Dallastown area school district
STUDENT/GUARDIAN HANDBOOKS
Thank you for visiting the Dallastown Area School District Student/Guardian Handbook(s). The homepage of this site covers District-wide handbook information, valid for all grade levels K-12. The grade level tabs provide additional building specific handbook information.
Questions regarding handbook items should be directed to your child's building principal or communications@dallastown.net.
It is important to note that Board policy changes are approved by the Board and this handbook will consistently reflect current Board policies. Should building specific handbook information change, communication will be made by the building principal via SchoolMessenger.
Thank you for reviewing this important handbook information prior to the start of each school year.
**BOARD POLICIES TO REVIEW**
Students, staff, and families are strongly encouraged to review ALL board policies. Important topics are included below for quick reference.
103. Non Discrimination in School and Classroom Practices
124. Title IX/Non Discrimination Based on Sex
204. Attendance
210. Medications
210.1. Possession/Administration of Asthma Inhalers/Epinephrine Auto-Injectors
210.2. Accommodating Students With Diabetes
218. Student Discipline
218.1. Weapons
218.2 Terroristic Threats
220. Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials
221-AR-1. Dress and Appearance
222. Tobacco and Vaping Products
227. Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia
235. Student Rights
249-AR-1. Bullying/Cyberbullying
815.1. Acceptable Use of Personal Technology Devices
823. Naloxone
The summaries contained in this handbook are not meant to take the place of adopted policies or regulations of the Dallastown Area Board of School Directors or Dallastown Area School District administrative procedures or guidelines. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations may change at any time during the school year. The Dallastown Area Board of School Directors updates policies as changes occur. Questions about Dallastown Area School District policies should be directed to the school principal or the Office of the Assistant Superintendent at (717) 244-4021.
Annual notices
Click HERE to access the Dallastown Area School District Annual Notices
ATTENDANCE
Compulsory School Age –The period of a child's life from the time the child's person in parental relation elect to have the child enter school, which shall be not later than at the age of six (6) years, until the age of eighteen (18) years.
Definition of an Absence – A student is considered absent if they are not physically participating in instruction or instruction-related activities on school grounds or at an approved off-grounds location fifty percent (50%) or more of a school day. Each day that a student is absent for fifty percent (50%) or more of the school day is to be counted as a full day absence. Students absent fifty percent (50%) or more of a school day (full day absence) will be ineligible to participate in the extracurricular activity.
Excused (Lawful) Absences:
Illness, including if a student is dismissed by designated district staff during school hours for health-related reasons.
Obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory.
Quarantine.
Family emergency.
Recovery from an accident.
Required court attendance.
Death in the family.
Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior written request.
Observance of a religious holiday observed by bona fide religious group, upon prior written parental request.
Military training (such as National Guard) during the summer months that may impact a student's attendance during the first ten (10) days of the new school year.
College or postsecondary institution visit, with prior approval.
Other urgent reasons. Urgent reasons shall be strictly construed and do not permit irregular attendance.
Method of Reporting Absences:
Parents/guardians are responsible to report each day or the range of days, for “Administrator Approved Absences”, that their child is absent. Parents will report absences through Skyward using the Skyward App or a desktop, Skyward Family Access.
Once login is completed, the Parent/Guardian will:
click on the “Attendance” tile
click on the “Absence Requests” tab
click on the + (plus sign)”Add Absence Request” on the far right
The parent/guardian will then complete the requested fields
Start Date
End Date
If the absence is for all day move to step #4 if the absence is for an appointment/partial day uncheck the “All Day” box and enter the start and end times
Add an attendance reason from the dropdown menu
Add a brief explanation the “comment” box
Check the “Copy attendance request to” box in order to duplicate the request for your other children (optional)
Click “Save” in the upper left corner to submit the request
If the parent/guardian experiences difficulties with Skyward and/or internet connectivity you may call your child’s building secretary and leave a voicemail –
Containing:
First and Last name of parent/guardian making the contact
First and Last name of student
Reason for absence(s)
Date(s) of absence(s)
The school office must receive notification of absence within THREE school days of the last day of the absence for the absence to be classified excused. If DASD does not receive parent/guardian notification, the absence will be classified illegal. Absence classification after the 3 day grace period is at the discretion of the building administrator.
How does my child’s absence get classified as medically excused?
One of these two forms must be received by the building secretary (emailed or delivered in-person) within three school days of the last day of absence:
DASD Medical Excuse Form: www.dallastown.net select your child’s building; select Parents Tab; print form
Physician’s Note on the physician’s official office stationery
What is the District response to accumulated absences?
