Legal Notices and Policies

The Pattonville School District provides parents, students, staff and community members with important information about federal and state regulations, as well as district policies and procedures. A complete list of Pattonville’s board policies and procedures may be found on its BoardDocs website. School handbooks and behavior guides are also located online. For more information, call the Pattonville student services office at (314) 213-8090 or the appropriate contact listed in the notice.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords to parents/guardians (“parents”) of students and to students themselves who are over 18 years of age (“eligible students”), certain rights with respect to the student’s education records maintained by the Pattonville School District (“district”).  These rights are outlined below:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the district receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The 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 are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the district to amend a record should write the director for student services, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise him or her of the 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 exception which permits  disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official includes a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, counselor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the district’s school board; a person or company with whom the district has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist); or a parent, student or other person 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 or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the district also discloses education records without consent to officials of another 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.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district 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, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202-8520.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that Pattonville School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, the Pattonville School District may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the district to the contrary, in accordance with district procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Pattonville School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

• • District newsletter;

  • District or school website;

  • 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 is information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed without the consent of a parent or eligible student.  The district will designate the types of information included in directory information and release this information without first obtaining consent from a parent or eligible student unless a parent or eligible student notifies the district in writing (Policy JO and Procedure JO-R).  The school district designates the following items as directory information:

• • Student's name

  • Age

  • Grade level

  • Enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time)

  • Participation in district-sponsored or district-recognized activities and sports

  • Weight and height of members of athletic teams

  • Athletic performance data

  • Dates of attendance

  • Degrees, honors and awards received

  • Artwork or course work displayed by the district

  • Schools or school districts previously attended

  • Photographs (digital or print), videotapes, digital images and videos and recorded sound unless such records would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

If you have any questions, or need further information, please contact the director of student services at (314) 213-8090. 

Any parent who does not want his/her child to be interviewed, photographed or videotaped by newspaper, television, radio media, the Pattonville school-community relations department or any district department/program for the purpose of news coverage or other district media or projects should note this exclusion when completing online/e-registration or re-enrollment.  Any child with this exclusion will not be included in any publicity-related materials produced by the child’s school or the district (newsletters, press releases, including announcements of awards and honors, etc.). Parents may also indicate their wishes via online/e-registration in PowerSchool on providing their child’s information to military recruiters and/or post-secondary institutions (i.e., colleges/universities). For more information, contact your school office.

The district is generally required by the federal Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA) to make available to military recruiters and post-secondary institutions the names, addresses and telephone listings of secondary school students. However, students or their parents may request the district not to provide their own name, address and telephone listing. The district will comply with such a request, which should be made in writing and directed to the principal of the school. Parents’ wishes on this matter may be made by updating their child’s information via online/e-registration in PowerSchool, Pattonville’s online student information system.

The federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of federally funded surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:

• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education:  Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; Sex behavior or attitudes; Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the District or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: Protected information surveys of students; Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.

These rights transfer to from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.  The Pattonville School District has adopted policies regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes.  The District will notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes.  The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey.  The District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys.  Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement:  Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution; Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education; Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

Parents who believe their rights under the PPRA have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

Nutritional breakfast and lunch options are offered for all students. Prices for meals for the 2022-2023 school year are as follows: 

Breakfast

Student Free

Adult $2.75

Lunch

Elementary $2.75

Secondary $2.90

Adult $3.95

Pattonville allows children who qualify for reduced-priced meals to have lunch at no charge. Applications are available in all schools and are approved by the building principal. Pattonville encourages all families who qualify to fill out the free/reduced lunch forms, as there may be additional benefits for families. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/PSDMeals or call the food service office at (314) 213-8054. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FREE AND REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS

Households are encouraged to complete and submit an application for free and reduced price meals to the district for processing. Free and reduced data is used to help maintain meal count system requirements, report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for funding formulas, and establish eligibility for other benefits, particularly Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) and Emergency Broadband Benefit. This packet includes an application for free or reduced price meal benefits, and a set of detailed instructions. Below are some common questions and answers to help you with the application process.

1. WHO QUALIFIES FOR FREE OR REDUCED PRICE MEALS?

• • • All children in households receiving benefits from the Food Stamp Program/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or Temporary Assistance/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), are eligible for free meals.

    • Foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.

    • Children participating in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals.

