Annual Notices

It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all of its students.

This policy protects all students from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such impermissible behavior.

Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, including Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety or personal degradation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.

This policy applies to all "at school" activities in the District, including activities on school property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property, if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business. Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if it interferes with the school environment.

Notification

Notice of this policy will be annually circulated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, student, and parent/guardian handbooks. State and Federal rights posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.

Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as well as of the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly notified of any complaint or investigation as well as the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with student confidentiality requirements. A record of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice shall be kept in the investigation file.

To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process. However, a proper investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and allegations. Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on the nature of the complaint and/or the results of the investigation.

Reporting

No later than September 30, 2015, the District shall submit to the Department of Education a copy of this Policy.

The District shall report incidents of bullying to the Department of Education on an annual basis according to the form and procedures established by the Department of Education.

Should this Policy be amended or otherwise modified, the District shall submit a copy of the amended or modified Policy to the Department of Education no later than thirty (30) days after adopting the modification.

Implementation

The superintendent is responsible to implement this policy, and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent with this policy.

This policy is not intended to and should not be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech rights of any individual. However, the District reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school program.

Procedure

Any student who believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Principal or assistant principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

A student may also submit a report or complaint to any of the above designated individuals through email, voicemail, regular mail or by leaving a sealed note addressed to the individual at that person's office or desk. The student may submit a report or complaint anonymously, but this may affect the ability to fully investigate the matter, when the complaining student is not available to provide additional information during the course of the investigation.

The identity of a student who reports bullying, hazing or aggressive behavior, as well as those students who provide information during an investigation will remain confidential to the extent possible and to the extent allowable by law. Only school personnel directly involved in the investigation of the complaint or responsible for remedying any violations will be provided access to the identity of the complaining student(s) and student witnesses, and then only to the extent necessary to effectively deal with the situation.

The identity of the student who files the report or complaint will not be voluntarily shared with the alleged perpetrator(s) or the witnesses unless the student (and his/her parent/guardian) give written permission to do so. Any investigation report will likewise not be voluntarily produced with the names of the reporting student(s) or witnesses. However, under certain circumstances, the District may be required by law to disclose the report and/or the student(s) names. Also, under certain circumstances, the identity of the reporting student may become obvious even without disclosure by school personnel.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports shall be made to those identified above. While reports may be made anonymously, formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report without other corroborating evidence.

The Principal (or other designated administrator) shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or other behavior that may violate this policy. The investigation must be completed as promptly as the circumstances permitafter a report or complaint is made.

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials.

If, during an investigation of a reported act of harassment, intimidation and/or bullying/cyberbullying, the Principal or appropriate administrator believes that the reported misconduct may have created a hostile learning environment and may have constituted unlawful discriminatory harassment based on a Protected Class, the Principal will report the act of bullying and/or harassment to one of the Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers so that it may be investigated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Policy 5517 - Anti-Harassment.

The individual responsible for conducting the investigation shall document all reported incidents and report all verified incidents of bullying, aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as any remedial action taken, including disciplinary actions and referrals, to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the Board on an annual basis.

Non-Retaliation/False Reports

Retaliation or false allegations against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness or otherwise), or is the target of the bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.

Prevention/Training/Restorative Practices

The District will utilize restorative practices that emphasize repairing the harm to the victim and school community in the correction of bullying behavior, which may include victim-offender conference that:

1. Are initiated by the victim;

2. Are approved by the victim’s parent or legal guardian or, if the victim is at least 15, by the victim;

3. Are attended voluntarily by the victim, a victim advocate, the offender, members of the school community, and supporters of the victim and the offender (the "restorative practices team");

4. Would provide an opportunity for the offender to accept responsibility for the harm caused to those affected, and to participate in setting consequences to repair the harm, such as requiring the student to apologize; participate in community service, restoration of emotional or material losses, or counseling; pay restitution; or any combination of these. The selected consequences and time limits for their completion will be incorporated into an agreement to be signed by all participants.

Definitions

The following definitions are provided for guidance only. If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, hazing, harassment or other aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it immediately and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

"Aggressive behavior" is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well-being. Such behavior includes, for example, bullying, hazing, stalking, intimidation, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hitting/pushing/shoving.

