School District Policies & Procedures

LASD Policy 815 Acceptable Use of Computer Networks outlines the use of hardware, software, and networks to support instruction and learning.   All students should practice good digital citizenship by taking steps to remain safe online, protecting one's personal information, communicating responsibly and respectfully with others, verifying the accuracy of digital sources, crediting sources of information, and abiding by the guidelines for using technology equipment and networks.   

Every accident in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or at any event sponsored by the school must be reported to the supervisor or teacher in charge and to the school office.

The student or parent/guardian must report all changes of address to the school's secretary or student services coordinator.  Any changes to a parent/guardian's contact information such as home telephone number, cell phone number, email, or place of work should be updated on the emergency contact form.  If these change occur during the school year, the parent/guardian should contact the school secretary or student services coordinator.   

The District prohibits any student from being under the influence, using, possessing, distributing or selling any drug, drug look-alike, drug paraphernalia, or any ordinary item used to mimic any drug or drug paraphernalia, on school property, on school vehicles (including any buses contracted by the LASD), at school activities, or at any school sponsored functions. Violation of the Drug and Alcohol Policy will result in discipline based on the individual circumstances.

The District may require participation in drug counseling, rehabilitation, testing or other programs as a condition of reinstatement into the school’s education, extracurricular, or athletic programs, from which a student has been excluded as a result of violations of this policy.

Reference LASD Policy 227 Controlled Substances/Paraphernalia

The District permits students to possess asthma inhalers and to self-administer the prescribed medication used to treat asthma when such is parent-authorized. Possession and use of asthma inhalers by students shall be in accordance with state law and Board policy.  Before a student may possess or use an asthma inhaler during school hours, the Board shall require the following:

1.  A written request from the parent/guardian that the school complies with the order of the licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

2. A statement from the parent/guardian acknowledging that the school is not responsible for ensuring the medication is taken and relieving the district and its employees of responsibility for the benefits or consequences of the prescribed medication.

3.  A written statement from the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that states:

a.  Name of the drug.

b.  Prescribed dosage.

c.  Times medication is to be taken.

d.  Length of time medication is prescribed.

e.  Diagnosis or reason medication is needed, unless confidential.

f. Potential serious reaction or side effects of medication.

g.  Emergency response.

h.  If child is qualified and able to self-administer the medication.

The student shall be made aware that the asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector is intended for his/her use only and may not be shared with other students. The student shall notify the school nurse immediately following each use of an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector during the school day.

Violations of this policy by a student may result in loss of privileges to self-administer. The District reserves the right to require a statement from the licensed physician, certified registered nurse practitioner or physician assistant for the continued use of a medication beyond the specified time period. Permission for possession and use of an asthma inhaler or epinephrine auto-injector by a student shall be effective for the school year for which it is granted and shall be renewed each subsequent school year.

Reference LASD Policy 210.2 Possession/Administration of Asthma Inhalers/Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

The District uses multiple forms of assessment to monitor and report student progress.   These assessment include state assessment, curriculum-based assessments, formative assessments, and summative assessments.   Assessments may be developed by teachers and specific to a course, as well as common assessments administered across a grade level or course of study. 

The School District reserves the right to inspect any and all packages, backpacks, briefcases, satchels, rucksacks, sports bags, and duffel bags to insure the health safety and welfare of students, staff and community members alike. Packages, backpacks, briefcases, satchels, rucksacks, sports bags, and duffel bags may be brought to school, but they must remain in the student’s locker or designated area during the school day.  Purses of reasonable size are acceptable but may not be of such size as to carry books or create congested aisles in the classroom.  Students may use a backpack if they have gym class and need to bring their gym clothes to class.  Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary procedures, which are at the discretion of the principal.

Reference LASD Policy 226 Searches

Bullying and cyberbullying is the intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

• Substantially interfering with a student’s education. 

• Creating a threatening environment. 

• Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying and cyberbullying is prohibited in school, on school grounds, on buses, at bus stops, and any event of activities supervised and and sanctioned by the school.  

Students who believe they or others have been bullied to promptly report such incidents to the building principal, school counselor, teacher, or other staff member.

Students are encouraged to use the district’s report form, available from the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing.  Younger students may also verbally report bullying to the principal.  All reports and complaints of bullying will be investigated by the principal.   If it is found that a student has bullied another student, the student will participate in a restorative process to address the behavior.   Students may be disciplined for bullying as part of the restorative process.   

Discrimination/Discriminatory Harassment

Every report of alleged bullying that can be interpreted at the outset to fall within the provisions of policies addressing potential violations of laws against discrimination and discriminatory harassment shall be handled as a joint, concurrent investigation into all allegations and coordinated with the full participation of the Compliance Officer. If, in the course of a bullying investigation, potential issues of discrimination or discriminatory harassment are identified, the Compliance Officer shall be promptly notified, and the investigation shall be conducted jointly and concurrently to address the issues of alleged discrimination as well as the incidents of alleged bullying.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality of all parties, witnesses, the allegations, the filing of a complaint and the investigation shall be handled in accordance with this policy and the district’s legal and investigative obligations.