    • Children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals.

    • Children may receive free or reduced price meals if your household’s income is within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Your children may qualify for free or reduced price meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on the chart (shown above right).

2. HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILDREN QUALIFY AS HOMELESS, MIGRANT, OR RUNAWAY? Do the members of your household lack a permanent address? Are you staying together in a shelter, hotel, or other temporary housing arrangement? Does your family relocate on a seasonal basis? Are any children living with you who have chosen to leave their prior family or household? If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call (314) 213- 8000 Ext 1075.

3. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH CHILD? No. Use one Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your student’s school office, the Food Service Office, or send to Audrey Westrich at awestrich@psdr3.org.

4. SHOULD I FILL OUT AN APPLICATION IF I RECEIVED A LETTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR SAYING MY CHILDREN ARE ALREADY APPROVED FOR FREE MEALS? No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, contact Audrey Westrich, (314) 213-8054 or awestrich@psdr3.org immediately.

5. MY CHILD’S APPLICATION WAS APPROVED LAST YEAR. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT A NEW ONE? Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first few days of this school year. You must send in a new application unless the school told you that your child is eligible for the new school year.

6. I GET WIC. CAN MY CHILDREN GET FREE MEALS? Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced price meals. Please send in an application.

7. WILL THE INFORMATION I GIVE BE CHECKED? Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof of the household income you report.

8. IF I DON’T QUALIFY NOW, MAY I APPLY LATER? Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.

9. WHAT IF I DISAGREE WITH THE SCHOOL’S DECISION ABOUT MY APPLICATION? You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Mary Jo Gruber, CFO at mgruber@psdr3.org or by mail at 11097 St. Charles Rock Rd, St Ann, MO 63074.

10. MAY I APPLY IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A U.S. CITIZEN? Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced price meals.

11. WHAT IF MY INCOME IS NOT ALWAYS THE SAME? List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.

12. WHAT IF SOME HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS HAVE NO INCOME TO REPORT? Household members may not receive some types of income we ask you to report on the application, or may not receive income at all. Whenever this happens, please write a 0 in the field. However, if any income fields are left empty or blank, those will also be counted as zeroes. Please be careful when leaving income fields blank, as we will assume you meant to do so.

13. WE ARE IN THE MILITARY. DO WE REPORT OUR INCOME DIFFERENTLY? Your basic pay and cash bonuses must be reported as income. If you get any cash value allowances for off-base housing, food, or clothing, or receive Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance payments, it must also be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. Any additional combat pay resulting from deployment is also excluded from income.

14. WHAT IF THERE ISN’T ENOUGH SPACE ON THE APPLICATION FOR MY FAMILY? List any additional household members on a separate piece of paper, and attach it to your application. Contact Audrey Westrich at (314) 213-8054 or awestrich@psdr3.org to receive a second application.

15. MY FAMILY NEEDS MORE HELP. ARE THERE OTHER PROGRAMS WE MIGHT APPLY FOR? To find out how to apply for the Food Stamp Program/SNAP or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-855-373-4636.

If you have other questions or need help, call (314) 213-8054. 

Sincerely,

Audrey  Westrich Food Service Director

USDA Non-discrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Screenings 

"Screening" is the use of a procedure to examine a large population to determine the presence of a health condition or risk factor in order to identify those who need further evaluation.  Screening tests for various health conditions (such as vision, hearing and scoliosis) will be conducted in accordance with administrative procedures.  Students may also be weighed and measured.  Parents/Guardians will receive a written notice of any screening result that indicates a condition that might interfere with a student's progress or health.  The school district will not conduct physical examinations of a student unless the health or safety of the student or others is in question or unless by court order.

 Students who wish to participate in certain extracurricular activities may be required to submit to a physical examination to verify their ability to participate in the activity.  Students participating in activities governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association will be required to follow the rules of that organization.

 All parents will be notified at least at the beginning of the school year of the district's policy on screening of students.  Parents will also be notified within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change in the policy.

Physical Examinations of Students

Any student in grades 7 through 12 who participates in interscholastic athletics shall have a completed examination form on file prior to participating or practicing in any sport.

Public school districts are required to inform parents of certain information that they, according to federal education law, have the right to know.

