School Policies

Complaint/Grievance

Sample 1 - Excel

Any student or employee who believes that Excel has discriminated against or harassed her/him because of her/his race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its services, programs, and activities may file a complaint with the Principal. If the Principal is the person who is alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment, the complaint may be filed with the Executive Director, Dean of Students, or Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. These individuals are listed below and are hereinafter referred to as “Grievance Administrators.”

 

    • Executive Director: Yutaka Tamura
    • Principal: Scott Given
    • Dean of Students: Christopher Habetler
    • Dean of Curriculum and Instruction: Komal Bhasin

 

Complaints of Harassment By Peers - In the event the complaint consists of a student's allegation that another student is harassing him/her based upon the above-referenced classifications, the student may, in the alternative, file the complaint with the complaint manager (hereinafter referred to as "Building Complaint Manager"). The name of the Building Complaint Manager(s) is kept at the school and may be obtained from the main office.

 

Complaints of Discrimination Based on Disability - A person who alleges discrimination on the basis of disability relative to the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of a person, who because of a handicap needs or is believed to need special instruction or related services, pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Chapter 766, and/or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, must use the procedure outlined in the Massachusetts Department of Education's Parents' Rights Brochure rather than this Grievance Procedure. A copy of the brochure is available from the Learning Specialist.

 

A person with a complaint involving discrimination on the basis of a disability other than that described above may either use this Grievance Procedure or file the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education at the address provided at the end of this Grievance Procedure.

 

Contents of Complaints and Timelines for Filing - Complaints under this Grievance Procedure must be filed within 30 school days of the alleged discrimination. The complaint must be in writing. The Grievance Administrator, or any person of the grievant's choosing, may assist the grievant with filing the complaint. The written complaint must include the following information:

 

    • The name and school (or address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant.
    • The name (and address and telephone number if not a student or employee) of the grievant's representative, if any.
    • The name of the person(s) alleged to have caused the discrimination or harassment (respondent).
    • A description, in as much detail as possible, of the alleged discrimination or harassment.
    • The date(s) of the alleged discrimination or harassment.
    • The name of all persons who have knowledge about the alleged discrimination or harassment (witnesses), as can be reasonably determined.
    • A description, in as much detail as possible, of how the grievant wants the complaint to be resolved.

 

Investigation and Resolution of the Complaint - Respondents will be informed of the charges as soon as the Grievance Administrator deems appropriate based upon the nature of the allegations, the investigation required, and the action contemplated.

 

The Grievance Administrator will interview witnesses whom s/he deems necessary and appropriate to determine the facts relevant to the complaint, and will gather other relevant information. Such interviews and gathering of information will be completed within fifteen (15) school days of receiving the complaint.

 

Within twenty (20) school days of receiving the complaint, the Grievance Administrator will meet with the grievant and/or her/his representative to review the information gathered and, if applicable, to propose a resolution designed to stop the discrimination or harassment and to correct its effect. Within ten (10) school days of the meeting with the grievant and/or representative, the Grievance Administrator will provide written disposition of the complaint to the grievant and/or representative and to the respondent(s).

 

Notwithstanding the above, it is understood that in the event a resolution contemplated by the Excel Academy involves disciplinary action against an employee or a student, the complainant will not be informed of such disciplinary action, unless it directly involves the complainant (i.e., a directive to "stay away" from the complainant, as might occur as a result of a complaint of harassment).

 

Any disciplinary action imposed upon an employee or student is subject to applicable procedural requirements.

 

All the time lines specified above will be implemented as specified, unless the nature of the investigation or exigent circumstances prevent such implementation, in which case, the matter will be completed as quickly as practicable. If the time lines specified above are not met, the reason(s) for not meeting them must be clearly documented. In addition, it should be noted that in the event the respondent is subject to a collective bargaining agreement which sets forth a specific time line for notice and/or investigation of a complaint, such time lines will be followed.

 

Confidentiality of grievants/respondents and witnesses will be maintained, to the extent consistent with Excel Academy’s obligations relating to investigation of complaints and the due process rights of individuals affected.

 

Retaliation against someone because he/she has filed a complaint under this Grievance Procedure is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or expulsion/discharge.

