SCHOOL BOARD MEETING REPORT UPPER ST. CLAIR SCHOOL DISTRICT

March 23, 2009

STAR SPANGLED BANNER Shannon Keane, high school student, sang the Star Spangled Banner. READING OF THE MISSION Mrs. Billerbeck explained that the Mission Statement, which was originally adopted in 1993, was recently revised with the adoption of the Strategic Plan, noting that the new Mission Statement includes only slight changes. Mr. Kerber read the following Mission Statement:

Developing lifelong learners and responsible citizens for a global society is the mission of the Upper St. Clair School District, served by a responsive and innovative staff who in partnership with the community provides learning experiences that nurture the uniqueness of each child and promote happiness and success.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITIONS Megan Adamo, an 8th grader at Fort Couch Middle School has received the Pennsylvania First Place award in InvestWrite, a national essay contest for students who participate in the Stock Market Game. Megan's entry is the top winner from approximately 4,000 submitted from across the state. Using the investment knowledge she acquired by participating in the EconomicsPA Stock Market Game, Megan wrote an explanation of the principle “Don't put all your eggs in one basket.” She chose investments from different asset classes (stocks, mutual funds, or bonds) and provided an explanation of each of the assets that were chosen. Megan received a plaque and a monetary prize for her efforts. The Middle States Association’s Commission on Secondary Schools has announced that Upper St. Clair High School has been re-accredited for the period ending December 1, 2015. To be accredited by the commission, standards must be met in each major area of a school’s work and activity including philosophy/mission, governance and leadership, organizational design and staff, educational programs, technology, student services, student activities, facilities, health and safety, finances, assessment of student learning, and planning. Congratulations are extended to all involved in successfully completing the accreditation process.

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The students, staff, and families of Streams Elementary are commended for the results of the 5th Annual Children for Children Silent Auction. This year $7,289.06 was raised to benefit Heifer International. Tim Wagner, teacher at Streams Elementary was selected to participate in the 15th annual CGSE (Council of Graduate Students in Education) Student Research Conference at The University of Pittsburgh on February 25 and 26. His submission, "Helping Educators and Family Members Understand Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Psychoeducation Through Podcasts,” was accepted and Tim was given the opportunity to present his work as part of a group poster session with colleagues from the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. The following teams of students and coaches are commended for their award winning performances in the Odyssey of the Mind Spontaneous Fun Day which took place on February 21 and the Regional Tournament on March 7: Streams Earth Trek Team - 1st Place Division I at Fun Day, 1st Place Division I at Regionals - Advancing to State Finals: Coach - Sharon Byrnes Brendan Allen, Connor Byrnes, Liam Carse, Neal Sharma, Vicki Wang and Tia Watts; Streams Superstition Team - 3rd Place Division I at Regionals - Advancing to State Finals: Coaches - Susan Rosati and Charles Fry Oceanne Fry, Jagadeesh Gummadi, Laura Lapham, Spencer Miller, Neale Misquitta, Sheb Rosati; Fort Couch Shock Waves Team - 1st place Division II at Regionals - Advancing to State Finals: Coaches - Corinne Zatawski and Michelle Turnwald Kyle Austin, Maura Boston, Robert Burke, Joshua Simmons, Yash Tripathi, Sydney Turnwald, Helena Zatawski; High School Superstition Team - 1st Place Division III at Regionals, 3rd Place Division III Fun Day - Advancing to State Finals: Coaches - Reid Simmons and Gwen Patterson Paul Austin, Riyana Bilimoria, Bridget Hubbard, Abby Massaro, Molly Patterson, Peter Rosati and Rachel Simmons; Baker Superstition Team - 2nd Place Division I at Fun Day: Coaches - Cem Demirci and Perry Shoemaker Alican Demirci, Daniel Geffrey, Arushi Kewalramani, Piol-Ha Masse, Priya Rajawat, Abigail Shoemaker and Darrick Yee; Fort Couch Lost Labor Team - 1st Place Division II at Fun Day: Coach - Diane Belack Andrew Belack, Ananya Cleetus, Lizzy Faeth, Dan Finkel, Rebecca Knapp and special guest Garrett Himler. Congratulations to JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) for taking second place at the regional competition Wednesday, March 4th. The team members include: John Subosits Phil Dormish Arvind Prasadan Matt Karashin Briana Larkin Zach Huss Zach Joyce Colin Reid The team is coached by Marjie Heins and Tom Smedley. Congratulations to Zoe Weiner, high school junior and Parkway West CTC Student of the Month. Zoe’s Culinary Arts teacher, Mr. Timcheck, nominated her for this award because of her positive attitude, excellent attendance, and work ethic.

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The Parkway West Career & Technology Center has released the 2008-2009 National Technical Honor Society Inductees. The list includes three Upper St. Clair high school students: Matthew Sullivan, senior, who is in the Culinary Arts Program; Kurma Thompson, junior, who is in the Drafting and Design Program; and Clayton Trieble, also a junior, who is in the Auto Technology Program. Students in grades five through twelve participated in the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest on March 17, 2009, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Public Theater. The Boyce students are: Eliana Ondrejko, Carson Mafrice, Melissa Levine, Sarah Violi, Ananya Cleetus, Morgan Cook, Lydia de la Parra, Julia de la Parra, Isabel Goodman, Brooke Ball, Louie Collins, Mariya Savinov, Amanda Mittelman, Deepikaa Sriram, Hannah Tyger, Giana Vierheller and Riley Urbano. The Fort Couch students are: Brenna Carse, Brigid Kennedy, Grace Chen, Virginia White, Spencer Davis, Sean Ketchel, Sarah Meiman, Mandy Seiner, Macy Miller, Jenna Ravasio, Victoria Cavrich, Kathy Chen, Bethany Mittelman, Julia Dixon, Jacob Ryave, Lizzy Faeth, Jillian Vlah, Anna Rosati, Shannon Spence, Jonathan Wang, Ryan Zalla and Ryan Harding. The high school students are: Samantha Dreyer, Brent Heard, Vanessa Murray, Poorwa Godbole, Mohini Walavalkar, and Maya Chandrasekaran. Sponsors are Gary Navoney, Diane Ecker, Sue Fleckenstein, Pat Palazzolo, Mary Muffly and Marjie Heins. The following Boyce students were chosen to be published in the 2008 Creative Communication fall anthology of poems: Eyram Akabua, Andrew Bartusiak, John Benhart, Eliza Brufsky, Grace Burton, Morgan Collins, Caitlin Conwell, Danny Ferriss, Krishna Gopal, Riley Kohler, Meghan Matheny, Liam McClelland, Michael Nastac, Ben Spock, Anne-Sophie van der Poel and Maura Wells. The sponsors are Diane Ecker, Gary Navoney and Beth Harris. Congratulations to Matt Wertz, a sixth grade student who recently won the National Geographic Bee competition held at Boyce Middle School. Bees were held in schools with fourth through eighth grade students throughout the state to determine each school’s Geography Bee winner. Matt will now compete at the state level. His sponsors are Boyce gifted coordinators, Gary Navoney and Diane Ecker. Chris Besser, an eighth grader at Ft. Couch, is the Grand Prize national winner in the “What If” competition. For his efforts, Chris has won a $1,000 scholarship and an all expenses paid trip, with his adult sponsor (Pat Palazzolo), to NASA Ames (Moffett Field, near San Francisco) to present his essay and be recognized at the Conrad Innovation Summit. Congratulations to the students and staff for the successful spring musical production of 42nd Street. Congratulations to the high school ice hockey team for qualifying to play in the semi-finals of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL).

