arlington public schools handbook 2017-18€¦ · · 2018-01-16— first day of school, k-12 6...
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ArlingtonPublicSchools
APS Handbook2017-18 See inside cover for the
APS 2017-18 CalendarArlington, Virginiawww.apsva.us
ArlingtonPublicSchools
2017-18 Calendar
SEPTEMBER 2017
4 — Holiday (Labor Day)5 — First Day of School, K-126 — First Day, VPI / Pre-K Special EducationReligious Observances • Eid al-Adha 9/1; Rosh Hashanah 9/20 (sunset)–9/22; Yom Kippur 9/29 (sunset)–9/30
OCTOBER 2017
9 — Holiday (Columbus Day)26 — ES P-T Conferences (No School for ES)27 — P-T Conferences (No School for ES/MS)
Early Release: MS/HS – 10/18; ES – 10/25 Religious Observance • Diwali 10/19
NOVEMBER 2017
7 — No School for All Students— Grade Preparation Day10 — Holiday (Veterans Day)22-24 — Holiday (Thanksgiving Break)
DECEMBER 2017
22-29 — Holiday (Winter Break)
Early Release: MS/HS – 12/13 Religious Observances • Hanukkah 12/12 (sunset)–12/20; Christmas 12/25
JANUARY 2018
1 — Holiday (New Year’s Day)15 — Holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)26 — No School for All Students— Grade Preparation DayEarly Release: ES – 1/10
FEBRUARY 2018
19 — Holiday (Presidents’ Day)
Early Release: ES/MS/HS – 2/14
MARCH 2018
1 — ES P-T Conferences (ES Early Release) 2 — P-T Conferences (No School for ES/MS)26-30 — Holiday (Spring Break)
Early Release: Elem – 3/1, 3/14Religious Observances • Passover 3/30 (sunset)–4/7; Good Friday 3/30
APRIL 2018
9 — No School for All Students— Grade Preparation Day
Early Release: ES – 4/11Religious Observances • Easter 4/1
MAY 2018
28 — Holiday (Memorial Day)Religious Observances • Ramadan 5/15 (sunset)–6/14
JUNE 2018
14 — High School Graduation15 — Last Day High School (HS Early Release)18 — Middle School Promotion19 — Last Day Middle School (MS Early Release)20 — Last Day Elem. School (Early Release)Early Release: Elem – 6/6, 6/13 Religious Observance • Eid al-Fitr 6/15
JULY 2018
9 — First Day of Summer School & Enrichment Classes27 — Last Day of Enrichment Classes
AUGUST 2018
10 — Last Day of Summer SchoolReligious Observance • Eid al-Adha 8/21
Major Religious Observances (These are regular school days unless otherwise indicated.)Note: Dates specific to Barcroft, Campbell, H-B Woodlawn, Stratford and Summer School can be found at www.apsva.us/calendars.OTHER IMPORTANT DATES & INFO: See the APS Handbook, at www.apsva.us/publications.
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2017-18 Arlington Public Schools HandbookSuperintendent’s Welcome ......................................... 2About APS ...................................................................... 3
APS Quick Facts ........................................................... 3The Executive Leadership Team ............................... 3School Division Offices and Addresses .................... 4Schools and Programs ............................................... 4Other APS Telephone Numbers ................................ 5APS Communication Channels .................................. 6Important Dates: 2017-18 .......................................... 6Plan for Make-Up Days............................................... 7Early Release Days ...................................................... 7School Hours ............................................................... 7School Options and Transfers ................................... 8
About the Arlington School Board .............................. 8School Board Meetings .............................................. 8Contact the School Board .......................................... 8School Board Members ............................................. 8School Board Advisory Groups ................................. 8
Instruction ..................................................................... 9Classroom Observations and Visits .......................... 9Curriculum ................................................................... 9Family Life Education ................................................. 9Grading and Report Cards ......................................... 9
Report Card Dates for 2017-18 ............................10Home Instruction ......................................................10Homework .................................................................11Personalized Learning ..............................................11Pre-K Programs and Services ..................................11Program of Studies ...................................................12Promotion ..................................................................12Student Activities ......................................................12Student Fees ..............................................................12Testing ........................................................................12Use of Animals in the Instructional Program ........13
Student Services ......................................................... 13Academic Planning (Aspire2Excellence) .................13Arlington Tiered System of Support (ATSS) ...........13Child Protective Services (CPS) ................................13Counseling Services ..................................................13Homebound Services ...............................................14Homeless Services ....................................................14Hosting a Foreign Exchange Student .....................14Section 504–Educational Accommodations ..........14Special Education Services .......................................15Student Records and Rights of Privacy ..................15Student Records .......................................................15
Directory Information ...........................................16Administration of Surveys ....................................16Rights of Noncustodial Parents ...........................17Interviewing Students ...........................................17
Other Student Services .............................................. 17Extended Day and Check-In Programs ..................17Food Services ............................................................17Transportation ..........................................................18
School Buses ..........................................................18Walking and Biking to School ...............................19
Family and Parent Involvement ................................ 19APS Parent Academy ................................................19Back-To-School Nights..............................................19Curriculum Advisory Committees ...........................19Family and Community Engagement (FACE) .........19Parent Teacher Association (PTA) ..........................19Parent-Teacher Conferences ...................................19
Technology................................................................... 19Email as Part of Home-School Communications ....... 19Family Access Center ................................................20Online Instructional Resources ...............................20Personal Devices .......................................................20Technology and Internet Safety ..............................20Use of Social Media in Schools ................................21Ways Families Can Support Students .....................21
Student Health and Safety ......................................... 21Asbestos .....................................................................21Closings, Delays and Early Dismissals ....................21Concussion Management ........................................22Emergency Preparedness FAQ ...............................22Exposure to Body Fluids ..........................................23Handwashing .............................................................24Lead in Water ............................................................24Pest Control ...............................................................24Risk Management and Safety ..................................24School Health Services .............................................24
Medications at School ...........................................25Students with Diabetes .........................................25Students with Severe or Life-Threatening Allergies ..................................................................25
School Resource Officers (SROs) .............................26
APS Policies and Procedures ..................................... 26Acknowledgement of Parental Responsibility .......26Administrative Placement ........................................26Admission ..................................................................27Attendance ................................................................27Bullying, Harassment and Hazing ...........................28Field Trips ...................................................................28Freedom of Assembly ..............................................28Freedom of Expression ............................................29Freedom of Religion .................................................29Leaving School Grounds ..........................................29Non-School-Sponsored Trips ..................................29Opening Exercises ....................................................30Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse ........30Prohibited Substance Use .......................................30Recycling ....................................................................31Release to Individuals Other Than Parents/Guardians .........31Search and Seizure ...................................................31Student Discrimination and Sexual Harassment ...... 31Tobacco Policy ...........................................................32Use of School Facilities by Student Groups ...........32Withdrawal from School ..........................................32
APS Student Responsibilities and Rights;Behavior and Disciplinary Responsibilities ............. 32Filing a Complaint ....................................................... 38
2017-18 Arlington Public Schools Handbook
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General Information
SUPERINTENDENT’S WELCOME
DEAR APS FAMILIES,Welcome to the 2017-18 school year! Each start of a school
year ushers in new opportunities and a fresh start, one that brings about wonderful positive energy for our students, families, and all of us at Arlington Public Schools (APS).
This handbook is a useful tool that provides relevant information about our instructional programs and choices, important dates, opportunities for family involvement and our APS policies and procedures. We hope it will help you partner with us to build a solid foundation of learning and create high expectations.
APS continues to work on planning for the future. This school year we will continue to implement some of the decisions outlined in the 3-5 Year Action Plan. These include developing a new Strategic Plan, continued planning for a new high school, boundary refinements, and instructional and policy updates, to name a few. Join us as we work to “craft the future” for our students and families by engaging with us and providing your feedback. You can stay abreast of these decisions through the Engage with APS! tab on the website.
I also hope you will take advantage of the many opportunities available to help our students prepare for a bright future. Let me share just a few.
Commitment to Safety and SecurityKeeping our students and staff safe and secure is a top priority
for APS. We know that when students feel safe they are more ready to learn, and staff is better able to focus on instruction. • Review safety guidelines with your child and discuss steps
students should take to stay safe when traveling to and from school. These important family conversations can help us ensure that all students are safe.
• Talk about appropriate behaviors at school, and remind them about the importance of reporting any suspicious activity that they see or hear to a school administrator.
• Family phone numbers and emails often change after the school year begins. Please make sure your contact information is always up-to-date in our student information system to ensure that we can reach you in the case of an emergency.
Charting Your Child’s Individual PathStart planning early for your child’s future academic career.
Your principal and school staff are strong allies who are eager to help you find the best pathway for your child’s learning. • Be sure to attend this year’s Back-to-School events to meet
your child’s teachers. Building a relationship with them is essential to keeping your student on track and creating an environment for growth.
• Stay involved beyond the Back-to-School events. Check your school’s calendar regularly and plan to attend the
many activities available for families. Volunteer to help with a classroom or school event, or chaperone a field trip.
• Whether you are entering the school division or preparing for your child to graduate at the end of the school year, it’s never too late to learn ways to plan for the future. To learn more about academic planning, visit www.apsva.us/academicplanning.
• Discuss course selections with your secondary student and counselor in January when students choose classes for the next school year. These conversations are important to help students find the right path to achieve their goals.
Reading to LearnReading is a vital part of the learning process that can be
enhanced beyond the school day.• Make reading a daily part of the day for your child with at
least 30 minutes dedicated to a reading activity.• Visit one of Arlington County’s local libraries with your
child and help select books for enjoyment and leisure reading. For locations, visit library.arlington.us.
Thank you for your valuable partnership and support to create a promising future for your child. Have a wonderful school year full of learning, reading and fun!
Sincerely,
Pat Murphy, [email protected]
Arlington Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability. This policy provides equal access to courses and programs, counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational education, instructional materials and extra-curricular activities. Violations of this policy should be reported to the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services at 703-228-6008 or the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at 703-228-6110.
2017-18 Arlington Public Schools Handbook
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About APSArlington Public Schools is a diverse and inclusive school
community, committed to academic excellence and integrity. We provide instruction in a caring, safe and healthy learning environment, responsive to each student, in collaboration with families and the community.
APS QUICK FACTSAPS 2011-17 Strategic Plan Goals• Challenge & Engage All Students
• Eliminate Achievement Gaps• Recruit, Retain & Develop High-Quality Staff
• Provide Optimal Learning Environments
• Meet the Needs of the Whole Child
About Arlington Public SchoolsTotal FY18 Budget: $613,554,404Average Teacher Salary: $79,005Projected Pre-K–12 Enrollment 27,879
Our Schools & ProgramsElementary Schools: 23Middle Schools: 5High Schools: 4
Secondary (grades 6-12): 1Other Programs: 4
Our StudentsAPS’ students hail from 96 nations and speak 84 languages.White 46.9 %Hispanic 28.0 %Black/African American 10.0 %Asian 9.1 %Amer. Indian/Alaskan Nat. 0.3 %Nat. Hawaiian/Pac. Islander 0.1 %Multiple 5.7 %
About Arlington, VirginiaArlington County is a diverse, dynamic, and profes-sional community located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. APS is 13th largest among Virginia’s 132 school divisions.Area 26 Square MilesPopulation 222,800Median Household Income $110,700Per Capita Income $ 89,300
Residents’ Highest Level of EducationBachelor Degrees 72.9%Graduate Degrees 38.4%
Highlights• APS is the recipient of the prestigious Medallion of Excellence
Award presented by the U.S. Senate Productivity and Quality Awards for Virginia and the District of Columbia.
• All 32 schools are accredited by the Virginia Department of Education according to state accreditation ratings and federal accountability ratings.
• The 2017 Washington Post Challenge Index listed all APS high schools in the top 100 in the metropolitan Washington area. This is the ninth year in a row all APS high schools made the list.
• APS was named the top school division in Virginia and number 59 nationally by Niche.com’s 2017 rankings of top schools and school divisions. The top 10 elementary schools in Virginia are from APS. Williamsburg was named the top Virginia middle school, with Swanson at 2 and Jefferson at 5. Washington-Lee and Yorktown were ranked 2 and 3 respec-tively, and Wakefield was ranked 9.
• Spanish immersion programs are offered at two elementary, one middle, and one high school.
• More than 95% of APS students earn one or more high school credits during middle school.
• Approximately 79% of graduating seniors completed at least one AP or IB course, and 68% earned an advanced diploma.
• Since 2009, the dropout rate has been reduced by 52%.• In 2016, 91.1% of all students graduated on time, and 97% of
students who attended comprehensive high schools graduated on time.
• Ninety percent of APS parents graded the school division as an “A” or “B,” and 94% gave their child’s school an “A” or “B.”
• Seventy-nine percent of APS teachers have earned a master’s degree, and 3% have earned a doctorate degree.
Information as of July 1, 2017
THE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAMDr. Patrick K. Murphy
[email protected]: 703-228-6188
Cintia Z. JohnsonAssistant Superintendent, Administrative [email protected]
John ChadwickAssistant Superintendent, Facilities & [email protected]
Leslie PetersonAssistant Superintendent, Finance & Management [email protected]
Dr. Kristi MurphyAssistant Superintendent, Human [email protected]
Rajesh AdusumilliAssistant Superintendent, Information [email protected]
Dr. Tara NattrassAssistant Superintendent, [email protected]
Linda M. ErdosAssistant Superintendent, School & Community [email protected]
TBAAssistant Superintendent, Student Services & Special Education703-228-6060
Julia A. BurgosChief of [email protected]
2017-18 Arlington Public Schools Handbook
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SCHOOL DIVISION OFFICES AND ADDRESSESEducation Center
1426 North Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207
Syphax Education Center2110 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204
Thurgood Marshall Building2847 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
Trades Center/Facilities & Operations2770 South Taylor Street, Arlington, VA 22206
SCHOOLS AND PROGRAMSELEMENTARY SCHOOLS (PRE-K-5)Abingdon703-228-6650 • abingdon.apsva.us
Arlington Science Focus School703-228-7670 • asfs.apsva.us
Arlington Traditional School703-228-6290 • ats.apsva.us
Ashlawn703-228-5270 • ashlawn.apsva.us
Barcroft703-228-5838 • barcroft.apsva.us
Barrett703-228-6288 • barrett.apsva.us
Campbell703-228-6770 • campbell.apsva.us
Carlin Springs703-228-6645 • carlinsprings.apsva.us
Claremont703-228-2500 • claremont.apsva.us
Discovery703-228-2685 • discovery.apsva.us
Drew Model School703-228-5825 • drew.apsva.us
Glebe703-228-6280 • glebe.apsva.us
Henry703-228-5820 • henry.apsva.us
Hoffman-Boston703-228-5845 • hoffmanboston.apsva.us
Jamestown703-228-5275 • jamestown.apsva.us
Key703-228-4210 • key.apsva.us
Long Branch703-228-4220 • longbranch.apsva.us
McKinley703-228-5280 • mckinley.apsva.us
Nottingham703-228-5290 • nottingham.apsva.us
Oakridge703-228-5840 • oakridge.apsva.us
Randolph703-228-5830 • randolph.apsva.us
Taylor703-228-6275 • taylor.apsva.us
Tuckahoe703-228-5288 • tuckahoe.apsva.us
MIDDLE SCHOOLS (6-8)Gunston703-228-6900 • gunston.apsva.us
Jefferson703-228-5900 • jefferson.apsva.us
Kenmore703-228-6800 • kenmore.apsva.us
Swanson703-228-5500 • swanson.apsva.us
Williamsburg703-228-5450 • williamsburg.apsva.us
SECONDARY PROGRAM (6-12)H-B Woodlawn703-228-6363 • hbwoodlawn.apsva.us
HIGH SCHOOLS (9-12)Arlington Community High School703-228-5350 • achs.apsva.us
Wakefield703-228-6700 • wakefield.apsva.us
Washington-Lee 703-228-6200 • washingtonlee.apsva.us
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Yorktown703-228-5400 • yorktown.apsva.us
SPECIAL PROGRAMSArlington Career Center (9-12)703-228-5800 • careercenter.apsva.us
Career, Technical and Adult EducationSyphax Education Center703-228-7200 • www.apsva.us/ctae
Langston (High School Continuation)703-228-5295 • langston.apsva.us
New Directions (9-12)Thurgood Marshall Center703-228-2117 • newdirections.apsva.us
Integration Station at Reed703-228-2760 • reed.apsva.us
REEP (Arlington Education & Employment Program)English Classes for AdultsSyphax Education Center703-228-4200 • www.apsva.us/reep
Stratford (Special Education, 6-12)703-228-6440 • stratford.apsva.us
Teenage Parenting ProgramsArlington Career Center703-228-8700 • careercenter.apsva.us/programs/alternatives-for-parenting-teens-program
OTHER APS TELEPHONE NUMBERS(Area code is 703. Extension prefix is 228 unless otherwise listed)Administrative Services ........................................................... 6008Adult Education ........................................................................ 7200Aquatic Centers (Swimming Pools) ....................................... 6263Arlington Educational Television (AETV) ........................... 5757 Arts Education (music, visual arts, theater) .......................... 6170Behavior Intervention Services (BIS) .................................... 1550Boundary/Attendance Zone Information ...................7660, 6005Budget ........................................................................................ 6177Business Education................................................................... 7216Child Find (special education, ages 2-5) .............................. 2709Communications ...................................................................... 6004Community Outreach .............................................................. 2851Counseling Program ................................................................ 6062County Government Information .......................................... 3000Design and Construction ........................................................ 6613Driver Education ...................................................................... 6167Early Childhood Programs & Elementary Education ......... 8632Emergency Hotline .................................................................. 4277Energy Management ................................................................ 7731English Language Arts (ELA) ................................................. 8045ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) .............. 6091Extended Day (before- and after-school child care) ........... 6069
Facilities and Operations ......................................................... 6600Facilities Planning .................................................................... 7741Facilities Rental ......................................................................... 8641Family and Consumer Sciences (Home Economics) ......... 7216Finance ....................................................................................... 8641Food Services ............................................................................ 6130G.E.D. Program ........................................................................ 7220Gifted Services .......................................................................... 6160Gunston Community Center .................................................. 6980HILT (High Intensity Language Training) ............................ 6091Home Instruction ..................................................................... 2476Homebound Programs ............................................................ 6051Hotline:APS Inclement Weather Line ................... 703-228-4277Humanities Program ................................................................ 6299Human Resources..................................................................... 6176Information ......................................................6000, 6005, or 7667Information Services ................................................................ 2016Instruction ................................................................................. 6145Interlude Program .................................................................... 6050International Baccalaureate Program (Washington-Lee) ... 6234Jefferson Community Center .................................................. 5920Language Services Registration Center (LSRC) ................... 7663 Library Services ........................................................................ 6085Maintenance/Buildings & Grounds ....................................... 6620Marketing Education ............................................................... 7216Mathematics .............................................................................. 6135Minority Achievement ............................................................. 6152Montessori Program ................................................................ 8632Outdoor Lab (located in Fauquier County) ..............1-866-295-1118Parent Resource Center (special education) ......................... 7239Physical Education/Health/Driver Education ...................... 6167Planetarium ............................................................................... 6070Planning & Evaluation ............................................................. 2481Plant Operations (Custodial Services)................................... 7732Pre-K Special Education .......................................................... 6040Project Y.E.S. ............................................................................. 7212Psychologists ............................................................................. 6061Reading (ELA) .......................................................................... 8045Reading Recovery ..................................................................... 8882REEP Program (employment training, adult English classes) ............4200Residency Questions ................................................................ 6060Risk Management ..................................................................... 7740Safety Coordinator ................................................................... 3490School and Community Relations ......................................... 6005School Board Office ................................................................. 6015School Board (Summary of Meetings) .................................. 2400School Health (county office) ................................................. 1651School Information (Registration/Public Information) ...... 7667Science ....................................................................................... 6166Secondary Education ............................................................... 7224Security Coordinator ............................................................... 6602Social Studies ............................................................................ 6140Social Workers/Visiting Teachers .................................6061, 6062Special Education ..................................................................... 6042Speech and Hearing ................................................................. 6045Student Services .............................................................6061, 6062Substance Abuse Services ........................................................ 6061Summer School ......................................................................... 7645Superintendent of Schools ....................................................... 6010
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T.D.D. (Hearing impaired) ...................................................... 6179Teenage Parenting Programs .................................................. 8700Technical Education ................................................................. 7207Title I .......................................................................................... 6161Transcripts (students who have graduated/left APS) .......6062, 6180Transportation Services (school buses) ................................. 6640Tutors (for a list of tutors for hire) ......................................... 6051Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI Program) ........................ 8632Visiting teachers (social workers) ................................6061, 6062Volunteers & Partnership Program ........................................ 2581Webmaster ................................................................................. 6185World Languages/Immersion Programs ............................... 6097Work Permits (for students ages 14-15)
Wakefield ............................................................................. 6711Washington-Lee .................................................................. 6228Yorktown .............................................................................. 5383
APS COMMUNICATION CHANNELSArlington Public Schools uses a variety of methods to
communicate with parents and the community.APS School Talk is a messaging system comprising email,
voicemail and texts. Families are automatically signed up for School Talk via the First Day Packet registration forms. APS School Talk is used to communicate up-to-the-minute news when an emergency or unusual situation occurs, including school closings or delays. In addition, families can receive news from specific schools, press releases, School Board updates, and information about Adult Education and Summer School.