 

Appeals - If the grievant is not satisfied with a disposition by a Grievance Administrator, the grievant may appeal the disposition to the Board of Trustees by writing to the Board Chair:

 

    • Owen Stearns, Board Chair, Excel Academy Charter School

 

The Board of Trustees will issue a written response on the appeal to the grievant within thirty (30) school days of receiving the appeal.

 

Generally, a grievant may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, JW McCormack POCH, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-4557, telephone (617) 223-9662, TTY (617) 223-9695 as follows:

 

    • Within 180 calendar days of alleged discrimination of harassment, or
    • Within 60 calendar days of receiving notice of Excel Academy Charter School’s final disposition on a complaint filed through Excel Academy Charter School, or
    • Within 60 calendar days of receiving a final decision by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education Appeals, or instead of filing a complaint with Excel Academy.

 

Complaint Procedures - Both the school and the Board work in conjunction with one another to hear and resolve any complaints. If a problem arises, both the school and the Board encourage the complainant to address the problem directly with the staff member(s). If the complainant is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution by the appropriate faculty or staff member, a meeting should be scheduled with the Principal. If the situation has still not been resolved, the complainant should schedule a meeting with the Executive Director. If this does not resolve the issue, then the Board encourages the complainant to contact the Board Chair who will arrange to have the complaint heard at the next possible meeting of the Board of Trustees.

 

If this meeting does not resolve the relevant complaint, the complainant should follow the guidelines set by M.G.L. c. 71, 89(jj) and 603 CMR 1.10. If an individual believes that the school has violated any provision of the charter school law and regulations, he or she may file a formal complaint with the Board of Trustees. After receiving the complaint, the Board must send a written response to the individual within 30 days. 603 CMR 1.10(2). If the Board does not address the complaint to the individual’s satisfaction, the individual may submit the complaint to the Commissioner of Education. 603 CMR 1.10(4). A parent/guardian may file a complaint with DOE at any time if he or she believes that the school has violated any federal or state law or regulation. 603 CMR 1.10(6).

 

Sample 2 – Sturgis

In accordance with Massachusetts Education Law, a parent, guardian or other individuals or groups who believe that a charter school has violated or is violating any provision of M.G.L. c. 71, § 89, or 603 CMR 1.00 may file a complaint with the Sturgis Board of Trustees. Please refer to 603 CMR 1.10 for a full description of complaint procedures as they pertain to Massachusetts Education Law and charter schools.

 

Grievance Procedure - A grievance is defined as a dispute or controversy involving the meaning, interpretation, or application of the specific terms of the Employment Agreement for Sturgis Charter Public School. Grievance complaints could include but are not limited to allegations of discrimination from students or staff members regarding race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.

 

The purpose of this grievance procedure is to define a process of initial to culminating steps by which a grievance can be reviewed and addressed. If the grievance has not been addressed to the satisfaction of the employee or student at a specific step, then the employee or student may proceed to the next step in the procedure. The employee or student is allowed to bring an observer during any step of the procedure.

 

Steps in the Grievance Procedure

 

    • Step 1: The employee or student shall discuss the grievance directly with the individual whose action or decision resulted in the grievance. If the grievance is the result of an action or decision of the Executive Director and is not resolved in Step 1, then the procedure moves to Step 4.
    • Step 2: The employee or student shall discuss the grievance with the lead teacher or administrator who has supervisory responsibility over the area of concern.
    • Step 3: The employee or student shall discuss the grievance with the Executive Director.
    • Step 4: The employee or student shall submit a description of the grievance in writing to the Grievance Committee. The employee or student shall then discuss the grievance with the Grievance Committee, which consists of the Associate Director, the Assistant Director for Operations, the Faculty Representative to the Board of Trustees, the Civil Rights Coordinator, two faculty members elected by the faculty at large with one acting as the regular member and one to serve as an alternate in cases of conflict of interest or absence, and the Executive Director.
    • Step 5: The employee or student shall submit the grievance in writing to the Board of Trustees, which will give the employee or student a hearing at an executive session during a meeting of the Board of Trustees within five weeks upon the receipt of the grievance.