Retaliation

Reprisal or retaliation relating to reports of bullying or participation in an investigation of allegations of bullying is prohibited and shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Reference LASD Policy 249 Bullying/Cyberbullying

The School District provides bus transportation to all eligible residents students in grades K-12 who reside within the prescribed limits when walking conditions are found to be hazardous by the PA Department of Transportation.   The bus driver is responsible for the safe operation of the bus while in motion or stopped.   

All students are expected to follow the school-level bus conduct expectations. All school district policies and school expectations for behavior are in effect while riding the bus.   In general, all students are expected to do the following:

• Follow all directions from the bus driver. 

• Remain seated during the bus ride.

• Keep hands, feet, and heads in the bus at all times.  

• Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus. 

• Help to keep the bus clean and without damage to the seats.

• Use appropriate language at all time.

Bus drivers may refer student behaviors to the principal for intervention.   Consequences for misbehavior on the bus may include principal/student conference, parent notification, school-level disciplinary consequence, and suspension from the bus.   Buses do have audio and visual recording devices.   

Students may be assigned seats on the bus.  

Elementary Students

Parents/guardians may request one, alternative bus stop to the student's home, if seating is available.  Parents/ Guardians must complete and submit the Alternative Transportation Form each year.  Emergency, alternative bus stops may be arranged on an as needed basis.   Questions regarding other transportation needs should be directed to the student services coordinator.  

Reference LASD Policy 810.2 Transportation Video/Audio Recording

The District welcomes inquiries, suggestions, and constructive criticism from parents/guardians, District residents or community groups regarding the District’s programs, personnel, operations and facilities. 

The District's complaint procedures involves four steps.  

First Level (Informal)

If a resolution cannot be reached with the employee, then the complainant may bring the compliant to the principal or employee's supervisor.   

Second Level 

The principal/supervisor may seek additional information regarding the complaint.  The principal/supervisor may bring the parties together to work towards a resolution.   

Third Level

If a satisfactory resolution has not been attained at the principal/supervisor level, then the complainant may bring the complaint to the superintendent.   The superintendent may seek additional information and work with both parties towards a resolution.  

Fourth Level

If a satisfactory resolution has not been attained at the superintendent's level, then the complainant may request a hearing with the School Board.   The superintendent will provide the School Board with a written report, and the School Board will inform the complainant if a hearing will be granted.

For more information about the District's complaint procedures, reference LASD Policy 906 Public Complaint Procedures.

The complaint form may be used by the community member for any complaints, and the District's response at all levels will be in writing.   

Students shall be prohibited from sharing, giving, selling and using diabetes medication and monitoring equipment in any manner other than which it is prescribed during school hours, at any time while on school property, at any school-sponsored activity and during the time spent traveling to and from school and school-sponsored activities.

Violations of this policy, provisions of a Service Agreement or IEP, or demonstration of unwillingness or inability to safeguard the medication and monitoring equipment may result in loss of privilege to self-carry the diabetes medication and monitoring equipment, and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy and applicable procedural safeguards.

Reference LASD Policy 209.2 Diabetes Management

The District considers names, addresses, and phone numbers of enrolled students or their parents to be directory information.  The school will release directory information to school-associated organizations that are recognized by the school district, such as PSA, PTSA, Sports Boosters, Music Association, etc., to enable these organizations to support the school and student activities and athletics.  Parents or students have the right to submit notification in writing to the school within 15 days from the first student day of school that they do not want any or all of the directory information released.

Directory information may include, but is not limited to:

1.     The student’s name, address, listed telephone number, email address, date, and place of birth.

3.     Dates of attendance.

4.     Participation in officially recognized school activities and sports.

6.     Placement on the honor roll.

7.     Certificates and awards received.

9.     Grade level.

10.  Enrollment status.

11.  Photograph/School picture.

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 is a problem, the student shall be re­quired to wear hair covering recommended by the school professional in charge of the particular school area.

Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, applied technology classes, extracurricular activities, or other situations where spe­cial attire is needed to insure the health or safety of the student.

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.

Students may not wear:

• Chains other than necklaces.

• Hats in classrooms while class is in session, except religious head apparel.

• Clothing and/or accessories which:

  • Is gang related.

  • Insufficiently conceals undergarments.

  • Calls unusual attention to anatomical detail.

Displays or suggests messages or symbols that are inappropriate for a school setting, including but not limited to messages and symbols referring to tobacco, drugs, or alcohol; any substance prohibited on school property; profane, vulgar, or lewd language; death, suicide or violence.

Displays or suggests messages or symbols that cause or are reasonably forecast to cause a substantial disruption to the school. Examples of messages that might cause or could reasonably forecast to cause a disruption might include, for example, hate messages or symbols; religious, ethnic, sexual, or racial harassment or discrimination; advocating for violation of law or school policy; etc.