  Upon request, the district is required to provide to parents in a timely manner, the following information:

• • Whether their child’s teacher has met state qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

  • Whether their child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualifications or licensing criteria have been waived; 

  • Whether their child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications; and

  • What baccalaureate degree major the teacher has, any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher and the field of discipline of the certification. 

In addition to the information that parents may request, districts must provide to each individual parent: Information on the achievement level of the parent’s child in each of the state academic assessments as required under this part; and timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified. 

Parents wishing to obtain any of this information should contact the principal of their child’s school. 

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral and applicants for employment, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the Pattonville School District are hereby notified that the District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.  In addition, the District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. 

Any person having inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with the laws and regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, is directed to one of the District Compliance Coordinators listed below, who oversee the District’s efforts to comply with the laws and regulations implementing the laws and regulations cited above.    

The District has established grievance procedures for persons unable to resolve problems arising under the statutes above.  One of the District’s Compliance Coordinators will provide information regarding those procedures upon request.  Any person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under any of the laws and regulations cited above may contact the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 1 Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone (816) 268-0550

The District’s Compliance Coordinators are: 

David Besgrove, Chief Human Resources Officer (for employee or visitor-related concerns) and

Dr. Tori Cain, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services (for student-related concerns) 

Pattonville School District

11097 St. Charles Rock Road

St. Ann, MO, 63074

Telephone: (314) 213-8500

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Pattonville School District will not discriminate on the basis of disability against qualified individuals with a disability with respect to its services, programs or activities.  

Employment:  The District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices.  The District complies with the federal regulations under Title II of the ADA (which governs the application of the ADA in the hiring and employment setting).  

Effective Communication: The District will comply with the ADA with respect to providing auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in its programs, services, and activities.  These aids and services are designed to make information and communications accessible to people who have impairments, in areas such as speech, hearing, and vision.  The District will not place a surcharge on a qualified individual with a disability, or any group of qualified individuals with disabilities, to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy (for example, retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but inaccessible to users of wheelchairs).  

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a service, program, or activity of the District should contact the Compliance Coordinator, whose contact information is listed in the District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.  Such contact should be made as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours before the scheduled event (and, preferably, at least five (5) business days before the event).  

Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The District will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy its services, programs and activities.   However, the ADA does not require the District to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.  

Complaints that a District service, program, or activity is not accessible to persons with a disability may be directed to one of the District’s Compliance Coordinators listed in the District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.  In addition, as stated in the District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination, a person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title II of the ADA may contact the United States Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 1 Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone (816) 268-0550. 

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The Special School District and Pattonville School District assure that they will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Pattonville School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the state in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The Pattonville School District and Special School District assure that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Pattonville School District and Special School District have developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agencies’ policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agencies’ assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed in the office of the superintendent of schools during regular school hours on days school is in session.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

The Pattonville School District, in compliance with state law (162.695 RS Mo), is conducting a census of children and youth with disabilities and disadvantages. The law requires a complete listing of all such persons who are under 21 years of age.

Children attending the Pattonville and Special School districts who qualify will be reported. The district needs the assistance of parents and other district residents regarding children with disabilities who are 1) below school age (0 to 5 years); 2) attending non-public schools; 3) unable to attend any school; 4) unable to complete high school; and 5) unable to succeed in vocational programs as a result of academic deficiency or socioeconomic or cultural disabilities.

The purpose of this census is to provide information necessary to plan for future programs for children who are not being serviced by current educational programs. The information in this form is required by state law at this time.

Census Information

Child’s Name___________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________________

Sex__________________________________Race______________________________________________

Telephone______________________________________________________________________________

Name(s) of Parent(s)/Guardian(s)_______________________________________________________

Address/Zip_____________________________________________________________________________

Disabling Condition_____________________________________________________________________

Presently Receiving Services From (School/Agency)_____________________________________

Service Address/Zip_____________________________________________________________________

Services Telephone______________________________________________________________________

Please return this form to Dr. Tori Cain, Pattonville School District, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and subsequent amendments in 1990, 1994, 2001 and 2004 provide considerable protection for the educational needs of homeless children and youth in the United States. Subtitle B of Title VIII states that it is the policy of Congress that:

1. Homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth.

2. Residency requirements, practices or policies that may act as a barrier to enrollment will be revised to ensure that homeless children and youth are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth.