 

Sample 3 – BCCS

Both the school and the Board work in conjunction with one another to hear and resolve any complaints. If a problem arises, both the school and the Board encourage the complainant to address the problem directly with the staff member(s). If the complainant is dissatisfied with the proposed resolution by the appropriate faculty or staff member, a meeting should be scheduled with the school Principal. If the situation has still not been resolved, a meeting should be scheduled with the school’s Executive Director.

 

If this meeting does not resolve the relevant complaint, the complainant should follow the guidelines set by M.G.L. c. 71, § 89(jj) and 603 CMR 1.10. If an individual believes that the school has violated any provision of the charter school law or regulations, he or she may file a formal complaint with the Board of Trustees. After receiving the complaint, the Board must send a written response to the individual within 30 days. 603 CMR 1.10(2). If the Board does not address the complaint to the individual’s satisfaction, the individual may submit the complaint to the Commissioner of Education. 603 CMR 1.10(4). A parent/guardian may file a complaint with DOE at any time if he or she believes that the school has violated any federal or state law or regulation. 603 CMR 1.10(6).

 

Family Involvement

Sample 1 - NHCS

By choosing to send your child to NHCS, you have decided to be an active participant in your child’s education. NHCS provides parents with a variety of ways to actively participate in the NHCS community. Parent and family involvement is a very important part of building a strong school community. NHCS welcomes parents to visit the school and their child’s classroom. “It’s backed by 30 years of research. When families are involved, children do better in school. The schools do better too.” – Parent are Powerful Center for Law and Education.

 

Parent Council - The Parent Council welcomes all parents. This council is another way that parents stay connected to what is going on in the school. The Parent Council meets once a month to recommend school programs, sponsor events, and fundraise. From this council, a variety of school committees are formed giving parents many ways to be involved. Meetings are held in the evening, and dinner and childcare are provided.

 

Parent Council Mission Statement - The purpose of the Neighborhood House Charter School Parent Council is to build a community of families actively involved in our children’s education. The Parent Council is a volunteer, parent-run organization that meets once per month to organize social and fundraising events and to discuss issues affecting our children at NHCS.

 

Other NHCS Parent Organizations - Some of our organizations and committees include the following: School Site Council; Parent Advisory Council; Parent Transition Committee; New Parent Welcoming Committee; Parent Fundraising Committee; Political Action Committee and Eighth Grade Graduation Committee.

 

Volunteering Opportunities - Volunteering is a mandatory part of parents’ commitment to sending their child to NHCS. According to the Family Learning Contract, parents are required to volunteer five hours of their time per year. There are many different ways that parents can volunteer their time to NHCS.

 

Parents can participate in one of the school-wide councils listed above or in one of the many ways listed below. It is possible for committees and volunteering opportunities to change over the course of the year.

 

There is a broad range of volunteer activities at NHCS so that every parent can find an opportunity that fits their schedule and interests. Parents can volunteer at different times during the day, at school or from home, with a group or independently, and on a regular basis or for a special event. When you come to school during the day, please sign in at reception so that we may track your hours.

 

Parents should arrange all volunteering with the school in advance. It is very important that parents do not disrupt the learning environment while volunteering at NHCS. If you have any questions about how to participate in your child’s classroom, please contact your child’s teacher or advisor first. Some opportunities include the following: Chaperone; Classroom Fundraising; Classroom Volunteer; Administrative Support including Front Desk Coverage; High School Placement Volunteer; Planning School-Wide Events; Book Fair Helper; Parent Liaison.

 

Sample 2 - CDCPS

The Parent Advisory Board meets regularly, giving parents an opportunity to plan programs which encourage parental involvement in the school. The PAB addresses a range of issues from academics and curriculum to fundraising. The PAB seeks to represent the concerns of parents of all children at the school, special needs, at-risk, limited English proficient and high achievers. Appointed Board members assume responsibility for setting and implementing the PAB agenda, but all parents may vote. Meetings are open to all parents as well as to the general public and are held at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, during the school year, in the Lower School. Spanish translation is provided at all meetings. The Parent Advisory Board includes representation across grade levels and programs. The Parent Advisory Board Sub-Council on Special Education ensures parent participation in the planning, development and evaluation of the school’s special education program as mandated by the laws that govern special education. The Association of Parents in Action (APA) is a support group for Spanish-speaking parents. Discussions focus on topics of concern to parents. English translation is provided. APA meets once a month on Fridays.