RECOMMENDATION REGARDING APPROVAL OF REVISION TO PROPOSED 2009-10 SCHOOL CALENDAR The Board approved, by majority roll call vote, revisions to the Proposed 2009-10 School Calendar AS ATTACHED.

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RECOMMENDATION REGARDING APPLICATION FOR ACT 80 DAYS, AMENDMENT TO 2008-2009 SCHOOL CALENDAR AND APPROVAL OF HIGH SCHOOL EARLY DISMISSAL ON JUNE 12

The Board authorized the School District to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Act 80 days for the 2008-09 school year (October 13, January 19, and February 16), amend the 2008-09 school calendar that indicates that all snow make-up days will be made up at the end of the school year by forgiving the make-up of all snow and emergency days thereby keeping the last student day as Friday, June 12, 2009, and also approved the change in dismissal time for Upper St. Clair High School students on Friday, June 12, 2009, from 2:20 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. for the purpose of conducting an orientation program for all 8th grade pupils to their 2009-10 schedules.

ACCEPTANCE OF AUDIT REPORT FOR SCHOOL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2005 & JUNE 30, 2006 FROM DEPARTMENT OF AUDITOR GENERAL The Board accepted the Audit Report from the Department of Auditor General for the school years ended June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2006.

APPROVAL OF 2009-2010 AIU PROGRAM OF SERVICES BUDGET The Board approved the 2009-10 Allegheny Intermediate Unit Program of Services Budget.

MATTERS OF INFORMATION MIDDLE SCHOOLS RENOVATION PROJECT ACT 34 HEARINGS REPORT Dr. O’Toole reported that the 30-day comment period regarding the Act 34 Hearings for renovations and additions to Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools continues. Written comments regarding one or both of the projects will be received by the Director of Business & Finance/Secretary of the Board of School Directors until 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 15. Dr. O’Toole thanked the nearly 50 residents who attended the Act 34 Hearings. Dr. O’Toole extended an invitation to Board members who would like an opportunity to tour Boyce and Fort Couch Middle Schools and requested that they contact him to make arrangements to do so.

MEETING REMINDERS Dr. O’Toole announced the dates for the April and May meeting schedule as follows: April 13 & 20 – Committee of the Whole Meetings April 27 – Regular Board Meeting May 4 & 11 – Committee of the Whole Meetings May 18 – Regular Board Meeting

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ADMINISTRATORS’ REPORTS PERSONNEL APPROVALS The Board approved the following Personnel Listings, pending receipt of all paperwork: Leave of Absence- Professional Staff Sherri Garvey – Streams/Elementary - unpaid personal leave effective 4-13-09 until end of 2008-2009 school year Elizabeth Hendrickson – High School/English – unpaid personal leave effective 2009-2010 school year Leave of Absence – Classified Staff Dennis Rodgers – Eisenhower/Custodian unpaid personal leave effective 2-25-09 Nina Flanigan – Bus Driver unpaid personal leave effective 1-20-09 through 2-28-09 and return to unpaid personal leave effective 3-16-09 Resignations – Classified Staff Janice Platz – High School Part-Time Nutrition Center Worker effective 3-7-09 Retirements – Classified Staff Donald Hersh – High School/Custodian effective 6-29-09 Mariann Adler – Baker/Head Secretary effective 3-14-09 Resignations – Extra Curricular Activities Andrea Chesko – Softball Assistant Coach (J.V.) effective 2-13-09 New Appointments – Extra Curricular Activities Elisabeth Henry –Softball Assistant Coach (J.V.) Sheila Lloyd – Junior Class Sponsor Josh Ficorilli – Assistant Volleyball Coach Daniel O’Rourke – Volunteer Baseball Assistant Coach Joe Halackna – Volunteer Baseball Assistant Coach Jordan Abromovitz – Volunteer Baseball Assistant Coach Additions to District Substitute List Professional: Janet Atutes – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Patricia Betz – Elementary/Mentally-Physically Handicapped effective 6-16-09 Robert Borgo – Citizenship effective 3-18-09 Susan Brossman – Health & Physical Ed effective 3-3-09 Michael Creighton – Elementary / Mid-Level Math effective 3-16-09 Michele Desmond – English/Reading Specialist/Mentally-Physically Handicapped/Speech Correction effective 6-16-09 Kristof Eichenlaub – Biology/Environmental Education effective 3-2-09 Rachel Friedman – Early Childhood effective 6-16-09 Bethany Gombita – Elementary/Special Education effective3-2-09 Denise Homer – Elementary effective 3-16-09 Magdalena Hudson – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Frances Kayatin – Music effective 6-16-09 Rachel Lanzel – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Shea McMillan – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Dorothy Moreau – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Gary Navoney – Elementary effective 6-16-09 Shannon O’Connor – Elementary effective 3-4-09 Debra Obrosky – Elementary effective 6-16-09

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Jamie Parell – Health & Physical Ed effective 3-2-09 Janice Rankin – Early Childhood effective 6-16-09 Helen Rishel – Art effective 6-16-09 Susan Rupp – Elementary / Reading Specialist effective 3-12-09 Karen Slaven – English/Speech effective 6-16-09 Thomas Smedley – Mathematics/Physics effective 6-16-09 Classified: Jeaneen Boyle – Nutrition Center Worker/Teacher Aide effective 2-27-09 Kerrie Constantini – Teacher Aide effective 3-2-09 Erica Davic – Teacher Aide effective 2-24-09 Christine McCown – Teacher Aide effective 4-14-09 Janice Platz – Nutrition Center Worker effective 3-9-09 Jane Snowdon – Nutrition Center Worker/Teacher Aide effective 3-6-09

APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO POLICY #6008 – STUDENT CONDUCT, RESPONSIBILITIES, RIGHTS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Following further discussion regarding the proposed revisions to Policy #6008 – Student Conduct, Responsibilities, Rights and Disciplinary Procedures, the Board adopted, by majority voice vote, to approve the revisions AS ATTACHED. Mrs. Coliane strongly objected to approval of the policy and also requested a review of Policy #3018 – Anti-Harassment Policy. Dr. O’Toole noted that because of the references to student behavior that are included in the revised policy that notification will be sent to parents and the revisions will be included in the student handbook.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT The Board approved the Treasurer’s Report, including budget transfers and approved total of the Bill List and Check File Listings as follows: Fund 10 (General Fund) - $1,636,245.93 Fund 31 (Capital Reserve Fund) - $12,254.77 Fund 36 (Middle School Project Fund) - $460,629.85

APPROVAL OF SURPLUS ITEM In accordance with Policy #3006 – Sales of Surplus Furniture, Equipment and Other Tangible Personal Property, the Board declared a piano at Eisenhower Elementary School surplus, and the administration was authorized to bid the sale of the item, donate the item, or dispose of the item as appropriate.

APPROVAL OF PARKWAY WEST BUDGETS FOR 2009-10 SCHOOL YEAR The Board approved the General Operating Budget in the amount of $5,556,201, the Alternative Education Program General Operating Budget in the amount of $970,471, and the Building Rental Budget in the amount of $317,800 for Parkway West Career and Technology Center for the 2009-2010 school year.

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APPROVAL TO REQUEST PROPOSALS FOR EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

The Board authorized the School District to request proposals for an emergency radio system for the various buildings in the District.

ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING EXECUTIVE SESSIONS Mrs. Billerbeck stated that executive sessions were held on the following dates: March 9, 2009 – Personnel & Negotiations Matters March 23, 2009 – Personnel & Legal Matters (following meeting)

Meetings are also videotaped and will be cablecast on School Access Comcast Channel 19 & Verizon Channel 41.

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(3/23/09)

July August

Upper St. Clair School District2009-2010 Proposed School Calendar

2009

September October

November December

May June

2010January February

March April

= Teacher Inservice = No School = Half Day Early Dismissal for Students

Form Reference No. 20

August 19 New Teacher OrientationAugust 20 New Teacher InductionAugust 24 Teacher Inservice #1 (Classroom Management #1) Student TeacherAugust 25 & 26 Teacher Inservice #2 & 3August 27 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS August 3 6September 7 NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY September 21 21September 17 Boyce Open House October 21 22September 24 Elementary Open House November 16 19September 30 High School Open House December 17 17September First Marking Period Progress Reports Sent January 19 20October 1 Fort Couch Open House February 19 20October 12 Teacher Inservice #4 March 19 20October 23 Half Day Early Dismissal for Students April 19 20

(Teachers' Professional Development) May 20 20November 2 First Marking Period Ends June 9 11November 3 Teacher Inservice #5 (Classroom Management #2)November 9 & 10 Teacher Inservice #6 & 7

(Parent/Teacher Conferences/Inservice) Total Days 183 196November Report Cards Distributed - First ReportNovember 26 & 27 NO SCHOOL - THANKSGIVING RECESSDecember Second Marking Period Progress Reports SentDecember 24 - January 1 NO SCHOOL - WINTER RECESSJanuary 15 First Semester & Second Marking Period EndsJanuary 18 Teacher Inservice #8 (Classroom Management #3)January 19 Second Semester BeginsFebruary Report Cards Distributed - Second ReportFebruary 15 Teacher Inservice #9February Third Marking Period Progress Reports SentMarch 12 Half Day Early Dismissal for Students

(Teachers' Professional Development)March 25 Third Marking Period EndsMarch 26 Teacher Inservice #10 (Classroom Management #4)March 29-April 2 NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESSApril 5 Teacher Inservice #11 (Flex Day)April 8 Fort Couch Open House or Other Educational Events (Tentative)April Report Cards Distributed - Third ReportMay 6 Elementary Open Houses or Other Educational Events (Tentative)May Fourth Marking Period Progress Reports SentMay 27 Boyce Open House or Other Educational Events (Tentative)May 31 NO SCHOOL - MEMORIAL DAYJune 11 Second Semester & Fourth Marking Period Ends - Pending Snow Make-Up DaysJune 11 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Pending Snow Make-Up DaysJune 14 Teacher Inservice #12 (Classroom Management #5) - Pending Snow Make-Up DaysJune 15 Teacher Inservice #13 - Pending Snow Make-Up DaysJune 21 Kennywood DayJune 25 Report Cards Mailed

Half Day Early Dismissal Times for StudentsOctober 23 and March 12:

High School - 10:55 a.m.Elementary Schools - 11:30 a.m.Middle Schools - 11:55 a.m.

*Winter Recess commences at the close of school on Wednesday, December 23.*Spring Recess commences at the close of school on Thursday, March 25.

In accordance with Basic Education Circular 24 P.S. §15-1502, Days Schools Not to be Kept Open,the following days are official local School District holidays: Labor Day,Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving,Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.

(3/23/09) Note: All snow make-up days will be made up at the end of the school year.

UPPER ST. CLAIR SCHOOL DISTRICT

2009-2010 PROPOSED CALENDAR

Form Reference No. 20

6008

6008 STUDENT CONDUCT, RESPONSIBILITIES, RIGHTS AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Code of Student Conduct Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 II. Student Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 III. Student Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 IV. Student Exclusions from School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 V. Corporal Punishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 VI. Student Absences and Excuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 VII. School Bus Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 VIII. Search and Seizure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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I. Code of Student Conduct Policy

In accordance with the State Board of Education Regulations, Chapter 12, the following Code of Student Conduct is adopted.

The Board of School Directors has the authority to make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of students in school. The rule making power, however, is not unlimited; it must operate within statutory and constitutional restraints. A school board has only those powers which are enumerated in the statutes of this Commonwealth, or which may reasonably be implied or necessary for the orderly operation of the school. School boards may not make rules which are arbitrary, capricious or outside their grant of authority from the General Assembly. Their rules must stand the test of fairness and reasonableness. A rule is generally considered reasonable if it uses a rational means of accomplishing some legitimate school purpose.

