MONT VERNON SCHOOL DISTRICT

SECTION K: SCHOOL COMMUNITY HOME RELATIONS

Section K of the NEPN/NSBA classification system contains policies, regulations, and exhibits on

parent and community involvement in schools. Except for policies concerning education agencies,

statements on public sector relations with the school district are located in this section too.

NUMBER POLICY NAME DATE ADOPTED

KA SCHOOL, COMMUNITY, AND HOME RELATIONS January 17, 2008

KB TITLE I - PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION September 11, 2008

KDA PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM August 5, 2002

KDCA USE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM

August 5, 2002

KEB PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOL MATTERS,

PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS OR ADMINISTRATION October 9, 2014

KED GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION

September 9, 2010

KF USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES August 23, 2007 rev.

KH

PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS IN THE SCHOOLS

August 5, 2002

KHA COMMERCIAL PROMOTIONS August 5, 2002

KHB ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS August 5, 2002

KI VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL December 13, 2001

KIA

PARENT CLASSROOM VISITS TO OBSERVE CHILD

December 13, 2001

MONT VERNON Policy

KA - SCHOOL, COMMUNITY, AND HOME RELATIONS The School Board recognizes the importance of having a strong partnership between the school system and the parents of our students as well as the community at large. It is therefore the policy of the Board to define standards for involvement between the schools the community, and the parents of all students enrolled in District schools. The Superintendent is directed to implement these standards.

(1) Schools shall strive to involve parents and family members of all ages and grade levels; (2) Schools shall provide parent educational activities throughout the school year to help parents support their children’s learning; (3) Schools shall frequently communicate school performance, student progress, personalized learning strategies as adopted by the local school board, and academic opportunities, using both print and online formats; (4) Schools shall work with agencies and businesses to support community-based developmental activities that prepare young children for school and promote ongoing achievement; (5) Schools shall promote collaboration among parents, schools, and community on school improvement and student achievement projects; (6) Schools shall strive to harness all available community resources, including but not limited to organizations, businesses, talented individuals, natural resources, and technology, to engage each student in achieving the necessary skills and knowledge; and (7) Schools shall encourage business partnerships to assist students in the successful transition to employment or further education.

Legal References: NH Code of Administration Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(a)(11), Policy Development NH Code of Administration Rules, Section Ed. 306.04(k), Policy Development

ADOPTED: January 17, 2008

MONT VERNON Policy

KB - TITLE I - PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION

This policy is required only for districts receiving Title I funds.

The Board endorses the parent involvement goals of Title I and encourages the regular participation by parents of Title I eligible children in all aspects of the program. The education of children is viewed as a cooperative effort among the parents, school and community. In this policy, the word "parent" also includes guardians and other family members involved in supervising the child's schools.

Pursuant to federal law, the District will develop jointly with, agree on with, and distribute to parents of children participating in the Title I program a written parent involvement policy.

At the required annual meeting of Title I parents, parents will have opportunities to participate in the design, development, operation and evaluation of the program for the next school year. Proposed activities shall be presented to fulfill the requirements necessary to address the requirements of parental involvement goals.

In addition to the required annual meeting, at least three additional meetings shall be held, at various times of the day and/or evenings, for parents of children participating in the Title I program. These meetings shall be used to provide parents with:

1. Information about programs provided under Title I;

2. A description and explanation of the curriculum in use, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet;

3. Opportunities to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children; and

4. The opportunity to bring parent comments, if they are dissatisfied with the school's Title I program, to the district level.

Title I funding, if sufficient, may be used to facilitate parent attendance at meetings through payment of transportation and childcare costs.

The parents of children identified to participate in Title I programs shall receive from the school Principal and Title I staff an explanation of the reasons supporting each child's selection for the program, a set of objectives to be addressed, and a description of the services to be provided. Opportunities will be provided for the parents to meet with the classroom and Title I teachers to discuss their child's progress. Parents will also receive guidance as to how they can assist in the education of their children at home.