 

Parent Responsibilities - At Community Day Charter Public School parents and staff work together to create a community where learning and hard work are valued. We expect parents to be actively engaged in their child’s school experience. Following are some of the ways you can participate in your child’s success in school:

 

    • Ensure that your child is at school every day on time.
    • Support our work ethic that every child will have a school "job" and assume responsibility to do it well.
    • Communicate regularly with your child's teacher. This includes: providing needed information, letting us know how things are going and coming to parent meetings and conferences.
    • Participate in creating high standards for behavior, including supporting the school's code of conduct and working with our school in solving any problems which develop.
    • Talk to your child about values such as work, responsibilities and the importance of education.
    • Show interest in your child's homework and schoolwork and follow through on signing papers and participating in family projects.
    • Never discipline any other CDCPS students (other than your own).
    • Keep your child’s emergency phone numbers and information in the school office up to date.
    • Volunteer at the school or by doing things for the school as often as you can.
    • Ensure that your child wears the CDCPS uniform daily.

 

Visitor Policy - CDCPS welcomes visitors! All visitors must sign in at the Upper or Lower School office and pick up a visitor’s pass. Any unidentified adult in the building will be directed to the office by teachers, staff or parents. This includes any time parents need to pickup their child for an early release.

 

Expectations for Volunteers - Our volunteer program provides parents and other CDCPS supporters with an opportunity to share skills, contribute to our learning environment or just show support for our school. As a volunteer, there are a number of guidelines to be remembered.

 

    • Confidentiality. Respect the privacy of each child as you would like other parents to respect your child's privacy. Do not talk to others about a child's ability or any particular events that happen during the day.
    • Reliability. Teachers will plan on you being available at a certain time. Please let them know in advance if you cannot come.
    • Children sometimes behave differently when their parents are present. Usually a discussion about appropriate behavior helps. If it is too difficult for you to work in your child's room, we may ask you to work in another room.
    • Do not administer discipline. If a student is acting out, talk to the teacher or a school administrator about the situation.
    • We encourage students best by noticing their achievements and giving appropriate praise.
    • Let the staff know what tasks are satisfying to you. We want to utilize volunteers in a mutually fulfilling way.
    • Do not administer First Aid or clean up any bodily fluids. Call staff for assistance.
    • Sign in and out each time you volunteer.

 

Sample 3 - EWB

Parental involvement in a child’s educational life is critical to a child’s success. We encourage parents to develop strong positive partnerships with the school.

 

Visiting Classes - Our school has an open door policy that allows parents to sit in on class during any time after the first few weeks of school. During the beginning of school, it is critical for students to transition into their new setting, and parental presence in the classroom can slow this process. After September 1, we encourage parents to come into the classroom and see our amazing teachers and students at work. When observing in the classroom, parents are asked not to disrupt the education of their child or of other children or to attempt to conduct individual conversations with the teacher during instructional time. Parents who are disruptive to the educational process will be asked to leave. Parents need to sign in at the office before visiting a classroom and wear a visitor sticker while in the school.

 

Volunteering - We would also love to have parent volunteers helping out in the school! If you have time free during the school day and would like to help us with copying, cutting, laminating, or any of the other tasks that it takes to make a school run smoothly, please let us know. We will also be calling on parents throughout the year to volunteer as chaperones for field trips.

 

Initial Teacher Meeting - Parents are asked to bring their children in to the school before the start of school to meet with their child’s homeroom teacher. These meetings will last about half an hour and will be scheduled directly by the homeroom teacher. These meetings will give students and their parents a chance to meet their teacher before the first day of school and will also allow teachers to learn a little bit about the child’s educational history and personality. It will also give the teachers a chance to do some preliminary one-on-one testing with the student. It is critical that all parents and children attend this initial teacher meeting.

