Section 5000 Students

5010 Student Policies Goals / Priority Objectives

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Students are the first concern of the District and must receive the primary attention of the Board and all staff members. Individual student learning needs are identified and communicated with the goal of enabling all to be successful students prepared to lead responsible adult lives. To fulfill its obligation to students, the Board will strive to spend most of its time in formulating policy and considering other matters related to students. A similar commitment is expected of all staff members. In pursuing this primary goal, it is imperative that the educational interests of the individual student be kept paramount.

Each student will be considered and treated with respect as an individual. One of the major tasks of the educational program will be to assist each student in becoming self-sufficient in utilization of decision making processes and techniques, eventually becoming responsible for determining his / her own learning purposes and the means for achieving them. Staff members will seek to be wise counselors of student and skillful facilitators of learning. To this end, the Board and staff will work together to establish an environment conducive to the very best learning achievement for each student through the implementation of the following belief statements regarding students:

• Students attend schools which are focused on their individual needs, where they master a common core of knowledge and skills in the basic academic subjects.
• Students are helped to develop appropriate educational and career goals.
• Student behavior, academic progress, and emotional well-being are continually monitored.
• Students are encouraged to engage in the full life of the school, including its co-curricular program.
• Students develop the full range of their productive thinking and problem solving talents, creative capacities and communications abilities including oral, written and listening skills.
• Students develop the full range of their productive thinking and problem solving talents, creative capacities and communications abilities including oral, written and listening skills.
• Students develop a strong sense of social responsibility and accept and respect multicultural diversity in others.
• Students are capable of properly exercising their personal, political and ethical choices in a free society within a constantly changing world.
• Students understand the importance and value of school work and how their performance, responsible efforts and decisions affect their future opportunities.
• Students are able to integrate knowledge and skills and apply them to on-the job and real life experiences.
• Students are provided with the information, assistance, and support to make informed decisions regarding his / her post-graduate plans.
• Students are prepared for their transition to work or further education by counselors who serve as advocates and they have a foundation for lifelong learning.

Date of Adoption: 5/2/95

 

5020 Equal Educational Opportunity

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The Board reaffirms the principle that every student should be given equal educational opportunity for maximum educational development. Therefore, the district will foster an educational environment that provides equal opportunity for all students.

In meeting this objective, the Board intends to create educational opportunities for each student so that challenging programs are provided which relate to the stages of development of the individual. As a consequence, when necessary, additional resources will be made available or special procedures put in place.

It will be the policy of the schools to allocate district personnel, curriculum materials, and instructional supplies among the schools on a comparable basis. To this extent, the district will strive to maintain a balance of personnel, curriculum materials, and instructional supplies so as to minimize variations among schools.

cf. #5020.1 Nondiscrimination)
(cf #5200: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504)
(cf. #6161.3 Comparability of Services)

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

• 10-153 Discrimination on account of marital status
• 46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited

Federal Law

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964
• Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
• 20 U.S.C. 706 (7)(b)
• American Disability Act of 1989
• Chalk v. The United States District Court of Central California
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• Civil Rights Act of 1987

Date of Adoption: May 2, 1995
Technical Revision: August 22, 2006

This school system pledges to avoid discriminatory actions and seeks to foster good human and educational relations which will help to maintain:

1. equal rights and opportunities for all students in the school community;
2. equal opportunity for all students to participate in the total school program of the schools;
3. continual study and development of curricula toward improving human relations and understanding and appreciating cultural differences;
4. training opportunities for improving staff ability and responsiveness to educational and social needs of students;
5. opportunities in educational programs which are broadly available to all students with access not solely based upon race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, handicap or physical disability;
6. an appropriate learning environment for all students which includes (a) adequate instructional books, supplies, materials, equipment, staffing, facilities and technology, (b) equitable allocation of resources among district schools and (c) a safe school setting.

Each student, at the time he / she becomes eligible for participation, will be advised of his / her right to equal access under Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 to participate in school programs without discrimination on account of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or national origin, or physical disability.