"At School" is defined as in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle, or at a school-sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises. It also includes conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if either owned by or under the control of the District.

"Bullying" is defined as any written, verbal, or physical acts, including cyber bullying (i.e. any electronic communication, including, but not limited to electronically transmitted acts, such as internet, telephone or cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless hand held device) that, without regard to its subject matter or motivating animus, is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one (1) or more students either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:

1. substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one (1) or more students;

2. adversely affecting the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school district's educational programs or activities by placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;

3. having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; and/or

4. causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or a combination of all three. Some examples of bullying are:

1. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling; taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact.

2. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name calling, making threats.

3. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation. This may occur in a number of different ways, including but not limited to notes, emails, social media postings, and graffiti.

"Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature, often on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability, but may also include sexual orientation, physical characteristics (e.g., height, weight, complexion), cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location (e.g., from rival school, different state, rural area, city, etc.).

"Intimidation/Menacing" includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to: place a person in fear of physical injury or offensive physical contact; to substantially damage or interfere with person's property; or to intentionally interfere with or block a person's movement without good reason.

"Staff" includes all school employees and Board members.

"Third parties" include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter-district or intra-district athletic competitions or other school events.

For further definition and instances that could possibly be construed as:Harassment, see Policy 5517; Hazing, see Policy 5516.

It is the policy of this district to provide an equal education opportunity for all students. Any person who believes that they has been discriminated against on the basis of his/her race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected class that has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment or unreasonably interfering with the student’s ability to benefit from the District’s education programs or activities while at school or a school activity should immediately contact the school
district's compliance officer listed below.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sex-based discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, you may file a complaint with:

Dan Scoville, Director of Human and Community Services, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
daniel.scoville@csredhawks.org

Devon Rapp, Director of Student Well-being and Support Systems, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
devon.rapp@csredhawks.org

204 E. Muskegon St. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

If you or someone you know has been the victim of disability-based discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, you may file a complaint with:

Dan Scoville, Director of Human and Community Services, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
daniel.scoville@csredhawks.org

Devon Rapp, Director of Student Well-being and Support Systems, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
devon.rapp@csredhawks.org

204 E. Muskegon St. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

If you or someone you know has been the victim of any other type of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation,
including unlawful conduct based on race, color, or national origin, you may file a complaint with:

Dan Scoville, Director of Human and Community Services, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
daniel.scoville@csredhawks.org

Devon Rapp, Director of Student Well-being and Support Systems, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
devon.rapp@csredhawks.org

204 E. Muskegon St. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

A complaint of unlawful discrimination, including unlawful harassment or retaliation, may be made verbally or in writing. Complaints will be investigated. Any student making a complaint or participating in a school investigation will be protected from any threat or retaliation. The compliance officer can provide additional information concerning equal access to educational opportunity.

Any person who believes that he or she has been the victim of unlawful discrimination may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights listed below:

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building
1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310
Denver, CO 80204-3582
Telephone: (303) 844-5695
Facsimile: (303) 844-4303
Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov

The Board of Education will not tolerate the possession of weapons by anyone while on school property or at a district-related event. In implementing this policy, the district will comply with M.C.L. 380.1313 which prohibits students from possessing a dangerous weapon, including but not limited to, a firearm, dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife, pocket knife opened by a mechanical device, iron bar, brass knuckles, or other devices capable of inflicting bodily harm while in attendance at school or a school activity, or on a school bus.

Students may also be expelled for actions such as false fire alarms, bomb threats, or intentional calls to falsely report a dangerous condition.

To help protect Michigan families, particularly children, from the tragedies of gun violence and unintentional firearms injuries, please visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website regarding the best practices for the safe storage of firearms.

The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire school community. As the educational institution of this community, the schools should strive to prevent drug abuse and help drug abusers by educational, rather than punitive, means.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

1. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Michigan statute;
2. all chemicals which release toxic vapors;
3. all alcoholic beverages;
4. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy;
5. "look-alikes";
6. performance-enhancing drugs as determined annually by the Department of Community Health;
7. any other illegal substance so designated and prohibited by law.

In accordance with Federal and State law, the Board hereby establishes a "Drug-Free School Zone" that extends 1000 feet from the boundary of any school property. The Board prohibits the use, possession, sale, concealment, delivery, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia at any time on District property, within the Drug-Free School Zone, or at any District-related event.