Students must at all times wear shoes and wear garments that adequate­ly cover the torso and are of at least mid-thigh length (ie. such that the top garment meets the bottom garment). Students shall be informed of this Dress and Grooming policy annually via the student handbook and urged to comply with it.

When, in the judgment of a student's principal or designee, a student is in violation of this policy and its guidelines, s/he will be asked to comply. If s/he does not cooperate, arrangements will be made for a parent/guardian conference. Following this conference, if the stu­dent does not comply with the guidelines of this policy, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

Students and parents/guardians should refer to the school's page for school-specific guidelines.   

Reference LASD Policy 225 Dress and Grooming

The District recognizes that some non-school sponsored educational trips/experiences for students may enhance and enrich the learning opportunities provided in the District’s schools.  Therefore, students may be allowed to be absent from school during the designated school year for such educational trips/experiences provided that the following procedure is followed in requesting and granting permission for such trips/experiences.

Building Administration’s Responsibility

1. The principal may approve requests for no more than three (3) educational trips/experiences, which, total no more than five (5) consecutive days or seven (7) cumulative school days per school year.

2.  No request will be approved for an educational trip/experience during the first and last week of each semester.  Furthermore, no request will be approved for a student who is on academic probation or who is academically ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities.

3. No request shall be approved for a student who has been absent from school for more than five (5) school days in the academic year unless the student has experienced a documented extraordinary illness/injury or circumstance.

Parent’s Responsibility

A completed application (obtained from the school building office or the District website: https://www.lasd.us/high-school-educational-trip-form/ must be received by the principal from the parent or guardian one (1) week prior to the anticipated absence.

Student’s Responsibility

1. Prior to the trip/experience, the student is responsible to initiate contact with his/her teachers to arrange for learning experiences, assignments, and/or examinations to be completed.

2. It shall remain the responsibility of the student to satisfactorily complete all required assignments within the time requirements designated by the teacher in consultation with the student.  This may include a project directly related to the trip/experience as assigned by a teacher.

Failure to follow the procedures outlined in this policy will result in an unexcused and/or illegal absence for each day absent in each subject/course.

Reference LASD POlicy 204.1 Educational Trips (Not School Sponsored)

In order to provide a safe, secure, and tranquil learning environment, the Board regulates the possession and use of all electronic devices. The Board prohibits use of electronic devices by students as described in the student handbook and approved by the Board annually. The Board prohibits the taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or other means, including but not limited to texting and e-mailing.

The principal or designee has the authority to grant special permission to allow the use of personal electronic devices during the school day for educational purposes. The District shall not be liable for the loss, damage, or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student. For purposes of this policy, laser pointers shall be considered electronic devices.  Students and parents/guardians shall be notified of the district’s electronic devices policy through the student handbook, district website, and/or other efficient methods.

Exceptions to the regulations set forth in this policy may be made for health, safety, or emergency reasons with prior approval of the building principal or designee, or when use is provided for in a student’s individualized education program (IEP).

Reference LASD Policy 237 Electronic Devices

Each student must have an emergency contact form completed and submitted to the school's office.   Emergency contacts are individuals to whom a students may be released in the event of an accident or an illness if the parent/guardian cannot be reached.   Emergency contacts should be updated annually.   

The District provides an English as a Second Language (ESL) program for all students who qualify.  A Home Language Survey is completed by the parent/guardian of the student at the time of registration to determine the student's native and dominate language.  If the student's primary language is not English, the student is evaluated to determine if he/she qualifies for English language instruction.   Students in the ESL program receive English language instruction as well as all other academic instruction.  Students remain in the ESL program until their meet the exit requirements.   

Communication with an English learner's parents/guardians will be in the parents'/guardians' prefered mode and language for communication.   

If you need information translated in your native language, please contact Michael Jones at the Lewisburg Area School District Central Office at 570-523-3220.

El Distrito Escolar del Área de Lewisburg ofrece un programa de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) para todos los estudiantes que califican.

Si necesita información traducida a su idioma nativo, comuníquese con Michael Jones en la Oficina Central del Distrito Escolar del Área de Lewisburg al 570-523-3220.

توفر منطقة منطقة لويسبورغ التعليمية برنامج اللغة الإنجليزية كلغة ثانية (ESL) لجميع

الطلاب المؤهلين.

إذا كنت بحاجة إلى معلومات مترجمة بلغتك الأم ، فيرجى الاتصال بـ Michael Jones

في المكتب المركزي لمقاطعة لويسبورغ في 570-523-3220.

Школьный округ Льюисбургской области предоставляет программу «Английский как второй язык» (ESL) для всех учащихся, которые соответствуют требованиям.

Если вам нужна информация, переведенная на ваш родной язык, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с Майклом Джонсом в центральном офисе школьного округа округа Льюисбург по телефону 570-523-3220.