The Superintendent shall develop regulations for hearing student grievances.

The Board will designate an individual to serve as the school system's nondiscrimination compliance officer and will publicize the name, office address, and business telephone number of the designee. Inquiries about the enforcement of this nondiscrimination policy can be directed to the compliance officer, or to the Director of the Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C.

(cf 6010: Commitment to Education)
(cf 5200: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504)

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

• Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 20 U.S.C.
• 706 (7)(b).
• 10-15 Towns to maintain schools.
• 10-15c Discrimination in public school prohibited.
• 10-18a Contents of textbooks and other general instructional materials.
• 10-226a Pupils of racial minorities.
• 10-145a(b) Certificates of qualification for teachers; Inter-group relations programs.
• 10-220 Duties of boards of education, as amended by PA 97-290, An Act
• Enhancing Educational Choices and Opportunities.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C., 1681 et seq. Section
• 504, U.S. Rehabilitation Act, 1973, 29 U.S. C. 791
• 10-153 Discrimination on account of marital status
• 46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited

Federal Law

5030 Assignment of Students to School

Students will be required to attend school in the attendance area in which they reside, unless special permission has been granted by the Superintendent. The Madison Public Schools reserves the right to assign students to schools outside their normal attendance area as appropriate to create and / or maintain equitable class sizes for grades one through four. Final placement of students in the elementary schools will be determined on the basis of both current and projected student enrollment for each of the attendance areas.

Special permission may be granted if:

• The change involves an identified special needs student or a hardship case, or if there are medical considerations;
• The change appears to be in the best interests of the student or of the school;
• The legal residence of a student changes from one attendance area to another within the Madison district during the school year and the parents wish the student to remain in his or her former school. Such permission will not extend beyond the current school year.

School bus transportation will not be provided for students attending school outside their attendance area unless they can be accommodated on existing bus routes and schedules; or unless an identified special needs student is involved; or unless specific permission is granted by the Board.

5030.1 Intradistrict School Attendance Areas

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School attendance areas for the elementary schools under the jurisdiction of the Madison Board of Education will be drawn up by the Superintendent and approved by the Board. The Board is committed to the use of long-range planning techniques in establishing intradistrict school attendance areas and in minimizing the need for frequent boundary changes. The primary considerations that govern the establishment of a school attendance area are equal educational opportunity, operational needs of the school system, demographic data, school capacity, transportation considerations and neighborhood lines. Any recommendation for the establishment of school attendance area boundaries will include an analysis and justification based on these considerations.

The following conditions may require the change of school attendance areas: an overcrowded condition in an existing school, the closing or opening of a school or the development of new residential areas or the reconfiguration of grades within the schools. At those times, the Board's primary basis for judgment must be the same considerations as stated above for the establishment of a school attendance area. The Board recognizes its responsibility to hear suggestions and reactions from the community prior to approving any redistricting plan.

Whereas Madison is undergoing continuous growth as well as population shifts, redistricting will be reviewed annually by the Superintendent, and any recommendations will be brought to the Board.

The Superintendent is authorized to make exceptions to district lines for individual students in the best interests of the student or school.

Date of Adoption: 5/2/95

5030.2 Interdistrict School Attendance Areas

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The Board of Education recognizes that students may benefit from having a choice of schools to attend within the Connecticut public school system that is not limited by school and/or Madison’s district boundaries. Public school choice will (1) provide parents and students with greater opportunities to choose the school and / or program that best meets the academic needs of the student; (2) influence positively the level of parent involvement and student motivation; (3) improve academic achievement; (4) reduce racial, ethnic and economic imbalance; and (5) provide a choice of educational programs for students.

The Madison Public Schools will cooperate with the appropriate regional educational service center in the planning and implementation of the state-wide interdistrict public school attendance program in accordance with the timelines and provisions contained within C.G.S. 10-4a as amended by PA 97-290, "An Act Enhancing Educational Choices and Opportunities," and C.G.S. 10-266aa as amended by P.A. 99-289, "An Act Concerning School Choice and Interdistrict Programs."