Furthermore, the Superintendent shall take the necessary steps so that an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older who knowingly sells, delivers or distributes controlled substances so designated and prohibited by Michigan statute within the Drug-Free School Zone to another person is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines for the identification, amelioration, and regulation of drug use in the schools. Such guidelines shall:

1. emphasize the prevention of drug use;
2. provide for a comprehensive, age-appropriate, developmentally-based drug and alcohol education and prevention program which:
   1. addresses the legal, social, psychological, and health consequences of drug and alcohol use;
   2. provides information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, and alcohol;
   3. assists students to develop skills to make responsible decisions about substance abuse and other important health issues;
   4. promotes positive emotional health, self-esteem, and respect for one's body;
   5. meets the minimal objectives as stated in the essential performance objectives for health education as established by the State's Department of Education;
3. include a statement to students that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession, sale, and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful;
4. provide standards of conduct that are applicable to all students which clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity;
5. include a clear statement that disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions;
6. The sanctions may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment. Such referral may only be made to qualified and properly licensed individuals or programs.
7. provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and reentry programs available to students and provide procedures to direct students and their parents to the appropriate programs;
8. require that all parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct regarding the unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students;
9. require the notification to parents and students that compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory;
10. provide a biennial review of the school district's program to determine its effectiveness and implement changes as needed and to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced;
11. establish means for dealing with students suspected of drug use or suspected of possessing, selling, or distributing drugs in school and ensure that the District's policy and administrative guidelines on Search and Seizure AG 5771 and Policy 5771 and Suspension and Expulsion AG 5610 and Policy 5610 are complied with fully.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the school receives are quest for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the Parent or eligible student, the school will notify the Parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the Parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a Parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605

Safe firearm storage is an essential step in protecting children and preventing accidents. Michigan law requires that firearms be stored unloaded, locked and separate from ammunition when minors are or may be present in the home. Failing to follow these requirements may result in criminal penalties if a minor gains access to a firearm.

We encourage all families to review the following to learn more about the importance of safe storage, where to obtain storage devices, requirements under the law and more:

• What Is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan? (Arabic | Spanish)

• Safe Storage Notice (Arabic | Spanish)

• A Parent’s Guide to Home Firearm Safety

• Michigan Department of Education’s Safe Storage Law

• Firearm Safety and Harm Prevention

• Firearm Storage Requirements and Penalties

You can also find these links on the Safety and Security page of the Kent ISD website.

Cedar Springs Public Schools will make reasonable accommodations for any disabled person wanting to participate in events. Service animals used by persons requiring this type of assistance shall be permitted in all district facilities and at all school events. Certain restrictions may be applied when necessary due to allergies, health, safety, disability other issues of those attending the event. The goal shall be to provide all attendees with the same access and participation provided to other members of the public.

IDEA is a United States federal law that governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities. It requires school districts to identify all children with disabilities from birth through 25 years of age. By identifying children with disabilities, the school district can provide them with the support and services they need to succeed in school. This also includes children attending private school, being homeschooled or children who are wards of the state. It is very important that we identify children who may need service as research clearly indicates that children do better when they attend school.

Cedar Springs Public Schools uses a variety of instructional materials to meet academic goals, follow state standards, and give students opportunities to learn about a wide range of ideas and viewpoints. While we work hard to choose materials that are respectful and inclusive, we understand that, in some cases, a family’s deeply held religious beliefs may lead them to object to specific materials.

If this happens, parents may request that their child be excused from that specific instructional material. All opt-out requests based on deeply held religious beliefs will be reviewed according to the process outlined in Board Policy 2270.

Lockers are district property and may be made available for student use. Lockers are assigned to students on a temporary basis, and district administration may revoke a student’s locker assignment at any time. The district retains ownership of lockers notwithstanding student use.
Students have no expectation of privacy in their lockers. The building principal or designee may inspect lockers without any particularized suspicion or reasonable cause and without advance notice. Upon the request of the building principal or designee, law enforcement may assist with searching lockers.

During a locker search, student privacy rights will be respected for any items that are not illegal or against Board Policy.