Lewisburg地區學區為所有符合資格的學生提供英語作為第二語言（ESL）課程。

如果您需要以您的母語翻譯的信息，請聯繫Lewisburg地區學區中心辦公室的Michael Jones，電話：570-523-3220。

Reference LASD Policy 138 Language Instruction Educational Program for English Learners and LASD POlicy 142 Migrant Students

 NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over eighteen (18) years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights include:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) days of the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the building principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The building principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend a record should submit to the school principal a written request that clearly identifies the record or part of the record they want changed and specify why they feel it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One (1) exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. Criteria for determining whether the official has a legitimate interest include, but are not limited to, whether particular information concerning the student is: (a) presently or potentially relevant to the provision of education, education-related services, or extracurricular activities or experiences, or (b) necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of school officials and/or other students with whom the student might have contact.

Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20202

5.     The District is permitted by law to disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without obtaining the prior written consent of the parent or eligible student unless you have advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the district to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

·       A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;

·       The annual yearbook;

·       Honor roll or other recognition lists;

·       Graduation programs; and

·   Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two (2) federal laws require the district to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information on its junior and senior class students – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the district that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.[1]

If you do not want the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by the 15th day of the school year. The school district has designated the following information as directory information:

a. The student’s name, address, listed telephone number, date, and place of birth.

a. Program or major field of study.

b. Dates of attendance.

c. Participation in officially recognized school activities and sports.

d. Placement on the honor roll.

e. Certificates and awards received.

f.  Grade level.

g. Enrollment status.

h. Photograph/School Picture.

Questions regarding this notice or your rights under FERPA should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent.

These laws are: Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and 10 U.S.C. § 503(c).

The District is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students with severe or life-threatening food allergies and shall address food allergy management in the t schools in order to:

1.   Reduce and/or eliminate the likelihood of severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.

2.  Ensure a rapid and effective response in the case of a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

3.  Protect the rights of students by providing them, through necessary accommodations when required, the opportunity to participate fully in all school programs and activities, including classroom parties and field trips.

The focus of food allergy management shall be on prevention, education, awareness, communication and emergency response.

Reference LASD Policy 209.1 Food Allergy Management

The District maintains a safe, positive environment for students and staff that is free from hazing. Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational goals of the district and are prohibited at all times.  Hazing occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly, for the purpose of initiating, admitting or affiliating a student with an organization, or for the purpose of continuing or enhancing membership or status in an organization, causes, coerces or forces a student to do series of acts that can cause physical, emotional, or mental injury or distress.  

The District prohibits hazing in connection with any student activity or organization regardless of whether the conduct occurs on or off school property or outside of school hours.  No student, parent/guardian, coach, sponsor, volunteer or district employee shall engage in, condone or ignore any form of hazing.  The District encourages students who believe they, or others, have been subjected to hazing to promptly report such incidents to the building principal or designee.

Reference LASD Policy 247 Hazing

Health Examinations and Screenings

The school nurse maintains students' school health records. 

Each student shall receive a comprehensive health examination conducted by the school physician upon original entry, in sixth grade, and in eleventh grade.

Each student shall receive a comprehensive dental examination conducted by the school dentist upon original entry, in third grade, and in seventh grade.

A private health and/or dental examination conducted at the parents’/guardians’ request and expense shall be accepted in lieu of the school examination. The District shall accept reports of privately conducted physical and dental examinations completed within one (1) year prior to a student’s entry into the grade where an exam is required. 

The school nurse or medical technician shall administer to each student vision tests, hearing tests, tuberculosis tests, other tests deemed advisable, and height and weight measurements, at intervals established by the District. Height and weight measurements shall be used to calculate the student’s weight-for-height ratio.

Illness

Students who become ill or injured during the school day must report to the health suite.  If the nurse is not available, office staff will assist you.  Once the school nurse or office staff has determined that a student’s illness or injury requires early dismissal from school, a parent/guardian or other contact listed on the emergency form will need to pick up the student at school or verbally authorize the student to go home. Students are not to call home to be dismissed for an injury or illness, nor are they to leave the school, without the prior approval of the school nurse or principal.  All students must sign out in the office after receiving permission to leave.

Parents/guardians are advised to keep their child home if he or she has a fever, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or has been diagnosed with an infectious disease or illness.  If you have any questions, please contact the school nurse.

Emergency Form

Each student must submit both an emergency form and a health update form every year.  Both forms must be completed and signed by the student’s parent/guardian by the end of the second week of school.  In order to receive a standing order stocked medication while at school, the health update form must indicate the medications permitted by the student’s parent/guardian.  These medications are not intended for continuous, frequent use and will be administered at the discretion of the school nurse.  It is requested that parents make every effort to administer medications at home either before or after school to minimize classroom interruptions.  Please talk to your physician about medication dosing schedules.

