachers may serve on a day-to-day basis to fill short-term classroom teaching or instructional vacancies caused by the absence, resignation, inability to employ or termination of a certified teacher or educational specialist. Qualifications A. All substitute teachers shall be approved by the Maine Department of Education. B. Certified teachers may substitute outside the scope of their certification for not more than 90 teaching days in any one teaching assignment. C. Persons having two or more years of college preparation may serve as substitute teachers for not more than 60 teaching days in any one teaching assignment. D. Only in cases of emergency may a person with less than two years of college preparation who has graduated from high school serve as a substitute teacher, and such assignment shall not exceed 10 teaching days (except when assigned to a vocational center or region. E. A high school graduate with two or more years of trade experience may serve as a substitute teacher in a vocational center or region for not more than 60 teaching days in any one teaching assignment.) F. Teaching days shall include consecutive and non-consecutive days in the same teaching assignment during a school year. Compensation The rate paid to substitute teachers will be reviewed and determined by the School Committee on an annual basis. The Superintendent may adjust the rate for long-term substitutes and/or for unusual circumstances, with the approval of the School Committee. Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 13402(3) Chapter 115 § 13 (Maine Department of Education Rules) Cross Reference: GCGA-R – Teacher Responsibilities to Substitutes Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCGA-R TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES TO SUBSTITUTES Teachers shall ensure that the following items are available in their classrooms for use by substitutes: A. A daily schedule of planned activities; B. An up-to-date seating plan for all classes; C. A plan book indicating all work to be covered; and D. All necessary books and materials. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCI PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES The School Committee recognizes the importance of developing, maintaining, and extending the skills of staff members and expects staff members to engage in programs and activities that will contribute to their professional growth and increased competence. The Superintendent is authorized to initiate programs and activities which are designed to serve the following purposes: A. To provide a structure through which staff members can stay abreast of new developments in their areas of specialty; B. To familiarize staff members with new research and innovative teaching methods; C. To assist staff members in the process of change and school improvement; and D. To facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of new programs. Within budgetary limitations, visitations and attendance at conferences may be approved by the Superintendent in accordance with School Committee policy. Legal Reference: Chap. 125.23 B (5)(m) (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: GCI-R – Professional Staff Development Opportunities Administrative Procedure Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCI-R PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Members of the professional staff are expected to take responsibility for improving their skills on an ongoing basis. A. Staff members are responsible for fulfilling certification requirements and maintaining current certification. The Superintendent’s Office will maintain records of staff course work and other professional development programs. B. Staff members shall seek prior approval from the Superintendent for courses to be reimbursed under the collective bargaining agreement. C. A staff member seeking to make a change in his/her degree status must provide a letter of intent and notification to the Superintendent on or before October 1 of the year prior to receiving the degree. Once the degree has been conferred, a copy of the degree and transcript must be filed with the Superintendent’s Office by October 1. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCOA SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF A well-planned and systematic program of supervision and evaluation of performance tied to educational outcomes is vital to the ongoing improvement of the instructional program. It is incumbent upon this School Committee to ensure that sufficient administrative time and energy are expended to supervise (observe and assist) and evaluate (measure and assess) teachers. The evaluation program shall address all aspects of teaching performance and recognize that the fulfillment of student needs is of primary importance. The Superintendent shall be responsible for development, implementation and periodic review of a comprehensive program of supervision and evaluation. The program shall provide for minimum standards for the number and frequency of formal performance reviews, with the understanding that probationary teachers require closer support and more frequent performance reviews. All teachers shall be subject to continuous informal supervision and evaluation by their supervisor/administrator. A. Probationary teachers receive a formal evaluation on an annual basis, which shall include at least five classroom visits. B. Continuing contract teachers shall receive a formal evaluation at least every three years, which shall include at least three classroom visits. C. Evaluative criteria shall be in written form and made permanently available to the teacher. D. Evaluations shall be made by an immediate supervisor/administrator. E. Results of the evaluations shall be put in writing and shall be discussed with the teacher. F. The teacher being evaluated shall have the right to attach a memorandum to the written evaluation. Both the evaluator and the teacher shall sign the evaluation. G. Results of all evaluations shall be kept in confidential personnel files maintained at the Superintendent’s office. In keeping with the School Committee’s goal of employing the best qualified staff to provide quality education for all students, all teachers are expected to participate fully in the evaluation process, self-appraisal and continuous improvement of professional skills. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCOA While supervision and evaluation policies and procedures are not negotiable in collective bargaining, the Superintendent is to seek appropriate involvement of staff in the development and periodic review of the supervision and evaluation program. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA §§ 1055, 13802 Chap. 125.23, B, 5, n (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCOC EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF The Superintendent shall implement and supervise an evaluation system for all administrative personnel Performance evaluations will be conducted according to the following guidelines: A. Evaluative criteria for each position shall be in written form and made permanently available to the administrator; B. Evaluations shall be made by the Superintendent or immediate supervisor; C. Results of the evaluations shall be put in writing and shall be discussed with the administrator; D. The administrator being evaluated will have the right to attach a memorandum to the written evaluation; and E. Results of all evaluations shall be kept in confidential personnel files maintained at the Superintendent’s office. Legal Reference: Adopted: Chap. 125.23, B, 5, n (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCQC RESIGNATION OF SCHOOL UNIT EMPLOYEES The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to accept all employee resignations. Such acceptance shall be effective when first communicated to the employee orally or in writing. Acceptance shall be confirmed in writing to the employee. The resignation and its acceptance should be reported as information to the School Committee at the next regular or special meeting. Adopted: February 25, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA EMPLOYEE TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE Lewiston Public Schools provide computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet access to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops and other technological devices issued directly to staff, whether in use at school or off school premises, and to any technological devices brought by staff into a school building or to a school activity. Employees are to use school department computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services for school-related purposes in the performance of job duties. Incidental personal use of district technology is permitted as long as such use: 1) does not interfere with the employee’s job responsibilities and performance, 2) does not interfere with system operations or other system users, and 3) does not violate this policy and the accompanying rules, or any other School Committee policy, procedure, or school rule. “Incidental personal use” is defined as use by an individual employee for occasional personal communications. Compliance with the school department’s policies and rules concerning technology use is mandatory. An employee who violates this policy and/or any rules governing the use of school department technology shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Illegal uses of the school department’s technology will also result in referral to law enforcement. All Lewiston Public Schools technology remains under the control, custody, and supervision of the school department at all times. The school department reserves the right to monitor all technology and Internet activity by employees. Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of technology in a school building or during school activities. Employees shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through handbooks, the district web site, computer start-up screen, and/or other means selected by the Superintendent. The Superintendent is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying rules. Additional administrative procedures or school rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the school department’s technology system may be implemented, consistent with School Committee policies and rules. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to building administrators, technology staff, and/or others as he/she deems appropriate. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA Cross Reference: GCSA-R—Employee Technology and Internet Use Rules IJNDB—Student Technology and Internet Use Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: August 28, 2006 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-R EMPLOYEE TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE RULES These rules accompany School Committee policy GCSA (Employee Technology and Internet Use). Each employee is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school department computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services, and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of the school department’s technology and examples of prohibited uses. The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity. Employees who have questions about whether a particular activity or use is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator or the Superintendent’s office. A. Consequences for Violation of Technology Use Policy and Rules Failure to comply with School Committee policy GCSA, these rules, and/or other procedures or rules governing technology use may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Illegal use of the school department’s technology will also result in referral to law enforcement. B. Access to Computers and Other Technological Devices, Networks, and Internet Services The level of employee access to school department technology is based upon specific job requirements and needs. Unauthorized access to secure areas of the school department’s technology system is strictly prohibited. C. Acceptable Use Employee access to the school department’s computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services is provided for administrative, educational, communication, and research purposes consistent with the school department’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals. All School Committee policies, school rules, and expectations for professional conduct and communications apply when employees are using the school department’s technology or any personally-owned technology used inside a school building or at a school activity. D. Personal Use Employees are to use school department computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services for purposes related to school programs and operations and to perform their job responsibilities. Incidental personal use of Page 1 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-R district technology is permitted as long as such use: 1) does not interfere with the employee’s job responsibilities and performance, 2) does not interfere with system operations or other system users, and 3) does not violate this policy and the accompanying rules, or any other School Committee policy, procedure, or school rule. “Incidental personal use” is defined as use by an individual employee for occasional personal communications. E. Prohibited Uses Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Any use that is illegal or that violates another School Committee policy, procedure, or school rule, including harassing, discriminatory, or threatening communications or behavior; violating copyright laws; etc. The school department assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of employees while using technology. 2. Any use involving materials that are obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive. 3. Any inappropriate communications with students or minors. 4. Any use for private financial gain, or any use for commercial, advertising, or solicitation purposes. 5. Any use as a forum for communicating by email or any other medium with other school users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate, or communicate the views of an individual or non-school sponsored organization; to solicit membership in or support of any non-school sponsored organization; or to raise funds for any non-school sponsored purpose, whether profit or not for profit. No employee shall knowingly provide school email addresses to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with school employees, students, and/or their families for non-school purposes. Employees who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or other appropriate administrator. 6. Any communication that represents an employee’s personal views as those of the school department or that could be misinterpreted as such. Page 2 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-R F. 7. Downloading or installing software or applications without permission from technology staff. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The school department assumes no responsibility for illegal software copying by employees. 8. Sending mass or bulk e-mails to school users or outside parties for school or non-school purposes without the permission of the email administrator or building administrator. 9. Any malicious use or disruption of the school department’s computers or other technological devices, networks, or Internet services; breach of security features; or misuse of computer passwords or accounts (the employee’s or those of other users). 10. Any misuse or damage to the school department’s technology equipment, including opening and forwarding email attachments from unknown sources and/or that may contain viruses. 11. Any attempt to access unauthorized sites, or any attempt to disable or circumvent the school unit’s filtering/blocking technology (unless a filter override has been issued by the technology office for purposes that support the educational mission of the district). 12. Failing to report a breach of technology security to the system administrator or a building administrator. 13. Using technology after such access has been denied or revoked. 14. Any attempt to delete, erase, or otherwise conceal any information stored on a school computer or other technological device that violates these rules or other School Committee policy or school rule, or refusing to return technology equipment issued to the employee upon request. No Expectation of Privacy Lewiston Public Schools technology system remains under the control, custody, and supervision of the school department at all times. The school department reserves the right to monitor all technology activity by employees and other system users. Employees have no expectation of privacy in their use of any school technology or any technology used on school grounds, including email, stored files, and Internet access logs. Page 3 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-R G. Disclosure of Confidential Information Employees are expected to use appropriate judgment and caution in communications concerning students and staff to ensure that personally identifiable information remains confidential. H. Employee/Volunteer Responsibility to Supervise Student Technology Use Employees and volunteers who use school technology with students for instructional purposes have a duty of care to supervise such use. Teachers, staff members, and volunteers are expected to be familiar with the school department’s policies and rules concerning student technology and Internet use and to enforce them. When, in the course of their duties, employees or volunteers become aware of a student violation, they are expected to stop the activity and inform the building principal. I. Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages The employee is responsible for compensating the school department for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school department for violations of School Committee policies and school rules while the employee is using technology, including the cost of investigating such violations. The school department assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by an employee while using technology at school. J. Additional Rules for Laptops or Other Technological Devices Issued to Employees 1. Employees are responsible for the proper care of laptops or other technological devices assigned to them at all times, whether on or off school property. 2. If a laptop or other technological device is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the building principal immediately. 3. The School Committee’s policies and rules concerning technology and Internet use apply to the use of school department laptops and other technological devices at all times and places, on or off school property. Page 4 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-R 4. K. Laptops and other technological devices must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the term of employment or whenever requested by a district administrator. Additional Rules for Laptops or Other Technological Devices Brought to School by Employees 1. Before connecting to any school department network, an employee-owned device must be checked for viruses and/or other compatibility by a representative of the technology office. 2. Any computer or other device that will be connected to a school department network must be free of viruses and must be running a current version of virus detection software. The device must be configured in a way that is compatible with school department policies and rules. 3. The School Committee’s policies and rules concerning technology and Internet use apply to the use of personally-owned technological devices used on school grounds or during school activities. 4. Violation of policies or rules governing the use of technology may result in the device being banned from use at school. The employee will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of School Committee policies or school rules. 5. Lewiston Public Schools assumes no responsibility for the functioning or use of personally-owned technological devices on school grounds or at school activities. Cross Reference: Revised: GCSA—Employee Technology and Internet Use August 28, 2006 Page 5 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: GCSA-E LewNet (Email) Registration Form for Employees & Employee Computer and Internet Use Acknowledgment Form Please clearly print this information: First Name _______________________ Last Name _________________________ School/Building _____________________ Position ___________________________ Home phone _____________________ I have read and agree to abide by Lewiston Public Schools’ Employee Computer and Internet Use Rules (policy GCSA). I understand that failure to comply with the rules specified in this policy and/or other established procedures or rules governing computer use may result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge. I further understand that illegal use of the school department’s computers will also result in referral to law enforcement authority. Signature __________________________________ Date ___________ Send this registration form to the LewNet Systems Operator at LRTC through interschool mail. Plan on about 48 hours for processing. You will receive a welcome letter through interschool mail when your account is active. If there are questions not answered in that letter, please feel free to call the LewNet Systems Operator at 795-4144, ext. 318. • For Office Use Only • For Office Use Only • For Office Use Only Date received _______ Date email account created ______ Welcome letter needed Date Welcome letter sent ______ • For Office Use Only • By (initials) ______ Approved by Superintendent, September 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION H: NEGOTIATIONS Section H of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the process of negotiating with bargaining units recognized by the School Committee and authorized under state law. [This section is intentionally left blank.] SECTION I: INSTRUCTION Section I of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the instructional program; basic curricular subjects; special programs, instructional resources, and academic achievement. ICB Extended School Year Services ID School Day IE Organization of Instruction IGA Curriculum Development And Adoption IHBA IHBA-R IHBAA IHBAA-R IHBAC IHBACA IHBACA-R IHBAD IHBAE IHBAG IHBAI IHBAJ-E IHBAK IHBAL IHBEA IHBEA-R IHBG IHBGA IHBGB IHCDA IHD IHD-R IHDA Individual Education Plans Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Membership Referral/Pre-Referral of Students With Disabilities Referral/Pre-Referral Procedures of Students with Disabilities Child Find Identification of Students as Disabled/Handicapped Identification of Students as Learning Disabled Personnel Development Parent Involvement Programming In the Least Restrictive Environment Special Education Independent Evaluations Progress Report Form Life-Sustaining Emergency Care Grievance Procedure For Persons With Disabilities Program for Limited English Proficient Students Lewiston School Department’s LAU Plan Home Schooling Home Schooling—Participation In School Programs Special Education Services For Students In Private Schools Or Home Schooling Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Adult/Community Education Adult-Community Education Administrative Procedure Post-Graduate Students IJJ IJJ-E IJL IJNC IJNC-E1 IJNC-E2 IJNDB Instructional and Library-Media Materials Selection Citizen’s Challenge of Educational Media Form Library Material Selection and Adoption School Libraries Library Bill of Rights Access to Resources & Services in the Library Media Programs Student Technology and Internet Use 8/24/09 INJDB-E IJNDB-R IJOA IJOA-R LMS Computer Home Use Procedure Student Computer and Internet Use Rules Field Trips Field Trips Administrative Procedure IKA IKAB IKB IKE IKE-R IKE-E1 IKE-E2 IKE-E3 IKF Student Grades/Evaluations Progress Reports Homework Promotion, Retention And Acceleration of Students Promotion, Retention And Acceleration Administrative Procedure (K-8) Promotion/Retention/Assignment Student Information Form Grades K-6 Parental Consent Form Grades K-6 Lewiston Middle School Promotion/Retention/Assignment Graduation Requirements IL ILA ILD Evaluation of Instructional Programs Tests/Assessment Educational Research: Student Submission to Surveys, Analyses, or Evaluations IMBB IMDA IMDB IMDC IMG IMGA Exemption From Required Instruction Patriotic Exercises Flag Displays Recognition of Religious Beliefs and Customs Animals in School Animals on School Premises 8/24/09 NEPN/NSBA Code: ICB EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR SERVICES It is the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to provide extended school year services during the summer months when ordered by the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team and set forth in his/her Individual Education Program (IEP). In making its determination about whether to provide extended school year services, the IEP shall make an individualized assessment of whether the student is at risk of losing skills previously mastered and of being unable to recoup those skills in a reasonable time. In particular, the IEP shall reasonably calculate whether the child will experience severe or substantial regression during the summer months in the absence of a summer program. In those cases where the benefits accrued to the child during the regular school year will be significantly jeopardized if the student is not provided with a summer program, the IEP should order the program. Determinations about whether a student requires extended year services should draw upon the evaluative data in the possession of the IEP and may consider the following factors: A. The nature and severity of the student’s impairment; B. Whether the student’s IEP contains goals and objectives that are necessary to attain self-sufficiency and independence from caregivers; C. Whether the student is failing or likely to fail to achieve IEP objectives due to an interruption in services; D. The extent of regression caused by an interruption in educational programming; and E. The rate of recoupment following an interruption of services. The IEP may make determinations on extended year programs based upon empirical data of actual regression and recoupment problems or upon reasonable calculations that such problems are likely given the child’s unique needs. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ID SCHOOL DAY This school system exists to provide education to the children and young people who reside within the unit. The essence of this education is primarily attained through the direct contact of competent teachers with eager students in the teaching-learning setting. It is the intent of the School Committee that the maximum optimal instructional time for each age level within the student body be provided during every typical school day. The “instructional day” is not considered to include homeroom periods, opening exercises, recess, lunch, passing times, activity periods, band practice, intramurals, other extracurricular activities and such like. Exceptions shall only be made with the approval of the Superintendent. The number of school days shall meet or exceed the state requirement and be set annually by this School Committee and be included in the school calendar. Abbreviated days to be included for in-service, conferences, etc., shall be kept to a minimum. High School Level The instructional day shall consist of 4 teaching periods, each 79 minutes in length. Double or continuous laboratory periods, modular scheduling and the like may be approved by the Superintendent. Appropriately conducted study halls, individually scheduled for the needs of the students, shall be recognized as within the instructional day. The school year shall include at least 922 instructional hours. Middle School Level The instructional day shall consist of 5 hours , appropriately divided and scheduled according to the middle school philosophy of this school unit. The school year shall include at least 875 instructional hours. Elementary Level The instructional day for grades one and higher shall consist of 5 hours. The school year shall include at least 875 instructional hours. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 4801 Ch. 125.05 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule) June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IE ORGANIZATION OF INSTRUCTION The general organizational structure for the Lewiston schools shall be grades K-6 for elementary schools, 7-8 for Lewiston Middle School, and grades 9-12 for Lewiston High School. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IGA CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND ADOPTION Rapid social change, technological development, and expansion of knowledge are facts of contemporary life. Public education must respond appropriately. Therefore, it is imperative that individual schools, the school system as a whole, and the School Committee continuously review and evaluate existing programs and practices and adjust, modify, or change them as found advantageous in effectively meeting the best interests of students and the community. Therefore: A. The School Committee expects the administration and faculty to be perpetually sensitive to changing conditions that may require changes in curriculum; B. The School Committee expects all programs to be under continuous evaluation to see that they meet the needs of children; C. The School Committee expects the school system to undertake intensive curriculum evaluation and revision from time to time as the need for this is demonstrated; D. The Superintendent is expected to inspire, lead, guide and direct the process of keeping the school system abreast of growing community aspirations as well as of advancing knowledge and new educational approaches; E. It is expected that curriculum development and revision be achieved with appropriate involvement of administration, instructional and support staff, students, community, the School Committee, as stated in the Guiding Principles of the Maine Learning Results. To enhance a sound, basic educational program, the School Committee expects curriculum revision to reflect such critical issues in our present society as: a) the relationships between humans and their environment, b) traditional American values relative to family and civic responsibility, c) American and state heritage, and d) recognition that people are members of the world community. Curricula are to be designed to present a realistic picture of the contributions made by the various ethnic and racial groups in the development of our nation. Moreover, in recognition of our nation’s diversified cultural heritage and some of the educational challenges that result from such diversity, the School Committee expects that ways of preserving that heritage will be sought through the development of Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IGA educational programs which will, among other things, ensure that non-English speaking children shall have access to quality education while not impeding their learning of the English language. Legal Reference: Chap. 127.09; 11, C; 12, A (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: IL - Evaluation of Instructional Programs Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBA INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS Lewiston Public Schools provide a completed Individual Education Plan (IEP) for all identified students with disabilities. These IEP’s provide for all required sections as identified in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and clearly document services, settings and time constraints that provide for educating the student with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Adopted: August 26, 1991 Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBA-R INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP) TEAM MEMBERSHIP Lewiston Public Schools shall comply with the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (“MUSER”) and all other federal and state laws and regulations concerning membership at IEP meetings. Under MUSER Section VI.2.B, each IEP Team shall include the following members: (1) The child’s parents; (2) No less than one regular education teacher for the child which should include vocational or adult education teachers, if appropriate (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment); (3) No less than one special education teacher, or where appropriate, not less than one special education provider (licensed or certified special education provider); (4) A representative of the school administrative unit who a) Is qualified to provide or supervise the provision specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of student with disabilities; b) Is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum; c) Is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the local educational agency and has written authorization to obligate the unit; and (5) At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; (6) An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, who may be a member of the team described in clauses (2) through (5); (7) Whenever applicable, the child; and (8) For a child who is a state ward or state agency client, the child’s caseworker representing a youth serving state agency. The surrogate parent retains the sole authority to represent the child by exercising the procedural safeguards available under this rule. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBA-R The determination of knowledge or special expertise of an individual described in (B)(5) above shall be made by the party (parent or public agency) who invited the individual to be a member of the IEP Team. Lewiston Public Schools welcome parents and public agencies to bring other individuals, including their advocates and/or attorneys, to any and all IEP meetings. If, however, the parent or public agency chooses to bring an advocate or attorney, Lewiston Public Schools require seven (7) days advance notice in order to promote appropriate staffing and preparation for the IEP meeting. In the event that Lewiston Public Schools have less than seven (7) days notice prior to the IEP meeting, Lewiston Public Schools reserve the right to reschedule the meeting for a later date. All rescheduling shall comply with the Notice of Meeting requirements set out in MUSER Section VI.2.A. Adopted: August 24, 2009 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAA REFERRAL/PRE-REFERRAL OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES It shall be the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to refer all school-age students suspected of having a disability that requires special education to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team for an evaluation in the suspected areas of disability. Referrals of students to the IEP may be made by professional school staff, by parents and by other persons knowledgeable about the child’s educational needs. A referral is initiated by the form being received, signed and dated by an administrator or designee, thereby indicating the date of the receipt of that referral. The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Special Education, may develop procedures for referral and the use of pre-referral interventions within the local school unit, and may, from time to time, amend those procedures as necessary. Legal Reference: (May 2008). Adopted: Revised: Revised: Me.Dept. of Ed. Reg.ch.101 §§II(23), III, IV(2)(D), (E), V(4)(A) March 24, 2003 January 8, 2007 August 24, 2009 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code IHBAA-R REFERRAL/PRE-REFERRAL PROCEDURES OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Lewiston Public Schools shall refer to the IEP Team all school-age students suspected of having a disability that requires special education and related services. Referrals to the IEP Team may be made by a child’s parent, by professional school staff, or by others with knowledge of the child. Referrals should be made and processed consistent with these procedures. Referrals by parents. A parent may refer his or her child to the IEP Team at any time. That referral shall be made in writing directly to an administrator or designee. Should the parent seek to make a referral through other professional staff (such as a teacher or guidance counselor), that professional staff member shall directly assist the family in making the referral in writing to the administrator or designee. Should a parent attempt to make a referral orally, professional staff shall assist the parent in reducing that referral to writing and submitting it to the office of the administrator or designee. A parent referral shall be processed consistent with these procedures and governing timelines even if the child is receiving interventions pursuant to the district’s pre-referral procedures (discussed below). However, those pre-referral procedures shall continue during the referral process. Referrals by staff. Any professional employee of the school unit may refer a child to the IEP Team regardless of the results of initial child find activities, but only after completion of any pre-referral intervention process used by the school unit. The school unit may move directly forward with the referral process in those circumstances where the school unit and parent agree to do so. Even in that situation, however, pre-referral interventions will continue during the referral process. Professional school staff shall prepare a referral in writing and shall submit that referral directly to the administrator or designee. Referrals by others. Individuals or agency representatives (including representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services) with knowledge of the child, may refer that child to the IEP Team regardless of the results of initial child find activities, but only after completion of any pre-referral intervention process used by the school unit. The school unit may move directly forward with the referral process in those circumstances where the school unit and parent agree to do so. Even in that situation, however, prereferral interventions will continue during the referral process. Should such a person attempt to make a referral orally, professional staff shall assist that person in reducing that referral to writing and submitting it to the administrator or designee. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code IHBAA-R Receipt of Referral. Regardless of the source of the referral, a referral is received by the school unit on the date that the written referral is received by the office of the administrator or designee. It shall be signed and dated by the administrator or designee, thereby indicating the date of the receipt of that referral. Time Line for Processing Referral. Once the referral has been received in the office of the administrator or designee, the IEP Team shall review existing evaluation data and determine the need for additional evaluations. The IEP Team may conduct its review without a meeting. If additional evaluations are needed, the local unit must send a consent to evaluate form to the parent within fifteen (15) school days of receipt of the referral. Also upon receipt of the referral (from any source), the local unit shall send the parent its Written Notice form documenting that referral. Once the office of the administrator or designee receives the signed consent for evaluation back from the parent, the local unit shall have 45 days to complete the evaluation and to hold an IEP Team meeting to determine whether the student qualifies for special education services. If the student is identified as a child with a disability in need of special education, the Team should develop an IEP for that child either at that same meeting, or within 30 calendar days of determining that the student is eligible. The local unit shall implement the IEP as soon as possible following the IEP Team meeting when the child is found eligible, but no later than 30 calendar days after that meeting. Transfer Students. Students who have already been identified as in need of special education services and who transfer into the school unit from another school unit within Maine shall on enrollment and in consultation with the parent be provided with FAPE (including services comparable to those described in the child’s IEP from the previous school unit) until the local unit either adopts the child’s IEP from the previous unit or develops, adopts and implements a new IEP. Students who have already been identified as in need of special services and who transfer into the school unit from another unit from outside of Maine shall on enrollment and in consultation with the parent be provided with FAPE (including services comparable to those described in the child’s IEP from the previous school unit) until the local unit conducts an evaluation to determine whether the student is eligible for special education, and if so, develops, adopts, and implements a new IEP. If the transfer student’s current IEP from his or her prior school unit is not available, or is believed to be inappropriate by either the parent or the school, the local unit should develop a new IEP through appropriate procedures within a short time after the student enrolls at the school. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code IHBAA-R If a child transfers into the school unit after the referral time line has begun in the previous school unit, but before an eligibility determination has been made, the time line referenced above for completing that process shall not apply if the local unit is making sufficient progress to ensure a prompt completion of the evaluation, and the parent and school unit agree to a specific time when the evaluation will be completed and the eligibility decision made. Pre-Referral Procedures Professional school staff members who observe that a student is encountering academic or functional difficulties in school that interfere with the student’s education shall document those specific difficulties on a pre-referral checklist. The school staff member shall then develop intervention strategies using the intervention checklist that accompanies the pre-referral checklist. The staff member may consult with other school employees and/or the student’s parents in developing the intervention strategy. The intervention strategies shall have an established time period for implementation, and at the end of that time, its success shall be assessed and documented at the bottom of the intervention checklist. If the intervention strategies have not been effective, or if the interventions are demonstrated to be effective but require continued and substantial effort that may include the provision of special education and related services, the staff member shall refer the child to the IEP consistent with the procedures set forth above. The local unit shall notify parents whenever their child has demonstrated educational difficulties that have led to the completion by a staff member of the pre-referral checklist and intervention strategy checklist. That notification of pre-referral interventions should include copies of the completed checklists and shall request that the parents contact the staff member who has completed the documents. That notification shall also inform parents that they have a right to refer their child directly to the IEP Team if they suspect that their child may need special education services. The local unit may advise the parents as to why it may be appropriate to have the child participate in the intervention strategies prior to a referral to the IEP team, but the local unit shall not reject or delay the referral until the completion of the intervention strategies. All notes from the pre-referral process, and if relevant, team meetings, and all the data collection procedures that may have been developed through this process shall be considered by the IEP Team and shall become part of the child’s special education file. For children who do not qualify for special education services, all pre-referral documents are kept in the child’s cumulative folder for future reference and for ongoing educational planning. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 4 NEPN/NSBA Code IHBAA-R The general education interventions developed through this pre-referral process shall be continued in the event of a referral while the referral is being handled by the IEP Team, and the resulting data shall become part of the child’s special education file. Special education due process procedures shall not be used to address parental concerns regarding successful implementation of these pre-referral procedures, and the failure to use this pre-referral process may not be used in special education due process proceedings to establish that the school unit has failed to meet its child find or referral obligations. References: Me.Dept. of Educ. Reg.Ch. 101 §§II(23), III, IV(2)(D), (E), V(4)(A) (May 2008. Adopted: August 24, 2009 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAC CHILD FIND Lewiston Public Schools seek to ensure that all children within its jurisdiction are identified, located, and evaluated who are school-age 5 through the school year in which they turn 20 and who are in need of special education and supportive assistance – including homeless children, state wards, state agency clients, students who have been suspended or expelled, children attending private schools, children receiving home instruction, children incarcerated in county jails, children who have the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year, highly mobile children (including migrant or homeless), and children who are suspected of being disabled and in need of special education and supportive assistance even though they are advancing from grade to grade. Lewiston Public Schools’ child find responsibility shall be accomplished through a unitwide process which, while not a definite or final judgment of a student’s capabilities or disability, is a possible indicator of special education needs. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occur only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by the IEP Team. This child find process shall include obtaining data on each child through multiple measures, direct assessment, and parent information regarding the child’s academic and functional performance, gross and fine motor skills, receptive and expressive language skills, vision, hearing and cognitive skills. Lewiston Public Schools may schedule child find activities during its annual kindergarten enrollment to assist in planning for necessary special education and related service at the start of the school year. If screening occurs in the spring prior to the school entry, Lewiston Public Schools will refer the child to the regional CDS site within 10 school days. If the child find process indicates that a student may require special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education, the student shall be referred to the IEP Team to determine the student’s eligibility for special education services. School staff, parents, or agency representatives or other individuals with knowledge of the child may refer children to the IEP Team if they believe that the student, because of a disability, may be in need of special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education. Such a referral should follow the school unit’s pre-referral and referral policy. References: 34 C.F.R. §300.111(2006); Me.Dept. of Edu. Reg. ch. 101,IV(2)(2008). Date Approved: August 24, 2009 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBACA IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS AS DISABLED/HANDICAPPED The School Committee believes identifying a student as disabled is a serious matter which should be done with deliberation and strong evidence. Before labeling a student, the School Committee requires IEP’s and Section 504 teams to carefully utilize valid evaluation and performance data to ensure students meet the standards set forth in federal law. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBACA-R IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS AS LEARNING DISABLED Lewiston Public Schools recognize that both the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Maine Special Education Regulations (MSER) identify the disability of Specific Learning Disability as requiring a higher standard of determination of eligibility as to whether the disability is or is not primarily the cause of a student’s educational difficulty. This standard is specifically spelled out in MSER Chapter 101, 9.15, Additional Procedures for Evaluating Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. Lewiston Schools understand that these additional procedures do not denigrate or under-value the process of identification for other disabilities which have their own unique characteristics. IHBACA-R is included in this Policy Manual in recognition of the requirements of federal and state regulations. The Individualized Education Plan Team may identify a student as having a learning disability after thorough evaluation and observation in compliance with state and federal special education regulations, if the Team concludes that: I. The child does not achieve commensurate with his or her age and ability levels in one or more of the areas listed in paragraph two below, if provided with learning experiences appropriate for the child’s age and ability levels; and II. The child has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in one or more of the following areas: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Oral expression Listening comprehension Written expression Basic reading skill Reading comprehension Mathematics calculation Mathematics reasoning. In determining whether the child has the severe discrepancy described above, the Team may look for student achievement scores which are approximately 1.5 standard deviations below intellectual ability scores as determined by individualized assessment of intelligence and academic achievement in one or more of the measured areas. This discrepancy standard of approximately 1.5 standard deviations is a guideline only, to assist the Team in determining whether the child demonstrates a severe discrepancy. The Team shall consider the guideline in conjunction with other relevant criteria including, but not limited to, classroom observations and evaluations. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBACA-R In order to identify a child as having a learning disability, the Team must also conclude that the child has a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, and that the child requires special education and supportive services under state and federal special education laws. The Team may not identify a child as having a specific learning disability if the severe discrepancy between ability and achievement is primarily the result of: 1. 2. 3. 4. A visual, hearing, or motor impairment; Mental retardation; Emotional disability; or Environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. Please note: These regulations are intended to comply with state and federal special education laws regarding the identification of students with learning disabilities. These procedures shall be interpreted consistent with those state and federal laws, and shall in no way supplant the use of those laws. Legal reference: 34 CFR Sec. 300.7(A)(I), .7(C)(10),.541(1999); Me.Dept. of Education Reg. Ch. 101 Sec. 3.11 (1999) 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAD PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT Lewiston Public Schools shall endeavor to implement and use the Maine State Comprehensive System of Personnel Development as applicable to the local school unit. Toward that end, representatives of Lewiston Public Schools shall participate in meetings scheduled by the Department of Education for the school unit to address its obligations under the Comprehensive System of Personnel Development. A school administrator shall be designated to receive and review material from the Department of Education regarding implementation and use of that Comprehensive System. Adopted: Revised: August 26, 1991 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAE PARENT INVOLVEMENT Lewiston Public Schools make provisions for the participation of and consultation with parents or guardians of disabled students in the school unit by providing them with their full legal rights under state and federal law to participate in the identification, evaluation, placement and programming decisions made by the Individualized Education Plan team (IEP) for their child. In addition, parent participation and consultation is provided in other ways, including: A. Availability of special education director and teachers to meet with parents at mutually convenient times to discuss the special education program and needs of their children; B. Attendance by the Special Education Director on a regular basis at meetings of local parent support groups to discuss special education issues faced by the school unit; C. Active involvement by the Special Education Director in the efforts by local parent groups to address shared special education concerns. Adopted: Revised: August 26, 1991 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAG PROGRAMMING IN THE LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT Lewiston Public Schools recognize its obligation under state and federal law to program for students with disabilities in the least restrictive educational environment. Toward that end, Lewiston Public Schools shall ensure that, to the maximum extent appropriate, students with disabilities are educated with children who are not disabled, and that special education, separate schooling or other removal of students with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. All determinations regarding programming in the least restrictive environment shall be made by the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) Team and shall draw upon a multidisciplinary assessment of the student’s needs. Lewiston Public Schools have available the full continuum of alternative placements when making placement determinations. Determinations regarding least restrictive programming shall be made in the following manner: A. The IEP shall first assess whether education in the regular classroom, with the use of supplementary aids and services, can be achieved satisfactorily. In making that determination, the IEP shall assess each of the following factors: 1. What supplementary aids and services may assist the student in obtaining a satisfactory education in the regular classroom. Supplementary aids and services may include, but are not limited to, resource room services, itinerant services, assistive technology services, modifications of curriculum, use of teacher aides, and consultation services from special educators. When assessing supplementary aids and services, the IEP need not order placement in the regular classroom if it would require modification of the regular curriculum beyond recognition or would result in the student not having to learn any of the skills normally taught in that regular education curriculum. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAG 2. A comparison of the benefits the student would receive in the regular education classroom with those that the student would receive in a more restrictive setting, such as a self-contained program. The assessment of benefits shall consider both academic and social benefits of participation in the placement at issue. The IEP should also assess academic and social detriments for the student that may arise from the placement at issue. In some circumstances, large social benefits of regular education may outweigh small academic benefits, just as large academic benefits of a more restrictive setting may outweigh small social benefits of a regular education placement. 3. What effect would placement of the student in the regular classroom have on other students in the classroom? The IEP need not place a student in the regular classroom when the student’s behavior, even with supplementary aids and services, would be so disruptive that the education of other students is significantly impaired. Nor would the IEP need to place the student in the regular classroom when the student would require so much of the teacher or the aide’s time that the rest of the class suffers. 4. What the financial cost would be of the supplementary aids and services accompanying an appropriate placement in the regular classroom. Placement in the regular classroom may not be rejected under this factor simply because it would be incrementally more expensive than placement in a more restrictive setting. Yet the school unit need not educate a student in the regular classroom if the cost of such a placement would significantly impact upon the education of other students. In most circumstances, the school unit need not place a student in the regular classroom if such placement requires that the student have his/her own full-time teacher. B. If the IEP determines after assessing the above factors that the student is unable to be educated satisfactorily in the regular classroom with Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAG supplementary aids and services, the IEP shall then determine the maximum extent of mainstreaming that the student may appropriately receive. In making this determination, the IEP shall consider the full continuum of alternative placements—such as placing the student in regular education for some academic classes and in special education for others, mainstreaming the child for nonacademic classes only, or providing interaction with nondisabled students during lunch and recess. In making placement determinations, the IEP shall attempt to give preference to placements in the student’s neighborhood school district. When the special services needed by the student are sufficiently specialized or expensive that they are provided by the school unit only in a school building other than the student’s neighborhood school, the IEP may place that student in the school where the specialized services exist, rather than replicate those services in the neighborhood school. This determination should not impact, in most circumstances, on the IEP’s determination regarding the extent to which the student is able to participate in regular education. Placements in residential programs shall be made only when the IEP determines that the student is not otherwise able to receive some educational benefit from a day program. Legal Reference: 20 USC §1412(a)(5) 34 CFR §§300.550-.552 Me. Dept. of Ed.Reg. Ch. 101 §§11.1-11.3 (Nov. 1999) Adopted: August 26, 1991 Revised: June 7, 2000 Revised: November 18, 2002 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAI SPECIAL EDUCATION INDEPENDENT EVALUATIONS Lewiston Public Schools have adopted this policy regarding special education independent evaluations in an effort to implement state and federal regulations. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Special Education Director. This policy should be interpreted in a manner consistent with federal regulation 34 CFR § 300.503 and state special education regulations 9.17, 9.19, and 12.5 (November 1999). Independent Evaluations are evaluations performed by an appropriately qualified professional who is not an employee of the school unit. Qualified individuals in private practice under contract with the school unit who have not previously evaluated, instructed or provided consultation regarding a particular student are eligible to provide an independent educational evaluation of the student. Parents have a right to obtain an independent evaluation at public expense when they disagree with the evaluation done by the school, as set forth below. Parents are under no obligation to make a request to the public school in advance of obtaining the independent evaluation. If the parents choose to obtain the independent evaluation without prior approval by the public school, they do so at their own risk. They may request that the school reimburse them for the cost of the independent evaluation. If the school refuses to reimburse them, then the school must initiate a due process hearing. If the hearing officer upholds the school’s evaluations, then the parents shall be fully responsible for the cost of the independent evaluation. A. The student’s Individualized Education Plan Team (IEP) will consider all data submitted as a result of independent evaluations which parents have obtained on their own. B. The Special Education Director will provide parents who desire an independent evaluation with information about possible evaluation sources upon receipt of a written request for an independent evaluation. C. Lewiston Public Schools will provide parents with an independent evaluation at public expense when the following conditions are met: 1. The parents are in disagreement with a school-ordered evaluation that has been completed in the past year; 2. The contested school evaluation is inappropriate in the opinion of the Special Education Director; Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAI 3. The proposed independent evaluator is an appropriately qualified professional, as specified in Maine Special Education Regulations, ch. 101, §§6.3, 9.7; and 4. The person or agency completing the independent evaluation submits a written report that conforms to Reports of Evaluation as described in Maine Special Education Regulations, ch. 101, §9.13 and the time limit in §9.17. D. Parents requesting an independent evaluation at public expense will be asked to specify in writing the school-ordered evaluation they are contesting. If necessary, school officials will assist parents in preparing a written request for an independent evaluation at school expense. E. The Special Education Director will respond within 30 days of receipt of a request for an independent evaluation at public expense. F. When Lewiston Public Schools determine it will provide an independent evaluation at public expense, the school will pay an amount that is reasonable and customary as compared to other qualified evaluators within the Lewiston region in the same or similar area of testing. G. The parent may request that Lewiston Public Schools approve the cost of an independent educational evaluation which exceeds the usual and customary fee. The Special Education Director will make a determination of whether the excess cost is warranted and will notify the parent of that determination. If the Director rejects the excess cost, the school unit shall initiate a due process hearing in accordance with section K of this policy. H. When the parent requests an independent evaluation at public expense in an area that has not been evaluated by the school in the past year, the school shall notify the parent that it cannot approve or deny such a request and shall instead refer it to the IEP for consideration as a request for a new school-ordered evaluation. I. Lewiston Public Schools may deny a request for an independent educational evaluation at public expense when the parent has already received or is receiving an independent evaluation at public expense in response to the school-ordered evaluation with which the parent disagrees. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAI J. Lewiston Public Schools may deny a request for an independent education evaluation at public expense and shall immediately initiate a due process hearing when the school concludes that the school evaluation with which the parent disagrees was appropriate. K. Lewiston Public Schools shall initiate a due process hearing to challenge a parent’s right to obtain an independent evaluation at public expense when the Special Education Director concludes: L. Adopted: 1. That the providers of an independent evaluation are not qualified under the state special education regulations; 2. That the amounts charged for the evaluation are excessive; or 3. That the school’s evaluations are appropriate. The parent has a right to request a due process hearing in response to any school decisions regarding a request for an independent education evaluation at public expense. June 7, 2000 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAJ SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT OVERSIGHT AGREEMENT [Sending school unit] and [receiving school unit] hereby agree to the terms set forth below for monitoring students from [sending school unit] who are attending [receiving school unit] as tuition students and who have been identified as in need of special education or in need of referral to special education. A. General Oversight for All Students Each high school student from [sending school unit] will have a report form (Progress Report Form) and grades sent from the receiving high school to the sending school unit twice a year to monitor the student’s progress and to keep an accurate account on transfers and dropouts. The sending school unit shall designate a person to receive those reports. The sending school unit shall be responsible for contacting each high school guidance department to acquaint them with the Progress Report Form and to instruct them on its use. In addition, if there is a problem with the student that requires administrative intervention beyond the level of the student’s teacher, the Progress Report Form will be filled out by the designated person documenting the problem. That form will be immediately forwarded to the designated individual at the sending school unit. The receiving school unit shall also place a phone call to the designated person from the sending school unit to ensure that the sending unit is aware of the issue. Any action taken by the sending unit shall be documented on the Progress Report Form. B. Oversight of Students Referred to IEP for Evaluation 1. a. When a student is referred to a Individualized Education Plan team (IEP) or for evaluation, the Director of Special Services of the receiving district will notify the Director of Special Services from the sending school unit (or other designated official) by means of the Progress Report Form within five days of the referral. b. The sending school unit will enter the referral into the log to monitor timelines and procedures as they would K-8 referrals. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAJ 2. a. The sending school unit shall schedule the IEP meeting at a mutually convenient time for all parties and notify the receiving school unit and the parents as described in Special Education. Reg. § 8.4. b. Parents will be informed by the sending school unit of their procedural safeguards in accordance with Maine Special Education Regulations and will receive notification of meetings scheduled to discuss their child’s school program. Any questions regarding the special education process should be directed to the Director of Special Education in the sending school unit. c. The Special Education Director from the sending school unit will chair the IEP meetings held to review evaluations and to make determinations on identification, programming and placement. C. Oversight of Students Identified as in Need of Special Education 1. a. For those students enrolled in special education, their progress will be reviewed at annual IEP meetings, through the general oversight arrangements noted above, and through IEP meetings. Either the sending or receiving school unit may initiate an IEP meeting, although the sending school unit shall initiate the annual IEP to review and revise the individual education plan (IEP). Whichever school unit initiates the IEP meeting shall be responsible for scheduling the meeting at a mutually convenient time and for ensuring that notification requirements are met. b. Parents will be informed of their procedural safeguards in accordance with the Maine Special Education Regulations and will receive notification of meetings scheduled to discuss their child’s school program. Questions regarding the student’s progress or level of need that are raised with the receiving school unit should also be relayed to the Special Education Director of the sending school unit (or other designated official). c. Every three years, or more often if determined necessary by the sending school unit or the student’s IEP, the student will be reevaluated as specified in the Special Education Regulations, at the sending school unit’s expense. The process of notification will be initiated by the sending school unit. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAJ Dated: ___________________ __________________________________ Sending School Unit ______________________________ Receiving School Unit By: ______________________________ By: ___________________________ 6/00 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAJ-E PROGRESS REPORT FORM Date: _________________ _____ High School:_____________________ Student’s Name:______________________ Town Responsible for Student:_______________________ Address:____________________ Send to Attention :__________________ ___________________________ FILL OUT RELEVANT PORTION A. January Progress____ June Progress____ ___ No concerns at this point ___ The following concerns (academic/special) exist: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Please attach a copy of this semester’s rank card. B. Concerns with the student: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Transferred to another high school. Date:______________ Moved to another town. Date: _______________________ Has been absent for more than 20 school days. Dates of absence:_________________________________________ Has been removed for disciplinary reasons. Date:_______________ Referred to an alternative program. Referred to Student Assistance Team Has been referred by staff or parent for consideration as a possible special needs student. Other Summary of action to be taken in response to concerns:__________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 6/00 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAK LIFE-SUSTAINING EMERGENCY CARE Appropriately trained staff members whose responsibilities include the provision of lifesustaining emergency care shall take all reasonable steps to provide such care to any student on school grounds in need of life-sustaining emergency care, and shall attempt to contact an ambulance in accordance with regular school policies to secure the speedy transportation of the student to hospital facilities. It is the policy of Lewiston Public Schools not to comply with directives from parents or others that life-sustaining emergency care should not be provided to any particular student in need of such care while under the control and supervision of the school. For purposes of this policy, “life-sustaining emergency care” means any procedure or intervention applied by appropriately trained school staff that may prevent a student from dying who, without such procedure or intervention, faces a risk of imminent death. Examples of life-sustaining emergency care include but are not limited to: A. Efforts to stop bleeding; B. Unblocking airways; C. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; D. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and/or E. Individually designed medical resuscitation plans developed by multidisciplinary building level teams. Adopted: December 13, 1993 Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Lewiston Public Schools have adopted this grievance procedure to provide a local avenue for persons with disabilities to raise concerns about whether Lewiston Public Schools are fully meeting its obligations under state and federal laws to protect persons with disabilities. This procedure is intended to meet the requirements of the federal Rehabilitation Act (34 CFR § 104.7(b)] and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act [28 CFR § 35.107(b)]. Questions about this grievance procedure should be directed to the ADA/504 compliance coordinator: Special Education Office, 36 Oak Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240, telephone: 795-4108. STEP ONE A person with an identifiable disability, or someone acting on that person’s behalf, may file a written grievance regarding compliance with state or federal disabilities laws with the building administrator where the grievance arose, or with the ADA/504 compliance coordinator. If filed with the ADA/504 compliance coordinator, that person shall forward it to the appropriate building administrator. No grievance will be heard if it involves actions that occurred more than 60 days prior to the filing of the grievance. The building administrator, after consultation with the ADA/504 compliance coordinator, shall respond in writing to the grievance within fifteen (15) working days of its receipt. Extensions of fifteen (15) working days may be allowed if necessary to address fully the issues in the grievance. The administrator’s written response shall be forwarded to the grievant and to the ADA/504 compliance coordinator. STEP TWO If dissatisfied with the response, the grievant may obtain a review by the Superintendent of the administrator’s decision. The grievant must request that review within fifteen (15) working days of the decision by the Administrator. The Superintendent, after consultation with the ADA/504 compliance coordinator, shall respond in writing to the grievance within fifteen (15) working days. Extensions of fifteen (15) working days may be allowed when necessary to address fully the issues in the grievance. The Superintendent’s written response shall be forwarded to the grievant and to the ADA/504 compliance coordinator. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBAL NOTE: Except for grievances regarding physical alterations to school buildings or grounds, the decision of the Superintendent shall be final. In the case of grievances regarding physical alterations to school buildings or grounds, a dissatisfied grievant may obtain a review by the School Committee of the Superintendent’s decision. The grievant must request that review within fifteen (15) working days of the decision by the Superintendent. The School Committee shall have a reasonable time to schedule a meeting on the grievance and to issue its decision. Nothing in this grievance procedure in any way forecloses a person with a disability from seeking redress for their concerns at any time through other legal avenues, such as through the Office for Civil Rights, the Department of Justice, the Maine Human Rights Commission or the Maine Department of Education. Questions about other legal avenues available for persons with disabilities to pursue compliance concerns under various disabilities laws should be directed to the ADA/504 compliance coordinator: Special Education Office, 36 Oak Street, Lewiston, ME 04240 (795-4100). This notice is available in large print and on audio tape from the ADA/504 compliance coordinator. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA PROGRAM FOR LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT STUDENTS The Lewiston School Committee recognizes that in order to assure equal educational opportunity for all Lewiston Public School students, the school system needs to provide an appropriate instructional program for students who are limited in English proficiency. To that end, the Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for developing and implementing a “Lau Plan” to meet the needs of such students, including procedures for identification, assessment, programming, monitoring of progress, exit/reclassification, and parent notification. The Lau Plan shall be approved by the School Committee before it is submitted to the Maine Department of Education. At the beginning of each school year, the school unit shall notify parents of students identified for or participating in limited English proficiency programs about the instructional program and parent rights, as required by law. Parents will be regularly apprised of their child’s progress. Whenever practicable, communications with parents will be in the language understood by the parents. Legal Reference: Adopted: 42 U.S.C. § 2000d (Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964) 20 U.S.C. §§ 6801 et seq. Ch. 127.02 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) December 11, 2006 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS LAU PLAN Legal Basis for Services It is the responsibility of Lewiston Public Schools to follow all federal and state guidelines in providing equal educational opportunities to all students. The ESL/Bilingual office of the Maine Department of Education has issued the following guidelines to measure school districts’ compliance with both federal and state law: A. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 states: “No person in the United States on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, shall be excluded from participation, or be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” B. In 1974, the case of Lau v. Nichols determined: Equal education does not mean providing students with the same textbooks, teachers, and curriculum. The “LAU Remedies,” (1975) formulated by the Office of Civil Rights specifies that school departments: 1. Use approved approaches, methods, and procedures for identifying and evaluating national origin minority students’ English language skills. Limited English Proficient (LEP) students are assessed using the WIDA “ACCESS for ELLs” test adopted by the State of Maine. The ACCESS for ELLs identifies students according to the following proficiency levels: 1 – Entering – The student knows and uses social language and visually supported information in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. 2 – Beginning –The student knows and uses social English and some general language of reading, mathematics, science and social studies. 3 – Developing – The student knows and uses social English and some general and specific language of reading mathematics, science and social studies. Page 1 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R 4 - Expanding – The student knows and uses social English and some academic English, including some technical language in the subject areas. 5 – Bridging – The student knows and uses social and academic English and understands and uses technical language in the subject areas at grade level with minimal support. 6 – Reaching – The student functions in English at grade level; may no longer need bilingual or English language support. 2. Identify students’ educational needs and provide an appropriate and effective program. 3. Decide when LEP (Limited English Proficient) students are ready for the mainstream classroom. 4. Establish procedures for students exiting the program. 5. Set standards for teachers of language minority children. II. Language Assessment Team (LAT) District Language Assessment Team that will consist of the ELL Director, a building administrator, classroom teacher, ELL teacher, and a parent or guardian, if possible. Appropriate support staff, such as a guidance counselor, will be included as necessary. The LAT will oversee the development and implementation of the LAU plan, assuring that changes are made as statue or local situations dictate. The Language Assessment Team will: a. b. c. d. Identify Limited English Proficient (LEP) students using the WIDA ACCESS assessment tools. Develop an appropriate and effective language support program that assures LEP students will achieve the Learning Results and Grade Level Expectations. Monitor the student’s progress on an on-going basis. Notify parent or guardian of all decisions (in a language they comprehend whenever possible) and their right to appeal their child’s participation in ELL. Page 2 of 8 LEWISTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R e. f. II. Determine when the LEP student meets the exit or reclassification standards through WIDA ACCESS Assessment. Make recommendations for programming for next school year. Screening: The presence of a non-English background will be determined by home language survey and by the following legal definition of ELL from Title IX of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act: 1. who is aged 3 through 21; and 2. who is enrolled or preparing to enroll in an elementary school or secondary school; and 3. whose difficulties in speaking, reading, writing or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny the individual the ability to meet the state’s “proficient” level of performance or to successfully achieve in the classroom where the language of instruction is English, or the opportunity to participate fully in society; and 4. who meets any one of the following three elements: 1) who was not born in the U.S. or whose native language is not English; or 2) who is not Native American, Alaska Native, or a native resident of the outlying areas and who comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual’s level of English proficiency; or 3) who is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant. All students who meet these criteria or who are referred by school staff and/or parent(s) will be screened for language proficiency. Screening tool will be the WIDA ACCESS tool required by the State of Maine. As defined by the WIDA ACCESS assessment tools provided by the state of Maine, language proficiency will be determined at one of the following levels: 1 – Entering – The student knows and uses social language and visually supported information in reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R 2 – Beginning –The student knows and uses social English and some general language of reading, mathematics, science and social studies. 3 – Developing – The student knows and uses social English and some general and specific language of reading mathematics, science and social studies. 4 - Expanding – The student knows and uses social English and some academic English, including some technical language in the subject areas. 5 – Bridging – The student knows and uses social and academic English and understands and uses technical language in the subject areas at grade level with minimal support. 6 –Reaching– The student functions in English at grade level; may no longer need bilingual or English language support. Additionally, if available, prior school records, authentic assessment information, standardized testing, and anecdotal evidence will be reviewed to determine need for services. III. Service Delivery Plan All students who meet the criteria for ELL will be assigned a “case manager” who is a certified ELL teacher. The case manager will work with the grade level content teacher and other service providers to determine what instructional combination of services is most appropriate for each student. Students will receive programming in one or a combination of the following models: • Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English (SDAIE) (Student receives his/her instruction from an ELL teacher focusing on English language development and grade level content.) • Supported Grade Level Instruction (Student is taught by grade level teacher with support from ELL teacher or programs available to all students. Student will be monitored by ELL teacher.) Each student will be enrolled in grade level /content program to the extent possible and integrated into regular activities. The regular classroom teacher will share the responsibility of programming with a qualified ELL teacher. Accommodations to the regular curriculum will be supported by appropriate instructional materials. ELL Services will be provided at each school so that children attend school with their neighborhood peers. Page 4 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R Instruction will focus on language acquisition and content knowledge simultaneously. Emphasis will be on attaining Lewiston Public Schools Targets and Maine Learning Results. The following guidelines will be followed for the development of a student’s program: 1. Instruction will be provided during the regular school hours. 2. Student’s grade placement will be age appropriate. 3. The ELL teacher and classroom teacher will coordinate efforts to support the student’s acquisition of English and the Learning Results. 4. The ELL teacher will extend instruction into the classroom providing support to the LEP student and will share the cultural diversity and the new language with other students. 5. Instructional space and resources will be provided to LEP students that are comparably provided to non-LEP students. 6. The amount of time spent with the ELL teacher will be determined by the Language Assessment Committee based on age and need of the student. 7. Every attempt will be made to meet with and communicate with parents in their native language. 8. In accordance with statue, an Individual Learning Plan will be developed for each child and shared with parents at least once a year. ILPs will be developed within 30 days of the start of school. In the case of students entering during the school year, the student will be screened and a plan developed within 14 days. Note: A parent may request that the child’s program be reviewed or changed at any time. A parent may request that their child not receive ELL services. He/she will be asked to indicate the decision in writing. Students will be tested annually when/if required by law. As long as he/she remains eligible, students may enter the ELL program upon request. V. Criteria for Reclassification, Transfer, and /or exit from ELL Programming A multi-criteria assessment will be made when determining if an LEP student will be exited from the program. This will consist of the following: 1. Teacher evaluation of general language proficiency by observing the student’s oral performance in both formal and informal settings. 2. The ELL Teacher will evaluate the progress of the student in reference to language and content objectives at least annually. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R 3. An objective evaluation will be made as to how the student is functioning in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing compared to their English speaking classmates. This evaluation will be made based on annual WIDA ACCESS testing. 4. Generally, a student will be monitored by ELL staff for 2 years once he/she receives all content instruction with grade level English proficient peers. Meeting grade level standards and maintaining a passing average will be considered the prerequisite to being exited from ELL services. During this time, annual WIDA ACCESS testing will continue. 5. As required by State of Maine policy, a student who reaches Level 6 in ACCESS testing cannot be any longer considered ELL. Special Needs Placement: Determining special needs placement for students who are receiving ELL Services is a complex process. There may be a number of individual or combined factors determining why language and cultural minority students are achieving little academic progress over time; the normal process of second language acquisition, the acculturation process, different learning styles, motivation to learn, or the student’s lack of prior schooling are a number of potential factors. ELL services include a number of pre-referral steps to determine whether there exists temporary learning and behavior characteristics shared by learning disabled students and students of English as a second language, or whether referral to special education is warranted. The ELL case manager must be involved throughout the process. Parents, teachers, and support staff can initiate referrals to Special Education. Parents will be provided an interpreter. The Language Assessment Team can also refer a student to special education services for continued diagnosis and testing if: (a) systematic efforts to identify the source of the difficulty are unsuccessful and/or (b) the Intervention Checklist identifies behavioral patterns deemed necessary for continued assessment. The ELL case manager and classroom teacher will gather the information and process the referral observing Special Education regulation timelines. The disabling condition must occur in the student’s primary language to warrant identification for special education. VI. Qualified Personnel All ELL teachers must possess appropriate teacher certification and ELL endorsement as defined by the State of Maine. When it is necessary, teachers with conditional certification may be hired if they are actively engaged in obtaining appropriate credentials. Page 6 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R The responsibilities of the ELL teacher include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • • • • High quality teaching for all students in all classes Function as an active part of the school and district team Update and maintain paperwork for all students on caseload Conduct initial testing and screening In conjunction with other school staff, develop ILP Monitor progress consistently and document quarterly Assure that all regulations are met Arrange for required testing, i.e. ACCESS, MEA as appropriate Serve as an advocate for ELL students and program Maintain consistent communication with parents Stay current in professional field ELL teachers will be offered ongoing professional development. Additionally a professional development plan that enhances skills of grade level /content teachers will be developed annually. VII. Program Evaluation In order to ensure the most effective and appropriate structured language support programming for limited English proficient children, a model for overall program evaluation must be developed and utilized consistent with state and federal statute. An annual program evaluation will illustrate: attainment of program outcomes; English language and content acquisition; attainment of learner outcomes; school climate and support for the program and children; the quality of instructional materials, the maintenance of information about students; the effectiveness of staff development activities; the amount and effectiveness of mainstream ELL collaboration; the effectiveness of school and program communication with parents; and, the implementation of the Lau Plan itself. Accountability and demonstration of outcomes will enhance the program’s legitimacy in the school and will evaluate the degree to which the work and methods of the program meet intended goals. Legal References Civil Rights Act (Title VI) of 1964 “No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin be excluded from participation in, be denied under the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 7 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBEA-R Lau v. Nichols: U.S. Supreme Court decision of 1974 “There is no equality of treatment merely by providing students with the same facilities, textbook, teachers, and curriculum, for students who do not understand English are effectively foreclosed from any meaningful education.” Memorandum, May 25, 1970 Dept. of HEW “Where inability to speak and understand the English language excluded national originminority children from effective participation in the educational program offered by a school district, the district must take affirmative steps to rectify the language deficiency in order to open its instructional program to these students. Office of Civil Rights, Fall, 1985 memo on the May 23, 1970 Memorandum “Title VI rights are for individual rights, thus LEA’s must heed the May 25th memorandum even if they have only a single Limited English Proficient (LEP) Student.” Office of Civil Rights Memorandum, 1990 Requalified teachers Definition of Terms (English as a Second Language): The use of a special curriculum and support services to help students learn English whose first language in the home is not English. This term has been replaced by ELL in this document. ELL (English Language Learners): This term is used as synonymous with ESL. It is currently used by the professional field and federal government to describe students learning English. ILP (Individual Learning Plan): This is a plan developed for each student defining the special language services needed for him/her to help reach FEP status. LAT (Language Assessment Committee): This committee is responsible for seeing that needs of LEP students are met. LAU This refers to the Lau vs. Nichols U.S. Supreme Court case. The decision required school districts to provide support the LEP students who could not benefit from education which was conducted in English. LEP (Limited English Proficiency): Students whose first language is other than English. The level of English proficiency hinders their participation in school when instruction is in English. Adopted 11/12/02 Revised 9/1/05 Revised 12/11/06 Page 8 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS ESL NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBG HOME SCHOOLING Parents/guardians who wish to have their children fulfill the compulsory school attendance law through equivalent education by home schooling must comply with the provisions of 20-A MRSA §5001-A(3)(A)(4). A. The student’s parent/guardian must provide a written notice of intent to provide home instruction simultaneously to the Superintendent of the school unit in which the student resides and to the commissioner of the Department of Education within ten calendar days of the beginning of home instruction. The notice must contain the following information: 1. The name, signature and address of the student’s parent/guardian; 2. The name and age of the student; 3. The date the home instruction program will begin; 4. A statement of assurance that indicates the home instruction program will provide at least 175 days annually of instruction and will provide instruction in: English and language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, health education, library skills, fine arts, and, in at least one grade from 6 to 12, Maine studies. At one grade level from grade 7 to 12, the student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers; and 5. A statement of assurance that indicates that the home instruction program will include an annual assessment of the student’s academic progress that includes at least one of the forms of assessment described in 20-A MRSA §5001A(3)(A)(4)(b) and paragraph B below. B. On or before September 1 of each subsequent year of home instruction, the student’s parent/guardian must file a letter with the Superintendent of the administrative unit in which the student resides and to the Commissioner stating the intention to continue providing home instruction and enclose a copy of one of the following forms of annual assessment of the student’s academic progress: Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBG 1. A standardized achievement test administered through the administrative unit in which the student resides or through other arrangements approved by the Commissioner. If the test is administered through the administrative unit in which the student resides, that administration must be agreed to by the Superintendent of the administrative unit prior to submission of the written notice of intent to provide home instruction; 2. A test developed by the Superintendent/designee of the administrative unit in which the student resides appropriate to the student’s home instruction program, which must be agreed to by the Superintendent of the administrative unit prior to submission of the written notice of intent to provide home instruction; 3. A review and acceptance of the student’s progress by an identified individual who holds a current Maine teacher’s certificate; 4. A review and acceptance of the student’s progress based on, but not limited to, a presentation of an educational portfolio of the student to a local area home schooling support group whose membership for this purpose includes a currently certified Maine teacher or administrator; or 5. A review and acceptance of the student’s progress by a local advisory board selected by the Superintendent of the administrative unit in which the student resides that includes one administrative unit employee and two home instruction tutors. A “home instruction tutor” means the parent/guardian or other person who acts or will act as a primary teacher of the student in the home instruction program. This provision must be agreed to by the Superintendent of the administrative unit in which the student resides prior to submission of the written notice of intent to provide home instruction. C. Dissemination of any information filed under 20-A MRSA §5001-(3)(A) (which applies to alternatives to attendance at public day school, including home schooling) is governed by the provisions of 20-A MRSA §6001 Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBG (dissemination of information); the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC §1232g (2002); and the federal Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, 20 USC §1401-1487(2002), except that “directory information” as defined by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is confidential and is not subject to public disclosure unless the parent/guardian specifically permits disclosure in writing or a judge orders otherwise. Copies of any information filed under 20-A MRSA §5001A(3)(A) must be maintained by the student’s parent/guardian until the home instruction program concludes. The records must be made available to the Commissioner upon request. D. If the home instruction program is discontinued, students of compulsory school age must be enrolled in a public school or an equivalent instruction alternative as provided for by law. The receiving school shall determine the placement of the student. At the secondary level, the principal of the receiving school shall determine the value of the prior educational experience toward meeting the standards of Maine’s system of Learning Results. The School Committee accepts no responsibility for the unit in the application, review, approval, or oversight of home instruction programs except as provided for by law or this policy. Participation by home-schooled students in the public school program shall only be permitted as described elsewhere in School Committee policy. The Superintendent shall maintain a roster of all students eligible to attend school within the school unit who are receiving equivalent instruction, as provided in Department of Education rules. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §5001-A(3) Ch. 125 §12.02, Ch. 130 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) Cross Reference: JEA – Compulsory School Attendance IHBGA – Home Schooling – Participation in School Programs IHBGB – Special Education Services for Students in Private Schools or Home Schooling JGAB – Assignment of Students to Classes: Transfer Students and Home-Schooling Students Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: January 26, 2004 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA HOME SCHOOLING – PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL PROGRAMS The Lewiston School Committee acknowledges the provisions for equivalent instruction under Maine law. The School Committee further observes the Legislature’s recognition, “that the term ‘equivalent’ is intended to mean meeting state standards, for alternate or other instruction and is not intended to mean the same as the education delivered in the public school system.” In addition, it is the intention of the School Committee to, “cooperate in the home instruction of any child who resides in the school administrative unit to the degree that the level of cooperation does not interfere with the responsibilities to the students enrolled in Lewiston Public Schools’ regular programs.” Furthermore, participation of students in such programs shall be limited to home-schooled students who have obtained approval for equivalent instruction under rules established by the Commissioner of Education. In order to maintain an efficient and orderly school program, the School Committee directs the Superintendent/designee to develop procedures, as appropriate, regarding the availability of school system resources and services in support of equivalent instruction programs that have been approved by the Commissioner. The procedures shall be in accord with the following provisions. I. PROVISION OF INFORMATION At the request of the student or the student’s parent/guardian, this school unit shall make available to home-schooled students, in a form determined by the school, information regarding access to public school activities and attendance in Lewiston schools. This information must include: A. Requirements regarding initial health and developmental screening for motor skills, vision, hearing and immunization; and B. Criteria for participation of home-schooled students in curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. II. PERMITTED PARTICIPATION A. Participation in Regular Classes. Home instruction students may enroll in specific day school classes provided that the student’s attendance is regular, the class is deemed to be age and grade appropriate and all prerequisite course requirements are met. In addition, the following shall also apply. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA 1. The student or the student’s parent/guardian, on the student’s behalf, shall apply in writing to and receive written approval from the Superintendent/designee. Approval may not be unreasonably withheld. 2. Enrollment shall be by full semester only. 3. The student shall demonstrate prior satisfactory academic achievement consistent with school unit policy and procedures applicable to all students. 4. The student shall comply with behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other classroom rules applicable to all students. If a student fails to comply, the school may withhold credit or terminate the student’s participation. 5. Transportation must be provided by the parent/guardian or student. However, the student may use the same transportation as all other students in the school unit as long as additional expenses are not incurred. 6. The student shall complete all assignments and tests as required of all students in the same class. Credit will only be granted following successful completion of the course. B. Course Auditing. Home instruction students may audit a course(s) provided the following conditions have been met. 1. The student or the student’s parent/guardian, on behalf of the student, shall apply in writing to and receives written approval from the Superintendent/designee to audit a specific course or courses. Participation may not be unreasonably withheld. 2. The student agrees to meet established behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other classroom rules applicable to all students. If a student fails to comply, the school may terminate participation. III. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES Special education services will be available to eligible special education students in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. IV. ADMISSION TO REGULAR PROGRAM/PLACEMENT A student who has been receiving home-school instruction and who seeks admission to the regular school program will be placed in a grade commensurate with the level of the student’s academic achievement. Placement must be guided by the following. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA A. For students who transfer into school from an educational program that is not required to meet the standards of the system of Learning Results, the principal of the receiving school shall determine the value of the student’s prior educational experience toward meeting these standards. V. B. Grade level placement is determined by the locally-designated, appropriate school staff based upon but not limited to such factors as the student’s completed curricula and record of achievement, conferencing with the student’s parent/guardian and administration of tests, if determined necessary. C. The final grade level placement decision is based upon this unit’s policy and procedures. That decision may be appealed to the Superintendent. RE-ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL PROGRAM Placement of home-schooled students who wish to be readmitted to the school program will be determined by the Administrator who shall consult with members of the professional staff to the extent appropriate. The Administrator may direct that a test or tests be administered to help determine grade level. In addition, the Administrator is authorized to collect from parents actual samples of coursework (e.g., homework, examinations, etc.) as he/she deems necessary, in order to make the determination that the requisite academic standards have been met. The decision of the Administrator may be appealed to the Superintendent. VI. USE OF SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS Subject to availability, a student receiving home instruction may use school textbooks, if the number of particular copies are sufficient, and library books owned by Lewiston Public Schools, subject to the following conditions. A. The use does not disrupt regular student, staff or special program functions. B. The student’s sign-out period for a library book is the same as that applicable to regularly enrolled students. C. The student may sign out a textbook for a period not to exceed one school year. The textbook must be appropriate to the student’s age and grade level. D. The parent/guardian and student agree to reimburse the school unit for lost, unreturned or damaged library books and textbooks and for consumable supplies used. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA VII. USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT A student receiving home-school instruction may use public school facilities and equipment on the same basis as regularly enrolled students if the following conditions are met. VIII. A. The use does not disrupt regular school activities. B. The use is approved by the building administrator in accordance with established school policy. C. The use does not create additional expense to the school unit. D. The use is directly related to the student’s academic program. E. The use of potentially hazardous areas, such as shops, laboratories and gymnasiums, is supervised by a qualified employee of the school unit, approved and assigned by the Superintendent. F. The use does not involve removing furniture or equipment from the school premises. MAINE EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT If a parent of a student in an equivalent instruction program requests to have the student participate in the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA), such request must be granted. Participation in such examinations must be in compliance with all rules and procedures governing testing conditions in the Lewiston schools. IX. ACADEMIC CREDIT A student receiving home-school instruction must receive academic credit subject to the following requirements. A. Academic credit for individual courses must be awarded if the student meets required academic standards applicable to all students enrolled in the same course. B. Academic credit must be awarded for successful completion of alternative instruction opportunities sponsored by the school and available to all students. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 4 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA X. HIGH SCHOOL COURSE CREDITS AND DIPLOMA ELIGIBILITY The following standards govern the awarding of course credits and a graduation diploma to a student receiving home-school instruction who seeks admission or readmission to the high school. A. A student shall earn high school credits for satisfactory completion of courses in the high school pursuant to 20-A MRSA § 5021,subsection 2, paragraph A. B. A student may earn credit for course work completed through home-school instruction if the building administrator determines both in advance and upon completion of the course that the course satisfies the requirements for awarding the credit. This determination shall be made through evaluation of a portfolio submitted by the student. 1. The portfolio should include curriculum guides, all student work, evaluative criteria, goals and objectives, documentation of related activities, experiences, trips, projects etc., and an assessment of the success of the program. Although portfolios may vary from course to course, it is meant to be a detailed compilation of a student’s work. 2. The portfolio will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the guidance director, a department chairperson, the building administrator and two representatives of a home schooling program. This committee will determine if credit should be granted. C. Requests for transfer credit for equivalent instruction completed at non-approved private schools, at private schools that elect not to meet requirements under 20-A MRSA § 2901 or through other equivalent instruction programs must be evaluated on the merits of the documentation provided. The building administrator and guidance staff shall conduct these evaluations on request by the student or the student’s parent/guardian. The principal may direct that the student undergo a test or tests to assist in making a determination relative to the awarding of credit. D. Awarding of a high school diploma by the local school is conditioned upon the student’s demonstration of having satisfied all specific course credit or other requirements established by the State of Maine and the School Committee. In addition, the following conditions must be met: 1. Students must earn a minimum of five credits for courses taken at Lewiston High School and be in residence as a full-time student for one year. 2. Students receiving credit for home school instruction will not be included in rank in class listings. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA E. For students who transfer into a secondary school from another state or an educational program that is not required to meet the standards of the system of Learning Results, the principal of the receiving school shall determine the value of the prior educational experience toward meeting the standards through the local assessment system. For students graduating at the end of 2006-2007 school year: Awarding of a high school diploma by the local school is conditioned upon the student’s having met the content standards of the applicable content areas of the system of Learning Results as determined by the local assessment system and the student’s demonstration of having satisfied all specific course credits and additional diploma requirements as specified by School Committee policy. The School Committee may establish resident credit requirements as a precondition for the awarding of a local school unit diploma. XI. PARTICIPATION IN CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students receiving home-school instruction may participate in co-curricular activities such as field trips, assemblies, and academically-related fairs provided: XII. A. Prior written permission is obtained from both the parent and the building administrator; and B. The student has agreed to meet established behavioral, disciplinary, attendance and other rules applicable to all students. PARTICIPATION IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Students receiving home-school instruction are eligible to try out for extracurricular activities sponsored by Lewiston Public Schools, provided the student applies in writing and the following requirements are satisfied. A. The student agrees to abide by equivalent rules of participation as are applicable to regularly enrolled students participating in the activity and provides evidence that the rules of participation are being met. B. The student complies with the same physical examination, immunization, insurance, age and semester eligibility requirements as regularly enrolled students participating in the activity. All required documentation must be made available upon request by the school unit. C. The student meets equivalent academic standards as those established for regularly enrolled students participating in the activity and provides evidence that the academic standards are being met. The school administrator is authorized to collect from parents actual samples of coursework (e.g., homework, examinations, etc.), as he/she deems necessary in order to make the determination that the necessary academic standards have been met. Page 6 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA D. XIII. The student abides by the same transportation policy as regularly enrolled students participating in the activity and travels to and from activities with the team. STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION WHEN TUITION PAYMENT TO ANOTHER UNIT IS REQUIRED If and when the school unit does not provide academic instruction for specific grade levels, the following applies for students enrolled in an approved program of equivalent instruction. XIV. A. Class participation. The home-schooled student or the student’s parent/guardian shall request authorization from the resident local school unit to apply to another school unit for permission to participate in classes or activities in that other school unit. B. Tuition payment. Tuition payments for home-schooled student participation in a local school unit, including attendance at an applied technology center or an applied technology region, other than the applicant’s resident district, is the responsibility of the home-schooled student, the student’s parent/guardian or the student’s resident school administrative unit, in accordance with school unit policy. Participation may not be unreasonably withheld. C. Participation eligibility. A tuitioned, home-schooled student is subject to the rules relating to eligibility for participation in co-curricular or extracurricular activities as may apply at the receiving school unit. D. Interscholastic activities. A tuitioned, home-schooled student attending classes in more than one receiving school unit is not eligible for participation in interscholastic activities at any local school unit. APPEALS Appeals from administration and application of the School Committee policy are heard by the School Committee, whose decision is final and binding. Appeals that question the School Committee policy compliance with legal requirements must be made to the Commissioner, whose decision is final and binding. Page 7 of 8 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGA Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 5001-A(3), 5021-5025 Chap. 127, 130 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) Cross Reference: IHBGB – Special Education Services for Students in Private Schools or Home Schooling IKF – Graduation Requirements Adopted: Revised: Revised: June 7, 2000 November 18, 2002 January 26, 2004 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 8 of 8 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGB SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS OR HOME SCHOOLING Lewiston Public Schools recognize its obligation under state and federal law to make special education services available to all students of school age whose parents reside within the school unit. This obligation includes those students who attend private schools and who are receiving home schooling. For those students who have been placed by their parents/guardians in a private school or in home schooling, Lewiston Public Schools shall provide a genuine opportunity for equitable participation in the school unit’s special education services. Lewiston Public Schools’ obligation to provide a genuine opportunity for equitable participation shall include the following: A. Include all such students in Lewiston Public Schools’ special education childfind and referral obligations; B. Inform the parent of the unit’s responsibility to offer a free, appropriate public education; C. Review the special education needs of the student with a disability; D. Annually develop a proposed Individual Education Program (IEP) for the parent’s consideration, to be made available to the student in the least restrictive educational environment; E. Permit the student to access particular services in the IEP in the school setting where those services are normally made available. The student’s Individualized Education Plan Team (IEP) may deny access to a particular service in the IEP if the PET determines that it would be inappropriate for the student to access that particular service without accessing the IEP as a whole. F. Scheduling determinations for those services that the student accesses shall be made by the school administrator regularly charged with making such determinations and may reflect the administrative needs and caseload concerns of Lewiston Public Schools. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHBGB G. Lewiston Public Schools shall permit the student to access any regular public school bus run for transportation to or from the services being accessed in the IEP. The student’s IEP may determine that a particular bus or bus run would not be appropriate for the student. H. Lewiston Public Schools may consider requests for separate transportation to or from the special education service being accessed in the IEP. Such transportation shall not be provided outside of the boundaries of Lewiston Public Schools and shall be subject to the availability and scheduling needs of the school’s transportation providers. I. Lewiston Public Schools shall not provide special education or supportive services to the student at the private school or home-schooling site. Ref: MSER Ch. 101, Section 4.7 Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHCDA POST-SECONDARY ENROLLMENT OPTIONS The intent of this policy is to establish the requirements for student enrollment in postsecondary courses taken before high school graduation. Eligible Institutions Students may take courses at eligible post-secondary institutions within Maine, which include the University of Maine System, the Vocational Technical College System and Maine Maritime Academy. Students are allowed to take courses at private colleges or other institutions, but the school unit cannot include such costs as allowable program costs. Student Eligibility Requirements A student may take no more than one course per semester and two courses per academic year, without special permission from building administrator. A student must meet the following criteria prior to enrolling in a post-secondary course: A. Have a minimum of a “B” [or 3.0] average in his/her courses overall; B. Meet the course admission standards of the eligible institution; C. Provide evidence of parent/guardian approval for taking the course; and D. Obtain prior approval from the administrator and guidance counselor. E. Extenuating circumstances may be reviewed on an individual basis. Awarding of Credits The eligible institution shall grant full credit to any student who successfully completes a course. High school graduation credit for a course taken under this policy shall be awarded as follows: A. The course must meet for a minimum of one semester. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHCDA B. The student must earn a passing grade in the course. C. Attendance must satisfy the instructor’s requirements. D. If the above criteria are met, the student shall receive one carnegie unit. Financial Assistance A. The Maine Department of Education shall pay applicable tuition costs for any student enrolled in a course under this policy if the eligible institution requires tuition payment. B. The student and his/her parent/guardian are responsible for paying for all textbooks, course fees and transportation costs. School Unit Reporting Requirements The Superintendent shall ensure that information concerning post-secondary enrollment options is made available to parents and students. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 4771 et seq. June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHD ADULT/COMMUNITY EDUCATION Adult/community education programs are provided to encourage the adults of the community to pursue educational opportunities. These programs operate with the following goals: A. To provide a system of basic education for adults who have less than eighth grade ability levels. This aspect of adult education will concentrate on the basic skills of reading, writing and arithmetic. Instructional programs will also be provided for adults with special needs, as well as for adults needing instruction in English for speakers of other languages; B. To provide opportunities for adults to complete high school either by taking courses to complete the required number of credits for graduation or by preparing for and taking the General Educational Development Test to receive the State High School Equivalency Diploma; C. To provide introductory vocational training courses designed to help adults prepare for employment; D. To work cooperatively and collaboratively with both Lewiston High School and Lewiston Regional Vocational Center regarding student referrals and curriculum development in the areas of high school completion and vocational programs; E. To provide educational programs which are related to the general learning needs and interests of the adult community; and F. To work in a cooperative and collaborative manner with other community agencies and organizations concerned with adult education. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 8601 et. seq. Cross Reference: IHD-R – Adult/Community Education Administrative Procedure Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 June 27, 2005 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHD-R ADULT/COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Admission Requirements A. Lewiston Adult Education High School Diploma Credit Courses and the services of the Adult Basic Education Learning Center are available to any person 17 years of age or older. B. A person under the age of 17 (as of the first day of classes in a given Adult Education semester) may apply to attend Adult Education High School Diploma Credit Courses or the Adult Basic Education Learning Center as follows: C. 1. Complete necessary steps for legally withdrawing from day school under the provisions of 20-A MRSA § 5001-A(2)(B). 2. Complete the appropriate form for admission to Adult Education High School Diploma Credit Courses or the Adult Basic Education Learning Center and submit to the building administrator. The building administrator shall refer the application to the Adult Education Director. 3. The Adult Ed Director will make a recommendation and forward the application to the Superintendent who will make a recommendation. 4. The Superintendent shall make the final determination regarding approval or disapproval of the application. A student is enrolled in a public or private day high school may apply for admission to Adult Education High School Diploma Credit Courses or the Adult Basic Education Learning Center (except for the GED program) as follows: 1. Application for admission is made to the High School Administrator on the appropriate form which has been signed by the Guidance Counselor. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHD-R D. 2. The High School Administrator recommends approval or disapproval and forwards the application to the Director of Adult Education. The Director makes a recommendation and forwards the approval to the Superintendent. The Director of Adult Education will also place the applicant’s name on a course waiting list(s). 3. The Superintendent shall make the final determination regarding approval or disapproval of the application. If the application is approved by the Superintendent, the student will be registered in the course from a waiting list(s). A non-resident under the age of 20 who is legally out of school and desires to enroll in Adult Education High School Diploma Courses for credit towards high school completion must supply evidence in writing on the appropriate form that: 1. The Superintendent of their resident school unit a)approves attendance and b) certifies that the sending unit will pay tuition in accordance with 20-A MRSA § 8605(2)(C) before being enrolled. 2. Non-resident students may not be registered until their application has been approved. Late Registrations No person may enroll in a diploma course for credit after the second meeting of that course. Lewiston Adult Education Diploma Requirements and Regulations A. Students are required to accumulate 20 credits for graduation, four of which must be English credits one of which must be a writing course; two social studies credits, one of which must be U.S. History and one which must be a government course; three credits in mathematics; one credit in lab science instruction; one credit in computer literacy. B. One credit consists of a minimum of 45 instructional hours. G. Students are allowed two absences per course. Absences must be made up in accordance with procedures developed by the Adult Education Director. A third absence in a course will result in dismissal from that course. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IHD-R D. Credits from other recognized institutions will be accepted upon approval of the Adult Education Director; however, a minimum of one credit must be earned by taking a credit course through Lewiston Adult Education. E. During a student’s first semester, a maximum of two credit courses may be taken. F. A maximum of six credits may be awarded for the following out-of-school experience(s): 1. A maximum of two credits from correspondence schools; 2. Completion of a Maine State Apprenticeship Council-approved apprenticeship program; 3. One credit for military service of not less than two successive years resulting in an honorable discharge or separation may be awarded to eligible diploma candidates. The military experience criterion also covers candidates who have spent a minimum of six years in the National Guard or in the Reserves and hold an honorable discharge. 4. One credit may be awarded for three consecutive years of work experience in one occupation and two credits for work experience of five years or more in no more than two occupations; 5. A maximum of two credits may be earned through independent study approved by the Adult Education Director; G. A maximum of two credits may be awarded for participation in a planned volunteer work activity (forty-five hours required per credit) approved by the Adult Education Director; and 7. A maximum of one credit may be awarded for career exploration based on forty-five hours of observation/practicum experience in business, industry, institutions or agencies. 8. Home school credits may be awarded based on a portfolio review process approved by the Adult Education Director. G. A diploma earned through the Adult Education program shall be specified as an Adult Education Diploma. Legal Reference: Ch. 125 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) 6/00 Revised: 6/27/2005 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IHDA POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS The Lewiston School Committee shall permit post-graduate residents of Lewiston to attend secondary school classes up to the age of 20. Such requests must be approved by the high school administrator in accordance with established administrative procedures. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ INSTRUCTIONAL AND LIBRARY-MEDIA MATERIALS SELECTION The School Committee is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the schools, including the provision of instructional materials and maintenance of librarymedia resources that support the school system’s curriculum. While the School Committee retains its authority to approve the selection of instructional materials, it recognizes the educational expertise of its professional staff and the need for such staff to be involved in the recommendation of instructional materials. The School Committee delegates responsibility for the selection of instructional materials and librarymedia resources to the professionally trained personnel employed by the school system, subject to the criteria and procedures for selection and the School Committee’s policy on challenged materials as described below. With the assistance of professional staff, the Superintendent shall establish a system for the selection of instructional materials, including procedures to establish an orderly process for the review and recommendation of instructional materials. The Superintendent shall present his/her recommendations to the School Committee regarding the selection of textbooks and other instructional materials after completion of the review process. The School Committee will act on the Superintendent’s recommendations concerning instructional materials. The School Committee expects the Superintendent to report on progress made in aligning instructional materials with curriculum development and evaluation in support of the content standards contained in Maine’s system of Learning Results. Each school shall maintain a library-media program that includes books and other print materials, multimedia materials, online Internet resources and information technology that support the curriculum. A certified library-media specialist will be responsible for overseeing the library-media program, under the supervision of the Superintendent. As with instructional materials, the School Committee delegates responsibility for selection of library-media materials and technology and Internet resources to the school system’s professionally trained staff, subject to the criteria and procedures for selection and the School Committee’s policy on challenged materials described below. Definitions “Instructional materials” include textbooks and other print materials, software and other electronic materials, online/Internet resources (including access), and supplies and other materials to support instruction in subject areas and implementation of the system of Learning Results. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ “Library-media resources” include books, print materials, online/Internet resources (including access), multimedia materials and information technology that, as part of the library-media program, support the school system’s curriculum. Objectives of Selection The School Committee recognizes that it is the primary objective of instructional materials to implement and support the curriculum, and of library-media resources to extend and enrich the educational program of the schools. Quality instructional materials and library-media resources are essential to student learning. In preparing students to meet the content standards of the Learning Results, in supporting the achievement of the school unit’s educational goals and objectives, and in providing enrichment opportunities that expand students’ interests and contribute to a desire for lifelong learning, it is the responsibility of the instructional program and the library-media centers of the schools to provide a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view. Criteria for Selection Instructional and library-media materials selected should: A. Support achievement of the content standards of the Learning Results; B. Support the goals and objectives of the school system’s educational programs; C. Enrich and support the curriculum; D. Take into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the students served; E. Foster respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and varied opinions; F. Give comprehensive, accurate and balanced representation to minorities and women in history, science, leadership and the arts and acknowledge the contributions of ethnic, religious and cultural groups to our American heritage; G. Present a balance of opposing sides of controversial issues to enable students to develop a capability for critical analysis; H. Stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards; LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ I. Provide a background of information that will enable students to make intelligent decisions in their daily lives; and J. Respect the constraints of the school unit’s budget. Other factors that should be considered are accuracy and currency of material; importance of the subject matter; scholarship; quality of writing and production; and reputation and significance of the author, artist or composer. In evaluating software, multimedia materials and online/Internet resources, additional factors that should be considered include purpose for use; content; format (degree of interactivity or student involvement); appropriate use of graphics, sound and animation; feedback provided; and ease of use. Procedures for Selection Meeting the needs of the individual schools, based on knowledge of the curriculum and the existing collections of instructional and library-media materials, shall be the highest priority. Basic learning materials, i.e., those that are the predominant instructional materials used by most members of the class, are used for a significant portion of the course or receive major emphasis during a course, or are essential to student achievement of content standards of the Learning Results are to take priority in the selection process. Before recommending materials for purchase, professional staff should evaluate the existing collection, consulting reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared selection aids and specialists from all departments and/or all grade levels. Social studies and science textbooks should not be older than five years unless up-to-date supplemental instructional materials are also available. Whenever possible, purchase of non-print materials and multimedia, Internet and technology resources shall be made only after personal evaluation by the librarian/media specialist and/or other appropriate professional staff. Reviewing aids may be used in lieu of personal evaluation. Multiple copies of outstanding and much-in-demand materials should be purchased as needed. Worn or missing standard items should be replaced periodically. Out-of-date or no-longer-useful materials should be withdrawn from the collection/circulation. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ Donated Materials Gift materials are to be evaluated by the same criteria as purchased materials and are to be accepted or rejected by those criteria and in accordance with School Committee policy on gifts and donations. Parental Authority A student’s parent/guardian may inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the curriculum. The Superintendent will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for providing access to instructional material within a reasonable time after such a request is made. The School Committee recognizes that the final authority as to what materials an individual student will be exposed rests with that student’s parents or guardians. However, at no time will the wishes of one child’s parents to restrict his/her reading or viewing of a particular item infringe on other parents’ rights to permit their children to read or view the same material. Library-media center materials will not be removed from the collection because of criticism except in accordance with School Committee policy. Challenged Materials Despite the care taken to select materials for student and teacher use and the qualifications of the persons who select the materials, the School Committee recognized that objections may be raised occasionally by students, parents, school staff or community members. In the event a complaint is made, the following procedures will apply: A. The complaint shall be heard first by the person providing the materials in questions. B. If the complaint is not resolved, the complainant shall be referred to the building Principal and requested to fill out the “Instructional and LibraryMedia Materials Challenge Form.” A copy of the form will be forwarded to the Superintendent. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 4 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ C. The Superintendent shall appoint a committee composed of the following persons to review the complaint: one Principal at the appropriate grade level; one librarian/media specialist; one classroom teacher; the department head in the subject area of the challenged materials; one community member. D. The review committee shall: read and examine the materials referred to them; check general acceptance of materials by reading reviews; weigh values and faults against each other and form opinions based on the material as a whole and not on passages or portions pulled out of context; meet to discuss the material and to prepare a written report on it. E. The report of the committee shall be forwarded to the Superintendent who will inform the complainant of the results. F. No materials shall be removed from use until the review committee has made a final decision. G. The review committee’s decision may be appealed to the School Committee. The School Committee may set aside a portion of a regular meeting or call a special meeting for the purpose of receiving testimony from representatives of the various points of view. The material in question shall be: 1. Reviewed objectively and in its full content; 2. Evaluated in terms of the needs and interest of students, school, curriculum and community; 3. Considered in the light of differing opinions; and 4. Reviewed in light of the criteria for initial selection and purpose as provided herein. The School Committee will announce its decision in writing not later than the conclusion of the next regular meeting of the School Committee following its receipt of said testimony. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § § 1001 (10-A); 1055 (4); 4002 Ch. 125 § § 9.01, 9.03 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) P.L. 107-110 § 1061 (No Child Left Behind Act) Cross Reference: IJJ-E – Instructional and Library-Media Materials Challenge Form Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 November 18, 2002 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJJ-E CITIZEN’S CHALLENGE OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FORM Type of material: ___ Book ___ Magazine/Periodical ___ Film ___ Recording ___ Software ___ Other (Please specify) _________________________ Author __________________________ Title ________________________________________ Publisher (if known) __________________________ Request initiated by ________________ Telephone ____________ Address _____________________________ Town ______________ Complainant represents: ___ Him/herself ___ Organization ________________________ ___ Other group _________________________ 1. To what portion of the material do you object? (Please be specific, cite pages, scenes, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2. What do you feel might be the negative result of reading/viewing/hearing this material? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 3. For what age group would you recommend this material? __________ 4. Is there anything good about this material? _____________________________________ 5. Did you read/view/hear all of the material? ___ If not, what parts? __________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 6. Are you aware of the professional reviews/judgment of this material? ______ 7. What do you believe is the theme of this material? _______________________________ 8. What would you like the school to do about this material? ___ Do not assign it to my child ___ Do not assign it to any students. ___ Withdraw it from all patrons of the library. ___ Refer it to the Materials Reconsideration Committee for evaluation. 9. In its place, what material would you recommend? ______________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________ Signature of Complainant 6/00 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS _____________________ Date Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJL LIBRARY MATERIAL SELECTION AND ADOPTION Purpose The Lewiston school libraries have two major purposes: 1) to support and enrich the curriculum, and 2) to provide materials for personal interests and recreational reading. It is the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to provide a wide range of instructional materials in its libraries on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal, and the presentation of different points of view. Furthermore, the School Department endorses the American Library Association “Library Bill of Rights” (p.4) and the American Association of School Librarians/American Library Association “Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program; An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights” (p. 5-6). All library materials – print, non-print, and electronic – will be selected in accordance with the philosophies of these two documents. Definitions 1. For the purposes of this policy, a school library is defined as an area or areas in the school where a full range of information sources, associated equipment, and services from library staff are accessible to students and school personnel. It shall also include resources made available to the school community – at school and off-site – through the school library’s network. 2. Selection is defined as the decision which must be made to add materials in any format – print, non-print and electronic – to the library collection. 3. Library materials are defined as print, non-print, and electronic materials purchased by or housed in the school libraries, or available on the library’s network. Responsibility for Selection of Library Materials Although the Lewiston School Committee is legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the school system, it delegates the responsibility for selection of library materials to the certified library personnel employed by the school system. For purpose of this rule, the term “librarians” will be used to indicate Maine Department of Education certified library personnel among the library staff. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJL Selection of materials for the school libraries involves many people: building administrators, teachers, department heads, staff, students, and community members. The responsibility for the coordination of the selection of library materials and the recommendations to purchase rests with the professionally trained, certified library personnel. The School Committee recognizes that the final authority as to what materials an individual student will be exposed rests with that student’s parents or guardians. It will allow the review of allegedly inappropriate library materials through its established procedures. However, at no time will the wishes of one child’s parents to restrict his/her reading or viewing of a particular item infringe on other parents’ rights to permit their children to read or view the same material. Criteria for Selection Selection of library materials will address one or both of the two purposes for the school libraries stated above: to supplement and enrich the curriculum of the school and to provide material for personal interests and recreational reading. Materials for purchase are considered on the following basis: overall purpose; consistency with the objectives of specific courses; timeliness or permanence; ability to represent differing viewpoints on controversial subjects; importance and relevance of the subject matter; ability to stimulate creativity; aesthetic, literary, or social value; quality of the writing/production; readability and popular appeal; authoritativeness through the display of adequate documentation; reputation of the publisher/producer; reputation and significance of the author/artist/composer/producer; and the price. Gift materials are judged by the same standards and are accepted or rejected by those standards. Multiple copies of outstanding and much-in-demand materials are purchased as needed. Selection is an ongoing process which includes the removal of materials no longer appropriate or accurate and which provides for the replacement of lost and worn materials still of educational value. Criteria for the removal of materials may include: materials having inaccurate or outdated information; materials depicting negative role stereotypes; materials no longer supportive of the curriculum or current recreational reading; materials not circulated for a number of years; or materials in poor physical condition. After the weeding process is over, all withdrawn materials will be considered essentially valueless and will be removed from the collection. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJL Although the School Committee recognizes that any item may offend some individuals, selection of materials on controversial topics will be made on the merits of the materials and their value to the collection and to the library users rather than on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval. Procedures for Selection In selecting the materials for purchase, the professional library personnel evaluate the existing collection, assess recreational needs, consult reputable professionally-prepared selection aids; and seek recommendations from departments, grade level teachers, students, and others as appropriate. Whenever possible, purchase of non-print materials shall be done after personal evaluation by the librarian. Reviewing aids may be used in lieu of personal evaluation. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNC SCHOOL LIBRARIES Purpose and Definitions The Lewiston School Libraries have two major purposes: A. To support and enrich the curriculum; and B. To provide resources to support individual interests and recreational reading. Lewiston Public Schools shall provide a wide range of resource and instructional materials in the libraries at all levels of difficulty, with diverse appeal and different points of view. The School Committee endorses the American Library Association “Library Bill of Rights” and the American Association of School Librarians “School Library Bill of Rights for School Library Media Programs.” Library materials, both print and nonprint, will be selected in accordance with Committee policies. Cross Reference: Adopted: IJNC-E1 – Library Bill of Rights IJNC-E2 – School Library Bill of Rights IJJ – Instructional and Library Materials Selection IJJ-E – Citizen’s Challenge of Educational Media Form June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNC-E1 LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. A. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interests, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background or views of those contributing to their creation. B. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Material should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. C. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment. D. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas. E. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views. F. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. Approved by the Intellectual Freedom Committee on January 22, 1980, and the Council of the American Library Association on January 23, 1980. *Reprinted by permission of the American Library Association. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNC-E2 ACCESS TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN THE LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAMS The school library media program plays a unique role in promoting intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shape the resources and services of a school library media program, the principles of the LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS apply equally to all libraries, including school library media programs. School library media professionals assume a leadership role in promoting the principles of intellectual freedom within the school by providing resources and services that create and sustain an atmosphere of free inquiry. School library media professionals work closely with teachers to integrate instructional activities in classroom units designed to equip students to locate, evaluate, and use a broad range of ideas effectively. Through resources, programming, and educational processes, students and teachers experience the free and robust debate characteristic of a democratic society. School library media professionals cooperate with other individuals in building collections of resources appropriate to the developmental and maturity levels of students. These collections provide resources which support curriculum and are consistent with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the school district. Resources in school library media collections represent diverse points of view and current as well as historical issues. While English is by history and tradition the customary language in the United States, the languages in use in any given community may vary. Schools serving communities in which other languages are used make efforts to accommodate the needs of students for whom English is a second language. To support these efforts, and to ensure equal access to resources and services, the school library media program provides resources which reflect the linguistic pluralism of the community. Members of the school community involved in the collection development process employ educational criteria to select resources unfettered by their personal, political, social, or religious views. Students and educators served by the school library media program have access to resources and services free of constraints resulting from person, partisan, or doctrinal disapproval. School library media professionals resist efforts by individuals to define what is appropriate for all students or teachers to read, view, or hear. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNC-E2 Major barriers between students and resources include: imposing age or grade level restrictions on the use of resources, limiting the use of interlibrary loan and access to electronic information, charging fees for information in specific formats, requiring permission from parents or teachers, establishing restricted shelves or closed collections, and labeling. Policies, procedures, and rules related to the use of resources and services support free and open access of information. The School Committee adopts policies that guarantee students access to a broad range of ideas. These include policies on collection development and procedures for the review of resources about which concerns have been raised. Such policies, developed by the persons in the school community, provide for a timely and fair hearing and assure that procedures are applied equitably to all expressions of concern. School library media professionals implement district policies and procedures in the school. Adopted July 12, 1986; amended January 10, 1999 by the ALA Council. 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB STUDENT TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE Lewiston Public Schools provide computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet access to support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. This policy and the accompanying rules also apply to laptops and other technological devices issued directly to students and to any technological devices brought by students into a school building or to a school activity. Student use of school computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with the school department’s policies and rules concerning technology use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their technology privileges limited, suspended, or revoked. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement, and/or legal action. All Lewiston Public Schools technology remains under the control, custody, and supervision of the school department at all times. The school department monitors all technology and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of technology in a school building or during school activities. Lewiston Public Schools utilize filtering technology designed to block pornography and other materials that are obscene or harmful to minors. Lewiston Public Schools take precautions to supervise student use of the Internet, but parents should be aware that Lewiston Public Schools can not reasonably prevent all instances of inappropriate technology use by students in violation of School Committee policies and rules, including access to objectionable materials and communication with persons outside of the school. The school department is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that students obtain through the Internet. Students and parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules through handbooks, the district web site, and/or other means selected by the Superintendent. The Superintendent is responsible for implementing this policy and the accompanying rules. Additional administrative procedures or school rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the school department’s technology system may be implemented, consistent with School Committee policies and rules. The Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to building administrators, technology staff, and/or others as he/she deems appropriate. Cross Reference: Legal Reference: Adopted: Revised: Revised: IJNDB-R—Student Technology and Internet Use Rules GCSA—Employee Technology and Internet Use JIC—Student Code of Conduct 47 USC § 254(h)(5) (Children’s Internet Protection Act) June 7, 2000 March 24, 2003 August 28, 2006 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-E LMS (Lewiston Middle School) COMPUTER HOME USE PROCEDURE A computer is being provided to your child as an integral and inseparable part of the instructional process. The intent of this effort is to provide student access to this technology at home as well as at school. In order for this to happen, the following guidelines have been developed and adopted by the School Committee: Guidelines: 1. In order to bring a computer home, parents and students must attend an initial Family Laptop Orientation meeting offered by the school. In subsequent years, parents and students will not be required to attend another computer orientation meeting, but must annually sign the Computer Home Use Procedure Agreement. 2. It is the responsibility of the student and parent(s) to know and follow the LMS Computer Home Use guidelines. Guidelines are reviewed when students receive the computer and when parents attend the mandatory orientation session. 3. The Student Technology and Internet Use Rules (IJNDB-R attached) applies to home use of computers. However, the school does not provide Internet access for home use nor does its filtering software work in the home environment. 4. The computer issued to each student is an educational tool and should only be used in that capacity. Students should have no expectations of privacy in their use of the computer. 5. When a student brings a computer home, it is with the expectation that it will be used in a common family location so that adult supervision can be maintained. Parents/guardians have the right to their child’s login password in order to maintain supervision of the student’s computer usage at home. 6. Replacement and/or repair costs for lost, stolen or damaged computers, carrying cases, and/or chargers that are not covered by the warranty are the sole responsibility of the undersigned parent/guardian. 7. If a computer is stolen while signed out by a student, it must be reported immediately to the Lewiston Police Department and then to school administration. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-E 8. Parents should check with their insurance providers about the cost of special endorsements to cover expenses not covered by the warranty. 9. Computers must not be taken out of state. 10. Students must sign out their laptops, carrying case, and charger on a daily basis. Sign out will take place during normal school hours following the procedures determined by the LMS administrators. Special arrangements (parent or guardian sign out and pick up) must be made in advance for those students participating in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, intramurals, etc. Laptops are not to be taken into locker rooms, playing fields, practice or rehearsal areas, etc. Laptops shall be returned on the next scheduled school day. 11. Parents will be contacted promptly if a student returns to school without the computer. The parent will be expected to immediately bring the computer to school. 12. In the event that a computer has not been returned within twenty-four hours of an expected return, the Lewiston Middle School may contact the Lewiston Police Department to investigate. 13. Failure to comply with this policy and/or other policies and guidelines related to computer use will result in a student’s computer sign-out privilege being revoked. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-E I have attended the Family Laptop Orientation meeting. I have also read and hereby agree to the procedures and expectations outlined above and in Policy IJNDB, IJNDB-R and IJNDB-E Printed Student Name:__________________________________________ Student Signature:_____________________________Date:_____________ Printed Parent/Guardian Name:____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________________________ Cross Reference: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use INJDB-R – Computer Use and Internet Rules INJDB-E – Lewiston Middle School Computer Home Use procedure Adopted: May 21, 2007 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R STUDENT TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET USE RULES These rules accompany School Committee policy IJNDB (Student Technology and Internet Use). Each student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school department computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services, and for his/her computer files, passwords, and accounts. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of the school department’s technology and examples of prohibited uses. The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity. Students, parents, and school staff who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator or the Superintendent’s office. A. Consequences for Violation of Technology Use Policy and Rules Student use of school department computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with the school department’s policies and rules concerning technology use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended, or revoked. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement, and/or legal action. The building principal shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be limited, suspended, or revoked based upon the circumstances of the particular case, the student’s prior disciplinary record, and any other pertinent factors. B. Acceptable Use The school department’s computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school department’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals. All School Committee policies, school rules, and expectations concerning student conduct and communications apply when students are using the school department’s technology or any technology inside a school building. Students are also expected to comply with all specific instructions from teachers and other school staff or volunteers when using technology. Page 1 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R C. Prohibited Uses Examples of unacceptable uses of school department technology that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials—Creating, accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, and/or illegal materials. 2. Illegal Activities—Using the school department’s computers or other technological devices, networks, or Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any School Committee policy or school rule. The school department assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using technology. 3. Violating Copyrights—Copying, downloading, or sharing any type of copyrighted materials (including music or movies) without the owner’s permission. The school department assumes no responsibility for copyright violations by students. 4. Software—Copying, downloading, or installing software without the express authorization of technology staff. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The school department assumes no responsibility for illegal software copying or installation by students. 5. Plagiarism—Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the Internet or from digital books and references (such as term papers, articles, music, etc.) When Internet or other digital resources are used in student work, they must be fully cited. 6. Non-School Related Uses—Using the school department’s computers or other technological devices, networks, or Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain; commercial, advertising, or solicitation purposes; or any other personal use not connected with the educational program or assignments. 7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access—Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords, or accessing or using other users’ accounts. Page 2 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R D. 8. Malicious Use/Vandalism—Any malicious use, disruption, or harm to the school department’s computers or other technological devices, networks, or Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses. 9. Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Chat Rooms—Accessing chat rooms, blogs, or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher. No Expectation of Privacy Lewiston Public Schools technology remains under the control, custody, and supervision of the school department at all times. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of any school technology or any technology used on school grounds, including email, stored files, and Internet access logs. E. Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating the school department for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school department for violations of School Committee policies and school rules while the student is using technology, including the cost of investigating such violations. The school department assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using technology at school. F. Student Security A student is not allowed to reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number, social security number, or other personal information on the Internet without prior permission from a teacher. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them uncomfortable in any way. G. System Security The security of the school department’s computers and other technological devices, networks, and Internet services is a high priority. Any student who identifies a security problem must notify a teacher immediately. The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material. Any user who attempts to breach system security, causes a breach of system security, or fails to report a system security problem shall be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action in addition to having his/her technology privileges limited, suspended, or revoked. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R H. I. Additional Rules for Laptops or Other Technological Devices Issued to Students 1. Laptops and other technological devices are loaned to students as educational tools and are only authorized for use in completing school assignments. 2. Students are responsible for the proper care of laptops or other technological devices assigned to them at all times, whether on or off school property. 3. If a laptop or other technological device is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the building principal immediately. 4. The School Committee’s policy and rules concerning technology and Internet use apply to the use of school department laptops and other technological devices at all times and places, on or off school property. Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning care of technology issued by school staff. 5. Violation of policies or rules governing the use of technology, or any careless use of a laptop or other technological device may result in the device being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the device under the direct supervision of school staff. Parents should be aware that they are responsible for any costs associated with repairing or replacing a laptop or other technological device issued to their child that is intentionally or carelessly damaged. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of School Committee policies or school rules. 6. Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of school department technology and the Internet when in use at home. 7. The laptop or other technological device may only be used by the student to whom it is assigned. 8. Laptops and other technological devices must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year or whenever requested by school staff. Additional Rules for Laptops or Other Technological Devices Brought to School by Students 1. A student must have the express permission of the supervising teacher before using a computer or other technological device he/she has brought to school. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 4 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJNDB-R 2. Before connecting to any school department network, a student-owned device must be checked for viruses and/or other compatibility by a representative of the technology office. 3. Any computer or other device that will be connected to a school department network must be free of viruses and must be running a current version of virus detection software. The device must be configured in a way that is compatible with school department policies and rules. 4. The School Committee’s policy and rules concerning technology and Internet use apply to the use of personally-owned technological devices used on school grounds or during school activities. Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning use of these devices issued by school staff. 5. Violation of policies or rules governing the use of technology may result in the device being confiscated or in the device being banned from school. The device may be held for the student until the end of the day, or until a parent can retrieve it. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of School Committee policies or school rules. 6. Lewiston Public Schools assume no responsibility for the functioning or use of personally-owned technological devices on school grounds or at school activities. Cross Reference: IJNDB—Student Technology and Internet Use 6/00 August 28, 2006 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 5 of 5 NEPN/NSBA Code: IJOA FIELD TRIPS The Lewiston School Committee recognizes the importance of school-sponsored trips as a means of reinforcing and supplementing the instructional program. It is the intent of the Committee that all trips be well-planned and organized in order to ensure that: A. Trips are reasonably related to the curriculum; B. Necessary administrative permission is granted; C. Written parental/guardian permission is obtained; D. Appropriate funding is available; E. Adequate supervision is provided; F. Appropriate safety measures and precautions are taken; and G. All behavioral policies are followed. H. Medical concerns are recognized and accommodated. I. Bus roster is maintained with a duplicate copy at school. Any exceptions to this policy and administrative procedure must receive prior approval of the Superintendent. Cross Reference: Adopted: IJOA-R – Field Trips Administrative Procedure June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IJOA-R FIELD TRIPS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Teachers planning field trips must comply with the following requirements: A. B. Supervision 1. At least one teacher or other responsible adult must accompany every 25 students at the high school level. 2. At least one teacher or other responsible adult must accompany every 10 students at the elementary level and 15 students at middle school level. Travel Distance 1. Students in kindergarten through grade 3 are limited to trips within the Lewiston/Auburn city limits. 2. Students in grades 4-5 are limited to trips within the state and within a 50-mile radius of Lewiston. 3. All trips outside of Lewiston/Auburn must be approved in advance by the Superintendent. 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKA STUDENT GRADES/EVALUATIONS The Lewiston School Committee is committed to maintaining rigorous performance and achievement standards for all students and to provide a fair process for evaluating and reporting student progress. The grading system listed below will be followed: Grade K – S – Satisfactory P – Showing progress N – Needs improvement Grade 1 – O – Outstanding S – Satisfactory I – Improving N – Needs improvement U – Unsatisfactory Grades 2 – 6 A = 93 – 100 B = 85 – 92 C = 76 – 84 D = 70 – 75 E = Below 70 Grades 7 – 8 A (Excellent) = 93 – 100 B (Very Good) = 85 – 92 C (Average) = 76 – 84 D (Below Average) = 70 – 75 F (Failure) = Below 70 Grades 9 – 12 A = 93 – 100 B = 85 – 92 C = 76 – 84 D = 70 – 75 F = Below 70 I = Incomplete LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IKA Lewiston High School employs a weighted grade for advanced placement classes using a weighted factor of .025 effective 2008-2009 school year. Cross Reference: IKE – Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students ILA – Tests/Assessments Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: October 15, 2007 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IKAB PROGRESS REPORTS Parents/guardians shall receive a report of their child’s progress on at least a quarterly basis. These reports may be supplemented as appropriate through mid-ranking period reports, conferences and/or other appropriate means so as to maintain open communications with parents/guardians concerning the educational development of their child. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKB HOMEWORK Homework is considered part of the learning process and a legitimate demand on the nonclass time of students. Generally, homework should provide sufficient practice time to master the subject matter of the course. A home assignment should be an extension of clearly defined school activities and should be appropriate to the age, ability, and independent level of students. Teachers should assign meaningful homework which fosters lesson enrichment, application, review and the practice of skills which have been previously taught and learned. Homework should also provide an opportunity for openended individual activities encompassing a variety of levels for suitable response and a variety of activities and products. Guidelines for Effective Homework Assignments Students should be taught how to study before they are expected to work independently; therefore, the teacher should plan with the students not only what to do, but how to do it. The teachers should always make clear to the student his/her policy regarding the grading of homework and its effect on the final grade. Homework should be an appropriate extension of class work. The assignment and its purpose should be clearly stated. Homework should be as carefully planned as a classroom activity. Complex long-range assignments should incorporate appropriate structure and guidelines including a sequence of tasks and frequent progress reviews. Individual Education Plan (IEP) requirements and/or the special identified individual needs of students will supercede this policy. Student Outcomes of Homework • • • • • • will strengthen basic skills will develop initiative, responsibility, and self-direction will build independent skills will teach budgeting of study time will build confidence by ensuring successful learning experiences and familiarity with materials and procedures will encourage innovation and creativity through open-ended, individualized assignments LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IKB Support of Parents While students should assume the major responsibility for completing homework assignments, parents are encouraged to take an active interest in students’ homework by: • • • • promoting a positive attitude toward homework providing a consistent time and a suitable place to study making resources available whenever possible communicating with the teacher General Guidelines for Homework Assignments Elementary – Kindergarten – Grade 1 Homework is confined to projects and simple tasks Grades 2, 3 15 to 30 minutes per day for four days Grades 4, 5 30 to 60 minutes per day for four days Grade 6 45 to 60 minutes per day for four days Middle School Grades 7, 8 45 to 90 minutes total per day for four or five days High School Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 Legal Reference: Adopted: Revised: 2 to 3 hours total per day for four or five days Ch. 125.23,B,5,1 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rules) June 7, 2000 October 30, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE PROMOTION, RETENTION AND ACCELERATION OF STUDENTS It is the intention of the School Committee that appropriate instruction be offered to all students in a progressive and sequential way. Students will normally progress through one grade level each year. Exceptions will be made when, in the judgment of the professional staff, repetition or acceleration of a grade is in the student’s best interest. Parents will be notified as early as possible when retention or acceleration is being considered. Decisions on special education students will be made through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)Team. Criteria A. B. Academic Factors 1. Does the student’s ability fall within the normal range? 2. Is the student reading below/above grade level? 3. Is academic performance below/above grade level in one or more areas? 4. Are standardized achievement test scores below the 40th percentile in one or more areas (especially reading)? 5. Does the student have difficulty completing school tasks in allotted time? Social Factors 1. Is the student’s chronological age within 18 months of his/her classmates? 2. Does the student appear motivated to succeed in school? 3. Is the student’s social maturity comparable to other students? 4. If retained, will the student have a sibling in the same grade? 5. Will the student’s physical size or development make him/her stand out among his/her classmates? Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE C. Other Factors 1. Has the student been retained/accelerated before? 2. What is the student’s attitude concerning retention/acceleration likely to be? 3. What are the parents’/guardians’ attitudes concerning retention/ acceleration? 4. Has the student had regular attendance (missed fewer than 20 days of school this year)? 5. Has the student been enrolled in two or more schools this year? 6. Are there extenuating circumstances (illness, divorce, death, relocation, abuse, etc.) to be considered? If so, do these factors favor or disfavor retention/acceleration? If after considering these factors, school staff and/or parents/guardians feel a K-6 student might benefit from retention/acceleration, established administrative procedures shall be followed. Criteria (Grades 7-8) A student must pass four academic subjects or pass three academic subjects and have a passing average in his/her Unified Arts Block to be promoted to the next grade. One of the subjects passed must be a communication subject: Reading, English, Literature, Language Arts, French (grade 8) and French/Reading (grade 7) are all considered communication subjects. Criteria (Grades 9-12) Promotion is based upon the student successfully completing the minimum course credits to advance to the next grade. Legal Reference: Ch. 125.23,B,5,1 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: IKE-R – Promotion, Retention and Acceleration Administrative Procedure (K-8) IKF – Graduation Requirements Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-R PROMOTION, RETENTION AND ACCELERATION ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE (K-8) A decision to retain any student in grades K through 6 shall be made by a team consisting of the teacher, parent/guardian and a building administrator. Other staff such as special education personnel and school counselors shall be involved as deemed appropriate. The decision to promote, retain or accelerate a student shall be based on the criteria described in School Committee policy IKE. The following process and timeline shall be followed. A. B. Grades K-6 1. Classroom teacher identifies and informs administrator of at-risk students no later than the end of the second quarter. 2. The possibility of retention or acceleration should be discussed in a parent/guardian conference no later than February 1. 3. Teacher completes “Student Information Form” and “Lights’ Retention Scale” no later than May 15. 4. If necessary, administrator schedules team meeting or IEP to discuss retention by June 1. (IEP is required only in the case of special education students or second retentions.) 5. Teacher and/or administrator obtains final parent/guardian agreement or disagreement by June 1. At this final meeting, the consent form and plan of action for the coming year is signed. 6. Classroom teacher reviews progress of the retained student at the end of the first quarter of the next school year. Progress should be noted on Student Information Form. Special Situations 1. No student should be retained twice in his/her K-6 career unless it is the recommendation of the Individualized Education Plan Team after careful review of the student’s needs. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-R C. 2. If a student does not meet requirements for grade 8 promotion but moves on to the high school because he/she has previously been retained, the principal must recommend that the student participate in a transition summer program prior to attending grade 9. 3. Decisions regarding students with identified disabilities and currently receiving special education services must be made by the Individualized Education Plan Team. 4. Placements in transitional programs, such as T-1, are not considered retention and these procedures do not apply. However, verification that parents/guardians understand and agree to such placement should be placed in the student’s file. 5. If school staff do not feel that retention is appropriate, assignment to the next grade may be recommended. In this case, the Student Information Sheet must be completed and a parent/guardian signature must be obtained. Grades 7-8 1. At the end of each quarter parents/guardians or any student not meeting promotion requirements will be notified by school. 2. During the first three quarters, teachers and guidance counselors will work with the student and parents as to interventions that may assist students in danger of retention. 3. At the end of the third quarter, the team teachers will complete Student Information Sheets for all students in danger of being retained. 4. During the third quarter, a committee of the student’s team teachers will meet to make recommendations for the upcoming year. The building administrator will review the recommendations and make the final decision. 5. The progress of retained students will be reviewed at the end of the first quarter of the following year Retained students who are showing significant improvement may be promoted at this time. The guidance department is responsible for identifying and intervening with students still at risk. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-R 6. Summer Transition Program. An additional four-week summer program will be provided in literacy and mathematics to all identified grade eight students who failed reading, writing and mathematics on grade level targets and quarterly course work. Cross Reference: IKE – Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students IKE-E1 – Student Information Form (Grades K-6) IKE-E2 – Parental Consent Form (Grades K-6) IKE-E3 – Student Information Sheet (Grades 7-8) 6/00 5/24/04 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-E1 PROMOTION/RETENTION/ASSIGNMENT STUDENT INFORMATION FORM GRADES K-6 Part I Student: _______________________________ Teacher: ________________________ Grade: ______________________ School: ___________________________________ A. Age next September 1: __________________ B. Has this student ever been retained? ______ What grade(s)? __________ C. Most recent I.Q. score (if applicable): _____________________________ D. Reading level: _______ What book is he/she actually placed in? _______ ________________________________ E. Which subject(s) (if any) is child failing this year? ___________________ F. Social/emotional maturity for grade level: __________________________ G. Physical size for grade level: ____________________________________ H. Recent achievement scores: ____________%ile Date: __________________ I. How have parents been contacted? ________________________________ J. Has student had an IEP? _______ If so, date last IEP held: ____________ K. List any strategies tried to help this child (parent conferences, behavior plan, Chapter I, etc.) ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ L. What does the student’s teacher recommend? Why? _________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ M. Lights’ Retention Scale scores and rating: __________________________ Teacher’s signature: __________________________________ Math ________%ile Date: _____________ Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-E1 Part II A. Final action: Promoted _____ Retained _____ Assigned _____ B. Plan of action (grade placement, reading placement, services to be provided, instructional modifications, if any). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Date meeting held: _______________________ Signature of persons involved: Parent: _____________________________________ Teacher: ____________________________________ Administrator: _______________________________ Others: _____________________________________ C. Statement of progress by classroom teacher (To be completed at the end of the first quarter in the fall): ______________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Teacher’s signature: ______________________________________________________ Building administrator’s signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-E2 PARENTAL CONSENT FORM GRADES K-6 Student’s name: ________________________________ Date: ___________________ School: _______________________________________ Grade: ________________________________________ Teacher: _______________________________________ I, as the parent/guardian of ________________________________________________ (student’s full name) have reviewed the information on the attached Student Information Form and understand why retention has been recommended. _____ I agree with the recommendation. _____ I do not agree with the recommendation for retention. I accept responsibility for the assignment of my child to the next grade. _____ I understand my child has not successfully completed his/her current grade but assignment to the next grade is recommended by the school. _____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________ Teacher’s Signature ______________________________________ Building Administrator Signature 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKE-E3 LEWISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMOTION/RETENTION/ASSIGNMENT Student Information Sheet Name: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________________ Grade: _________ Homeroom: ______________ DOB: ______________________________ Days Absent as of 3rd Quarter: ______________ Room # Eng _____ Read/French _____ Math _____ Science_____ S. S. _____ 1. Age next Sept 1: ______ 2. Previous Retention: Y N Grade: __________ 3. Most recent I.Q. score: __________ 4. Most recent Achievement Test: MEA Reading %ile _______ 5. Test & Date: ________________ IOWA Date: _____ Grade: _____ Math %ile: ______ Special Education Student: Yes No 504 Plan: Yes No -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6. Social maturity for grade level: H N L 7. Physical maturity for grade level: H N L 8. Parental Conferences: Yes No Describe ____________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 9. Interventions tried: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ 10. Final Averages: Eng_____ Read/French_____ Math_____ Sci_____ S.S.______U.A. _____ 11. Teacher Recommendation: Staff Signatures Retention Position A.__________________ B.__________________ C.__________________ D.__________________ E.__________________ 6/00 Principal’s Decision: Date ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Recommendation ______________ ______________ ______________ Retention Date: _____________ Recommendation ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ Additional Staff Signatures Position A.__________________ B.__________________ C.__________________ Assignment _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Date ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Assignment _____ _____ _____ Date:____________ Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS The School Committee recognizes the need to establish minimum standards for awarding a high school diploma that are consistent with state law and regulations and with community educational values and expectations. Before entering high school, students need to know the standards for attaining a high school diploma in order to plan an appropriate, sequential, educational program to meet that goal. The superintendent, through the high school principal and other designee, shall be responsible for making accurate information concerning diploma requirements available to incoming students and their parents prior to the start of their ninth grade school year. A copy of this policy will be disseminated to all incoming ninth-grade students at the time of course selection. This policy will also be included in every edition of the high school student handbook. I. FOR THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2007 AND THEREAFTER For the Class of 2007, diplomas will be awarded to students who meet the following minimum requirements. A. The student must successfully complete a total of 24 credits. Of these credits, 15 ½ (fifteen and one-half) must be from the following list: 1. English/language arts – 4 credits; 2. Mathematics – 3 credits; 3. Social studies and history, including one year of American history and government – 3 credits; 4. Science (including at least two years of lab study) – 3 credits; 5. Fine arts, which may include art, music, forensics, or drama – 1 credit; 6. Health – ½ credit; and 7. Physical education – 1 credit. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKF B. The state also requires that students demonstrate computer skills according to the school unit’s standards for computer literacy, proficiency, and performance. C. The remaining credits may be selected by the student based upon the student’s interests, abilities, and the requirements of the field that the student plans to enter upon graduation. A student who is deficient in these requirements may meet these requirements through a post-secondary course, a state-approved adult education course, a distance learning course or correspondence course, approved by the school principal in advance of registration. The student may participate in the next regular graduation ceremony following successful completion of the requirements. At the principal’s discretion, a student who leaves Lewiston High School to attend an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher education may, upon satisfactory completion of the freshman year, be awarded a diploma. II. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE AWARDING OF STANDARDS-BASED DIPLOMAS A. Transfer Students: For students who transfer to Lewiston High School from another state or educational program, the school principal shall determine the value of the student’s prior educational experience towards achieving the standards in a manner consistent with the school unit’s applicable School Committee policies. B. Students Receiving Special Education Services: Students who successfully meet the requirements, as specified in the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plans (IEP), will be awarded diplomas. C. Early Awarding of Diplomas: A student who has met the state and School Committee diploma requirements in fewer than four years of high school may be awarded a diploma. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IKF D. Extended Study: Students are eligible for extended years of study to complete the requirements of a diploma if they have not reached the age of 20 at the start of the school year. Students eligible for extended years of study may be referred to adult education or other resources suitable to young learners. Extended study for students with disabilities shall be specified in the student’s Individualized Education Plan. E. Participation in Graduation Ceremony: A student must complete all requirements for a high school diploma or successfully meet the requirements as specified in the goals and objectives of their Individual Education Plan (IEP) in order to be eligible to participate in graduation exercises. Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §4722 Ch. 12 §§7.02 (Me. Dept. of Educ. Rule) (reference for publication and distribution of diploma requirements only) Cross Reference: IKFA – Early Graduation ILA – Testing and Assessment of Students (Local Assessment System) Adopted: Revised: Corrected: Revised: Revised June 30, 2003 August 30, 2004 December 3, 2004 July 25, 2005 August 28, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IL EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS The evaluation of the instructional program shall be a major responsibility of the Superintendent and his/her staff with periodic reports being presented to the School Committee to enable judgements to be made on the success of the program. No instructional program should be considered as the final answer, and all school programs shall be under continuous study by the staff. It should be borne in mind that instruction is the primary responsibility of the schools, and all other activities are merely subsidiary. This being the case, the evaluation of the instructional program shall be done with great care and the School Committee kept informed at all times. Moreover, the Superintendent is expected to lead the staff, community and School Committee in the development and on-going review of School Committee-adopted criteria and standards by which to measure the results of the instructional program. Cross Reference: Adopted: IGA - Curriculum Development and Adoption June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: ILA TESTS/ASSESSMENT Assessment shall be performed to provide information on student abilities, achievements and educational needs. Testing shall be designed as integral parts of the school unit’s needs assessment and evaluation programs. Tests shall be utilized primarily for furnishing needed information to decision makers, including the School Committee, administrators, teachers, parents and students. The needs of these various users shall be clearly identified, and the testing program shall be limited to obtaining that information which is necessary and useful. There shall be broad-based involvement in the development of testing programs. Concerted effort shall be made to see that testing contributes to the learning process rather than detracts from it. Efforts shall be made to select culture-free/culture-fair tests to attain greatest accuracy. Learning goals and objectives shall provide the guidelines for determining tests to be utilized. The school unit shall participate in the state-wide Maine Educational Assessment program as required by Maine law and applicable rules of the Commissioner of Education. In addition, students will participate in a nationally-recognized achievement test selected by the administration. The Superintendent shall develop administrative procedures to implement this policy which will identify the standardized evaluation instruments and the procedures to be used. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 6201 CH. 125.15, B (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: ILD EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: STUDENT SUBMISSION TO SURVEYS, ANALYSES, OR EVALUATIONS In this policy, “surveys, analyses, or evaluations” refer to methods of gathering data for research purposes. No student shall be required as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education to submit to any survey, analyses, or evaluation that reveals information concerning: A. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; B. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; C. Sex behavior or attitudes; D. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; E. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; F. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers; G. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; or H. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program without the prior written consent of the student’s parent/guardian, or of the student, if he/she is 18 years of age or older). All instructional materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material which will be used in connection with any such survey, analysis, or evaluation shall be available upon request for inspection by the student’s parent/guardian. For the purpose of this policy, “instructional material” does not include academic tests or assessments. A parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed to a student. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NSBA/NEPN CODE: ILD The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for implementing any procedures necessary to protect the privacy of participating students and to provide parents with access to surveys within a reasonable time before administration or distribution. The school unit will notify parents of this policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year and within a reasonable time of any substantive change in policy. Insofar as practicable,* the school unit will also directly notify parents annually at the beginning of the school year when surveys, analyses, or evaluations are scheduled or anticipated. Parents shall have the opportunity to opt their child out of participation in any survey, analysis, or evaluation. Students who are 18 years of age or older may opt out of such surveys, analyses, or evaluations. * “Insofar as practicable” acknowledges that there may be circumstances in which a research request is made or is approved only after the school year has begun. When this occurs, the school unit should notify parents far enough in advance for them to access surveys and related instructional materials and to opt their children out, if desired. Legal reference: 10 U.S.C. § 1232(h) Cross reference: JRA—Student Educational Records Adopted: May 19, 2003 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMBB EXEMPTION FROM REQUIRED INSTRUCTION The curriculum of Lewiston Public Schools is designed to reflect the learning expectations for all students in all content areas of the system of Learning Results, as well as other statutory and regulatory requirements and content areas specified by the School Committee. The School Committee acknowledges that from time to time individual students may be exposed to some ideas and materials with which they or their parent(s)/legal guardian disagree. Students and their parent(s)/legal guardian cannot be required to adopt ideas with which they disagree, but such disagreement alone is not a sufficient basis to exempt a student from the prescribed curriculum. Exemptions from the required curriculum should be minimized because they can detract from the overall instruction provided to the class as a whole and the educational objectives sought to be achieved by the curriculum. The School Committee recognizes, however, that there could be topics in the curriculum which may be objectionable to individual students and/or parent(s)/legal guardian based on their particular sincerely held religious, moral or philosophical beliefs. Exemption from instruction which infringes on such beliefs may be requested by the parent(s)/legal guardian. Requests for exemption from instruction must be made in writing to the building Principal and are subject to the approval of the Principal. The Principal shall notify the Superintendent as soon as practicable of any request for exemption from instruction and of his/her decision. If the Principal denies an exemption request, the parent(s)/legal guardian may appeal to the Superintendent. In considering requests for exemption, factors that the Principal should consider may include: A. The alignment of the curriculum with the system of Learning Results; B. Whether the course or content area is required by state law or School Committee policy; C. The educational importance of the material or instruction from which exemption is requested; Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMBB D. Evidence regarding the sincerity of the belief on which the request is based; E. Whether the school has a legal obligation to accommodate the exemption request; F. The effect of exemption or accommodation on the validity of the local assessment system; and G. Other factors that bear upon the particular request. Exemption from required instruction does not excuse the student from meeting the requirements of the Learning Results or from total credit hours or other requirements for graduation, or from performing alternative work. When the Principal determines that the curriculum that has been aligned with the system of Learning Results conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs of a student or his/her parent or legal guardian, reasonable accommodation in the curriculum shall be made for the student, within the scope of existing resources. Alternative instruction may be provided by the school or through approved independent study. Any alternative instruction shall be approved in advance by the Principal in consultation with appropriate instructional staff and shall meet the standards and objectives of the part of the curriculum that is being replaced. When requests for exemption from required curriculum are made for religious reasons, a parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with the Principal’s decision may appeal to the Superintendent. If the accommodation in the curriculum that is requested is so great that the validity of the local assessment system is compromised, the Superintendent will determine how to address the situation, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. When a student is exempted from any portion of the regular curriculum for other than religious reasons (exemption based on sincere philosophical or moral beliefs), the staff will make reasonable efforts, within the scope of existing resources, to accommodate alternative instruction for the student. Alternative instruction may be provided by the school or through approved independent study. Any alternative instruction shall be approved in advance by the Principal in consultation with the classroom teacher, and shall meet the standards and objectives of the part of the curriculum that is being replaced. When requests for exemption are made for philosophical or moral reasons, a parent/guardian who is dissatisfied with the Principal’s decision may appeal to the Superintendent, whose decision shall be final. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMBB Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 6209 LD 1536, Chap. 51 Resolves Ch. 127 § 3.07 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) Ch. 131 (Me Dept. of Ed. Rules) Cross Reference: ADF – School District Commitment to Learning Results IJJ – Instructional and Library Material Selection Adopted: November 18, 2002 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMDA PATRIOTIC EXERCISES In accordance with Maine law, the United States and Maine flags are to be displayed from the public school buildings of this school unit every school day and on other appropriate occasions. Further, the American flag is to be displayed in every classroom in each public school in the unit. The Superintendent is responsible for furnishing each school and facility accordingly, and to recommend to the School Committee annually the amount of expenditure necessary to provide sufficient flags and flagstaffs. The School Committee shall appropriate the necessary funds. To foster appreciation and respect for our nation and its symbol, the School Committee requires that the Pledge of Allegiance be recited on a daily basis either in individual classrooms or over the P.A. system. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent through the building administrator to ensure that this policy is adhered to, but he/she may determine the manner in which it will be done. Students who object to participating in the flag salute as a matter of conscience shall be excused from doing so upon submission of a request in writing and signed by a parent/ guardian, which provides evidence of sincere conviction. An excused student may stand, remain seated or arrangements can be made so that he/she may leave the room during the Pledge. When in the presence of staff and students conducting a salute, an excused student shall have appropriate respect for their participation. A teacher may also be so excused, but is not released from the responsibility of regular supervisory duty of covering a classroom of students, nor of appropriate participation in teaching the curriculum including patriotic songs and holiday-based instructional activities. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA §§ 1055, 4805 June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMDB FLAG DISPLAYS In accordance with Maine state law, the United States and Maine flags are to be displayed from the public school buildings of this school department every school day and on appropriate occasions. Further, the American flag is to be displayed in every classroom in each public school in the department. The Superintendent is responsible to furnish each school and facility accordingly, and to recommend to the School Committee annually the amount of expenditure necessary to provide sufficient flags and flagstaffs. This School Committee shall appropriate the necessary funds. It shall be the duty of instructors to impress upon the youth by suitable references and observances the significance of the flag, to teach them the cost, the object and principles of our government, the inestimable sacrifices made by the founders of our nation, the important contribution made by all who have served in the armed services of our country since its inception, and to teach them to love, honor and respect the flag of our country that costs so much and is so dear to every true American citizen. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 1055, 4805 Cross Reference: IMDA - Patriotic Exercises Adopted: November 18, 2002 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMDC RECOGNITION OF RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS Since its founding, the United States has grown from a nation of relatively few religious differences to one of countless religious groups. This expanding pluralism challenges the public schools to deal creatively and sensitively with students who belong to one of many or no religious faiths. School officials and teachers, as well as parents and students, must approach this challenge as an opportunity to work cooperatively for the sake of good education and good will among people. In developing guidelines about acknowledgement of religion, Lewiston Public Schools base its policy in the shared commitment of respect for individual religious beliefs expressed in the constitutional guarantee of religious liberty. This means that Lewiston Public Schools may neither promote nor inhibit religious belief or non-belief, so long as expressions of religious belief or non-belief are consistent with school rules and respect the rights of others. Lewiston Public Schools recognize, however, that one of its educational goals is to advance students’ knowledge and appreciation of the role that religion has played in the social, cultural and historical development of civilization. It would be neither possible nor desirable for our schools simply to ignore religion and avoid all materials with religious theme or implication. It further recognizes that although awareness of legal issues is essential in considering religion and public education, the law does not supply answers to every question. Within the current legal framework, our schools; the School Committee; administrators; teachers; parents; and students must make many practical decisions regarding religious holidays. This work can be done by showing sensitivity to the needs of every student and by showing a willingness to steer a course between the avoidance of all references to religion on the one hand and the promotion of religion on the other. The intent of this policy is to articulate guidelines which reflect and balance the academic and instructional mission of our schools, the law and legal guidelines relating to separation of church and state, the richness and diversity of our population and sensitivity to the rights and dignity of the individual. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IMDC To achieve the intent of this policy, Lewiston Public Schools will offer to its teaching staff opportunities for professional development which address the law and legal guidelines and the need for sensitivity when dealing with issues of religious beliefs and customs and also promote open school/home communications in these matters. RULES OBSERVANCE OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS The practice of Lewiston Public Schools shall be as follows: 1. Several holidays during the year which have a religious origin, but have acquired secular meaning may be acknowledged in the public schools. 2. When acknowledging such holidays, the historical and contemporary values and the origin of those religious holidays will be explained in an unbiased and objective manner without sectarian indoctrination. 3. Music, art, literature and drama having religious themes or basis are permitted as part of the curriculum for school-sponsored activities and programs if presented primarily in a secular and objective manner. The duration of such programs and activities which should be linked to the school’s curriculum should not exceed a period of time equivalent to the academic value of the program or activity 4. Religious symbols such as a cross, menorah, crescent, Star of David, crèche, symbols of Native American religions or other symbols that are a part of a religious holiday are permitted as teaching aids or resources, provided such symbols are displayed as examples of the cultural and religious heritage of the holiday and are temporary in nature. Among these holidays are included Christmas, Easter, Passover, Hanukkah, St. Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day Thanksgiving and Halloween. 5. Any acknowledgement of a holiday shall emphasize the historical, cultural and social value of the holiday and the associated religion and shall not be used to endorse any religion or holiday. 6. The right of parents to excuse their children from school attendance for purposes of religious observance is understood and such absence will entail no penalty, academic or otherwise. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IMDC 7. Students may be excused from participating in practices which are contrary to their religious beliefs. RELIGION IN THE CURRICULUM Religious institutions and orientations are central to human experience, past and present. An education excluding such a significant aspect of human history would be incomplete. It is essential that the teaching about and not of religion be conducted in a factual, objective and respectful manner. Therefore, the practice of Lewiston Public Schools shall be as follows: 1. The school system supports the inclusion of religious literature, music, drama and the arts in the curriculum and in school activities, provided it is intrinsic to the learning experience in the various fields of study and is presented objectively. 2. The emphasis on religious themes in the arts, literature and history should be only as extensive as necessary for a balanced and comprehensive study of these areas. Such studies should never foster any particular religious tenets or demean any religious beliefs. 3. Student-initiated expressions to questions or assignments which reflect their belief or non-belief about a religious theme shall be accommodated, so long as they are otherwise consistent with school rules and respect the rights of others. Legal Reference: Title 1 M.R.S.A., Section 111-A-118 Cross Reference: JEA Compulsory Attendance Ages Adopted: November 18, 2002 Revised: September 14, 2009 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: IMG ANIMALS IN SCHOOL Lewiston Public Schools recognize that animals have a part in the learning experience in schools; however, for students and staff, animals can aggravate or trigger medical conditions. Other consequences include scratches, bites, infections, and infestations. This policy is intended to permit the presence of animals in schools, safeguard the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors, and assure the humane treatment and protection of animals. A. In all cases where an animal is to be introduced into the school setting, it will be done with sufficient prior approval from the principal. The principal or classroom teacher will notify parents/guardians so that any health concerns can be addressed in advance. Parents/guardians should bring any related health concerns to the attention of the principal. B. The School Committee will allow animals in the schools or on school property under the following circumstances: Permission must be obtained from the principal before animals are brought in to the school by anyone. Before the principal gives permission for an animal to be in the classroom, the following documentation must be provided: 1) Proof of liability insurance coverage by the animal’s owner must be provided. The primary liability for the animal’s behavior must be assumed by the owner. 2) The vaccination history of the animal, including proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations when appropriate. 3) Proof of current licensure where appropriate. 4) Current certificate from a veterinarian that the animal is healthy and disease free. 5) Dog owners or trainers must provide a certificate of advanced obedience training, therapy training, and/or service training. C. No wild animals will be allowed in school unless under the control of an individual trained in the care and management of the animal and properly licensed by state or federal agencies as appropriate (i.e., zookeepers, veterinarians, biologists). Students should not be permitted to handle wild animals. D. All animals brought to school must be restrained by the owner/handler. The teacher is responsible for the proper supervision and control of students whenever there is an exhibit or activity involving animals in school. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMG E. If a student is bitten/injured by an animal on school premises, the principal/designee, school nurse/physician, and parent/guardian must be notified as soon as possible. If a staff member or visitor is bitten/injured, the principal/designee must be notified. The principal/designee must notify appropriate public health authorities and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services of each incident. F. If a stray or wild animal appears on school grounds, children shall not be allowed in the area until the animal has left the premises or is removed by the local animal control officer, game warden, or other appropriate official. G. Animals kept in classrooms must be housed in appropriate containers and cared for in a safe and humane manner. Only the teacher or students designated by the teacher are to handle these animals. If animals are to be kept in the classroom on days when classes are not in session, arrangements must be made for their adequate care at all times. H. Only service animals protected under the Americans with Disability Acts may be brought into school on a full-time basis. Lewiston Public Schools have an obligation to serve students and staff who have physical handicaps or other health conditions in order to maximize their access to the educational program. Principals must be notified whenever service animals are brought into schools. Where a conflict arises between the use of service animals and health conditions of students or staff, the principal will be responsible for seeking appropriate resolutions. I. Animals shall not be transported on school buses or vehicles except for service animals. J. No animal may be used as part of a scientific experiment or for any other purpose in which the normal health of the animal is interfered with or where pain or distress is caused. No person may practice vivisection or exhibit a vivisected animal in the schools. Dissection of dead animals shall be confined to the classroom and to the presence of students engaged in the study of dissection and shall not be for the purpose of exhibition. Legal Reference: Cross Reference: Adopted: 7 MRSA §3971 22 MRSA §§801-825 JLCE – First Aid and Emergency Medical Care JLCE-R – First Aid procedures August 28, 2006 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: IMGA ANIMALS ON SCHOOL PREMISES No live domestic animals may be brought into school district buildings or permitted on school district property, except on sidewalks used for normal pedestrian traffic around, but not through, school district property. Exceptions shall be allowed as outlined in Lewiston Public Schools Policy IMG. Cross Ref: IMG – Animals in School Adopted: July 28, 2008 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOL Page 1 of 1 SECTION J: STUDENTS Section J of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on students – admissions, attendance, rights and responsibilities, conduct, discipline, health and welfare, and school-related activities. JCA Assignment of Students to Schools and Classes JEA JEA-R Compulsory Attendance Ages LHS/LRTC Attendance Policy JFAA JFAB JFABB JFC JFCK Admission of Resident Students Admission of Non-Resident Students Admission of Foreign Students Dropout Prevention-Student Withdrawal from School Student Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices JGAA Assignment of Students to Kindergarten/Grade 1 JHB Truancy JI JIC JICA JICC JICC-R JICH JICIA JICIAA JICK JID JIH JIH-R JIH-E Student Rights and Responsibilities System-Wide Student Code of Conduct Student Dress Student Conduct on School Buses Student Conduct on School Buses Administrative Procedure Drug and Alcohol Use by Students Weapons, Violence and School Safety Psychological Evaluation/Risk Assessment Bullying Students of Legal Age Questioning and Searches of Students Questioning and Searches of Students Administrative Procedure Student Search Checklist JJE JJI JJI-R1 JJI-R2 JJI-R3 JJIB JJIBA JJIBB JJIBC Student Fundraising Activities Lewiston School Department’s Philosophy of Athletics Lewiston High School Academic Eligibility Lewiston Middle School Academic Eligibility Athletic Eligibility Rules Sponsorship and Evaluation of Athletic Programs Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches Sportsmanship Relations With Booster Groups 9/14/09 JK JKB JKD JKE JKE-R JKF JKF-R JKG JKGA JKGA-R Student Discipline Detention of Students Suspension of Students Expulsion of Students Expulsion of Students – Guidelines Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities Disciplinary Removals of Students with Disabilities Administrative Procedure Physical Restraint Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraints Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint Administrative Procedure JL JLC JLCB JLCC JLCCA JLCD JLCD-E1 JLCD-E2 JLCD-E3 JLCD-E4 JLCE JLCE-R JLCEA JLCEA-E1 JLCEA-E2 JLDBG JLF JLF-E1 JLF-E2 JLG JLIB Student Wellness Student Health Services Immunization of Students Communicable/Infectious Diseases Students with HIV/AIDS Administering Medicines to Students Authorization to Administer Medication Form, K-6 Students Authorization to Administer Medication Form, 7-12 Students Record of Training of School Personnel in the Administration of Medicines Incident Report – Medication Administration First Aid and Emergency Medical Care First Aid – Procedures School Guidelines for Managing Students with Food Allergies Sample Letter for a Parent with a Child with an Allergy Food Allergy Action Plan Reintegration of Students from Juvenile Correctional Facilities Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report Form School Accident Report Form Education of Homeless Students Student Dismissal Precautions JO Employment of Students JRA JRA-R JRA-E 1 JRA-E2 JRA-E3 Student Educational Records Student Educational Records Administrative Procedure Annual Notice of Student Education Records and Information Rights Consent/Denial of Consent to Release Student Information Consent/Denial of Consent to Release Student Information 9/14/09 NEPN/NSBA Code: JCA ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOLS AND CLASSES The Lewiston School Committee has the legal authority to determine which school a student will attend. Generally, students will be required to attend school in the attendance area where they reside. However, due to fluctuations in enrollments, there may be situations where the Superintendent will transfer students to a less crowded school or classroom in order to ensure that students have the best possible educational environment. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE AGES Under state law, full-time school attendance is required of all students from their 7th to their 17th birthday except: A. A person who graduates from high school before their 17th birthday; B. A person who has: C. 1. Reached the age of 15 years or completed the 9th grade; 2. Permission to leave school from that person’s parent; 3. Been approved by the building administrator for a suitable program of work and study or training; 4. Permission to leave school from the School Committee or its designee; and 5. Agreed in writing with that person’s parent and the School Committee or its designee to meet annually until that person’s 17th birthday to review that person’s educational needs. When the request to be excused from school has been denied pursuant to this paragraph, the student’s parent may appeal to the Commissioner; A person who has matriculated and is attending an accredited, postsecondary, degree-granting institution as a full-time student. An exception to the attendance in public school under this paragraph must be approved by the Commissioner. Alternatives to Attendance at Public Day School A. Equivalent instruction alternatives are as follows: A person shall be excused from attending a public day school if the person obtains equivalent instruction in: 1) A private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to section 20-A MRSA §2901; 2) A private school recognized by the department of education as providing equivalent instruction; Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA 3) A home instruction program that complies with the requirements of 20-A MRSA 5001-A(3)(A)(4); or 4) Any other manner arranged for by the School Committee and approved by the Commissioner. B. Credit for Attendance at a Private School A student shall be credited with attendance at a private school only if a certificate showing the name, residence and attendance of the person at the school, signed by the person or persons in charge of the school, has been filed with the school officials of the administrative unit in which the student resides. C. Home Instruction A person may be excused from attendance at a public day school pursuant to §5104-A or § 8605 (other public or private alternative programs). The following provisions apply to home instruction programs: a. The student’s parent/guardian must provide a written notice of intent to provide home instruction that meets the requirements of 20-A MRSA 5001-A(3)(A)(4)(A) simultaneously to the school officials of the administrative unit in which the student resides and to the commissioner within 10 calendar days of the beginning of home instruction. b. On or before September 1 of each subsequent year of home instruction, the student’s parent/guardian must file a letter with the school officials of the administrative unit in which the student resides and the Commissioner stating the intention to continue providing home instruction and enclose a copy of one of the forms of annual assessment of the student’s academic progress described in 20-A MRSA 5001-A(3)(A)(4)(b). c. Dissemination of any information filed under 20-A MRSA 5001A(3)(A) is governed by the provisions of 20-A MRSA 6001 (dissemination of information); the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, 20 USC 1232g (2002); and the federal Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, 20 USC 1401-21487 (2002), except Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA d. that “directory information” as defined by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is confidential and is not subject to public disclosure unless the parent/guardian specifically permits disclosure in writing or a judge orders otherwise. Copies of any information filed under 20-A MRSA 5001-A(3)(A) must be maintained by the student’s parent/guardian until the home instruction program concludes. The records must be made available to the commissioner upon request. e. If the home instruction program is discontinued, students of compulsory school age must be enrolled in a public school or an equivalent instruction alternative as provided for by law. The receiving school shall determine the placement of the student. At the secondary level, the principal of the receiving school shall determine the value of the prior educational experience toward meeting the standards of Maine’s system of Learning Results. Excusable Absence A person’s absence is excused when the absence is for the following reasons: 1) Personal illness; 2) An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day; 3) Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day; 4) A family emergency; or 5) A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved. 6) Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development placement or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by either any individual education plan or a superintendents’ student transfer agreement. “Education disruption” does not apply to a student who is out of school for 10 or more consecutive Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA school days as a result of a planned absence for a reason such as a family event or a medical absence for planned hospitalization or recovery. Parents are responsible for the attendance of students who are under 17 years of age. The School Committee shall work with families in an effort to ensure compliance. Secondary school pupils 20 years of age or more will not be admitted to the school system without prior School Committee approval. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5001-A; 5003: 5201 CH. 125 §8.06 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: JEA-R – Lewiston High School and Lewiston Regional Technical Center Attendance Policy IHBG – Home Schooling JFC - Student Withdrawal from School/Dropout Prevention Committee JHB - Truancy Adopted: Revised: Revised: June 7, 2000 January 26, 2004 February 11, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA-R LEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY Presence in the learning environment: Attendance in the educational setting is an important part of the teaching and learning process. The interaction between student and teacher, as well as the interaction with other students, is an important and valuable part of the overall learning experience. The learning that takes place as a result of the classroom interaction is as important to learning as is written work and assignments. For these reasons, we believe that attendance in the classroom is important and essential to the school mission of providing quality education and preparing our students for post secondary education, career, and citizenship. Responsibilities for attendance: Student: It is the responsibility of the student to be present in school and follow their assigned schedule each day. Students are expected to be a prepared and involved learner in each of his or her classes. It is through regular attendance, preparation, and involvement that students contribute to an effective teaching and learning process. Parent(s)/Guardian: It is the legal responsibility of the parent or guardian to see that their son or daughter attends school daily, with the only accepted exceptions being those identified below. The parent also is responsible for providing the school with timely communication as to the reason for student’s absences. School: It is the responsibility of the school to provide students and parents with an attendance policy identifying the criteria for excused and unexcused absence from school. It is also the responsibility of the school to record, document, and report the attendance of each student at Lewiston High School. The school will notify the student and parent of any action taken that results in a reduction in grade or in a loss of credit. The school will notify the student and parent of any pattern of behavior that appears to be inconsistent with objectives of this policy. Absence from school: All absences from school will be identified as an excused or unexcused absence. Under Maine Law absences may be excused for the following reasons: Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA-R 1. Personal illness; 2. Appointments with health professionals that cannot be made outside the regular school day; 3. Observance of recognized religious holidays when the observance is required during the school day; 4. Emergency family situations; and 5. Planned absences for personal or educational purposes which have been approved by the school in advance. Examples of unexcused absences: The list below contains some examples of unexcused absences. 1. No parental contact with the school within the time limits specified. 2. Absences for unspecified “personal reasons.” 3. Absences for social or recreational reasons including but not limited to going to the beach, skiing, hunting, fishing or shopping. 4. Breakdown of private transportation. 5. Removal from class due to refusal to participate in class or do assigned classroom work or cutting class. Determination of the status of absences: The school administration will make the final determination as to the excused or unexcused status of all absences. The administration will use the guidelines provided above in determining the status of an absence. In the instance where no reason is given for an absence, or the reason given is simply for “personal reasons,” the absence will be considered unexcused. Absences due to illness or medical emergency certified by a physician will be considered excused. Absences due to disciplinary action (except as noted above) will be considered as excused. In order for a planned absence to be approved, it is necessary that the absences be approved in advance. No more than ten Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA-R school days will be approved as excused for a planned absence. Students or parents wishing to obtain prior approval for a planned absence may request approval by completing a planned absence approval form from the office at the high school. Documentation of the reason for an absence: Each day that a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian of the student is required to contact the school to provide the reason for the absence. Parents may notify the school of the reason for a student’s absence in one of two ways: (1) A signed note by the parent or guardian may be provided to the school explaining the reason for the absence, or (2) the parent may contact the school by phone and speak with the attendance clerk to provide the reason for an absence. E-mail is not acceptable. Attendance clerk contact information: 795-4190 ext. 2208 Time limits for reporting absences: All notifications of absences must be provided to the school within five school days from the date of the absence. Without notification within the five day limit, the absence will remain unexcused. Only students with an excused absence will be allowed to make up school work. Tardiness Tardiness to school will be identified as excused or unexcused using the same criteria as identified for absences. Tardiness resulting in absence from more than half the class (40 minutes in 80 minute classes or 25 minutes in 50 minute classes) will be considered an absence from class. Beginning on the third instance of being tardy unexcused for school, the student will be assigned an office detention. Each additional unexcused tardy will result in an additional detention. Attendance and course credit: Students with excessive absences may receive a reduction in grade or loss of credit. 1. Three unexcused absences in a quarter will result in a grade no higher than sixty-nine for that quarter. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JEA-R 2. Six unexcused absences in a semester will result in loss of credit for that semester. 3. A total of twelve absences in a semester will result in loss of credit unless the school administration determines there to be extenuating circumstances. 4. Loss of credit will need to be made up through credit recovery offered by the school. 5. Students losing credit will not be removed from the course, thus permitting them to continue in the course sequence. Students losing credit may be eligible to receive a credit for the remainder of the course at the discretion of the principal. Intervention: Students who are absent unexcused will be required to meet with a member of administration for the purpose of counseling the student on the importance of attendance and the potential consequences of unexcused and excessive absenteeism. Appeal process: Parents and students may appeal to the school principal or designee, actions taken under this policy by contacting the school administration within ten days of the attendance determination by the school. In order to appeal attendance actions, the parent and student must either appear in person at a scheduled attendance hearing, or request an appeal in writing on an attendance appeal form which is available through the administrative offices at the high school. Administrative waiver: The principal may provide a waiver to the stipulations outlined in this policy after review of extenuating circumstances and on a case by case basis. Revised: Revised: Revised: June 12, 1995 August 23, 1999 August 28, 2006 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFAA ADMISSION OF RESIDENT STUDENTS The school unit shall admit as students those of legal school age whose parents or guardians legally reside within the unit. Adequate proof of residence shall be required. The School Committee reserves the right to verify residency through appropriate means for any enrolled student or any family applying for enrollment. “Residence” means bona fide residence—one’s actual residence maintained in good faith—and does not include a temporary or superficial residence established for the purpose of free school attendance in this system. It shall be considered the place where important family activity takes place—the place where the family eats, sleeps, relaxes and plays. It is a place which can be called a “home.” While it is possible for an individual to maintain property and pay taxes in more than one location or community, for purposes of student eligibility for school attendance, “residence” shall mean where the parent maintains a home. Guardianship shall be substantiated by a copy of a court order or probated will appointing the resident as guardian of the student. No student shall be accepted for enrollment or allowed to continue in enrollment on the basis of guardianship established by a power of attorney. Resident students entering school for the first time shall be admitted upon presentation of an original birth certificate to the building administrator, along with a record of required immunizations and pertinent health records. Photocopies shall be made and retained in the student’s file. Kindergarten students shall be screened prior to entering school or as soon as possible thereafter. Parents are encouraged to have a preschool physical conducted on their child prior to entering school. New resident students who are transferring into the school system shall be admitted on the basis of age, health and academic records received from the previous school. However, original documentation may be required if deemed necessary to appropriately determine a student’s eligibility for enrollment and assignment. Legal Reference: 18-A MRSA § 5-201 et seq. 20-A MRSA §§ 5202 et seq., 6002 Maine Commissioner of Ed. Administrative Letter No. 13, 10/9/97 Cross Reference: JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students JGAA – Assignment of Students to Kindergarten/Grade 1 Adopted: June 7, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFAB ADMISSION OF NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS Individual non-resident students may be accepted under any of the following conditions if approved by the Superintendent: A. Under an agreement with another local school administrative unit, upon payment of the tuition fee allowed by state law; B. Following receipt of a written parental request and formal approval by the Superintendent on a space/program-available basis, upon payment of the tuition fee allowed by state law. Reapplication shall be made annually. Behavior, cooperation and suitability of programming shall be considered; C. Upon recommendation of the high school building administrator, the Superintendent may authorize enrollment of a foreign exchange student assigned to a household in the community served by the school system and under the auspices of a recognized foreign exchange program. Such enrollment shall be without assessment of tuition; D. Upon special permission granted by the Superintendent, to provide continuity of program for a student whose family provides evidence of intent to move to the community shortly after a school year begins, or moves from the community near the end of a school year; and E. In accordance with Maine law related to the assignment of students for school purposes, such as: state wards; students for whom the Superintendent determines it is in the student’s best interest to attend; students placed by state agencies; homeless children of school age; temporary residents; a transfer student when the two Superintendents approve in the student’s best interest. Students from sending schools in the Vocational Region may be permitted to enroll in courses at Lewiston High School without payment of individual tuition subject to the following conditions: A. The student is in the 11th or 12th grade; B. The student is properly enrolled in an approved vocational course; C. The student is unable to secure transportation to his/her home school at the end of the vocational course; and Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFAB D. Such enrollment is determined to be in the best educational interest of the student. All requirements regarding age, health examinations, immunizations, etc., which apply to resident students shall also apply to non-resident students accepted for enrollment in this school system. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5203 et seq. 8 USC § 1101 Cross Reference: JFAA - Admission of Resident Students Adopted: November 27, 1995 Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFABB ADMISSION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS The Lewiston School Committee recognizes the cultural enrichment derived from welcoming non-immigrant foreign students into the educational program. Thus, the School Committee encourages the attendance of non-immigrant foreign students at Lewiston High School. Only non-immigrant foreign students who possess a valid J-1 or F-1 Visa to study in the United States will be admitted to Lewiston High School. The School Committee retains the sole discretion to deny admission to any student not meeting all the requirements set forth in this policy and regulation. Foreign Exchange Students (J-1 Visa) The School Committee encourages district participation in a foreign exchange student program. Foreign exchange students will be admitted to the high school for a oneyear academic program. 1. The district recognizes only those organization designated as “Exchange Visitor Programs” by the U.S. Department of State, pursuant to federal regulations, as sponsoring organizations for the exchange of students. Any such organization must supply proof of designation prior to recognition. 2. No foreign exchange students subject to this policy and regulation shall be brought into the district by a foreign exchange student program unless he or she has been accepted in writing as a student by the high school building principal or a designee. 3. When a foreign exchange student is accepted for admission pursuant to this policy and regulation, the letter of acceptance shall include a statement that tuition shall be waived for the student. 4. The district may limit the number of foreign exchange students to five foreign exchange students per school from any single foreign exchange program. The School Committee may terminate the approval of a foreign student program when it would be in the best interests of the district to do so. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFABB Foreign Students with F-1 Visas No F-1 students will be admitted into grades K-8. F-1 students may be admitted to the high school for one academic year upon the payment of tuition. The amount of tuition charged shall reflect the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing educational services to the students. Immigrant Students ALL SCHOOL-AGED IMMIGRANT CHILDREN WHO HAVE ABANDONED THEIR RESIDENCE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY AND ESTABLISHED RESIDENCE IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE DISTRICT’S SCHOOLS WITHOUT PAYMENT OF TUITION. Legal Reference: 22 CFR Part 62 (Exchange Visitor Program) §62.25 (Secondary School Students) 8 CFR 214.2(j) (Special Requirements for Admission, Extension and Maintenance of Benefits for Exchange Aliens) Education Law §1709(13) Matter of Jones, 24 EDR 110 (1984) Adopted: January 26, 2004 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFC DROPOUT PREVENTION STUDENT WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL The School Committee believes that a high school diploma signifies the minimum preparation for life. Therefore, the School Committee strongly urges every teacher, guidance counselor, building administrator, parent, and citizen to exert influence to keep all students in school through high school. Dropout Prevention Committee In order to reduce the school dropout rate, the Superintendent shall establish a Dropout Prevention Committee to study the problem of dropouts, habitual truancy, and the need for alternative programs, kindergarten to grade 12. The Committee will meet at least annually, make recommendations for addressing the problem, and submit a plan of action to the School Committee in accordance with the provisions in Maine law. The Committee will consider the following when developing its plan: reasons why students drop out of school; maintenance of continuing contacts with recent dropouts in order to extend opportunities for alternate educational program, counseling, and referral; education of teachers and administrators about the dropout problem; use of human services programs to help dropouts; the School Committee’s policies on suspension, expulsion, and other disciplinary action; and discriminatory practices and attitudes within the unit. Committee Membership As required by law, the Dropout Prevention Committee shall be composed of the following members: A. A member of the School Committee selected by the School Committee; B. A school administrator selected by the Superintendent; C. A teacher and a school counselor selected by the teachers’ organization; D. A parent selected by the local parent group or by the School Committee if no such group exists; E. A school attendance coordinator from the school system selected by the Superintendent; F. A high school student selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E; Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFC G. A dropout selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E; and H. A community resident of the district selected by the Dropout Prevention Committee members selected in paragraphs A to E. The School Committee recognizes the importance of success as a motivator and as a factor in a student’s commitment to education. For those students who have been identified as at risk of dropping out, every effort will be made to provide alternative instructional arrangements that take into account both the student’s need for success and the unit’s commitment to adequate minimum standards of achievement. Student Withdrawal From School In the event that students do withdraw from school, school administrators shall arrange for regular contacts to be made with them for the purpose of informing them of the process for readmission, making them aware of alternatives in the community for continuing their education and stating the unit’s willingness to assist them in their educational efforts. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 5001-A; 5102-5103 Cross Reference: JEA - Compulsory Attendance Ages Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JFCK STUDENT USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES The School Committee recognizes that many students possess cellular telephones and other electronic devices. These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the educational process or violates School Committee policies or school rules. Lewiston Public Schools are not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of such devices. The Superintendent is authorized to develop, with input from administrators, any school rules necessary to implement this policy. Cross Reference: Adopted: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use Rules JIC – System-Wide Student Code of Conduct August 28, 2006 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JGAA ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO KINDERGARTEN/GRADE 1 Maine law permits students who are at least five years old on October 15 of the school year to enroll in school. The intent is that these students begin their school careers in kindergarten at this age. However, it is recognized that exceptions to this initial placement may be justified under limited circumstances. In such rare cases, enrolling five-year-old students may be placed in first grade at the discretion of school officials in accordance with the following: A. Social and emotional maturity should have been demonstrated such as to predict success in grade one; B. The decision of placement lies with the Building administrator, appealable to the Superintendent whose decision shall be final; C. The right must be reserved to the school to administer testing as appropriate to making a proper determination of placement; D. Any such placement is to be conditioned upon demonstrated success and reviewed at appropriate intervals; E. A student who was enrolled in a public kindergarten in another state and was promoted to first grade may enroll in first grade; and F. All exceptional placements are to be reported to the Superintendent. Six-year-olds who enroll in school and have not completed a kindergarten program will be assigned to kindergarten unless school officials determine that it is in the student’s best interest to be assigned to first grade. The Superintendent shall develop any administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy. Cross Reference: Adopted: IKE - Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Students JFAA - Admission of Resident Students JFAB – Admission of Non-Resident Students June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JHB TRUANCY A student is habitually truant if he/she is required to attend school or alternative instruction under Maine compulsory attendance law (20-A M.R.S.A. § 5001-A) and he/she: A. Has completed grade 6 and has the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year; or B. Is at least 7 years of age and has not completed grade 6 and has the equivalent of 7 full days of unexcused absences or 5 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year. The School Committee shall appoint one or more attendance coordinators in accordance with state law. The duties of the attendance coordinator include, but are not limited to: A. When notified by a principal that a student’s attendance is irregular, interviewing the student and the parent(s) to determine the cause of the irregular attendance and file a written report with the principal. B. Filing an annual report with the Superintendent summarizing school year activities, findings and recommendations regarding truants; C. Serving as a member of the dropout prevention committee; and D. Serving as the liaison between the school and the local law enforcement agency in matters pertaining to student absenteeism under Maine’s compulsory attendance and truancy laws (20-A M.R.S.A.§ § 5001-A, 5051-A). As required by law, the following procedure shall be followed when a student is habitually truant. A. If the principal and the attendance coordinator determine that a student is habitually truant, the principal shall inform the Superintendent. The Superintendent/designee shall first try to correct the problem informally. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JHB Informal attempts to correct the problem must include meeting with the student and the student’s parent(s) to identify possible causes of the habitual truancy and to develop a plan to implement solutions to the problem. If the initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the Superintendent/designee shall implement interventions that best address the problem including but not limited to: 1. Frequent communication between the teacher and the family; 2. Changes in the learning environment; 3. Mentoring; 4. Student counseling; 5. Tutoring, including peer tutoring; 6. Placement into different classes; 7. Evaluation for alternative education programs; 8. Attendance contracts; 9. Referral to other agencies for family services; and 10. Other interventions including but not limited to referral to the school attendance coordinator, student assistance team, or dropout prevention committee. Failure of the student or the student’s parent(s) to appear at scheduled meetings does not preclude school administrators from implementing a plan to address a student’s truancy. B. As part of correcting the problem informally, the Superintendent/designee shall require the student and his/her parent(s) to attend one or more meetings with the student’s teacher or other school personnel designated by the Superintendent. The purpose of the meeting(s) is to reinforce the plan referenced in paragraph A or to develop an alternative plan. Such meetings may involve others including but not limited to case managers, therapeutic treatment providers, and representatives of the Department of Human Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JHB Services, the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, and the Department of Corrections. The Superintendent/designee shall schedule the meeting(s) at mutually convenient times. C. If the Superintendent/designee is unable to correct the student’s truancy, the Superintendent/designee shall serve or cause to be served upon the parent(s) in-hand or by registered mail a written notice that the student’s attendance is required by law. The notice shall: 1. State that the student is required to attend school pursuant to 20-A M.R.S.A. §5001-A (the compulsory attendance law); 2. Explain the parent’s right to inspect the student’s attendance records, attendance coordinator’s reports, and principal’s reports; 3. Explain that the failure to send the student to school and maintain the student in regular attendance is a civil violation in accordance with 20-A M.R.S.A. § 5053-A and explain the possible penalties; 4. State that the Superintendent/designee may notify local law enforcement authorities of a violation of the habitual truancy statute and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as provided by 20-A M.R.S.A. § 5051-A(C) (the notice provision); and 5. Outline the plan developed to address the student’s habitual truancy and the steps that have been taken to implement that plan. D. Prior to notifying local law enforcement authorities, the Superintendent/ designee shall schedule at least one meeting as required by law and paragraph B of this policy and may invite a local prosecutor. E. If after three school days after the service of the notice described in paragraph C of this policy the student remains truant and the parent(s) and student refuse to attend the meeting referred to in paragraph D, the Superintendent/designee shall report the facts of the unlawful absence to local law enforcement authorities. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JHB F. When a student is determined to be habitually truant and in violation of the compulsory attendance law and the Superintendent/designee has made a good faith attempt to meet the requirements of paragraph B of this policy, the Superintendent/designee shall notify the School Committee and local law enforcement authorities of the truancy. After this notification, a local law enforcement officer who sees the truant student may transport the student to the appropriate school if the truant student is off school grounds during school hours and not under the supervision of school personnel. The Superintendent shall submit an annual report regarding habitual truancy to the Commissioner by October 1. The report must identify the number of habitual truants in the school administrative unit in the preceding school year; describe the school unit’s efforts to deal with habitual truancy; account for actions brought to enforce the habitual truancy law; and include any other information on truancy requested by the Commissioner. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 5001-A; 5051-A-5054-A Cross Reference: JEA – Compulsory Attendance JFC – Dropout Prevention—Student Withdrawal from School JLF – Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 February 11, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JI STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Students have certain legal rights under federal/state constitutions and statutes as interpreted in pertinent court decisions. In connection with these rights are responsibilities that must be assumed by students. Among these rights and responsibilities are the following: A. Civil rights, including the right to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others; B. The right to attend free public schools in accordance with provisions of Maine statutes and policies of the board; the responsibility to attend school as required by law; C. The right to due process with respect to suspension, expulsion, or an administrative decision which a student believes has injured his/her rights; the responsibility to observe school rules and regulations essential for permitting others to learn at school; D. The right to free inquiry and expression and to voice grievances; the responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights and to express themselves in a manner that does not materially or substantially disrupt the operation of the school or conflict with the school’s basic educational mission; E. The right to privacy regarding the content of student records—as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act—and the right to dress as he/she pleases within reasonable guidelines related to health, safety, and the avoiding of potential disruption; and F. The right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures; the responsibility to comply with school rules and policies. It is the School Committee’s belief that as part of the educational process, all students should be made aware of their legal rights and also of the legal authority of the School Committee to make or delegate authority to its staff to make rules and regulations regarding the orderly operation of the schools. As such, this policy shall be included in school handbooks or otherwise communicated to students and parents at the beginning of each school year. The School Committee expects all staff to abide by this policy in order to most effectively achieve mutual respect of rights and the acceptance of responsibility. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JI This School Committee policy is designed for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to create, expand, or restrict any student rights or responsibilities. Cross Reference: Adopted: JIH - Student Searches, Interrogations and Arrests JK - Student Discipline November 18, 2002 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JIC SYSTEM-WIDE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT Ethical and responsible student behavior is an essential part of the educational mission of our schools. To that end, the School Committee has developed this System-Wide Code of Conduct with input from school staff, students, parents, and the community. The Code defines our expectations for student behavior and provides the framework for a safe, orderly and respectful learning environment. Article 1 – Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior The Code of Conduct is intended to support and encourage students to meet the following state-wide standards for ethical and responsible behavior: • • • • • • Respect Honesty Compassion Fairness Responsibility Courage Article 2 – Code of Conduct All students are expected to comply with the Code of Conduct and all related School Committee policies and school rules. The Code applies to students: • • • on school property; while in attendance at school or at school-sponsored activity; or at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. Article 3 – General Behavior Expectations and Discipline Policies The following expectations for student behavior are fundamental to a safe, orderly and respectful environment in our schools. Each student should: • • • • • • Be courteous to fellow students, staff and visitors. Respect the rights and privileges of other students and school staff. Obey all School Committee policies and school rules governing student conduct. Follow directions from school staff. Cooperate with staff in maintaining school safety, order and discipline. Attend school regularly. Page 1 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code JIC • • • • Meet school standards for grooming and dress (see Policy JICA). Respect the property of others, including school property and facilities. Refrain from cheating or plagiarizing the work of others. Refrain from vulgarity, profanity, obscenity, lewdness, and indecency. Violations of the Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences depend upon the seriousness of the violation and the student’s prior disciplinary record. Consequences will range from a verbal warning for minor misconduct up to and including expulsion for the most serious offenses. Behavior that also violates the law may be referred to law enforcement authorities. See Policies: JK – Student Discipline JKB – Detention of Students JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students Article 4 – Expectations The following is a summary of the school unit’s expectations for student behavior. In many cases, the School Committee has adopted policies that address these expectations in greater detail. Students, parents and others should refer to the policies and student handbooks for more information about the expectations and consequences. In case of an inconsistency between the Code of Conduct, School Committee policies and/or school handbooks, School Committee policies will prevail. A. Violence and Threats Students shall not engage in violent or threatening behavior. Prohibited behavior includes fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property, or threats, intimidation, or harassment. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. See Policies: JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JICIB – Bomb Threats B. Weapons Students shall not possess or use weapons of any kind (examples include but are not limited to firearms, explosives and knives). Students also shall not use any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person (examples include but are not limited to bats, lighters, tools and toy weapons). Firearms violations will result in expulsion in accordance with state and federal statutes; other weapons violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. See Policy: JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 6 NEPN/NSBA Code JIC C. Hazing Hazing is prohibited. Maine law defines injurious hazing as “any action or situation, including harassing behavior, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any school personnel or a student enrolled in a public school.” No student shall plan, encourage, or engage in such activities in connection with any school program or activity, including extracurricular, co-curricular and athletic activities. Students who engage in hazing activities are subject to suspension, expulsion and/or other appropriate disciplinary measures. See Policy: ACAD – Hazing D. Discrimination and Harassment/Sexual Harassment Students should not discriminate against other students on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability. Nor should students harass one another on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, or national origin or disability. Sexual harassment is also prohibited. Harassment is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. See Policies: AC – Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ACAA – Student Discrimination and Harassment Policy E. Drug and Alcohol Use Students shall not distribute, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, drug, look-alike substance, and other prohibited substances as described in School Committee policy. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from school. See Policy: JICH – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students F. Tobacco Use Students shall not smoke, use, possess, sell, or distribute any tobacco products. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school. See Policy: ADC – Tobacco Use and Possession LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 6 NEPN/NSBA Code JIC G. Conduct on School Buses Students must comply with all School Committee policies and school rules while on school buses. Students who violate these policies and rules on a school bus may have their riding privileges suspended or revoked, and may also be subject to additional disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, depending upon the particular violation. See Policy: JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses H. Computer/Internet Use Students may use school computers, networks and Internet services only for educational purposes. Students shall comply with all policies and rules governing acceptable use. Unacceptable use may result in suspension or cancellation of computer privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action. See Policy: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use I. Co-Curricular Code of Conduct Students must follow all School Committee policies and school rules while participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. Students who violate School Committee policies and school rules may be subject to suspension from the team/activity as well as additional disciplinary action under applicable School Committee policies and/or school rules. See Policy: JJI – Athletic Program Article 5 – Removal of Disruptive/Violent/Threatening Students 1. Students who are disruptive, violent, or threatening death or bodily harm to others may be removed from classrooms, school buses, or other school property when necessary to maintain order and safety. The staff member who orders the student removed should arrange to have the student escorted to the office or other designated location. 2. If a student does not comply with a staff member’s order to leave, the staff member will contact an administrator, or if not available, another suitable person, who shall respond promptly. 3. Staff members should not use force or restraint, except only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm. Staff members are not required to take action that puts them at risk of serious injury. Page 4 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code JIC 4. The responding administrator will take appropriate action. If the student fails to obey verbal directions, force or restraint may be used only to the minimum extent necessary to protect any person from imminent physical harm or to quell a disturbance. Whenever practicable, law enforcement should be called to restrain or physically remove the non-compliant student. The administrator may invoke the school unit’s crisis response plan if appropriate. See 20-A M.R.S.A. §4009 – Protection from Liability See Crisis Response Plan Article 6 – Special Services A. Referral The school unit has adopted policies and procedures for determining when a student shall be referred for special services. See Policies: IHBAA – Referral/Procedures IHBAC – Child Find B. Review of Individual Education Plan The school shall schedule a PET meeting to review the IEP of a student who has been removed from class when: 1) school officials and/or the parent believes the student may present a substantial likelihood of injury to himself/herself or others; 2) the class removals are sufficient to constitute a change in the student’s special education program; or 3) school officials or the parent believes that the student’s behavior may warrant a change in educational programming. See Policy: JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities C. Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint The school unit also has established a policy on the use of time out rooms and therapeutic restraints as required by Maine statute. See Policy: JKGA – Time Out Rooms and Therapeutic Restraint Page 5 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code JIC Article 7 - Referrals to Law Enforcement Authorities The Superintendent and administrators have the authority to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when there is a substantial threat to the safety of the schools, students or staff. The Superintendent/administration may also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state, or federal statute. All serious offenses, as determined by the Superintendent, must be reported to law enforcement authorities. See Policy: KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Article 8 – Dissemination of System-Wide Student Code of Conduct The System-Wide Student Code of Conduct shall be distributed to staff, students and parents through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators. Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§254(11); 1001(15) Cross Reference: Taking Responsibility: Standards for Ethical and Responsible Behavior in Maine Schools and Communities (Report of The Commission for Ethical and Responsible Behavior, February 2001). Adopted: April 28, 2003 Page 6 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICA STUDENT DRESS We believe our community’s values are reflected by our students. The purpose of this policy is to establish a sense of appropriateness of dress as we prepare our students for life beyond graduation from Lewiston Schools. Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing that does not interfere with the educational process. a. Articles of clothing, which promote the use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs, may not be worn on school grounds (when school is in session) or at school functions. b. Clothing, footwear, insignia, or accessories that are intended to identify the wearer as a member of a particular gang are prohibited on school grounds or at school functions. c. Articles of clothing with displays that are sexual, vulgar, lewd or indecent, which create a disturbance, or include insulting words (e.g., racial/ethnic slurs), are not permitted. All clothing is to fit properly, be an appropriate length and should not be revealing. Clothing should conceal a student’s stomach, chest, and upper thighs. No underwear should show. Shirts and blouses that expose the midriff, that are sexually suggestive or revealing are unacceptable. Pants, skirts, dresses, and shorts will be clean, not unduly tight, not excessively short, not unreasonably baggy, or indecently revealing. d. Clothing that is destructive of school property (e.g., cleats, pants with metal inserts that scratch) or which may be considered weapons (e.g., chains, spiked collars and bracelets, and sharp objects that do not have practical use in school) are not permitted on school grounds or at school functions. Cleats or other items may be permitted when use is required by participation in a curricular, co-curricular or extra-curricular activity. e. Any type of headwear – caps, hats, bandanas, hoods, helmet hats, or other type of headgear shall not be worn in the school building from the start of the first class to the end of the school day. The administration may make allowances for special days such as spirit week. Exceptions will also be made for medical or religious requirements. f. Appropriate footwear shall be worn at all times. Slippers are not permitted. In the event where a student is in violation of the dress policy, the student will be asked to change his/her clothing or phone home to get a change of clothing. If the student is unable to get a change of clothing, the student may be assigned an in-school suspension for the day. If the student refuses to change, the parent or guardian will be contacted and the student may be sent home for the remainder of the day. Refusal to change clothes or a student with habitual offenses may face further administrative consequences. Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 March 24, 2003 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: JICC STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES Parents are responsible for supervising their child before he/she boards the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the end of the school day. The School Committee requires students to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for behavior. When a student does not conduct him/herself properly on a bus, such instances shall be addressed in accordance with established procedures. Students who become a serious disciplinary problem on the school bus may have their riding privileges suspended. In such cases, the parents are responsible for seeing that their child gets to and from school safely. In addition, all school committee policies and school rules are in effect on all school buses. Students may also face additional disciplinary action under applicable policies and school rules for misconduct on buses. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 5401 Cross Reference: EEA - Student Transportation Services JICC-R – Student Conduct on School Buses Administrative Procedure Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 March 24, 2003 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICC-R STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Student Rules of Behavior Bus drivers are authorized to enforce these rules and to take the necessary steps to ensure student safety. Students are expected to follow the instructions of bus drivers as they do their teachers and other school staff. Boarding the Bus A. At the bus stop, do not wait in the road, and stay back from the roadway until the bus arrives. B. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to board the bus. C. Board the bus in an orderly fashion, and let younger students board first. D. Use the handrail to keep your balance. E. Go directly to a seat without pushing and remain seated. Traveling on the Bus A. All directions from the bus driver must be followed. B. Stay quietly seated during the trip. C. Do not talk to the bus driver while the bus is moving except in an emergency. D. Eating, drinking and smoking are not allowed on the bus. E. Place books or bundles under the seat or hold them on your lap where they cannot slide, fall or block the aisle. Do not throw anything on the bus. F. Keep your arms and legs out of the aisles. G. Absolutely no horseplay or fighting on the bus. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICC-R H. Do not throw or stick anything out of bus windows. Keep your head, arms and hands inside the bus. I. Do not open windows without permission from the driver. J. The emergency door may not be used except in an emergency. K. Do not mar or deface the bus. Any damage must be paid for by the student and/or parents. L. No weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or animals are allowed on the bus. Upon Arrival A. Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing. B. Students may exit only at their regular or authorized stop. C. Exit in an orderly fashion. D. Use the handrail and watch your step leaving the bus. E. Move away from the bus immediately, and keep away from the side of the bus as it pulls away. Crossing the Road A. Walk 10 steps ahead of the bus along the edge of the road. B. Watch for the driver’s signal to cross, and then look both ways to make sure the road is clear of moving traffic. Although the law states that traffic must stop both ways for a stopped school bus, do not depend on it. C. After the driver’s signal and looking both ways, walk quickly across the road to the other side. Disciplinary Procedures Disciplinary problems on school buses are to be handled as follows: A. While the students are on a school bus, the bus driver is responsible for their behavior. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICC-R B. Any misbehavior (see rules for behavior section) will result in a written warning to the student from the driver. One copy will be retained by the bus company. All other copies will be given to the Transportation Officer for distribution (two to the building administrator, one for file). C. The building administrator will immediately notify the parents/guardians by telephone of the incident and the penalty involved (if any). The verbal communication will be followed by written notification to the parents. D. If a second offense of any kind occurs during the remainder of the school year, the parents/guardians will be notified, and the student will be EXCLUDED from the bus for a period of five school days from the date of the second offense. The building administrator will notify the Transportation Officer that the parents/student have been notified. Upon completion of the five-day suspension, the student’s bus privilege will be reinstated. Exceptions to the suspension requirement may only be made by agreement of the bus driver, the bus company representative, the building administrator and the Superintendent. E. If a third offense of any kind occurs during the remainder of the school year, the parents will be notified as indicated in paragraph C., and the student will be EXCLUDED from the bus for a period of 20 school days from the date of the third offense. The building administrator will notify the Transportation Officer that the parents/student have been notified. Upon completion of the 20-day suspension, the student’s bus privilege will be reinstated. F. Exceptions to this policy may only be made by agreement of the bus driver, the bus company representative, the building administrator and the Superintendent. G. Any subsequent violation will result in suspension for the remainder of the school year. The responsibility for transporting the student then becomes the responsibility of the parents/guardians. H. Appeal: The parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student suspended from bus privileges have the right to appeal the decision by contacting the Transportation Officer at Lewiston Public Schools. As soon as feasible, and no later than five school days after the contact by the parent(s)/guardian(s), the Transportation Officer will set a meeting time and Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICC-R place for the appeal meeting. Those in attendance at the meeting will be the parent(s)/guardian(s), the student, the bus driver, the Transportation Officer, the building administrator or assistant building administrator and a representative of the bus company. The student will be suspended pending the results of the appeal so long as the decision is given within five school days. If not satisfied with this decision, the parent(s)/guardian(s) may appeal to the Superintendent Cross Reference: JICC – Student Conduct on School Buses 6/00 3/03 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICH DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS The School Committee and staff of Lewiston Public Schools support a safe and healthy learning environment for students which is free of the detrimental effects of drugs, alcohol and other mood-altering substances. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort among school staff, students, parents, law enforcement and organizations concerned with the use of drugs, alcohol and other mood-altering substances by school-aged youth. In order to promote the safety, health and wellbeing of students, the School Committee endorses a three-pronged approach to address the issue of drugs and alcohol use, and use of other mood-altering substance; prevention/education; intervention and discipline. The Superintendent is responsible for developing appropriate administrative procedures, curricular and programs to implement this policy. Prohibited Conduct No student shall distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage, fortified wine or other intoxicating liquor. Nor shall a student manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess, use or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, inhalants, “club drugs,” any other controlled substance defined in federal and state laws/regulations, any look-alike substance, or any substance that is represented to be a controlled substance, or any other substance mis-used for the purpose of altering mood. These prohibitions apply to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or whose conduct at any time or place directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. Disciplinary Action Building administrators may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy, based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. Students may also be referred to law enforcement authorities for investigation and/or prosecution. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICH Prevention/Education The school unit will provide students with appropriate information and activities focused on educating students about drugs and alcohol and preventing their use. Programs shall teach students about the legal, social, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use as well as how to resist peer pressure. Intervention The school unit will establish a team approach [or other approach as determined by the school unit] to intervene with students with drug/alcohol problems. Students will be assisted in addressing their drug/alcohol problems and in continuing their educational program. Students will be provided with information and referral, if necessary, to aid them in obtaining assistance from appropriate community organizations. Student records concerning such interventions shall be kept confidential as required by state and federal laws. Policy Communication The school unit shall distribute this policy and appropriate related information to staff, students and parents on an annual basis through handbooks and/or other means selected by the Superintendent and building administrators. Legal Reference: 21 USC § 812 (Controlled Substances Act) 21 CFR Part 1300.11-15 Pub.L.No. 101-226 (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989) 17-A MRSA § 1101 42 USC § 290dd-2 42 CFR § 2.1 et seq. 20-A MRSA §§ 1001(9); 4008 Cross Reference: GBEC – Drug-Free Workplace JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students JLCD – Administering Medication to Students JRA – Student Records Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 October 30, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICIA WEAPONS, VIOLENCE AND SCHOOL SAFETY The School Committee believes that students and staff are entitled to learn and work in a school environment free of violence, threats and disruptive behavior. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with School Committee policies, school rules, reasonable unwritten behavior expectations, and applicable state and federal laws. School staff are required to immediately report incidents of prohibited conduct by students to the building administrator for investigation and appropriate action. I. PROHIBITED CONDUCT Students are prohibited from engaging in the following conduct on school property, while in attendance at school or at any school-sponsored activity, or at any time or place that such conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school: A. Possession and/or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person except when used in an approved instructional activity. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, any other kind of gun, ammunition, explosives, cross-bows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars and nunchucks; B. Use of any object, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict bodily harm and/or to threaten, intimidate, coerce or harass another person. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to bats, belts, picks, pencils, compasses, objects capable of ignition (e.g., matches, lighters), files, tools of any sort and replicas of weapons (including toys); C. Violent or threatening behavior, including but not limited to fighting, assault and/or battery, taking hostages, threats to commit violence against persons or property (e.g., verbal or written death threats, threats of bodily harm, bomb threats); D. Verbal or written statements (including those made on or through a computer) which threaten, intimidate, or harass others, which tend to incite violence and/or disrupt the school program; Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICIA E. Willful and malicious damage to school or personal property; F. Stealing or attempting to steal school or personal property; G. Lewd, indecent or obscene acts or expressions of any kind; H. Violations of the school unit’s drug/alcohol and tobacco policies; I. Violations of state or federal laws; and J. Any other conduct that may be harmful to persons or property. II. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Building Administrators may suspend and/or recommend expulsion of students who violate this policy based upon the facts of each case and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Conduct which violates this policy is deliberately disobedient and deliberately disorderly within the meaning of 20-A MRSA §1001(9) and will be grounds for expulsion if found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school. Such conduct may also be grounds for expulsion under other provisions of 20-A MRSA §1001(9 and 9A) that specifically prohibit the use and possession of weapons, infractions of violence, and possession, furnishing and trafficking of scheduled drugs. Students who are found to have brought a firearm to school (as defined by federal law) or to have possessed a firearm at a school, shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year, unless this requirement is modified by the Superintendent on a case-by-case basis in writing. All firearms violations shall be referred to law enforcement authorities as required by law. Other violations of this policy shall be referred to law enforcement authorities at the discretion of the Superintendent. Students with disabilities shall be disciplined in accordance with applicable federal and state laws/regulations and School Committee Policy JKF. III. USE OF FIREARMS AND OTHER WEAPONS IN INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES Nothing in this policy shall prevent the school system from offering instructional activities related to firearms or other objects that are generally considered weapons (e.g. bows and arrows) or from allowing a firearm or other object generally considered a weapon to be brought to school for instructional activities (e.g., archery, hunter safety) Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICIA approved by the school system so long as appropriate safeguards have been adopted to ensure student and staff safety. No weapons may be used in instructional activities or brought to school for instructional activities unless the Superintendent/designee has given specific permission in advance. IV. NOTIFICATION TEAM/CONFIDENTIALITY Maine law authorizes law enforcement officers and criminal justice agencies to share with a superintendent or principal information pertaining to a juvenile when the information is credible and indicates an imminent danger to the safety of students or school personnel on school grounds or at a school function. Maine law requires the District Attorney to notify the Superintendent when a juvenile is charged with use or threatened use of force or is adjudicated as having committed one or more juvenile crimes that involve the use or threatened use of force. Within ten days, or immediately if necessary for school safety, the Superintendent shall convene a notification team. The notification team must include the administrator/designee of the school building where the student attends, at least one classroom teacher to whom the student is assigned, a guidance counselor, and the student’s parent/guardian. The notification team shall determine on the basis of need which school employees are entitled to receive information concerning allegations or adjudications of use or threatened use of force. Information received by the Superintendent/designee and disclosed to the notification team and/or disclosed to school employees is confidential and may not become part of the student’s educational record. The Superintendent shall ensure that confidentiality training is provided to all school employees who have access to this information. V. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION/RISK ASSESSMENT The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to request an immediate psychological evaluation of a student who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy when, in his/her opinion, such an evaluation will assist in assessing the risk the student poses to school safety if the student were to remain in school. The Superintendent is also authorized to request psychological evaluations of students who have been identified as posing a substantial risk of violent behavior. All such evaluations shall be performed at the school unit’s expense. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICIA If the parent/guardian and/or student refuses to permit a requested psychological evaluation, the Superintendent and the School Committee may draw any reasonable inferences from the student’s behavior concerning the risk the student poses to school safety for purposes of determining appropriate action. Legal References: 5 MRSA §4681 et seq. 15 MRSA §§3301-A; 3308(7)(3); 3009 17-A MRSA §§2(9); 2(12-A) 20 USCA §7151 (Gun-Free Schools Act) 20-A MRSA §§1001(9); 1001(9-A); 1055(11); 6552 Cross References: ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ADC – Tobacco Use and Possession EBCA – Crisis Response Plan JICH – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students JK – Student Discipline JKD – Suspension of Students JKE – Expulsion of Students JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities JIH – Questioning and Searches of Students KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: March 24, 2003 Revised: January 26, 2004 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICIAA PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION/RISK ASSESSMENT The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent to request an immediate psychological evaluation of a student who violates the “Weapons, Violence and School Safety” policy (JICIA) when, in his/her opinion, such an evaluation will assist in assessing the risk the student poses to school safety if the student were to remain in school. The Superintendent is also authorized to request psychological evaluations of students who have been identified as posing a substantial risk of violent behavior. All such evaluations shall be performed at the school unit’s expense. If the parents/guardians and/or student refuse to permit a requested psychological evaluation, the Superintendent and the School Committee may draw any reasonable inferences from the student’s behavior concerning the risk the student poses to school safety for purposes of determining appropriate action. Legal References: 20 USCA § 8921 (Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994) 20-A MRSA §§ 1001(9); 1001(9-A); 6552 17-A MRSA §§ 2(9); 2(12-A) Cross References: ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ADC - Tobacco Use and Possession EBCA - Crisis Response Plan JICH - Drug and Alcohol Use by Students JK - Student Discipline JKD - Suspension of Students JKE - Expulsion of Students JKF - Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities JIH – Questioning and Searches of Students KLG - Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK BULLYING It is the intent of the Lewiston School Committee to provide all students with an equitable opportunity to learn. To that end, the Lewiston School Committee has a significant interest in providing a safe, orderly, and respectful school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Bullying is detrimental to student learning and achievement. It interferes with the mission of the schools to educate their students and disrupts the operations of the schools. Bullying affects not only students who are targets but also those who participate and witness such behavior. The Lewiston School Committee also believes that promoting ethical and responsible behavior is an essential part of the school unit’s educational purpose. Ethics, responsible behavior, and “character” are important if a student is to leave school as a “responsible and involved citizen” as described in the Guiding Principles of Maine’s system of Learning Results. Bullying interferes with the accomplishment of this goal. Finally, the Lewiston School Committee recognizes the well-publicized incidents of violence and threatened violence that have occurred nationally in the past several years. As research suggests, there is a link between bullying and school violence, and the Lewiston School Committee seeks to avoid such incidents and instead take a systematic approach to bullying prevention and intervention. It is not the Lewiston School Committee’s intent to prohibit students from expressing their ideas, including ideas that may offend the sensibilities of others, or from engaging in civil debate. However, the Lewiston School Committee does not condone and will take action in response to conduct that interferes with students’ opportunity to learn, the educational mission of Lewiston schools, and the operation of the schools. Bullying Prohibited Bullying, as defined in this policy, is not acceptable conduct in Lewiston schools and is prohibited. Any student who engages in conduct that constitutes bullying shall be subject to disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension and expulsion. A student’s bullying behavior may also be addressed through other behavioral interventions. Page 1 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK Bullying Defined For the purpose of this policy, “bullying” means any physical act or gesture, or any verbal, written, or electronically communicated expression that: 1. Causes physical harm to a student or damages a student’s property; 2. Places a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to his/her property; 3. Substantially disrupts the instructional program or the orderly operations of the school; or 4. Creates an intimidating, hostile educational environment for the student who is bullied. Application of Policy This policy applies to bullying that takes place at school or on school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity or event, or while students are being transported to or from school or school-sponsored activities or events. It also applies to bullying that occurs at any other time or place that substantially disrupts the instructional program, operations of the school, or welfare of students. Examples of conduct that may constitute bullying include, but are not limited to: A. Physical contact or injury to another person or his/her property; B. Threats of harm to a student, to his/her possessions, or to other individuals, whether transmitted verbally, in writing, or electronically communicated; C. Blackmail, extortion, demands for protection money, or involuntary loans or donations; D. Non-verbal threats and/or intimidations such as use of aggressive or menacing gestures; E. Stalking; Page 2 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK F. Blocking access to school property or facilities; G. Stealing or hiding books, backpacks, or other possessions; and H. Repeated or pervasive taunting, name-calling, belittling, mocking, putdowns, or demeaning humor relating to a student’s race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics, whether or not the student actually possesses them, that could reasonably be expected to result in disruption of the instructional program or operations of the schools, or that results in a hostile educational environment for the student. This does not preclude teachers or school administrators from setting and enforcing rules for civility, courtesy, and/or responsible behavior in the classroom and the school environment. The determination whether particular conduct constitutes bullying requires reasonable consideration of the circumstances, which include the frequency of the behavior at issue, the location in which the behavior occurs, the ages and maturity of the students involved, the activity or context in which the conduct occurs, and the nature and severity of the conduct. Delegation of Responsibility The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for: A. Student and parent reporting of bullying to staff and school administrators; B. Staff reporting of bullying to school administrators; C. Review of reports and investigation of bullying incidents; D. Intervention with and/or discipline of students who engage in bullying; E. Support for students who are victims of bullying; F. Training staff and students in bullying prevention; and Page 3 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK G. Periodic evaluation of bullying prevention, intervention, and training efforts in Lewiston schools and reporting to the Lewiston School Committee upon request. Reporting Students who have been bullied or who observe incidents of bullying are encouraged to report this behavior to a staff member or school administrator. Staff should report bullying to the building principal. Acts of reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an incident of bullying are prohibited. Any student who is determined to have falsely accused another of bullying shall be subject to disciplinary consequences. Responding to Bullying In determining the appropriate response to students who engage in bullying behavior, school administrators should consider the ages and maturity of the students involved, the type of behaviors, the frequency and/or pattern of behaviors, the context in which the incident occurred, and other relevant circumstances. Consequences may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension, expulsion, and/or reports to law enforcement officials. Dissemination of Policy Notice of what constitutes bullying, the Lewiston School Committee’s prohibition against bullying, and the consequences for students who bully shall be communicated to students and parents through the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook. Legal Reference: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 1001(15)(H) P.L. 2005, ch. 307 § 4-5 Cross Reference: AC - Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity ACAA - Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students ACAD - Hazing Page 4 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JICK Cross Reference (continued): ADF - School District Commitment to Learning Results JI - Student Rights and Responsibilities JICC - Student Conduct on Buses JICIA - Weapons, Violence and School Safety JK - Student Discipline JKD - Suspension of Students JKE - Expulsion of Students Student Code of Conduct Adopted: July 24, 2006 Page 5 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JID STUDENTS OF LEGAL AGE All students in the school system, including students in regular classes who have reached the age of 18, students in the adult education program, and any post-secondary students attending Lewiston schools, shall observe all rules and procedures established by School Committee policy or the administration for all students unless specific exceptions have been made. The administration is authorized to develop special rules for students of legal age, provided these rules do not violate basic Committee policy. School personnel shall recognize that the adult status of students over the legal emancipation age of 18 provides rights and responsibilities to such students which are granted only to the parents of younger students, such as those concerning access to their school records. Cross Reference: Adopted: JLIB – Student Dismissal Precautions JRA -Student Records June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JIH QUESTIONING AND SEARCHES OF STUDENTS The School Committee seeks to maintain a safe and orderly environment in the schools. School administrators authorized by the Superintendent may question and/or search students in accordance with this policy and accompanying administrative procedure. Students may be searched upon reasonable suspicion that they possess any items or substances which are prohibited by law, School Committee Policies and/or school rules, or which interfere with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. When special circumstances exist, including but not limited to a suspected ongoing violation of the School Committee’s drug/alcohol or weapons policies, or when a potential threat to safety is identified, school administrators may search group of students or the entire student body without individualized suspicion. Student use of all school storage facilities, including but not limited to lockers, desks, and parking lots, is a privilege granted by the school. All storage facilities are school property and remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school. Students have no expectation of privacy in school storage facilities or for any items placed in such storage facilities. School administrators have the authority to inspect and search storage facilities and their contents on a random basis, with or without reasonable suspicion, and without notice or consent. If a search produces evidence that a student has violated or is violating the law, School Committee Policies and/or school rules, such evidence may be seized and impounded by school administrators and appropriate disciplinary action may be taken. Evidence may be forwarded to law enforcement authorities as required by law or as deemed appropriate by school administrators. A student who refuses to comply with a search directive may be subject to disciplinary action, including the disciplinary consequences for the suspected violation. The Superintendent is authorized to develop and implement, with input from legal counsel, administrators, and/or other appropriate persons, any administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy. Cross Reference: Adopted: JIH-R – Questioning and Searches of Students Procedure JIHC – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JK – Student Discipline KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities March 24, 2003 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: JIH-R QUESTIONING AND SEARCHES OF STUDENTS ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The purpose of this administrative procedure is to provide guidelines for the conduct of student questioning and searches by school administrators. These are guidelines only and may be adjusted within reasonable and lawful limits on a case-by-case basis. School administrators have the discretion to request the assistance of law enforcement authorities as they deem necessary. A. B. Questioning by School Administrators 1. School administrators are under no obligation to notify a student’s parents/guardians prior to questioning a student regarding alleged violations of School Committee Policies, school rules and/or federal/state laws. 2. School administrators shall make a reasonable effort to question the student in a location out of the sight and hearing of other students. 3. If a student fails to cooperate, lies, misleads or threatens any person during questioning, he/she may be subject to additional disciplinary action. Searches of Students and/or Personal Property in Students’ Immediate Possession, Student Vehicles, and School Storage Facilities 1. School administrators are authorized to search students, personal property in the students’ immediate possession, and vehicles when, in their judgment, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a student possesses any items or substances which are prohibited by law, School Committee Policies, and/or school rules, or which interfere with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. 2. All searches of students and/or personal property shall be authorized and conducted by a school administrator in the presence of a witness, except where the circumstances render the presence of a witness impractical. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JIH-R 3. Searches should be reasonably related to the objective of the search and not excessively intrusive. Searches may include the student’s clothing and personal belongings. School administrators shall not conduct strip searches. If a more intrusive search appears to be necessary, law enforcement authorities shall be contacted 4. School administrators have the authority to inspect and search school storage facilities and their contents on a random basis, with or without reasonable suspicion, and without notice or consent. 5. School administrators shall consult with the Superintendent prior to conducting random searches. 6. Searches which disclose evidence that a student has violated School Committee Policies or school rules will be addressed through school disciplinary procedures. Evidence of violation of federal/state laws may result in school disciplinary action and be forwarded to law enforcement authorities for possible investigation/prosecution. 7. School administrators are required to document all searches and any items seized/impounded. 3/03 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JIH-E STUDENT SEARCH CHECKLIST This checklist is to be completed for each individualized student search incident as soon as possible after the search. Name/Title of Person Performing Search and Completing Form: __________________ ___________________________________________________ Date: ______________________ 1. Who was searched? __________________________________________________ 2. Date, time and location of search _______________________________________ 3. What factors caused you to have a reasonable suspicion that a search of this student or the student’s possessions would provide evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, School Committee policies or school rules? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 4. Was student’s consent requested? __________ Given? _____________________ [Consent is not required for search to be conducted] 5. What was searched (i.e., person, personal belongings, storage facilities)? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 6. Witness(es) to search_________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ 7. What did the search yield? ____________________________________________ A. What evidence was seized? _________________________________________ B. Was receipt issued for seized items? __________________________________ 8. Were police notified? ________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JIH-E 9. Was any evidence released to police? ___________________________________ A. Who witnessed the search? _____________________________________ 10. Were parents notified of the search, including the reasons and the scope? ________________________________________________________________ 11. A. If yes, how were they notified? _________________________________ B. If no, why not? ______________________________________________ Other relevant facts (if any)___________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Signature of Person Performing Search and Completing Form: __________________________________________________ NOTE: IF SEARCH RESULTED IN SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR REFERRAL TO LAW ENFORCEMENT, THIS FORM SHOULD BE RETAINED IN STUDENT’S FILE. IF SEARCH DID NOT RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION, THIS FORM SHOULD BE RETAINED IN SEPARATE FILE IN SCHOOL OR SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE. 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJE STUDENT FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES The School Committee recognizes that classes and student groups may wish to raise money through fundraising drives from time to time. In general, the Committee believes that student fundraising activities should be planned so as to limit the impact on the educational program. Students in the elementary grades are not permitted to engage in door-to-door solicitations. Examples of acceptable fundraising activities include: A. Class magazine drive; B. Sale of tickets to scheduled athletic events and school performances; C. Sale of advertising space in school publications; D. Fundraising activities designed as a class project or to benefit school programs/activities; and E. Proposals to raise funds and/or materials for charitable purposes and/or reputable humanitarian organizations or community groups. All fundraising activities shall be approved in advance by the building administrator or designee. The Superintendent/administration shall develop the administrative procedures necessary to implement this policy. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ PHILOSOPHY OF ATHLETICS The Lewiston School Committee recognizes the value of athletics as an integral part of the educational program. The School Committee believes that participation in sports provides a significant learning experience and opportunity for personal growth. Learning in sports is closely related to learning in the classroom, supporting the Guiding Principles of Maine’s System of Learning Results. In competition and practice, student athletes learn skills, strategies, relationships, leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. They also learn the importance of setting goals for themselves and the team, and planning how to achieve those goals. The School Committee also believes that participation in sports is related to physical and emotional health and fitness. Sports provide the incentive for developing and maintaining healthy bodies and active minds. Sports promote habits of exercise and good nutrition that can last a lifetime. Participation in sports builds self-confidence and a sense of personal responsibility for making healthy lifestyle choices. Being part of a team also creates a feeling of belonging and offers a supportive network that contributes to emotional well-being. Based on these beliefs, it is the School Committee’s intent that the school unit offer students the opportunity to experience developmentally sound athletic programs. At the high school level, interscholastic athletic programs will be designed to serve the needs of students who have shown that they are developmentally ready for intense competitive experiences. At this level, the purpose of athletic programs is to promote healthy competition, sportsmanship, cooperation, integrity and citizenship. Whenever feasible, sub-varsity program programs will be available to students who wish to learn a new sport. The School Committee also supports intramural sports as a way to involve students who are not competing in interscholastic activities. At the middle school level, the school unit’s athletic programs will be designed to meet the developmental needs of students through appropriate intramural and interscholastic activities. At this level, athletic programs will emphasize exploration of various sports, the strengthening of fundamental skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, and health and safety. It is the School Committee’s intent that the programs promote opportunities for involvement of all team members in practices and play. The School Committee supports intramural activities for students not participating in interscholastic activities or when financial, staffing or other concerns require the school to limit the number of students participating in interscholastic activities. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI The School Committee will be responsible for approving the school sponsorship of interscholastic athletic programs. The Superintendent/designee (e.g., Athletic Director) shall be responsible for making recommendations concerning the approval of new athletic programs or the modification or elimination of existing programs. The School Committee may articulate, through policy, criteria to be considered in decision-making or may delegate the responsibility for developing such criteria to the Superintendent/designee. Cross Reference: Adopted: JJIB—Sponsorship and Evaluation of Athletic Programs JJIBA—Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches JJIBB—Sportsmanship JJIBC—Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA) October 30, 2006 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R1 LEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Extra-curricular activities can be a very important dimension of a student’s education. The main purpose of the programs at Lewiston High School is to insist on continued academic growth for all students. Lewiston High School will require a minimum level of academic success as a standard for participation in extra-curricular activities. Participation in extra-curricular activities is a privilege. The focus of the eligibility policy is to set a clear standard that supports adequate yearly progress towards graduation and establishes the need for responsible academic behavior and outcomes by students. The goal of the policy is to support the position of the school that academic success is the priority in determining eligibility to participate in extracurricular activities. The eligibility policy for extra-curricular activities include any activity that competes under MPA guidelines or represents the school in competitions, performances, and contests which include but is not limited to the following: Debate and Speech Marching Band Math Team After-School Music Ensembles Drama Honors Music Festivals (District/State) Sports Mock Trial 1. Initial Eligibility In order to establish initial eligibility the student must have: a) Successfully passed the minimum number of courses required by Lewiston High School for full-time student status during the previous ranking quarter. 1st year (Freshmen): Promoted/Assigned from grade eight. 2nd year (Sophomores): Five courses (minimum 2 ½ semester credits). 3rd year (Juniors): Six courses (minimum 3 semester credits). 4th year (Seniors): Six courses (minimum 3 semester credits). b) Be on track for graduation as established by the accumulated credits identified below: 2nd year (To be a Sophomore): Five total credits* 3rd year (To be a Junior: Eleven total credits* 4th year (To be a Senior): Seventeen total credits* *Beginning August 2008 for all classes. Note: Students who are initially ineligible are ineligible for the entire season. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R1 2. Eligibility Requirements: In order to remain eligible, the student must be passing the minimum number of courses required by Lewiston High School for full-time student status on the date of eligibility checks (approximately half way through the participation season): Freshman: Sophomore: Junior: Senior: Five courses Six courses Six courses Six courses 3. Eligibility Check Dates: Fall Season: Winter Season: Spring Season: Check Date (Dates set annually) Mid-Season Mid-Season Mid-Season Date of Ineligibility (Dates set annually) 3 to 5 days after mid-season 3 to 5 days after mid-season 3 to 5 days after mid-season 4. Initial Eligibility Standards must be met prior to a student participating, trying out, or competing on any Lewiston High School extra-curricular activity. Process: The Athletic Director will compile a list of students who have not met the eligibility standards prior to the beginning of each season. Students who have not met the initial eligibility standards will not be eligible to participate, try out, or compete on any Lewiston High School sports team or extracurricular activity. 5. Eligibility Checks: On the date of eligibility checks any student not passing the prescribed number of courses required by the extra-curricular eligibility policy will become ineligible to participate on the day identified in section three (3) above. Process: The Athletic Director will compile a list of students who have not met the eligibility standard by successfully passing the prescribed number of courses as determined on the eligibility check date. Students who have not met the standard will become ineligible on the date specified in section three (3) above. Note: Students who become ineligible on the mid-season check date will remain ineligible for the remainder of the season. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R1 6. Appeals/Review: All appeals will be directed to the Lewiston High School Athletic Director and submitted to the Lewiston High School Principal for review and action. COURSES THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ELIGIBILITY STANDING For the purposes of determining initial and in-season eligibility, all courses taken will be considered in determining if the student has met the prescribed standard. The following conditions apply: 1. Dropped Courses: All dropped courses will be coded as withdraw passing (WP) or withdraw failing (WF). For the purposes of determining eligibility, courses identified as WF will be considered as a failing course. 2. Independent Study: Courses taken through independent study will not be counted for the purposes of eligibility. 3. Flex: Flex is a guided study required of all freshmen. Flex does not count as a course for the purposes of eligibility. 4. PLATO, Approved Correspondence, or Credit Arrangements Outside the Lewiston High School Curriculum: These courses will not be counted for the purpose of eligibility. PLATO courses or courses taken for credit recovery will count for establishing initial eligibility only. 5. Early College: Early college courses, approved for dual enrollment credit purposes will be counted as eligibility. Students enrolled in early college courses will be responsible for submitting pass/fail verification signed by the college instructor on the identified date. 6. Home Schooled Students: Home schooled students must be in an approved instruction program as outlined in Maine Law, Chapter 211, Subchapters 1 and 1A and must meet all requirements of Lewiston High School. Home school students will be responsible for submitting pass/fail verification signed by the home-school educator on the identified dates. 7. Out-of-District Placements: Students attending Lewiston High School as an outof-district placement must meet all requirements of the Lewiston High School and Maine Principals’ Association eligibility policies. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R1 8. Other: The Lewiston High School principal will make a determination on the applicability of any additional credit course work not specifically determined under this policy. Adopted: April 23, 2007 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R2 LEWISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS Interscholastic athletics can be a very important dimension of a student’s education. However, the main purpose of Lewiston Middle School is to insist on academic growth and success for students; therefore, Lewiston Middle School will require a minimum level of success in ALL classes as a standard for participation. The policy outline below establishes a definite standard for participation (passing all subjects) and a means to become eligible after a short period of time. The focus is on early diagnosis, communication and correction. It establishes a clear relationship between academics and athletics. Our goal is not to punish but to help our students affect a positive behavior change. 1. Academic eligibility will be based on the student’s quarterly average; either the student is passing or failing for the quarter at any given time of the year. 2. The process will begin on the third/fourth week of the school year and will continue approximately every other week for the remaining weeks of the school year. 3. Teachers will be notified of the athletic eligibility dates. Grades must be current as of 8 AM on that date. 4. An eligibility list is made available to each coach listing his/her athletes and their eligibility status. This allows the coach to pull the athlete aside and discuss their academic progress. A letter is also sent home to the parents whenever a student appears on this list. 5. Students failing a course will be ineligible for at least one week. If the student is able to bring his/her grade to passing, he/she will become eligible the second week. Written notification indicating the grade has been brought up to passing must be submitted by the student to the Athletic Director before eligibility can be reinstated. 6. An updated eligibility list will be kept in the Athletic Director’s office. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R2 Status of a student who is not passing a course(s): 1. Teachers are strongly encouraged to give a verbal warning anytime a student is in danger of failing. 2. If on any given checkpoint a student is not passing for the quarter, that student will become ineligible for the following week – Monday through Sunday. This means that the student may practice but may not compete in any scrimmages, exhibitions, or regularly scheduled competition during that week. The student has a responsibility to the classroom first and then to practice. 3. A student who is ineligible must be ineligible for one week. However, if the student is able to bring his/her grade to passing, he/she will become eligible the next week. Written notification indicating the student has attained a passing grade must be submitted to the Athletic Director before eligibility can be reinstated. Adopted: April 23, 2007 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJI-R3 ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY RULES Suspensions A. In all team and individual sports, ejection or disqualification from a game, meet, or match for unsportsmanlike behavior of any form, by a coach or a player, shall result in the suspension of that player or coach from that game, meet, or match and the next regularly scheduled or postponed game, meet, or match. This rule applies to a game, meet, or match suspended before completion as well as a completed contest. This penalty may not be served by sitting out an exhibition, sub-varsity, or other competition. B. During the suspension, the student must dress in uniform for the game and must sit on the bench but not play. C. If the suspended student does not comply with the foregoing rules, an additional game of suspension shall be applied. No-Cut Policy, K-6 Elementary athletic programs are intended to encourage the widest possible participation among students. Therefore, cutting students from such programs is only permissible if budgetary or personnel constraints make it impossible for the school to adequately supervise and coach all students who wish to participate. 6/00 Revised: April 23, 2007 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIB SPONSORSHIP AND EVALUATION OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS It is the Lewiston School Committee’s desire to offer Lewiston Public Schools students athletic programming that provides diverse, developmentally appropriate opportunities and encourages student participation. At the same time, the School Committee recognizes that resources may not be available to fund all of the sports in which students and the community have an interest. In order to provide students with meaningful athletic experiences while maintaining high quality, sustainable programs, the School Committee adopts this policy governing sponsorship and evaluation of the school unit’s athletic programs. Through sponsorship, the school unit assumes responsibility for, and control of, a particular athletic program. Sponsorship requires School Committee approval. The school unit assumes responsibility only for those interscholastic athletic programs the School Committee has designated as school-sponsored. The School Committee will approve for sponsorship only those programs that are consistent with its philosophy and policies and with regulations established by the appropriate governing bodies, including the Maine Principals’ Association (which refers to its regulations as “policies”). Sponsorship does not mean that funding will be provided in whole or in part through the school unit’s budget. Sponsorship is required even for activities that may be funded in full by booster organizations. Sponsorship is required before any team may represent itself using the school name, to be eligible for league play and tournament participation, or to be eligible for school athletic awards. In order to assess the sustainability of athletic activities, each ongoing activity will be evaluated on at least a five-year cycle. The School Committee establishes the following process for the approval and evaluation of athletic programs. A. CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL AND EVALUATION OF ATHLETIC PROGRAMS The Athletic Director shall be responsible for developing a process for evaluating potential athletic programs and assessing the viability of existing programs. The process shall take into consideration the following factors, which shall be applied consistently to all programs: Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIB 1. Student body interest; 2. Community interest; 3. Gender equity; 4. Impact on facilities; 5. Impact on existing programs; 6. Impact on administration and staff; 7. Expenses; 8. Availability of competition; 9. Potential to field competitive teams; 10. Alignment with School Committee philosophy and policies; and 11. Availability of funds, consideration of extraordinary costs (e.g., rental of facilities, transportation, specialized equipment), and other relevant data. The process should include a scale for weighting and rating these criteria and for reporting a total score that may be used for comparison purposes. B. APPROVAL OF NEW ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Sponsorship of all new interscholastic athletic programs must be approved in advance. The Superintendent shall be responsible for making and supporting recommendations to the School Committee at least six months prior to the proposed starting date. Recommendations are to be made based on data from the evaluation process. The School Committee may impose conditions that must be met for the program to be approved. Following initial approval, new programs will be placed on a three-year probationary status. Six months prior to the end of the probationary period, the Superintendent must submit a report to the School Committee including recommendations and support Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIB for continued School Committee approval. The School Committee may provide for continuing approval, deny approval, or extend the probationary status for one additional year. C. EVALUATION OF EXISTING OR ONGOING SCHOOL-SPONSORED ATHLETIC PROGRAMS Every athletic program will be reviewed on a five-year cycle. The purpose of evaluation is to ensure that all existing or previously approved programs continue to meet the standards and criteria established by the School Committee. The School Committee may authorize a program to be reviewed out of sequence based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. The evaluation of existing or ongoing approved programs will be done using the same process used to assess proposed programs. Based upon the data, the Superintendent shall make a recommendation to the School Committee as to whether the program should continue or be deleted. The School Committee may vote to delete any program that it deems no longer sustainable or in keeping with School Committee philosophy, standards or criteria. D. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY The Superintendent may appoint a program evaluation or review committee to perform evaluations of proposed and existing athletic programs. Any such committee must have balanced representation including the Superintendent and/or Athletic Director, a high school administrator, a middle school administrator, teachers who are employed as coaches, parents, students and community. Any such committee will use the process for program evaluation. The committee shall be advisory to the School Committee. While it may make recommendations to the School Committee, the School Committee retains full authority over Lewiston Public Schools athletic programs. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIB Cross Reference: Adopted: JJI—Philosophy of Athletics JJIBA—Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches JJIBB—Sportsmanship JJIBC—Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA) October 30, 2006 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBA HIRING AND EVALUATION OF COACHES The most essential factor in an educationally sound athletic program is a well-qualified coach. The coach is an important link between sports and the instructional program and the principles of Maine’s system of Learning Results, between sports and character development, and between sports in school and long-term health and fitness. It is the intent of the School Committee that the school unit provides quality coaching in its athletic programs. A. THE LEWISTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE’S VIEW OF A WELL-QUALIFIED COACH Coaching is a special kind of teaching. A coach not only teaches, refines and reinforces skills, but is also a role model for the student-athletes he/she coaches. Beyond knowledge of the rules and fundamentals of his/her sport, a well-qualified coach will have organizational, communication, motivational and, especially, teaching skills. A well-qualified coach appreciates the influence he/she has as a role model and mentor and conducts him/herself accordingly. In addition to these fundamentals, a well-qualified coach: 1. Understands that, first and foremost, he/she is a teacher; 2. Is sensitive to the need of maturing adolescents and assists in their physical, intellectual, social and emotional development; 3. Recognizes that students are diverse in their characteristics and backgrounds including, age, maturity, gender, size and culture and adjusts his/her approach as appropriate; 4. Has a realistic sense of the level at which student athletes should be expected to perform; 5. Promotes sportsmanship, self-discipline and respect, both on and off the playing field; 6. Communicates in a positive manner rather than through intimidation; 7. Encourages competitive spirit, but not a “win at all costs” attitude; Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBA B. 8. Provides a fair opportunity for students to participate in competition; 9. Recognizes the difference between developmental sports programs and more intensive varsity-level sports; 10. Encourages student athletes to explore various athletic activities, both interscholastic and intramural, rather than to specialize in a single sport at an early age; 11. Recognizes the need for balance in the lives of student athletes, including academic, family and social needs; and 12. Adheres to the same standards of conduct with respect to students as classroom teachers are expected to do. COACHING JOB DESCRIPTIONS The Athletic Director will be responsible for developing job descriptions for coaches and others on the athletic staff (e.g., assistant coachers, trainers) that are consistent with the School Committee’s view of coaching. Job descriptions will be approved by the Superintendent. C. HIRING AND ASSIGNMENT OF COACHES It is the intent of Lewiston Public Schools to hire well-qualified coaches for all of its athletic programs. Because of the relationship between teaching and coaching, it will be the school unit’s practice to secure coaches, to the extent practicable, from its teaching staff. If it is necessary to secure individuals from outside the teaching staff, the Superintendent shall recommend only those persons deemed to have sufficient knowledge and experience to teach the fundamentals and rules of the sport, experience in working or volunteering with adolescents, and current training in sports first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All persons hired as coaches or assistant coaches for middle school or high school, must have successfully completed, or within 4 weeks successfully complete, first aid and CPR training. All persons must also have successfully completed, or within one year successfully complete, the UMO/MCSC Maine Coaching Eligibility Course or its equivalent. In addition, all persons hired as high school coaches in activities governed by the Maine Principals’ Association must meet all coaches eligibility requirements established by the MPA. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBA All persons hired as coaches for activities governed by the Maine Principals Association (MPA) must agree to follow the MPA Code of Ethics, School Committee policies, school unit and Athletic Department administrative regulations. Consistent with the School Committee’s policies on hiring and nondiscrimination/equal opportunity/affirmative action, the Athletic Director will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures for selecting, recommending and assigning coaches. No applicant will be hired as a coach or assistant coach without Maine Department of Education approval, including fingerprinting and criminal background check requirements. Hiring of coaches shall be on an annual or seasonal basis, with no expectation of continued employment in a coaching position. Coaches may be disciplined or terminated in accordance with School Committee policies or administrative regulations. C. EVALUATION OF COACHES In an effort to maintain a well qualified coaching staff and the integrity of the school unit’s athletic programming, coaches will be evaluated annually. The Athletic Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a process for evaluation of coaches. It is expected that the process will include a self-appraisal component, and that the administrative and self-appraisals will include knowledge of sports, coaching skills and techniques, organizational skills, attitudes, communication skills, behavior, and ethics. Cross Reference: Adopted: JJI—Philosophy of Athletics JJIB—Sponsorship and Evaluation of Athletic Programs JJIBB—Sportsmanship JJIBC—Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA) October 30, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBB SPORTSMANSHIP The School Committee believes that athletic competition should be a healthful, positive and safe experience for everyone involved, conducted in an environment that teaches values and ethics, strengthens the community, promotes competition without conflict and enriches the lives of athletes. Players should learn to handle success with grace and losing with dignity. In order to promote core values such as discipline, fairness, responsibility, trustworthiness and citizenship, everyone associated with athletics, including players, coaches, parents and spectators, is expected to exhibit good sportsmanship during athletic competitions. A. PARTCIPANTS In exhibiting sportsmanship, student athletes are expected to: B. 1. Understand and follow the rules of the sport; 2. Recognize skilled performance of others, regardless of the player’s team; 3. Display respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and officials; 4. Respect the judgment of officials and accept their decisions; 5. Refrain from antics, taunting opponents and using insulting language or swearing; 6. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat; and 7. Recognize that their conduct reflects on their school. COACHES In exhibiting sportsmanship, coaches are expected to: 1. Recognize that they are role models for students and set a good example for athletes and fans to follow; 2. Abide by the rules of the sport, in letter and in spirit; 3. Treat all participants with respect; Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBB C. 4. Behave with dignity and self-control; 5. Respect the judgment of officials and accept their decisions; 6. Take corrective action toward any player who intimidates or shows disrespect toward an official or displays unsportsmanlike behavior; and 7. Be modest when successful and gracious in defeat. SPECTATORS, INCLUDING PARENTS, STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS Spectators attending athletic events are expected to: 1. Realize that the main purpose of the competition is the play of the game and that the role of the spectator is one of support; 2. Show positive support to the teams and players for outstanding performances; 3. Show concern for injured players, regardless of which team they are on; 4. Refrain from angry or abusive language or actions toward any player, official, coach or other spectators; 5. Refrain from endangering participants or spectators by throwing objects; 6. Refrain from heckling, taunting or berating players, officials, coaches or other spectators; and 7. Follow all School Committee policies and rules pertaining to conduct on school property, including but not limited to those pertaining to tobacco, alcohol, drugs and weapons. School athletic events are school activities that are part of the educational program. An athletic event is not a public forum. The public is invited to attend athletic events for the purpose of supporting the participants on both teams and the schools they represent. Appropriate behavior by spectators, especially adults, provides a positive model for students and contributes to the value and educational purposes of athletic activities. Negative comments and behavior by spectators are Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBB inconsistent with the purposes of athletic activities. School administrators and officials have the authority and discretion to remove any spectators who do not comply with rules of sportsmanship. D. PENALTIES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Student athletes who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior will be subject to penalties described in the Athletic Code or, if the conduct constitutes a violation of School Committee policy, school rules or the Student Code of Conduct and/or Student Handbook, to appropriate disciplinary consequences. Student spectators whose behavior constitutes a violation of School Committee policy, school rules or the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to appropriate disciplinary consequences. Adult spectators who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior or conduct that violates School Committee policy may be asked to leave the premises and may be excluded from future events. The administrator in charge of the event may seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities if necessary to ensure the safety of participants, coaches, officials or other spectators or to prevent damage to school property. E. NOTICE OF RULES The building administrator or designee will be responsible for posting spectator rules at the entrance to each interscholastic competition site. Cross Reference: Adopted: JJI—Philosophy of Athletics JJIB—Sponsorship and Evaluation of Athletic Programs JJIBA—Hiring and Evaluation of Coaches JJIBC—Relations with Booster Groups (or alternative code KJA) October 30, 2006 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBC RELATIONS WITH BOOSTER GROUPS Lewiston Public Schools recognize the role of booster groups in assisting the schools in enriching athletic and other extracurricular activities and enabling more students to participate in such activities. For the purpose of this policy, a booster group is a parent and/or community group that is organized for the purpose of providing resources to support a particular sport or activity in the school or school system and to support the school in recognizing student accomplishment in athletics and activities. Only those booster groups that have been approved by the School Committee may use the name and or logo of Lewiston Public Schools or its schools. The Superintendent may make recommendations to the School Committee concerning the approval of groups seeking booster status. In order to be approved as a booster group, a group must meet the following criteria: A. The group must be comprised of adults rather than students; B. The group must provide details of the structure of the organization including its purpose and goals, the intended use of funds generated, the names of its officers and its bylaws; C. The booster president or designee must make application to the building principal or designee for all uses of school facilities for fund raising projects, in accordance with the School Committee’s facilities use policy and procedures; D. Groups using school facilities will comply with all policies and regulations established by the School Committee and, as applicable, the Maine Principals Association; E. No monies collected by booster group fund raising activities will be deposited directly to student athletic/activity accounts; F. All fundraising activities must be approved in advanced by the building principal or designee; H. All funds raised by the group must be used to achieve the stated purposes of the group; Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JJIBC I. The group must maintain bank, financial and tax exempt status separate from the school. The organization may be required to provide Lewiston Public Schools with a complete set of financial records or detailed treasurer’s report if there are questions whether the group’s fundraising activities or use of funds are consistent with School Committee policies; J. Booster groups may not use the school’s sales tax exemption for purchases or sales; K. Booster group gifts should enhance activities for both boys and girls. The School Committee will consider gender equity and budget implications before accepting booster group donations; L. Any booster group plan or project that would require expansion, renovation or construction of school facilities or would increase maintenance costs for facilities shall require School Committee approval; M. Booster groups will not select coaches, assistant coaches or activity advisors, or influence their selection; however, when appropriate, members may be invited to serve in an official capacity as a member of an interview team or search process. The School Committee reserves the right to revoke the approval of any booster group if it is found that the group’s operations and purposes are inconsistent with School Committee policies. Cross Reference: Adopted: EFE—Competitive Food Sales JJI—Philosophy of Athletics December 11, 2006 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JK STUDENT DISCIPLINE It is essential for schools to maintain a safe and orderly environment which supports student learning and achievement. Good discipline allows the schools to discharge their primary responsibilities to educate students and promote good citizenship. All students are expected to conduct themselves with respect for others and in accordance with School Committee policies, school rules, and applicable state and federal laws. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who violate policies, rules, or laws, and/or whose conduct directly interferes with the operations, discipline or general welfare of the school. The School Committee expects the following principles to guide the development and implementation of school rules and disciplinary procedures: A. Discipline should emphasize positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior, as well as appropriate consequences for misbehavior. The focus should be on providing a school environment where students are engaged in constructive learning and interactions with others. B. Expectations for student behavior should be clear and communicated to school staff, students and parents. C. Consequences for misbehavior should be in proportion to the offense, fair and consistently enforced. D. Parents should be actively involved in the process of preventing and resolving disciplinary problems at school. Physical force and corporal punishment shall not be used as disciplinary methods. State law provides that “a teacher or other person entrusted with the care or supervision of a person for special or limited purposes may not be held civilly liable for the use of a reasonable degree of force against the person who creates a disturbance if the teacher or other person reasonably believes it is necessary to a) control the disturbing behavior; or b) remove the person from the scene of the disturbance.” Teachers are authorized to make and enforce rules for effective classroom management and to foster appropriate student behavior, subject to the direction and approval by the Building administrator/designee. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JK School-wide rules shall be developed by the building administrator with appropriate input from school staff, students and parents and subject to approval by the Superintendent. Building administrators shall provide for the suspension or other serious disciplinary action against students in accordance with School Committee policies, administrative procedures and Maine law. Legal Reference: 17-A MRSA § 106 20-A MRSA § 4009 Ch. 125.23, B, 5, 1 (Maine Dept. of Ed. Rule) Cross Reference: AC - Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ACAA – Student Harassment and Sexual Harassment JICIA Weapons, Violence and School Safety JKB - Student Detention JKD - Suspension of Students JKE - Expulsion of Students JKF - Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKB DETENTION OF STUDENTS Teachers and administrators have the authority to detain students after school hours for infractions of classroom or school rules. Before assigning students to detention, the student will be informed of the reason for the detention, and the student will be given an opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident. Teachers/administrators have the discretion to substitute alternative discipline in cases where they deem detention inappropriate. All students detained for disciplinary purposes will be under the direct supervision of a member of the professional staff or other person designated by the building administrator. Students in detention are expected to use the time constructively to complete school assignments or for other educational purposes. Students who fail to serve a scheduled detention may be subject to additional disciplinary measures. The Superintendent/designee is authorized to develop and implement any administrative procedures necessary to carry out this policy. Cross Reference: Adopted: JK – Student Discipline June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKD SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS The School Committee delegates to the building administrators the authority to suspend disobedient and disorderly students for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days. Suspensions longer than 10 days may be imposed by the School Committee. Prior to the suspension, except as hereinafter provided: A. The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charge(s) against him/her; B. The student shall be given an explanation of the evidence forming the basis for the charge(s); and C. The student shall be given an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident. However, students whose presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the instructional process may be immediately removed from school. In such cases, the notice of charges, explanation of evidence, and the student’s opportunity to present his/her version of the incident shall be arranged as soon as practicable after removal of the student from school. The student’s parents/guardians shall be notified of the suspension as soon as practicable by telephone (if possible) and by written notice sent by mail. Building Administrators shall also report suspensions to the Superintendent on the “Principal’s Weekly Report.” The parents/guardians and the student shall be required to schedule a conference with the building administrator/designee within the suspension period and prior to re-admittance to school. Students who have been suspended from school are not permitted on school grounds or at school functions. Students shall be responsible for any schoolwork missed during their suspension. After re-admittance, they shall be permitted to take tests, quizzes or any other form of evaluation affecting their grades. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001.9 Cross Reference: JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JK - Student Discipline JKE - Expulsion of Students JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKE EXPULSION OF STUDENTS No student shall be expelled from school except by action of the School Committee. The School Committee shall expel students as provided in 20-A MRSA § 1001(9) and (9A). The School Committee also has the authority to readmit an expelled student on satisfactory evidence that the behavior, which was the cause of the student being expelled, will not likely recur. The parents/guardians (and the student if 18 years of age or older) shall be notified by certified letter and regular mail of the School Committee expulsion hearing. The hearing shall be in a properly called executive session and may also be attended by persons designated by the Superintendent to present information in the case. The notice of hearing shall include: A. The date, time and location of the hearing; B. A description of the charge(s); C. A statement that the student may be represented by legal counsel; D. A statement that the student or his/her representative may cross-examine any witnesses presented by the administration at the hearing; and E. A statement that the parents/guardians and student may present evidence, including witnesses and documents, on the student’s behalf. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001(9)(9A) 1 MRSA § 405(6)(B) Cross Reference: JKE-R – Expulsion of Students—Guidelines JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JK – Student Discipline JKD – Suspension of Students JKF – Suspension/Expulsion of Students with Disabilities Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKE-R EXPULSION OF STUDENTS-GUIDELINES The following steps constitute general guidelines for the conduct of an expulsion hearing. The guidelines may be adjusted to meet the flexible requirements of due process on a case-by-case basis. Procedure for Conduct of Board Hearing to Expel A. Any discussion, consideration or hearing by the School Committee of suspension or expulsion of a student shall be in executive session. B. The Committee shall be in a public meeting and vote to enter executive session. Executive session requires a 3/5 affirmative vote of the members present and voting, and the vote must be recorded. C. The parents/guardians, the student and legal counsel (if any) must be present for the hearing, except that the hearing may go forward if the parents/guardians and student (if 18 years of age or older) have been provided prior written notice and failed to appear for the hearing. Executive Session I. General Rules of Conduct A. The hearing officer (School Committee/designee or Committee attorney) will conduct the hearing. B. Witnesses shall be sequestered in response to a request by either party. C. The School Committee and student (at his/her own expense) may be represented by legal counsel through each stage of the process. D. The hearing officer will make an opening statement for the record that includes the following: • Date of this hearing; • Place of hearing; • Time of hearing; Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKE-R • Name of student; • Those in attendance for the administration; • Those in attendance for the student; • Those in attendance for the School Committee; • Explanation of the procedures to be followed in the hearing; • • • • Explanation to the student and parents/guardians of their rights to hear the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present witnesses and offer other relevant evidence; Instruction to all parties that no irrelevant or repetitious evidence will be allowed and no debate between the parties will be allowed; Instruction to all parties that they are expected to maintain the confidentiality of the proceeding; and Inquiry whether any member of the Committee finds him/herself in a possible conflict of interest situation because h e/she knows the student or parents/guardians to such an extent, or has knowledge of the facts to such an extent, that he/she could not impartially hear the facts and decide the issues on its merits. E. The hearing officer will request from the superintendent a copy of the hearing notice, read the hearing notice to the School Committee and include the notice in the record. If no person appears at the hearing on behalf of the parents/guardians or student, the hearing officer will request that the Superintendent confirm that the parents/guardians and student (if age 18 or older) were provided notice of the hearing. F. The Superintendent or designee, hereafter called “the administration,” will make an opening statement that includes an overview of the evidence, his/her recommendation, the reason(s) for the recommendation, and the legal basis for the recommended expulsion. G. All witnesses shall be sworn in by the hearing officer. Each witness raises his/her right hand and is asked, “Do you solemnly affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKE-R H. The administration calls its witnesses. I. After each witness has answered all questions put by the administration, then the student/designee (hereinafter, the student) may cross-examine. This should be limited to questions and not arguments with the witness. J. The administration may ask rebuttal questions after the student finishes questioning. K. Members of the Committee may ask questions at the conclusion of the rebuttal. L. The student may then call his/her own witnesses to testify, and the student may testify. All witnesses will be sworn. The administration may crossexamine. The student may ask rebuttal questions. After the rebuttal questions, the Committee may ask questions. M. When all the student’s witnesses have completed testimony (including the student), the administration may call additional rebuttal witnesses who may be cross-examined. N. At the end of the testimony, the administration shall make a statement which should include its recommendations. The same may then be done by/for the student. O. The School Committee should then deliberate in executive session. The Superintendent, Committee attorney, administration, the student charged, his/her parents/guardians, and the student’s legal counsel may remain for deliberations. If the student and representatives elect not to be present during deliberations, the administration will also be excluded from deliberations, except that the Superintendent may remain. P. The Committee shall discuss whether the charges are more likely than not supported by the evidence presented. The Committee may discuss and/or draft proposed finding of fact(s) concerning the charges prior to leaving the executive session. Q. The School Committee shall then leave executive session. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKE-R II. Public Session A. In public session, a member of the School Committee may make a motion to expel or suspend a student that includes the Committee’s finding of fact(s). Following a second, the Committee Chairperson should state the motion and the Committee should vote. If no motion is made to expel or suspend, the student will return to school at the conclusion of the previously-imposed administrative suspension. B. The Superintendent is responsible for notifying the parents/guardians (and the student if age 18 or older) of the Committee’s decision. If the student has been expelled, the Superintendent will also provide notice of the conditions, if any were given at that time, for School Committee consideration of readmission. 6/00 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKF DISCIPLINARY REMOVALS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES When removing students with disabilities from their regular school programs, whether as a result of a suspension, an expulsion, or any other removal covered by state and federal special education laws, it shall be the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to comply fully with all applicable state and federal special education laws that govern such removals. The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Special Education and other school administrators, may develop and promulgate procedures for implementing this policy, and may from time to time, amend those procedures as necessary. References: Me. Spec. Ed. Reg. Ch.101, §14 (Nov. 1999, as amended) 34 CFR §§300.121, .519 to .529 (March 1999, as amended) Me.Spec.Ed.Reg.Ch.101, XVII (2008); 34 C.F.R. §300.101, .530 to .536 (2006) Adopted: Revised: March 24, 2003 September 14, 2009 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JKF-R MODEL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES These procedures shall govern disciplinary removals of students with disabilities from their regular school program. These procedures shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with state and federal special education laws and regulations. 1. School administrators may suspend students with disabilities for up to ten (10) cumulative school days in the school year under the same terms and conditions as students without disabilities are suspended, subject to the limitations set forth below. a) In the event that a disabled student’s IEP specifically lists a school response other than a suspension that must be followed for a particular type of misconduct, the school administrator shall follow the requirements of the IEP in responding to that misbehavior. b) When calculating the ten (10) cumulative school day total, school administrators shall include school days spent in an in-school suspension or removal, unless during that removal the child continued to have access to the general curriculum, to the special education services in his or her IEP, and to participate with nondisabled children to the extent he or she would have in the student’s regular program. 2. After a child with a disability has been removed from his or year current placement for ten (10) cumulative school days in the same school year, during any subsequent days of removal the school administrator shall consult with at least one of the child’s teachers and then shall arrange for the child to receive a level of educational services during the removal sufficient to enable the student to continue to participate in the general curriculum although in another setting and to progress toward meeting the goals listed in the student’s IEP. 3. Within ten (10) school days of any decision to “change the placement” of a child with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, school officials shall hold an IEP team meeting to undertake the following: a) The Team shall review all relevant information in the student’s file, including the IEP, any teacher observations and recent evaluations; b) The Team shall then undertake a manifestation determination to decide whether the child’s misconduct was a manifestation of his or her disability. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JKF-R c) If the Team determines that the misbehavior is a manifestation of the disability, the Team must either (i) conduct a functional behavior assessment, unless one has been conducted before the behavior incident, and shall implement a behavior intervention plan for the child, or (ii) if a behavior plan has already been developed, review the plan and modify it as necessary to address the behavior. Except as provided in 4 below, the Team must also return the child to the placement from which he or she was removed, unless the school and parent agree to a change of placement as part of the revision of the behavior plan. d) If the Team determines that the misbehavior is not a manifestation of the disability, school personnel may apply the relevant disciplinary procedures in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures would be applied to children without disabilities, except that services must be provided to the child during the disciplinary removal consistent with 3(e) below. e) When a child with a disability has a disciplinary removal that would be a “change of placement,” the IEP Team shall order services for the child that will enable the child (i) to continue to participate in the general curriculum although in another setting; (ii) to progress toward meeting the goals in the IEP; and (iii) to receive, as appropriate, a functional behavior assessment and behavior intervention services and modifications that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur. f) For purposes of this section, a “change of placement” occurs if (i) the removal is for more than ten (10) consecutive school days; or (ii) the child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern and (a) because the series of removals totals more than ten (10) cumulative days in the school year, (b) because the child’s behavior is substantially similar to the behavior in previous incidents resulting in the series of removals, and (c) because of additional factors such as the length of each removal, the total length and the proximity of the removals to each other. 4. In those circumstances where a student brings a weapon to school, to a school function, or on school premises (including transportation), or where a student knowingly possesses, uses, sells or attempts to sell illegal drugs at school, a school function, or on school premises (including transportation), or when the student inflicts serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, a school function, or on school premises (including transportation), school officials may place that student in an alternative educational setting for up to 45 school days, shall provide educational services for the student consistent with 3(e) above, and shall schedule an IEP Team meeting to occur within ten Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JKF-R (10) school days of commencing that removal. At that meeting, the Team shall undertake all necessary actions discussed in these procedures for responding to removals that constitute a change of placement for the child. Any further removals in response to the incident shall be made consistent with these procedures and state and federal special education rules. References: Me.Spec.Ed.Reg.Ch. 101, XVII (2007); 34 C.F.R.§300.101, .530 to .536 (2006). Adopted: September 14, 2009 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKG PHYSICAL RESTRAINT Lewiston Public Schools employees may use physical restraint on students who present an immediate threat of physical harm to themselves or others. Restraint should not be used beyond the point necessary to prevent the student from harming him/herself or others, and should be applied in a caring manner if at all possible. For a student who cannot be safely restrained in this fashion, school officials should attempt to ensure that other students are removed from the threat of harm and that the student does not have access to items that could be dangerous. When the student is unable to be brought under control, school officials should contact the student’s parents for assistance and should contact the police if necessary to maintain a safe environment. This policy can be modified in the case of students with identified disabilities through a determination by the student’s Pupil Evaluation Team. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A MRSA § 4009 November 18, 2002 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA TIME OUT ROOMS AND THERAPEUTIC RESTRAINT Lewiston Public Schools hereby authorizes school officials to use designated time out rooms and therapeutic restraint to the extent permitted by law and in a manner consistent with state law and regulations. The Superintendent is responsible for developing procedures for the use of designated time out rooms and therapeutic restraint. This policy and any accompanying procedures shall be reviewed at least annually by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent shall recommend to the School Committee any needed changes in this policy. For purposes of this policy and any accompanying procedures, the terms “designated time out room” and “therapeutic restraint” shall have the following meanings: Designated Time Out Room A designated time out room is a room used specifically to isolate a student for the purpose of bringing under control student behavior that is dangerous or presents a risk of significant property damage. Dangerous behavior is behavior that presents a risk of injury or harm to that student or to others and, in the judgment of those involved, cannot be controlled through interventions short of isolation in the designated time out room. This policy and any accompanying procedures do not apply to interventions such as sending a student to the principal’s office, to any staff member’s room or office, or to any other such setting, but is instead limited to use of a room specifically designated by the Superintendent for the purpose of isolating students as described above. Use of this area to control student behavior must comply with this policy and any procedure developed hereunder. Therapeutic Restraint Therapeutic restraint is physical restraint of a student for the purpose of preventing that student from injuring him/herself or others when such restraint is undertaken in accordance with an individualized, written plan that specifically calls for therapeutic restraint. Therapeutic restraint as defined in this policy and any accompanying procedures should be administered by personnel trained in that restraint. Therapeutic restraint does not include any intervention by any school official that would otherwise be governed by state law on the use of reasonable force (20-A Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA MRSA § 4009), which includes the use of a reasonable degree of force by school officials against a person who is creating a disturbance, when the official believes that force is necessary to control the disturbing behavior or to remove the person from the scene of the disturbance. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 4502(5)(M) and accompanying regulations 20-A MRSA § 4009. Adopted: March 13, 2002 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R TIME OUT ROOMS AND THERAPEUTIC RESTRAINT ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE These procedures are established for the purpose of meeting the obligations of Lewiston Public Schools under state law and local School Committee policies governing the use of designated time out rooms and therapeutic restraint. These procedures shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with state law and regulations. I. DEFINITIONS A. “Designated Time Out Room” A designated time out room is a room used specifically to isolate a student for the purpose of bringing under control student behavior that is dangerous or presents a risk of significant property damage. Dangerous behavior is behavior that presents a risk of injury or harm to that student or to others and, in the judgment of those involved, cannot be controlled through interventions short of isolation in the designated time out room. This policy and any accompanying procedures do not apply to interventions such as sending a student to the principals’ office, to any staff member’s room or office, or to any other such setting, but is instead limited to use of a room specifically designated by the Superintendent for the purpose of isolating students as described above. Use of this area to control student behavior must comply with this policy and any procedures developed hereunder. B. “Therapeutic Restraint” Therapeutic restraint is physical restraint of a student for the purpose of preventing that student from injuring him/herself or others when such restraint is undertaken in accordance with an individualized, written plan that specifically calls for therapeutic restraint. Therapeutic restraint as defined in this policy and any accompanying procedures should be administered by personnel trained in that restraint. Therapeutic restraint does not include any intervention by any school official that would otherwise be governed by state law on the use of reasonable force (20-A MRSA § 4009), which includes the use of a Page 1 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R reasonable degree of force by school officials against a person who is creating a disturbance, when the official believes that force is necessary to control the disturbing behavior or to remove the person from the scene of the disturbance. II. DESIGNATION OF TIME OUT ROOMS A. If the Superintendent determines that there is a need for a designated time out room in a particular school building, he/she shall designate the room to be used for that purpose and shall ensure that said room meets the requirements of these procedures. The building principal shall be familiar with these procedures on the use of the designated time out room, and shall ensure that staff understands the proper use of that room. Once a room has been designated specifically for this purpose, it shall not be used in any manner that would be inconsistent with its use as a designated time out room. B. Designated time out rooms must be a minimum of 60 square feet, with adequate light, heat and ventilation and of normal room height. The door to the time out room may not be locked, latched or secured in any way that would prevent the student from exiting the room. An unbreakable observation window shall be located in a wall or door to permit continuous observation of the student and any staff member in the time out room. III. USE OF DESIGNATED TIME OUT ROOMS A. The designated time out room shall be used specifically for the purpose of isolating a student to bring under control student behavior that is dangerous or presents a risk of significant property damage. Dangerous behavior is behavior that presents a risk of injury or harm to that student or to others and cannot be controlled through interventions short of isolation in the designated time out room. The designated time out room shall not be used for punitive purposes, for staff convenience or to control minor misbehavior. B. The designated time out room shall be used only after less intrusive interventions have failed to bring the student’s behavior under control. A student should remain in the designated time out room only for the time Page 2 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R necessary for the student to compose him/herself sufficiently to return to the classroom with minimal risk that the behavior will quickly reoccur, in the opinion of school officials monitoring the intervention. C. School officials shall not keep a student in the designated time out room for more than one hour. If the student continues to present dangerous behaviors after this period of time, the placement in that room may be continued only with written authorization of the building principal or designee. In that event, the student’s parent/guardian should also be called for the purpose of taking the student home for the remainder of that school day. D. Students in a designated time out room shall be directly observed at all times by a staff person. E. School officials monitoring a student in the designated time out room shall not secure the door to that room in any manner, including holding the door so as to keep the student shut in that room. In the event that a student who is actively demonstrating dangerous behaviors attempts to leave the room, the staff member may use restraint to ensure safety and should attempt to arrange for emergency personnel and the parents to be contacted. F. If, at any point during the student’s stay in the designated time out room, the building principal or his/her designee believes that the student cannot be maintained safely even in that setting, the building principal/designee shall call the student’s parent/guardian to come pick up the student, and may also call other emergency personnel for the purpose of taking custody of the student and ensuring the student’s safety. IV. DOCUMENTING USE OF THE DESIGNATED TIME OUT ROOM A. Each time a student is placed in a designated time out room, a school official involved in that decision shall document the action. The documentation must include the following: 1. 2. Name of student; Date and time of placing the student in the room; Page 3 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Time that the placement ended; Antecedent events leading up to the behavior requiring the placement; The behavior itself leading to the placement; Other types of intervention that may have been used; Names of staff members involved in the incident; and Names of staff members who monitored the student’s placement in the designated time out room. If a call is placed to the family or to emergency personnel, it should be noted in the documentation as well. B. This written documentation shall be provided to the building principal/designee within two school days of the incident itself. If possible, the parents/guardian should be notified of the incident on the same day of the student’s placement in the designated time out room, or as soon as possible thereafter. V. USE OF THERAPEUTIC RESTRAINT A. Therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures shall be used only for the purpose of preventing a student from injuring him/herself or others, when such restraint is undertaken in accordance with an individualized, written plan that specifically calls for therapeutic restraint. Therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures shall be used only after less intrusive interventions have failed to bring the student’s behavior under control. B. Attempts shall be made to involve the parents in developing an individualized, written plan that specifically calls for therapeutic restraint. For students with disabilities, the student’s Individualized Education Program Team or 504 Team may develop such a plan if the Team determines it is appropriate to do so. C. Therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures shall involve the least amount of physical contact that is required to bring the behavior under control and should be implemented by persons who have successfully completed an appropriate training program in the identification and deescalation of potentially harmful behaviors and the safe use of passive physical therapeutic restraint. Page 4 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R D. At least two adults should be involved in the use of therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures, and, if possible, both adults should have completed an appropriate training program. In the event that an emergency situation prevents the presence of two adults for the therapeutic restraint, one individual may undertake the intervention and his/her conduct shall be protected to the full extent allowed by state law on the use of reasonable force in emergencies (20-A MRSA § 4009). If an untrained adult is involved in the intervention, his/her conduct shall also be protected to the full extent allowed by state law on the use of reasonable force in emergencies. E. The use of therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures should not exceed one hour in length. If the student is still presenting dangerous behaviors after that time, the use of therapeutic restraint may be continued with written authorization of the building principal/designee. In that event, the student’s parent/guardian should also be called for the purpose of taking the student home for the remainder of that school day. F. If at any point during the therapeutic restraint the building principal/designee believes that the student cannot be maintained safely even with that restraint, the building principal/designee shall call the student’s parent/guardian to come pick up the student, and may also call other emergency personnel for the purpose of taking custody of the student and ensuring the student’s safety. G. In the event that school officials use restraint on a student in any manner inconsistent with these procedures, that intervention shall be protected to the full extent permitted by state law on the use of reasonable force (20-A MRSA § 4009). VI. DOCUMENTING USE OF THERAPEUTIC RESTRAINT A. Each time a student is subject to therapeutic restraint as covered by these procedures, a school official involved in that decision shall document the action. The documentation must include the following: 1. 2. 3. Name of the student; Date and time of restraint; Time that the restraint ended; Page 5 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JKGA-R 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Antecedent events leading up to the behavior requiring the restraint; The behavior itself requiring the restraint; Other types of intervention that may have been used; Names of staff members involved in the incident; and Names of staff members who monitored the student’s placement in the designated time out room. If a call is placed to the family or to emergency personnel, that should be noted in the documentation as well. B. This written documentation shall be provided to the building principal/designee within two school days of the incident itself. If possible, the parents/guardian shall be notified of the incident on the same day that therapeutic restraint is used on the student, or as soon as possible thereafter. VII. PROHIBITION OF AVERSIVE THERAPY A. School officials shall not use aversive therapy on a student to modify or change that student’s behavior. “Aversive therapy is the application of unusual, noxious or potentially hazardous substances, stimuli or procedures to a student. Aversive therapies include the use of water spray, hitting, pinching, slapping, noxious fumes, extreme physical exercise, or embarrassing costumes or signs. B. The use of mechanical or chemical restraints by school officials is prohibited by these procedures. These procedures do not prohibit protective equipment or devices that are part of a treatment plan prescribed by a physician or psychologist for treatment of a chronic condition. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 4502(5)(M) and accompanying regulations 20-A MRSA § 4009 Adopted: March 13, 2002 Revised: September 14, 2009 Page 6 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL STUDENT WELLNESS The School Committee recognizes that student wellness and good nutrition are related to students’ physical and psychological well being and their readiness to learn. The School Committee is committed to providing a school environment that supports student wellness, healthy food choices, nutrition education, and regular physical activity. The School Committee believes that students who learn and practice healthy lifestyles in their formative years are more likely to be conscious of the importance of good nutrition and exercise as adults, practice healthy habits, and reduce their risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. Nutrition Standards The school district will ensure that meals provided by its Food Services Program meet the nutrition standards established by federal regulations. 1 Sales of foods and beverages that compete with the school lunch program (and/or school breakfast program) must be in compliance with the School Committee's policy EFE – Vending Machines and EFDA – Restrictions on Sale of Foods. Assurance This policy serves as assurance 2 that school unit guidelines for reimbursable meals are not less restrictive than regulations and guidance issued by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act. Nutrition Education Nutrition education will be integrated into the instructional program through the health education program and/or the curriculum as aligned with the content standards of Maine’s system of Learning Results. Nutrition education should focus on the knowledge and skills students need to adopt and maintain healthy eating behaviors. Students should receive consistent nutrition messages throughout the schools, including classrooms, cafeteria, all school activities and school-home communications. 1 Title 7-U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chapter II-Food and Nutrition Service, Department of Agriculture, Part 210-National School Lunch Program (7 C.F.R. § 210). 2 See 42 U.S.C. § 1751(a)(2). Page 1 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL Physical Activity The School Committee will strive to provide all students developmentally appropriate opportunities for physical activity through physical education classes, recess periods for elementary school students, and all school activities. School programs are intended to build and maintain physical fitness and to promote healthy lifestyles. Parents are encouraged to support their children’s participation in physical activities, including available before- and after-school programs. Other School-Based Wellness Activities The School Committee or Superintendent/designee, may implement other appropriate programs that support consistent wellness messages and promote healthy eating and physical activity. The School Committee may adopt policies, regulations or guidelines for refreshments served at parties or celebrations during the school day or for food as rewards, or may, through School Committee policy, delegate the responsibility for such regulations or guidelines to administrators at the district or school level. The school district may develop programs that encourage or provide opportunities for staff to learn and engage in healthy lifestyle practices. Implementation and Monitoring The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for the implementation of the wellness policy, monitoring efforts to meet the intent of this policy, and reporting to the School Committee on an annual basis. Monitoring may include surveys or solicitation of input from students, parents, staff, and school administrators. Reports may include, but are not limited to: • The status of the school environment in regard to student wellness issues • Evaluation of the school food services program and compliance with nutrition guidelines • Summary of wellness programs and activities in the schools Page 2 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL • Feedback from students, parents, staff, school administrators and wellness committee • Recommendations for policy, program or curriculum revisions Appointment and Role of the Health & Wellness Advisory Team The School Committee shall appoint a Health &Wellness Advisory Team comprised of at least one of each of the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • School Committee member Superintendent/designee School administrator School Health Coordinator Food Services Director/designee Student Parent School nurse Teacher(s) Guidance counselor Home/School Coordinator Community organization or agency representative The Wellness Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the School Committee on wellness issues. The Health & Wellness Team may make recommendations related to the wellness policy, wellness goals, administrative or school regulations and practices, or raising awareness of student health issues to the School Committee. With the prior approval of the Superintendent/designee, the Wellness Committee may survey parents, students and the community and/or conduct focus groups or community forums. The Wellness Committee shall provide periodic reports to the Superintendent/designee and to the School Committee. Wellness Goals The School Committee has identified the following goals associated with student wellness: Page 3 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL Goals for Nutrition Education To provide nutrition education that focuses on the skills students need to adopt and maintain healthy eating behaviors; Encourage schools to plan recess before lunch since research indicates that physical activity prior to lunch can increase the nutrient intake and reduce food waste; To provide adequate time to eat lunch: The National Association of State Boards of Education recommends that students be allowed at least 10 minutes for breakfast and 15 minutes for lunch, starting from the time the students are seated; To provide a sequential, comprehensive health education program aligned with the content standards of the Maine Learning Results; Encourage nutrition education to be integrated into other subjects as appropriate to supplement, not replace, the health education program; Provide foods that meet or exceed the federal nutrition standards, adequate time for students to obtain food and eat, lunch scheduled at appropriate hours of the day, adequate space to eat, and a clean and safe meal environment; Appropriate and consistent nutrition messages will be disseminated throughout Lewiston schools including classrooms, cafeterias, administrative offices, all school activities and school-home communications; The School Committee, administrators, faculty and staff are encouraged to model nutritious food choices and eating habits; Appropriate professional development will be provided for food services staff and other personnel as appropriate. Goals for Physical Activity The physical education program will provide all students with the knowledge and skills needed to be physically fit and take part in healthful physical activity on a regular basis; Page 4 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL Students will develop motor skills and apply them to enhance their coordination and physical performance; Students will demonstrate responsible personal and social behaviors in physical activity settings; Physical education includes the instruction of individual activities as well as competitive and non-competitive team sports to encourage life-long physical activity. (Ex. High School Fitness Center, Tennis, Winter Sports Programs – Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoeing); The physical education curriculum will be aligned with the content standards of the Maine system of Learning Results; Physical education classes will keep all students involved in purposeful physical activity for a majority of the class period; Physical education classes will provide opportunity for students of all abilities to learn; The School Committee will provide a physical and social environment that encourages safe and enjoyable physical activity and fosters the development of a positive attitude toward health and fitness; The School Committee will provide facilities adequate to implement the physical education curriculum for the number of students served; Schools will promote efforts to provide opportunities for students to engage in age-appropriate activities on most days of the week in both school and community settings; The schools will provide opportunities for physical activity through a variety of before- and/or after-school programs including, but not limited to, intramural sports, the arts, interscholastic athletics and physical activity clubs; Appropriate professional development will be provided for physical education staff and other staff, as appropriate. Page 5 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JL Goals for Other School-Based Activities Goals of the wellness policy will be considered when planning school or classroom parties, celebrations or other events; Parents will be encouraged to provide nutritionally sound snacks from home and food for classroom parties or events; Schools will encourage maximum participation in school meal programs; Schools will encourage parents and students to take advantage of developmentally appropriate community-based after-school programs that emphasize physical activity; The schools will encourage parents to support their children’s participation in physical activity, to be physically active role models, and to include physical activity in family events; Where feasible, school physical activity facilities will be made available after school hours for student, parent and community use to encourage participation in physical activity; School Committee members, administrators, staff, parents, students and community members will be encouraged to serve as role models in practicing healthy eating and being physically active, both in the school environment and at home; Student organizations will be encouraged to engage in fundraising projects that are supportive of healthy eating and student wellness consistent with School Committee policies; School-based marketing of foods and beverages, such as through advertisements in school publications, school buildings, athletic fields, and other areas accessible to students shall support the goals of the wellness policy; Schools are encouraged to cooperate with agencies and community organizations to support programs that contribute to good nutrition and physical activity; Legal reference: 42 U.S.C. § 1751 Cross Reference: EFDA – Restrictions on Sale of Foods EFE – Vending Machine Adopted: May 22, 2006 Page 6 of 6 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLC STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES The School Committee recognizes its responsibilities under Maine law to help protect the health of students and staff. The Committee directs the Superintendent to implement student health services and screenings as required by law. Any proposal to provide health services in addition to those required by law must be authorized by the Committee. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 6402-A et seq.; 6451 et seq. Cross Reference: JLCB – Immunization of Students JLCC – Communicable/Infectious Diseases Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JLCB IMMUNIZATION OF STUDENTS All students who enroll in Lewiston schools are required by Maine law to present a certificate of immunization or evidence of immunization or immunity against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and varuella (chicken pox). Non-immunized students shall not be permitted to attend school unless one of the following conditions are met: A. The parents/guardians provide to the school written assurance that the student will be immunized within 90 days of enrolling in school or his/her first attendance in classes, whichever date is earlier. This option is available only once to each student during their school career; or B. The parents/guardians provide a physician’s written statement each year that immunization against one or more diseases may be medically inadvisable (as defined by law/regulation); or C. The parents/guardians state in writing, each year that immunization is contrary to their religious, moral, or philosophical beliefs, or other personal reason. The Superintendent shall exclude from school any non-immunized student when there is a clear danger to the health of others as provided by law. The Superintendent/designee is directed to develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to carry out this policy and comply with statutory requirements. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 6352-6359 Chapter 126 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) Cross Reference: JLCC – Communicable/Infectious Diseases JRA – Student Educational Records Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 July 22, 2002 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCC COMMUNICABLE/INFECTIOUS DISEASES Teachers shall be alert to signs of illness and communicable disease and refer students who show such symptoms to the school nurse. All students under quarantine shall be excluded from school and school activities. Quarantine regulations established by the Bureau of Health shall be observed. The school nurse shall be responsible for notifying the local health department of all students having a communicable disease as required by law and Department of Education rules. The building administrator shall be notified of all communicable disease cases and contacts in the school. Students who have other types of communicable diseases shall be excluded from school as prescribed by law, or shall observe other protective procedures according to recommendations issued by the school physician. When a student returns to school after having had a communicable disease, a certificate from the attending physician is required. The building administrator and/or the school nurse must give permission before the student is readmitted to class. Students who are absent for two or more consecutive days for any illness are required to submit a note from a parent/guardian or physician. Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 19201 et seq. 20-A MRSA §§ 1001.11-A, 6301 22 MRSA §§ 801, 802, 806, 823, 824 Cross Reference: GBGAA – Bloodborne Pathogens JLCCA – Students With HIV/AIDS Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCCA STUDENTS WITH HIV/AIDS The purpose of this policy is to establish what actions shall be taken in the event that this school unit is made aware that a student being enrolled or attending school is infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This policy has been adopted to assure that the rights and safety of all involved parties are preserved. A. In general, the School Committee shall provide educational opportunities for students infected with HIV just as it does for other students. B. In the event that a public health threat is perceived by the student’s private physician, the Bureau of Health must be notified and will then conduct an evaluation. If the school is notified of a student infected with HIV by the parents/guardians and becomes concerned about the safety of that student, other students or staff, a similar evaluation may be requested. At any time that there is a concern that a particular student poses a public health threat to others, advice may be requested by the Superintendent from the Bureau of Health. The Superintendent may also consult on a strictly confidential basis with the school unit’s attorney. C. If the Bureau of Health determines that conditions exist which suggest that a student with a Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection is a health threat to the school community, the Bureau of Health and/or the Superintendent shall remove the student from the usual classroom setting until other arrangements can be made or until the Bureau of Health determines that the risks have abated. The health status of a student temporarily removed from the usual school setting in order to protect the health of the student or others will be re-evaluated at least quarterly by the Bureau of Health. D. Maine law protects the confidentiality of HIV test results with certain statutory exceptions. Test results may not be disclosed to anyone other than the Bureau of Health without written consent of parents/guardians. Records containing information about HIV test results and consent forms relating to test results shall be kept separate from other school records. Only those persons given written consent by the student’s parents/guardians shall have access. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCCA E. With written consent of the parents/guardians, the school shall designate an individual or team to: 1. Serve as the liaison between the school and the student’s parents, the student’s physician and, if necessary, the Bureau of Health; and/or 2. Serve as the supervisor of the medical component of the student’s educational experience. Any team member or individual entrusted with the knowledge of a student infected with HIV must, by law, keep his/her knowledge of that student’s status confidential and access to information shall be limited only to those persons authorized in writing by the student’s parents/guardians. F. At the parents’/guardians’ written request, a designated team member, usually the school nurse, will to the extent practicable notify the student’s parents/guardians and/or the student’s physician in the event that the designated team member becomes aware that infections occur in the school population that may place an immunodeficient student at increased risk as defined by the student’s physician or Bureau of Health. The decision whether or not to remove the student from school will be made by the parents/guardians and the student’s physician. G. Because of the inability to identify individuals who may be infected with HIV or other agents transmissible through blood and other body fluids, standard procedures shall be followed for cleaning and disinfecting all body fluid spills. The procedures for cleaning bodily fluid spills shall be reviewed annually by all school staff members. H. The unit will seek to provide educational programs to inform parents/guardians, students and staff regarding AIDS and all other communicable diseases even though there may not be students with infection currently enrolled. I. In any instance where this policy requires the consent of the parents/guardians of an HIV-infected student, consent must be obtained directly from the student if the student is 18 years of age or older. Legal Reference: 5 MRSA § 19201 et seq. Cross Reference: Adopted: GBGAA - Bloodborne Pathogens JLCC – Communicable/Infectious Diseases June 7, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe procedure for the administration of medications to students in the Lewiston Public Schools. The policy provides guidelines based on the limitations of the availability of health professionals within the school district. This policy is not to be considered a replacement of parental responsibility for the administration of medication in the schools. The administration of medication in the schools should only occur when it is absolutely necessary that medication be administered while school is in session. It is the ultimate responsibility of the parents to provide for administration of medication for their children. Lewiston Pubic Schools look forward to the cooperation of health professionals in the community to assist those who will be undertaking this responsibility. Administration of Medications A. The procedure/protocols for medication administration were developed by: 1. 2. 3. 4. B. The policies and procedures regarding medication administration will be reviewed and updated biannually by: 1. 2. 3. 4. C. School Committee; School Administrators; School Medical Advisor; and School Nurses. School Committee; School Administrators; School Medical Advisor; and School Nurses. The School Committee will provide copies of revised and updated policies to all personnel involved in the administration of medication to students. Procedures for Receiving and Accepting Requests for Giving Medications A. Medication will be received properly packaged by the pharmacy, accompanied by a signed authorization form. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD B. Medication will be stored: 1. In a box/cabinet used solely for the storage of medication. 2. Refrigerated medication will be stored separately in a box in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. 3. Controlled drugs will be kept in a double-locked system. 4. The school nurse, or in his/her absence, building administrators or designed personnel will have access to the medication keys. 5. Unused medication will be destroyed or returned to parent/guardian as directed on “Authorization to Administer Medication” form. Documentation and Record Keeping A. Medication orders will be obtained in writing from prescribing physician/dentist and/or written authorization from the parent/guardian. B. The administration of medication will be documented on an individual student’s medication record in ink and will become part of the student’s health record. C. An error in the administration of medication will be reported to the school nurse, the parent, and the student’s physician who will initiate appropriate action. D. The Medication Incident Report Form is to be used for reporting medication errors. E. It is medically acceptable to give a medication within one hour (before or after) of designated time. Training School Personnel No employee shall be required to administer or dispense any medication to a student or perform any medical procedure upon a student without proper training by the school nurse. A. The school nurse will provide a training program. B. Training will be provided annually before October 1. C. Documentation of training will be kept using the “Record of Training of School Personnel in the Administration of Medicines.” Copies will be kept by the Superintendent’s office, by building administrators, and by school nurses. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD D. Administrators, in collaboration with the nurses, will designate personnel for training. The intent is to utilize qualified staff who have volunteered for training. However, should extenuating circumstances arise, the administration reserves the right to designate responsible staff to be trained. E. Once properly trained, Lewiston Public Schools indemnifies and holds harmless the employee against any claims resulting from the administration of medication or performance of medical procedures that have met the criteria s set forth in this policy. Hypodermic Syringes in a School Setting Certain safeguards must be followed relative to the storage and destruction of syringes. A. Unused hypodermic syringes and needles should be kept locked in a cabinet or in rooms under protection of suitable locks and keys. B. Used needles and lancets will be disposed of in a hard plastic container. C. The school nurse will be responsible for the proper storage and disposal of this container. D. An emergency care for such students should be in place in case the school nurse is not available. Self-Administration of Medications Self-administration of medications (including inhalers & Expi-pens) will be allowed if these conditions are met: 1) 2) 3) 4) Medication will be properly packaged with original pharmacy labels. A signed medication authorization form signed by physician/dentist and/or parent/guardian. The school nurse will develop individual plan with the student for use of this medication taking into consideration age, development, understanding, and reliability. Inhalers may be kept by a student: K-6 – As directed by a physician if the school nurse has determined that the student uses the inhaler properly. 7-12 – in agreement with a parent/guardian if the school nurse has determined that the student uses the inhaler properly. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD The Lewiston Public Schools reserves the right to refuse requests for administering medication to students if any of the criteria outlined above are not met. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 254 and 4009(4) 28 CFR Part 35 (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) 34 CFR Part 104 (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973). 34 CFR Part 300 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Adopted: July 17, 1995 Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD-E1 Lewiston Public Schools Authorization to Administer Medication Which Must Be Taken During School Hours K – 6 Students The administration of medication in the schools should only occur when it is absolutely necessary that medication be administered while school is in session. It is the ultimate responsibility of the parents to provide for administration of medication for their children. Date: ________________ Student’s Name: ____________________________________________ Grade & Teacher: ___________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________ Name of Medication: ________________________________ Pharmacy: ____________________ Prescribing Physician: __________________________________________________ Physician’s Telephone: ________________________________ Reason for Medication: _______________________________________ Dosage: ______________ Time(s) to be Administered: _____________________________________________________ Possible Side Effects and Safety Procedures: ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ ____________________ Prescribing Physician’s Signature Date ************************************************************************************* Medication Removal: At the end of the school year or the last day of student’s enrollment, I choose the following method of medication disposal. I understand that if the medication is still in school seven (7) days after the last student day, the medication will be disposed of. _______ Parent will remove medication from school. _______ School nurse may dispose of the medication. I understand that the above medication may be administered by any staff member who is the building administrator’s designee. This may include a school nurse or a medically unlicensed person designated by the building administrator as allowed by law. Permission to Contact Prescribing Physician: I give permission for the school nurse to contact the above named prescribing physician to obtain information about the medication and the administration schedule. I give my permission for the school nurse to share information with the doctor about the effects of the medication on my child’s learning. _________________________________ Parent Signature 5/06 _________________ Date LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD-E2 Authorization to Administer Medication Which Must Be Taken During School Hours 7-12 Students The administration of medication in the schools should only occur when it is absolutely necessary that medication be administered while school is in session. It is the ultimate responsibility of the parents to provide for administration of medication for their children. Date:______________ Student’s Name:_______________________________________ Grade/Teacher: __________________________________________________________ Name of Medication:_____________________________Pharmacy:_________________ Prescribing Physician:_____________________________________________________ Physician’s Telephone:______________ Reason for Medication:______________________________________________________________ Dosage: _____________________ Time(s) to be Administered: _________________________________ Possible Side Effects and Safety Procedures:____________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Prescribing Physician’s Signature ___________________________ Date Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD-E2 Medication Removal: At the end of the school year or the last day of student’s enrollment, I choose the following method of medication disposal. I understand that if the medication is still in school seven (7) days after the last student day, the medication will be disposed of. Parent will remove medication from school. School nurse may dispose of the medication. Send the medication home with my child. Permission to Contact Prescribing Physician I give my permission for the school nurse to contact the above named prescribing physician to obtain information about the medication and the administration schedule. I give my permission for the school nurse to share information with the doctor about the effects of the medication on my child’s learning. ____________________________________ Parent’s Signature ____________________________ Date 5/06 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD-E3 Lewiston Public Schools Record of Training of School Personnel in the Administration of Medicines The following is a record of personnel who have been trained by the school nurses in the proper dispensing of medications in the schools. A copy of this record is kept by (1) all school nurses, (2) all building administrators, and (3) in the superintendent’s office. Individual Trained Location/School Date Verified by (school nurse signature) _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ _______________________ _____________________ _________ ___________________ 5/06 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCD-E4 INCIDENT REPORT – MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION Name of School:__________________________________________________________ Name of Student:_________________________________________________________ Birth Date: _____________ Date:_________________ Time:____________________ Date and time of error: _____________________________________________________ Name of person administering medication:_____________________________________ Name of medication and dosage prescribed: ____________________________________ Describe circumstances leading to error: _______________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Describe action taken:______________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Persons notified of error: Building Administrator:_______________________________________________ Parent:____________________________________________________________ Physician (if applicable):______________________________________________ Other: ____________________________________________________________ Signature (person completing incident report): __________________________________ Follow-up information if applicable: __________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 5/06 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCE FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE “First aid is immediate and temporary treatment and care in the event of an accident or injury, before medical care can be obtained.” —Maine Dept. of Ed. SCHOOL HEALTH MANUAL, p. EM-2 The Superintendent shall establish and implement procedures for handling accidents and injuries which shall make clear the responsibilities of various school personnel. They shall be based on the guidelines for emergencies in the school setting and other documents included in the Maine Department of Education SCHOOL HEALTH MANUAL. There shall also be a system for accident reporting, for maintaining emergency health and contact information on each student, and the designation and firstaid training of appropriate individuals in the schools. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 4009 Cross Reference: EBBB – Accident Reports JLCE-R – First Aid Procedures Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCE-R FIRST AID - PROCEDURES The building administrator or his/her designee shall be notified immediately of an injury to any student in the school building or on the school premises. A report of the injury and first aid given shall be made in writing, with a copy sent to the Superintendent and a duplicate copy retained in the school files. If the student is to be sent home, the building administrator/designee shall first determine if the parent or guardian is at home to receive the student. The student should not be sent home unless some responsible person in the household is there to receive him/her. In case the student is not able to go home unassisted, the building administrator shall require the parent to call for the student or shall provide proper supervision in seeing that the student is escorted safely home. In the case of serious injury requiring the immediate attention of a physician, the following procedure shall be followed: A. The school nurse and school physician shall be called immediately and the family notified. B. If the school physician in not available, the family shall be contacted and the student sent to the family physician on the instruction of the parent. C. If the family physician is not available, any other physician shall be called, or the student shall be taken to the nearest hospital. D. The parent shall be responsible for any fees in connection with (B) and (C) above. Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 4009 Cross Reference: JLCE – First Aid and Emergency Medical Care 6/00 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH FOOD ALLERGIES The School Committee recognizes that food allergies can pose a significant threat to the health of students. It is the policy of Lewiston Public Schools to work with students, staff, parents, and physicians to minimize risks and provide a safe educational environment for food-allergic students. Family's Responsibility Parents of students with food allergies are responsible to: • Notify the school of the child's allergies. • Provide written medical documentation from the student’s physician describing the student’s allergy, avoidance measures, typical symptoms, and describing appropriate actions and/or application of medications in an emergency situation. The attached Food Allergy Action Plan should be used as a guide. Include a photo of the child on written form. • Work with the school team to develop an Individual Health Plan and/or Emergency Plan that accommodates the child's needs throughout the school including in the classroom, in the cafeteria, in after-care programs, during schoolsponsored activities, and on the school bus. • Provide the school nurse with properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration. • Educate the child in the self-management of their food allergy including: o safe and unsafe foods o strategies for avoiding exposure to unsafe foods o symptoms of allergic reactions o how and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem o how to read food labels (age appropriate) • Review policies/procedures with the school staff, the child's physician, and the child (if age appropriate) after a reaction has occurred. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA • Provide emergency contact information, and physician contact information to the school. School's Responsibility • School personnel shall comply with all state and federal laws that may be applicable to a student with allergies, including the ADA, IDEA, Section 504, and FERPA and any district policies that apply. School personnel shall develop and maintain an Individualized Education Plan and/or a Section 504 Plan for such students when appropriate. • Food-allergic students shall be included in school activities to the fullest extent possible. Food-allergic students will not be excluded from school activities or discriminated against solely based on the existence of a food allergy. • School personnel shall comply with all federal/state/district laws and regulations regarding the privacy of and/or sharing of medical information about the student. • Lewiston Public Schools will not tolerate threats or harassment against an allergic child. Such threats, harassment, or other discriminatory activity will be taken seriously, and will be investigated promptly. • For each food-allergic student, the school will identify a core team consisting of, but not limited to, the school nurse, teacher(s), principal, school food service and nutrition manager/director, custodial staff, and counselor (if available) to work with parents and the student (age appropriate) to establish an Individual Health Plan and/or Emergency Plan. Changes to the Plan(s) to promote food allergy management should be made with core team participation. • The school will ensure that staff who interact with the student on a regular basis have received training and understand food allergies, are able to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction, have been trained in emergency procedures, and are familiar with the specific medical procedures applicable to that individual student in the event of an allergic reaction. In addition, the school will work with other school staff as appropriate to eliminate the use of food allergens in the allergic student's meals, educational tools, arts and crafts projects, or incentives. • The school nurse is responsible for ensuring that student medications are appropriately stored, and that an emergency kit is available that contains a physician's standing order for that student to receive epinephrine, or other medications, as appropriate. To the extent permitted by Maine law, medications may be kept in an accessible secure location central to designated school Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA personnel. In some cases, students may be allowed to carry their own epinephrine, if age appropriate, after approval from the student’s physician/clinic, parent and school nurse, and if allowed by state or local regulations. • Pursuant to Policies JLCD, JLCD-R, certain other designated school personnel are properly trained to administer medications in accordance with the laws governing the administration of emergency medications. A staff member who is properly trained to administer medications shall be available during the school day. The school has developed procedures to deal with emergency situations that may occur at school. See Policies JLCE, JLCE-R. • The school shall practice implementing a Food Allergy Emergency Plan before an allergic reaction occurs to assure the efficiency/effectiveness of the Plan. • In the event that an allergic reaction does occur at school, a review of the emergency response and the student’s emergency plan will be conducted with the core team members, parents/guardians, student (age appropriate), and physician after a reaction has occurred. Any modifications deemed appropriate may be made to the student’s plan. • The school will ensure that staff who interact with the student on a regular basis have received training and understand food allergies, are able to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction, have been trained in emergency procedures, and are familiar with the specific medical procedures applicable to that individual student in the event of an allergic reaction. In addition, the school will work with other school staff as appropriate to eliminate the use of food allergens in the allergic student's meals, educational tools, arts and crafts projects, or incentives. • All students, including those with food allergies, are eligible to participate in school lunch and other meal programs. As part of a student’s Individual Health Plan, the school will make reasonable accommodations to the students’ needs. This may include the preparation of special meals meeting the student’s dietary requirements, and may also include the designation of certain areas of the cafeteria as “allergy free” zones for student use. Depending on the age and needs of the child, the child’s plan will address a means by which cafeteria staff can identify specific students and their needs at the point of receiving food in the cafeteria. • As appropriate, custodial staff will be educated concerning the need for cleaning and the type of cleaning solutions appropriate for use. It may be necessary for tables and desks and cafeteria tables to which the student has access be washed. • The school will coordinate with the district transportation administrator to assure that school bus driver training includes training on allergic reactions, symptom awareness, and proper response in the event of an allergic reaction. Lewiston Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA Public Schools buses will be equipped with communication devices for use in case of emergency. Drivers will receive training on the proper use of such equipment. • Lewiston Public Schools will enforce a "no eating" policy on school buses with exceptions made only to accommodate students having special needs under federal or similar laws, or school district policy. All such special needs exceptions to the “no eating” policy must be approved in advance by the principal. • A student’s Individual Health Plan/Emergency Plan will include any measures necessary to protect the student at school sponsored events, including field trips. Appropriate strategies for managing the food allergy on such trips/events will be a part of the student’s Individual Health Plan. The school staff member(s) overseeing a school event/trip are responsible to ensure that all appropriate measures have been taken for each food-allergic student participating, as outlined in the student’s plan. In addition, arrangement for access to necessary medications during the trip/event will be made. The responsible staff member will also be responsible for familiarizing himself/herself with the student specific needs and any emergency procedures. • Staff should discourage all students from trading any food with others. Student's Responsibility Students with food allergies, as appropriate based on age, are responsible to: • Not trade food with others. • Not eat anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain any allergen. • Be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions based on their developmental level. • Notify an adult immediately if they eat something they believe may contain the food to which they are allergic or if they begin to develop symptoms that are related to their allergy. Cross Reference: JLCD – Administering Medicines to Students JLCD-R – Authorization to Administer Medicines to Students JLCE – First Aid and Emergency Medical Care JLCE-R – First Aid – Procedures Approved: December 8, 2003 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA E-1 Sample Letter for a Parent with a Child with an Allergy Date Dear Parent: _________________ is aware that ___________________ has an allergy to (Name of School) (child’s name) __________________________. (allergen) In order to help the school assure a safe environment for your child, there is certain information that will help in this endeavor. Please provide the following information to the school: { } Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medications as directed by a physician. { } Send to your child’s teacher, some safe food substituted for your child to eat when food is brought to the classroom for special occasions. { } Provide an EpiPen in case of an emergency. Other things that would be helpful in caring for your child are the following: Continue to educate your child about their allergy including what foods are safe and unsafe, to tell an adult if they are experiencing symptoms of a reaction, not to trade foods with another student, and to eat only foods that have been identified as safe. Review food allergies and the emergency plan with your child’s teacher, school nurse, bus drivers, and coaches. Review the cafeteria menu to be sure the foods offered are safe for your child. Call the food service director at 795-4106 if you have any questions about the menu. Contact me if you have any other questions at _______________. (phone number). Sincerely, (Name of School Nurse) 12/03 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA E-2 FOOD ALLERGY ACTION PLAN ALLERGY TO: ________________________________ Student’s Name: ___________________ DOB ________ Teacher: _________________________ Place Child’s Picture Here Asthmatic? Yes* ___ No ___ *High risk for severe reaction • SIGNS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION Systems: Symptoms: MOUTH Itching & swelling of the lips, tongue or mouth THROAT* Itching and/or a sense of tightness in the throat, hoarseness, and hacking cough SKIN Hives, itchy rash and/or swelling about the face or extremities GUT Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and/or diarrhea LUNG* Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, and/or wheezing HEART* “Thready” pulse, “passing-out” The severity of symptoms can quickly change. *All above symptoms can potentially progress to a life-threatening situation. • ACTION FOR MINOR REACTION 1. If only symptom(s) are: _______________________________________, give ________________________________________________________. medication/dose/route Then call: 2. Mother ___________________________, Father _________________________ or emergency contacts. 3. Dr. ______________________________ at _______________________________ If condition does not improve within 10 minutes, follow steps for Major Reaction on next page. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA E-2 • ACTION FOR MAJOR REACTION 1. If ingestion is suspected and/or symptom(s) are: __________________________, give ________________________________________________ IMMEDIATELY! medication/dose/route Then call: 2. Call Rescue Squad (911) and ask for advanced life support 3. Mother __________________________ Father ___________________________, or emergency contacts. 4. Dr. ______________________________ at _______________________________. Parent’s Signature _________________________________ Date _______________________ Doctor’s Signature _________________________________ Date _______________________ LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: JLCEA E-2 EMERGENCY CONTACTS TRAINED STAFF MEMBERS 1. ___________________________________ _ 1. _______________________ Room _____ Relation: _____________ Phone ___________ 2. _______________________ Room _____ 2. ____________________________________ 3. _______________________ Room _____ Relation: _____________ Phone ___________ 4. ________________________Room_____ 3. ____________________________________ Relation: _____________ Phone ___________ 5. ________________________Room_____ 6. ________________________Room_____ EPIPEN® AND EPIPEN® JR. DIRECTIONS 1. Pull off gray activation cap. I. 2. EPIPEN Hold black tip near outer thigh (always apply to thigh). Pen may be applied through clothing. (Drawing of person wearing long pants self-injecting meds) 3. Swing and jab firmly into outer thigh until Auto-Injector mechanism functions. Hold in Fortochildren with multiple food allergies, use one then form for food. and taken with place and count 10 slowly. The Epipen® unit should be each removed you to the Emergency Room. Massage the injection area for 10 seconds. For children with multiple food allergies, use one form for each food. 12/03 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 3 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: JLDBG REINTEGRATION OF STUDENTS FROM JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES Maine law requires the establishment of a reintegration team to assist a student entering a public school from a juvenile correctional facility. The School Committee recognizes the need for advance planning and appropriate confidentiality in these circumstances. The Superintendent shall be responsible for determining whether a student will be accepted or denied access to school based on compliance with the juvenile’s rehabilitation plan as it affects reintegration. Access may be denied until the Superintendent is satisfied that conditions have been met. The school district will comply with reintegration standards established by the Maine Department of Education. The Superintendent will be responsible for overseeing the transition of students from juvenile correctional facilities based on the following guidelines. A. Within ten days of receiving information from the Department of Corrections concerning the release of the juvenile offender, the Superintendent shall establish and convene a meeting of reintegration team to review information received from the Department of Corrections, evaluate the student’s individual educational needs, and determine what additional information may be relevant. B. The reintegration team shall include at a minimum the principal/designee of the school to which the student will be admitted, at least one classroom teacher to which the student will be assigned or who is involved in the school’s student assistance team, the student’s parent/guardian/custodian, and a guidance counselor. The student’s juvenile correctional officer or other representative from the Department of Corrections may be invited to attend. C. The reintegration team will determine, on the basis of need, which school employees should be given (OR receive information, OR have access to) information that would otherwise be considered confidential. The nature and extent of information provided should be limited to that needed to implement the student’s reintegration plan and ensure the health and safety of the student, the safety of the school’s students and staff, and the integrity of school property. D. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for ensuring that confidentiality training, including a review of the school unit’s policy and Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLDBG administrative procedures pertinent to records from the juvenile criminal justice system, including the juvenile correctional facility, and to all student educational records under the Family Education Records and Privacy Act (FERPA), is provided to all school employees who have access to this information. E. Before the student enters school, at least one additional meeting of the reintegration team should be held to develop an individualized plan for the student’s reintegration based on the student’s educational needs and the options available within the school system. This meeting should include the student as well as the members of the reintegration team. The reintegration plan will address the student’s educational program, participation in activities (including co-curricular and extracurricular activities), and access to school facilities (including transportation). F. Placement in grade, class, and/or school programs will be based on the student’s abilities and academic achievement demonstrated in prior educational settings, including the student’s stay at the juvenile correctional facility. The principal will be responsible for evaluating the student’s transcript and portfolio from the juvenile correctional facility to assess progress towards meeting the content standards of the Learning Results. G. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for developing and implementing a process for monitoring and reporting a student’s progress and compliance with the reintegration plan and for modifying the plan as needed. H. A student who violates School Committee policy or school rules will be subject to the disciplinary consequences described in policy, administrative procedures, and/or the student handbook/student code of conduct. I. The Superintendent/designee shall make any reports that may be required by the Department of Education concerning numbers of students entering the local school unit from juvenile correctional facilities. Legal Reference: Adopted: 20-A M.R.S.A. §§254(12), 2902(10, 4502(5)(O), 6001-B(1), 6001-B(2), 6001-B(3-A) May 19, 2003 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT I. II. DEFINITIONS A. Child abuse or neglect. Child abuse or neglect is defined by Maine law as “a threat to a child’s health or welfare by physical, mental or emotional injury or impairment, sexual abuse or exploitation, deprivation of essential needs or lack of protection from these, or failure to ensure compliance with school attendance requirement, if the child is at least seven years of age and has not completed grade six and has the equivalent of seven full days of unexcused absences or five consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school years, by a person responsible for the child. B. Person responsible for the child. A “person responsible for the child” means a person with responsibility for a child’s health or welfare, whether in the child’s home or another home or a facility which, as part of its function, provides for the care of the child. It includes the child’s parent, guardian or other custodian. EMPLOYEES’ DUTY TO REPORT Any employee of the school unit who has reason to suspect that a child has been or is likely to be abused or neglected must immediately notify the building administrator who shall process the report as provided in Section III of this policy. In addition to notifying the building administrator, the employee may also make a report directly to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or the District Attorney when the employee believes a direct report will better protect the child in question. III. ADMINISTRATORS’ DUTIES A. The building administrator shall make an immediate verbal report to the Superintendent/ designee. If it is determined that there is a duty to make a report to DHS or the District Attorney, the Superintendent/designee shall make the appropriate report(s), as provided in section B. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF IV. B. The law provides that a report must be made to DHS when the person suspected is a “person responsible for the child,” or to the District Attorney when the person suspected is not a person responsible for the child. However, because the legal definition of “person responsible for the child” is vague, the Superintendent/designee shall report all cases of suspected abuse or neglect to DHS. In addition, if the person suspected is not the parent, guardian or other custodian of the child, the Superintendent/ designee shall also make a report to the District Attorney. C. The Superintendent/designee shall retain a record of all verbal and written reports made to DHS, the District Attorney, or other outside agencies as well as all actions taken by the school unit. REPORTING PROCEDURES The verbal report shall include the following information, if known: A. The name and address of the child and the persons responsible for his/her care or custody; B. The child’s age and sex; C. The nature and extent of the alleged abuse or neglect, including description of injuries and any explanation given for them; D. A description of alleged sexual abuse or exploitation, if any; E. Family composition and evidence of prior abuse or neglect of the child or his/her siblings; F. The source of the report, the person making the report, his/her occupation and where he/she can be contacted; G. Any actions taken by school staff, including any photographs taken or other materials collected; and H. Any other information the person making the report believes may be helpful. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF Upon DHS’ request for a written report, the Superintendent/designee shall complete the Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report and mail a copy to DHS. Proper documentation shall be maintained in accordance with Section III. C. V. VI. INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS AND DISCIPLINE A. Employees. If the person suspected of abuse or neglect is an employee, the Superintendent/designee shall investigate and take appropriate action, in accordance with applicable School Committee policies, collective bargaining contracts, and federal and state laws. B. Students. If the person suspected of abuse or neglect is a student, and the abuse or neglect occurred on school premises, during a school activity, or is otherwise related to the school, the Superintendent/designee shall investigate and take appropriate action, in accordance with applicable School Committee policies and federal and state laws. INTERVIEWS OF STUDENT AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL Upon Department of Human Services (DHHS) request, DHHS personnel shall be permitted to meet with and interview a child who is named in a report of suspected child abuse and neglect when the child is present at the school. The interviewer shall provide written certification that he/she is an authorized representative of the DHHS and that, in DHHS judgment, the interview is necessary to carry out that Department’s duties under Maine law. The DHHS caseworker shall discuss the circumstances of the interview and any relevant information regarding the alleged abuse or neglect with the child’s teacher or guidance counselor or the school’s nurse, social worker or principal, as the caseworker determines is necessary for the provision of any needed emotional support to the child prior to and following the interview. School officials may not place any other conditions on the DHHS’s ability to conduct the interview, including but not limited to requiring that certain persons be present during the interview; prohibiting certain persons from being present during the interview; or requiring notice to or consent from a parent or guardian. School officials shall provide an appropriate, quiet and private place for the interview to occur. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF That DHHS intends to interview the child is confidential information and may not be disclosed to any person except those school officials, including an attorney for the school, who need the information to comply with Maine law pertaining to child abuse and neglect investigations. School personnel who assist DHHS in making a child available for an interview are regarded as participating in a child protection investigation or proceeding for the purpose of immunity from liability. VII. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION AND RECORDS All records, reports and information concerning alleged cases of child abuse and neglect shall be kept confidential to the extent required by School Committee policies and applicable law. The building administrator/designee is permitted to release a student’s school records without prior consent of the parent/guardian to DHS or law enforcement officials as necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals under federal law. VIII. GOOD FAITH IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY Any person who in good faith reports or participates in the investigation or proceedings of a child protection investigation is immune from any criminal or civil liability for the act of reporting or participating in the investigation or proceeding. Good faith does not include instances when a false report is made and the person knows the report is false. Legal Reference: 22 MRSA §4011-A, 4021 20 USC § 1232g, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Cross Reference: ACAA – Harassment and Sexual Harassment of Students JLF-E1 – Suspected Child Abuse/Neglect Report Form JRA – Student Records Adopted: Revised: June 7, 2000 February 11, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF-E1 SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORT FORM Reported to Department of Health & Human Services TO: Superintendent of Schools FR: ___________________________/______________________________ (school name) (person making report) Date and time of report: _________________________________________________ Name of student who is subject of report: ___________________________________ Age: ______________ Sex: ____________ Grade: _______________ Parent/Guardian Name(s): ________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ Names of sibling(s):______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Type of Alleged or Suspected Abuse: Physical Sexual Verbal/Emotional Neglect Absenteeism Other Statements or indicators leading to the suspicion of abuse/neglect (include all known information, including date, time and location, name of alleged or suspected abuser, and relationship to student): ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF-E1 List any photographs taken or other materials collected related to the report: _____ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Actions taken by school officials (list date, time and personnel involved): ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Reports to authorities (if applicable): Name and title of office contacted: _______________________________________ Date and time of telephone report: _______________________________________ Copy of report form sent (include date and addressee): ______________________ ____________________________________________________________ Signature and title of person completing form: _________________________________________ ______________________ Date: ______________________ 6/00 2/08 7/08 Page 2 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: JLF-E2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL ACCIDENT REPORT FORM (Individual) School____________________________________ Date_________________________ Principal ____________________________Person Reporting______________________ Name of PersonInjured_____________________________________________________ Teacher___________________________________________ Grade ________________ Sex (Circle) M F Date of Accident _________________________Time__________ Parent’s Name ______________________________Telephone Number______________ Address_________________________________________________________________ Activity (e.g. chemistry) ___________________________________________________ Place of Injury (e.g. chemistry lab)___________________________________________ How? (e.g. fell)___________________________________________________________ Kind of Injury (e.g. fracture)_________________________________________________ Body Part Affected (e.g. right arm)___________________________________________ School Time Lost (e.g. 2 days) ______________________________________________ The above accident required medical attention. By Whom_______________________ Address_________________________________ Insurance Coverage (Student, Family)_________________________________________ Disposition______________________________________________________________ (e.g. sent home, hospitalized) 6/00 2/08 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLG EDUCATION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS Recognizing that homelessness is a serious social issue, and that homeless children and youth often face significant obstacles in accessing education, Lewiston Public Schools seek to ensure that homeless children and youth have equal opportunity to a free appropriate public education in compliance with federal and state laws. Definitions: “Homeless children and youth” means students that lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The term includes: (1) children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar compelling reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement; (2) children or youth that have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; (3) children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and (4) migratory children (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Educations Act of 1965, as amended) who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described in this definition. Children and youth who have a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence, but elect to share the housing of other persons who are not a parent or legal guardian for reasons not related to personal hardship, are not homeless students. “Enroll” and “enrollment” include attending classes and participating fully in school activities. “Liaison” is the staff person designated by Lewiston Public Schools as the person responsible for carrying out the duties assigned to the liaison by the McKinney-Vento Act. Page 1 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLG “Unaccompanied youth” includes a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. The more general term “youth” also includes unaccompanied youth. “School of origin” means the school that the child or youth last attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. Equal Access: Homeless students will have access to the education and services that are available to non-homeless students, to ensure that homeless students have the same opportunity to meet the academic standards that all students are held to. Homeless students will not be separated, segregated, stigmatized or isolated from the mainstream school environment on the basis of their homeless status. To the extent feasible, all services provided to homeless students will be provided within mainstream school programs. The Superintendent may authorize separation of a homeless student from the mainstream school programs if and when necessary for short periods of time due to a health and safety emergency, or to provide temporary, special and supplementary services to meet the unique needs of the homeless student. Placement: School placement decisions will be made by the Superintendent in the best interest of the homeless child or youth. Based upon the child’s or youth’s best interest, Lewiston Public Schools shall: (a) continue the student’s education in the school of origin: (i) for the duration of homelessness if a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year; or (ii) for the remainder of the academic year if the student obtains permanent housing during an academic year. (b) enroll the student in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the student is actually living are eligible to attend. In determining the best interest of the child or youth, the Superintendent will, to the extent feasible, keep a homeless child or youth in the school of origin, unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the student’s parent/guardian. In the case of an unaccompanied youth, the Superintendent shall consult with the Liaison when making a placement decision and shall consider the views of the unaccompanied youth. Page 2 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLG The Superintendent will notify the parent/guardian of any decision to place a child in a school other than the school of origin or the school requested by the parent/guardian. The Superintendent will provide the parent/guardian with a written explanation of the placement decision, and will inform the parent/guardian, in writing, of his/her right to appeal the placement decision. In the case of an unaccompanied youth, the Superintendent will provide the same written notice to the youth and the Liaison. Enrollment: A school within Lewiston Public Schools will immediately enroll a homeless child or youth if selected as the placement in the best interest of the child or youth. The Superintendent may authorize separation of a homeless student from the mainstream school programs if and when necessary for short periods of time due to a health and safety emergency, or to provide temporary, special and supplementary services to meet the unique needs of the homeless students. The school shall not be required to enroll the student if the student is presently expelled or serving a suspension imposed by the school of origin. If the student is unable to produce immunization, medical, academic or other records normally required for enrollment, the Superintendent or his designee will immediately contact the school last attended by the student to obtain relevant records. The child’s parent/guardian will be required to supply contact information necessary for the Superintendent or Liaison to procure necessary records. If the student needs to obtain immunizations or records, the Superintendent will refer the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth to the Liaison. The Liaison will assist the youth or parent/guardian to obtain necessary immunizations or records. The lack of these records will not prevent the homeless child or youth from enrollment Enrollment/Placement Dispute: In the event of a dispute over school selection or enrollment, the student will be immediately enrolled in the school in which the parent/guardian seeks enrollment, pending resolution of the dispute. Immediate enrollment is not required in the case of a health or safety emergency or if the student is presently expelled or serving a suspension imposed by the school or origin. The parent/guardian or youth shall be provided with a written explanation of the Department’s decision, including notice of the right to appeal the decision. The Superintendent will refer the parent/guardian to the Liaison who will carry out the dispute resolution process expeditiously, in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The same process will be followed in the event of a placement or enrollment dispute between the school district and an unaccompanied youth. Enrollment disputes shall be handled according to applicable state dispute resolution processes. Page 3 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLG Liaison: Lewiston Public Schools has appointed a Liaison for Homeless Students and Youth. The Liaison’s primary duty will be to ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to all services for which they are eligible and a full opportunity to succeed in Lewiston schools. The Liaison’s duties will include, but not be limited to, outreach and identification of homeless children, provision of public notices concerning educational rights of homeless children and youths, education of children and their families as to the educational services and opportunities available to them, assistance with enrollment of homeless students and youth, assistance and facilitation of grievance or appeal processes as necessary, review of school policies and practices for compliance with state and federal guidelines, training of school personnel, and any other responsibilities as prescribed by Lewiston Public Schools and/or state and federal requirements. Transportation: Upon request of the parent/guardian or Liaison (in the case of an unaccompanied youth), Lewiston Public Schools will provide or arrange for transportation of homeless students to and from the student’s school of origin. If the student is living and attending school in Lewiston, the district shall provide transportation. In cases where the student is living outside the District and attending school in Lewiston, or is living in Lewiston and attending school outside Lewiston, the responsibility for transportation and costs shall be determined by agreement between the Superintendent and the Superintendent of the other district consistent with federal and state requirements. In the event of a dispute over costs or responsibility for transportation, such costs and responsibility shall be shared equally and the matter shall be resolved pursuant to available processes in compliance with state or federal regulations. Title I Services: Homeless children and youth shall receive Title I services and sufficient funds will be reserved to provide services in compliance with state and federal guidelines. Title I programs will be coordinated with McKinney-Vento services through collaboration between the District’s Title I director and the Liaison. Homeless children and youth shall be assessed, reported on and included in accountability systems as required by federal and state laws and regulations. Special Education Services: Homeless children and youth shall be evaluated and identified for special services in compliance with state and federal regulations. If a child or youth has an Individualized Page 4 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLG Education Plan (IEP), the District shall implement it consistent with applicable regulations, and shall establish a PET as soon as practicable. Re-evaluations or reviews of the student’s IEP shall be conducted as necessary. If complete records are not available, a PET shall be convened and shall determine the best course of action consistent with applicable federal and state regulations. Policy Review: The Superintendent, in coordination with the Liaison, shall initiate and oversee a process of review to develop and revise District policies and practices to remove any barriers to the enrollment, retention and educational achievement of homeless children and youth. Policies and practices may be revised from time to time to comply with state and federal requirements. Legal Reference: Adopted: 42 U.S.C. §11431 et. seq. April 28, 2003 Page 5 of 5 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: JLIB STUDENT DISMISSAL PRECAUTIONS The School Committee seeks to safeguard students by requiring procedures for excusing students from attendance at school. The building administrators are directed to develop and implement administrative procedures for dismissing students, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary from school to school due to the differing ages of the students. Students will be released only to parents, legal guardians, and other persons specifically authorized in writing by parents/legal guardians to pick up the student. If the building administrator/designee has reason to question the authenticity of any written or verbal communication regarding the release of a student, the parents/guardians shall be contacted for confirmation. The building administrator/designee has the authority to deny the release of students to unauthorized or unknown persons. Students who drive to school must present a note from a parent/guardian authorizing them to leave school at any time during the school day and must sign out at the school office. Students over 18 must provide a written reason for leaving school and must sign out at the school office. A custodial parent/guardian who wishes the school to comply with provisions of a court order to restrict access to a student is responsible for providing a certified copy of such order to the school. In addition, administrative procedures concerning student dismissal shall incorporate the following components: A. A procedure for dismissing students in the event of an emergency during the school day; B. A procedure for dismissing students for illness and other reasons prior to the end of the school day; and C. A procedure for confirming the identity of parents/guardians and others authorized to pick up students prior to releasing students. Cross Reference: EBCA – Crisis Response Plan JEA – Compulsory Attendance Ages KI – Visitors to the Schools Adopted: July 14, 1997 Revised: June 7, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: JO EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS The School Committee recognizes that Maine statutes restrict the work hours for students enrolled in school who are under age 16, and, to a lesser extent, for students who are 16 and 17. The law authorizes the Superintendent/designee to issue work permits to minors under 16 under certain conditions, including that he/she be enrolled in school, not habitually truant, not under suspension and currently passing a majority of courses. Permits may be revoked by the Superintendent if these conditions are not maintained. The School Committee believes there is a need for balance between work and school to enhance the development of young people. The School Committee directs school staff to work closely with parents, businesses and employers of students toward that end. Legal Reference: 26 MRSA §§ 664, 702, 704, 771, 773-775 Cross Reference: JEA-R – LHS/LRTC Attendance Policy Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION Lewiston Public Schools shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and all other federal and state laws and regulations concerning confidentiality and maintenance of student records and information. Directory Information Lewiston Public Schools designate the following student information as directory information: name, participation and grade level of students in recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes, dates of attendance in the school unit, honors and awards received, and photographs and videos relating to school attendance and participation in school activities (except photographs and videos on the Internet) . Lewiston Public Schools may disclose directory information if it has provided notice to parents (and eligible students over 18) and has not received timely written notice refusing permission to designate such information as directory information. Military Recruiters/Higher Education Access to Information Under federal law, military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students, and Lewiston Public Schools must comply with any such request, provided that parents have been notified of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent. Information on the Internet Under Maine law, Lewiston Public Schools shall not publish on the Internet any information that identifies a student, including but not limited to the student’s full name, photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, social security number and parents’ names, without written parental consent. Transfer of Student Records As required by Maine law, Lewiston Public Schools send student education records to a school unit to which a student applies for transfer, including disciplinary records, attendance records, special education records and health records (except for confidential health records for which consent for dissemination has not been obtained). Designation of Law Enforcement Unit The School Committee hereby designates its School Resource Officer(s) as the Lewiston Public Schools’ law enforcement unit. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA Administrative Procedures and Notices The Superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing any administrative procedures and parent notices necessary to comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning student education records and information. Notices shall be distributed annually to parents and eligible students concerning their rights under these laws and regulations. A copy of this policy shall be posted in each school. Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99 20 U.S.C. § 7908 20-A M.R.S.A. §§ 6001, 6001-B Maine Department of Education Rules, Chapters 101 and 125 Cross Reference: JRA-E1 – Annual Notice of Student Education Records and Information Rights JRA-R – Education Records and Information Administrative Procedure ILD – Student Surveys and Marketing Information 11/18/02 Revised: 1/26/04 Revised: 7/28/08 Revised: 9/14/09 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION – ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE This administrative procedure is intended to assist administrators and school staff in complying with the requirements of federal and state statutes and regulations concerning student education records and information, including special education requirements. Definitions The following definitions apply to terms used in this procedure. 1. "Act" means the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. §1232g). 2. “Directory information” means the following information contained in an education record of a student: name, participation and grade level of students in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes, dates of attendance in the school unit, honors and awards received, and photographs and videos relating to school attendance and participation in school activities (except photographs and videos on the Internet). 3. "Eligible student" means a student who has attained 18 years of age who has not been judged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be so severely impaired that the student is unable to make decisions or exercise judgment on his/her own behalf. When a student attains the age of 18, all rights accorded to parents concerning education records transfer to the eligible student. 4. "Parent" means parent, regardless of divorce or separation, a legal guardian, or individual acting as a parent or guardian provided that there shall be a presumption that a parent has the authority to exercise the rights inherent in the Act, unless there is evidence of a state law or court order governing such matters as divorce, separation or custody or a legally binding instrument that specifically revokes such rights. 5. "Education Record" means information or data that directly relates to a student and is maintained by the school unit in any medium, including but not limited to handwriting, print, computer media, video or audio tape, microfilm and microfiche. Records of instructional, supervisory and administrative personnel and personnel who support these individuals, which are in the sole possession of the maker thereof and which are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the person who made the record are excluded from this definition. Page 1 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R 6. "Student" includes any individual with respect to whom the School District maintains education records. Annual Notification of Rights Parents and eligible students shall be provided with notice of their rights under FERPA and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations concerning education records at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment if a student enrolls after the start of the school year. Lewiston Public Schools may provide notice through any of the following means: 1. Mailing to students’ homes; 2. Distribution to students to take home; 3. Publication in student handbooks; 4. Publication in newsletters or other materials distributed to each parent/eligible student. Access to Policy and Administrative Procedures Lewiston Public Schools’ policy on Student Education Records and Information shall be posted in each school. In addition, school administrators shall provide copies of this administrative procedure to parents/eligible students upon request. Inspection and Review of Education Records Parents/eligible students may review and inspect their educational records by the following procedure: 1. The parent/eligible student must make a written request to the Superintendent or building administrator to review the records. 2. The Superintendent or building administrator will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and in a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than 45 days after it received the request, and will comply before any IEP Team meeting regarding an Individualized Education Program or any due process hearing relating to the identification, evaluation, or placement of the student. Page 2 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R 3. The Superintendent or building administrator may deny a request for access to or copies of the student's education records if there is reasonable doubt as to the legality of the parent-child relationship. Access will be withheld until a determination of legal right to access can be established. Parents/eligible students may also request to review the following: 1. Lewiston Public Schools’ list of types and locations of all records and titles of officials responsible for the records. 2. Lewiston Public Schools’ record of disclosures of personally identifiable information (see following section). Requests to Amend Education Records Parents/eligible students may ask Lewiston Public Schools to amend education records they believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy rights as follows: 1. The parent/eligible student must make a written request to the Superintendent or building administrator to amend the education record. The request must clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. 2. The Superintendent or building administrator shall, within a reasonable period of time after receipt of the request, either amend the record in accordance with the request or inform the parent/eligible student of its refusal to amend the record and inform the parent/eligible student of their right to request a hearing. 3. If the parent/eligible student requests a hearing, it shall be held within a reasonable period of time from Lewiston Public Schools’ receipt of the written request. The parent/eligible student shall be given advance notice of the date, place, and time of the hearing. The Superintendent shall designate an individual to conduct the hearing. This individual may be an employee of Lewiston Public Schools so long as he/she does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. The parent/eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or represented by individuals of his/her choice at his/her own expense, including an attorney. Page 3 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R 4. Lewiston Public Schools shall make its decision in writing within a reasonable period of time. The decision of the school shall include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision. 5. If, as a result of the hearing, Lewiston Public Schools decide that the information is inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the student, it shall amend the education records of the student accordingly and so inform the parent/eligible student in writing. 6. If, as a result of the hearing, Lewiston Public Schools decide that the information is not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy rights of the student, it shall inform the parent/eligible student of their right to include a statement in the student’s education record about the contested information and/or setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decision of Lewiston Public Schools. 7. Any statement placed in the student’s education record under the preceding paragraph shall be maintained as long as the record or contested portion is maintained by the School Lewiston Public Schools. If the education records of the student or the contested portion is disclosed by Lewiston Public Schools to any party, the explanation shall also be disclosed. Disclosure of Education Records All disclosures of education records will be made in compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations. Lewiston Public Schools will maintain a record of disclosures of personally identifiable information from the education records of a student. Such records do not include disclosures to the parents/eligible student, disclosures made pursuant to written consent of the parents/eligible student, disclosures to school officials or disclosures of directory information. Lewiston Public Schools will not disclose any personally identifiable information from the education records of a student without the prior written consent of the parent/eligible student. The written consent shall include a specification of the records which may be disclosed, the purpose(s) of the disclosure(s), and the identity of the party or parties to whom the disclosure(s) may be made. There are several exceptions to the requirement to obtain prior written consent before Disclosing education records as follows: Page 4 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R 1. Directory Information. Lewiston Public Schools may make directory information (as described in the Definitions section) public at its discretion unless a parent/eligible student has notified the Superintendent in writing by September 15th or within thirty (30) days of enrollment, whichever is later. Lewiston Public Schools may disclose directory information about former students without the consent of the parent/eligible student. 2. Military Recruiters/Institutions of Higher Education. Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students and Lewiston Public Schools must comply with any such request, provided that parents have been notified of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent. Parents/eligible students who do not want Lewiston Public Schools to disclose this information must notify the Superintendent in writing by September 15th or within thirty (30) days of enrollment, whichever is later. 3. School Officials with Legitimate Educational Interests. Education records may be disclosed to school officials with a “legitimate educational interest.” A school official has a legitimate educational interest if he/she needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. School officials include persons employed by Lewiston Public Schools as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and the school unit’s designated law enforcement unit personnel, if any); members of the Board of Education; persons or companies with whom Lewiston Public Schools have contracted to provide specific services (such as attorneys, auditors, medical consultants, evaluators or therapists); and parents, students or volunteers serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance committee) or assisting a school official in performing his/her professional responsibilities. 4. Other School Units. Under Maine law (20-A M.R.S.A. § 6001-B), Lewiston Public Schools are required to send a student’s education records to a school unit to which a student applies for transfer, including disciplinary records, attendance records, special education records and health records. Consent is not required for the transfer of these records, except for confidential health records. Page 5 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R At the request of the Superintendent of the school unit where a student seeks admission, the student's current or former school administrators shall provide, in a timely fashion, an oral or written report to the Superintendent indicating whether the student has been expelled or suspended or is the subject of an expulsion or suspension proceeding. 5. Other Entities/Individuals. Education records may be disclosed to other governmental entities and individuals as specifically permitted by FERPA and the accompanying regulations. 6. Information on the Internet. Under Maine law (20-A M.R.S.A. § 6001), Lewiston Public Schools shall not publish on the Internet any information that identifies a student, including but not limited the student’s full name, photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth, social security number and parents’ names, without written parental consent. Waiver of Confidentiality Rights A parent/eligible student may waive any of his/her rights regarding confidentiality of educational records, but any such a waiver must be in writing and signed by the parent/eligible student. The school may not require that a parent/eligible student waive his or her rights. Any waiver may be revoked with respect to actions occurring after the revocation. If a parent executes a waiver, that waiver may be revoked by the student any time after he/she becomes an eligible student. Fees for Copying Records There shall be no charge to search for or retrieve education records of a student. Lewiston Public Schools shall provide copies of education records to parents/eligible students upon request. The cost of producing copies of the record to parents/eligible student will be ten cents ($0.10) per page copied, plus postage. Parents/eligible students who are unable to pay such fees will not be denied access to education records. This fee, however, will not prohibit a parent's or eligible student's opportunity for access to the records if they are unable to pay for such copies. There will be no charge to search for or to retrieve the education records of a student. Maintenance and Destruction of Education Records Lewiston Public Schools shall maintain accurate and up-to-date education records as required by federal and state statutes and regulations. Page 6 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-R 1. Records shall be maintained by personnel who are knowledgeable about the applicable confidentiality. All records shall be safeguarded from unauthorized access. Student records must be kept in fireproof storage at the school or a duplicate set kept off-site. 2. The high school transcripts of all former students shall be kept in perpetuity by Lewiston Public Schools. A permanent record of a special education student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, and grade and year completed shall be maintained without time limitations. All other records will be maintained in accordance with Maine State Rules for Disposition of Local Governmental Records (Schedule L). 3. Lewiston Public Schools shall not destroy any education record if there is any outstanding request to inspect or review such records. 4. Records of access to education records shall be retained as long as the records themselves. 5. Lewiston Public Schools shall inform parents of students with disabilities when education records are no longer needed to provide educational services to the student or to demonstrate that the school has provided the student with a free appropriate public education as required by law. At that point, the records may be turned over to parents/eligible student upon their request, or destroyed in accordance with the parent’s request or school unit procedures. Complaints The United States Department of Education maintains an office that handles complaints about alleged violations of FERPA by local school units. Complaints regarding violations of rights accorded parents/eligible students may be submitted in writing to: Family Policy Compliance Office Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20202 Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99 20 U.S.C. § 7908 20-A M.R.S.A. § 6001, 6001-B Maine Department of Education Rules, Chapters 101 and 125 Maine State Archives, Rules for Disposition of Local Governmental Records (Schedule L) 9/2009 Page 7 of 7 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 36 OAK STREET LEWISTON, ME 04240 ANNUAL NOTICE OF STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION RIGHTS The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) provides certain rights to parents and eligible students (18 years of age or older) with respect to the student=s education records. Inspection of Records Parents/eligible students may inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of making a request. Such requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or building administrator in writing and must identify the record(s) to be inspected. The Superintendent or building administrator will notify the parent/eligible student of the time and place where the record(s) may be inspected. Parents/eligible students may obtain copies of education records at a cost of ten cents ($0.10) per page. Amendment of Records Parents/eligible students may ask Lewiston Public Schools to amend education records they believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right to privacy. Such requests must be submitted to the Superintendent or building administrator in writing, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the Superintendent or building administrator decides not to amend the record as requested, the parent/eligible student will be notified of the decision, their right to request a hearing, and information about the hearing procedure. Disclosure of Records Lewiston Public Schools must obtain a parent/eligible student’s written consent prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records except in circumstances as permitted by law. 1. Directory Information Lewiston Public Schools designates the following student information as directory information that may be made public at its discretion: name, participation and grade level of students in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of student athletes, dates of attendance in the school unit, honors and awards received, and photographs and videos relating to school attendance and participation in school activities (except photographs and videos on the Internet). Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E1 Parents/eligible students who do not want Lewiston Public Schools to disclose directory information must notify the Superintendent in writing by September 15th or within thirty (30) days of enrollment, whichever is later. 2. Military Recruiters/Institutions of Higher Education Military recruiters and institutions of higher education are entitled to receive the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary students and Lewiston Public Schools must comply with any such request, provided that parents have been notified of their right to request that this information not be released without their prior written consent. Parents/eligible students who do not want Lewiston Public Schools to disclose this information must notify the Superintendent in writing by September 15th or within thirty (30) days of enrollment, whichever is later. 