Federal Legislation requires school districts to address problems that homeless children and youth face in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school. Anyone who lacks a “fixed”, “regular” and “adequate” nighttime residence may qualify as homeless. Protections are in place so that children and youth facing homelessness have exposure to the same achievement standards of all students. Districts are required to abide by the laws, regulations, practices and policies to avoid any barriers to the education of children. If you believe a member of your household fits homeless eligibility criteria,
please contact us immediately to obtain the necessary paperwork.

Tina Tiethoff, Homeless Liaison
Cedar Springs Public Schools
204 E. Muskegon ST NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-1204 x 1040
tina.tiethoff@csredhawks.org

Cedar Springs Public Schools is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or other legally protected basis in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Any questions concerning compliance issues with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, including athletic issues, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, or inquiries related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, should be directed to:

Dan Scoville, Director of Human and Community Services, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
daniel.scoville@csredhawks.org

Devon Rapp, Director of Student Well-being and Support Systems, Title IX Coordinator
616-696-1204
devon.rapp@csredhawks.org

204 E. Muskegon St. NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

As required in 1989, our school district conducts an asbestos survey of all buildings. Based on these findings, a comprehensive management plan was drafted. This plan details the response actions the district would take regarding any asbestos materials found in our buildings.

Every three years, we conduct a full inspection of any remaining asbestos containing material. This inspection is required under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.

The Cedar Springs Public Schools Asbestos Management Plan is available for viewing at the District Office. To schedule a review, please contact facilities@csredhawks.org.

State law requires the permanent expulsion of any student who physically assaults a school employee, or who commits an act of rape or arson on school property, at a school event, or on school transportation. Students also may be expelled for assault, drug violations or other disciplinary reasons.

What is a personal curriculum?
The personal curriculum (PC) is a process to modify specific Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) high school credit requirements and/or content expectations based on a student’s unique learning needs and post-secondary goals. It is designed to serve students who want to accelerate or go beyond the MMC requirements and students who need to individualize MMC requirements to earn a high school diploma.

Who may request a personal curriculum?

• The Parent of a student for whom a personal curriculum is sought
• The student, if the student is of the age of majority
• An emancipated minor
• A teacher who is currently teaching the student (who currently teaches in, or whose expertise is in, a subject area proposed to be modified by the PC, or who is determined by the principal to have qualifications otherwise relevant to developing a PC)
• A school counselor or school employee is qualified to act in a counseling role.

If the request for a PC is made by the student’s Parent or, if the student is at least age 18 or is an emancipated minor, by the student, the school district shall develop a PC for the student under the parameters outlined in 380.1278b(5).

When may a personal curriculum be requested?
If the student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the personal curriculum request may be submitted before 9th grade. If the student does not have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the personal curriculum request may be requested after the student has completed 9th grade.

As required by Michigan law, parents/guardians will receive 48-hour advance notice of any non-emergency pesticide application to school buildings or grounds. Advance notice postings will be displayed at the main entrance of the affected building(s) and at the main entrance of the District Office. In emergencies, such as infestations, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent harm to students.

The District’s integrated pest management program and pesticide application records are available for review. The person
responsible for the school’s pesticide application procedures is:

Stafford Trapp, Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations
(616) 696-0464
stafford.trapp@csredhawks.org

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires that the District notify you and obtain your consent, or allow you to opt your students out of, participating in any school survey analysis, or evaluation that involves one or more of the following 8 subjects (protected information surveys”):

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the student has close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relations, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

The notification and opt-out requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure, or use of a student’s personal information for marketing purposes (“marketing surveys”) and certain physical exams and screenings.

You have the right to review a protected information or marketing survey before it is given to your student to determine whether you want your student to participate. If you want to review materials that will be used in a protected information or marketing survey, please submit your request to the building principal. The building principal will let you know where and when you may review those materials.

If the District schedules a protected information or marketing survey after the school year starts, the District will notify you within a reasonable amount of time and give an opportunity to consent or opt your student out. The District also will give you an opportunity to review the newly scheduled surveys or instructional materials upon request.

The Board of Education welcomes and encourages visits to school by parents, other adult residents of the community and interested educators. But in order for the educational program to continue undisturbed when visitors are present and to prevent the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools, it is necessary to establish visitor guidelines.