3. Homelessness alone should not be sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment.

4. Homeless children and youth should have access to the education and other services that such children and youth need to ensure that such children and youth have an opportunity to meet the same challenging state student performance standards to which all students are held.

School districts of each homeless child and youth are required to determine the child's best interest by either:

1. Continuing the child's education in the school of origin:  a.) For the remainder of the academic year; or b.) In any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years, for the following academic year; or

2. Enrolling the child in any school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth resides are eligible to attend. 

For more information, please contact Amanda Thieme, homeless services coordinator, at (314) 213-8075.   

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, children who live outside the district but are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, children who are wards of the state, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.  The Pattonville School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction.  Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation/intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Pattonville School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The Pattonville School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians.  Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child.  Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Pattonville School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA).  This plan may be reviewed by appointment in the Pattonville Student Services office located at 11097 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Ann, MO 63074.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

In order to meet its goal of providing appropriate educational opportunities for all students in the Pattonville School District, the Board of Education shall participate in the federal Title I program.

The board recognizes that when schools work together with families to support learning, children are inclined to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. It is the board's intent to establish partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional and academic growth of children.

The district will encourage Title I parents to be involved in supporting the education of their children in at least the following ways:

• Parents will be involved in the joint development of the Title I program plan and in the process of reviewing the implementation of the plan and suggesting improvements.

• The district will provide coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing parental involvement.

• The district will build the schools' and parents' capacity for strong parental involvement.

• The district will support the coordination and integration of Title I parental involvement strategies with those of other programs that include parent involvement by meeting with appropriate program coordinators at least once each year to plan such coordination and integration of parent involvement activities.

• The district will conduct, with the involvement of parents, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parental involvement policy to determine whether there has been increased participation and whether there are barriers to greater participation, particularly by parents who are disabled, who have limited English proficiency, limited literacy or are of any racial or ethnic minority background.

• The district will use the evaluation findings in designing strategies for school improvement and in revising parental involvement policies and procedures at the district and building levels.

The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) is the law schools are required to adhere to with respect to asbestos. AHERA was enacted to determine the extent of and develop solutions for concerns schools may have had with asbestos. 

During 1988, Pattonville facilities were inspected by accredited asbestos inspectors, as required by AHERA. The inspectors located, sampled and rated the condition of all materials in our facilities suspected of containing asbestos. The inspection and laboratory analysis records were turned over to an accredited professional to develop asbestos management plans. 

The asbestos management plan for Pattonville facilities includes: this notification, education and training of employees, plans and procedures designed to minimize asbestos containing materials and plans for regular surveillance of the materials. Regular surveillance includes a six-month and three-year re-inspection of our facilities by accredited asbestos inspectors, as required by AHERA. 

A copy of the asbestos management plan and reinspection is available for your review in the maintenance office during regular office hours. Please direct all inquiries to David Winslow, director of facilities, at (314) 213-8040. Pattonville’s intent is not only complying with, but exceeding federal, state and local regulations in this area. Pattonville plans on taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure its children, employees and visitors a safe environment in which to work and learn.  

General

In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Pattonville R-III School District prohibits all forms of bullying.  Bullying of students is prohibited on school property, at any school function, or on a school bus.  The district also prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying among or against students.

Definitions

Bullying - In accordance with state law, bullying is defined as intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for his or her physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.  Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or property damage; oral, written, or electronic communication, including name-calling, verbal insults or attacks, spreading rumors, teasing, taunting, inappropriate sexual comments, inappropriate comments about a student’s personal characteristics (including but not limited to: appearance, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability), put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts.

Cyberbullying - A form of bullying as defined above committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.  The district has jurisdiction over cyberbullying that uses the district's technology resources or that originates on district property, at a district activity or on district transportation. Even when cyberbullying does not involve district property, activities or technology resources, the district may impose consequences and discipline for those who engage in cyberbullying if there is a sufficient nexus (connection) to the educational environment, the behavior materially and substantially disrupts the educational environment, the communication involves a threat as defined by law, or the district is otherwise allowed by law to address the behavior.

School Day - A day on the school calendar when students are required to attend school.

Designated Officials

The building principal/administrator is hereby identified as the individual to receive and investigate reports of bullying.  Each building principal/administrator shall identify one or more certified staff members that are authorized to receive and investigate reports of bullying in the principal/administrator's absence or at the principal/administrator’s discretion. 