Absences without a physician’s note (within one school calendar year):
If your child is absent without a physician’s note:
6 absences within the first 2 trimesters of the school year – A notice will be posted in Skyward Family Access to the parent/ guardian intended to raise awareness and identify root causes for the absences and explain the physician’s note requirement if absences exceed 10 days.
10 absences throughout the school year – A notice will be posted in Skyward Family Access to the parent/guardian requiring a Physician’s Note for all future absences. Absences occurring without a doctor’s note will be marked as illegal.
Administrator Approved Absences (formerly called “Educational Trips”) are limited to ten (10) days in a school year.
Physician’s notes must be a DASD Physician’s Note or written on Official Physician’s Office stationery.
Illegal Absences (within one school calendar year):
If your child is absent:
2 illegal (unexcused) days throughout the school year – A personal contact may be made to the parent /guardian to raise awareness and identify a preferred language and mode of communication.
3 illegal days throughout the school year – Official written notice of truancy will be posted in Skyward Family Access to the parent/ guardian and may be served. An Attendance Improvement Conference may be recommended.
4 -5 illegal days throughout the school year – An Attendance Improvement Conference will be required at which time an Attendance Improvement Plan will be developed and referrals to school/community-based programs may be made. Truancy citations may be filed.
6 illegal days Throughout the school year– Referrals may be made to school/community-based Attendance Improvement Programs. Referrals may be made to York County Children and Youth. Truancy citations may be filed.
Citations will still be filed for truancy (3 or more illegal days in a calendar school year) but only after an Attendance Improvement Conference has been held. Parents may be cited for truant students 14 years of age and under. Parents and/or the child may be cited for truant students 15-16 years old.
Tardiness/Early Dismissal
If a student comes to school late or leaves early without prior approval and misses ≥ 50%/of that day, the incident is regarded as a full day absence. Arriving late and departing early without prior approval ≤ 49% may be subject to school discipline but will not count against a student’s attendance record. Students absent 50% or more of a school day (full day absence) will be ineligible to participate in the extracurricular activity.
Appointments
The student should bring a parent note to the school office before school to obtain an early dismissal slip. Upon returning to school, the student should report to the school office with a note from the designated appointment area (doctor, dentist) confirming the student’s presence at the appointment. A secretary will then provide the student with an admission slip to class. Failure to bring in a note within three days verifying the student’s presence at the appointment will deem the appointment unexcused.
Administrator Approved Absences (AAA)
The school administration has established a process by which persons in parental relation may make pre-arrangements to have their child released from school for Administrator Approved Absences during the school year. In order to have these absences considered “excused” persons in parental relation submit an Administrator Approved Absence request in Skyward. Telephone requests will not be considered. Persons in parental relation who do not submit an Administrator Approved Absence request prior to the requested absence will have their child’s absence considered illegal. Administrator Approved Absences are limited to ten (10) days in a school year.
The building principal shall determine if an absence is excused or illegal by applying the following guidelines:
If prior permission is not sought by the person in parental relation, the absence is unexcused unless emergency causes are given and verified
If a student’s frequency of absences from school prior to the request jeopardizes his educational progress, the absence may be denied
If a student is failing two (2) or more core subjects, the absence may be denied
If a student has a medical letter, the absence may be denied
Administrator Approved Absences may not be taken during PSSA or Keystone testing dates established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and posted on both the PDE website and Dallastown Area School District website.
CARES
The Dallastown CARES initiative provides a framework for inspiring and creating an equitable environment and embracing diversity. The program establishes consistent and cohesive expectations and character development at DASD. Students are introduced to these expectations at the start of the year and they are reviewed throughout the year in all grade levels.
change of address
DASD Change of Address Instructions
Parents/guardians are responsible to notify DASD if their family/student has a change of residence. They do so through Skyward Family Access. All change of address requests are processed in Skyward by the DASD Enrollment Department.
Change of Address reporting through the Skyward App or Skyward Family Access on a desktop/tablet.
Log into Skyward Family Access with username and password
Once login is successful:
click on the “Change of Address” tile
click on the “start” button
complete steps #2-6 by entering and/or uploading the required information and clicking on the “complete & next” button
Step 7 - Affirm that the information is true and correct
click on the “complete and review” button
review the entered information
click on the “submit” button
If a parent/guardian experiences technical/connectivity difficulty with Skyward, they may call the DASD Help Desk to report the issue at 717-244-4021 ext.4119
You may also click HERE for specific instructions regarding Change of Address.
chartwells food service
CAFETERIA PREPAYMENT ACCOUNT
Each student is issued a PIN number and a cafeteria account. Prepayments can be made by cash, check, or money order. Checks and money orders should be made payable to DASD Cafeteria Fund.