Resources:

“National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs,” National PTA (reprinted May 1998); Improving America's Schools Act, P.L. No. 103-382, Sec. 1112; Local Education Agency Plans. P.L. 107-110, "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001," Title I - Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged, Sec. 1118 Policy.

ADOPTED: September 11, 2008

MONT VERNON Policy KDA

PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM

The board intends to keep the people of the school community informed of the affairs of the district.To achieve its goals for good school-community relations and maintenance of open two-way channelsof communication with the public, the board authorizes the superintendent to:

1. Prepare or guide the preparation of informational materials including the annual report,newsletters, articles for periodicals, newspapers and/or radio releases, special pamphlets andother assigned material, and to maintain close liaison with news media and publicityorganizations.

2. Support administration and faculty in arranging speaking engagements with civic, PTA,church, and other groups on school-related topics.

3. Provide staff members with assistance for preparation of material for community and staffdistribution (handbooks, information leaflets, etc.).

4. Assist in coordinating work with civic and other groups which support the school system.

FIRST READING: June 12, 2002SECOND READING: August 5, 2002APPROVED: August 5, 2002

MONT VERNON Policy KDCA

USE OF STUDENTS IN PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM

One of the strongest links of communication between the district and the public is the pupil in theclassroom. Failure to provide parents with appropriate information may lead to misinformation aboutthe schools.

It is the responsibility of the school administration to see that information regarding school activities,programs, and organizations is properly disseminated to parents.

The school administration shall take reasonable steps to ensure that the use of students as couriersis limited to carrying information about the school system, or a particular school, except asspecifically provided in the following paragraph. School information may include publications,newsletters, notices, or other printed matter published under the name of the district, the individualschool, or the recognized parent/teacher group.

Students may serve as couriers for information generated by non-school organizations, subject to thefollowing conditions: (1) the information clearly states that it is not school-sponsored, (2) the sponsorof the information/activity is a non-profit organization and the activity is student-related, (3) theschool board, or the superintendent, reserves the right to refuse any request for distribution of suchinformation, on a case-by-case basis, and (4) the distribution of such information is subject to priorapproval by the superintendent or his/her designee.

Information published by the district, individual school, employee organizations or unions, recognizedparent/teacher groups, or non-school groups which advocates a particular position on bond issues,political matters, labor relations issues, or district budgets, will not be distributed through the use ofstudents as couriers.

FIRST READING: June 12, 2002SECOND READING: August 5, 2002APPROVED: August 5, 2002

KEB - PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT SCHOOL MATTERS,

PERSONNEL, EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS OR ADMINISTRATION

Any complaint presented to the Board about school matters, personnel, employees, students or

administration, will be referred back to the Superintendent. The Board will not hear or review

complaints until such complaints have first been brought forth through the appropriate and

applicable administrative procedures and the Superintendent or his/her designee has had a

reasonable opportunity to seek to resolve the complaint.

The Board may decline to hear any complaint, which will interfere with its ability to serve as an

impartial trier of fact in any related student or personnel matter. This complaint procedure shall

not supersede or modify any right held by employees of the District under federal law, state law,

contract, or collective bargaining agreement.

To the extent it is deemed appropriate by the Superintendent, the individual who is the subject of

the complaint may be advised of the nature of the complaint and may be given an opportunity for

explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts. The Superintendent shall seek to resolve

the matter and report to the Board.

The Board believes that complaints and grievances are best handled and resolved by the parties

directly concerned. Therefore, the proper channeling of complaints and/or grievances will be as

follows:

1. Teacher

2. Principal

3. Superintendent

4. School Board

When any complaint is made directly to an individual Board member, the procedure outlined

below shall be followed:

1. If the member of the public will not personally present the complaint to the appropriate

level, the Board member shall then ask that the complaint be written and signed. The

Board member will then refer the complaint to the Superintendent to be channeled

appropriately.