The director of student services will serve as the districtwide anti-bullying coordinator.  The anti-bullying coordinator will receive all completed investigative reports from all buildings and analyze the reports to identify any information that would inform the district's anti-discrimination and anti-bullying education and training programs.  In addition, the anti-bullying coordinator will assist in making any relevant reports as required by state and federal law.

Reporting Bullying

School employees and substitutes are expected to intervene to prevent and/or address acts of student bullying.  In addition, they are to report the incident to the building principal and/or designee for further investigation and action.  Any school employee or substitute who witnesses or has firsthand knowledge of bullying of a student must report the incident to the building principal and/or designee as soon as possible, but no later than two school days after the incident.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, or who have witnessed or have knowledge of bullying, are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a school employee.  Any school employee receiving such a report shall promptly transmit the report to the building principal and/or designee.

If the bullying incident involves students from more than one district building, the report should be made to the principal and/or designee of the building in which the incident took place.

Investigation

Within two school days of receiving a report of bullying, the principal and/or designee will initiate an investigation of the incident.  Reports that involve students from multiple buildings will be investigated cooperatively by the building principals and/or designees of each building involved, or those building principals and/or designees may request that the Director of Student Services conduct the investigation.  If at any time during the investigation the principal and/or designee determines that the bullying involves illegal discrimination, harassment or retaliation as described in policy AC, the building principal and/or designee will report the incident to the Director of Student Services who will assist in the investigation. 

The investigation shall be completed within ten school days of the date the report of bullying was received unless good cause exists to extend the investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the principal and/or designee will determine whether bullying or harassment occurred and, if so, whether additional discipline is warranted in accordance with the district's student behavior guide. The principal and/or designee will generate a written report of the investigation and findings and send a copy of the completed report to the director of student services. The principal and/or designee will document the report in the appropriate student records.  All reports will be kept confidential in accordance with state and federal law.

If the incident involved allegations of illegal discrimination or harassment, the principal's decision may be appealed in accordance with policy AC.  Student discipline may be appealed when allowed by law in accordance with Board policy. 

The principal or other appropriate district staff will work with victims and their families to access resources and services to help them deal with any negative effects that resulted from the incident.

Consequences

Students who participate in bullying or who retaliate against anyone who reports bullying will be disciplined in accordance with the district's behavior guide. The district will also contact law enforcement when required by law and/or notify social media companies of inappropriate online activity when applicable.

Even in situations where the district does not have jurisdiction to discipline a student for bullying, such as when the acts take place off campus and there is an insufficient nexus to the district, the principal or designee may take appropriate actions to assist student victims.  Such actions may include, but are not limited to, contacting the parents/guardians of the victim and the alleged perpetrators, communicating that this behavior is not allowed on district grounds or at district activities, notifying the appropriate district staff to assist the victim, and taking additional action when appropriate, such as notifying law enforcement or social media companies of inappropriate online activity.

District employees and substitutes who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including possible termination.  Volunteers who violate this policy will no longer be permitted to volunteer.

Policy Publication

The district shall annually notify students, parents/guardians, district employees, substitutes, and volunteers about this policy and the district's prohibition against bullying.  A copy of this policy shall be included in the student behavior guide and posted on the district's website.

Training and Education

The district's anti-bullying coordinator will provide information and appropriate training designed to assist employees, substitutes, and volunteers who have significant contact with students in identifying, preventing, and responding to incidents of bullying.

The district will provide education and information about bullying and this policy to students annually. The principal of each school, in consultation with school counselors and other appropriate school employees, will determine the best methods for providing this information to students. 

In addition to educating students about the content of this policy, the district will inform students of:

1. The procedure for reporting bullying.

2. The harmful effects of bullying.

3. Any initiatives the school or district has created to address bullying, including student peer-to-peer initiatives. 

4. The consequences for those who participate in bullying or engage in reprisal or retaliation against those who report bullying.

School counselors, social workers, or other appropriate district staff will educate students who are victims of bullying about how to overcome the negative effects of bullying including, but not limited to:

1. Cultivating the student's self-worth and self-esteem.

2. Teaching the student to defend him- or herself assertively and effectively without violence.

3. Helping the student develop social skills.

4. Encouraging the student to develop an internal locus of control.

Additional School Programs and Resources

The Board directs the Superintendent or designee to implement programs and other initiatives to address bullying, respond to such conduct in a manner that does not stigmatize the victim, and make resources or referrals available to victims of bullying.  Such initiatives may include educating parents/guardians and families on bullying prevention and resources.