The Superintendent or the principal has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person to a school of this District or to expel any person when there is reason to believe the presence of such person would be detrimental to the good order of the school. If such an individual refuses to leave the school grounds or creates a disturbance, the principal is authorized to request from the local law enforcement agency whatever assistance is required to remove the individual.

Individuals who are registered sex offenders and wish to participate in school activities may be allowed on campus. Conditions may be imposed by the Superintendent on the individual's campus visit(s) governing the terms and conditions of the visit. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the need to receive prior permission before entering campus, required check-in, an approved escort in the building or at an event, and time or location limitations while on campus.

Nonstaff access to students and classes must be limited and only in accordance with a schedule which has been determined by the principal after consultation with the teacher whose classroom is being visited. Classroom visitations must be nonobtrusive to the educative process and learning environment and should not occur on an excessive basis.

Parent concerns about any aspect of their child's educational program should be presented through the procedure set forth in Board Policy 9130 - Public Complaints, a copy of which is available at the Board office and at each school.

The Superintendent shall promulgate such administrative guidelines as are necessary to protect students and employees from disruption to the educational program or the efficient conduct of their assigned tasks.

Rules regarding entry of persons other than students, staff, and faculty upon school grounds or premises shall be posted conspicuously at or near the entrance to such grounds or premises if there are no formal entrances, and at the main entrance to each school building.

Individual Board members who are interested in visiting schools or classrooms on an unofficial basis shall provide notification to the superintendent first, then make the appropriate arrangements with and be accompanied by the principal. In keeping with Board bylaws, such Board member visits shall not be considered to be official unless designated as such by the Board.

The Board member shall be visiting as an interested individual in a similar capacity of any parent or citizen of the community. These visits should not be considered to be inspections nor as supervisory in nature.

If, during a visit to a school or program, a Board member observes a non-emergency situation or condition which causes concern, the Board member should discuss the situation first with the Superintendent as soon as convenient or appropriate. Such a report or discussion shall not be considered an official one from the Board.

The Board of Education has charged school authorities with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search school property such as lockers used by students or the person or property, including vehicles, of a student, in accordance with policy 5771.

This is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This law ensures that children with disabilities have equal access to an appropriate education. Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not require the school to provide an individualized educational program (IEP) that is designed to meet the child’s unique needs and provides the child with educational benefit. Under Section 504, fewer procedural safeguards are available to children with disabilities and their parents than under IDEA. Section 504 is a consideration if a student requires additional support to have equal access to educational opportunities.

Each year the Superintendent shall provide public notice to students and their parents of the District's intent to make available, upon request, certain information known as "directory information." The Board designates as student "directory information":

• a student's name;
• address (except for students participating in the address confidentiality program act);
• telephone number;
• date and place of birth;
• major field of study;
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
• height and weight, if member of an athletic team;
• height if member of an athletic team;
• weight, if member of an athletic team which requires disclosure to participate;
• dates of attendance;
• date of graduation;
• awards received;
• honor rolls;
• scholarships;
• telephone numbers for inclusion in school or PTO directories;
• school photographs or videos of students participating in school activities, events or programs.

The Board designates school-assigned e-mail accounts as "directory information" for the limited purpose of facilitating students’ registration for access to various online educational services, including mobile applications/apps that will be utilized by the student for educational purposes and for inclusion in internal e-mail address books. School-assigned e-mail accounts shall not be released as directory information beyond this/these limited purpose(s) and to any person or entity but the specific online educational service provider and internal users of the District's Education Technology.

The Superintendent will also develop a list of uses for which the District commonly would disclose a student’s directory information and develop an opt-out form that lists all of the uses or instances and allows a parent or legal guardian to elect not to have his or her child’s directory information disclosed for one (1) or more of these uses.

Each student’s parent or legal guardian will be provided with the opt-out form within the first thirty (30) days of the school year. The form shall also be provided to a parent or legal guardian at other times upon request.

If an opt-out form is signed and submitted to the District by a student’s parent or legal guardian, the District shall not include the student’s directory information in any of the uses that have been opted out of in the opt-out form. A student who is at least age eighteen (18) or is an emancipated minor may act on his or her own behalf with respect to the opt-out form.

Parents and eligible students may also refuse to allow the District to disclose any or all of such "directory information" upon written notification to the District.