The APS mobile app is available free on iPhone or Android devices by going to the appropriate app store and searching for “Arlington Public Schools.” Users can customize their settings to follow a specific school, get easy access to ParentVUE and MySchoolBucks, synchronize calendars, view lunch menus and contact school personnel or the School Board. APS emergency alerts and social media are also available on the mobile app.
The APS Website, www.apsva.us, hosts a wealth of infor-mation for families and the community. Up-to-the-minute news and announcements, calendars, a Google site search tool, access to all school sites, a parent portal, and links to the APS social media streams are just a few of the website options for learning more about APS.
Each school has its own website and online calendar. Schools keep in touch with families through APS School Talk, and many reach out through PTA channels and the APS Peachjar backpack email service as well.
APS and its schools and programs also use social media to let families and community connect electronically to student learning and celebration activities. APS can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ArlingtonPublicSchools, on Twitter @APSVirginia, on Periscope @APSVirginia, on Instagram @APSVirginia, and on You Tube at youtube.com/APSVAvideo.
APS Website: www.apsva.us
fb.com/ArlingtonPublicSchools
twitter.com/APSVirginia yt.com/AETVaps instagram.com/APSVirgina
Arlington Educational Television (AETV) broadcasts on Comcast channel 70 and Verizon FiOS channel 41. APS School Board meetings are broadcast live by AETV on both channels. In addition AETV produces and broadcasts APS Snapshots, APS Green Scene, APS Partners in Action and #digitalAPS. AETV also shares a variety of APS arts and education events with the community. For more information about AETV programs and broadcast schedules, go to www.apsva.us/aetv.
The APS Language Services Registration Center (LSRC) facilitates the school registration process and provides language support to families with English as a Second Language. The Language Line is an on-demand, three-way telephone transla-tion service that can be accessed in all schools and offices, to connect APS, families and language interpreters.
APS news and information is included in a variety of publi-cations. These include The Citizen, which is mailed quarterly to each home in the county, the APS Handbook, Guidebooks for Parents, NewsReview and QuickFacts. For more information, go to www.apsva.us/publications.
IMPORTANT DATES: 2017-18The APS calendar can be found on the APS website and on
the inside cover of this handbook. The Barcroft Elementary School, H-B Woodlawn Secondary and Stratford Programs, and Summer School calendars can be found at www.apsva.us. Other important dates for this school year:
SEPTEMBER 2017 5 First Day of School: Kindergarten–Grade 12 6 First Day of School: Pre-K Programs (VPI and Special Education) 13 Elementary Back-to-School Night 14 H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program Back-to-School Night 27 High School Back-to-School Night 28 Middle School Back-to-School Night
OCTOBER 2017 7 Career Center & Arlington Community High School Back-to-School Breakfast 9 Holiday- Columbus Day (Students and Staff) 17 College Night, Wakefield, 6-8 p.m. 18 Middle/High Early Release 23 Middle School Information Night, Washington-Lee, 7 p.m. 25 Elementary Early Release 26 Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for elementary students) 27 Elementary and Middle Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for elementary/middle students) 30 High School Information Night, Washington-Lee, 7 p.m. NOVEMBER 2017 6–Jan. 19, 2018 Timeframe to apply for a transfer to a middle school, H-B Woodlawn grade 6 or 9, a high school or high school program 7 No School for Students (Grade Preparation Day)
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10 Holiday (Veterans Day) 22-24 Holiday (Thanksgiving Break)
DECEMBER 2017 13 Middle/High Early Release 22-29 Holiday (Winter Break)
JANUARY 2018 1 Holiday (New Year’s Day) 10 Elementary Early Release (All Elementary Schools) 15 Holiday (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) 19 Last day to apply for a transfer to a middle school, H-B Woodlawn grade 6 or 9, a high school or high school program 22 Kindergarten Information Night, Washington-Lee, 7 p.m. (Snow Date: Jan. 29) 26 No School for Students (Grade Preparation Day) 29 Snow Date, Kindergarten Information Night, Washington-Lee, 7 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2018 1 (through April 16) Timeframe for applying to the countywide elementary schools and to any other elementary school 9 Summer Activities Fair, Kenmore Middle School, 6–8 p.m. (Snow Date February 21) 14 All Schools Early Release 19 Holiday (Presidents’ Day) 21 Snow Date - Summer Activities Fair, Kenmore Middle School, 6–8 p.m.
MARCH 2018 1 Summer School Registration Begins Check the Summer School Catalog for registration deadlines for specific programs. 1 Elementary Early Release (All Elementary Schools) and Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences 2 Elementary and Middle Parent/Teacher Conferences (no school for elementary/middle students) 14 Elementary Early Release (All Elementary Schools) 26-30 Holiday (Spring Break)
APRIL 2018 9 No School for Students (Grade Preparation Day) 11 Elementary Early Release (All Elementary Schools) 16 Last day to apply to countywide elementary schools and to any other elementary school
MAY 2018 28 Holiday (Memorial Day)
JUNE 2018 6 & 13 Elementary Early Release (All Elementary Schools) 13-14 Campbell Early Release - Parent/Teacher Conferences 14 High School Graduation 15 Last Day for High School (Early Release) 18 Middle School Promotion 19 Last Day for Middle School (Early Release) 20 Last Day for Elementary School (Early Release)
PLAN FOR MAKE-UP DAYSThe 2017-18 calendar includes 181 instructional days for
elementary, middle and high school students. If inclement weather or unforeseeable circumstances prevent students from being in school for 180 days, or the number of instructional hours required by the state, make-up days will be scheduled as follows:
ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLSThe first ten days lost will not need to be made up.
EARLY RELEASE DAYSElementary School: ALL elementary schools will have early
release on Oct. 25, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 1 & 14, April 11, June 6, 13 and 20 (the last day of school). Campbell will also have early release on June 14.
Middle School: early release days will be Oct. 18, Dec. 13, Feb. 14 and the last day of school, June 19.
High School: early release days will be Oct. 18, Dec. 13, Feb. 14 and the last day of school, June 15. There will be a revised schedule in May or June for testing. Contact your high school for more details.
See School Hours (below) for dismissal times.
SCHOOL HOURSArlington schools operate on six different time schedules.
Most schools also offer before-school and after-school activi-ties beyond the regular school hours. Check with your school to learn what programs are offered and if bus transportation is available.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: Abingdon, Campbell, Carlin Springs and Claremont
Full Day Early Release 8:00 a.m. - 2:41 p.m. 8:00 a.m. - 12:26 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: Arlington Traditional School, Barrett, Long Branch and Randolph
Full Day Early Release 8:25 a.m. - 3:06 p.m. 8:25 a.m. - 12:51 p.m.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS: Arlington Science Focus, Ashlawn, Barcroft, Discovery, Drew, Glebe, Henry, Hoffman-Boston, Jamestown, Key, McKinley, Nottingham, Oakridge, Taylor and Tuckahoe
Full Day Early Release 9:00 a.m. - 3:41 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 1:26 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOLS: Gunston, Jefferson, Kenmore, Swanson and Williamsburg
Full Day Early Release 7:50 a.m. - 2:24 p.m. 7:50 a.m. - 11:54 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOLS: Wakefield, Washington-Lee and Yorktown Full Day Early Release 8:19 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. 8:19 a.m. - 12:34 p.m. (12:21 p.m. on June 15 and in the case of emergency closings)
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H-B WOODLAWN & STRATFORD PROGRAMS Full Day Early Release 9:24 a.m. - 4:06 p.m. 9:24 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SCHOOL OPTIONS AND TRANSFERSThe Arlington Public Schools (APS) carries out a sustained
vigorous, inclusive, and culturally appropriate program to communicate clearly the attributes of all its schools and programs to assist families and students in making informed decisions. In accordance with School Board Policy (SBP) 25-2.2, APS provides a range of learning opportunities to respond to the interests and needs of all students through
Neighborhood Schools that have attendance areas estab-lished by the School Board. Every student is guaranteed admis-sion to the elementary, middle, and high school serving the attendance area in which the student resides.
Option schools/programs provide specialized instructional programs. APS provides:• Equitable access to option schools/programs for all students
including students with disabilities and English learners; and
• A rational and transparent process for admission to option schools/programs, which is differentiated to support the integrity of the instructional models.
Information about options, programs, neighborhood schools and transfers is available online in the “Options and Transfers” website section at www.apsva.us/schooloptions, or by calling the Department of School and Community Relations, at 703-228-7667, or the individual school offices. Upon admission to a school or program, enrollment will be continuous through the grade levels of that school/program, unless there are extenuating circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to significant increases in enrollment expected to continue through 2024, transfers are limited.
About the Arlington School BoardThe Arlington School Board is composed of five members
who serve overlapping four-year terms. The terms commence on January 1 of the year following the election. Citizens inter-ested in the election process should contact the Office of Voter Registration and the Electoral Board of Arlington County at 703-228-3456 for more information.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGSThe Arlington School Board usually meets on the first
and third Thursdays of each month in the Board Room at the Arlington Education Center, 1426 N. Quincy Street. Check the website or call the Board office for meeting times. The agenda for each School Board meeting is made public one week prior to the Board meeting and can be viewed on the BoardDocs website under the “meetings” tab at www.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/Public.
School Board meetings are broadcast live on Comcast Cable channel 70 and Verizon FiOS channel 41; live-streamed on the APS website; and re-broadcast on Fridays at 9 p.m. and Mondays
at 7:30 p.m. Citizens may view the broadcast on the APS website (www.apsva.us) during the meetings, or call 703-228-2400 on the Monday after the School Board meeting to listen to a meeting summary. Minutes of the meetings can be found on the website at www.apsva.us/school-board.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL BOARDThe Arlington School Board Office is located on the first
floor of the Arlington Education Center, 1426 N.Quincy Street. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open office hours for citizens to visit with School Board members are generally held on Mondays from 5–7 p.m. during the school year.
To contact the School Board Office, call 703-228-6015; write Arlington School Board, 1426 N.Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207; or email [email protected].
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERSDr. Barbara J. Kanninen, Chair
1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207Office: 703-228-6015(Term expires Dec. 31, 2018)
Reid Goldstein, Vice Chair1426 N. Quincy Street., Arlington, VA 22207Office: 703-228-6015(Term expires Dec. 31, 2019)
James S. Lander, Member1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207Office: 703-228-6015(Term expires Dec. 31, 2017)
Tannia Talento, Member1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207Office: 703-228-6015(Term expires Dec. 31, 2020)
Nancy Van Doren, Member1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207Office: 703-228-6015(Term expires Dec. 31, 2020)
SCHOOL BOARD ADVISORY GROUPSThe School Board actively seeks the advice of commu-
nity members through a wide range of advisory committees, boards and councils. These advisory groups are appointed by the School Board, advise the School Board, and, when appro-priate, make recommendations on issues or policies related to the successful operation of the school system. These groups include:• Advisory Council on Instruction (ACI)• Advisory Council on School Facilities and Capital Projects• Budget Advisory Council• School Health Advisory Board (SHAB)
For more information on all Arlington Public Schools advisory groups, go to www.apsva.us/citizen-advisory-groups.
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InstructionCLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS AND VISITS
The Arlington School Board values parental involvement in schools. Parental involvement contributes greatly to student achievement and conduct. During the course of classroom observations, and other parent interactions with students and staff, student confidentiality and right to privacy shall be protected and respected. Parents or their representative (with written parent authorization) interested in observing their student’s class or participating in a planned classroom activity should contact the classroom teacher in advance in the event special activities or student assessments have been scheduled. In such cases, school staff will work with parents or their represen-tative to arrange an alternate date or time to visit. To maintain building security, all parents and other guests must report to the office to obtain a visitor’s pass and follow any additional building security procedures that have been established by the school.
CURRICULUMEach subject has a curriculum which specifies the goals and
objectives in that discipline. These goals and objectives include the State Standards of Learning, issued by the Virginia State Board of Education. In addition, the curricula include goals and objectives to expand students’ knowledge, skills and abilities beyond the State requirements.
APS formally adopts specified resources and supplementary materials for teacher and student use. Resources include print and digitally curated content for instruction as well as tools for differentiated and adaptive learning experiences. Whether print or digital, resources support environments which engage students in critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communica-tion and citizenship. Each school uses these materials to support the instructional program. Committees of staff and citizens review the adopted materials on a regular cycle and make recom-mendations to the School Board regarding new adoptions.
Teachers follow the established curriculum and use the adopted materials to deliver relevant instruction that engages students in active learning and challenges each to work harder and learn more. The Department of Instruction staff works with teachers to develop exemplary classroom activities to support students. Teachers make daily decisions about classroom activi-ties as they design work for individual student needs in their classrooms. More formal assessments, as well as assigned tests and projects, measure knowledge and students’ application of content.
APS strives to ensure that each student gains the knowledge and skills needed for success in education and in life and can then effectively apply the knowledge and skills to fulfill her or his goals. In addition to the curricular areas of arts education, business education, computer sciences, world languages, health education, English language arts, marketing, mathematics, physical education, science, social studies, technical education and family and consumer sciences, special programs exist for gifted students, English learners, and students with disabilities. APS is committed to providing high quality, engaging learning experiences that challenge all students and prepare them for an ever-changing world.
As indicated in the APS 2011-17 Strategic Plan, APS is moving toward the goal of personalized learning, ensuring that instruction, curriculum, and outcomes are connected to students’ unique talents, skills and interests, while using tech-nology to provide flexibility and choice. Personalized learning environments provide for educational experiences that are specifically tailored to the needs of each individual student. APS has laid the foundation for ensuring that students have equal access to information as well as opportunities and tools needed for learning. More information is available at www.apsva.us/personalized-learning, or by contacting your child’s principal.
Families can learn more about the instructional programs at the elementary, middle and high schools from the Program of Studies, available at each school, from the Department of Instruction and at www.apsva.us/instruction/for-parents/program-of-studies.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATIONArlington Public Schools, in accordance with the State of
Virginia mandate, has developed a comprehensive, sequential, age-appropriate K-10 Family Life Education curriculum. The Family Life Education program assists students to:• Relate to self and others in a healthy and self-fulfilling manner,• Form and maintain strong ties with family and community,• Develop self-esteem, self-confidence, and responsibility,• Understand the importance of abstaining from sexual
activity until marriage, and• Develop into responsible, productive and well-adjusted adults.
The Family Life Education program is not intended to conflict with family values and behavioral norms. Arlington Public Schools provides procedures for families to opt their children out of instruction in any objectives in the Family Life Education curriculum. Families receive information at the beginning of the school year about opt-out procedures and the Family Life Education curriculum and instruction.
GRADING AND REPORT CARDSPRE-KINDERGARTEN (PRE-K)
Pre-Kindergarten teachers in the Montessori and Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) programs conduct a minimum of two parent-teacher conferences during the school year. VPI parents receive the Pre-K progress report at the spring confer-ence and in June.
KINDERGARTEN Written progress reports are issued in February and June,
mid-year and at the end of the school year. The Kindergarten Progress Report uses the marking codes below.
M - Meeting – Child consistently meets behavior or skill. Student independently demonstrates an understanding of the key concepts and skills.
P - Progressing – Child is in the process of developing a behavior or skill. Student demonstrates or applies key skills, strategies or concepts inconsistently.
B - Beginning – Child is beginning to demonstrate a behavior or skill. Student is beginning to understand concepts and skills and requires teacher support to complete these tasks.
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N - Not Yet – Child is not yet demonstrating behavior or skill.
NI- Not Introduced – Skill has not been introduced.
GRADES 1-5 In grades 1-5, four written reports are scheduled at approxi-
mately nine-week intervals. Standard report cards issued by elementary schools use the following academic area grades:
Grades 1-2 Academic Areas
P - Making Expected Progress N - Not Making Expected Progress
Sub Skills # Area of Difficulty + Area of Strength No Symbol - Satisfactory
Social and Work Characteristics N - Needs Improvement I - Improving S - Satisfactory
Grades 3-5 Academic Progress Key
A - Exceeds Grade Level ExpectationsB - Often Exceeds Grade Level Expectations C - Meets Grade Level Expectations D - Does Not Meet Grade Level Expectations – PassingE - Does Not Meet Grade Level Expectations – Failing
The student’s instructional level in mathematics and reading will also be indicated. A modified written report may be used for identified students whose learning charac-teristics make the use of the standard report card inappro-priate. An asterisk (*) is used to indicate that a supplement is attached or that the curriculum has been modified.
The teacher considers the objectives found on the inside of the report card folder when assigning the letter grade.