Medication

Any medication to be given during school hours must be delivered directly to the school nurse by the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s).  All medication including over-the-counter, must be in the original labeled container.  Medication in plastic bags, envelopes or other unlabeled containers will not be accepted.  If your child needs to take medication other than those stocked in the health suite, the student’s parent or guardian must complete a medication authorization form.  All medications, prescription and over the counter, require a signed physician’s order.  (A complete order includes: student’s name, drug name, dosage, time of administration, route of administration, and dates to be administered).  Students may not medicate themselves without specific approval from the nurse.  Violations of this School Board policy may result in out-of-school suspension and/or expulsion from the District.  Students may carry inhalers, emergency allergy medications and diabetes treatment medications only with specific physician and parent authorization. 

Naloxone

For the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors, the school nurse maintains Naloxone for emergency use.  

Lewisburg Area High School 570-522-3228

Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School

Linntown Elementary School 570-523-3220  ext. 3005

Kelly Elementary School 570-522-3287

Reference LASD Policy 209 Health Examinations/Screenings, LASD Policy 203 Immunizations and Communicable Diseases, LASD Policy 210 Use of Medications, LASD Policy 210.1 Medical Emergencies, LASD Policy 209.2 Diabetes Management, LASD Policy 210.2 Possession/Administration of Asthma Inhalers/Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

LASD Policy 251 Homeless Students describes the District’s responsibilities in supporting homeless students.  Homelessness is defined as any individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  For more information regarding help for homeless students, please contact the school counselor, principal, or assistant superintendent.

Michael Jones, Director of Transportation and Food Services, is the designated Homeless Liaison.  He can be reached at 570-522-3202 or jones_m@dragon.k12.pa.us

Student accident insurance is available to all students attending Lewisburg Area Schools.  An information pamphlet/application form explaining benefits provided and procedures for purchasing the insurance will be available during the first week of school.  This form should be completed by the parent/guardian of each interested student and returned to the office.  

Accidents covered by student accident insurance must be reported to the school office so that the proper form may be sent to the family for processing of claims.

The District purchases insurance for all students athletic and extracurricular activities in grades 7-12.  The District provides information about purchasing student medical insurance through CHIP.

Reference LASD Policy 211 Student Accident Insurance

The District recognizes the importance and value of interscholastic athletics and the development of scholar athletes.   The District adopts the PIAA eligibility standards for student participation in the athletics programs:   

1. Met the requirements for academic eligibility.

2. Complied with the requirements of the Athletic Handbook.

3. Complied with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Interscholastic Athletics and Board policies and administrative regulations related to student discipline.

4. Attended school regularly.

5. Been in attendance on the day of the athletic event or practice for the hours required.

6. Returned all school athletic equipment previously used.

7. Adhered to applicable discipline standards and the Student Code of Conduct both on and off campus.

To ensure the health and safety of student athletes, the District provides students and parents with information about concussion and traumatic brain injury and sudden cardiac arrest.   Coaches and other personnel receive training on concussion management and sudden cardiac arrest.   

The District provides opportunities for both male and female students to participate in athletic programs.   Each year, the District submits a report to the PA Department of Education about the interscholastic athletic opportunities and treatment for male and female secondary school students for the preceding school year.

All coaches are school district employees and must follow the District's policies and procedures.   LASD Policy 123 Interscholastic Athletics includes expectations for coaches, athletes, and parents as well as dispute resolution protocols and procedures.   

Reference LASD Policy 123 Interscholastic Athletics, LASD Policy 123.1 Concussion Management, and LASD Policy 123.2 Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Practices is available for review on the district website. The District will provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs offered in the schools without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability. Any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the building principal or district compliance officer (Assistant Superintendent).

Nondiscrimination - Qualified Students With Disabilities is available for review on the district website. The District will ensure that all district programs and practices are free from discrimination against all qualified students with disabilities. Any violation of this policy should be immediately reported to the Section 504 building administrator or Assistant Superintendent (Section 504 district administrator).

Reference LASD Policy 103 Discrimination/Title IX Sexual Harassment Affecting Students and LASD Policy 103.1 Nondiscrimination - Qualified Students With Disabilities

Promotion

For students in grades K-8, promotion occurs at the end of each school year for students who have satisfied all the course requirements.  Students in the PreK Counts program will need to register to kindergarten at the completion of the school year.  Specific to grades 9-12, students must acquire credits for courses to be on track for graduation.   The requirements are as follows:

Grade 9 to Grade 10

A ninth grader must pass at least two of the four core subjects (English 9 – Social Studies - Mathematics - Science) and have earned six and one-half credits.

Grade 10 to Grade 11

A tenth grader must pass at least two of the four core subjects (English 10 – Social Studies- Mathematics - Science) and have earned 13.5 credits. 

Grade 11 to Grade 12

A student must have earned at least 20.5 credits in grades 9 – 11.

Acceleration 

A parent or student wishing to accelerate in a course or a grade level should contact the school counselor and principal. 