 

Open House - On August 31 at 6 p.m., we will be holding our elementary open house. All parents are required to attend the open house and are encouraged to bring their children to this event. At the open house, teachers will explain vital information about class rules and discipline systems, class specific policies, give an overview of the general daily schedule, and answer any general questions that parents have about the classroom. It is also an opportunity for children to give parents a tour of their new classroom. It will also give parents a chance to meet the entire elementary staff and meet parents of other students in the school.

 

Curriculum Nights - We are excited about our curriculum at the school and want to share what is going on in our classrooms. Each month, we will hold parent curriculum nights, and we encourage all parents who can attend to do so. We will send out a calendar at the start of the year that has all of the dates for the monthly curriculum nights.

Community Newsletter - Community newsletters will be sent home every Monday afternoon in the Life Work folder. The newsletters will have critical information about upcoming school events, and parents are expected to read the newsletter carefully each week.

 

Parent Conferences - Parent-teacher conferences are a crucial component of our educational program. Parents are expected to attend conferences after each of the first two report cards are sent home and at other times as requested by the classroom teacher or principal. Parent conference days are scheduled for November 15 and March 5. Parents should plan on attending a 30-minute conference during that school day. Children are encouraged to attend these conferences.

 

Parent Involvement Council - Parents who are seeking a more involved role in the school are invited to join the Parent Involvement Council (PIC). The PIC will meet on a regular basis and is open to all parents. Members of the PIC will work with the principal to engage in fund-raising events and help coordinate performances and trips for students.

 

Sample 4 - Four

The school invites all interested parents and guardians to join the Family Council, which meets monthly and offers ways for parents to be informed about and support the purposes, program and community of Four Rivers. The Family Council is organized in coordination with the school administration, and Family Council activities include planning and overseeing non-academic school functions, from community pot-lucks to service projects on campus and organizing after-school activities, as well as offering assistance to the faculty for fieldwork, class projects, and other volunteer needs.

 

The Family Council also sponsors programs to foster parent education and address ways to strengthen parent/child communication and understanding. At the monthly meetings the Executive Director or other staff members report on the school’s program and growth, and discuss questions of interest to the group. Meetings are held monthly, on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007. Check Currents, the monthly school newsletter, for updates.

Parent Advisory Council - The special Education Parents Advisory Council (PAC) will meet at least three times each year to support parents and discuss issues of children with special education needs. The meetings are announced in the school newsletter, Currents, and are open to all.

 

Parent Volunteers and CORI Checks - Parent or guardian volunteers who may be with students in an unsupervised setting (such as driving students on fieldwork or working with a small group in a separate space at school) are now required to have passed a CORI check before such activities can be permitted. Please see the Director of Operations for guidance in requesting a CORI check.

 

Rights

Sample 1 - Excel

Standardized Testing and Research Studies - Students at Excel will take the TerraNova exam, a nationally norm referenced test when they first enroll in Excel and at the end of every school year. Furthermore, every six weeks, all Excel Academy 7th grade students will take Math and English standardized exams written and administered by the Massachusetts Charter School Performance Project. In addition, students will take the MCAS every spring.

 

Student Records - (General) - Federal and state laws provide parents and eligible students (those who are age 14 or older) with rights of confidentiality, access, and amendment relating to student records. Copies of the Massachusetts Student Records Regulations (“Regulations”), detailing these rights, are available in office of the Principal and Main Office. The following is a general overview of the provisions in the Regulations.

 

Access and Amendment - A parent or eligible student has a right to access student records and to seek their amendment if the parent or eligible student believes them to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights. In order to obtain access or to seek amendment to student records, please contact the building principal.

 

Student Records - (Access by non-custodial parents) - Massachusetts General Laws c. 71, §37H (“Section 37H”) governs access to student records by a parent who does not have physical custody of a student. Generally, Section 37H requires a non-custodial parent seeking access to submit a written request and other documentation to the principal on an annual basis. Parents who have questions or concerns regarding access to records by non-custodial parents are requested to contact the Principal for detailed information regarding the procedures that must be followed under Section 37H.

