Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we continue to work together to support our students’ success, we wanted to send a friendly reminder about our school’s cell phone policy and the best ways to stay in touch during the school day.

We understand how important it is for you to be able to communicate with your child, but we kindly ask that all communication—such as changes in dismissal plans—go through the main office. This ensures that any messages are delivered promptly and without interrupting their learning. If your child isn't feeling well, they should visit the school nurse, who will assess the situation and reach out to you if necessary. It's important that we follow these steps to avoid any confusion and make sure that students who need to go home due to illness do so according to proper protocols.

To help minimize distractions, students should have their phones turned off and either zippered up in their school bag or stored in their locker throughout the school day. When students receive texts or calls during class, it can be very tempting for them to check other apps or social media, which can take away from their focus on learning. By keeping phones out of sight during the school day, we can help them stay engaged and make the most of their time in class.

As stated in the Student Handbook, please note that if a cell phone is seen or used during the school day, it will be sent to the office, and a parent or guardian may need to pick it up. Multiple infractions can lead to further disciplinary action. We appreciate your understanding and support in reinforcing this policy at home.

Our goal is to create the best possible environment for your children to learn and grow, and we’re grateful for your partnership in this effort.

Thank you for all you do!

ETR Admin 

BACKGROUND CHECKS, CLEARANCES AND DISCLOSURES

All volunteers who are responsible for the welfare of children must have obtained all security clearances prior to service. These volunteers are persons who will chaperone a field trip or volunteer at certain building events as determined by administration. Necessary clearances include: Child Abuse Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check and FBI Clearance (waivers for the FBI check are available for persons who have been residents of Pennsylvania for ten years or longer). All clearances are available electronically via the following links:

• Criminal Background Clearance or print and mail an application

• Child Abuse Clearance

• FBI Fingerprints or 10 year + residents of PA may waive the clearance by submitting an affidavit

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) FINGERPRINT CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK INSTRUCTIONS: Applicants must register for fingerprints online at: https://www.identogo.com/  (select Digital Fingerprints) 

Service Code for EMPLOYEES only: 1kg6xn -  $25.25 

Service Code for VOLUNTEERS only: 1kg6zj -    $23.25 

*cost is subject to change by the state

Upon completion, please be sure to print out confirmation / receipt; clearances should be submitted by the volunteer to the main office of your students’ school building(s). The FBI Waiver Affidavit must be presented in person by the volunteer and witnessed by the main office.

Fees for volunteers applying for clearances have been waived by the state, with the exception of the FBI background check, which costs. Submitted clearances must be renewed every 60 months. Certifications are portable as long as they are current; if you currently have clearances less than 5 years old, they are valid and may be submitted to your students’ building(s).

Should you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

(Additional information is available on the Human Resources page.)