For grade acceleration, there is a referral process that can be initiated by school employees or the parent.   A student does not have to be eligible for gifted education services in order to accelerate a grade; however, an evaluation for gifted education services may be part of the process to determine how to best meet the student's needs.  

For course acceleration, the school counselor can provide the grade acceleration request form.  The student needs to met a set of criteria for the course acceleration request to be approved.   The courses must be though an approved provider, and the student must maintain the required number of credits towards graduation/promotion.  College-level courses will not be calculated into the student's grade point average.   Unless the accelerated course is part of the student's educational programming under a GIEP, the parents/students are responsible for the costs associated with the course.   

Retention

In extenuating circumstances, a student may be retained if in the opinion of the professional staff, the individual needs of the student would be best served by the repetition of the student’s current grade.

The parent/guardian shall be notified in writing in advance of the possibility of retention. The principal shall meet with the parent/guardian of any child that is being considered for retention prior to the final determination. The Principal will provide a written recommendation to the parent/guardian of the student.

Appeal Process - The parent/guardian of the referred student may appeal the retention decision in writing to the Superintendent within 30 days of the presentation of the written recommendation by the principal.

Reference LASD Policy 215 Promotion, Acceleration, and Retention

Parents/guardians and students have an opportunity to review instructional materials and have access to information about the curriculum, including academic standards to be achieved, instructional materials and assessment techniques.  Anyone wishing to review instructional materials should contact the principal or assistant superintendent.

Reference LASD Policy 105.1 Review of Instructional Materials by Parents/Guardians and Students

The School Board and administration recognize that students may need to state concerns over items that directly affect student participation in school programs. Such complaints should first be made to the staff member most closely involved, School Counselor or Principal. Other options available include contacting a Student Council representative or contact the Assistant Superintendent at Central Office if the concern is about discrimination.

Reference LASD POlicy 219 Student Complaint Process

Students are expected to abide by the school rules and procedures and the District's policies to ensure that all students have a safe and orderly school environment.  The District establishes fair, reasonable and nondiscriminatory rules and regulations regarding the conduct of all students in the District during the time they are under the supervision of the school or at any time while on school property, while present at school-sponsored activities, and while traveling to or from school and school-sponsored activities.

The disciplinary consequences may vary depending on the nature of the infraction, severity of the infraction, and developmental level of the student.   The process for administering a disciplinary consequence would involve fostering the student's understanding about the behavior and action and alternative behaviors and actions the student can take in the future.   The teacher may address minor infractions. The principal, assistant superintendent, and/or superintendent may address major infractions, violations of District policy, and violations of state or federal law.   Each school has a process for teaching expected behaviors and process for behavior intervention.   

Reference LASD Policy 218 Student Discipline and LASD Policy 233 Suspension and Expulsion

LASD Policy 220 Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials addresses student expression in general and distribution and posting of materials that are not part of district-sponsored activities.  Any materials a student wishes to distribute or post by any means to the school community must be provided to the Principal and Superintendent for approval one day in advance for approval.  

Students may face disciplinary consequences for expression that is not protected speech.  The District reserves the right to designate and prohibit manifestations of student expression that are not protected by the right of free expression because they violate the rights of others or where such expression is likely to or does materially or substantially interfere with school activities, school work, discipline, safety and order on school property or at school functions. While the following list is not intended to be exhaustive, such expression shall not be protected if it:

1. Violates federal, state or local laws, Board policy or district rules or procedures.

2. Is libelous, defamatory, obscene, lewd, vulgar or profane.

3. Advocates the use or advertises the availability of any substance or material that may reasonably be believed to constitute a direct and serious danger to the health or welfare of students, such as tobacco/nicotine, alcohol or illegal drugs.

4. Incites violence, advocates use of force or threatens serious harm to the school or community.

5. Is likely to or does materially or substantially interfere with the educational process, such as school activities, school work, discipline, safety and order on school property or at school functions.

6. Interferes with, or advocates interference with, the rights of any individual or the safe and orderly operation of the schools and their programs.

7. Violates written school district procedures on time, place and manner for posting and distribution of otherwise protected expression.

Reference LASD Policy 220 Student Expression/Distribution and Posting of Materials and this document.

Parents may request to review the records by scheduling an appointment through the school counselors. Parents have the right to inspect, review, copy and request correction of their child's school records.  Students 18 years of age and older must request their educational records.   

Reference LASD Policy 216 Student Records

Attendant upon the rights established for each student are certain responsibilities, which include regular attendance; conscientious effort in classroom work and homework; conformance to Board policies and school rules and regulations; respect for the rights of teachers, students, administrators and all others who are involved in the educational process; and expression of ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.

It shall be the responsibility of the student to:

1. Be aware of all policies, rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct him/herself accordingly. Each student shall 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.