Armed Forces Recruiting

The Board shall provide United States Armed Forces recruiters with at least the same access to the high school campus and to student directory information (names, addresses, District-assigned email addresses (if available) (except for students participating in the address confidentiality program act), and telephone listings of secondary students) as is provided to other entities offering educational or employment opportunities to those students. "Armed forces of the United States" means the armed forces of the United States and their reserve components and the United States Coast Guard.

If a student or the parent or legal guardian of a student submits a signed, written request to the Board that indicates that the student or the parent or legal guardian does not want the student’s directory information to be accessible to official recruiting representatives, then the officials of the school shall not allow that access to the student’s directory information. The Board shall ensure that students and parents and guardians are notified of the provisions of the opportunity to deny release of directory information.

Public notice shall be given regarding the right to refuse disclosure of any or all "directory information" including to the armed forces of the United States and the service academies of the armed forces of the United States.

A fee, not to exceed the actual costs incurred by the high school, for copying and mailing student directory information under this section, may be charged an official recruiting representative.

Directory information received under armed services authorization request shall be used only to provide information to students concerning educational and career opportunities available in the armed forces of the United States or the service academies of the armed forces of the United States. An official recruiting representative who receives student directory information under this section shall not release that information to a person who is not involved in recruiting students for the armed forces of the United States or the service academies of the armed forces of the United States.

Annually the Board will notify male students age eighteen (18) or older that they are required to register for the selective service.

Requests to the District records officer shall be presented on a standardized form developed by the armed forces of the United States requesting access to a high school campus and a time for the access. Requests should bear the signature of the ranking recruiting officer of the armed service making the request.

Whenever consent of the parent(s)/eligible student is required for the inspection and/or release of a student's education records or for the release of "directory information", either parent may provide such consent unless stipulated otherwise by court order. If the student is under the guardianship of an institution, the Superintendent shall appoint a person who has no conflicting interest to provide such written consent.

The Board may disclose "directory information" on former students without student or parental consent, unless the parent or eligible student previously submitted a request that such information not be disclosed without their prior written consent.

The Board shall not sell or otherwise provide to a for-profit business entity any personally identifiable information that is part of a student’s education records. This does not apply to any of the following situations: providing the information as necessary for standardized testing that measures the student’s academic progress and achievement providing the information as necessary to a person that is providing educational or educational support services to the student under a contract with the District

The parent of a student or an eligible student has the right to inspect upon request any instrument used in the collection of personal information before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student. Personal information for this section is defined as individually identifiable information including a student or parent’s first and last name, a home or other physical address (including street name and the name of the city or town, unless a parent is prohibited from doing so due to a student's participation in the address confidentiality program act) a telephone number, or a Social Security identification number. In order to review the instrument, the parent or eligible students, must submit a written request to the building principal at least ten (10) work days before the scheduled date of the activity. The instrument will be provided to the parent within 5 business days of the principal receiving the request.

The Superintendent shall directly notify the parent(s) of a student and eligible students, at least annually at the beginning of the school year, of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when such activities are scheduled or expected to be scheduled.

This section does not apply to the collection, disclosure or use of personal information collected from students from the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or service for, or to, students or educational institutions, such as the following:

1. college or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment;
2. book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products;
3. curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary and secondary schools;
4. tests and assessments used by elementary and secondary schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students (or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments) and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments;
5. the sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; and
6. student recognition programs.

The Board may establish online access for the parents or the eligible student to the student’s confidential academic and attendance record. To authorize such access, the parents or the eligible student must sign a release (see Form 8330 F10). This release shall remind the parents or eligible student that the account and confidential information about the student is only as secure as they keep their account information. Neither the District nor its employees will be held responsible for any breach of this policy by the parent/eligible student or any unauthorized party.

The Superintendent shall prepare administrative guidelines to ensure that students and parents are adequately informed each year regarding their rights to:

• inspect and review the student's education records;
• request amendments if the record is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's rights;
• consent to disclosures of personally-identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to unauthorized disclosures allowed by the law;
• challenge the Board’s noncompliance with a parent’s request to amend the records through a hearing;
• file a complaint with the United States Department of Education;
• obtain a copy of the Board’s policy and administrative guidelines on student records.