2. If the person making a complaint at the Superintendent level believes that a satisfactory

reply has not been received, he or she may request that the Board hear the complaint.

The Board will hear and act upon the complaint only by majority vote. The Board may

decline to act on any complaint which, in its sole judgment, would interfere with the

Superintendent's ability to properly administer the district. If the Board does hear and

act upon the complaint, all Board decisions shall be final.

3. If the Board decides, in accord with Paragraph Two, to hear and act upon a complaint that

pertains to personnel, employee, student or administrative matters, it shall determine

whether the complaint shall be heard in public or non-public session in accord with RSA

91-A:3 and the laws pertaining to student and family privacy rights. The Board shall

also determine whether it is appropriate to inform the individual who is the subject of the

MONT VERNON Policy

1

complaint of the meeting and to provide said individual with further opportunity for

explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts to the Board.

4. If the Superintendent is the subject of the complaint, the SAU #39 Board shall determine

whether the complaint should be heard in public or non-public session in accord with

RSA 91-A:3. The SAU #39 Board may, to the extent it is appropriate, advise the

Superintendent of the nature of the complaint and may give the Superintendent an

opportunity for explanation, comment, and presentation of the facts.

MONT VERNON Policy

2Adopted: October 9, 2014

MONT VERNON Policy Page 1 of 2

KED – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION Grievance Procedures to address alleged violations of: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. (Grievance Procedures to address alleged violations of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 are set forth in School District Policy ACA). Part One

Any person believing that the District or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the above-referenced regulations shall bring forth a complaint to the designated person assigned by each school principal for their respective building (hereinafter Designee). The Designee will be the Assistant Principal (Amherst), Guidance Counselor (Mont Vernon) or Dean of Faculty (Souhegan). Any complainant has the right to file a complaint directly with the Civil Rights Coordinator should they not wish to pursue process outlined in Part One for any reason. The District’s Civil Rights Coordinator is the Director of Special Instructional Services for the SAU. Otherwise, the following procedures will be used:

Any person, or persons, who has a grievance can verbally discuss it first with the appropriate building Designee in an attempt to resolve the matter informally at that level.

If the matter is not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant or the complainant chooses not to resolve the matter informally, within five (5) school days, the complainant shall set forth the grievance verbally or in writing to the Designee. If the complaint is made verbally, the Designee shall transfer the information onto the Grievance Complaint Form and provide a copy of it to the complainant. If appropriate, and if the complainant is amenable to attempting mediation, the Designee can attempt to mediate the complaint. The timelines for the completion of the investigation will be stayed during the mediation process. If mediation is not appropriate, or the complainant does not wish to attempt mediation, the Designee shall investigate the matters of grievance and communicate his/her decision to the complainant in writing within ten (10) school days of notice of the grievance. At all stages of the investigation, the complainant has the opportunity to present witnesses and other evidence, which the District will consider.

Potential consequences for any violation of the above-referenced regulations may include written warning to the offender(s), suspension, expulsion, or termination of the offender(s), or any other remedial steps necessary to assure compliance with these regulations. These steps may include remedies for the complainant(s)/victim(s), when appropriate. The District will take steps to prevent recurrence of any discrimination and to correct discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate. The District will also take steps to prevent retaliation against the person who made the complaint (and/or was the subject of the discrimination), and against those who provided information as witnesses.

MONT VERNON Policy Page 2 of 2

Part Two

The complainant, no later than ten (10) school days after receipt of the Designee’s decision, may appeal the Designee’s decision to the Civil Rights Coordinator. The appeal to the Coordinator must be made in writing reciting the matter submitted to the Designee and the complainant’s dissatisfaction with decisions previously rendered. The Coordinator shall meet with the complainant to attempt to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, but within a period not to exceed (5) school days. The Coordinator shall communicate his/her decision in writing to the complainant and the Designee not later than ten (10) school days after the meeting.