Nonresident students from the New London district who apply pursuant to the regulations approved by the Board, may enroll in particular programs or schools in districts in the surrounding areas on a space available basis, without payment of tuition except that the Madison Public Schools shall receive an amount, within available appropriations, from the Department of Education, for each out-of-district student attending a school within the Madison Public Schools. It is recognized that the Regional Service Centers shall determine which school districts in its area are located close enough to a priority school district to make transportation feasible.

In providing for admission of nonresident students, the Madison Public Schools shall consider:

1. Issues pertaining to the availability of space within a requested school to accommodate the enrollment request. The Madison Public Schools will notify its RESC by March 31 of each year of the space it will have available for students from the surrounding area for the new school year.
2. Programs available and the possible establishment of new programs.
3. Eligibility criteria for participating in a particular program, including age requirements, course prerequisites and required levels of performance.
4. Dates of enrollment of nonresident students in a school or program.
5. The requirement that participants attending school in the Madison Public Schools may do so until they graduate from high school.

It is the policy of the Madison Public Schools to receive nonresident students as part of the state-wide interdistrict public school attendance program in accordance with plan developed with the Regional Educational Service Center. Such planning, the Board believes, should consider, but not be limited to, the issues of definition and determination of space availability, choice of students, transportation to and from school and for after-school activities. Further, planning should consider issues related to special education, prior disciplinary behavior, and acceptance of prior academic work. The Madison Public Schools will not recruit students under this program for athletic or extracurricular purposes. Records of students involved in the interdistrict program will be promptly forwarded to the receiving district.

The Board directs the Superintendent and staff not to make any distinction based on race, sex, ethnic group, religion or disability of any student who is in attendance or who seeks admission to any school within the Madison Public Schools in the determination or recommendation of action under this policy.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

5040 School Census

The school district will conduct an annual census in accordance with the Connecticut State Department of Education Data Acquisition Plan to ascertain and identify the number of school age children in the district in grades kindergarten through twelve.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

Sec. 10-10a. Public school information system.

5050 School Attendance Objectives

The Board of Education recognizes that regular school attendance is vital to meeting the educational needs of all students.

The Board recognizes that the responsibility for regular, daily punctual attendance is shared by the community, the home, students, and school personnel.

Regular school attendance assures a sense of learning experiences necessary to build a firm, basic foundation of knowledge and skills. Additionally, students require opportunities to develop an appropriate sense of self-worth, to establish satisfactory peer relationships and to develop a sense of individual responsibility.

Schools educate students most effectively and provide the necessary support and assistance to maximize success in learning when students are present on a regular basis.

Date of Adoption: 5/2/95

5050.1 Compulsory Attendance

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Admission

District schools shall be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five by December 31st of any school year. Each such child shall have, and shall be so advised by the appropriate school authorities, an equal opportunity to participate in the program and activities of the school system without discrimination related to race, color, sex, religion, national origin or sexual orientation. Students who are classified as homeless under federal law and, therefore, do not have a fixed residence, will be admitted pursuant to federal law and policy #5120.9. Exceptions from routine admission may be made by the school principal on the basis of supporting evidence from physical and psychological examinations.

Parents or persons who have the control of children age five and older to under eighteen years of age inclusive are obligated by Connecticut law to require their children to attend public day school or its equivalent in the district in which such child resides, unless the parent or person having control of such child is able to show that the child is elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction in the studies taught in the public schools. The parent or person having legal guardianship of a child seventeen years of age must consent to such child’s withdrawal from school. The parent or person shall exercise this option by personally appearing at the school district office to sign a withdrawal form. The district shall provide the parent or person having legal guardianship with information on the educational opportunities available in the school system and in the community. If a child is eighteen years of age or older, he / she is not required to attend school.

The parent or person having legal guardianship of a child five years of age shall have the option of not sending the child to school until the child is six years of age by December 31st of any school year. The parent or person having legal guardianship of a child six years of age shall have the option of delaying enrollment of the child in the public schools until the child has reached the age of seven years by December 31st of any school year.