Music Achievement Scale B - Beginning: Your child has been exposed to the music
content material. P - Progressing: Your child is making good progress in
the development of musical skills and understanding of the content material.
S - Skilled: Your child has demonstrated competency in musical skills and has a good understanding of the content material.
O- Outstanding: Your child has demonstrated outstanding musical skills and understanding.
Effort/Work and Social Skills/ParticipationIn addition to achievement, the student’s effort in each academic area, achievement in some special subjects, work habits, and social skills will be evaluated and marked using the following symbols:
O - Outstanding S - Satisfactory I - Improving U- Unsatisfactory
Some elementary schools may use an alternative report card.
MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6-8) AND HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 9-12)
Report cards are issued at the middle and high schools four times a year on a nine-week basis. Interim progress reports are issued to all students in the middle of each grading period.
The marking system is based on letter grades with the following explanation of each grade:
A - Excellent Achievement (90-100% )B - Above Average Achievement (B, 80-86%; B+, 87-89%) C - Average Achievement (C, 70-76%; C+, 77-79%)D - Below Average Achievement - Passing (D, 60-66%; D+, 67-69%)E - Failure - Unacceptable Achievement (0-59%)I - Incomplete
In addition, teachers use the following system for work habits:! Surpasses Expectations# Meets Expectations^ Approaching ExpectationsN Needs Improvement
REPORT CARD DATES FOR 2017-18 End of Grading Period Report Cards Issued Grades 1–5 Grades 6–12 November 6 November 28 November 17 January 25 February 13 February 6 April 6 April 25 April 18 Last Day of School June 20 June 19 (6-8) Mailed by June 27 (9-12)
HOME INSTRUCTIONIn accordance with Section 22.1-254.1 of the Code of
Virginia, the parent who elects to provide home instruction for a school-age child in lieu of school attendance must notify the Superintendent (c/o Home Instruction Liaison) annually no later than Aug.15 of his/her intent to do so. The parent must also include a description of the curriculum to be followed for the coming year and evidence of having met one of the qualifi-cations below: • Hold a high school diploma or higher credential • Meet qualifications for a teacher prescribed by the Virginia
Board of Education• Provide a program of study or curriculum which may be
delivered through a correspondence school or a distance learning program or in any other manner
• Provide evidence that he/she is able to provide an adequate education for the studentHigh school students on home instruction may partially
enroll in their attendance area high school and take up to two credit-bearing courses on a space-available basis. Course enrollment shall be limited to core courses (English, math-ematics, science, social studies, world languages). Partially enrolled students shall limit their presence on school grounds to the times of their scheduled classes. Students who are partially enrolled may have access to the library during school hours as part of their class work. They may also use the library during regular designated after-school times. Students who
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are partially enrolled may not use the library or any school facility during the school day unless the activity is during the class time under the teacher’s supervision. Partially enrolled students are not eligible to participate in Virginia High School League (VHSL) designated school-sponsored athletics, student organizations, and clubs. In the event that a partially enrolled student fails to comply with registration, behavior and course requirements, APS reserves the right to limit or withdraw the opportunity for enrollment pending a conference with the parent, student, home-instruction liaison and school adminis-trator or designee.
To receive high school credit towards a diploma from APS for courses taken by home instruction, students must be enrolled fulltime in Arlington Public Schools. Upon enroll-ment in APS, high school credit may be awarded for courses in which the student has received home instruction by completing assessments approved by the Superintendent or designee. An official record or course completion (transcript) will be kept for partially enrolled students. However, partially enrolled students on home instruction are not eligible to receive APS diplomas or participate in commencement activi-ties. For more information, call 703-228-2476.
HOMEWORKThe Arlington School Board believes that homework is an
important component of the educational process. APS Policy 20-2.120 states that homework should consist of learning activ-ities assigned and explained by the teacher to be performed primarily outside of class by the student by a certain date, without the direct supervision of the teacher, and assessed by the teacher after it is performed. Homework should:• Prepare for, relate to, build on, reinforce, and/or enhance
learning in the classroom.• Encourage a student’s sense of responsibility, develop a
sense of personal accountability, promote learning, and improve study habits.
• Strengthen the communication between home and school. • Be appropriate for the age and stage of development of the
student. • Acknowledge individual differences among students
through differentiation when feasible. The length of time spent on homework assignments should
avoid undue intrusion on the time students may spend in other activities outside the school day.
In general, the following total amount of time spent daily on homework over four nights a week represents an average for the typical student.• Kindergarten: maximum of 15 minutes plus an additional
15 minutes of reading or being read to• Grade 1: maximum of 20 minutes plus an additional 20
minutes of reading or being read to• Grade 2: maximum of 30 minutes plus an additional 20
minutes of reading or being read to• Grade 3: maximum of 45 minutes plus an additional 20
minutes of reading • Grade 4: maximum of 60 minutes plus an additional 30
minutes of reading• Grade 5: maximum of 60 minutes plus an additional 30
minutes of reading
• Grade 6-8: maximum of 20 minutes a night for each course for a total of 90 minutes a night plus an additional 30 minutes of reading
• Grades 9-12: maximum of 30 minutes a night for each course for a total of three hours a night with the under-standing that some advanced-level courses may require additional time to complete, particularly the reading components to those courses
It is recognized that students vary significantly in the amount of time they spend on a given assignment. Therefore, these maximum amounts of time represent the teachers’ estimate regarding times required by the average student for completion of the assignment. Assignments should be reviewed and/or evaluated to provide meaningful feedback to students in a timely manner.
Parents should provide, to the extent possible, reason-able time and space for their children to complete homework at home. If a student spends excessive amounts of time on homework then the parent should alert the teacher so that the teacher can assist the student and parent to determine appro-priate intervention.
PERSONALIZED LEARNINGAPS is committed to providing high quality, engaging
learning experiences that challenge all students and prepare them for an ever-changing world. As indicated in the APS 2011-17 Strategic Plan, we are moving toward the goal of personalized learning.
Classrooms that embrace personalized learning are student-centered. The teacher’s role is one of facilitator, as opposed to gatekeeper or transmitter of knowledge. Teachers spend time guiding students in analyzing, applying, and synthesizing information. Personalized learning occurs when students are challenged to think critically and use higher-order thinking skills. Engagement and motivation are increased as students are allowed more opportunities to take control of their learning; they are offered more voice and choice in how they consume content, and how they demonstrate their learning. More information is available at www.apsva.us/personalized-learning or by contacting your child’s principal.
PRE-K PROGRAMS AND SERVICESArlington Public Schools offers a variety of programs and
services for pre-kindergarten-aged children, including the Montessori program, the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) program and a pre-kindergarten special education program.
The APS Montessori Program is based on the work of Maria Montessori and offers full-day classes for children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old. To apply, children must be 3 years old by Sept. 30 of that school year. Tuition for students 3 and 4 years old is on a sliding fee, based on family income. No tuition is charged for children who continue in the program for their kindergarten, elementary or middle school years. For more information about Arlington’s Montessori Program, school locations, ages served and application timelines, visit www.apsva.us/montessori or call the Office of Early Childhood at 703-228-8632.
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In collaboration with the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), APS offers tuition-free, full-day Pre-K classes for children who are 4 years old by Sept. 30. The VPI curriculum is research-based, fosters the development of literacy and math skills, and builds social-emotional foundations for lifetime learning. Visit www.apsva.us/earlychildhood or call 703-228-8632 for informa-tion on the VPI program, student eligibility, school locations and the application timelines.
The goal of the APS pre-kindergarten special education program is to provide services for children between the ages of 2 and 5, by Sept. 30, who have been identified with a disability. The identification process begins with a family contacting Arlington Child Find at 703-228-2709, or the neighborhood school, to request a referral form. More information about the Child Find process and the pre-kindergarten special education program can be found at www.apsva.us/childfind.
PROGRAM OF STUDIESFamilies can learn more about the instructional programs
at the elementary, middle and high schools from the Program of Studies, available from each school, from the Department of Instruction and at www.apsva.us/program-of-studies. A copy of the Elementary Program of Studies is provided to each student at the beginning of the school year. Students at the middle school and high school levels may be provided a hard copy of the designated Program of Studies at the beginning of the class registration period each spring. Students are encouraged on the secondary level to avail themselves of options based upon their talents and interests while keeping graduation requirements in mind. Advanced coursework in most program areas is available to high school students in the form of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Dual-Enrolled classes.
PROMOTIONIn order for students to be promoted to grade nine
from grade eight, a student must have passed eighth grade mathematics, English, science, and world geography. The Superintendent, upon recommendation of those involved, may grant an exception to promotion requirements. Students who may need additional assistance in meeting the promo-tion requirement meet with their counselor, teachers and their families to explore options for support, including summer school attendance. For more information on the options for students at the eighth grade level please see the Program of Studies at www.apsva.us/program-of-studies or speak with your student’s school counselor.
STUDENT ACTIVITIESStudents are encouraged to participate in co-curricular
activities, including student government. The schools offer a range of age-appropriate activities. Some of these activities are intramural sports, varsity sports and school-sponsored clubs. Students may need to meet eligibility requirements to partici-pate in some activities.
STUDENT FEESIn accordance with the Code of Virginia, the Arlington
Public Schools will charge student fees and recover funds for the loss of, or damage to, APS property, including textbooks, technology and library books. Reimbursement will be sought from a student or a student’s family for any loss, breakage, or destruction of, or failure to return, school property. Only those fees and charges permitted by law or the regulations of the Virginia Board of Education will be required of students. Fees or charges will be reduced or waived for those students unable to afford them.
Textbooks required for courses of instruction will be provided free of charge to students. Consumable materials such as workbooks, writing books and drawing books will be provided to students at no cost or sold to them on an actual cost basis. Students who are unable to afford such materials will receive them at a reduced price or free of charge. (School Board Policy 40-5)
TESTINGDuring the school year, Arlington Public Schools adminis-
ters a variety of tests to monitor progress and plan for improved student achievement. Individual student test results are available to parents. A general listing of the tests is included below. • Grades K-5: Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening
(PALS) • Grades 2: Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)• Grades 3-12: Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests• Grade 4: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Students in grades K-12 with limited English proficiency take the ACCESS for ELLS test in the winter.
Most students in grades 10 and 11 take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT), and many students take the SAT, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB)Tests.
Staffs use the results of all these assessments to monitor progress and plan for improved student achievement. Based on these various assessments and student classroom perfor-mance, students may receive differentiated instruction during the school day and supplementary instruction before or after school and/or during the summer to better meet their academic needs.
For specific information about your child’s testing schedule, contact your child’s school. More detailed information about the standardized testing program is found in the Elementary Program of Studies, Services and Policies and in the program of studies for each of the middle schools. Information about testing is found in the ‘graduation requirements’ section of each high school’s program of studies. For up-to-date infor-mation about the testing program and the 2017-18 testing calendar, visit the APS website at www.apsva.us. Assessment results for schools and the county are also posted on the APS website and on the Virginia State Department of Education’s website, School Quality Profiles, schoolquality.virginia.gov.
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USE OF ANIMALS IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
In elementary school, vertebrate animal dissection is prohibited as a part of the elementary science program or any science activities for elementary students sponsored by Arlington Public Schools.
Middle school and high school animal dissection may be a part of the biology and life sciences programs. Students who express ethical or moral objections in advance shall not be required to participate in dissection activities. These students will be given alternate assignments.
Except as part of the instructional program or organized departmental programs (and with authorization from the administrator), horses, cattle, dogs and other animals are not permitted on school grounds.
Student Services
ACADEMIC PLANNING (Aspire2Excellence)Aspire2Excellence (A2E) is the APS academic planning
framework based on the belief that families need timely infor-mation in order to participate effectively in planning their child’s educational future in APS. Our goal is for all students to be college and career ready upon graduation from APS. In order to accomplish this goal, students and families need to begin planning alongside school staff as early as elementary school. Aspire2Excellence underscores the importance of all students drawing upon their individual strengths to select challenging courses and to meet rigorous graduation requirements in order to have multiple options after high school. We have developed a variety of resources to assist families as they explore educa-tional and career opportunities best suited for their child. For more information visit www.apsva.us/a2e-academic-planning or contact your child’s school counselor.
Every student in grades 6-12 has an academic plan that charts the individualized sequence of courses for middle and high school leading to graduation. The plan will reflect high expectations, be based on the talents, interests and resources of each student. We are aware that students’ goals for careers and higher education change, sometimes dramatically, as they progress through middle and high school and learn about new opportunities. Each year the student and his/her professional school counselor will review the academic plan and make revisions as needed. Families are strongly encouraged to be a part of these meetings to learn more about their student’s career interests, the various academic options for earning a diploma, the difference between diploma types, as well as the most appropriate course selection. Several academic planning tools have been developed to assist students and families with navigating this process. For more information about academic planning, please visit www.apsva.us/a2e-academic-planning or contact your child’s school counselor.
ARLINGTON TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT (ATSS)The Arlington Tiered System of Support (ATSS) is a
comprehensive framework that integrates assessment,
intervention and extension in a school wide, multi-tiered support system for students’ academic achievement and social-emotional needs. ATSS is designed to reduce achievement gaps for all students through a systematic process of monitoring student data and responding to academic and/or behavioral needs in tiers that can increase with intensity and duration based upon the individual. The ATSS team consists of key staff and family members who work collectively to determine specific areas of concern, supports and interventions needed and how the student’s progress will be monitored. For more information go to www.apsva.us/atss.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES (CPS)Arlington Public Schools and its employees share a concern
for the well-being of all students. When there is a suspicion of possible child abuse or neglect, there are several points to remember.
1. According to Virginia Code 63.1-248.3, any teacher or other person employed by a public or private school must report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the local child protective services department of the county in which the child resides.
2. Child Protective Services may review student records in an investigation of a case. Police officers investigating a case of child abuse or neglect may also have access to student records.
3. A police officer and/or a Child Protective Services inves-tigator investigating a suspected child abuse or neglect case may talk to any child suspected of being abused or neglected or to any of his siblings without consent of, and outside the presence of, parents, guardian, legal custo-dian or other person standing in loco parentis, or school personnel, according to Virginia Code 63.1-248.10.
4. If a child is uncomfortable being questioned by police and/or Child Protective Services, the principal or designee may assist the student to feel more comfort-able but should leave during actual questioning since the investigation is highly confidential.
5. Arlington Public Schools cooperates with local, state and national authorities in matters regarding sex offenders and other crimes against minors. Parents may review the state Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry on the internet at: www.sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/
6. Recent Virginia legislation provides that “every adult who is convicted of a sexually violent offense shall be prohib-ited from entering and being present upon any property he knows, or has reason to know, is a public or private elementary or secondary school or child day care center property during school hours and during school-related and school-sponsored activities.” Currently, the prohibi-tion only applies during school hours.
COUNSELING SERVICESThe comprehensive school counseling program in the
Arlington Public Schools assists students to develop in the academic, career, social and emotional areas through respon-sive services and systems support. The APS comprehensive
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school counseling program includes teaching students skills in areas such as academic success, problem solving, goal setting, social skills, emotions, and career development through structured classroom lessons, individual student advising and counseling and small group counseling.
Professional School Counselors are available in each school to provide short-term individual or group-counseling services to assist students who may be experiencing social, emotional and/or academic difficulties. Counselors consult with families and school staff about child development and other issues that may be impacting the student’s school progress. They coordinate referrals to programs within the school system or to community agencies, which address the individualized needs of a student or family. Counselors team with school psychologists and school social workers who also serve in each school on a part-time basis. As a team, these mental health workers support a positive and safe school climate for students. School Psychologists and School Social Workers provide assessment consultation and also employ intervention strategies to assist students who are expe-riencing difficulties in the school setting. In addition, APS has substance abuse counselors assigned to schools preventively to support middle and high school students who may be exhibiting concerns related to substance abuse.
A positive relationship between school and home helps to foster the academic, career, social and emotional growth of children. Counselors invite parents to meet with them concerning their child. Parental permission is required for students to participate in either individual counseling (more than three sessions) or in small group counseling related to social-emotional issues except in cases of crisis intervention or when parents/guardians cannot be reached after documented efforts. Parents may review the materials used in the school counseling program by contacting the counselor in the school that their student attends. Parents/guardians must notify the school in writing if they do not want their child to participate in the social-emotional classroom lessons. For more informa-tion call 703-228-6062, visit www.apsva.us/counseling or see School Board Policy Implementation Procedures 25-3.3 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
HOMEBOUND SERVICESHomebound instruction is designed to provide conti-
nuity of education when a student is confined to home or a health care facility due to physical or psychiatric condi-tions which prevent school attendance for a limited period of time. The student’s ability to attend school must be certi-fied by a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist, and the request must be approved by the Supervisor, Special Education. The APS Guidelines for Homebound Instruction, as well as necessary forms, can be found on the APS website, under Department of Student Services & Special Education, at www.apsva.us/homebound-instruction. Questions related to Homebound Instruction should be forwarded to the Department of Student Services & Special Education, Office of Special Programs at 703-228-6051.
HOMELESS SERVICESArlington Public Schools provides a variety of educational
support services to students facing homelessness. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, students may stay in their school of origin if they are homeless during the school year. Parents should contact their child’s school social worker or call the Department of Student Services & Special Education at 703-228-6061 or 703-228-2585 if they have questions or require assistance.
HOSTING A FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTForeign exchange students, supported and sponsored by
an exchange program that is recognized by the Council on International Education Travel and Exchange Programs, can be admitted to APS on a tuition-free basis. No more than four students each for Wakefield, Washington-Lee and Yorktown high schools, two students for the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program, and one student affiliated with the Arlington Sister City Association are accepted for admission within the year. Admission of the Sister City student is limited to Wakefield, Washington-Lee or Yorktown.
Host families must be residents of Arlington County and must sponsor a student from a recognized exchange program, such as American Field Service (AFS) or Youth for Understanding.
All arrangements regarding housing should be made between the host family and the selected exchange program.
The exchange program must contact the principal of the neighborhood high school in Arlington to express interest in sponsoring a foreign exchange student and to make arrange-ments for admission of the student to APS.
The principal of the high school and the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services & Special Education decide whether to approve admission of the foreign exchange student.
Any foreign exchange student admitted to APS may be removed from the school system for behavior detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of other students or employees of the school system.