Part Three

The decision of the Civil Rights Coordinator is final, pending any further legal recourse as may be described in current local district, state or federal statutes pertaining to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; A complainant has the right to file a complaint at any time alleging discrimination under the above referenced regulations directly with the: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 900, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921.

Part Four Dissemination of Grievance Procedures: To effectively inform all concerned persons about the process of grieving a complaint, the adopted grievance procedures are to be disseminated to students, parents/guardians, employees, and other interested parties. This information must be provided on a continuing basis. The grievance procedure shall be disseminated through the following:

a. SAU #39 website: www.sprise.com b. Available in the School Building office and at the SAU office c. Parent/Student Handbook

A Grievance Complaint Form is attached to the Policy Legal References:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 34 C.F.R § 104.7(b), Adoption of Grievance Procedures Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Age Discrimination Act of 1975

ADOPTED: September 9, 2010

Mont Vernon School District Policy KED – Grievance Procedure for Alleged Discrimination  

 

Grievance Complaint Form If you require assistance with filling out this form, please contact your building Principal or Designee  Type of Complaint – Check one 

_____  Title VI (race, color, or national origin) 

_____   Section 504/Title II (disability) 

_____  Age Discrimination Act (age) 

Complainant’s Name:  _________________________________________________________________ 

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ 

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 Complainant’s Status:  _____Student       _____Parent/Guardian       _____Employee       _____Other 

 Statement of Complaint:  (Please specify the type of discrimination, offender’s name and specific 

incident) 

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______________________________             ______________________________ Complainant’s Signature               Date Filed  

______________________________             ______________________________ Signature of Person Receiving Complaint                       Date Received  Action(s) Taken: _______________________________________________________________________ 

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MONT VERNON Policy

KF - USE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES Also ECA

It is the School Board’s desire that the citizens of our town enjoy the use of school facilities. It is the board’s intent that such use should take place with proper regard to all applicable statutes and ordinances, and that such use should take place with respect for the preservation of the facilities for school use. The Superintendent will establish administrative procedures and regulations to implement this policy.

When not in use for school purposes, school facilities may be used by community groups and organizations, as well as other non-community based groups, provided that the application process has been completed and is approved. The application process will include the submission of proof of insurance.

First priority for the use of all school facilities is granted to the schools for school activities and organizations with direct school affiliation.. Second priority for the use of school facilities is granted to organizations with direct town affiliation. Third priority is granted to those activities and organizations that serve the youth of the community. All other proper requests shall be granted on the basis of availability.

No person, group, or organization has any vested right to use the school facilities. The School Board reserves the right to make the final decision on the use of any school facility. Approval may be denied due to lack of appropriate space, if a previous activity by the applicant resulted in a violation of any aspect of any School Board policy or guidelines, or if the facility is to be used for an unlawful purpose.

Authorization for use of school facilities shall be considered neither an endorsement nor approval of the activity, group, organization, or the purposes they may represent.

When schools have been closed because of inclement weather, the facilities will be closed for all use. The schools do not assume the responsibility of contacting groups when such closures occur.

Organizations connected with and promoting recognized school functions will not incur any facility use fees but personnel and/or equipment fees may be assessed. The School District should not incur additional costs due to the community use of school facilities.

Whenever a community group is permitted to use a school facility, at least one district employee must be on hand. This may be waived by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

The Superintendent or his/her designee, on the basis of this policy and its accompanying regulations, shall approve all rentals of school facilities. The Board must approve any special requests or exceptions to this policy and/or regulations.

It shall be the responsibility of any user of a school facility to leave the school facility in a satisfactory condition. All users of school facilities agree as a condition of use to pay the cost of any damages to the facilities and school equipment other than damage caused by normal wear and tear.

ADOPTED: June 14, 2007

Revised: August 23, 2007

MONT VERNON Policy KH (Also see KIA)

PUBLIC SOLICITATIONS IN THE SCHOOLS

As a general policy, public solicitation within the schools is discouraged. No commercial enterprisemay be represented in the schools, nor will a commercial enterprise be allowed the sale of goods orservices on the school premises, unless they meet the conditions listed in policy KIA.