The Superintendent shall also develop procedural guidelines for:

1. the proper storage and retention of records including a list of the type and location of records;
2. informing District employees of the Federal and State laws concerning student records.

The Board authorizes the use of the microfilm process or electromagnetic processes of reproduction for the recording, filing, maintaining, and preserving of records.

No liability shall attach to any member, officer, or employee of this District specifically as a consequence of permitting access or furnishing student records in accordance with this policy and regulations.

Any entity receiving personally identifiable information pursuant to a study, audit, evaluation or enforcement/compliance activity must comply with all FERPA regulations. Further, such an entity must enter into a written contract with the Board of Education delineating its responsibilities in safeguarding the disclosed information. Specifically, the entity must demonstrate the existence of a sound data security plan or data stewardship program, and must also provide assurances that the personally identifiable information will not be redisclosed without prior authorization from the Board. Further, the entity conducting the study, audit, evaluation or enforcement/compliance activity is required to destroy the disclosed information once it is no longer needed or when the timeframe for the activity has ended, as specified in its written agreement with the Board of Education. See Form 8330 F14 and Form 8330 F16 for additional contract requirements.

The Board of Education elects to augment the educational program of educationally disadvantaged students by the use of Federal funds and in accordance with Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended.

The Superintendent shall prepare and present to the State Department of Education a plan for the delivery of services which meets the requirements of the law, including those described below. The plan shall be developed by appropriate staff members and parents of students who will be served by the plan. The District will periodically review and revise the plan, as necessary.

1. Assessment
   1. The District shall annually assess the educational needs of eligible children, as determined by Federal and State criteria. Such assessment shall include performance measures mandated by the Department of Education as well as those determined by the District's professional staff, that will assist in the diagnosis, teaching, and learning of the participating students.
2. Scope
   1. Each school shall determine whether the funds will be used to upgrade the educational program of an entire school in Title I schools that qualify as schoolwide schools and/or to establish or improve programs that provide services only for eligible students in greatest need of assistance. The schoolwide program, for an entire school and/or a Targeted Assistance School, shall include the components required by law as well as those agreed upon by participating staff and parents.
3. Participation
   1. The Title I program shall be developed and evaluated in consultation with parents and professional staff members, including teachers, principals, other school leaders, paraprofessionals, specialized instructional support personnel, charter school leaders (in a District that has charter schools), administrators and other appropriate school personnel involved in its implementation. Appropriate training will be provided to staff members who provide Title I services. Parent participation shall be in accord with Board Policy 2261.01 and shall meet the requirements of Section 1116 of the Act.
4. Comparability of Services
   1. Title I funds will be used only to augment, not to replace, State and local funds. The District will document its compliance with the supplement not supplant provisions by using a written methodology that ensures State and local funds are allocated to each school on the same basis, regardless of whether a school receives Title I funding. The Superintendent shall use State and local funds to provide educational services in schools receiving Title I assistance that, taken as a whole, are at least comparable to services being provided in schools that are not receiving Title I assistance. The determination of the comparability of services may exclude, State and local funds expended for language instruction educational programs and the excess costs of providing services to children with disabilities as determined by the District. The determination of comparability of services will not take into account unpredictable changes in student enrollments or personnel assignments that occur after the beginning of a school year. In order to achieve comparability of services, the Superintendent shall assign teachers, administrators, and auxiliary personnel and provide curriculum materials and instructional supplies in such a manner as to ensure equivalence throughout the District.
5. Professional Development
   1. Members of the professional staff may participate in the design and implementation of staff development activities that:
      1. involve parents in the training, when appropriate;
      2. combine and consolidate other available Federal and District funds;
      3. foster cooperative training with institutions of higher learning and other educational organizations including other school districts.

The Board of Education recognizes and values parents and families as children's first teachers and decision-makers in education. The Board believes that student learning is more likely to occur when there is an effective partnership between the school and the student's parents and family. Such a partnership between the home and school and greater involvement of parents and family members in the education of their children generally results in higher academic achievement, improved student behavior, and reduced absenteeism. This policy shall serve as the District policy, as well as the Parent and Family Engagement policy for each school in the District.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), defines the term "parent" to include a legal guardian or other person standing in loco parentis (such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare).

The term "family" is used in order to include a child’s primary caregivers, who are not the biological parents, such as foster caregivers, grandparents, other family members and responsible adults who play significant roles in providing for the well-being of the child.