To offer the maximum educational experience to each student, the Board believes that the school environment must be characterized by discipline. Hopefully, this discipline will be self-imposed on the part of the student. Until the student develops self-discipline, external controls are necessary and should contribute to and stimulate the development of self-discipline. There are also students in school who for a myriad of reasons are unable to develop self-discipline. For these students, a set of external controls are absolutely necessary. It is for this reason that the Board directs the school administrative staff to develop reasonable rules and regulations dealing with student discipline in the school and to define and publish the types of offenses that would lead to exclusion from school. Exclusions affecting certain students with disabilities shall be governed by §14.143 (relating to disciplinary placements) and 34 CFR 300.519-300.529 (relating to disciplinary procedures). The Board will support the administration and faculty in their efforts to develop a school environment conducive to providing the optimum educational experiences for each student. This conduct code shall be published and distributed to students and parents or guardians. Copies of the code shall also be available in each school library.

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The Board also believes that the preservation of individual rights is absolutely necessary. Therefore, due process must be accorded every individual.

II. Student Responsibilities

A. Student responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work and homework, and conformance to school rules and regulations. Most of all, students share with the administration and faculty a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.

B. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his

fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all others who are involved in the educational process.

C. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful

manner. D. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the

following:

1. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. These rules and regulations apply to behavior in the school, on District property, on School District vehicles (owned, rented, leased or contracted) at bus stops, and at School District events both on-site and off-site held before, during, or after school that are directly observed and supervised by School District staff. Students should assume that, until a rule is waived, altered or repealed in writing, it is in effect.

2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health,

safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.

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3. Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and

health and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.

4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all

students enrolled therein. 5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws.

6. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and

equipment.

7. Attend school daily and be on time at all classes and other school functions.

8. Make up work when absent from school.

9. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses

of study prescribed by Commonwealth and local school authorities.

10. Report accurately and refrain from using indecent or

obscene language in student media or on school premises.

A. Flag Salute and the Pledge of Allegiance

1. It is the responsibility of every citizen to show proper

respect for his country and its flag.

a. Students may decline to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and may refrain from saluting the flag on the basis of personal belief or religious convictions.

b. Students who choose to refrain from such

participation shall respect the rights and interest of classmates who do wish to participate.

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II. Student Rights

A. Free Education and Attendance

1. All persons residing in this Commonwealth between the ages of 6 and 21 years are entitled to a free and full education in the Commonwealth’s public schools.

2. Parents or guardians of all children between the ages of 8

and 17 are required by the compulsory attendance law to ensure that their children attend an approved educational institution, unless legally excused. Students may not be asked to leave school merely because they have reached 17 years of age if they are fulfilling their responsibilities as students. A student may not be excluded from the public schools nor from extracurricular activities because the student is married or pregnant or has a disability as identified by Chapter 15 (relating to protected handicapped students) or is an eligible student identified under Chapter 14 (relating to special education services and programs).

B. Discrimination

1. Consistent with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act

(43 P.S.77951-963), no student shall be denied access to a free and full public education, nor may a student be subject to disciplinary action on account of race, religion, sex, color, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

C. Freedom of Expression

1. The right of public school students to freedom of speech

is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth, and was affirmed by the United States Supreme Court in Tinker v, Des Moines Community School District, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

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2. Students have the right to express themselves unless such

expression materially and substantially interferes with the educational process, threatens serious harm to the welfare of the school or community, encourages unlawful activity, or interferes with another individual’s rights.

3. Students may use publications, handbills,

announcements, assemblies, group meetings, buttons, arm bands, and other means of common communications, provided that use of public school communications facilities shall be in accordance with the regulations of the authority in charge of those facilities.

a. Students have the responsibility to obey laws

governing libel and obscenity and to be aware of the full meaning of their expression.

b. Students have the responsibility to be aware of the

feelings and opinions of others and to give others a fair opportunity to express their views.

4. Identification of the individual students or at least one

responsible person in a student group may be required on any posted or distributed materials.

5. Principals or their designees may require students to

submit for prior approval a copy of all materials to be displayed, posted or distributed on school property.

6. Bulletin boards and District websites shall conform to the

following:

a. School principals or their designees may restrict the use of certain bulletin boards/websites.

b. Bulletin board/website space shall be provided for

the use of students and student organizations.

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c. Principals or their designees may require that notices or other communications be officially dated before posting, and that such materials be removed after a prescribed reasonable time to assure full access to the bulletin boards/websites.

7. School newspapers, publications, and electronic

communications shall conform to the following:

a. Students have a right and are as free as are editors of other newspapers to report the news and to editorialize within the provisions in paragraph 4 and 5.

b. Principals or their designees shall supervise

student newspapers published with school equipment, remove obscene or libelous material and edit other material that would cause a substantial disruption or interference with school activities.

c. Principals or their designees may not censor or

restrict material simply because it is critical of the school or its administration.

d. Prior approval procedures regarding copy for

school newspapers shall identify the individual to whom the material is to be submitted and shall establish a limitation on the time required to make a decision. If the prescribed time for approval elapses without a decision, the material shall be considered authorized for distribution.

e. Students who are not members of the newspaper

staff shall have access to its pages. Written criteria for submission of material by non-staff members shall be developed and distributed to all students.

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8. Principals or their designees may set forth the time and place of distribution that would not materially or substantially interfere with the requirements of appropriate discipline in the operation of the school.

a. A proper time and place set for distribution is one

which would give the students the opportunity to reach fellow students.

b. The place of such activity may be restricted to

permit the normal flow of traffic within the school and at exterior doors.

9. Principals or their designees should adopt and publish

guidelines for student use of school facilities and equipment.

10. The constitutional right of freedom of speech guarantees

the freedom of public school students to publish materials on their own.

a. The school has no responsibility to assist students

or to provide facilities in the publishing of such materials.

b. The students themselves have sole responsibility

for any statements published.

c. Approval procedures must be followed prior to distribution or display of materials on school property.

d. The wearing of buttons, badges, or armbands shall

be permitted as another form of expression within the restrictions listed in subsection C.

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D. Confidential Communications

1. Use of a student’s confidential communications to school personnel in legal proceedings is governed by statutes and regulations appropriate to the proceeding. See, for example, 42 Pa. C.S. §5945 (relating to confidential communications to school personnel).

2. Information received from a student in confidence by a

guidance counselor, a school nurse or a school psychologist, while in the course of that person’s professional duties, is privileged information to the extent that it cannot be divulged in any legal proceeding, civil or criminal, without the consent of the student, or if still a minor, the student’s parents.

3. Subject to statutory exceptions and relevant case law,

information received in confidence from a student may be revealed to the student’s parents or guardians, the principal or other appropriate authority when the health, welfare or safety of the student or other persons is clearly in jeopardy.