3. Dress and groom to meet 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.

5. Comply with federal, state and local laws.

6. Exercise proper care when using district facilities, school supplies and equipment.

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

8. Make up work when absent from school.

9. Pursue and attempt to satisfactorily complete the courses of study prescribed by local school authorities. 

10. Report accurately in student media.

11. Not use obscene language in student media or on school property.

Violations may result in disciplinary action, consistent with the Code of Student Conduct and Board policy.

Reference LASD Policy 235 Students Rights and Responsibilities

The District offers programming for students eligible for special education and gifted education, supports for students with short terms and long term disabilities, and counseling services. For more information, visit the District's website at lasd.us

The District provides a wide variety of special education services for students who are struggling in the regular education curriculum. Any parent who believes their child may be in need of testing or special learning services should contact their child's teacher, guidance counselor, or principal as soon as possible. These professionals can explain our special education programs and testing procedures or guide you to the appropriate regional or state contact for assistance. 

The District provides programming for students who are identified as gifted. Mentally gifted is defined as outstanding and creative ability the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services, or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program. Any parent who believes their child may be in need of testing or gifted learning services should contact their child's teacher, guidance counselor, or principal as soon as possible. These professionals can explain our gifted education programs and testing procedures or guide you to the appropriate regional or state contact for assistance.

The District provides services for students who may be eligible for a 504 Service Plan under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans Disability Act Amendments Act of 2008.  Under Section 504, a person is considered to have a disability if that person has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more o f the person's major life functions.  Any parent who believes their child may need these services should contact the school counselor, school nurse, and/or principal.    

The District employs school counselors who provide support for students' intellectual, emotional, social, and physical needs, and develop meaningful and healthy responses to these needs.  School counselors help students to resolve conflicts, exercise good decision-making, and plan for academic and social growth.   

The Student Assistant Program (SAP) is for students who may be demonstrating behaviors consistent with substance abuse or mental health concerns.   Students and staff members may refer a student to the SAP program.   The SAP team works with the student and family to identify and access resources in the school and in the community.  

Reference LASD Policy 113 Special Education, LASD Policy 114 Gifted Education, and LASD Policy 146 Student Services, LASD Policy 112 Guidance/Counseling Services, and LASD Policy 236 Student Assistance Program

Surveys conducted by outside agencies, organizations and individuals shall be approved by the Board, based on the Superintendent's recommendation, prior to administration to students.

Surveys conducted by school staff shall have a legitimate educational purpose and be aligned to standards within district-approved curriculum.

All surveys and instruments used to collect information from students shall relate to the District's educational objectives.

Informal polling (on noncontroversial topics) for the purposes of instructional engagement, are not subject to prior approval by the Principal.

Surveys related to controversial topics (i.e. protected information) shall be submitted to the Principal for review and approval in advance. The Principal may seek guidance from the Superintendent or designee at the principal's discretion.

All surveys conducted by school staff shall not include any identifying student information except in situations that have been approved in advance by the building principal (i.e. school newspaper, yearbook, etc.)

Results from any survey conducted by school staff shall be used for legitimate educational purposes.

No student shall be required, as part of any program funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education, to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals protected information without written parental consent for students under eighteen (18) years of age or written consent of emancipated students or those over eighteen (18) years of age.

All instructional materials, including teachers’ manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material, that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any program funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education, shall be made available for inspection by the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student.

Parents/Guardians shall be informed of the nature and scope of individual surveys and their relationship to the educational program of their child and the parent’s/guardian’s right to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party prior to administration or distribution to a student. Such requests shall be in writing and submitted to the Principal.

Parents/Guardians shall be informed of their right to have their child excluded from any research studies or surveys conducted by entities other than a school entity without prior written consent.

Reference LASD Policy 235.1 Surveys

A terroristic threat is communicated either directly or indirectly to commit any crime of violence with the intent to create fear in others; to cause the evacuation of a building, place of assembly or facility of public transportation; or to otherwise cause serious public inconvenience with disregard for the safety of others.  A terroristic threat that is made either verbally or in writing, including by the use of electronic communication, will result in disciplinary consequences.  In addition,  the Principal will notify law enforcement.   

Reference LASD Policy 218.2 Terroristic Threats

The Board recognizes that tobacco use by students presents a health and safety hazard that can have serious consequences for both users and nonusers and the safety and environment of the schools. For purposes of this policy, tobacco use shall be defined as use and/or possession of lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other lighted smoking product, and smokeless tobacco in any form. The term tobacco also includes any oral device that provides or is designed or intended to provide a vapor of nicotine and/or other substance(s). The term shall include any such devices, whether they are manufactured, distributed, marketed or sold as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, or under any other product name or descriptor. The Board prohibits tobacco use and possession by students at any time in a school building and on any property, buses, vans and vehicles that are owned, leased or controlled by the school district.  The Board prohibits tobacco use and possession by students at school sponsored activities that are held off school property. Violation of this policy shall result in the implementation of the school discipline code. In addition, the District may initiate prosecution of a student who possesses or uses tobacco in violation of this policy. 