Family engagement is a collaborative relationship between families, educators, providers, and partners to support and improve the learning, development, and health of every learner. The principles of family engagement include: relationships as the cornerstone; positive learning environments; efforts tailored to address all families, so all learners are successful; purposeful and intentional efforts that clearly identify learner outcomes; and engaging and supporting families as partners in their child's education.

Through this policy, the Board directs the establishment of a Parental Involvement Plan by which a school-partnership can be established and provided to the parent of each child in the District. The plan must encompass parent participation, through meetings and other forms of communication. The Parental Involvement Plan shall reflect the Board's commitment to the following:

1. Relationships with Families
   1. cultivating school environments that are welcoming, supportive, and student-centered;
   2. providing professional development for school staff that helps build partnerships between families and schools; 1,2
   3. providing family activities that relate to various cultures, languages, practices, and customs, and bridge economic and cultural barriers; 1,2
   4. providing coordination, technical support and other support to assist schools in planning and implementing family involvement activities. 2
2. Effective Communication
   1. providing information to families to support the proper health, safety, and well-being of their children;
   2. providing information to families about school policies, procedures, programs, and activities; 1,2
   3. promoting regular and open communication between school personnel and students' family members;
   4. communicating with families in a format and language that is understandable, to the extent practicable; 1,2
   5. providing information and involving families in monitoring student progress; 2
   6. providing families with timely and meaningful information regarding Michigan's academic standards, State and local assessments, and pertinent legal provisions; 1,2
   7. preparing families to be involved in meaningful discussions and meetings with school staff. 1,2
3. Volunteer Opportunities
   1. providing volunteer opportunities for families to support their children's school activities; 2
   2. supporting other needs, such as transportation and child care, to enable families to participate in school-sponsored family involvement events. 2
4. Learning at Home
   1. offering training and resources to help families learn strategies and skills to support at-home learning and success in school; 1,2
   2. working with families to establish learning goals and help their children accomplish these goals;
   3. helping families to provide a school and home environment that encourages learning and extends learning at home. 1
5. Engaging Families in Decision Making and Advocacy
   1. engaging families as partners in the process of school review and continuous improvement planning; 2
   2. engaging families in the development of its District-wide parent and family engagement policy and plan, and distributing the policy and plan to families. 1,2
6. Collaborating with the Community
   1. building constructive partnerships and connecting families with community-based programs and other community resources; 1,2
   2. coordinating and integrating parent and family engagement programs and activities with District initiatives and community- based programs that encourage and support families' participation in their children's education, growth, and development. 1,2

Implementation

The Superintendent will provide for a comprehensive plan to engage parents, families, and community members in a partnership in support of each student's academic achievement, the District's continuous improvement, and individual school improvement plans. The District's plan, as well as each school's plan, will be distributed to all parents and students through publication in the Student Handbook or other suitable means. The plan will provide for annual evaluation, with the involvement of parents and families, of the plan's content effectiveness and identification of barriers to participation by parents and families with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background; the needs of parents and family members to assist with the learning of their children (including engaging with school personnel and teachers); and the strategies to support successful school and family interaction. Each school plan will include the development of a written school-parent compact jointly with parents for all children participating in Title I, part A activities, services, and programs. The compact will outline how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high standards. Evaluation findings will be used in the annual review of the Parent and Family Engagement t policy and to improve the effectiveness of the District plan. This policy will be updated periodically to meet the changing needs of parents, families, and the schools. 

The Board also authorizes the use of canines, trained in detecting the presence of drugs or devices, when the Superintendent has reasonable suspicion that illegal drugs or devices may be present in a school. This means of detection shall be used only to determine the presence of drugs in locker areas and other places in the school where such substances could be concealed. Canine detection must be conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities or other certified organizations and is not to be used to search students unless either a warrant or parental permission has been obtained prior to the search.

In order to protect Board property, promote security and protect the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and visitors, the Board of Education authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment on school property, and in school buildings and school buses. Information obtained through video surveillance/electronic monitoring may be used to identify intruders and persons breaking the law, Board policy, or the Student Code of Conduct (i.e., it may be used as evidence in disciplinary actions and criminal proceedings). Full outlined of this information can be found in Policy 7440.01.