E. Hair and Dress

1. Students have the right to govern the length or style of

their hair including facial hair. Any limitation of this right shall include evidence that the length or style of hair causes a disruption of the educational process or constitutes a health or safety hazard. Where length or style of the hair presents a health or safety hazard, some types of covering should be considered.

2. School officials may impose limitations on dress that

causes disruption to the educational process or constitutes a health or safety hazard.

3. Students may be required to wear certain types of

clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extra-curricular activities, or other situations

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where special attire may be required to insure the health and safety of the student.

4. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their

clothes, and their hair clean. School officials may impose limitations on student participation in the regular instructional program where there is evidence that the lack of cleanliness constitutes a health hazard.

IV. Student Exclusions from School

A. Information regarding the types of offenses, when they occur on School District property or at a School event, that may lead to in school suspension, exclusion from school by temporary suspension (a period up to 3 days), full suspension (a period up to 10 days), or expulsion will be described in the administrative regulations (6008.1R). Exclusions affecting certain students with disabilities shall be governed by §14.143 (relating to disciplinary placements) and 34 CFR 300.519 – 300.529 (relating to discipline procedures).

1. Engaging in conduct or activity contrary to, or in

violation of, the Criminal Code, laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, ordinances of Upper St. Clair Township.

2. The use of any weapon and/or any abusive behavior that

can endanger the safety of other persons, such as but not limited to violations of School Board Policy 6008.4 relating to weapons, School Board Policy 6008.6 relating to bullying and cyberbullying, and School Board Policy 6008.5 relating to terroristic threats.

3. Vandalism of personal and/or School District property.

4. Cheating, forgery, stealing and/or other acts of

dishonesty.

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5. Use, sale, or possession of drugs (except as specified in School Board Policy 6001 - Administering Medicine and Drugs) and/or intoxicants.

6. Improper possession of key(s) to School District

property.

7. Disrespectful or threatening speech or action of physical abuse toward a member of School District staff.

8. Smoking, use, or possession of any tobacco product on

School District property, including buses.

9. Any other act evidencing that the student’s presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process of that student and/or other students.

B. Student Exclusion From Classes - In School Suspension

1. No student may receive an in-school suspension unless

the student has been informed of the reasons for the suspension and has been given an opportunity to respond before the suspension becomes effective.

2. Communication to the parents or guardian shall follow

the suspension action taken by the school.

3. When the in-school suspension exceeds 10 consecutive school days, an informal hearing with the principal shall be offered to the student and the student’s parents or guardian prior to the 11th school day. The purpose of the informal hearing is to enable the student to meet with the appropriate school official to explain the circumstances surrounding the event for which the student is being suspended or to show why the student should not be suspended.

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a. The informal hearing is meant to encourage the student’s parents or guardian to meet with the principal to discuss ways to avoid future problems.

b. The following due process requirements are to be

observed in regard to the informal hearing.

i. Notification of the reasons for the suspension shall be given in writing to the parents or guardians and to the student.

ii. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the

informal hearing shall be given.

iii. A student has the right to question any witnesses present at the hearing.

iv. A student has the right to speak and produce

witnesses on his own behalf.

c. The District has the responsibility to make provision for the student’s education during the period of the in-school suspension.

d. Students shall have the responsibility to make up

exams and work missed while being disciplined by suspension and shall be permitted to complete these assignments within the guidelines established by the board of school directors.

C. Student Suspension from School

1. Suspension is exclusion from school for a period of from

1 to 10 consecutive school days.

a. Suspensions may be given by the principal or person in charge of the public school.

b. No student shall be suspended until the student has

been informed of the reasons for the suspension

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and given an opportunity to respond. Prior notice of the intended suspension need not be given when it is clear that the health, safety or welfare of the school community is threatened.

c. The parents or guardians and the superintendent of

the district shall be notified immediately in writing when the student is suspended.

d. When the suspension exceeds 3 school days, the

student and parent shall be given the opportunity for an informal hearing. The purpose of the informal hearing is to enable the student to meet with the appropriate school official to explain the circumstances surrounding the event for which the student is being suspended or to show why the student should not be suspended.

e. Suspensions may not be made to run consecutively

beyond the 10 school day period.

f. Students shall have the responsibility to make up exams and work missed while being disciplined by suspension and shall be permitted to complete assignments within the guidelines established by the board of school directors.

g. The informal hearing is meant to encourage the

student’s parents or guardian to meet with the principal to discuss ways by which future offenses can be avoided.

h. The following due process requirements are to be

observed in regard to the informal hearing:

i. Notification of the reasons for the suspension shall be given in writing to the parents or guardian and the student.

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ii. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing shall be given.

iii. A student has the right to question any

witnesses present at the hearing.

iv. A student has the right to speak and produce witnesses on his own behalf.

v. The District shall offer to hold the informal

hearing within the first 5 days of the suspension.

D. Student Expulsion from School

Expulsion is exclusion from school by the Board of School Directors for a period exceeding 10 school days and may be permanent expulsion from the school rolls. All expulsions require a prior formal hearing.

E. Hearings

1. Education is a statutory right, and students must be

afforded all appropriate elements of due process if they are to be excluded from school. In a case involving a possible expulsion, the student is entitled to a formal hearing, which is a fundamental element of due process.

2. A formal hearing is required in all expulsion actions.

This hearing may be held before the Board of School Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board, or a qualified hearing examiner appointed by the Board. Where the hearing is conducted by a committee of the Board or a hearing examiner, a majority vote of the entire Board is required to expel a student.

a. The following due process requirements are to be

observed with regard to the formal hearing:

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i. Notification of the charges shall be sent to the student’s parents or guardian by certified mail.

ii. At least 3 days’ notice of the time and place

of the hearing must be given. A copy of the expulsion policy, notice that legal counsel may represent the student and hearing procedures shall be included with the hearing notice. A student may request rescheduling of the hearing when the student demonstrates good cause for an extension.

iii. The hearing shall be held in private unless

the student or parent requests a public hearing.

iv. The student may be represented by counsel,

at the expense of the parents or guardians, and may have a parent or guardian attend the hearing.

v. The student has the right to be presented

with the name of witnesses against the student, and copies of the statements and affidavits of those witnesses.

vi. The student has the right to request that any

such witnesses appear in person and answer questions or be cross-examined.

vii. The student has the right to testify and

present witnesses on his own behalf.

viii. A written or audio record must be kept of the hearing. The student is entitled, at the student’s expense, to a copy. A copy shall be provided at no cost to a student who is indigent.

