MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that we make our programs and services accessible to individuals with qualifying disabilities. If you need auxiliary aides or services in order to participate in or attend a district activity, call your lock school or the school district at least seventy two (72) hours in advance (two week notice preferred).

Asbestos

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires that each school district notify parents and employees annually regarding asbestos-related activities. In the fall of 1988, all of our school buildings were inspected for asbestos-containing materials by accredited personnel. Since that time, we have conducted periodic surveillance checks every six months and re-inspected our buildings every three years as required. This is done to ensure that the asbestos is properly maintained. Except for floor tile, most of the asbestos in our district is limited to non-public areas, such as mechanical rooms and above ceilings. When properly maintained, asbestos does not present a hazard. District 279 has limited its asbestos removal to areas where renovation or maintenance activities are planned. Management plans are on file and available for review in each building with asbestos-containing materials. Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the district’s Health and Safety Coordinator at (763) 391-7191.

Criminal History Background Checks

Osseo Area Schools ISD 279 is committed to maintaining a safe and healthful environment in the school district in order to promote the physical, social, and psychological well-being of its students. To that end, the school district will seek a criminal history background check on all individuals who are offered employment in a school and on all individuals, except enrolled student volunteers, who are offered the opportunity to provide athletic coaching services or other extracurricular academic coaching services to a school, regardless of whether any compensation is paid. The school district may also decide to seek a criminal history background check on any individual who seeks to enter a school or its grounds for the purpose of serving as a school volunteer or working as an independent contractor or student employee.

Indoor Air Quality

The district has established an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan that includes procedures for maintaining good air quality in our buildings. The plan includes forms for reporting concerns that may be related to air quality. Building staff will conduct an initial investigation. If the problem remains unresolved, the district Health and Safety Department will follow up and perform testing as needed. Questions should be directed to the principal or the district’s Health and Safety Coordinator at 763-391-7191.

Because of potential health implications for our students with allergies and asthma, animals are not allowed in school without permission from the principal. We need to make sure that no students in the affected area will be negatively impacted by the animals first. Certified therapy dogs will be permitted no more than three days per week.

Latex-Safe Schools

To safeguard the health of students and staff having latex allergies, the district has taken steps to minimize exposure to natural rubber latex. No latex balloons are allowed, except when used for curriculum purposes with prior approval from the principal. Students with latex allergies should notify the Health Services Specialist at their school so that accommodations can be made.

Pets

Absolutely no pets will be allowed in school unless it is part of a class assignment – then only if care has been arranged a day in advance.

Professional Qualifications

Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualification of the student’s classroom teachers. You can check a teacher’s professional qualifications on the Minnesota Department of Education website. http://education.state.mn.us/mde/edexc/licen/

Purchasing Spirit Apparel

Any apparel being printed by/for a group, team or organization using a slogan or design must be approved by the administration before it is ordered. Spirit wear is available online on the OSH home page.

Wellness

Contained in ISD 279 Policy 533 – Wellness is a response to the growing problems of childhood obesity and the health problems associated with poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity. This policy recognizes that nutrition education and physical education are essential components of the educational process and that good health fosters student attendance and learning.

A healthy school environment promotes and protects student learning by encouraging healthy eating and physical activity. To that end, the policy outlines the school guidelines for promoting a health environment. Our school district encourages the involvement of students, parents, and staff in monitoring and reviewing district nutrition and physical activity practices. The policy is required by federal statute.