SECTION 504—EDUCATIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Arlington Public Schools identifies, evaluates and provides appropriate educational accommodations to students who are identified with a disability within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A Section 504 Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the policy and holds an impartial hearing whenever necessary. When a referral for possible identification under section 504 is received, the building principal (or designee) initiates the 504 process described in the School Board Policies. The process includes gathering referral information, notifying parents and staff, holding the local screening and, if necessary, devel-oping and monitoring the Section 504 Plan. For additional information, see the School Board Policies and/or Section 504 Procedural Manual. To obtain copies of the policy, the Section 504 Procedural Manual, or to receive more information, visit www.apsva.us/section504. You may also call or write:
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Section 504 Compliance Officer Dr. Laura NewtonOffice of Student Services Syphax Education Center, Suite 2062110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, Virginia 22204 703-228-6061
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICESArlington Public Schools provides a continuum of services
for students, pre-kindergarten through high school, found eligible to receive special education services. The identification of students who are eligible for special education is a care-fully managed process, guided by state and federal regulations. Evaluations required to make this determination are completed at the expense of the school system and only with parent permis-sion. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed for each student found eligible for services. This program is reviewed at least annually. Policies and procedures governing special education services can be found in the “Arlington Public Schools Special Education Policies and Procedures Manual” and “A Parent’s Guide to Special Education” (www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/parents/parents_guide.pdf). Each school is assigned a special education coordinator who can provide technical assistance to staff and parents. Parents with questions related to special education should contact their child’s school. Parents are also welcome to contact the Parent Resource Center (703-228-7239) located at the Syphax Education Center. The Center offers a wide range of resources including books, videos and special education workshops.
STUDENT RECORDS AND RIGHTS OF PRIVACYSTUDENT RECORDS
In accordance with State of Virginia guidelines for the management of student records, Arlington Public Schools shall maintain the following documents in each student’s record: • Academic Record • Disciplinary Record (suspensions and expulsions)• Personal Data Card• Test Results Card• Immunization Records
Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to:• Inspect, review, and confirm the accuracy of the student’s
educational records; • Seek to amend student’s records believed to be inaccurate
or misleading;• Consent to disclosure of personally identifiable informa-
tion, except to the extent that applicable law authorizes disclosure without consent;
• File a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education; and
• Obtain a copy of the student records policy of the school district.
Access to Student RecordsMost student records are kept at the student’s school. The
school principal is responsible for maintaining these records. Parents/guardians have access to their child’s education records.
The student, if eligible (meaning he or she is at least 18 years old), has the same rights. Parents or eligible students should submit to the principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. Within 45 days of the request, the principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The information in a student’s record will not be released to organizations or individuals outside the school system without written consent from the parent/guardian or the student (if 18 or older), except to the extent that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and its Uninterrupted Scholars Act (USA) amendments, authorize disclosure without consent. Exceptions which permit disclo-sure without consent include: disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests; disclosure to state or local law enforcement and protective services staff in the course of their duties; and disclosure to a caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan “when such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student.” Educational agencies and institutions may disclose a student’s education records pursuant to a judicial order without requiring additional notice to the parent by the educational agency or institution in specified types of judicial proceeding in which a parent is involved. 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 enforce-ment 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 education interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Records may also be disclosed without consent to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.
Accuracy of Records
Parents or an eligible student may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the principal and 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.
Transfer of Scholastic RecordsUpon request, Arlington Public Schools discloses educa-
tional records without consent to officials of other schools in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
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College or University Requests for Student Educational Records
According to state legislation enacted July 2008, each public or private institution of higher education, may request from its students complete student records, including any mental health records held by the originating school. These records shall be kept confidential as required by state and federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Records Maintenance and DestructionStudent scholastic records are maintained in the last
school that a student attended for five years. After that they are forwarded to the Office of Student Services where they are scanned into a central data system for permanent storage. Special education records are retained for five years after students graduate, complete their school program, transfer, or withdraw from school. After that time, special educa-tion records are destroyed. Students 18 years or older, who have left the Arlington Public Schools, may request copies of their special education record by contacting: Records Clerk, Arlington Public Schools, 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207. For more information about student records call 703-228-6062.
Race and Ethnicity Reporting RequirementsThe United States Department of Education (USDE)
defines the way state and local education agencies are to maintain, collect, and report data on race and ethnicity. The reporting standards are part of federal reports that districts and states submit to receive funds such as those provided through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The race and ethnicity categories are used by other federal agencies in civil rights compliance monitoring and equal employment reporting for the public and private sectors and for all levels of government.
The standards separate race and ethnicity and include two categories for data on ethnicity. There are five categories for data on race, and respondents are allowed to choose more than one race. The standards are as follows:
EthnicityHispanic or Latino Not Hispanic or Latino
Race American Indian or Alaska native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Other Asian Pacific Islander White
Parents or legal guardians are asked to self-identify their student’s race and ethnicity. In the event that parents or legal guardians choose not to self-identify their student’s race and ethnicity, designated staff will be asked to record the informa-tion based on their observation. Designated staff will take into account any prior knowledge they may have about the student and family such as prior identification or country of origin, if the family is new to the school district.
DIRECTORY INFORMATIONEach year parents and eligible students shall be notified of
the items the Arlington Public Schools considers to be direc-tory information. Directory information shall include, but is not limited to: name of student; address, telephone listing; student number; grade level; dates of attendance; participation in officially recognized activities and sports; height and weight, if member of athletic team; awards and honors received; and other similar information.
In accordance with federal law, Arlington Public Schools will give military recruiters the same access to our facilities and secondary student activities as provided to postsec-ondary institutions or to prospective employers. Arlington Public Schools will provide directory information containing students’ names, addresses and telephone listing to mili-tary recruiters, postsecondary institutions and third parties conducting educational business with the school system (such as PTA sponsored directories, yearbook and photo compa-nies, and alumni groups) unless a parent or eligible student has opted out of providing such information. Parents shall receive annual notification in writing and an opportunity to opt out of this requirement. To do so, they must return the “Opt-Out” form or notify the principal in writing within 15 days of the date of the notification letter. See School Board Policy 25-1.9, Privacy Rights and Regulations at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
ADMINISTRATION OF SURVEYSArlington Public Schools routinely conducts surveys as
part of its evaluation of instructional programs, school and community based initiatives, and federal and state grant funded programs. The administration of certain surveys either requires parents or eligible students to provide written consent or receive notice with the opportunity to opt out of participa-tion in the survey activity.
Consent Parents will be notified annually of their right to consent to
their child participating in certain student surveys, analyses, or evaluations funded in whole or in part by programs of the U.S. Department of Education that concern one or more of the following eight areas (“protected information surveys”).
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the students 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 respondents have
close family relationships; 6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with
lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student
or parents; or 8. Income, other than as required by law to determine
program eligibility.
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Notice Parents have the right to receive notice and an opportunity
to opt their child out of the administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the United States Department of Education.
Arlington Public Schools will not participate in surveys for the purpose of marketing or selling. This policy shall include the right of parents or guardians, any student 18 or older or an emancipated minor under State law, to inspect, upon request and before administration, protected information surveys, instruments used to collect personal information, and instruc-tional materials used as part of the curriculum.
RIGHTS OF NONCUSTODIAL PARENTSAccess to Schools and Information
Both natural and adoptive parents of any student may access their child’s education records, participate in parent meetings, receive progress reports, participate in school-sponsored activities, visit the student at school, and pick up the student after school. These rights shall be respected even if legal custody is vested in only one named parent, unless a court order restricts the right of the noncustodial parent. Parents/guardians should provide evidence of any completed or pending legal action that curtails the noncustodial parent’s rights before another parent’s rights are limited.
Upon request, parents who are divorced should receive separate mailings of school communication including report cards, parent events, and parent conference notices.
Emergency ContactThe 2005 Virginia General Assembly passed legislation,
effective July 1, 2005 stating that unless a court order has been issued to the contrary, the noncustodial parent of a student enrolled in a public school or day care center must be included, upon request of the non-custodial parent, as an emergency contact for events occurring during school or day care activities.
Participation in Special Education Process Noncustodial parents also have the right to participate
in the special education process related to their children, including consent for services, unless a court order specifically indicates that they do not have the right to make educational decisions on behalf of their children.
INTERVIEWING STUDENTSWhile under the jurisdiction of the school or a school staff
member, individual students in most cases may be interviewed only by authorized school employees or school health staff employed by the Department of Human Services. There are some exceptions to this policy, some of which require parental consent and others which do not. For more detailed informa-tion, please see School Board Policy 25-1.4.
Members of the news media, with the consent of the school principal, may interview students concerning school programs or events as part of media coverage of school events. Any such discussion must be with the consent of the students involved and must not disrupt school activities. Specific identification of a student in a media story or photo of any kind may be made only with the consent of the parent/guardian or the student, if 18 or older.
Other Student Services
EXTENDED DAY AND CHECK-IN PROGRAMSThe Arlington Public Schools Extended Day Program
provides a supervised out of school time program for students whose parents are employed, in school or incapacitated. The program is operated by Arlington Public Schools staff and offers daily fun and enriching asset-building activities which are designed to meet the needs of each student. This is a fee-for-service program.
Extended Day operates a before- and after-school program at each elementary school and at the Stratford Program on all regularly scheduled school days. Extended Day is also avail-able for students in APS pre-kindergarten programs who turn four years old by September 30. The before-school programs open at 7 a.m. and operate until the beginning of the school day. After-school programs begin at dismissal time and operate until 6 p.m. During the summer, Extended Day operates before- and after-school programs at each elementary summer school site.
The Check-In program is Extended Day’s after-school program for middle school students at Gunston, Jefferson, Kenmore, Swanson and Williamsburg. The Check-In program operates each day after school from dismissal until 6 p.m.
The Check-In program provides students with a structured, supervised environment that allows them to participate in a variety of Check-In activities and participate in the co-curric-ular activities at their middle school.
When Arlington Public Schools are closed, all Extended Day programs are closed. If Arlington Public Schools announces a delayed opening, the Extended Day before-school session, which regularly opens at 7 a.m., is delayed the same number of hours. If Arlington Public Schools close earlier than the regularly scheduled time, the Extended Day and Check-In programs will close at 4 p.m.
Registration is accepted in the order received and enroll-ment at particular schools may be limited. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration can be completed online at www.apsva.us/extended-day. For additional informa-tion, please refer to the Extended Day Program’s website at www.apsva.us/extended-day or call 703-228-6069.
FOOD SERVICESEvery Arlington school serves lunch to students. All
schools also offer breakfast programs and summer nutri-tion programs. The Food Services Department operates the school lunch program under the federally-assisted National School Lunch Program as administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Students have a variety of nutritious choices for breakfast and lunch every day. Menus are planned by a registered dietician in accordance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Monthly menus are posted online at www.apsva.us/menus.
Meals are available free or at a reduced price for eligible students. The Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application form is sent to students’ homes, is available in the office at
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each school, or can be downloaded from the APS website. The application is available throughout the school year and may be submitted at any time. For more information, contact the Food Services Department at 703-228-6130.
Parents may pay for their child’s meals online using the secure payment portal mySchoolBucks.com. For more infor-mation go to the Family Access Center on the APS website at www.apsva.us/family-access-center.
TRANSPORTATIONSCHOOL BUSES
The current version of APS Policy 50-5 provides that daily bus service shall be provided for children who attend elementary school and live more than one mile from school, for secondary school children who live more than one-and-a-half miles from school, and for children of any age in cases where the walking route has been evaluated and deemed unusually hazardous. Parents may request a change in a child’s daily bus routine (e.g. to ride another bus) by sending a written request to the school. The school principal must approve all changes. The school office will notify Transportation of any approved changes to a pupil’s bus route. Only Transportation Services can make permanent changes in bus schedules, stops and routes. Schedules and bus stop information for bus riders are mailed to each student or are available to parents at each school prior to the opening of school. For up-to-date information about routes and stops or for questions or concerns about school bus transportation, call your child’s school or Transportation Services at 703-228-8670.
School Bus Behavior and Safety StandardsAcceptable classroom standards of conduct shall be expected
of bus passengers. Drivers shall ensure that pupils observe regulations at all times. Among other things, students shall not smoke, yell, scream, swear, push, fight, bully, or take advantage of any other student; extend hands, arms, or heads or objects from bus windows; carry on the bus any drugs, weapons, water pistols, live reptiles, animals, insects, or oversized items (including school instruments) that would block an aisle, cause loss of passenger seat space, obstruct the driver’s view, or create a safety hazard.
Musical instruments and school projects may be transported on the school bus only if they can be safely placed on a student’s lap, or in a student’s backpack, or regular-sized school bag. Due to safety issues resulting from transporting large instru-ments, the following musical instruments will not be permitted to be transported on school buses: cello, trombone, baritone, and French horn. Students must be able to lift and carry their instruments or projects on and off the bus without assistance and without delaying the bus pick-up and drop-off process. Instruments and projects may not occupy a seat needed for another passenger and no part of an instrument may obstruct the aisle.
The bus driver and/or attendant have the authority to assign seats when necessary to maintain discipline or promote safety. The driver and attendant also have the authority to report misconduct to the school principal for investigation and appro-priate disciplinary action. Disruptive conduct is a threat to the safety of other passengers, distracts the driver and violates state law. Vandalism of the bus may be cause for disciplinary action.
Video cameras and audio recorders may be used on buses. Students who break school bus safety rules may be denied bus transportation or be subject to other serious disciplinary actions. (See APS Policy Implementation Procedure 50-5.1).
Meeting the BusStudents must:
• Be at their bus stops ten minutes before the regular pickup time. Remain at the stop until buses arrive. Be picked up and released at their designated (assigned) bus stops.
• Demonstrate appropriate conduct at the bus stops includ-ing proper care for private property at that location.
• Not stand on the traveled portion of the roadway or parking lot or engage in play or other activities that will endanger themselves or their companions or possessions while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop, red flashing lights are engaged and the entrance door opens.
• Not run alongside a moving bus. • Wait to cross a traveled portion of the roadway, or to board
a bus, until the bus is stopped and other vehicles approach-ing or following the bus have stopped.
• Report any illness or injury sustained on or around the bus immediately to the driver.
Conduct on the BusStudents must:
• Recognize that the bus driver and/or attendant are the authority on the bus and be courteous to them and their fellow students.
• Go directly to a seat and remain seated unless otherwise directed by the driver and/or attendant.
• Not tamper with the emergency exits.• Not share, sell, or consume food or beverages.• Not talk on the cell phone, except in the case of an emer-
gency situation.• Not carry any lighted flame or other incendiary object on
the bus.
Leaving the BusStudents must:
• Remain seated until bus comes to a full stop.• Exit bus in an orderly manner.• Leave bus stop area only when safety permits; that is, when
crossing a roadway, cross in front of the bus only when the red lights are flashing and the crossing arm is fully extended.
Students who are first grade or younger shall be met at the bus stop by a parent or designee who request the student by name. If a student who is first grade or younger is not requested by name, the child will be returned to school. Schools will mark the backpacks of all students who are in first grade or younger with a strip of yellow duct tape to indicate to the bus driver that the student must be met at the bus stop and requested by name prior to disembarking. Parents must give written authoriza-tion to their child’s school in order for a first grade or younger student to be released to an older sibling. The sibling must exit the bus and then request the younger student by name. First grade or younger students will not be released if the students are
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not requested by name. For any update on this expectation for the 2017-18 school year, go to www.apsva.us/transportation or contact your child’s school.
WALKING AND BIKING TO SCHOOLSince 1999, Arlington Public Schools and Arlington County
have worked together to create walk- and bike-friendly neigh-borhoods. APS participates in the National and International Walk and Bike to School days. The Superintendent sends a letter to parents of elementary and middle school students detailing related events and encouraging parents and children to talk about the best way to get to and from school or the bus stop. Arlington County also provides school crossing guards, and has worked to help improve many pedestrian and bicycling features near schools and in neighborhoods including crosswalks, side-walks, traffic- calming measures and enhancements at intersec-tions to promote healthy lifestyles. When biking, students 14 and under are required by law to wear a helmet.
Family and Parent InvolvementParents are invited to participate in school activities to learn
more about the school’s academic program and to encourage their children’s success. They also are invited to attend School Board meetings, to become school volunteers, or join county-wide curriculum advisory committees, task forces, school PTAs or school advisory committees and/or engage in Parent Academy programs. (See below.)
APS PARENT ACADEMYThe APS Parent Academy offers parents of children
attending public or private schools in Arlington opportuni-ties to obtain information on a wide variety of topics. Courses include topics related to student achievement, educational programs and personal or family growth. The Parent Academy also serves as a clearinghouse of resources and support offered within Arlington Public Schools. Courses are free. Registration may be required and the information for doing so will be provided with the course description. For more information and course offerings, go to www.apsva.us/parentacademy.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTSBack-to-School Night is a special “open house” meeting in
September or October at each school. Teachers and admin-istrators meet with parents as a group and talk about how children can be successful in school. It is an opportunity for parents to learn more about their child’s school and their child’s instructional program for the year. Parents will also meet their child’s teacher(s) and see firsthand what the school is like. See Important Dates on page 6.
CURRICULUM ADVISORY COMMITTEESAdvisory committees usually meet monthly during the
school year to review instructional programs in specific curriculum areas and to recommend improvements. Parents
are encouraged to volunteer to serve on these committees. For more information please call the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Instruction at 703-228-6145.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (FACE)The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) coordi-
nator works to facilitate systemic coordination and technical assistance with capacity building and collaboration between APS departments and offices (such as Instruction, Student Services, ESOL/HILT, Title I, Minority Achievement, and School and Community Relations) and community organiza-tions (such as Arlington Partnership for Children Youth and Families, Edu-Futuro, AHC Inc. Greenbrier Learning Center or other organizations that connect families and learning). Through the FACE coordinator a number of programs are implemented to inform and engage parents in discussion related to schools, including Parent Academy sessions.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) Each school has a PTA or other organization that is made
up of parents, teachers and in some cases, students. The groups promote parent involvement in the schools and offer parents a strong, common voice. They work to improve their schools in many ways, such as buying materials and equipment and doing cooperative planning of evening and family-oriented events. While each school PTA or parent group determines its own programs and activities, the Arlington County Council of PTAs regularly sponsors public programs on educational topics of countywide interest. Check with your child’s school for its PTA meeting schedule.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCESConferences are a time to share information about a child
and plan future learning activities. Families may request addi-tional conferences as often as needed and are urged to keep conference appointments. Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled Oct. 26-27 and March 1-2 for Pre-K–grade 5, and Oct. 27 and March 2 for middle school. The Language Services Registration Center (LSRC) provides interpreters when neces-sary to improve communication between parents and teachers.
Families of high school students may schedule appoint-ments with teachers and counselors when they feel a need.
Technology
EMAIL AS PART OF HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
Arlington Public Schools recognizes that email is a valuable communication tool. Staff members are provided with district email accounts in accordance with APS procedures to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of communication both within the organization and with the APS community.
Users of electronic mail should know that any information included in email may be discoverable in legal proceedings and
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available to other parties under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Electronic information that contains information related to a student’s education may also be considered part of a student’s educational record under the Family Educational Rights and Policy Act (FERPA).
Email communication is most effective when it is focused and meaningful using a constructive, respectful tone. Brief summary statements are best; topics should not be discussed in detail in email. If staff members receive email that requires substantive discussion, they may choose to respond in more confidential ways that have less risk of being shared with unauthorized parties, including telephone calls, written notes or letters, and parent-teacher conferences.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of privacy via email as it is not a secure form of communication. It is important to remember that email messages can be forwarded or distributed to other individuals, in whole or in part.