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ix. The proceeding must be held within 15 days of the notification of charges, unless mutually agreed by both parties. A hearing may be delayed for any of the following reasons, in which case the hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible: 1. Laboratory reports are needed from law enforcement agencies; 2. Evaluations or other court or administrative proceedings are pending due to a student invoking his rights under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C.A. §1400 – 1482); 3. In cases in juvenile or criminal court involving sexual assault or serious bodily injury, delay is necessary due to the condition or best interests of the victim.

x. Notice of a right to appeal the results of the

hearing shall be provided to the student with the expulsion decision.

b. During the period prior to the hearing and decision

of the board of school directors in a expulsion case, the student shall be placed in his normal class except if it is determined after an informal hearing that a student’s presence is his normal class would constitute a threat to the health, safety, morals or welfare of others. If it is not possible to hold a formal hearing within the period of a suspension, the student may be excluded from school for more than 10 school days. A student may not be excluded from school for longer than 15 school days without a formal hearing unless mutually agreed upon by both parties. Any student so excluded shall be provided with alternative education which may include home study.

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c. Students who are less than 17 years of age are still subject to the compulsory school attendance law even though expelled, and they must be provided an education.

i. The initial responsibility for providing the

required education rests with the student’s parents or guardians, through placement in another school, through tutorial or correspondence study or through another education program approved by the District’s Superintendent.

ii. Within 30 days of action by the Board, the

parents or guardians shall submit to the District written evidence that the required education is being provided as described in paragraph (a) or that they are unable to do so. If the parents or guardians are unable to provide the required education, the District shall, within 10 days of receipt or the notification, make provision for the student’s education. A student with a disability shall be provided educational services as required by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. (20 U.S.C.A. §1400 – 1482)

iii. If the approved educational program is not

complied with, the District may take action in accordance with 42 Pa. C.S. Chapter 63 of the Juvenile Act (42 Pa. C.S. 776301-6308), to ensure that the child will receive a proper education.

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F. Suspension of Exceptional Students

Exclusions affecting certain exceptional students shall be governed by 22 PA Code 7713.62 and 341.91 (relating to right to education and disciplinary exclusions of certain handicapped students from special education placement).

V. Corporal Punishment

A. Corporal punishment is defined as a form of physical discipline

that is intended to cause pain and fear such as when a student is spanked, paddled, or hit on any part of the body with a hand or instrument. Use of corporal punishment is prohibited.

B. Teachers and school authorities may use reasonable force under

the following circumstances:

1. To quell a disturbance. 2. To obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous

objects. 3. For the purpose of self-defense. 4. For the protection of persons or property.

VI. Student Absences and Excuses

A. The Public School Code requires all resident and migratory children of compulsory school age to attend an approved day school, except for students who are home-schooled or receiving home-bound instruction. Mental, physical or other "urgent reasons" are considered proper excuses for non-attendance but the law specifically states that the term "urgent reasons" shall be strictly construed and shall not permit irregular attendance. Students returning to school after periods of absence are required to submit parents' written explanations for such absences, and certification by a health care provider of medical reasons for absences may be required.

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B. The school can be effective in educating a child only if the child is in school. Therefore, every effort should be exerted to have every child attend school regularly. Poor school attendance is usually symptomatic of a more serious problem. School personnel must work with parents to help the child resolve the underlying problem. In those cases where the underlying problem cannot be resolved, the school must still make every effort to have the child attend regularly. To this end, the Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of developing administrative regulations to carry out the objective of having every child attend school regularly. In addition, the Superintendent shall direct each principal to develop procedures for attendance within the respective school.

C. Categories of absences include:

1. Excused Absences: Permissible excused absences from

District Schools are: (1) personal illness, (2) doctor/dental appointments, (3) approved tutorial programs not offered by the district, (4) quarantine, (5) death in the immediate family, (6) traditionally-recognized religious holidays, (7) religious instruction as defined below, (8) approved educational travel, (9) approved 4-H/FFA/FHA participation in authorized Pennsylvania agricultural fairs, (10) court appearances and (11) other urgent reasons as approved by the District.

2. Unexcused Absences: The following constitute

unexcused absences: (1) lack of a valid written excuse from the parent/guardian (and/or licensed health care provider, where deemed appropriate by the Principal), (2) absence because of parental neglect, (3) unapproved educational travel, (4) oversleeping, (5) working at home, and (6) other reasons not sanctioned under excused absences.

3. Unlawful Absences: Any unexcused absence for pupils

of compulsory school age is also unlawful. Except as may be provided otherwise by applicable law, compulsory school age is the time from when the pupil

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enters first grade (but no later than age 8) to age 17 or graduation from high school, whichever occurs first. When a student is unlawfully absent, a notice will be sent to the parent/guardian.

4. Exceptions: In unusual circumstances a child may not be

able to attend school for severe psychological or medical reasons. In such cases, parents must notify the Principal, provide supporting documentation from a licensed health care provider, and work with school officials to develop a plan to ensure that the child receives an appropriate education and that the parent does not violate state attendance laws. Temporary excuses based on medical, psychological or other urgent reasons may not exceed three (3) months: excusals anticipated to be over three (3) months shall be reviewed in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines.

D. Each school shall publish and distribute a daily absentee list to

the staff during the school day.

E. School contact with parents is to be made on the third day of consecutive absence of a student. In the case of students suspected of truancy, the contact is to be made the first day of absence.

F. Readmitting Absent Students - Excuses: Upon returning from

an absence, a parent/guardian's written excuse or other appropriate verification note (including but not limited to certification by a licensed health care provider of medical reasons for absence where deemed appropriate by the Principal) must be presented to the homeroom teacher within three school days. If the excuse is not given to the homeroom teacher by the third day after return, the absence will be considered unexcused. The excuse must include the following information:

1. Full name of student

2. Date of absence 3. Reason for absence

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4. Signature of parent/guardian (and/or licensed health care provider, where applicable)

The foregoing also applies to tardies.

G. Tardiness: Students who are not inside their assigned

homerooms or classrooms when the late bell rings are considered tardy. Tardiness is considered excused or unexcused for the same reasons as excused or unexcused absences.

H. Early Dismissals: Parents and students are strongly encouraged

to make personal appointments before or after school hours since being dismissed early from school can cause a disruption to the educational process. A written request for an early dismissal including the reason for the request must be submitted in advance by a parent and a parent must personally appear at the school to request a child’s release. The District may also require students who receive approved early dismissals for medical or dental appointments to bring an appointment notice from the medical provider when the excuse is issued or when the student returns from the appointment. In exceptional circumstances, prior written notice may be waived. Parents of high school students who have a parking permit and who will be transporting themselves to an appointment must also call the attendance office prior to the dismissal.