 

Confidentiality - Release of student records generally requires consent of the parent or eligible student. However, the Regulations provide certain exceptions. For example, staff employed or under contract to the district have access to records as needed to perform their duties. Excel also releases a student’s complete student record to authorized school personnel of a school to which a student seeks or intends to transfer without further notice to, or receipt of consent from, the eligible student or parent.

 

In addition, Excel has a practice of releasing directory information, consisting of the following: the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates of attendance, weight and height of the members of athletic teams, class, participation in recognized activities and sports, honors and awards, and post-high school plans. In the event a parent or eligible student objects to the release of any of the above information, the parent/eligible student may state that objection in writing to the Principal. Absent receipt of a written objection by the third week of school, the directory information will be released without further notice or consent.

 

Please see the Regulations for a description of other circumstances in which student records may be released without the consent of a parent or eligible student.

 

Parents and eligible students have a right to file a complaint concerning alleged failures by a school district to comply with the requirements of the student records laws and regulations with the Massachusetts Department of Education, 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Complaints relative to federal statutes and regulations governing student records may be filed with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington DC.

 

Sample 2 - NHCS

No Child Left Behind - The federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, called No Child Left Behind, funds a number of grants. The largest of these grants is Title I, which aims to improve basic education for low-income students. Under this law, NHCS parents have the following rights:

 

    • The school district must inform you if your child’s school is on the Massachusetts Department of Education list of schools that have not made Adequate Yearly Progress for two or more years, based on MCAS results.

 

If your child’s school is on the list, you have the right to request a transfer to another school in your assignment zone that is not on the list, as long as seats are available. Regular times and rules for admissions and transfers apply.

 

    • If your child’s school is on this list for two consecutive years, your child may be eligible for free tutoring, after school programming, or summer programs to improve MCAS reading and math scores. These programs will take place at either your child’s school or at another location. To be eligible, students must be low-income and educationally needy.
    • At your request, the school must provide information about the qualifications of the professional staff in your child’s school.
    • The school must inform you when your child will be taught by an unqualified teacher for longer than four consecutive weeks.

 

In addition, the school holds an annual Title I parents meeting to inform parents about the rights and responsibilities associated with having their child enrolled in a school wide Title I program. Finally, parents are encouraged to be involved with updating and evaluating the Title I Parent Involvement Policy on an annual basis.

 

For more information about No Child Left Behind, call the Main Office, the State Department of Education at (781) 338-3000, or visit www.nclb.gov/next/parents.

 

Special Education Process: Request for Evaluation and Team Meeting - If a student is having continuing difficulty in school and if modifications have not proved to be effective, a special education evaluation may be requested. A teacher or specialist, an administrator, the Child Study Team, or a parent may request that a student be evaluated. Parental requests must be received in writing and sent to the appropriate Learning Specialist or Dean. NHCS is responsible for responding to the request and completing the evaluation within thirty days.

 

Upon completion of the evaluation, the school will convene a team meeting to review the results and determine if the student meets the eligibility criteria for special education services. If it is appropriate for the student to receive services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed. Parents are important members of the decision-making team and their input is critical. It is essential that parents attend these team meetings. Parents may invite individuals from outside the school who play a valuable role in their child’s education to attend this meeting.

 

Eligibility for Special Education - A student must meet all of the following criteria in order to be eligible for special education services:

 

    • The student must have a disability;
    • The disability must lead to a lack of effective progress in regular education; and
    • The student must need specially designed instruction or related services (OT and/or Speech-Language) to make effective progress.

 

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) - The IEP is the legal document that identifies the services and accommodations that are necessary for students to make effective progress. Parents play an important role in the development of this document because they often know how their child learns best.

 

The IEP is reviewed yearly by the team – the student’s teachers, any specialists such as the Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist, the parent(s), anyone parents invite, and quite often the student depending on his or her age. At this meeting, the team will discuss the student’s progress, map out future goals, and determine appropriate services and accommodations for the upcoming year. Common accommodations include longer time to complete assignments, modified assignments, and small group instruction. Some students may also be eligible for accommodations during MCAS testing.

 

Parents have the right to accept or reject parts of the IEP or the entire IEP. No services can be provided to the student until his or her parent or guardian signs the IEP. Re-evaluations of eligibility for special education services occur every three years.