Families are encouraged to use email as a preliminary method of contact in order to set up a phone or face-to-face meeting. Staff members are encouraged to read and reply to email within a reasonable amount of time.
FAMILY ACCESS CENTERThe Family Access Center is the access portal for the
APS student information system and other online resources. ParentVUE gives parents access to update student information online. Through ParentVUE, families can also view student schedules and class attendance. Middle and high school fami-lies can also view class assignments, scores, report card grades and course history with ParentVUE. To create an account and log into ParentVUE, parents need a valid email address, the Activation Code and the directions provided via a letter from their child’s school. For more information, go to www.apsva.us/family-access-center.
ONLINE INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCESArlington Public Schools selects online instructional
resources in accordance with APS Policies and Policy Implementation Procedures. A list of resources is available from your child’s school Instructional Technology Coordinator or online at www.apsva.us/onlineapps. Although APS enters into contracts with the service providers for classroom software such as Google Apps for Education, some of these resources also may require students to accept a Terms of Service or License Agreement when they sign on, even though the student is a minor. Parents and students should read and understand these terms. Adult students or parents who do not wish for their child to agree to these terms should complete the Terms of Service Opt-Out Form. This form is available from each school. If a student has been opted-out, the student will receive the same instruction as the other students using the same or equivalent resources, or the student may use a shared account that does not require the student to accept terms of use.
PERSONAL DEVICESPersonal devices offer students and teachers new tools
that open up learning opportunities. Personal devices can be used to allow for flexible pacing to design learning experi-ences that reflect the needs and interests of individual students. They also enable teachers to gain instant access to data that provide insights into students’ understanding and to correct any misconceptions. Teachers can provide immediate feed-back to students so they can improve their understanding of the content and effectively apply that knowledge. This access to data also allows teachers to adjust teaching in the moment to address identified needs. For example, teachers may shift instructional strategies, offer re-teaching, or accelerate/decelerate their pace. With collaboration tools, students and teachers are able to communicate easily, both within the class-room and outside of school. Students explore creative ways to solve problems, express their ideas, generate new learning, and develop skills to work as part of a team in the classroom, as well as virtually. These are the skills needed for success in college and careers in the future and APS is proud to provide all students equal access to these high-quality learning experi-ences as we prepare them for their lives beyond high school.
TECHNOLOGY AND INTERNET SAFETY Arlington Public Schools has developed a plan to ensure
that students know how to use the Internet safely and that they understand APS rules for the use of technology. In accordance with the Code of Virginia, all students and their parents must annually sign the APS Acceptable Use policy.
The following is an overview of the rules and guide-lines outlined in Policy 45-2.1, Acceptable Use of Electronic Networked Resources and Internet Safety. Violations of this policy can lead to legal and/or disciplinary action.
EXPECTATIONS• Students will use all technology responsibly.• Students will not use the division’s computer equipment
and communication services for sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading illegal or inappropriate material.
• Students will only connect to the APS network using approved methods.
• Students will respect intellectual property and copyright laws.
• Students will not tamper with or alter the system in any way that disrupts the network.
• Students will report suspected computer viruses and other problems immediately.
• Students will understand that all messages and files sent, accessed or received on or through APS equipment are subject to inspection.
• Students who connect to the APS network using a personal device must comply with all applicable policies.
• Use of APS technology is for school-related instructional and APS business activities.
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INTERNET/ONLINE SAFETY TIPS • Students should be careful not to disclose information that
could lead to the discovery of their identities. • Students should use only their assigned user names and/or
passwords. • APS limits exposure of inappropriate and illicit internet
content to students by preventing students from using some websites with personal learning devices that APS issues, whether using the devices at school, at home, or in public spaces. While APS makes significant efforts to filter inappropriate content, your child could reach content you feel is not appropriate. If this occurs, families are encour-aged to discuss the matter with the students and report the inappropriate content to teachers or Internet Technology Coordinators. Purposely bypassing content filters is a viola-tion of the APS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).
• Words are very powerful. Students should be courteous and use appropriate language, understanding that their message will be read.
• Cyberbullying is a crime. Students should not view, send or display profanity, obscenities, sexually explicit or offen-sive materials. Any threatening messages students receive should be immediately reported to a trusted adult. Copies should be kept to provide to authorities. If students receive messages at school, they should notify a teacher immedi-ately; at home, report the problem to the home Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Meeting someone via the Internet can be dangerous. Before agreeing to any kind of meeting, a student should discuss it with a parent or other trusted adult.
More information about Internet safety can be found at www.apsva.us/internet-safety.
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SCHOOLSThe APS Acceptable Use Policy 45-2 requires that the use
of any electronic media by employees or students should at all times be professional in content and related to the students’ instructional program or school-sponsored extracurricular activities.
Social media tools, including any social media tools generally available to the public that do not fall within the APS electronic network, may be used within guidelines provided to staff.
Teachers or staff using social media tools to facilitate communication to further the work of their classroom or school activity must submit to the school administration for annual approval a list of the social media tools to be used along with a clear statement of purpose and outcomes. Information about social media in the classroom or school activities will be made available to parents through the course syllabus or activity materials.
For individual communications between adults and students, in accordance with the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policy 35-4.10, “Adults must restrict one-on-one, elec-tronic communication with individual students to accounts, systems and platforms that are provided by and accessible to Arlington Public Schools.” For more information about the Acceptable Use of Social Media Policy 20-2.215, visit www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
WAYS FAMILIES CAN SUPPORT STUDENTS• Read and discuss with your child the section of the
personal device handbook (www.apsva.us/personalized-learning/parent-resources/) that outlines how to be a responsible and respectful user of personal devices.
• Review the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) with your child.• Monitor your student’s use of the device when not at
school. Parents can ask their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for free “router-based parental controls” to limit the times of day when a device can access the internet.
• Create a Family Media Plan• Ensure the device is properly cared for when the student is
away from school.
Student Health and Safety
ASBESTOSIt is the intention of Arlington Public Schools to comply
with all federal and state regulations controlling asbestos and to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure students and employees a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work. All APS buildings have been surveyed by an independent engineering consulting firm to determine if asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present or were used in construction. For any building found to contain ACMs, an Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Plan has been prepared. The plans enable APS to manage the asbestos-containing material without adversely affecting the operation of schools and buildings and, more importantly, the health and safety of students, visitors, teachers and other employees. Copies of the asbestos management plans are available for review at the Facilities & Operations office at 2770 S. Taylor St, 22206. A specific school’s plan may also be reviewed in the school office during school hours. For more information about the Arlington Public Schools AHERA plans and asbestos-related issues, call 703-228-6639.
CLOSINGS, DELAYS AND EARLY DISMISSALSBAD WEATHER, EMERGENCIES AND OTHER CONDITIONS
In case of snow, ice or other unusual conditions such as power outages and excessive heat, or in the event of a local or national emergency, school officials may decide to close school, delay school opening, shelter-in-place or send students home early. News about these decisions is communicated as soon as the decision is made.
Methods of communication include:• www.apsva.us home page and Emergency page• Emails, voicemails and/or text messages sent via the APS
School Talk messaging system• Hotline, 703-228-4277, message in English and Spanish• Message on Comcast Cable, Channel 70 and Verizon FiOS,
Channel 41• Message sent to local radio stations and TV channels 4, 5,
7, 8 and 9• Message posted on the APS mobile app, Facebook and
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Here is what happens in situations when the school or county-wide schedule changes:
Schools Closed- All school building are closed. The deci-sion is usually announced by 6 a.m. on all information outlets. Extended Day and Check-In are also closed. All school activities are canceled unless otherwise announced. Administrative offices usually remain open.
Delayed Opening- School will open two hours later than usual. This decision is usually announced by 6 a.m. The morning bus route schedule is delayed by two hours. Field trips are canceled. Breakfast is served. The Extended Day program will also open two hours late. On any early release day, the early release is canceled and students remain until the regular daily dismissal time.
Early Dismissal- When conditions require that schools be closed early, ALL schools will follow their early release schedule. This decision is normally announced by 11:30 a.m. Extended Day will close at 4 p.m. Extra-curricular activities, interscholastic contests, team practices, field trips, adult and community education classes, and recre-ation programs in schools and on school grounds are canceled.
Other emergencies may keep students in their classrooms or school:
Secure the Building- In a situation where the police or other officials determine we need to keep students in the building and lock the outside doors because of a concern in the community, we will follow their directions until directed otherwise.
Lock-Down- A lock-down may occur when police or other safety officials determine it is necessary to contain students and staff in their classrooms with doors locked and building access limited to specific identified staff and safety officials.
Shelter-In-Place- If an event occurs that involves a chemical, biological or radiological contaminant, public safety officials may direct us to “shelter-in-place.” If that occurs, the school will be locked and secured. Signs will be posted stating that no one is to enter or leave the site and students and staff will move to identified safe locations in the building.
APS ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT OTHER CHANGES Periodically, conditions may require other changes to the
schedule or status of operations. Families should check the website, www.apsva.us, the APS hotline, 703-228-4277, watch for APS School Talk announcements via email, text or voicemail, or check the APS mobile app, Facebook or Twitter.
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENTIn accordance with the Code of Virginia 22.1-271.5,
Arlington Public Schools School Board Policy and Implementation Procedures 25-3.5 outlines a concussion management plan that ensures that students who sustain a concussion are given adequate time to heal and are comprehen-sively supported until they are symptom-free.
Each year the Health, Physical, and Driver Education and Athletics Office provides concussion information to all
student-athletes and to their parents or guardians to review. The materials are from, but not limited to, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Federation of State High School Associations, and the Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute.
The student-athlete and the student-athlete’s parent or guardian must sign a statement acknowledging that they have reviewed the materials describing the short- and long-term health effects of concussions, criteria for removal from and return to athletic participation, and the risks of not reporting the injury and continuing to play. Each school’s activity office will provide the form and maintain a file of the signed forms.
Arlington Public Schools staff (coach, athletic trainer, team physician) shall remove a student athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or brain injury from a practice or a game. No student athlete who has been removed from play, evaluated, and suspected of having a concussion or brain injury shall return to play that same day. No student-athlete who has been removed, and who is suspected of having a concussion, shall return to play until he or she has been evaluated by an appropriate licensed health care provider and has received written clearance to return to play from such licensed health care provider. For more infor-mation see School Board Policy and Implementation Procedures 25-3.5 at www.apsva/school-board-policies.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAQ APS works to ensure the safety of your children in the event
that a serious incident occurs while school is in session. Each school staff has: • updated its emergency plans and met with public safety
officials for them to review plans, monitor drills and provide professional input on any school-specific safety issues,
• held staff orientations and reviewed emergency procedures, • held earthquake, fire evacuation, shelter-in-place, lock-
down, tornado/severe weather, and bus evacuation drills, • received updated weather and emergency alert radios, and • updated plans for students while on field trips or at away
practices.
We coordinate our efforts with local authorities and agen-cies to help ensure the best possible care for our students. APS does use security cameras to enhance safety and security in our facilities. These security cameras are not monitored 24 hours per day but are recorded for later access by safety and security personnel as needed. The following list of frequently asked questions and their answers are provided to clarify expectations in a variety of possible situations. Emergency preparedness information is also available at www.apsva.us/emergency-alerts. Q: How can I find the most-up-to-date information about the
status of school operations?
A: Parents are asked to refrain from calling the schools or administrative offices for this information to avoid tying up telephone lines that are vitally needed in an emergency. Information about any changes in operations – whether at an individual school or system wide – will be communicated through local media outlets, on Comcast Cable Channel 70
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and Verizon Fios Channel 41, on our website at www.apsva.us/emergency-alerts, via APS School Talk, the APS mobile app, Facebook and Twitter, and by recorded message (in English and Spanish) on our hotline at 703-228-4277.
Q: What if something occurs when students are away from the school building- on a bus, field trip, athletic event, etc?
A: Bus drivers all have two-way radios and will be directed to take students who are on buses to the nearest school or public building and maintain radio contact. Students on field trips or at away practices will be directed to enter the nearest building. Cell phone contact will be maintained with these groups.
Q: What is the policy for field trips?
A: Decisions about local, national and international trips are made on a case-by-case basis. For international field trips, Arlington Public Schools does not allow travel to countries in “current travel warning” and “current public announce-ments” on the U.S. Department of State webpage. Field trips are considered extended learning opportunities, but parents who do not want their children to participate in field trips may opt out of them.
Q: What is “secure the building?”
A: In a situation where the police or other officials determine we need to keep students in the building and lock the outside doors because of a concern in the community (nearby bank robbery, for example) we will follow their direction and “secure the building” until directed otherwise.
Q: What does it mean when a school is in “lock-down?”
A: A lock-down may occur when police, other safety officials or staff determine it is necessary to contain students and staff in their classrooms with doors locked and building access limited to specific identified staff and safety officials. This may occur if there is a threat to the physical safety of students and/or staff, if there is a dangerous intruder in the building or for other reasons as deemed necessary.
Q: What does “shelter-in-place” mean? What will happen if schools are directed to do this?
A: If an event occurs that involves a chemical, biological or radiological contaminant, public safety officials may direct us to “shelter- in-place.” If that occurs, the school will be locked and secured. Signs will be posted stating no one is to enter or leave the site and students and staff will move to identified, safe locations in the building. HVAC systems, where possible, will be shut down and exterior doors will be secured to decrease exposure to outside air. Safety officials indicate there would be 10 to 20 minutes lead time for the alert, allowing time for students in portable classrooms and on school grounds to enter the building.
Q: How long do you expect a “shelter-in-place” situation will last?
A: Public safety and health officials advise that this condition would probably last for a matter of hours rather than days. This is the amount of time needed to isolate people while the effects of a chemical or biological incident dissipate. During this period of time students will not be released to anyone
outside the building and outsiders will not be allowed into the building.
Q: What will happen if schools must “shelter” students in the buildings? How is that different from “shelter-in-place?”
A: If it is not possible to release students (traffic jams that prohibit buses from getting to or from school, damage to the surrounding area making a school inaccessible, etc.), it may be necessary to temporarily shelter students. If directed to shelter students, school administrators will coordinate efforts with county agencies to provide for the needs of students and staff. Students will be released as parents are able to reach school. Public service agencies will participate in managing the situation.
Q: If there were a “lockdown” or “shelter-in-place” situation, delaying children at school, how would my child get the medications that he takes at home?
A: For those critical medications to be given, you will need to follow the same procedure for medication that would be given during school hours and state that the medication is for “emergency lockdown.” The Authorization for Medication form will also need to be provided for each medication, completed by a parent and the child’s doctor. Please discuss the details of these emergency plans with the nurse at your child’s school.
Q: Are there any situations when you would evacuate from a school? What will happen if that occurs?
A: If an incident occurs within a building, it may be necessary to evacuate students from a school. The destination of the evac-uated students will depend upon the incident, the number of students evacuated and the conditions in surrounding areas. Evacuations will be coordinated with safety and health officials to ensure the needs of students are met.
Q: What if there is an earthquake?
A: All students will drop, cover and remain in place under their desks. Students without desks should move to an interior wall or a corner away from windows and, if possible, away from any overhead materials. They should drop onto their hands and knees and cover their heads and necks to protect themselves from falling debris. Students and adults will remain in that position until cleared. The school may then be evacuated if necessary.
August, 2017
EXPOSURE TO BODY FLUIDSAccording to the Code of Virginia (section 32.1-45.1.H-
K), if a school employee is exposed to the body fluids of a student in such a way that may transmit human immunode-ficiency virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B or C viruses, the parent(s) or guardian(s) must allow public health officials to test the student for the presence of those infections and to release those test results to the school employee who was exposed.
Likewise, if a student is exposed to the body fluids of a school employee in such a way that may transmit HIV or Hepatitis B or C, the school employee must consent to testing for the presence of those infections and agree to release those test results to the parents or guardians of the student.
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HANDWASHINGThe School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) reminds
everyone of the importance of proper handwashing at home and at school. The SHAB has requested that schools not use antibacterial soap, noting that the FDA suggests not using many kinds of these soaps in non-health care settings. Regular handwashing with soap and water is the scientifically proven best way to prevent the spread of germs, disease, and allergens and should be practiced regularly at home and during the school day. Regular use of soap and water is better than using water-less (and often alcohol-based) soaps, gels, rinses and hand rubs when a child’s hands are visibly dirty. However, when there is no sink available (e.g., in the car or on the bus), waterless hand rubs are a suitable alternative. In support of this effort, please know that APS does not purchase any antibacterial products due to health and environmental concerns. For more information, see APS Policy Implementation Procedure 25-3 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
LEAD IN WATERIn 2016, APS completed lead-in-water testing at all of our
buildings. Results and all follow-up actions are reported in detail on the APS Maintenance Services Department webpage, www.apsva.us/maintenance. Beginning in spring of 2017, all buildings are retested as part of a three-year cycle. The testing schedule can also be found on the Maintenance Services webpage.
PEST CONTROLIn compliance with state law, APS follows a robust
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pest control program in order to minimize the introduction of pesticides onto APS property and maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone. Minimizing attractants (food and beverages) reduces pest activity. Students are expected to place waste (i.e., food, containers, wrappers) in appropriate waste and recycling containers and keep lockers clean. (See School Board Policy Pest Control 50-2.5 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.)
RISK MANAGEMENT AND SAFETYThe Arlington Public Schools Risk Management Office
is responsible for reviewing student accident reports and determining appropriate changes in facilities and procedures to improve student and staff safety. The Risk Management Officer can be reached at 703-228-7740. If you have questions about an injury to your child, while at school or on the school bus, you should contact the Risk Management Office. APS does not insure your child while at school, or while coming to school or going home from school, with the exception of traditional automobile liability insurance for vehicle accidents involving APS school buses. Medical bills for injuries occurring on school property, at school-sponsored events and during transportation not resulting from vehicle accidents involving APS school buses, are the responsibility of parents. If you do not have medical insurance and believe that payment will be a hardship for you, APS provides the opportunity for you to
purchase school time accident insurance. Information about program enrollment and enrollment forms are available at each school office.
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICESThe School Health Bureau (SHB) is administered by the
County’s Public Health Division in close coordination with Arlington Public Schools (APS). School Health promotes a healthy and safe environment so that all APS students may thrive and learn to their full potential. Parents and guardians serve as vital partners by:• Letting the school know whenever a child has an acute or
chronic health issue that may require extra care at school; • Keeping students home when they are sick, making sure
that they are fever and symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school;
• Updating students’ health information at the beginning of the school year and during the school year if a condition or treatment changes or is newly identified;
• Making sure all immunizations, including annual ones such as influenza, are up-to-date and current;
• Teaching students to cough or sneeze into their sleeves; and• Teaching students to regularly wash their hands with soap
and warm water, especially before/after school and before/after eating.
CLINICS, HEALTH AIDES AND PUBLIC HEALTH NURSES
Each school and academic program has a clinic operated by the School Health Bureau (SHB). A school health aide (SHA) staffs the clinic during school hours and provides direct care for sick and injured students and administers medications as ordered. When the health aide is not available, a trained prin-cipal designee is assigned to provide needed care to students and administer authorized medications. Clinic staff perform vision and hearing screenings for all students new to APS and in grades three, seven and ten annually.