3. School Officials with Legitimate Educational Interests Education records may be disclosed to school officials with a “legitimate educational interest.” A school official has a legitimate educational interest if he/she needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. School officials include persons employed by Lewiston Public Schools as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); members of the Board of Education; persons or companies with whom Lewiston Public Schools have contracted to provide specific services (such as attorneys, auditors, medical consultants, evaluators, or therapists); and parents, students and volunteers serving on an official committee (such as a disciplinary or grievance committee) or assisting a school official in performing his/her professional responsibilities. 4. Other School Units As required by Maine law, Lewiston Public Schools send student education records to a school unit to which a student applies for transfer, including disciplinary records, attendance records, special education records and health records (except for confidential health records for which consent for dissemination has not been obtained). 5. Other Entities/Individuals Education records may be disclosed to other entities and individuals as specifically permitted by law. Parents/eligible students may obtain information about other exceptions to the written consent requirement by request to the Superintendent or building administrator. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E1 Complaints Regarding Lewiston Public School Compliance with FERPA Parents/eligible students who believe that Lewiston Public Schools have not complied with the requirements of FERPA have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. The office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 9/2009 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E2 CONSENT/DENIAL OF CONSENT TO RELEASE STUDENT INFORMATION (For Grades K-8 Students) Federal law and regulations pertaining to family educational rights and privacy allow schools, without prior consent, to release at their discretion information from student educational records that has been designated by the school system as “directory information.” Lewiston Public Schools have designated the following as directory information: student’s name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of student athletes, grade level in school of participants in extracurricular activities, date of attendance at local school unit schools, and honors and awards received. Please check the box that applies and return this form to: I give my permission for _____________________ School to release information about my son/daughter ___________________________ that the school system has designated as “directory information.” I request that _____________________ School NOT release information of any kind, including “directory information,” concerning my son/daughter _________________ without my prior written consent. ________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________ Date Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E3 CONSENT/DENIAL OF CONSENT TO RELEASE STUDENT INFORMATION (For Grades 9-12 Students) Federal law and regulations pertaining to family educational rights and privacy allow schools, without prior consent, to release at their discretion information from student educational records that has been designated by the school system as “directory information.” Lewiston Public Schools have designated the following as “directory information”: student’s name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of student athletes, grade level in school of participants in extracurricular activities, date of attendance at local school unit schools, and honors and awards received. In addition, the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” contains provisions that require that the school unit provide student names, addresses and telephone numbers to military and institutions of higher learning when requested to do so, unless the student’s parent/guardian or student 18 years of age or older requests in writing that such information not be released. If you DO NOT want the information released, please complete the appropriate section of this form and return it to: FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18: I request that ____________________ High School NOT release the name, address, or telephone number of my son/daughter __________ to any military recruiter or military recruiting organization without my prior written consent. NOT release the name, address, or telephone number of my son/daughter __________ to any institution of higher learning without my prior written consent. NOT release information of any kind, including “directory information,” concerning my son/daughter ________________ without my prior written consent. ______________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________ Date Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA CODE: JRA-E3 FOR STUDENTS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER: I request that __________________ High School NOT release my name, address, or telephone number to any military recruiter or military recruiting organization without my prior written consent. NOT release my name, address, or telephone number to any institution of higher learning without my prior written consent. NOT release information of any kind concerning me, including “directory information,” without my prior written consent. Student Signature Date Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS SECTION K: SCHOOL-COMMUNITY-HOME RELATIONS Section K of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on parent and community involvement in schools. With the exception of policies concerning education agencies, statements on public sector relations with the school district are also located in this section. KBF KBF-E1 KBF-E2 Title I – Parent Involvement Lewiston School Department Title One Parent Involvement Policy Elementary Schools Title One Parent Involvement Policy KCB Community Involvement in Decision Making KDA KDB KDB-E Public Information Program Public’s Right to Know/Freedom of Information Public’s Right to Know/Freedom of Information Request Form KE Public Concerns and Complaints KF KF-R KF-E1 KF-E2 KF-E3 Community Use of School Facilities Lewiston Middle School Auditorium Use/Administrative Procedure Lewiston Public Schools Facility Rental Rates Lewiston Public Schools Facilities Rental Agreement Lewiston Regional Technical Center/Culinary Arts Facilities Rental Agreement KHB KHC KI Advertising in the Schools Public Distribution/Posting of Non-Curricular Materials Visitors to the Schools KLG KLG-R Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure 6/09 NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN TITLE I The Lewiston School Committee endorses the parent involvement goals of Title I and encourages the regular participation by parents/guardians in all aspects of the school system’s Title I programs. For the purpose of this policy, “parents/guardians” includes other family members involved in supervising the child’s schooling. DISTRICT-LEVEL PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)] In compliance with federal law, Lewiston Public Schools will develop jointly with, agree on with, and distribute to parents of children participating in Lewiston Public Schools’ Title One program a written district-level parent involvement policy. Annually, parents/guardians will have opportunities to participate in the evaluation of the content and effectiveness of Lewiston Public Schools’ parent involvement policy and in using the findings of the evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent involvement and to make revisions to the policy. SCHOOL-PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY As required by law, each school in Lewiston that receives Title I funds shall jointly develop with parents/guardians of children served in the program a school parent/guardian involvement policy, including “School-Parent Compact” outlining the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement in meeting the Maine Learning Results standards. The school policy will be distributed to parents/guardians of children in the schools’ Title I programs. [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(b), (d)] The “School-Parent Compact” shall: 1. Describe the school’s responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment enabling children in the Title I program to meet the Maine Learning Results academic achievement standards; [20 U.S.C. §6318(d)(1)] Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF 2. Indicate the ways in which parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion, monitoring television watching, volunteering in the classroom, and participating. as appropriate, in decisions related to their children’s education and positive use of extra-curricular time; and [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1) 3. Address the importance of parent-teacher communication on an ongoing basis, with at a minimum, parent-teacher conferences, frequent reports to parents, and reasonable access to staff. [20 U.S.C. §6318(d)(2)] PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318(c)] Each school receiving Title I funds shall convene an annual meeting, to which all parents/guardians of eligible children shall be invited to inform them about the school’s participation in Title I and to involve them in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title I programs and the parent involvement policy. In addition to the required annual meeting, at least 2 other meetings shall be held at various times of the day and/or evenings for parents/guardians of students participating in Title I programs. These meetings shall be used to provide parents with: 1. Information about programs the school provides under Title I: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(c)(4)(A)] 2. A description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency level students are expected to meet. [20 U.S.C. §6318(c)(4)(B)] 3. Opportunities to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children; and [20 U.S.C. § 6318(c)(4)(C)] 4. The opportunity to submit comments to the district level if they are dissatisfied with a school-wide Title I program. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(c)(5)] Title I funding, if sufficient, may be used to facilitate parent/guardian attendance at meetings through the payment of transportation and childcare costs. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF PARENT RELATIONS Parents/guardians of children identified for participation in a Title I program shall receive from the building principal and Title I staff an explanation of the reasons supporting their child’s selection, a set of objectives to be addressed, and a description of the services to be provided. Parents will receive regular reports on their child’s progress and be provided opportunities to meet with the classroom and Title I teachers. Parents will also receive training, materials, and suggestions as to how they can assist in the education of their children at home. DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY The Superintendent/designee shall be responsible for ensuring that Lewiston Public Schools’ title I plan, programs, and parent involvement policies comply with applicable law and regulations and for developing administrative procedures, as needed, to implement this policy. Legal References: 20 U.S.C. § 6318 Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: July 26, 2004 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This district-level policy has been developed in cooperation with the parents/guardians of students participating in Lewiston Public Schools’ Title One programs. It provides an understanding of the shared responsibility if the school system and parents/guardians in improving students’ academic achievement and school performance. The Superintendent/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in Lewiston Public Schools’ Title I programs. Because parent involvement is so important to a student’s success in school, the Lewiston School Committee encourages regular participation by parents/guardians in all aspects of the school unit’s Title I programs. Lewiston Public Schools provide opportunities for parent/guardian involvement that are aligned with the requirements of Title I programs set forth in law as follows. 1. Lewiston Public Schools involve parents/guardians in the joint development of the school system’s plan to help disadvantaged students meet challenging achievement and academic standards and in the process of school review and improvement by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(A), refers to 6312] • Establishing a district Parent Advisory Committee with parent/guardian representatives from each building; • Establishing effective and ongoing two-way communications between the district, school, staff and parents/guardians; • Developing a district-wide newsletter to communicate with parents/guardians about the district’s Title One plan and seek their input and participation; and • Training staff to work more effectively with families with diverse cultural backgrounds and/or barriers such as illiteracy or limited English proficiency. 2. Lewiston Public Schools provide the coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent/guardian involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(B)]. Page 1 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E1 • Providing information to parents/guardians about the district and various instruments that will be developed or used to monitor student progress; • Providing district level workshops to assist individual schools in planning and implementing various improvement activities; • Holding training sessions for parent Advisory Committee members so that there may be more effective liaisons between parents and schools; and seeking input from parents/guardians in developing workshops that will help them become more effective partners with the schools in encouraging academic achievement. 3. Lewiston Public Schools build the capacity of schools and parents/guardians for strong parental involvement by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(C)] • Engaging school Parent-Teacher-Community Organizations to seek out and involve parents/guardians through their communications and informational meetings; • Promoting cooperation between the district and other agencies or school/community groups to furnish learning opportunities, increase awareness of support services, and disseminate information regarding parenting skills and child/adolescent development; and • Provide ongoing communication about opportunities to serve on the Parental Advisory Committee, volunteer in the schools, and lean how to work more effectively with their children to extend and reinforce learning and foster achievement. 4. Lewiston Public Schools coordinate and integrate parent/guardian involvement strategies for Title One programs with those of the other programs (such as Head Start, Even Start, and other State-run preschool programs by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(D)] • Involving the district and school representatives from other programs to assist in identifying specific population needs; and • Sharing data between programs to assist in developing new initiatives to improve student academic achievement and school improvement. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E1 5. Lewiston Public Schools conduct, with the involvement of parents/guardians, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy in improving the academic quality of the schools served under Title One, including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents/guardians in activities supported by Title One (with particular attention to parents/guardians who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background), using the findings of such evaluation to design strategies for more effective parent/guardian involvement, and revising, if necessary the parent/guardian involvement policies described in this section by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(E)] • Evaluating the content and effectiveness of the parent/guardian involvement policy through a variety of means such as surveys, workshops, focus groups and informal meetings involving district and school administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians; • Identifying and overcoming barriers to effective evaluation and input, e.g., language support for parents/guardians who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency, scheduling multiple meetings at various times of day or night, providing a means of transportation; and • Identifying potential policy changes and program improvements. 6. Lewiston Public Schools involve parents/guardians in the activities of the schools served under Title One by: [20 U.S.C. § 6318(a)(2)(F)] • Keeping parents/guardians informed of the objectives of the district’s Title One program; • Providing communication and calendar information to alert parents/guardians of meetings or events and encouraging their participation; • Providing central coordination for district, school, and parent-teachercommunity organization meeting and other events to create a master calendar to facilitate parent/guardian participation; and • Promoting opportunities for parents as volunteers in the classroom and in school programs. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. § 6318] Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 FARWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Farwell School. It includes a “SchoolParent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; Page 1 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; Page 2 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 3 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 GOV. JAMES B. LONGLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Longley School. It includes a “SchoolParent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; Page 4 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; Page 5 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 6 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 MARTEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Martel School. It includes a “SchoolParent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; Page 7 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. Page 8 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 9 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 THOMAS J. McMAHON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at McMahon School. It includes a “School-Parent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; Page 10 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. Page 11 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 12 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 MONTELLO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Montello School. It includes a “School-Parent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; Page 13 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. Page 14 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 15 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 GEIGER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Pettingill School. It includes a “School-Parent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; Page 16 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. Page 17 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Page 18 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 LEWISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL TITLE ONE PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY This school policy has been developed in consultation with the parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program at Lewiston Middle School. It includes a “School-Parent Compact” that outlines the manner in which parents, school staff and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The building principal/designee will be responsible for distributing this policy to parents/guardians of students participating in the school’s Title I program. PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS [20 U.S.C. § 6318] The school shall convene an annual meeting at a convenient time to which all parents/guardians of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend to inform them of the school’s participation under Title One, explain the right of parents to be involved, and to encourage their involvement in the planning, review, and improvement of the school’s Title One program and parent involvement policy. The school will hold at least two other meetings during the school year, held at various times during the day or evening for parents/guardians of students participating in the Title One program. The principal/designee will: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(c)(4), (c)(5)] • Invite parents/guardians of participating children to attend the annual meeting and to other meetings held during the school year; • Introduce the representatives on the Parent Advisory Committee • Provide an overview of Title One and the programs the school provides under Title One; • Explain the rights of parents/guardians to be involved in developing and reviewing the schools parent involvement policy, including the SchoolParent Compact; • Provide a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; • Give parents/guardians an opportunity to ask questions and engage in informal discussions about student achievement and school performance; Page 19 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Invite parents/guardians to serve on the Parent Advisory Committee and/or other school or district-level Title One committees; • Invite parents/guardians to participate in the review of programs under Title One as well as the school-parent involvement policy; • with the input of parents/guardians, establish a process by which an adequate representation of parents/guardians can be assured; • Describe the process by which parents/guardians may express concerns and complaints if they are dissatisfied with the Title One program; • Engage school-based parent organizations in outreach to parents/guardians of students participating in Title One; and • Arrange for childcare so that parents/guardians who would otherwise be unable to attend may do so. SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT This School-Parent Compact describes how parents, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d))] 1. The school is responsible for providing a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables students served under Title One to meet the State’s high academic achievement standards. [20 U.S.C. § 6318(d)(1)] 2. Parents/guardians will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(1)] • Monitoring their children’s attendance; • Providing assistance and encouraging their children to complete homework assignments • Encouraging their children to ask for help from teachers when needed • Talking with their children about the school day; • Reading to or with their children • Monitoring and limiting their children’s television watching; • Volunteering in the classroom and for school-related activities such as field trips; Page 20 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KBF-E2 • Participating, as appropriate, in decisions related to the education of their children; and • Enrolling their children in extracurricular and age-appropriate, community-based, after-school activities. 3. The school will address the importance of communication between parents and teachers on an ongoing basis by: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318(d)(4)] • Scheduling one or more parent-teacher meetings annually for parents/guardians of elementary school level students during which the Compact shall be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement; • Providing frequent reports to parents/guardians on their children’s progress; • Providing parents/guardians with reasonable access to staff to discuss issues related to their children’s learning • Giving parents the opportunity to observe classroom activities; • Welcoming parents as volunteers in the classroom; and • Providing adequate supervision and feedback for parents/guardians who volunteer. Legal Reference: [20 U.S.C. §§ 6318] Adopted: June 7, 2000 Revised: July 26, 2004 Page 21 of 21 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KCB COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING The School Committee believes that community participation in the schools is essential to maintain mutual confidence and respect and to improve the quality of education for all students. Community participation is important both at the School Committee and school levels. The Committee shall seek to involve the community through established policies governing public participation at Committee meetings, advisory committees and other appropriate means. Building administrators are encouraged to establish methods to involve the community in decision-making processes which are consistent with School Committee policies. The School Committee is ultimately responsible for the formulation of policies involving the curriculum instruction and the overall school program. The School Committee reserves the right to make the final decision regarding any such policies, while taking into account the views and suggestions from community members and others. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KDA PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM Public support for the schools depends upon informed public opinion. Opinions are formed on the basis of available information, or the lack of it. The School Committee shall maintain a public information program to compile and distribute news of events, noteworthy facts, statistics, plans and reports regarding the school unit. Meeting the needs of the community and gaining the necessary community support to meet those needs depends upon two-way communication between the School Committee and the public. The School Committee delegates to the Superintendent and administration the authority to implement a communications program for the school unit to: A. Encourage a better understanding of the goals, programs, needs and accomplishments of the school unit; B. Provide planned, systematic, two-way communication channels between the schools and the community; C. Include the use of a variety of media such as meetings, letters, newsletters, publications and personal contacts; and D. Provide and communicate procedures for addressing public complaints and concerns. Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KDB PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW/FREEDOM OF INFORMATION The School Committee recognizes the importance of a well-informed public to the operations of the public schools. The School Committee will comply with all applicable sections of Maine’s Freedom of Access Act. Except as otherwise provided by statute, all School Committee proceedings shall be open to the public, any person shall be permitted to attend, and any records or minutes of such proceedings that are required by law shall be made promptly and shall be open to public inspection. School Committee agendas and minutes, proposed and approved School Committee policies, annual budget reports and student handbooks shall be available for immediate inspection and/or copying in the Superintendent’s Office. In order to ensure availability and avoid disruption of school operations, requests for all other public records shall be made in writing to the Superintendent, specifying the records desired for inspection/copying. The law does not require the school unit to use staff time and resources to compile data or respond to lengthy requests for information, but simply to produce public records for inspection. A response to the request shall be provided within five working days. If the request is granted, an appointment shall be scheduled for inspection/copying as soon as possible, and in no case later than within 30 working days. If the request for inspection/copying is not granted, the denial and the reason therefor shall be provided within five working days. As permitted by law, persons requesting copies of public records shall be required to pay the reasonable costs of copying. The Superintendent is directed to develop and implement such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out this policy. Legal Reference: 1 MRSA § 401 et seq. Cross Reference: BEC – Executive Sessions GBJ – Personnel Records and Files JRA – Student Educational Records Adopted: June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KDB-E PUBLIC’S RIGHT TO KNOW/FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST FORM Date:__________________________________________________________________ Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________________________ Description of Request:__________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Note: Copies are available at 10 cents per page. ____________________________________ Signature of Person Making Request OFFICE USE Date information provided:_____________________________________________________ Date Request Denied (if applicable):______________________________________________ Reason for Denial (if applicable):________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 6/00 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: KE PUBLIC CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS Parents, students or other citizens with complaints or concerns regarding any aspect of Lewiston Public Schools, or an employee thereof, shall be encouraged to seek a resolution at the level closest to the problem. Complaints that concern School Committee actions or operations should be addressed to the School Committee Chair. If the complaint cannot be resolved at the level closest to the problem, the person initiating the complaint may appeal the decision to the next level (i.e., Principal, Special Education Director, etc.). If the complaint cannot be resolved at any lower level, it may be appealed to the Superintendent. If the complaint remains unresolved at the Superintendent’s level, the person making the complaint may request that the matter be placed on the agenda of the next regular School Committee meeting. The Superintendent, in consultation with the School Committee Chair shall determine whether the complaint should be placed on the agenda. At all levels of the complaint process, school employees are required to inform the person making the complaint of his/her right to appeal the decision to the next level. This policy shall not be utilized by employees for matters or grievances relating to any term or condition of their employment. Such matters shall be addressed through established channels for grievances. Cross Reference: Adopted: BEDB – Agenda Preparation and Dissemination February 25, 2008 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF COMMUNITY USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES Lewiston Public Schools permit and encourage the use of school facilities by civic, social, private, educational or school-oriented organizations whose aims are consistent with the philosophy of the Department and whose use does not interfere with the normal operations of the schools. Any organization that wishes to use or rent School Department facilities must complete the appropriate application form and submit the form in triplicate to the appropriate school building administrator at least two weeks prior to the time of use or rental. Forms are available at each building site. Priorities of Use/Rental The order of priority for use or rental of school facilities will be as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Regular functions of the facility; Regular school functions of the facility; Official functions of the School Committee; Auxiliary school functions (teachers’ association meetings, etc.) Parent-teacher groups and other organizations whose chief function is related to the schools and students; and Civic organizations, private organizations, etc. Building administrators will maintain a log of the use of their building by all organizations. Rules for Use/Rental A. Application forms, initial approval and scheduling of events will be provided by the appropriate building administrator. B. Applicants will be billed by the School Department Business Office at the appropriate rate. C. The applicant must note on the application if any special equipment is needed or other special requests. D. School authorities will supervise and control the use of the facility and will retain authority over the facility. E. The applicant will be responsible for maintaining order. Page 1 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF F. No smoking is permitted in school buildings or on school grounds. G. No drugs or alcoholic beverages may be brought to or consumed in school buildings or on school grounds. H. The applicant shall assume responsibility for any damage to the school building, grounds or equipment that occurs during use. I. The School Committee’s liability insurance covers only school activities. Any renter/user of the facilities MUST provide their own liability insurance by purchasing a rider to the City’s liability policy or by providing the School Department with evidence of coverage. J. The Superintendent and/or School Committee reserve the right to deny any application or to cancel any approved rental/use, if in the opinion of the School Committee, the rental/use would not be in the best interest of the School Department. K. Users of any facility shall not exceed the stated/posted capacity limits of any room or area. Use of Facilities by School Groups or Organizations It is imperative that an advisor(s) be present at all times that a facility is in use by a student group. Advisors are responsible for the behavior and control of students. Athletic events will be planned, conducted and controlled by the appropriate administrator(s), the Athletic Director and/or coaches. Police/Security Officers When a large audience is expected for any scheduled function, the building administrator has the discretion to require security/police officers for crowd control. The administrator may consult with the Lewiston Chief of Police concerning the need for security as necessary. The employment of police/security officers is the responsibility of the applicant. Payment of the police/security officers shall be in conformance with City of Lewiston policies. Page 2 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF Free Use of Building and Facilities Free use of school facilities, equipment and grounds is limited to groups which are directly affiliated with the schools. Certain other groups may also have free use of facilities, including but not limited to: Boy Scouts Girl Scouts Brownies Cub Scouts Parent-Teacher Organizations Booster Organizations Advisory Groups Teacher Associations If any meetings of such groups require added janitorial services, the group will be billed for these services at the established rate. Activities and programs sponsored, controlled and supervised by the Lewiston Recreation Department are also allowed free use of facilities as long as scheduling does not conflict with regular school programs. The appropriate building administrator will make this determination. Rental at Charity Rates Recognized charitable organizations, or any organization raising money specifically for a recognized public charity or benefit, may use school facilities at charity rates. Charity rates do not apply to organizations raising money solely for the benefit of their own membership or to secret or religious organizations. All other organizations must pay the established non-charity rates for facility use. Payment of Fees A. All organizations renting a school facility will be billed by the Business Office at the applicable rate. B. Fees for janitors, food service and/or other personnel shall be charged at the time of rental on a per hour, per person basis. Under no circumstances should fees be paid directly to individuals. C. All fees due police/security officers shall be billed by and paid to the appropriate agency. Under no circumstances are fees to be paid directly to police/security officers. D. All fees shall be made payable to Lewiston Public Schools. Page 3 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF Requests Not Addressed by Policy Any request for use of school facilities not specifically addressed in this policy shall be reviewed and approved/denied by the Superintendent. Cross Reference: KF-R - Lewiston Middle School Auditorium Use Administrative Procedure KF-E1 – School Facilities Rental Rates KF-E2 – Lewiston Middle School Facilities Rental Agreement KF-E3 – LRTC/Culinary Arts Facilities Rental Agreement Adopted: August 28, 1995 Revised: Revised: June 7, 2000 July 28, 2008 Page 4 of 4 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-R LEWISTON MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM USE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE Because of recent renovations to the auditorium, certain rules concerning its use must be observed. Failure to comply with these rules may result in denial of use requests. A. There will be no set construction or painting on the stage area. B. No nails or screws can be put into the floor. C. All tape put on the floor must be removed after the performance/use or an additional custodial fee will be charged. D. No food or beverages are permitted in the auditorium, back stage area, or in the sound and light booth at any time. This rule is to be observed by all groups using the auditorium—school as well as other organizations. E. A public announcement will be made by the renter/user of the auditorium that food and beverages are not allowed in the auditorium. It is also the responsibility of the renter/user to enforce this rule. F. The front stage curtain may not be tied back for the convenience of a production. G. Any lights that are in place for the school cannot be moved without permission of the building administrator/designee. When permission is granted, the lights must be restored to their original position at the end of a performance. H. The rental fee covers the facility and not the sound and/or theatrical lighting system. Permission may be granted to use the theatrical lighting system if a school-approved operator will be responsible for its use. There will be an additional fee if the lighting board or lights are used. That fee will be a separate charge and paid directly to Lewiston Middle School. I. If any user/renter of the auditorium tampers with the sound system, the contract for the use of the auditorium may be canceled. J. Any lights installed by a renter/user must have a safety wire attached to the bar to which it is clamped. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-R K. There are a limited number of tables and chairs available. They must be requested in advance. If they are used, the renter is expected to return them to the storage areas. L. The back “psyc” or curtain may be used for a performance. However, after a rehearsal or a performance it must be raised to its stored position. M. All sets, props and costumes must be removed from the building after the performance; no later than the next school day. Should the auditorium be rented to more than one group on successive days, these articles must be removed immediately after the performance. Lewiston Middle School is not responsible for articles left in the auditorium. N. If the piano is used, it must be used in the orchestra pit unless a professional mover is contracted to move it onto and off the stage. Moving and tuning charges are the responsibility of the renter/user. O. Security arrangements and liability insurance are the responsibility of the renter/user. P. The balconies may not be used for public seating or video taping. This is an OSHA ruling due to limited access to those areas. This rule must be enforced by the renter/user. Q. Safety must be utmost in the minds of the renter/user and has priority over any performance or production concerns. I have read the rules governing the use of the Lewiston Middle School Auditorium and agree to abide by them. Failure to abide by them may result in cancellation of this event and denial of future use requests. ________________________________________ Signature ____________________ Date 6/00 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FACILITY RENTAL RATES FACILITY #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 Auditorium* Classroom (if available) Gymnasium Locker Room(s) Cafeteria w/Kitchen Cafeteria w/out Kitchen ½ Cafeteria w/Kitchen (where available) ½ Cafeteria w/out Kitchen (where avail) Multi-Purpose/Lecture Hall Band Room (if available) Music Room (if available) Culinary Arts-one conference room Culinary Arts-both conference rooms Culinary Arts-Dining room** Other: 450 35 450 35 300 225 175 100 85 50 50 50 100 ** TBA 350 30 350 30 250 175 150 75 60 40 40 50 100 ** TBA 300 25 300 25 200 125 125 55 40 30 30 50 100 ** TBA 200 20 200 20 150 100 100 40 25 20 20 50 100 ** TBA N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C ** N/C NOTE: Custodial fees must be charged to all groups in all classifications. The fee does not include police protection. * First rehearsal for any production is free and additional rehearsals will be ½ the rental fee. **Must be rented for dining only. User Classification 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Commercial – Revenue Producing Commercial – Non-Revenue Producing Non-Profit – Revenue Producing Other Non-Profit – Non-Revenue Producing Exempt – Schools, School-Related Groups, Government Classification Definitions Group 1—Commercial, Revenue Producing. Defined as any type of commercial event where admission or a registration fee is charged, donations accepted, sales made, or other income derived. Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E1 Group 2—Commercial, Non-Revenue Producing. Defined as any type of commercial event where no admission is charged or donations accepted, nor any sales made, nor other income derived. Group 3—Non-Profit, Revenue Producing. Defined as church groups, civic groups, political organizations (unless otherwise stipulated by state law), fraternal groups, social organizations, conventions, or any other non-profit groups or activities sponsored by such groups where admission is charged, donations accepted, sales made or other income derived. Group 4—Other Non-Profit, Non-Revenue Producing. Defined same as nonprofit (revenue producing), except that no admission is charged or donations accepted, nor any sales made, nor any other income derived. Group 5—Exempt, Lewiston Schools, School-Related Groups, Government. Defined as non-profit groups or organizations located in the School Department, the City of Lewiston (and not classified as non-profit revenue), and the governments of the City of Lewiston, State of Maine and United States, their departments, agencies or committees. 6/00 7/08 6/09 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FACILITIES RENTAL AGREEMENT Name: ________________________________________________________________ (Enter name of group or organization making request.) Responsible Person: ____________________________________ Address: Telephone: ____________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Requests the use of: (Check facility desired. Rates are per day.) _____ Auditorium * _____ Classroom (if available) _____ Cafeteria w/Kitchen _____ ½ Cafeteria w/Kitchen (where avail) _____ Band Room/Music Room ** _____ Multi-Purpose/Lecture Hall _____ Gymnasium _____ Locker Room(s) _____ Cafeteria w/out Kitchen _____ ½ Cafeteria w/out Kitchen (where avail) _____ Other: _____________________ The auditorium rental fee is payable at the time the signed contract is returned to Lewiston Middle School. You will be billed for any additional costs (custodian, etc.). Date: _______________________ Program Hours: ___________________ Set-Up Hours: ___________________ For: ___________________________________________________________________ (Purpose of use to be indicated specifically.) Approximate number to be accommodated: ___________ Is an admission fee to be charged? _____ Yes _____ No For what purpose are funds to be used? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ * Rental fee does not include theatrical lighting or sound system. Renter will announce “No food or beverages allowed.” First rehearsal for any production is free and additional rehearsals will be ½ the rental fee. ** Generally not available during school year. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E2 Rental Agreements should be returned to the Building Administrator’s Office as soon as possible to ensure date of facility requested. When a Sunday use is requested, the request shall be received at the Building Administrator’s Office at least one month prior to the date desired. Organizational Status: ___________________________________________________ (Determined by school officials.) Basic Fee: _________________________________________________________ Make check payable to Lewiston Public Schools _____ Police officer required—When required, the police officer will be ordered to report for duty by the party renting the facility. _____If theatrical lighting or technology is required, an agent of Lewiston Public Schools must be employed at the rate of $30 per hour (amount subject to change). This includes setup, operation, and dismantling. An additional charge may be required for supplementary facilities. All organizations renting the facility have to purchase Liability Insurance. NOTE: Custodial fees will be charged to all groups in all classifications. Rate: $30/hour (amount subject to change). Safety Procedures 1. Smoking, profanity and disorderly conduct under any and all circumstances are prohibited in any school building per Lewiston School Committee policy. 2. Insure outside doors are closed and locked when leaving the building. 3. Insure any windows that were opened are closed before leaving the room/building. 4. Turn off lights and equipment (audio visuals) when leaving. 5. Any keys given out for a room or building must remain with the person they are given to and not be given to others including students. 6. If using the building during days that school is in session, please check with the front office upon arrival. 7. When entering the room or area being used, please find and review emergency evacuation procedures. 8. Students are to be supervised at all times. 9. Police the area being used before and after an event to check for any hazards or damages and report it immediately to the building custodian. Page 2 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E2 10. Please inform the building custodian when you leave the building. 11. Insure that you are the last person to leave and that everyone has left the building. Be sure any students needing transportation have been picked up. I hereby state that the information in this application is true and accurate and that, if approved, I will abide by the rules and regulations for the use of public school buildings as set by the Lewiston School Committee. Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _______________ Print name:________________________________________ Approved: ______________________________________ (Building administrator) Date: ________________ ______________________________________ (Superintendent/Business Manager) Date: ________________ Middle School telephone: (207) 795-4180…………….School fax: (207) 753-1789 High School telephone: (207) 795-4190……………….School fax: (207) 795-4119 5/03 7/08 6/09 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E3 LEWISTON REGIONAL TECHNICAL CENTER/ CULINARY ARTS FACILITIES RENTAL AGREEMENT Name: ________________________________________________________________ (Enter name of group or organization making request.) Responsible Person: ____________________________________ Address: Telephone: ____________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Requests the use of: (Check facility desired. Rates are per day.) _____ One Conference Room _____ Two Conference Rooms _____ Dining Room The room rental fee is payable at the time the signed contract is returned to Lewiston Regional Technical Center (LRTC)/Culinary Arts Facility. You will be billed for any additional costs (custodian, etc.). Date: _______________________ Program Hours: ___________________ Set-Up Hours: ___________________ For: ___________________________________________________________________ (Purpose of use to be indicated specifically.) Approximate number to be accommodated: ___________ Is an admission fee to be charged? _____ Yes _____ No For what purpose are funds to be used? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Rental Agreements should be returned to the LRTC/Culinary Arts Facility as soon as possible to ensure date of facility requested. Organizational Status: ___________________________________________________ (Determined by school officials.) LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E3 Basic Fee: _________________________________________________________ Make check payable to Lewiston Public Schools. _____ Custodian required—rate: $30/hour (amount subject to change). _____ Police officer required—When required, the police officer will be ordered to report for duty by the party renting the facility. An additional charge may be required for supplementary facilities. All organizations renting the facility have to purchase Liability Insurance. NOTE: Custodial fees must be charged to all groups in all classifications. Safety Procedures 1. Smoking, profanity and disorderly conduct under any and all circumstances are prohibited in any school building per Lewiston School Committee policy. 2. Insure outside doors are closed and locked when leaving the building. 3. Insure any windows that were opened are closed before leaving the room/building. 4. Turn off lights and equipment (audio visuals) when leaving. 5. Any keys given out for a room or building must remain with the person they are given to and not be given to others including students. 6. If using the building during days that school is in session, please check with the front office upon arrival. 7. When entering the room or area being used, please find and review emergency evacuation procedures. 8. Students are to be supervised at all times. 9. Police the area being used before and after an event to check for any hazards or damages and report it immediately to the building custodian. 10. Please inform the building custodian when you leave the building. 11. Insure that you are the last person to leave and that everyone has left the building. Be sure any students needing transportation have been picked up. I hereby state that the information in this application is true and accurate and that, if approved, I will abide by the rules and regulations for the use of public school buildings as set by the Lewiston School Committee. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 2 of 3 NEPN/NSBA Code: KF-E3 Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _______________ Print Name:_______________________________________ Approved: ______________________________________ (Building administrator) Date: ________________ ______________________________________ (Superintendent/Business Manager) Date: ________________ LRTC/Culinary Arts Facility: (207) 777-3199…………School fax: (207) 777-3199 LRTC Telephone: (207) 794-4144……………………..School fax: (207) 795-4147 6/03 7/08 6/09 Page 3 of 3 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KHB ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS The School Committee believes that, in general, product advertising and/or endorsement is to be discouraged in the schools. The School Committee has an obligation to assure that students, who are required by law to attend, are not subjected to commercial messages of any kind without careful analysis of the benefits and risks that pertain in each instance. Since the issue of advertising in the schools can be attended by strong opinions, the School Committee may seek comments and recommendations from the administration, the professional teaching staff and the community prior to considering any form of advertising into the schools, on school grounds or on school buses. The School Committee is opposed in principle to accepting any programming, equipment or services that are offered only on the basis of mandatory exposure of students to product advertising. The School Committee recognizes, however, that in some instances product names, logos or advertising may be acceptable when the programming, equipment or services can be clearly shown to be of significant benefit to the school program. The School Committee reserves the right to consider requests for advertising in the schools, on school grounds or on school buses on a case-by-case basis. A. Brand specific advertising of food or beverages is prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds or on school buses except for food and beverages meeting standards for sale or distribution on school grounds in accordance with Department of Education rules. For the purpose of this paragraph, “advertising” does not include advertising on broadcast media or in print media such as newspapers and magazines, clothing with brand images worn on school grounds or advertising on product packaging. B. Consistent with its efforts to promote a tobacco, alcohol and drug-free environment, the School Committee will not agree to displays of advertising in school buildings, on school grounds or on school buses for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs (including prescription and over the counter medications), performance enhancing substances or dietary supplements. C. All current signage on school property that does not meet the standards as outlined in this policy shall be removed or replaced by August 1, 2008. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: KHB Legal Reference: Cross Reference: Adopted: Revised: 20-A M.R.S.A. § 6662 Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule Ch.51 EFE – Competitive Food Sales – Sales of Foods in Competition with the School Food Services Program November 18, 2002 February 11, 2008 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KHC PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION/POSTING OF NON-CURRICULAR MATERIALS Distribution of printed materials to students requires prior approval from the Superintendent. Requests from the general public and non-school groups to distribute/ post printed non-curricular materials in the Lewiston schools shall be governed by the following restrictions. The Superintendent shall be notified of requests a minimum of 48 hours in advance. The Superintendent has the authority to make all decisions regarding such distribution/posting. A. B. Unacceptable Materials 1. So-called “hate” literature that attacks ethnic, religious or any other groups; 2. Material that promotes hostility, disorder or violence, or may create a disruption of the schools; 3. Material designed for commercial purposes—advertising a product or service for sale or rent—unless the material itself has educational value or is part of a school-sponsored activity that makes the commercial message a secondary consideration; 4. Material that is libelous, invades the rights of others or inhibits the functioning of the school, or advocates interference with the rights of any individual or with the normal operation of the school; 5. Material which in any way promotes, favors or opposes the candidacy of any candidate for election, or the adoption of any bond issues proposal, or any public question submitted at any general, municipal or school election. If the school is used as a polling place, appropriate state election laws shall apply to distribution/posting of material; and 6. Material that is obscene or pornographic as defined by prevailing community standards in the school district. Place Distribution of printed materials must be made at places within the school or on school grounds designated by the Superintendent/building administrator. Posting of materials shall be done only in locations approved by the Superintendent/building administrator. Adopted: June 7, 2000 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 NEPN/NSBA Code: KI VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS The School Committee encourages the active interest and involvement of parents and citizens in the public schools. In order to avoid interruption of the instructional program and to promote the safety of students and staff, building administrators shall institute administrative procedures concerning visitors to the schools. Such procedures shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent. It is understood that procedures may vary from school to school due to differing considerations such as the age of the students and building layout and location. The following general guidelines shall be incorporated in all building-level administrative procedures concerning visitors. A. The term “visitor” shall apply to any person on school grounds or in school buildings who is not an employee or student of the school unit. For the purposes of this policy, all school liaison officers, D.A.R.E. officers, G.R.E.A.T. officers and the Child Emergency Response Coordinator are considered school officials. B. All visitors shall report to the main office upon arrival at the school. C. All visitors who wish to visit classrooms, observe aspects of the instructional program or meet with staff members are expected to schedule such visits in advance. Teachers and other staff may not use instructional time to discuss individual matters with visitors. D. Individual School Committee members shall follow the same procedures as other visitors, and state whether they are visiting the schools on personal business or in connection with School Committee duties. E. The building administrator/designee has the authority to refuse entry to school grounds or buildings to persons who do not have legitimate, schoolrelated business and/or who may disrupt the operations of the schools. This may include, but not be limited to, the news media, profit-making businesses, fundraisers and other organizations seeking access to students and/or staff. F. Students who have been suspended or expelled from the Lewiston schools are prohibited from entering school grounds and/or buildings unless specifically authorized by a school administrator. LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 2 NEPN/NSBA Code: KI G. School staff shall report unauthorized persons on school grounds or in school buildings to the building administrator/designee. Unauthorized persons shall be directed to leave the premises immediately. H. The building administrator/designee may request the assistance of law enforcement as necessary to deal with unauthorized persons or violations of the law by visitors to the schools. Cross Reference: Adopted: BCA – School Committee Member Code of Ethics EBCA – Crisis Response Plan ECA – Buildings and Grounds Security JLIB – Student Dismissal Precautions JLF – Reporting Student Abuse and Neglect KLG – Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KLG RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES The School Committee recognizes that a cooperative relationship with law enforcement authorities is desirable for the protection of students and staff, maintaining a safe school environment, and safeguarding school property. School administrators and staff shall have the primary responsibility for maintaining proper order in the schools and for disciplining students for violations of School Committee policies and school rules. However, the School Committee authorizes the Superintendent/administration to seek the assistance of law enforcement authorities when they believe there is a substantial threat to the welfare and safety of the schools, students and/or staff. The Superintendent/ administration shall also inform law enforcement authorities when they have reason to suspect that a student or staff member may have violated a local, state or federal law. The School Committee strongly discourages law enforcement authorities from using the schools as a venue to arrest and/or interrogate students for activities not related to or affecting the schools. The Superintendent/administration retain the authority to deny law enforcement access to students for non-school-related investigations. The School Committee authorizes the Superintendent and administration to work with local law enforcement authorities to develop administrative procedures to guide interactions between the schools and law enforcement. Such procedures should safeguard the rights of students and parents, be consistent with School Committee policies, and minimize disruptions to the instructional program. These administrative procedures are subject to the approval of the School Committee. The Superintendent shall include law enforcement authorities in the development and implementation of the school unit’s Emergency Response Plan. The School Committee also encourages the Superintendent/administration to include law enforcement authorities in the development and/or implementation of instructional programs/activities related to student safety. Cross Reference: Adopted EBCA – Crisis Response Plan JICIA – Weapons, Violence and School Safety JIH –Questioning and Searches of Students JRA – Student Records KLG-R – Relations with Law Enforcement Authorities Administrative Procedure June 7, 2000 Page 1 of 1 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: KLG-R RELATIONS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE The following procedures are intended to guide the involvement of law enforcement authorities in the schools: A. Law enforcement officials may enter school premises: 1. In the event of an emergency endangering student or staff safety; 2. At the request of the building administrator; 3. When there is a warrant to arrest a student which cannot be executed outside of school hours. Building administrators are not obligated to make students or school facilities available to law enforcement for non-school-related investigations/arrests; 4. In exigent circumstances as authorized by law. B. Building administrators shall attempt to contact the student’s parents/guardians prior to allowing law enforcement authorities to interrogate, search or arrest a student at school, except when there are reasonable grounds to believe that a health or safety emergency requires the interrogation, search or arrest to take place without prior notice. C. Law enforcement authorities are responsible for ensuring that a student is informed of his/her rights prior to an interrogation, search or arrest conducted by law enforcement authorities. D. A student may be removed from school by law enforcement authorities when there is a court order, an arrest warrant or when a warrantless arrest is authorized by law. Building administrators shall attempt to notify the student’s parents/guardians as soon as possible of the student’s removal from school. E. Building administrators shall release student information to law enforcement authorities only as allowed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Cross Reference: JRA – Student Records 6/00 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Page 1 of 1 SECTION L: EDUCATION AGENCY RELATIONS Section L of the NEPS/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on the school district’s relationship with other education agencies – including other school systems, regional or service districts, private schools, colleges and universities, education research organizations, and state and national education agencies. LB Lewiston and Auburn School Committees – Educational Cooperation NEPN/NSBA Code: LB LEWISTON AND AUBURN SCHOOL COMMITTEES EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION It is the policy of Lewiston Public Schools and the Lewiston School Committee to cooperate with the Auburn School Department and the Auburn School Committee in planning and executing educational programs of joint action whenever such cooperation will improve service to the citizens of Lewiston and Auburn. Joint Standing Committee There shall be a Joint Standing Committee consisting of six School Committee members: three from the Lewiston School Committee (one of whom will be the City Council representative to the Lewiston School Committee) and three from the Auburn School Committee (one of whom will be the City Council representative to the Auburn School Committee). Committee members may be appointed for not more than two consecutive one-year terms by their respective School Committee Chairperson. The Joint Committee shall meet at least annually and more frequently if deemed necessary by committee members. The annual meeting of the Joint Committee shall be chaired on an alternating basis by the School Committee members from each city. The Joint Committee, in conjunction with the two Superintendent and Chairpersons of the School Committees, shall prepare the agenda for the annual joint session of the Lewiston and Auburn School Committees. Joint School Committee Meetings The Lewiston and Auburn School Committees shall meet in joint session on an annual basis at a time to be determined by the Lewiston and Auburn Superintendents in consultation with the Chairpersons of the School Committees. The purpose of the meetings shall be to consider the report and recommendations of the Joint Standing Committee with respect to cooperation between the cities. The two School Committees shall consider areas of continued or potential cooperation between the two school systems, including but not limited to: A. Program development; B. Joint grant writing (when appropriate); C. Proposals for joint purchasing and sharing of resources; D. Communication on common interests to the legislative delegation of Lewiston and Auburn; and Page 1 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN/NSBA Code: LB E. Proposals for curricular or extra-curricular offerings in one city made available to citizens of the other city. The Chairpersons of the Lewiston and Auburn School Committees shall serve on an alternating basis as the Chair of the Joint School Committee meetings. Regional Collaboratives The cities of Lewiston and Auburn acknowledge that local regional educational collaboratives, including the Androscoggin Valley Educational Collaborative and the Adult Education Alliance serve the purposes of collaboration and cooperation adopted by this policy statement. As such, the Lewiston School Committee shall encourage continued development of these organizations through the participation of administrators, teachers, and support personnel when doing so serves the citizens of the two cities. The Lewiston Superintendent will consult with the Auburn Superintendent to implement this policy and maintain communication between the School Committees. The Superintendents will also exchange their respective School Committee meeting agendas and minutes for distribution to all School Committee members in each city. Adopted: July 14, 1997 Revised: June 7, 2000 Page 2 of 2 LEWISTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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