LASD Policy 707.1 Use of Tobacco Products prohibits the use of tobacco on school property by district employees and school visitors. This includes athletic and extracurricular activities.

Reference LASD Policy 223 Tobacco and Vaping Products 

Visitors to a school must seek permission from the Principal.   The visitor must provide identification and obtain a visitor's pass during the duration of the visit to the school.   The duration of the visit to the school is at the discretion of the Principal.  

Former students and graduates are considered visitors.  The Principal may designate dates and times for visitation.  

The Principal and/or Superintendent have the authority to prohibit access to the school building.  

Reference LASD Policy 907 School Visitors

The District supports and encourages the participation of parents/guardians and community residents to enhance the educational, co-curricular and extracurricular programs of the district.

Definitions

Adult - an individual eighteen (18) years of age or older that is not a student in the district.

Certifications - refers to the child abuse history clearance statement; the state criminal history background check; and where applicable, the federal criminal history background check, required by the Child Protective Services Law.

Direct volunteer contact - the care, supervision, guidance or control of children and routine interaction with children.

Person responsible for the child's welfare - a person who provides permanent or temporary care, supervision, mental health diagnosis or treatment, training or control of a child in lieu of parental care, supervision and control.

Routine interaction - regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s volunteer responsibilities.

Visitor - a parent/guardian, adult resident, educator, official or other individual who is not a school employee or independent contractor, and who visits a school or attends or participates in an event or activity at a school, but whose role is less substantial than would be sufficient to meet the definition of volunteer for purposes of this policy. Visitors have limited contact with children and are always under direct supervision of a staff member.

Guidelines

1. Each volunteer shall complete and submit a volunteer application.

2. The names of all volunteers shall be submitted for approval by the Board.

3. Upon approval, volunteers shall be placed on the list of approved volunteers.

4. Approval shall be required prior to beginning service as a volunteer.

Prior to approval, all volunteers shall submit the following information:

1. PA Child Abuse History Certification - which must be less than twelve(12) months old.

2. PA State Police Criminal History Record Information - which must be less than twelve (12) months old.

3. Disclosure Statement for Volunteers - which is a statement swearing or affirming the applicant has not been disqualified from service by reason of conviction of designated criminal offenses or being listed as the perpetrator in a founded report of child abuse.

If a volunteer has not been a resident of Pennsylvania during the entirety of the previous ten (10) year period, the volunteer must also submit the following information:

1. Federal Criminal History Report – which must be less than twelve (12) months old.

The Superintendent or designee shall review the information and determine if information is disclosed that precludes service as a volunteer.  Information submitted by volunteers in accordance with this policy shall be maintained centrally in a manner similar to that used for school employees.

Volunteers shall obtain and submit new certifications every sixty (60) months.

A student, eighteen (18) years of age or older, who is volunteering for an event or activity sponsored by the school in which the student is enrolled and occurring on the school’s grounds, shall not be required to submit certifications except when the event or activity is for children in the care of a child-care service or the student will otherwise be responsible for the welfare of a child.

Prior to participating in student activities, volunteers shall undergo a test for tuberculosis, when required by and in accordance with the regulations and guidance of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Volunteers shall report to the Superintendent or designee, in writing, within seventy-two(72)  hours, an arrest or conviction required to be reported by law or notification that the volunteer has been named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report pursuant to the Child Protective Services Law.

The Superintendent or designee shall immediately require a volunteer to submit new certifications if the Superintendent or designee has a reasonable belief that the volunteer was arrested for or has been convicted of an offense required to be reported by law, was named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report, or has provided written notice of such occurrence.

Failure to accurately report such occurrences may subject the volunteer to disciplinary action up to and including denial of volunteer service and criminal prosecution.

All volunteers who have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is the victim of child abuse shall make a report of suspected child abuse in accordance with applicable law, Board policy and administrative regulations.

Each volunteer shall be under the supervision of a designated school administrator, teacher or other member of the school staff.

Reference LASD Policy 916 Volunteers

Weapons are not allowed in schools, on school property, and in student vehicles.  Weapons may include, and are not limited to these items: a knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool; nunchaku stick; brass or metal knuckles; firearm including handgun, shotgun, rifle, BB or pellet gun; chemical agent; explosive device; and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.  Look-alike weapons and weapon replicas are also prohibited.   

If a student is found in possession of the weapon, the student will be subject to disciplinary consequences that may include expulsion from school.   In addition, the District will notify law enforcement.   

If a student realizes that he or she is in possession of an item that may be considered, the student must report to the Principal immediately.   

Reference LASD Policy 218.1 Weapons

The District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to a student’s physical well-being, growth and development, and the student’s ability to learn. The Board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement. If you would like more information about this policy, triennial assessment, or how to become involved with the District's Wellness Committee, please contact the Assistant Superintendent.

Reference LASD Policy 246 School Wellness