I. Class Cuts: Schools will develop a plan for immediate

reporting and follow-up of students in school but not attending an assigned class. Accumulated class cuts can be converted to absences and used as a basis for legal action. A student who cuts class is subject to discipline by the teacher or principal and the parents shall be notified.

J. Pre-Approved Absences Including Educational Travel: The

District recognizes that students may need to travel with parents for valid educational or family reasons. In such cases, pre-approval is required. Students requesting permission for such travel with parents must complete a Pre-Approved Absence Request Form at least five days in advance of the proposed trip,

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which when completed will explain their reason for the request and the duration of the trip. All trips must have some educational or family value for the student as predetermined by the Principal in order to be counted as an excused absence. A pre-approved absence is to be no more than five school days in length and is to be taken with a parent(s) or person(s) in a parental relationship.

Students are required to make up any class work or tests that are missed during the pre-approved absence. The District urges parents to refrain from scheduling pre-approved absences during the first or last week of the school year or during specified days when standardized tests or semester or final exams are being administered. Approval may be denied during these periods. Students absent ten or more days of the semester will be refused permission. Also, students who, in the opinion of the Principal, as advised by professional staff, are performing less than satisfactorily will not be given permission to leave on a pre-approved absence. If the trip is taken without permission, the absence will be treated as an unexcused/unlawful absence.

K. Religious Holidays/Religious Instruction: Provisions are to be

made in each school to excuse pupils from school for observance of bona fide religious holidays. A pupil's absence from school for bona fide religious holidays shall be recorded as an excused absence. There shall be no penalty attached to such an absence. In addition, students may be released from school for a total of not more than 36 hours per year in order to attend classes for religious instruction. In advance of the student's release, the parent or person acting in a parental role must identify and describe the instruction and the dates and hours for which the release time is requested. The parent must, following each such absence, furnish in writing to the Superintendent a statement attesting that the child did in fact attend the instruction and the dates and hours when such attendance took place.

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Release time for religious instruction is considered an excused absence. The student is responsible for making up the work, quizzes, and/or tests missed during the released time.

L. School-Sanctioned Activities: Students may be released from

school for approved participation in school-sponsored field trips, performances and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The student is responsible for making up the work, quizzes and/or tests during the released time. Students who, with approval, are participating in school sponsored activities are considered present. A Principal may deny requests to attend school sanctioned activities where the Principal, with the input of professional staff, determines that the student's grades and/or attendance record indicate that the request to miss class for the activity should not be granted.

M. Make Up Work: Students who are absent from school or are

attending a school-sanctioned activity are required to make up the work missed in each class. It is the student's responsibility to make up work and pursue the successful completion of all class work missed.

N. Excessive Absenteeism: Absences beyond five days in a nine

week report period should be cause for having the counselor involved with the student.

Students who miss 10 consecutive school days will be dropped from the active membership roll unless the school has evidence that the absence is legal or is pursuing compulsory attendance prosecution.

A maximum of ten days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification (excluding absences that have been pre-approved by the principal) may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten cumulative days shall require an excuse from a physician.

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O. Penalties for Unlawful Absence for Pupils of Compulsory School Age

1. First Offense: When a student has accumulated three

days (or their equivalent) of unlawful absence as verified by the Principal or his/her designee, the parent is notified by certified mail by the Superintendent (or a Principal as the Superintendent's designee) with the First Offense Notice. The First Offense Notice shall advise the parent (1) of the dates of unlawful absences, and (2) that if another unlawful absence occurs more than three days after the date of the First Notice, the District will refer the matter to the district justice who may find a parent, guardian, etc., or student, guilty of a summary offense for failure to comply with compulsory attendance laws.

• TEPs - After the third unlawful absence, a

school/family conference will be held to discuss the cause of the child's truancy and develop a mutually agreed-upon Truancy Elimination Plan (TEP). At the end of the conference, all parties should sign a comprehensive TEP that is agreed to by the school representative, the child and the parents and/or family.

2. Subsequent Offenses: A subsequent offense is any

additional unlawful student absence (1) occurring after agreement to a TEP, or (2) if there is no agreement on a TEP, more than three days have passed after the date of the first notice.

An official notice of unlawful absence will be sent home by certified mail. The purpose of this correspondence is to inform the child's parent that the TEP has been violated, or, if there is no TEP, to inform the parent that the compulsory attendance requirements have been violated and to advise that the District will file the case with the district justice pursuant to applicable law without further notice.

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3. The District and/or the district justice may also refer the

child to the appropriate agency for services or possible disposition as a dependent child, pursuant to applicable law.

4. Students convicted of violating compulsory attendance

laws face suspension of their driver's license or ineligibility to apply for a driver's license.

P. State regulations require that parents be provided copies of the

district's attendance policy yearly, including the consequences and penalties associated with violation of school attendance requirements. To ensure that parents are aware of these issues, forms that include acknowledgement and understanding of attendance policies are to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the school.

VII. School Bus Discipline

A. All students shall be subject to disciplinary action for all acts of disobedience or misbehavior (“Misconduct”) while riding school buses and while present at bus stops, proceeding to and from school, or in relation to school activities.

B. The bus driver shall be responsible for maintaining order on the

school bus. The driver shall not inflict any corporal punishment and shall not discharge any student from the bus other than at the student’s regular stop or the appropriate school. In the event of misconduct by any student, the driver shall immediately report such misconduct to the Director of Transportation or the School Principal where the student is in attendance.

C. The School Principal (or designee) shall consult with the

Director of Transportation (or his designee) who shall recommend whether or not disciplinary action should be taken. If such action is recommended, the bus driver shall file with the School Principal (or designee) an appropriate written report of the misconduct which shall include a statement that the child

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knows or should have known that his acts amount to misconduct and that the student was given an opportunity to explain his conduct and the nature of the explanation, if any, and the Director of Transportation and bus driver shall also provide other information upon request by the Principal (or designee).

D. Upon receipt of the written report of misconduct on the school

bus, the Principal (or designee) shall review the student’s misconduct. At the discretion of the Principal, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. However, for the first incident of misconduct, not involving serious harm (or threat of such harm) to persons or property only a warning shall be given to the student and the parents of the student shall be notified of the incident.

E. The following are among types of misconduct which may lead

to loss of school bus riding privileges or other disciplinary action:

1. Engaging in actions endangering the safe operation of the

bus or the safety of other persons or the property of other parties;

2. Drinking any beverages on the bus;

3. Smoking, use or possession of any tobacco products,

lighting matches or lighters;

4. Carrying or consuming any type of narcotic or drug, other as indicated as permissible in School Board Policy 6001 related to the administration of medication.