The voters of the Pattonville School District shall annually, on the municipal election day, the first Tuesday of April, elect two directors for terms of three years, with the exception of 1993 and every third year thereafter, when three directors will be elected, in compliance with regulations specified in state law.  

The next school board election will be April 2, 2024. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, a resident taxpayer of the district and at least 24 years of age by election day. For more information, including filing dates and procedures, call Kelly Gordon at (314) 213-8025.

The Board of Education recognizes that situations of concern to parents/guardians or the public may arise in the operation of the district.  Such concerns are best resolved through communication with appropriate staff members and officers of the school district, such as the faculty, the principals, the superintendent or the Board of Education. The following steps are the proper procedures to be followed by persons with questions or complaints regarding the operation of the school district:

• 1. Complaints on behalf of individual students should first be addressed to the teacher.

  2. Unsettled matters from (1) above, or problems and questions concerning individual schools, should be directed to the principal of the school.

  3. Unsettled matters from (2) above, or problems and questions concerning individual schools, should be directed to the superintendent or his designee.

  4. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it should be brought to the Board of Education.  

Questions and comments submitted to the secretary to the board in letter form will be brought to the attention of the entire board at a regularly scheduled or called meeting.  If necessary, a board hearing will be scheduled to resolve the complaint. However, the decision of the board shall be final except in the case of complaints concerning the administration of federal programs. In that case the complainant may go to the appropriate section of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and from there on to the United States Secretary of Education. 

The board considers it the obligation of the professional and support staff of the district to field the questions of parents/guardians or the public.  

This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs1  that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)2

1Programs include Title I. A, B, C, D, Title II, Title III, Title IV.A, Title V Revised 4/17 Revised 4/17

2In compliance with ESSA Title VIII- Part C. Sec. 8304(a)(3)(C)

Local education agencies are required to disseminate, free of charge, this information regarding ESSA complaint procedures to parents of students and appropriate private school officials or representatives.

1. What is a complaint?

For these purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA.

2. Who may file a complaint?

Any individual or organization may file a complaint.

3. How can a complaint be filed?

Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department.

4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?

Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures.

5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)?

A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department.

6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department?

A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes:

1. A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA program has been violated by the LEA or the

Department, and

2. The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?

The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties.

The following activities will occur in the investigation:

1. Record. A written record of the investigation will be kept.

2. Notification of LEA. The LEA will be notified of the complaint within five days of the complaint being

filed.

3. Resolution at LEA. The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve

the complaint at the local level.

4. Report by LEA. Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written

summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution. This report is considered public record

and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public.

5. Verification. Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the

Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone

call(s).

6. Appeal. The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S.

Department of Education.

8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently?

In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint. Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department’s resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint).

9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated?

The Department will initiate an investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal. This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant and the LEA. Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA.

10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?

The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.

The Pattonville School District Board of Education does not engage in or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of Protected Categories in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.  The “Protected Categories” include race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, and religion.  

The district’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment (collectively referenced as “discrimination/harassment”) on the basis of Protected Categories applies to applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral, visitors, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the district (collectively referenced as “Protected Individuals”).   

This policy contains the District’s complaint-resolution procedure for addressing complaints by any person who believes that conduct or an action, policy, procedure or practice of the district constitutes discrimination/harassment on the basis of one or more of the Protected Categories.  

To view the full policy, visit Pattonville's BoardDocs website and search for Policy AC in the policy section.

• • All students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including month, day, and year of each immunization before attending school.

  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) allows a 4-day grace period. Students in all grade levels may receive immunizations up to four days before the due date.

  • Required immunizations should be administered according to the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Schedule.

  • To remain in school, students "in progress" must have an Immunization In Progress form (Imm.P.14) on file. In progress means that a child has begun the vaccine series and has an appointment for the next dose. This appointment must be kept and an updated record provided to the school. If the appointment is not kept, the child is no longer in progress and is noncompliant. (i.e., Hep B vaccine series was started but the child is not yet eligible to receive the next dose in the series.)