A public health nurse (PHN) oversees the work of the school health aide and provides complex services for students in one or more schools/programs. Typical duties include: • Ensuring that new and existing students are up-to-date
with all required school immunizations and health require-ments;
• Creating and implementing Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCPs) for students with medical conditions;
• Sending electronic health notices when needed;• Connecting families to County or regional medical, dental,
mental health and other resources;• Working with APS and communicable disease experts to
prevent and respond to disease outbreaks;• Training APS staff to recognize and respond to health
emergencies that require use of emergency medications (such as insulin and epinephrine) and to provide basic health functions when called upon as a “Principal Desig-nee;”
• Working with families and APS to assist students in special education or who require accommodation for physical or mental health disabilities (such as 504 plans); and
• Providing vaccinations at school with parental approval.
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For students who have medical conditions that impact their learning environment during the school day, the public health nurse works closely with school staff, the student and the parent to coordinate the medical care and services needed. The parent is responsible for notifying the public health nurse about any health condition that may affect a student. (See “Students with Diabetes” and “Students with Severe or Life-Threatening Allergies,” below.) School Health is required to protect the confidentiality of all students and their health issues.
All forms are available at each school clinic or on the School Health website: www.apsva.us/schoolhealth. The website also includes other information about infectious diseases, healthy eating and active living, where and how to get vaccina-tions, and other resources. The School Health main office can be reached at 703-228-1651.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOLParents are asked to administer medications at home when-
ever possible. When a student has a temporary or ongoing medical condition that requires medication administration at school, on a scheduled basis or “as needed,” parents or guard-ians must follow the steps below.• If it becomes necessary for a student to take prescription
or over-the-counter medication at school, the parent must give the school public health nurse the medication in an original prescription bottle or container labeled with the child’s name, medication name, dose and time of admin-istration. The first dose of any new medication must be administered at home before it can be initiated at school.
• All medication, prescription or over-the-counter, must be accompanied by the Authorization for Medication form available from the school clinic or online at www.apsva.us/schoolhealth. The form must be signed by both the parent/guardian and physician. The dose and frequency of medi-cation on the form must match the pharmacy container. Clinic staff will dispose of leftover medication after five days, if not picked up by the parent or guardian.
• Students diagnosed with diabetes may carry their supplies and equipment and self-check blood glucose levels. Parent/guardian consent and written approval from the prescrib-ing doctor must be given on the Authorization for Medica-tion form and the student must have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). (See “Students with Diabetes,” below.)
• Requests for mature elementary students to carry and self-administer emergency medication such as asthma inhalers and “Epi Pens” are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the school nurse.
• Middle and high school students may self-carry and self-administer emergency medication such as asthma inhalers and “Epi Pens.”
• High school students may carry and self-administer no more than two doses per day of non-prescribed over-the-counter medication with parent permission. The medica-tion should be carried in the original labeled container.
• If there is an immediate need to change the administration of the medication for the child (i.e., to stop a medication, change the time of administration or begin a new dosage)
the parent or guardian must talk directly with school health staff or send an electronically signed email or fax. Text mes-sages are not acceptable. Messages regarding these changes should not be left on the clinic phone, with a school staff person or delivered by the student.
• If a stopped medication is to be restarted, written authori-zation is needed.
• APS before/after school Extended Day program staff have access to clinic medication.
• Medication for field trips that occur during the school day, and for which the school clinic has the medication and the authorization form, will be provided by the clinic staff to the field trip coordinator on the day of the trip. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide authorization and medications to the field trip coordinator for trips that ex-tend outside the school day and/or last more than one day.
• For students who participate in after-school sports or activities and need to take medication, the same procedure should be followed as for medications given for field trips extending outside the regular school day. Parents should contact the activities director at the child’s school.
STUDENTS WITH DIABETESStudents diagnosed with diabetes must work with their
parents or guardians and the public health nurse to develop an individualized health care plan to meet their medical needs during the school day. The parent and medical provider must complete the appropriate Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) as soon as the condition is known and prior to the start of school each year. Medication is to be supplied to the school using the process detailed above in “Medications at School.” Students diagnosed with diabetes may carry their supplies and equipment and self-check blood glucose levels when it is clearly indicated on the DMMP. Forms are available in the school clinic or on the School Health website at apsva.us/schoolhealth.
STUDENTS WITH SEVERE OR LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES
To establish a safe and healthy learning environment for children with allergies, it is essential that parents notify both the school administration and the school’s public health nurse if their child has a severe allergy of any kind (food, insect stings, medications, latex, etc.). This should be done before the child starts school or as soon as an allergy is known. Updates to students’ health information is required each school year.
In addition, parents or guardians are responsible for the following:• Completion of the Health Information form at enrollment,
or as soon as the health condition is known;• Entering health information online in Parent VUE and
update it as needed;• Completion of the Emergency Information form at the
beginning of each school year;• Providing documentation from the child’s medical provider
on the Physician’s Order/Severe Allergy Action Plan. Parents should complete and submit Screening Questionnaire for Se-vere Allergies before the school year begins (or immediately after a diagnosis);
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• Providing the ordered medication to the school clinic and resupplying it when it is used; and
• Working directly with the public health nurse in the school to develop the appropriate plan of care for their child, an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP).
In an emergency situation, epinephrine may be adminis-tered by a public health nurse, clinic aide or employee of the School Board who is authorized and trained in the administra-tion of epinephrine to any student believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction on school grounds during the academic day. Policy 25-3.4, School Health Services, at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
All health and medical forms can be obtained from the school clinic or on the School Health website at www.apsva.us/schoolhealth. The Arlington Public Schools Severe Allergy Guidelines share current best practices and can be found at apsshab.weebly.com/food-allergy-guidelines.html.
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SROs)The Arlington County Police Department, in cooperation
with Arlington Public Schools, has assigned School Resource Officers (SROs) to all Arlington schools. The SRO program focuses on developing positive relationships between law enforcement and the students of Arlington County. Through community outreach activities within the schools, the program helps students, parents, and educators develop a better under-standing of law enforcement’s role within the community. Duties of the SROs include counseling students, law enforce-ment and crime prevention presentations, assisting adminis-trators in handling school-related incidents, reporting serious incidents (i.e., crimes), conducting criminal investigations, acting as chaperones at school events and supervising school safety patrols. They also visit classrooms to teach special units designed to assist students in recognizing and resisting pres-sures to experiment with drugs and alcohol. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Schools outlines the terms of agreement between the two organizations.
In general, SROs work closely with school staff and might participate in informal screening of students regarding events occurring in and around the school grounds or bus stops without notifying parents. If this leads to questioning students about their participation in a possible criminal act, every effort will be made to contact the parent through the work, home or the emergency contact phone numbers, prior to this questioning. See School Board Policy 25-1.5 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
APS Policies and ProceduresThe official policies, rules and regulations of the Arlington
Public Schools are contained in the Arlington Public Schools School Board Policies (SBP) and Policy Implementation Procedures (PIPs). The policies and procedures are available for public review in each school office, each school library, Arlington public libraries, the School Board Office and the Department of School and Community Relations at the Education Center, located at 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington. They are also available on the website at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
The State of Virginia requires that all parents and legal guardians review the rules and regulations of their children’s schools according to Virginia School Law 22.1-279.3
“Within one calendar month of the opening of school, each school board shall, simultaneously with any other materials customarily distributed at that time, send to the parents of each enrolled student (i) a notice of the requirements of this section; (ii) a copy of the school board’s standards of student conduct; and (iii) a copy of the compulsory school attendance law. These materials shall include a notice to the parents that by signing the statement of receipt, parents shall not be deemed to waive, but to expressly reserve, their rights protected by the constitu-tions or laws of the United States or the Commonwealth and that a parent shall have the right to express disagreement with a school’s or school division’s policies or decisions.
Each parent of a student shall sign and return to the school in which the student is enrolled a statement acknowledging the receipt of the school board’s standards of student conduct, the notice of the requirements of this section, and the compulsory school attendance law. Each school shall maintain records of such signed statements.”
This 2017-18 Arlington Public Schools (APS) Handbook contains items on APS School Board policies, including student conduct and compulsory school attendance. One APS handbook is sent to every family in the official First-Day Packet with the youngest sibling in each household. The Acknowledgment of Parental Responsibility Form is in every First-Day Packet and at www.apsva.us/first-day-forms. One form must be signed by the parent/guardian for each child in the family and returned to each child’s school. The APS Handbook is also available on the website at www.apsva.us/publications.
ADMINISTRATIVE PLACEMENTAn administrative placement falls under School Board
Policy 25-2.2 – Appeals. This includes any medical and/or psychological related requests, with required documenta-tion. Decisions regarding administrative placement requests are made by the Assistant Superintendent, Department of Administrative Services and/or Assistant Superintendent, Department of Student Services and Special Education. For more information, contact the Department of Administrative Services at 703-228-6008.
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In the event that a student is admitted through the appeal process, enrollment will be continuous through the grade levels of that school/program, unless there is cause to discontinue.
Any change in placement for a student with a disability due to special education-related reasons would be made by the IEP team with consultation from Office of Special Education (OSE) staff. For more information, contact the OSE at 703-228-6040.
Students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may require placement at a school other than the neighbor-hood school in order to access necessary special education services. In such cases, the IEP team will consider the student’s disability-related needs and identify the least restrictive environment in which the services can be provided. Students with IEPs who request placement at a school other than their neighborhood school due to needs or concerns which are not specifically related to their identified disability may request an Administrative Placement, following the same process as their non-disabled peers. In such cases, the Office of Administrative Services will consult with the Office of Special Education in order to ensure the availability of special education services at the potential new placement. In cases where it is unclear whether there is a relationship between the disability and the reason for the request, the student’s IEP team will convene to hear the concerns which comprise the basis of the request and determine whether additional actions (such as re-evaluation or changes to the IEP) are necessary under IDEA and special education regulations. In those situations, the IEP processes should be completed before the request for Administrative Placement is addressed.
ADMISSIONAll students enrolled in Arlington Public Schools must
reside in Arlington County for admission on a tuition-free basis. Arlington Public Schools reserves the right to periodi-cally request proof of residency. Students in grades K–12 who move out of Arlington County after the fourth quarter begins may complete the school year without paying tuition. Students who move before the fourth quarter begins must request permission to complete the school year in Arlington as a non-resident tuition-paying student. Seniors who move out of Arlington County after the third marking period ends may be allowed to complete the school year tuition-free. State legisla-tion passed in 2005 created a Class 4 Misdemeanor charge for knowingly making false statements concerning the residency of a child in a particular school division or school attendance zone. For more information, see APS School Board Policy 25-2.1 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
ATTENDANCEABSENCES
Regular school attendance is critical to students’ success in school; therefore, except when ill or excused, students are expected to attend scheduled classes and other required school activities. Parents are discouraged from planning trips or vacations that will cause their child to be absent from school. Parents should check with each school regarding specific attendance policies. To assist school staff in monitoring the safety of students, parents should notify the school in advance
if their child will be absent from school. Parents of children in the elementary Extended Day Program should also notify the Extended Day staff when their child will be absent.
School district staff is obligated to file a court petition when students continue to be absent without a legitimate (excused) reason. In such cases, parents are held liable for their minor child’s school attendance. In cases where a student is exhibiting mental health issues that prevent regular school attendance, the school counselor, school social worker, student and parent should work as a team to address the issue. At the high school level, school attendance specialists are also available to assist with attendance concerns.
EXCUSED ABSENCES (ALL OTHERS ARE UNEXCUSED)• Illness, quarantine of student, doctor or dentist
appointment• Death in the family • Observance of a religious holiday • Summons to a court of law • Suspensions • Violent storms or state emergencies• Severe family emergencies• Other special cases approved by the school principal
Parents/guardians must make a verified contact with the school office or forward a written explanation of absences to the school no later than two days following the return to school. Students are expected to make up any school work they miss because of absences. Students forfeit (lose) daily class grades for the day(s) they were absent if the absence is unexcused.
State regulations require that students who are absent for fifteen (15) or more consecutive days be dropped (withdrawn) from school rolls. If this happens, the student is expected to return as soon as possible to school. Parents must accompany students when they return and new enrollment forms must be completed.
If students are absent without indication of parents’ aware-ness and support for five (5) days, the Code of Virginia requires school staff, parents and students to jointly develop a plan to resolve the student’s nonattendance. If the pattern of nonat-tendance continues, school staff will work collaboratively with the Arlington County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and other county agencies to promote school attendance. The school social worker in each school is available to assist the parents and students with school attendance problems. At the high school level, school attendance specialists are also available to assist with attendance concerns.
TARDINESS (COMING TO SCHOOL LATE)In the elementary and middle schools, teachers will report
unexcused tardiness to the school principal for appropriate intervention. In the high schools, three unexcused tardy arrivals in one grading period equal one unexcused absence.
For more information about attendance expecta-tions, see School Board Policy 25-1.1 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
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BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND HAZINGArlington Public Schools is committed to creating a safe,
caring, respectful learning environment for all students.
BULLYING AND HARASSMENTBullying or harassment of students, including bullying or
harassment based on an actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or mental, physical or sensory disability, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Bullying is defined as “any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma.” Bullying includes cyberbullying. Harassment is defined as “intimidation or abusive behavior toward a student that creates a hostile environment by interfering with or denying a student’s participation in, or receipt of, benefits, services, or opportunities.” Harassment may include “verbal acts and name-calling; graphic and written statements, which may include use of cell phones or the Internet; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated incidents.” Students who engage in bullying or harassing behaviors will be subject to disciplinary action. School Board Policy 25-1.17 applies to school buildings; school grounds; school-sponsored social events such as trips and sporting events; and to buses and bus stops. Bullying or harassment which occurs off of school premises, including misuse or inappropriate use of technology, is also prohibited and subject to school discipline when the order, safety or welfare of the school or its students is affected as a result of such out-of-school actions. Students who experience bullying or harassment should tell an adult so that the matter is addressed immediately.
Students who believe that they have been the victim of bullying or harassment have the right to file a complaint by talking to school staff. School staff will investigate the matter immediately by collecting information such as the date of the incident, place, witness names and other information about the incident. Parents/guardians of the victims of bullying or harassment and the alleged bully or harasser will be noti-fied within two days of the incident. The confidentiality of all parties will be protected to the extent possible. Students who are victims of bullying or harassment will be offered counseling services, as appropriate. In addition to disciplinary actions, school staff will offer assistance to students who bully or harass others, including, as appropriate, behavior intervention plans, referrals to multidisciplinary assistance teams, or referrals to counseling services.
HAZING The Virginia Code of Conduct prohibits hazing. No student
shall engage in hazing. Hazing means to recklessly and inten-tionally endanger the health or safety of a student or students or to inflict bodily harm on a student or students in connection
with or for the purpose of initiation, admission into or affili-ation with, or as a condition for, continued membership in a club, organization, association or student body, regardless of whether the student or students so endangered or injured participated voluntarily in the activity. Hazing is prohibited in school buildings; school grounds; school-sponsored events and with transportation. Students, who experience or witness hazing, should inform an adult to allow for appropriate follow up. Hazing is a Class 1 misdemeanor which may be punished by confinement in jail for up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500, or both, in addition to any disciplinary consequences which may be imposed. In addition, any person receiving bodily injury by hazing has a right to sue, civilly, the person or persons guilty thereof, whether adults or minors. The prin-cipal of any school at which hazing which causes bodily injury occurs shall report the hazing to the local Commonwealth Attorney. See Virginia Student Conduct Policy Guidelines at www.doe.virginia.gov/boe/guidance/safety/student_conduct.pdf.
FIELD TRIPSField trips are considered an extended learning opportu-
nity. The educational value of a field trip, and its relevance to the regular instructional program, is the major criteria in the approval process and is the first consideration by the school principal or designee.
Field trips involve students leaving the grounds of the home school under teacher supervision, whether motor transpor-tation is used or not. Field trips must be directly related to the instructional program and based on educational reasons designed to reinforce or enhance the curricular program. The closest geographical location to meet the objectives of the field trip is selected. The parent or legal guardian must give permis-sion for a student to participate in a field trip by completing the appropriate forms
Those students who have the required medical authoriza-tion forms on file in the clinic and take medication during the school day will have their medication given to the field trip coordinator on the day of the trip by the clinic. If the field trip extends beyond the regular school day (either before-school hours and/or after-school hours), it is the parent’s responsi-bility to provide the medication to the school staff for the field trip. Parents must talk with school clinic staff if they have ques-tions or there are special circumstances.
The School Board does not endorse or accept responsi-bility for any privately-sponsored trips or camps for students, including, but not limited to, booster club activities, athletic or academic camps, and summer camps. (See Non-School Sponsored Trips.)
For more information, see APS Policy Implementation Procedure 20-2.5 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLYStudents have the right to assemble with other students
to discuss issues and to demonstrate peacefully. Such activi-ties must not interfere with other students or with the school program.
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FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONPRINTED MATERIALS
The Arlington Public Schools are not a public forum and, therefore, are not a place where written materials that are not a part of the curriculum or other school activities may be distributed, except as specifically provided by School Board policy 30-3.2 which governs distribution of printed materials.
APS distributes only those printed materials, surveys, and questionnaires to students, parents, and staff that are created by or on behalf of the schools, the Arlington County government, parent teacher organizations of APS schools or Non-Profit Organizations as provided in the policy. Only the following four methods are available to distribute non-curriculum related material within the schools: (1) backpack mail, (2) posting and/or making available flyers, (3) distribution as part of authorized use of school facilities, and (4) distribution by outside entities on school property. Except as part of the school curriculum, no printed materials may be distributed on school property except as set forth in the policy.
Backpack mail is used to distribute only those materials that are: produced by, or on behalf of, Arlington Public Schools and directly related to school business; produced by, or on behalf of, the Arlington County government and directly related to County business; produced by, or on behalf of, the parent teacher organizations of APS schools and that are directly related to PTA/PTO business; or produced by non-profit organizations (defined as entities that have provided evidence of their non-profit status, for federal tax purposes, to the Superintendent or designee) as outlined in the policy. No other entities are permitted to access the APS backpack mail system. Backpack mail may not be used to distribute materials that advocate the passage or defeat of any referendum question or advocate the passage or defeat of any matter pending before a local school board, a local governing body, the General Assembly of Virginia, or the Congress of the United States.
Backpack mail is now distributed electronically each week with an email service vendor, and available for viewing on each school’s website and on the APS mobile app. Paper copies are also maintained by school offices for review by families.
Each principal may designate a location or locations at which the school will post notices and/or make available flyers that outside groups request to be posted or made avail-able to students. For all materials that are not permitted to be distributed by a method stated above, the Superintendent shall designate for each school building, the time, place, and manner for the distribution of such materials on school grounds by any person or group outside of the school building, only at times that will not disrupt the school day or other school-sponsored events, and only in the manner designated for each school building.