5. Throwing objects in bus or out bus windows;

6. Extending any part of body from bus windows;

7. Failure to remain seated while bus is in motion;

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8. Making noise louder than necessary to reasonably communicate with those in close proximity on the bus;

9. Violating School Board Policies such as those relating to

weapons, bullying, harassment, terroristics threats, and using language reasonably expected to either significantly offend sensibilities of other children involuntarily subjected to hearing it, or to significantly disrupt discipline;

10. Defacing, damaging or destroying the bus or its

equipment;

11. Refusing to obey the bus driver;

12. Fighting; and

13. Violation of laws.

F. Single acts of minor misconduct, that is, conduct not involving serious harm (or threats of such harm) to persons or property may result in the student being deprived of his privilege to ride the school bus or temporary suspension from school, and or other appropriate disciplinary measures. Major misconduct, that is, misconduct involving serious harm (or the threat of such harm) to persons or property or a series of acts of minor misconduct may result in permanent deprivation of the student’s privilege to ride the school bus, suspension from school, expulsion or other appropriate disciplinary measures.

VIII. Search and Seizure A. Introduction 1. The reasonableness of a search of public school students,

including their property, lockers, and vehicles, as related to the Fourth Amendment requires a balancing of the individual's rights against those of society taking into account all of the circumstances. The following factors are to be considered in making such determination:

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a. The duties and responsibilities of the school

officials, with the primary purpose and justification of any search being the protection of the health, safety and welfare of students, faculty, school property and the educational process;

b. The students' ages and conduct records; c. The reasonable suspicion that an unlawful act has

been committed or has the reasonable likelihood of being committed;

d. The seriousness and/or prevalence of the problem

to which the search is directed.

B. Background and Procedures

1. Student lockers and desks are school property and remain at all times under the control of the school. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time without notice and without consent. Students are fully responsible for the security of their lockers.

2. Periodic locker inspections may be conducted by the

administration at any time during the school year. The search of a particular locker will only be made upon reasonable suspicion that the student's locker may contain controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons, or when there has been a violation of a school rule or regulation.

3. When there is reasonable suspicion to believe that

controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons may be located in a student's locker or personal property or there is reason to believe a student is using the locker or personal property in such a way as to endanger his or her health or safety, or the health, safety

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and/or rights of others or in violation of law or school rule, the principal and/or his assistant or designee may authorize a search of such property for the purpose of discovering and removing such items. Such controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons may be used as evidence in any criminal or disciplinary proceedings.

4. Emergency situations may necessitate a search with or

without the student's knowledge or consent. Whenever possible the student should be made aware that a search will, is or has taken place.

5. For any search beyond the student's outer clothing, the

principal and/or his or her assistant or designee must have one of the following reasons for reasonable suspicion.

a. Shall have received reliable information from an

individual that he or she has seen controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons recently in the possession of the student to be searched, or

b. Shall have personally observed controlled

substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons in possession of the student, or

c. Shall possess information that the student has

admitted to the possession of the controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons.

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6. With regard to searches, the following apply: a. A student who refuses the request for a search by

an administrator that is proper and reasonable may be disciplined under the District’s discipline policy. Action may include suspension or referral to the Board for an expulsion hearing.

b. The search shall be conducted in an appropriate,

private area. c. The search will be conducted only with members

of the same sex of the student present. d. Every reasonable effort will be made to notify a

student's parent/guardian before a search is conducted.

7. Where there is a reasonable suspicion that a student's

vehicle or another's vehicle that a student has brought onto school property may contain controlled substances, narcotics, contraband, illegal and/or prohibited items including but not limited to weapons, the principal, his or her assistant or designee may conduct a search of such vehicle and seize items that would constitute evidence of a violation of law or school rules.

8. Parents shall be informed as soon as practicable upon the

discovery of any item in their child's possession or control that would be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the child or others and/or the possession of which constitutes a violation of law or school rule or which may be used as evidence in a criminal or disciplinary proceeding.

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ADOPTED: September 14, 1981 REVISED: September 9, 1985 REVISED: May 12, 1986 REVISED: August 22, 1988 REVISED: November 13, 1989 REVISED: June 25, 1990 REVISED: September 27, 1993 REVISED: September 26, 1994 REVISED: August 26, 1996 REVISED: July 20, 1998 REVISED: August 23, 1999 REVISED: February 26, 2007 REVISED: March 23, 2009

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2009-03-23 - Board Meeting Report2009-2010 PROPOSED SCHOOL CALENDAR - 3-23-09 - REVISED PROPOSED2009-2010 Proposed School Calendar 1 - 3-23-09 - Revised AdoptedSheet1

2009-2010 Proposed School Calendar 2 - 3-23-09 Revised AdoptedProposed Model Calendar Grid

6008 - Student Conduct, Responsibilities, Rights and Disciplinary ProceduresI. Code of Student Conduct PolicyIn accordance with the State Board of Education Regulations, Chapter 12, the following Code of Student Conduct is adopted.The Board of School Directors has the authority to make reasonable and necessary rules governing the conduct of students in school. The rule making power, however, is not unlimited; it must operate within statutory and constitutional restraints. A school board has only those powers which are enumerated in the statutes of this Commonwealth, or which may reasonably be implied or necessary for the orderly operation of the school. School boards may not make rules which are arbitrary, capricious or outside their grant of authority from the General Assembly. Their rules must stand the test of fairness and reasonableness. A rule is generally considered reasonable if it uses a rational means of accomplishing some legitimate school purpose.To offer the maximum educational experience to each student, the Board believes that the school environment must be characterized by discipline. Hopefully, this discipline will be self-imposed on the part of the student. Until the student develops self-discipline, external controls are necessary and should contribute to and stimulate the development of self-discipline.There are also students in school who for a myriad of reasons are unable to develop self-discipline. For these students, a set of external controls are absolutely necessary.It is for this reason that the Board directs the school administrative staff to develop reasonable rules and regulations dealing with student discipline in the school and to define and publish the types of offenses that would lead to exclusion from school. Exclusions affecting certain students with disabilities shall be governed by §14.143 (relating to disciplinary placements) and 34 CFR 300.519-300.529 (relating to disciplinary procedures). The Board will support the administration and faculty in their efforts to develop a school environment conducive to providing the optimum educational experiences for each student. This conduct code shall be published and distributed to students and parents or guardians. Copies of the code shall also be available in each school library.The Board also believes that the preservation of individual rights is absolutely necessary. Therefore, due process must be accorded every individual.3. Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and health and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes.4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein.5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws.A. Flag Salute and the Pledge of Allegiance

II. Student RightsA. Free Education and AttendanceB. Discrimination