The parent or person having legal guardianship shall exercise such option by personally appearing at the school district office and signing an option form. The district shall provide the parent or person having legal guardianship with information on the educational opportunities available in the school system.

Each child entering the district schools for the first time must present a birth certificate or offer legal evidence of birth data, as well as proof of a recent physical examination and required immunizations. If the parents or guardians of any children are unable to pay for such immunizations and/or physicals, the expense of such immunizations and/or physicals shall, on the recommendation of the Board, be paid by the town. Proof of domicile may also be requested by the building Principal.

Children who apply for initial admission to the district’s schools by transfer from nonpublic schools or from schools outside the district will be placed at the grade they would have reached elsewhere pending observation and evaluation by classroom teachers, guidance personnel, and the school Principal. After such observations and evaluations have been completed, the Principal will determine the final grade placement of the children.

Children who have attained the age of seventeen and who have voluntarily terminated enrollment in the district schools and subsequently seek eadmission may be denied readmission for up to ninety school days from the date of such termination, unless the child seeks readmission to the school district not later than ten school days after the termination in which case the board shall provide school accommodations to the child not later than three school days after the child seeks readmission.

Provisions for Special Education

According to Connecticut General Statute 10-76d, special education will be provided for children who have attained the age of three and who have been identified as being in need of special education, and whose educational potential will be irreparably diminished without special education.

In accordance with state statutes, any child entering or returning to the district from placement in a juvenile detention school, the Connecticut Juvenile Training School, or any other residential placement, shall have the educational records of such child provided to the Superintendent of Schools by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Judicial Department. Such information will be shared with the Principal of the school to which the student is assigned. The Principal can disclose them to those staff who teach or care for the child.

Alternative School Placement

Children who have attained the age of nineteen or older may be placed in an alternative school program or other suitable educational program if they cannot acquire a sufficient number of credits for graduation by age twenty-one.

 

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

 

State Board of Education Regulations

5050.2 Entrance Age Requirements

The schools within this District shall be open to all children five (5) years of age and over who reach age five (5) on or before the first day of January of any school year.

5060 Registration for School

Children of school age who are residents of Madison may attend school without payment of tuition provided that they satisfactorily meet all residency, academic, age, immunization, and other eligibility prerequisites for the school or program to which they seek admission as set forth in the Education Laws of the State of Connecticut and the policies of the Board of Education.  Residents over the age of twenty-one (21) will be referred to regional adult education programs.

Registration Procedures

• Application for admission to the public schools will be made by registering at the District Central Office.  The school to be attended is determined by the attendance zone within which the applicant resides.

• The office of the Director of Administrative Services will be responsible for receiving all applications for admission, conducting registration procedures, and certifying that all admission requirements and prerequisites have been properly met.

• Prior to the admission of a student, the student's parent or guardian will be required to provide documented proof of the date of birth of each registering student. Such proof may include, but is not necessarily limited to, any one of the following: (a) an original or certified true copy of the student's official birth certificate, or (b) a valid, unexpired passport which gives the student's date of birth, or (c) a sworn (notarized) affidavit of the student's correct date of birth, or (d) an official transcript from the last school attended which includes the student's date of birth, or (e) an original or certified true copy of the student's baptismal certificate which includes the student's date of birth.

• Students must be accompanied at registration by a parent or guardian. “Parent” means a natural parent, an adopted, or a legal guardian or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian will provide the following information for each registering student: (a) full name of the student, (b) full name, home address, and work address of each parent, guardian, or other person having custody or control of the minor student for the purpose of admission, (c) the home, work, and cellular telephone numbers of each parent, guardian, or other responsible adult or, in each case, the telephone number through which each person may be contacted at home and at work, (d) the name and telephone number of a person or persons who should be contacted in case of an emergency, (e) the name, address, and telephone number of the student's physician, clinic, or other person or agency where the student's medical records are located, (f) the date of registration, (g) the manner or type of admission. In addition, where there is more than one custodial parent, guardian, or other person having custody or control of the minor student, and not all such persons are Madison residents, an affidavit establishing the residency of such student shall be provided, along with any relevant court order regarding custody and / or residency.