For your convenience, there is an online payment option at www.myschoolbucks.com, where you may use your credit or debit card to add funds to a student cafeteria account and view purchases. There is a convenience fee charged for this service and may take a few days for the funds to become available. More information is available HERE.
CAFETERIA CHARGING POLICY
If a student does not have money on account or cash, he or she may charge meals to his or her account. The student is responsible to pay for charged meals. Charging á la carte items is not permitted.
SCHOOL MENUS
School menus are available on the District website and can also be accessed at www.dallastown.nutrislice.com. If you prefer to use the free smartphone app, download School Lunch by Nutrislice from Google Play for Androids or the App Store for iPhones.
ENROLLMENT INTO DASD CYBER ACADEMY
A K-6 grade level student may elect to enroll in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy at any point between July 1 and April 30. Students newly enrolled to the district may be enrolled in the cyber program after April 30 if requested. Upon enrolling in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the student and family are minimally committed until the end of that existing trimester before a request for a transition back to the traditional setting can occur. This is to ensure consistency in the student’s scholastic programming. Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff reserve the right to recommend a transition back to the traditional setting if the student/family are not meeting the expectations outlined for a cyber student/family. If a parent/guardian elects to disregard the recommendation of the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff, and remain in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the parent/guardian must sign a waiver indicating that they have been made aware of the recommendation.
Students in grades 7 and 8 may elect to enroll in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy at any point between July 1 and April 30. Students newly enrolled to the district may be enrolled in the cyber program after April 30 if requested. Upon enrolling in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the student and family are minimally committed until the end of that existing trimester before a request for a transition back to the traditional setting can occur. This is to ensure consistency in the student’s scholastic programming. Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff reserve the right to recommend a transition back to the traditional setting if the student/family are not meeting the expectations outlined for a cyber student/family. If a parent/guardian elects to disregard the recommendation of the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff, and remain in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the parent/guardian must sign a waiver indicating that they have been made aware of the recommendation.
A 9-12 grade level student may elect to enroll in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy prior to each trimester. Upon enrolling in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the student and family are minimally committed to that current trimester before a request for a transition back to the traditional setting can occur. A student may elect to change programming at the start of each trimester. This is to ensure consistency in the student’s scholastic programming. Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff reserve the right to recommend a transition back to the traditional setting if the student/family are not meeting the expectations outlined for a cyber student/family. As stated previously, our goal is to provide students with a pathway to success and online learning is not always that pathway. If a parent/guardian elects to disregard the recommendation of the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy staff, and remain in the Dallastown Area Cyber Academy, the parent/guardian must sign a waiver indicating that they have been made aware of the recommendation.
HELPDESK
In the event that the district-issued hardware issued to the student is malfunctioning or damaged, it is critical that the school be notified immediately, and that timely action is taken to repair/replace that hardware.
Step 1:
Notify your DASD Cyber Academy teacher and your grade level DASD Cyber administrator:
Grades K-6 Dr. Terroso at barbara.terroso@dallastown.net
Grades 7-12 Mr. Probert at william.probert@dallastown.net
Step 2:
Contact the IT Call Center at CallCenter@dallastown.net
As soon as the device is repaired (typically within 24 hours) the parent/guardian will be notified that the device is ready for pick up and arrangements for pickup will be communicated.
Click HERE to access the DASD Cyber Academy Website.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Click HERE to access the informational brochure.
FEDERAL MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT
Are you or is someone you know experiencing homelessness? See Board Policy 251
It is the goal of the Dallastown School District to ensure all children and youth experiencing homelessness enroll, participate and have an opportunity to succeed in school through free and appropriate public education. Dallastown will attempt to eliminate barriers through the use of local best practices and the authorized activities of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
Homeless means “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence”. Homelessness may be caused by loss of housing, economic hardship, domestic violence, migratory work or similar reasons and may include living in motels, trailer parks, vehicles, campgrounds, transitional shelters or doubling-up in residences with other families.
The Dallastown School District family is committed to aiding with the coordination and collaboration of services to ensure each student has the access and opportunity to appropriate public education. If you or someone you know may be experiencing homelessness please check our web resources or contact Keith Dyke; Supervisor of Social and Student Services 717-244-4268 or keith.dyke@dallastown.net.