Materials produced by students as required course work (such as newspapers, yearbooks and literary magazines produced as part of a class) may be distributed under the direction and supervision of the teacher or sponsor. Materials students wish to distribute that are not part of the regular curriculum shall be distributed in accordance with such reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions as may be imposed by the principal. Before distributing materials at school, students shall obtain the approval of the principal that the distribution complies with the printed materials policy.
For more information about distribution of printed mate-rials or distribution via the email flyer service, contact the Assistant Superintendent of School and Community Relations at 703-228-6005.
SPEECH During class discussions, students have the right to express
their views on topics being discussed. Students have a respon-sibility not to interfere with the rights of other students or staff to hold and express their own views.
FREEDOM OF RELIGIONSchools may not conduct religious exercises nor may they
support or sanction any particular religious beliefs or practices. Students have the right to observe their own religious beliefs and practices in school, provided such activities neither violate the rights of others nor disrupt or interfere with school activities.
Legislation passed by the Virginia Legislature in 2008 provides that “students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork, and other written and oral assignments free from discrimination based on the religious content of their submissions. Such home and classroom work shall be judged by ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance and against other legitimate pedagogical concerns identified by the school.”
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDSStudents are required to remain on school grounds during
the school day unless they are excused: a) for instructional purposes; b) at the request of their parent/guardian; c) to participate in a special program; or d) when exceptions have been approved by the School Board. High school seniors may qualify for the senior off-campus lunch privilege. Details are available at each high school.
NON-SCHOOL-SPONSORED TRIPSTrips which may involve groups identifiable as students or
teachers of APS but are privately sponsored, do not support the educational mission of APS, any summer break activities not approved through the summer school program, and/or trips not approved by the designated Arlington Public Schools administrator as a routine or unusual field trip according to APS policy will be considered non-school sponsored. Examples include, but are not limited to, ski trips, out of season athletic camps, club trips or debate camps, Arlington County Parks and Recreation trips, summer camps, most international trips, and professional sporting events. Employees are not permitted to solicit students for such trips. These additional requirements apply: 1. Parents/guardians must be notified in advance that APS is
not a sponsor of the trip.2. Organizers must adhere to the use of schools facilities
policy (PIP 40-1.19.1), if using APS facilities for promo-tional or organizational purposes.
3. The trip shall not be promoted as APS-sponsored and may not be planned, organized or promoted during APS contract, instructional or stipend time.
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4. Distribution of materials for Non-School Sponsored Trips or activities (other than letters from the principal that the trip is not school sponsored) must be pre-approved, to the extent required by Arlington School Board Policy 30-3.2- Printed Materials, through the Department of School and Community Relations.
5. Medications (daily medication and emergency medica-tions) required for students during non-school-sponsored trips must be provided by the parent. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the medication and to instruct the designated field trip coordinators on how to admin-ister it. Student medications will not be taken from the school clinic for these field trips.
For more information, see APS Policy Implementation Procedure 20-2.5 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
OPENING EXERCISESAll Arlington schools provide for a daily observance of the
Pledge of Allegiance and a minute of silence in accordance with Virginia Code sections 22.1 - 2.02 and 22.1-2.03. Each classroom displays the flag of the United States of America. During the Pledge of Allegiance, students must either stand and recite the Pledge while facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts or remain quiet and not disrupt or distract others. No student can be compelled to recite the Pledge if the student, parent or legal guardian objects on religious, philosophical or other grounds. During the period of silence, students are to remain quiet and not disrupt or distract others. This time may be used by students to engage in any lawful silent activity and as an opportunity for a time of silent reflection.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND ABUSE
One of the goals of the Arlington Public Schools is to provide its students with a safe and supportive learning envi-ronment including protecting students from sexual miscon-duct and abuse. The responsibility for protecting students from sexual misconduct and abuse is shared by the division superintendent, the school board, teachers and all other school employees, school volunteers, state and local social services agencies, law enforcement, and parents.
Physical contact between school district employees and students should be public, nonsexual, and appropriate to the circumstances. Conversations by Arlington Public Schools staff and volunteers with students that could be interpreted as flirtatious, romantic or sexual are prohibited. The sharing of sexually explicit or obscene jokes and verbal “kidding” of a sexual nature between school district employees, volunteers and students is prohibited.
The Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Policy 35-4.10 is available online at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
PROHIBITED SUBSTANCE USEArlington Public Schools (APS) is dedicated to providing
all students with a healthy learning environment that is free from alcohol, tobacco (including e-cigarettes and vaping) and illegal substances. APS provides activities and strategies that are designed to promote Developmental Assets and educate students about the harmful effects of the use of illegal drugs and alcohol and the misuse of legal drugs and other legal substances. APS provides substance abuse counseling and referral services to secondary students exhibiting concerns related to substance abuse. For more information call 703-228-6061. APS also works cooperatively with other county agencies to provide assistance for individuals to receive counseling and referral services as needed. The Arlington School Board prohibits the use of defined substances on school property, while walking to and from school, on school buses, during off-campus lunch privi-leges, and at school-sponsored or school-supervised activities. A student who engages in prohibited substance use in any of these instances is subject to discipline pursuant to School Board Policies 25-1.3 (Discipline) and 25-1.16 (Prohibited Substance Use).
Prohibited substance use, as defined in this policy, includes: (1) any use, possession, sale, dispensing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, such as cocaine, k-2 (spice), marijuana, heroin and other drugs defined by law as controlled substances, or imitation controlled substances, and/or; (2) using tobacco and other substances that are deemed harmful to young people including e-cigarettes, and/or; (3) the wrongful, extreme, or improper use of an otherwise legal substance, such as sniffing glue, exceeding the recommended amounts of over-the-counter medications, or taking medicine prescribed for another person; and/or (4) any possession of drug paraphernalia, including any equipment, products, and materials or any of their parts that are designed or intended for packaging, storing, repackaging, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or other-wise introducing into the body a controlled substance or imita-tion controlled substance. Upon receipt of a report of prohibited substance use, the Principal or designee will ensure that the parent or guardian of the student is or has been notified.
Violations of this policy may result in expulsion, suspension or referral to an alternative substance abuse program. First time offenders of the policy who are found to be under the influ-ence of alcohol, marijuana, and/or certain other substances may be eligible for placement in the Second Chance Program (www.secondchancearlington.org) in lieu of suspension. This is a three-day, early intervention program designed to educate students and their parents and to prevent future substance use. An eligible student who successfully completes the program, including all requirements for follow-up assessments and good behavior, will not be subject to suspension for that particular violation of the substance use policy. However, if a student placed in the program in lieu of suspension fails to successfully complete the program, including all requirements for follow-up assessments and good behavior, that student will be suspended pursuant to this policy, 25-1.16, and to School Board Policy 25-1.3.
For updated information about the APS Prohibited Substance Use Policy 25-1.16, visit www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
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RECYCLINGAPS is committed to a robust waste reduction and recy-
cling program across all schools and departments. Materials to be recycled include: paper, cardboard, glass and metal. All students, staff and visitors are expected to follow guidelines provided. (See School Board Policy 50-2.2 Solid Waste and Recycling at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.)
RELEASE OF STUDENTS TO INDIVIDUALS OTHER THAN PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Arlington Public Schools’ staff will not release students to individuals who do not have custodial rights unless prior arrangements have been made between the school building administrator or designee, or Extended Day Program Supervisor or designee, and the child’s parents. This procedure includes school-sponsored field trips.
When it is anticipated that the child’s parent/guardian will not be able to pick up a child from school or Extended Day Program on a regular basis, school staff should request that the parent indicate the name of the person who will be picking up the child on the student information form, emergency card and Extended Day registration form.
Individuals scheduled to pick up a child should be prepared to show picture identification. Staff may also routinely ask the child if he/she is familiar with the person. In all cases, the person should sign a log in the main office or the Extended Day area, indicating that he/she has picked up the child noting the date and time.
If the child will be picked up by an individual not listed on the school student information form, emergency card, or Extended Day form, the guardian should notify school officials in person or writing along with the date, pick-up time and relationship of the person to the family (i.e., uncle, cousin, neighbor, etc.). The person should be prepared to show a driver’s license or other form of photo ID. If the person will be picking up the child occasionally, the guardian should add the name of the person to the school and/or Extended Day authorization form.
Under no circumstances will staff intentionally release students to individuals who have been prohibited from having contact with children or a parent who has been legally denied school site access to their child.
In the event of a crisis, students will be released to their families as soon as it is safe to do so. Local response personnel will determine when it is safe for the schools to begin releasing students. As stated in the general guidelines, students will only be released to an authorized person as noted on the student information form, emergency card, or Extended Day registra-tion form.
SEARCH AND SEIZUREThe Arlington County School Board respects the privacy of
all persons, including students. The School Board also provides a safe and well-managed learning environment for all students, and recognizes the need for administrators and other school system staff to maintain order and discipline and to have and enforce rules that govern conduct of students in the schools.
Therefore, search and seizure of a student’s property or person, or school property while on school property or participating in school activities, will be conducted according to procedures that are consistent with the law, students’ rights to privacy, and the Arlington Public Schools’ need to enforce laws and school rules. Desks, lockers and parking spaces made available by Arlington Public Schools for students’ use shall be subjected to search at any time for contraband or for evidence of a violation of law or of a violation of school policies or rules. If a search of a student’s person is conducted by APS personnel, the school administration will notify parents of such searches as soon as reasonably practical under the circumstances. (See School Board Policy 2-1.14 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.)
In the interest of promoting student safety and ensuring that schools are safe and drug free to the greatest possible extent, district officials may from time to time utilize police or canines (K9s) to examine lockers, desks, or other areas of the school. These are school property and examination of them may be conducted without a warrant or any requirement for reasonable suspicion that prohibited items may be discovered. Other uses of K9s will be in accordance with applicable law and search procedures. The student’s parent(s) will be notified if any prohibited items are found.
STUDENT DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Arlington Public Schools shall provide learning environments that are free of all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. No student shall suffer reprisals for reporting any incident, making a good faith complaint, or participating in the investigation of an incident or complaint of discrimination or harassment. Confidentiality shall be maintained to the maximum extent possible. Substantiated complaints shall result in appropriate disciplinary action. Students who are discriminated against or harassed by peers or adults should immediately report such conduct to a school administrator. The school principal or designee will promptly investigate any complaints of discrimi-nation and harassment and will take appropriate action to resolve such complaints, and any interim measures will be taken as appropriate. Any student who discriminates against or harasses another person will be subject to appropriate discipline.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature as well as harassment based on sexual orientation or gender iden-tity or expression that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s academic performance or creating an intimi-dating, hostile or offensive learning environment constitute sexual harassment. Sexual harassment includes conduct that is also criminal in nature such as rape, sexual assault, stalking, and similar offenses. See School Board Policy 25-1.15 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
The Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services, is designated as the Compliance Officer for all student discrimi-nation complaints, as well as the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator provides oversight of all investigations related to sexual harassment/discrimination allegations, as well
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as implementation of the APS Title IX monitoring and compli-ance program. The Supervisor, Health and Physical Education, serves as the Title IX Coordinator related to student athletics. The Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Special Education is the Compliance Officer for any complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability.
TOBACCO POLICYSmoking is prohibited on all Arlington Public Schools
property. Students are prohibited from using tobacco prod-ucts, including e-cigarettes and vaping products, anywhere on school property. Students may be suspended from school for violating this policy. See School Board policies 25-1.16, 25-1.3 and 30-5.1.
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES BY STUDENT GROUPSSchool facilities may be used by student groups whose
primary purpose is to foster student interest in political, community service, social, recreational, or educational activi-ties. All student groups shall have a designated adult sponsor. Sponsors of student religious groups shall not unduly advocate any religion or religious beliefs.
Groups must obtain permission for the use of the facility in advance from the building principal or designee. If so desig-nated, a responsible adult monitor approved by the building administrator must be present. Non-school personnel may not participate in group activities unless approved in advance by the building principal. Persons whose presence creates an unreasonable risk of danger to the school or to the students shall not be permitted to participate in school group activities.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL(DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL)
Students are required by Virginia Law to attend school from age 6 until their 18th birthday. Students who wish to withdraw early should contact the Assistant Superintendent, Student Services and Special Education, at 703-228-6060. Students working toward graduation may continue in the public schools through the school year (September to June) in which they reach their 20th birthday. Students receiving special education services may remain in school until age 22, if they reach age 22 after Sept. 30. Students who do not speak English as their first language and entered school in Virginia for the first time after reaching age 12 and have not reached 22 years of age on or before Aug. 1 of the school year may also remain in school. Families who move out of Arlington County should inform their child’s school of their new address and telephone number. For more information, call the Student Services Department at 703-228-6060.
APS Student Responsibilities and Rights;Behavior and Disciplinary Responsibilities
All staff members of the Arlington Public Schools have authority to maintain the orderly behavior of students.
Students in Arlington Public Schools are expected to demonstrate responsibility and self-discipline every day by their positive behavior at school, at school-sponsored events and while going to and from school. They should understand the importance of learning and the need for mutual respect in their learning environment. For those specific students whose behavior interferes with a positive learning environment or who experience difficulty following clear expectations, disci-plinary actions may be necessary. Discipline shall be imposed in a way that is proportional to the conduct that gives rise to the need for that discipline. All administrators, teachers, and other staff members of the Arlington Public Schools should carry out their disciplinary responsibilities to ensure an orderly and safe environment appropriate for student learning. Any responsible school staff member present may take such disciplinary actions as are necessary, reasonable and equitable, in accord with State law, in accord with the regulations of the School Board, and in keeping with the APS Student Behavior and Disciplinary Responsibilities section of this handbook.
Arlington Public Schools system has authority to discipline students: 1. While on school premises2. While in proximity to school premises 3. When coming to or going from school 4. While on school-owned and operated school buses or on
chartered buses5. While engaged in approved and supervised school activi-
ties on or off school premises6. When the good order, safety or welfare of the school or its
students is affected as a result of out of school actionIt is important that the school and the home work closely
together and be supportive of steps taken to bring about desired changes in conduct. It is expected that school staff will impose appropriate and fair disciplinary consequences and will communicate effectively with parents/guardians to explain the misbehavior, the actions taken, the due process procedure and the goal of working together to see positive results.
A student participating in APS athletics and/or co-curric-ular activities who violates an APS disciplinary policy may, in addition to other disciplinary action, be suspended or expelled from participation in APS athletics and/or co-curricular activi-ties, as determined by the appropriate APS staff member.
GENERAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS While school staff has primary responsibility for disci-
pline, certain serious student behavior, which may involve criminal activity, may involve the police. Police notification and involvement will be treated as a serious matter and every effort will be made to contact the parent, as soon as possible, if
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the administrator believes that student questioning by police may lead to criminal charges. Efforts to contact parents shall include calls to their work and/or home numbers.
Corporal punishment is prohibited by the Code of Virginia. However, physical force may be used by a staff member to protect himself or herself, another staff member or a student from injury, or in an extraordinary situation, to restrain a disruptive student, provided that the force used is reasonable under the circumstances.
Disciplinary measures more serious than detention may only be imposed by a school administrator (a principal, assis-tant principal, principal’s designee) or the Superintendent or designee as set forth in this policy.
Students shall be free from group punishment. Alleged offenders should be charged individually, but similar cases may be considered and acted on collectively.
Students shall not be deprived of their liberty, property, or right to attend school and participate in activities of the school community without due process of law. Due process requires that students be given oral or written notice of any charges against them in a timely manner and have an opportunity to explain the circumstances at the local school before the initiation of disciplinary action and receive written notice of the proce-dures that must be followed to appeal disciplinary actions.
DEFINITIONS As used herein: “Alternative education program” shall include, but shall
not be limited to, night school, adult education or any other education program designed to offer instruction to students for whom the regular program of instruction may be inappropriate.
“Detention” means the retention of a student after the school day ends.
“Exclusion” means denial of school admission to a student who has been expelled or has been placed on a long-term suspension of more than thirty calendar days by another school board or a private school, either in Virginia or another state, or for whom admission has been with-drawn by a private school in Virginia or another state.
“Expulsion” means a disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school within the school division and is ineligible for readmission for 365 calendar days after the date of the expulsion.
“In-School alternative” means an alternative placement within the school building for a specific period of time.
“Long-term suspension” means a disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school for more than ten school days but fewer than 365 calendar days.
“Short-term suspension” means a disciplinary action whereby a student is not permitted to attend school for a period not to exceed ten (10) school days.
“Superintendent’s designee” or “Designee” means a: (i) trained hearing officer; or (ii) professional employee within the administrative offices of the school division who reports directly to the division superintendent and who is not a school-based instructional or administrative employee.
SCOPE OF AUTHORITY TO DISCIPLINE Classroom teachers have the primary responsibility
for the discipline of their students during the school day. Students need to be made aware of behavioral expectations by any responsible staff member present whether or not that person is the staff member to whom the student is assigned. Consideration should be given to developmental stages, language, and students receiving special education services.
Any information gathered as part of school disciplinary action, and access to students by police may be provided consistent with other Arlington Public Schools policies and Policy Implementation Procedures.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR IDENTIFIED STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Disciplinary action taken with an identified student with a disability shall be administered within the context of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), or Section 504 Plan, taking into account the unique needs of the student. Whenever disciplinary action involves a suspension for more than ten (10) accumulated days during a school year or involves an expulsion of an identified student with a disability, a determination must be made as to whether or not there is a causal relationship between the disability and the misconduct. This determination must be made by a knowledgeable group of persons such as those who would participate at an Eligibility Committee meeting. If a causal relationship is found, the disciplinary action, the appropriateness of the current IEP or Section 504 Plan and placement must be assessed with consid-eration given to program and/or placement modifications and a written statement, signed by the review committee, must be placed in the student’s confidential file. The IEP team must also develop a Functional Behavior Assessment to identify specific behavior in need of intervention, and a Behavior Improvement Plan to address the identified behaviors. In accordance with regulations governing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, expelled students with disabilities must be educated in an alternative program.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONSIn developing student self-discipline, it may be necessary
to adopt measures designed to assist students in developing self-control and self-reliance. Possible consequences associ-ated with disciplinary actions are identified here as a guide. In handling disciplinary cases, school administrators may use a range of activities depending on the seriousness of the situation.
PARENT CONFERENCESConferences with parents/guardians should be scheduled
promptly to inform and to discuss with parents the appropriate behavior of a student.
DETENTION Detention is the retention of a student after the school day
ends. If it becomes necessary to keep a student beyond the school day, a reasonable attempt should be made to notify parents/guardians prior to the detention.
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• The student must be under the supervision of a school staff member during this time.
• No elementary school student should be kept beyond the regular dismissal time unless the parent/guardian has been notified.
• If the parent/guardian, when contacted, requests a written notice, it must be sent the day before the student is kept after school.
• If a student is regularly transported by school bus, he or she should not be kept beyond the time that school transporta-tion is available unless alternate transportation is arranged.