  • Religious (Imm.P.11A) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions are allowed. The appropriate exemption card must be on file. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from school when outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases occur.

Copies of Missouri's School Immunization requirements can be found in English and Spanish online at https://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/immunizations/schoolrequirements.php.

Because virtual instruction can be an effective education option for some students, the district may offer virtual courses to students through district staff or by contracting for those services as part of the district-sponsored curriculum. In addition, eligible students may enroll in virtual courses offered through the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP). The district will accept all grades and credits earned through district- sponsored virtual instruction and MOCAP.

The district will pay the costs of a virtual course only if the district has first approved the student's enrollment in the course as described in board policy. Even if a student or his or her parents/guardians pay the costs for a virtual course, the student or parents/guardians should meet with the principal or designee prior to enrollment to ensure that the course is consistent with the student's academic and personal goals.

The district is not required to provide students access to or pay for courses beyond the equivalent of full-time enrollment. The district will provide supervision for students who take virtual courses in district facilities but will not provide supervision for students taking virtual courses offsite.

Students taking courses virtually are subject to district policies, procedures and rules applicable to students enrolled in traditional courses including, but not limited to, the district's discipline code and prohibitions on academic dishonesty, discrimination, harassment, bullying and cyberbullying. 

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act into law. The CARES Act is a $2 trillion relief package to address the economic fallout related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Section 18003 makes funds available from the Education Stabilization Fund for grants to State Education Agencies for elementary and secondary school emergency relief.

Section 18005 of the Act provides that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) receiving funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund must provide equitable services to non-public schools as required under section 1117 of the ESEA. However, control of these funds and title to materials, equipment and property purchased with such funds must remain with the public school district, and be administered by the public LEA. Public school districts will need to consult with non-public school officials to determine how the services will be provided to the non-public schools.

Allowable Uses Applicable to Non-Public Schools

1.   Any activity authorized by the ESEA of 1965, including;

• • a.     The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq. (“IDEA”),

  • b.     The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (34 U.S.C. 463, et seq.),

  • c.     The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301,

  • d.     et seq.) (“the Perkins Act”), or

  • e.     Subtitle 8 of title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431, et seq.).

2.   Coordinating the preparedness and response efforts of local educational agencies (LEAs) with state and local public health departments and other relevant agencies to improve coordinated responses among such entities to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

3.  Providing principals and others school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools.

4.  Developing and implementing activities to address the unique needs of low-income children or students, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth through activities that include how   outreach and service delivery will meet the needs of each population.

5.  Developing and implementing procedures and systems to improve the preparedness and response efforts of LEAs.

6.  Training and professional development for LEA staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.

7.  Purchasing supplies to sanitize and clean the facilities of the LEA, including buildings operated by such agency.

8.  Planning for and coordinating during long-term closures, including how to:

• provide meals to eligible students,

• provide technology for online learning to all students,

• provide guidance for carrying out requirements under the IDEA; and,

• ensure other educational services can continue to be provided consistent with all federal, state and local requirements.

9.  Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software and connectivity) for students who are served by the LEA that aids in regular and substantive educational interaction between students and their classroom instructors, including low-income students and students with disabilities, which may include assistive technology or adaptive equipment.

10.   Providing mental health services and supports.

11.   Planning and implementing activities related to summer learning and supplemental afterschool programs, including providing classroom instruction or online learning during the summer months and addressing the needs of low-income students, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, students experiencing homelessness and children in foster care. 

The CARES Act funds are for the 2019-20 school year and will be available to LEAs for use until September 30, 2022.

While the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has a number of non- public schools registered for participation in federal programs, there may be additional nonpublic schools that wish to receive an equitable share of services funded by the CARES Act.-. Nonpublic schools not registered with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) may contact the Federal Programs Section to participate in the CARES Act services.

It is important to note that the non-public school will not receive funds, but rather services from the public school district.

If you choose to participate in the services the CARES Act funds offer, the Department will need confirmation from the nonpublic school of their wishes to participate as well as enrollment counts and economic deprivation counts BEFORE June 1, 2020. 

If you have questions or concerns, or to submit enrollment counts please contact Julia Cowell, Director of Federal Programs, at Julia.cowell@dese.mo.gov or Theresa Villmer, Equitable Services Ombudsman for the State of Missouri, at Theresa.villmer@dese.mo.gov.