 

Parent Advisory Council - The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED-PAC) is a group of parents who discuss the special education services in the school. Parents work closely with the Director of Special Education to advise the school about laws, services, education, and the well-being of students with disabilities at NHCS. We welcome all parents to attend the PAC meetings.

 

504 Accommodation Plan - Upon completion of an evaluation, the IEP team will meet and may recommend that a 504 Accommodation Plan be written for a student rather than an IEP. A 504 Plan is a legal document, which is primarily a classroom accommodation plan. It is not a special education plan. In order to be eligible for a 504 Plan, a student must have a disability which “substantially limits one or more major life activities,” such as learning. However, the student may still be making effective progress. There may only be a need for some classroom accommodations and/or consultation to the classroom teacher to address the disability. A 504 Accommodation Plan is reviewed annually by the team.

 

Parent and Student Rights: Parent / Guardian Rights Regarding Student Records - A student’s record consists of his or her school transcript and temporary record. As the parent or guardian of your child you have the right (as mandated in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [FERPA]) to inspect all portions of your child’s student record upon written request to the Headmaster. You may also request copies of any part of the record. Any student who is at least 14 years old has the right to view and receive a copy of his or her student record.

 

Confidentiality of Student Records - No individual or organization other than the parent, guardian, eligible student, or school personnel who works directly with the student is allowed access to a student’s record without specific written consent of the parent, guardian, or eligible student.

 

Transfer of Student Records - It is the responsibility of parents to make sure that their child’s academic records from a previous school are transferred to NHCS. Parents have found that the best way to do this is to go to your child’s former school in person and pick up the records and bring them to NHCS. Records for graduating eighth grade students will be forwarded to the students’ high school by NHCS.

 

Sample 3 - Four

Four Rivers Charter Public School is open to all students and families in Franklin County and is committed to serving the needs of all our students. The school has specific policies addressing the needs, concerns and rights of homeless students, copies of which are available in the School Office. The homeless education liaison is Susan Durkee, Assistant Principal, and she may be reached through the School Office for questions or support. Should a Four Rivers student become or be identified as homeless, the homeless education liaison will put the student and his/her family in touch with local and state agencies that provide assistance. She will also make available to that student the same counseling and family support that is available to all students at Four Rivers.

 

Progress Reports and Conferences - The faculty writes progress reports for each student at the end of each trimester. These include a brief course description for each subject, indicators of achievement in various course standards and habits or work and learning, and a narrative comment. The trimester marking periods will end November 29, March 13, and June 17 or last day of school. Parent/student/advisor conferences will be scheduled midway through the first and second trimesters, on dates to be announced. A third conference will be scheduled in the last trimester for students whose performance is below expectations. Students, parents or teachers may request additional conferences as needed.

 

School Counselor - The School Counselor and Psychologist, Dr. William Fogel, is an important resource to support the social and emotional growth of our students. He is at the school Monday through Thursday, and he is available to any student or parent who requests time with him. To make an appointment, simply speak with him, call his voice mail (ext 210) or leave a message in the School Office.

 

Student Records

Sample 1 - Sturgis

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and “eligible students” (those 18 and over) with certain rights with regard to the inspection and dissemination of education records. This federal law was designed to protect student privacy and it applies to all school districts and schools that receive federal financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Education. The rights include:

 

Right of access - Parent of students or eligible students may inspect and review the student’s education records upon request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school director a written request which identifies as precisely as possible the record or records he of she wishes to inspect. The director will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. Access must be given in 45 days or less form the receipt of the request.