DENIAL OF TRANSPORTATION Students who are otherwise eligible for transportation may
be denied such transportation by school administrators when the student’s conduct represents a threat to the safe operation of the school bus, to the student, or to others on the bus.
Students with disabilities who receive transportation as a related service under their IEPs or as an accommodation under a Section 504 Plan and who are subject to disciplinary action because of misconduct on the bus, must receive an IEP review to determine if the student’s actions are the result of the disability. When the behavior for which the student is to be denied school bus transportation is the result of the student’s disability, the student must be provided alternative transportation.
REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FROM CLASS Every effort is made to keep a student in class, in an effort
to minimize loss of instructional time. However, as provided in section 22.1-276.2 of Code of Virginia, a teacher may remove a student from class for a violation of regulations governing student conduct that obstructs the learning environment. This removal will occur only after teacher and/or administra-tive interventions have failed to end the student’s disruptive behavior or the behavior is endangering the physical safety of those in the class. The teacher shall complete a “Discipline Referral Form” and submit it to the school principal. Notification that this form has been completed, together with a copy of the form, and notification of an opportunity to discuss the student’s behavior, will be sent by the principal to the parent or guardian, as appropriate.
The principal shall determine the appropriate placement of the student during the period of removal. The principal has several options regarding the placement of a removed student including, but not limited to: 1. Returning the student to class. (See procedures below.) 2. Sending the student to the principal’s office or other
supervised area. If the principal chooses this option, the teacher shall provide and evaluate appropriate make-up work for the student.
3. Assigning the student to an alternative area on a tempo-rary basis.
4. Assigning the student to another class or program. 5. Suspending or recommending expulsion of the student.
If the principal chooses this option, alternative instruc-tion and assignment, if any, shall be provided according to School Board policy and accordance with applicable law.
The student will not be returned to class until the principal or a designee, in consultation with the removing teacher, has addressed the issue or action involved in the exclusion of the student. Whether the student will be returned to the same teacher will be considered in a discussion of the issues with such persons, including that teacher, as the principal deems appropriate. The principal shall determine the duration of the student’s removal from class in consultation with the removing teacher. The principal shall notify the teacher of the decision to return the student to class. If the teacher disagrees with the principal’s decision to return a student to the class, the teacher and principal shall discuss the teacher’s objection to returning the student to class and the principal’s reason for returning the student.
The principal shall, unless a student who has been removed from class by a teacher is suspended or expelled, ensure that such student continues to receive an education in accordance with school board policies.
IN-SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE Certain minor offenses may result in an assignment to the
In-School Alternative placement. This is not a suspension but rather an alternative placement within the school building for a specific period of time. The parents/guardians of students assigned to In-School Alternative should be notified. The appeal process does not apply to In-School Alternative.
SECOND CHANCE PROGRAMA student who has violated the prohibited substance use
policy for the first time and whose conduct would constitute a misdemeanor under Virginia law is eligible for placement in the Second Chance program in lieu of suspension. This is a three-day, early intervention program designed to educate students and their families and to prevent future prohibited substance use. An eligible student, who successfully completes that program, including all requirements for follow-up assess-ments and good behavior, will not be subject to suspension for that particular violation of the prohibited substance use policy. However, if a student placed in the program in lieu of suspen-sion fails to successfully complete the program, including all requirements for follow-up assessments and good behavior, that student will be suspended pursuant to this policy and to School Board Policy 25-1.3.
A student who has been suspended for a violation of the prohibited substance use policy may be referred to the Second Chance program.
SUSPENSIONS Suspension includes temporary removal from all school
activities and exclusion from school grounds, including buses (violation would constitute criminal trespassing), for a specified period of time in accordance with APS guidelines. A student may be suspended by a school administrator or designee for no more than ten (10) days or by the Superintendent or his designee for fewer than 365 days. Failure to abide by rules of suspension may result in further suspension.
In all cases, contact should be made to a parent/guardian before a student is dismissed from school during the school day. If a student is sent home for disciplinary reasons during
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the school day for the remainder of that day, all regulations must be followed regarding a suspension. 1. Depending on frequency or severity, actions which may
result in out-of-school suspension or assignment to the In-School Alternative for one or more periods include: a. Truancy b. Failure to serve detention c. Disruptive use of electronic communication devices
(for example: cell phones, pagers) d. Misbehavior in buildings, on grounds, on the buses or
on school-sponsored activities and field trips e. Profane or obscene language, orally or in writing,
or remarks that demean or are intended to demean a person’s race, religion, sex, creed, national origin, disability, or intellectual ability, or sexual orientation
f. Smoking or vaping on school property (property as described in III. B 1-6) or possession of tobacco prod-ucts including e-cigarettes and vaping products
g. Forgery of notes or signatures, cheating, or plagiarism h. Misuse or inappropriate use of technology (Internet)
including instant messaging i. Possession of pornographic material j. Sexual harassment of other students or staff k. Gambling l. Insubordination or verbal abuse m. Verbal abuse of student or staff n. Abuse or misuse of legal substances, such as over-the-
counter non-prescription drugs and other substanceso. Willful destruction of property (Students may be
required to make restitution for damaged property.) p. Activities that threaten or threats made against the
physical safety of students or staff members q. Physical altercations or fighting r. Physical assault on members of the school staff and/or
studentss. Bullying, including verbal or written threats or physical
harm t. Gang Activity, including disrupting school by use of
gang symbols, hand signs, engaging in threatening behavior as a group or representing a group identified as a gang
u. Possession of look-alike weapons
2. Actions requiring immediate out-of-school suspension and possible referral to the police and/or fire marshal include: a. Being under the influence of a controlled substance b. Sale, possession, use, or being under the influence of
alcohol c. Possession of weapons d. Physical assault on a member of the school staffe. Setting fires or use or possession of explosives or fire-
works on school propertyf. False alarms and bomb threatsg. Theft or extortionh. Acting as a mob i. Other activities, which may violate law as well as
school regulations
Before the end of the suspension period and before a student involved in one of these violations is re-admitted,
the school administrator shall determine if the action warrants recommendation to the Superintendent for expul-sion. If such a recommendation is pending, the student will not be re-admitted until after the review is heard by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall reach a decision on the recommendation within ten (10) working days of receipt of such requests. If the Superintendent recommends expulsion to the School Board, the student will not be re-admitted until after the case is decided by the School Board. The School Board shall decide on expulsion within thirty (30) days following the Superintendent’s recommendation.
Additional information, including definitions of infrac-tions, is available at each school and on the Virginia Department of Education website under Data and Publications, Discipline, Crime and Violence section. Under the Annual Report for each year is an appendix which provides definitions of offenses.
LENGTH OF SUSPENSIONS 1. Minor infractions may result in a maximum of three (3)
consecutive days out-of-school suspension. 2. Repeated minor infractions may result in a maximum of
five (5) consecutive days out-of-school suspension. 3. Serious infractions may result in up to ten (10) consecu-
tive days of out-of-school suspension. 4. Repeated serious infractions or serious infraction
involving action by the police may also result in a maximum of ten (10) consecutive days out-of-school suspension, request for disciplinary hearing for additional suspension time and/or a recommendation for expulsion.
5. In very serious infractions, students may be suspended for up to 364 days by the Superintendent or his designee. When suspending a student for more than ten (10) days, the following factors shall be taken into account: a. The student’s academic, attendance, and disciplinary
record b. The nature and severity of the infraction c. An assessment of the student’s acknowledgement
of violation of school regulations and the student’s expressed intent with regard to future conduct
6. Very serious infractions require local school consideration of: a. Court involvement, b. Alternative programs, and/or c. A request to the Superintendent for the parent/
guardian, student, and appropriate local school officials to meet with representatives of the Superintendent to decide the student’s future educational program.
7. Actions, which result in suspension or expulsion, shall be documented in the student’s cumulative file.
NOTIFICATION AND HEARING Students may be suspended for ten (10) days or less by a
school administrator. The student will be given, in advance, oral or written notice of the charges against him or her and an explanation of the facts as known to the school personnel and, if the student denies those facts, an opportunity to present a version of what occurred. If the student’s presence at school poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or an ongoing threat of disruption, the student may be removed from school immediately and the notice, explanation of facts,
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and opportunity to present the student’s version shall be given as soon thereafter as is practical. They shall be informed of their right to appeal to the Superintendent. Oral or written notice to the parent/guardian shall include information regarding the availability of any community-based education programs, alternative education programs, or other educa-tional options, and of the student’s right to return to regular school attendance upon the expiration of the suspension. The costs of any such programs or options shall be borne by the parents.
Students may be suspended for more than ten (10) consec-utive days by the Superintendent or designee. Such student and his parent/guardian shall be notified in writing, in advance of the proposed suspension, except in emergencies, when notice shall be at the earliest possible opportunity. Such notice shall state the charges against the student, the facts on which the suspension is based as known to school personnel, and the duration of the suspension. The student and/or parents shall be given, before the suspension (except in emergencies), an opportunity to present his or their version of what occurred. Such notice shall also include information regarding the avail-ability of any community-based education programs, alterna-tive education programs, or other educational options, and the conditions that must be met prior to the student’s return to normal school activities, and of the student’s right to return to normal school activities, and of the student’s right to return to regular school attendance upon the expiration of the suspen-sion, or to attend an appropriate alternative education program approved by the School Board during or upon the expiration of the suspension. The costs of any such options or alternative program shall be borne by the parents. A copy of this notice shall be sent to the Superintendent. In the case of a student known to be on probation with the juvenile court, the proba-tion counselor of the juvenile court shall receive a copy of the letter.
As a condition for re-admission after an out-of-school suspension, the school administrator may request the student’s participation in a conference with the school psychologist, school social worker/visiting teacher, guidance counselor, school nurse, school physician, fire marshal or youth resource officer. Re-admission after out-of-school suspensions shall occur only after: 1. A conference has been held where the student, parent/
guardian, and representative of the school arrive at a clear understanding of their mutual expectations in the area of student conduct and academic achievement. The re-admission conference for an identified student with a disability may take the form of an IEP meeting and/or may consider changes in the IEP’s goals or objectives, or Section 504 Plan the location for implementation, and a more restrictive environment as appropriate.
2. The student, in the presence of the parent/guardian, has acknowledged the violation of school regulation and has given assurance that he/she will become acquainted with, and abide by, school regulations in the future.
3. The school administrator has determined that re-admis-sion of the student will present no threat to the normal operation of the school or safety of students or staff.
APPEALS OF DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS 1. Except where otherwise indicated, students or parents/
guardians who have been aggrieved by any disciplinary action or failure to take action by the principal, assistant principal or principal’s designee, may, within ten (10) working days of such event, file a complaint in writing with the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services. In the case of a suspension appeal, a hearing will be held and the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services shall give a response in writing within seven (7) working days after the conclusion of the hearing. Appeals of disciplinary actions taken by the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services or Superintendent will be governed by procedures set forth in the section of this policy governing the particular disci-plinary action.
2. The decision of the Superintendent or designee will be final in cases involving disciplinary actions other than cases of more than ten (10) days or expulsion. For suspen-sions or alternative placements of more than ten (10) days, the Superintendent or designee’s decision may be appealed to the School Board within ten (10) working days of the Superintendent or designee’s decision. The School Board shall decide on an appeal within thirty (30) days of receipt of the appeal in the School Board office. The Clerk to the School Board will immediately provide a copy of any appeal to the Superintendent.
3. In deciding an appeal for suspensions or alternative place-ments of more than ten (10) days’ duration, the School Board will follow these procedures: For suspensions or alternative placements (fewer than 365 days) (except as specifically provided below where the student’s participa-tion in the conduct is disputed), the Superintendent shall provide the School Board with a complete statement of reasons for the suspension accompanied by the complete written record of the disciplinary proceedings within five working days of receipt of the appeal. A copy of that statement will be delivered to the student or his or her parents/guardians at the time it is delivered to the School Board. The student may provide the School Board with any response to that statement of reasons within five working days of receipt of the Superintendent’s statement of reasons. The School Board will make its decision on the written record, which decision shall be final.
4. For expulsions (365 days or more), the Superintendent shall provide the School Board with a complete statement of reasons for the expulsion recommendation, accompanied by the complete written record of the disciplinary proceed-ings within five working days of receipt of the appeal. A copy of that statement will be delivered to the student or his or her parents/guardians at the time it is delivered to the School Board. The student may provide the School Board with any response to that statement of reasons within five working days of receipt of the Superintendent’s statement of reasons. The Clerk to the School Board will notify the Superintendent and the parents/guardians of the date for hearing before the School Board (except as specifically provided below where the student’s participation in the conduct is disputed). The specific procedures to be followed
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in such hearing may be determined by the School Board chair, in consultation with other members of the School Board.
5. Notwithstanding the procedures set forth above, for suspen-sions or alternative placements of more than ten (10) days, or expulsions when the student claims he/she was not involved in the incident or conduct that led to the disci-pline, upon a request from the parent, the School Board will hold a hearing at which either party may present witnesses who have information relevant to the disputed information. The specific procedures to be followed in such hearing may be determined by the School Board chair, in consultation with other members of the School Board.
6. When the building-level school administrator is notified of an appeal by the parent/guardian or student (if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older), the school adminis-trator, in the case of suspension, shall reinstate the student in school until the appeal has been finally decided. If the school administrator determines that the reinstatement of the student would pose a danger to persons or property, or would constitute an ongoing threat of disruption to the school’s educational program, the student shall not be rein-stated. A student being recommended for expulsion shall not be reinstated.
7. A record of disciplinary action against a student shall not become part of the student’s school record if the appeal by the student or parent/guardian is sustained.
EXPULSIONWhen a student severely impairs the safe and supportive
environment of a school, that student may be expelled. Expulsion is the exclusion of a student from all services of
Arlington Public Schools and from School Board property for a period of 365 days or more. Only the School Board has the authority to expel a student and, in the most serious cases, may expel a student permanently.
1. The Superintendent or designee shall forward his/her recommendation for expulsion to the School Board for action.
2. Students may be expelled only after written notice to the student and the parent/guardian of the student of the proposed action, the reasons for the action, and the right to a hearing before the School Board. Such notice shall be given by the Superintendent or his designee and shall provide information concerning the avail-ability of community-based educational, training, and intervention programs. The notice shall state whether or not the student is eligible to return to regular school attendance, or to attend an appropriate alternative education program approved by the School Board, or an adult education program offered by the school division, during or upon the expiration of the expul-sion, and the terms or conditions of such readmission. Any alternative program that is not an APS approved program shall be at the cost of the family. Any notice, for a student who is expelled for more than a year, shall state that the student may petition the School Board for readmission to be effective one calendar year from the date of expulsion, and the conditions, if any, under which such readmission may be granted.
The School Board may make students eligible to return, with the Superintendent’s approval, at the end of the expulsion. Any student expelled for more than 365 days may submit a petition for readmission to the School Board, up to ninety (90) days in advance of the date that is one year after the expulsion decision. The School Board shall make its decision, based on written materials submitted by the student, and any material submitted by the Superintendent in response, within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the peti-tion in the School Board office. The School Board may elect to engage in further review of any circumstances, provided its decision on readmission is made at least thirty (30) days before the date that is the one-year anniversary of the expulsion.
3. Students may be expelled in the following circumstance: a. Any student who brings a firearm onto school
property or to a school-sponsored activity, or is in possession of a firearm on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, as prohibited by § 22.1-277 of the Code of Virginia shall be expelled from school attendance for a period of at least a year. However, the Superintendent or designee may determine, based on the facts of the particular situ-ation, that special circumstances exist and another disciplinary action is appropriate.
b. Any student who has brought a controlled substance, imitation controlled substance, or marijuana as defined in Code of Virginia § 22.1-277 onto school property or to a school-sponsored activity shall be expelled from school attendance. However, the Superintendent or his designee may determine, based on the facts of the particular case, that special circumstances exist and another disci-plinary action is appropriate.
c. A recommendation for expulsion may be made for other conduct, including without limitation, conduct listed as a possible basis for suspension, based upon consideration of the following factors: i. The nature and seriousness of the violation; ii. The degree of danger to the school community;iii. The student’s disciplinary history, including the
seriousness and number of previous infractions; iv. The appropriateness and availability of an alter-
native education placement and program; v. The student’s age and grade level; vi. The results of any mental health, substance
abuse, or special education assessments; vii. The student’s attendance and academic records;
and viii. Such other matters, as the Superintendent
deems appropriate.
EXCLUSION The Superintendent may determine to exclude any student
who has been expelled or suspended for more than thirty (30) days by a school board or a private school in Virginia or another state, or for whom admission has been withdrawn by a private school in Virginia or in another state. Such students
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may be excluded regardless of whether the student has been admitted to another school division or private school in Virginia or in another state subsequent to such expulsion, suspension, or withdrawal. The Superintendent shall make a determination to exclude if it is found that the student pres-ents a danger to other students or staff of the Arlington Public Schools after: 1. written notice to the student and his or her parent that the
student may be subject to exclusion, the reasons therefore, and of their opportunity to participate in a hearing on such exclusion, and
2. a hearing of the case has been conducted by the Superintendent or his designee.
The Superintendent’s decision after a hearing shall be final unless a petition is filed with the Clerk of the School Board within fifteen (15) calendar days after the Superintendent renders his decision. For exclusions (365 days or more): The Superintendent shall provide the School Board with a complete statement of reasons for the exclusion recommen-dation, accompanied by the complete written record of the disciplinary proceedings within five working days of receipt of the appeal. A copy of that statement will be delivered to the student or parents/guardians at the time it is delivered to the School Board. The student may provide the School Board with any response to that statement of reasons within five working days of receipt of the Superintendent’s statement of reasons. The clerk to the School Board will notify the Superintendent and the parents of the date for hearing before the School Board. The specific procedures to be followed in such hearings may be determined by the School Board chair, in consultation with other members of the School Board.
The School Board shall consider the exclusion, upon the petition and any response by the Superintendent, and provide its decision to the student and parent/guardian within forty-five (45) days after receipt of the petition.
For updated information about student behavior and disci-plinary responsibilities, see APS Policy 25-1.3 at www.apsva.us/school-board-policies.
Filing a ComplaintParents or eligible students who believe that their rights
have been violated may contact the local school administrator, the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, and/or the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Special Education. A parent or eligible student also has the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failure by the Arlington Public Schools to comply with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) by writing to:
Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
No student shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity on the basis of race, national origin, creed, color, religion, gender, age, economic status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, and/or disability. Complaints of discrimination, on the basis of sex or any other listed characteristic, should be brought immediately to the attention of the principal. In addition, complaints of sex discrimination can be filed with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and/or the APS Title IX Coordinator, who is the Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Services at 703-228-6008 or [email protected].
Arlington Public Schools (APS) is committed to providing the supports and services to enable every student to achieve maximum growth by providing individualized resources, services and strategies that enable students to excel academi-cally, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Counselors, social workers, and substance abuse counselors provide specialized support to address the emotional well-being of a student. There are also related service professionals and county resources to support mental health.