GIFTED
Click HERE to access the PA Department of Education website for Gifted Education
The Dallastown Area School District Program for the education of gifted students is designed to meet the needs of students exhibiting outstanding intellectual and creative ability. Opportunities for acceleration or enrichment, or both, are provided to students who are gifted in compliance with the regulations set forth in Chapter 16 of 22 Pa Code.
Vision/Mission Statement
Dallastown Area School District’s motto is “Dedication to Excellence.” We strive for excellence in all of our programming, including the gifted program. We believe that all students benefit from instruction that challenges them to reach meaningful academic goals. Our mission is to identify gifted students through established criteria set forth by the state of Pennsylvania and to develop appropriate programs to meet their individual academic and social/emotional needs.
health services
Please click HERE to access Dallastown Area School District's Health Services information.
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Homebound instruction is available to all students in the case of long-term illness or temporary disability (three or more weeks). Instruction can be arranged for major subject areas. Arrangements are made through the School Counseling Office for homebound instruction with written request from a licensed medical practitioner or physician.
inclement weather/school delays/wildcat remote learning days
In the event of inclement weather, the Dallastown Area School District will notify you of any school delays, cancellations, or remote learning days. The district utilizes two-hour delays, school cancellations, and a remote learning option. Specific schedules will be provided by the school.
School delays, cancellations, or remote learning days are communicated via email, phone, social media, and news outlets.
PATHWAYS
The DASD career pathways framework is designed as an effective school stakeholder career advancement tool to support individual student career plans and pathway opportunities. The framework, in combination with other school district resources and opportunities, is in place to enhance student exploration of workforce needs and expectations, as well as solidify student post-secondary plans.
Throughout the elementary and intermediate school experience, students explore career interests and are introduced to the multitude of career pathways. Throughout their middle school experience, they continue to explore career possibilities, select a desired career pathway, and develop a career plan. During a student’s high school experience is when they advance their career plans and pathway opportunities, explore workforce needs and expectations, as well as solidify post-secondary plans.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO OF STUDENT AND ACTIVITIES
The staff of Dallastown Area School District, or those acting on behalf of the educational mission of the district, including publicity, marketing, and promotion of district programs, may take photographs or videos of individual students, classroom activities, sporting events, and/or activities of the music and arts. For district publications, including memory books and yearbooks, the identification of students is limited to name, school, grade, and activity. Student photos without identification may also be used on the district website and/or social media sites. If you prefer that photographs of your child individually not be used in printed, video, or electronic publications of the district, you should submit a written request to your child’s building principal. Upon receipt of such a request, the district will take all reasonable efforts to comply. The request will remain in effect until the district has been otherwise informed in writing.
POLICY AND STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Dallastown Area School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504/A.D.A. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Mr. Troy Fisher, Title IX Coordinator; for information regarding services, activities, and facilities accessible to and usable by disabled persons, contact Mr. Jim Heilman, Director of Buildings & Grounds. Mr. Fisher and Mr. Heilman may be contacted at 700 New School, Dallastown,PA 17313.
SAFETY
Emergency Preparedness and Response (DASD School Board Policy # 805)
Integrated Pest Management (DASD School Board Policy # 716)
SAFE2SAY HOTLINE (DASD School Board Policy # 805-AR-1)
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
The Asbestos Emergency Management Response Act (AHERA) requires school districts to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and develop, maintain and update an asbestos management plan. Dallastown Area School District provides the following annual notice for students, parents and the public, in accordance with the regulations set forth by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).
Security Cameras
Cameras have been installed inside and outside of the building to monitor student behavior and to maintain a safe and orderly environment. Recordings made with these cameras will be used by school staff to investigate and provide information for disciplinary issues
Safe Air Sensors
Safe air sensors have been installed in Secondary Campus restrooms as a preventative measure against the inappropriate use of vaping devices.
SKYWARD
Student Management System – Online Home Access
Parents/guardians have 24-hour access to their children’s grades through Skyward. This access provides information about your child’s classes, graded assignments, and report card grades, including comments. It also provides information about your child’s enrollment and school attendance. It is accessible to parents at any time via a link on the Dallastown Area School District website or by clicking HERE.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special Education is a program designed for students whose needs cannot be met in the regular education program. These programs include services for students with learning, mental and physical disabilities, as well as mentally gifted students. All special education programs are in compliance with guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act '04. For additional information regarding our special education services, contact Brett Frey, Director of Special Education at (717) 378-0054.
The Dallastown Area School District is in the process of completing the Special Education Plan. A draft of this plan can be accessed via the link below. We are currently in a public review period for this plan. Please direct any input or questions to Brett Frey, Director of Special Education, at brett.frey@dallastown.net.