 

Right to written consent for disclosures of information from a student’s education record except:

 

    • To school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records
    • A school official is: a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member; a person elected to the Board; a person employed by or under contract to the District to perform a special task, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist.
    • A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official is: performing a task that is specified in his or her position description or by a contract agreement; performing a task related to a student’s education; performing a task related to the discipline of the student; providing a service or benefit relating to the student or student’s family, such as health care, counseling, job placement, or financial aid.
    • To school officials of another school, upon request, in which a student seeks or intends to enroll
    • To certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Comptroller General, and state and local educational authorities, in connection with certain state or federally supported education programs
    • In connection with a student’s request for or receipt of financial aid as necessary to determine the eligibility, amount, or conditions of the financial aid, or to enforce the terms and conditions of the aid
    • If required by a state law requiring disclosure adopted before November 19, 1974
    • To organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the District
    • To accrediting organizations to carry out their functions
    • To parents of an eligible student claiming the student as a dependent for income tax
    • To comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena
    • To appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency
    • Directory information so designated by the District

 

Right to request a correction of education records: Parents or eligible students have the right to ask to have records corrected that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of their privacy rights. Following are the procedures for the correction of records:

 

    • Parent or eligible student must ask the school to amend a record. In doing so, they should identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why they believe it is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights.
    • The school may comply with the request or it may decide not to comply; it if decides not to comply, the school will notify the parents or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing to challenge the information believed to be inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights.
    • Upon request, the school will arrange for a hearing, and notify the parents or eligible student, reasonably in advance, of the date, place, and time of the hearing.
    • The hearing will be conducted by a hearing officer who is a disinterested party; however, the hearing officer may be an official of the school district. The parents or eligible student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s education records. The parents or student may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.
    • The school district will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision.
    • If the school district decides that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will notify the parents or eligible student that they have a right to place in the record a statement setting for the reasons for disagreeing with the decision.
    • The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If the school district discloses the contested portion of the record, it must also disclose the statement.
    • If the school district decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the parents or eligible student, in writing, that the record has been amended.

 

Record of Requests for Disclosure - Sturgis Charter Public School will maintain a record of all requests for and/or disclosure of information from a student’s educational records. The record will indicate the name of the party making the request, any additional party to whom it may be disclosed, and the legitimate interest the party had in requesting or obtaining the information. The record may be reviewed by the parents or eligible student.

 

Directory Information - Sturgis Charter Public School designates the following items as Directory Information: student name, parents’ name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous school attended, photograph, video images, grade level, electronic mail address, and post high school plans. The school may disclose any of these items without prior written consent, unless notified in writing to the contrary.

 

Sample 2 - NHCS

Parent / Guardian Rights Regarding Student Records - A student’s record consists of his or her school transcript and temporary record. As the parent or guardian of your child you have the right (as mandated in The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act [FERPA]) to inspect all portions of your child’s student record upon written request to the Headmaster. You may also request copies of any part of the record. Any student who is at least 14 years old has the right to view and receive a copy of his or her student record.

 

Confidentiality of Student Records - No individual or organization other than the parent, guardian, eligible student, or school personnel who works directly with the student is allowed access to a student’s record without specific written consent of the parent, guardian, or eligible student.

 

Transfer of Student Records - It is the responsibility of parents to make sure that their child’s academic records from a previous school are transferred to NHCS. Parents have found that the best way to do this is to go to your child’s former school in person and pick up the records and bring them to NHCS. Records for graduating eighth grade students will be forwarded to the students’ high school by NHCS.

 

Sample 3 - CDCPS

The law regarding student and parent rights (603CMR23.00) is available from the school office and general provisions are summarized below. Information contained in a child's official record is privileged and confidential and will not be distributed/released to anyone not directly related to implementing the Community Day Charter Public School's educational program without the written consent of students’ parents. Parents shall have access to their child’s record at reasonable times, no later than 2 business days after the initial request. Upon request for access, the child’s entire record, regardless of the physical location of its parts, shall be made available. The school maintains a permanent, written log in each child’s record indicating any persons to whom information has been released. Each person releasing information enters into the log the following: name, signature, position, date, record, portions released, purpose of release and the signature of the person to whom the information is released. Logs are available only to parents and school personnel responsible for the record maintenance.

 

Amending the Child’s Record - Parents have the right to add or delete information, comments, data or any other relevant materials to the child’s record. If parents are of the opinion adding information is not sufficient, they shall have the right to conference with the school to make the objections known.

 

Within 1 week after the conference the school will give parents a written statement of the reasons for the decisions. If the decision is in favor of the parents, the school shall immediately take steps as may be necessary to put the decision into effect.

 

Transfer of Records - The school forwards student records to schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll.

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