Any request for the exception to this rule must be submitted in writing to the superintendent at least30 days prior to the implementation of the requested activity. The superintendent will inform theschool board of any approvals and pending requests.

The school board reserves the right to grant exceptions to the superintendent’s decision.

FIRST READING: June 12, 2002SECOND READING: August 5, 2002APPROVED: August 5, 2002

MONT VERNON Policy KHA

COMMERCIAL PROMOTIONS

The Mont Vernon School District will consider requests for commercial promotions to theextent that such promotions meet the conditions listed below:

1. The promotion supports district educational objectives.

2. Participation benefits the students.

3. Student part icipation in the promotion is voluntary.

4. The promotion may not unduly pressure parents to purchase related goods orservices in order to redeem the student's award or reward.

5. Participation is subject to final decision by the building administrators and must becoordinated between schools.

Any request under this rule must be submitted in writing to the superintendent at least 30days prior to the implementation of the requested activity. The superintendent will informthe school board of any pending requests prior to approval.

FIRST READING: June 12, 2002SECOND READING: August 5, 2002APPROVED: August 5, 2002

MONT VERNON Policy KHB

ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS

Neither the facilities, the name, the staff, nor the children of the schools, school district, nor any partthereof shall be employed in any manner by or on behalf of the school for advertising or otherwisepromoting the interests of any commercial or other non-school agency or organization, except that:

The school may cooperate in furthering the work of any nonprofit, community-widesocial service agency, provided that such cooperat ion does not restrict or impair theeducational program of the school.

The schools may use films or other educational materials bearing only simple mentionof the producing or sponsoring firm.

The schools may participate in radio or television programs under acceptablecommercial sponsorship when such participation is supplementary or beneficial to theeducational programs of the schools or of a particular educational value. Thesuperintendent may, at his/her discretion, announce or authorize to be announced anylecture or other community activity of particular educational merit.

The schools may, upon approval of the superintendent, cooperate with anygovernmental agency in promoting act ivities in the general public interest which arenonpartisan and non-controversial and which promote the education or other bestinterests of the pupils.

School district publications may accept and publish paid advertising only whenapproved for publication by the superintendent. Funds collected for advertising shallbe deposited in the Mont Vernon School District general fund.

Promotional literature will not be distributed through the schools except for recognized educationaland youth-oriented organizations.

Any request for the exception to this rule must be submitted in writing to the superintendent at least30 days prior to the implementation of the requested activity. The superintendent will inform theschool board of any approvals and pending requests.

FIRST READING: June 12, 2002SECOND READING: August 5, 2002APPROVED: August 5, 2002

MONT VERNON Policy KIA

PARENT CLASSROOM VISITS TO OBSERVE CHILD

On occasion parents/guardians may be interested in observing their child(ren) at school. In aneffort to minimize disruptions for students, teachers, and related services providers, and to protectinstructional or planning time, parents/guardians wishing to observe their child(ren) in school areto follow the following guidelines:

1. In order to observe during school hours, parents/guardians should submit a written requestto the building principal at least 48 hours prior to a planned visitation. Visitingparents/guardians must wear visitor badges. (MVSB Policy KI)

2. The principal will contact the teacher (or the individual who is providing instruction orsupervising the student) as a courtesy and for coordination/scheduling purposes. Theprincipal or designee will respond to the parent making the request and confirm thescheduled visitation.

3. Visits to classrooms or other instruct ional areas are limited to 60 minutes.

4. Parents/guardians are reminded that classroom visits during instructional time should notinterfere with teaching/learning process.

5. Classroom visitations are not to be used for parent-teacher conferences or conversations.

6. Food and drink are prohibited during classroom visits, as are smoking (and all otherconsumption/uses of tobacco products), controlled substances, drugs, alcohol, andweapons. (See RSA s: 126 - K-7; 159; 193 B-2)

7. Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off while in the school.

ADOPTION: December 13, 2001