Click HERE to access the Special Education Website.
TECHNOLOGY
Computer/Technology Use
The computer network at Dallastown has been set up to allow Internet access for educational purposes. This includes classroom activities, research activities, peer review of assigned work, and the exchange of project-related ideas, opinions, and questions via email, message boards, and other means. An Acceptable Use of Technology Policy has been approved by the school board. Abuse of internet and/or computer use, as per the policy, may result in cancellation of user privilege.
Student Accounts on Web-based Tools (K-8):
Our school district provides its students with the most effective web-based tools and applications for learning. Many of these tools, like Study Island, KidBlog, and Moodle, for example, are not operated by the district, but by third parties. In order for our students to use third party services, certain student information might be requested by the service provider (typically a student name, password, user name, or email address). Under federal law entitled the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), these websites and content providers must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. With parental permission, instead of every web site and online service contacting the parent personally, the law permits the school to act as the parent’s agent and can consent to the collection of this student information on the parent’s behalf. A complete list of the “Web-based Resources” with their privacy policies and terms of service can be found HERE. This list is updated regularly and available for families to continually check the resources made available to students. Signing the student handbook will serve as your acknowledgement for reviewing the information and granting the school permission to serve as the parent’s agent. If you have any concerns, please contact the building principal.
As part of the District’s 1:1/1-to-World program, our students in grades K-12 will be provided a device that allows them to access the learning resources that are embedded into their instruction. This device is provided to the student for use in-school and outside the classroom. Prior to receiving a device, students and their parent/guardian will be required to review information related to the device and associated School Board Policies. Information related to the 1-to-World program is located HERE. Please be sure to review these items with your child.
TRANSPORTATION
School Buses: Bus service is provided by Reliance Student Transportation, LLC. Questions regarding routes, stops, and late buses should be directed to the district’s transportation department at 717-244-4021 ext. 4293 between 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Bus/Van Safety: School bus and van transportation are a privilege and a convenience. DASD and Reliance Student Transportation make student safety a top priority and have expectations of students when they are utilizing school transportation. The expectations are:
The driver has authority on the bus and is responsible to control the bus and the conduct of the passengers. When a driver is accompanied by a principal, teacher or coach the DASD employee will have responsibility for passenger conduct.
Help to keep the bus clean and free of debris/trash.
Keep all objects and parts of your body inside the bus.
Remain in your assigned seat for the entire ride.
Only enter and exit the bus when the vehicle is at a complete stop.
Always enter or exit the bus through the front door. The rear door is only to be used in an emergency or for an evacuation drill.
Look both ways for approaching vehicles before crossing in front of the bus. Only cross a road when you are sure that it is safe to do so.
All busses and vans are equipped with audio and video surveillance. When requested, Reliance Student Transportation provides the Dallastown Area School District video and audio recordings of driver and student interaction/behavior. Misbehavior creates an unsafe environment and will not be tolerated. Persistent disregard for the bus expectations may result in a suspension or revocation of transportation privileges. Parents/guardians of students who have their transportation privileges suspended or revoked will be responsible to provide their own transportation.
Bus Evacuation Drills: To ensure student safety in the event of a bus emergency, drills will be conducted as necessary throughout the year to instruct students and assess safety factors.
Parents/guardians should submit all requests for transportation changes, routing or general questions to the DASD Transportation Coordinator. Reports of student misconduct should be directed to the student's DASD principal or Dean of Students. Reports of driver misconduct should be directed to Reliance Student Transportation LLC. at 717-501-5537.
Bus Passes and Exceptions: Temporary bus stop passes will only be considered for extreme emergencies. Requests for bus assignment exceptions should be made through the DASD Transportation Coordinator.
VISITORS
All parents, guardians and other visitors entering our schools and/or interacting with our students must verify their identity through the Raptor visitor management system. All visitors will be required to present a valid driver’s license or official state photo identification for scanning purposes. Raptor allows our schools to electronically check all visitors against a sexual offender database, produce a visitor badge, monitor all visitors once inside our buildings, and ensure students are released to those authorized to sign them out. The overall goal of implementing Raptor is to better control access to all Dallastown Area School District’s buildings; thus providing enhanced protection for our students and staff.
SCHOOL INSURANCE
An insurance program is offered each fall at a nominal fee. This policy can also be purchased on a 24-hour, twelve-month basis. The district covers all athletes and band members at no charge while the student is participating in a school-sponsored activity.