• The principal or his / her designee responsible for admission and registration procedures may require the submission of evidence of residency.  Such evidence may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
  • Driver’s license with address on front.
  • Three different utility bills.
  • Copy of purchase and sales agreement showing purchaser’s name, address of property in Madison and closing date.
  • Copy of rental lease showing date rental begins and ends, names of parties renting the property, and name of owner.
  • Resident Affidavit – used in the event the incoming student resides with a family member or friend temporarily while awaiting housing in Madison.  Affidavit must be completed by the Madison resident and notarized.
  • Parent/Guardian Affidavit – to be completed by a parent who does not reside in Madison because the child is living with another parent/guardian who does live in Madison.  A copy of a court-ordered guardianship document is required or a notarized affidavit must be completed by the non-custodial parent.
  • Pupil / Student Affidavit – to be completed by a student over the age of eighteen (18) who resides in Madison and qualifies to attend high school.  Parents may or may not reside in Madison; however, the student must reside in Madison.
• Exceptions from routine admission may be approved by the Superintendent on the basis of supporting evidence from physical and/or psychological examinations.
• The Board reserves the right to conduct a hearing to establish residency if the conditions of residency appear to be in question.

(cf 5060.1.2 Madison Public Schools – Nonresidents)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance.
Hearings. Appeals to state board. Establishment of hearing board.
10-253 School privileges for students in certain placements and temporary shelters.

Date of Adoption: February 27, 1996
Date of Revision: December 1, 1998
Date of Revision: February 26, 2002
Date of Revision: December 4, 2018
Date of Revision: September 24, 2019

Foreign Exchange Students Attending Madison Public Schools

The Madison Board of Education recognizes the value of foreign exchange programs for students. These unique opportunities to experience the culture of another country can be effective and memorable learning experiences for students.

To ensure that students entering the Madison Public Schools from another country as foreign exchange students have a positive experience, the following guidelines have been developed.

1. The Superintendent will determine, on an individual basis, if a foreign exchange student may or may not attend public school in Madison. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to, space, appropriateness of placement, etc.
2. Advance notice must be provided to the Madison Public Schools prior to the finalization of arrangements to accept an exchange student. Exchange organizations sponsoring students must be approved by the administration and may include but are not limited to the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel, Center for Cultural Interchange, American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, and American Field Service.
3. Exchange students must meet all district and State entrance requirements, including, but not limited to, age, place of residence, and immunizations.
4. Agencies, groups and/or families sponsoring foreign exchange students in Madison shall submit to the Office of the Superintendent all required District registration materials, including health and educational records. These records will be a factor in the decision regarding attendance.
5. All living arrangements for foreign exchange students are the responsibility of the sponsoring agency and families. This includes changes in living arrangements after the student has arrived and throughout his/her stay. Neither the Madison Board of Education nor any of its employees will assume responsibility in this area. If the student ceases to live within the boundaries of Madison, it is within the discretion of the Madison Public Schools to dis-enroll the student.
6. Foreign exchange students are subject to the same academic and behavioral standards as all other students while enrolled in Madison schools.
7. The district will provide the most appropriate program available for each foreign exchange student, but should not be expected to offer English As A Second Language services or to make special accommodations that would cause the school to exceed class sizes or teacher loads.
8. It is understood that foreign exchange students shall not be eligible for a Daniel Hand High School diploma, but may be given a certificate of attendance for the period of time in Madison and may participate in graduation ceremonies if appropriate.
9. A certificate of attendance will include the student’s name and dates of attendance, and will be signed by the Superintendent of Schools and the building principal. A record of the academic course of study will be completed and issued with the certificate. The record will include courses taken, grades, units of credit, length of class periods, number of periods per week, and the student’s performance as evaluated by each teacher. This dated record will also include an explanation of the grading system and carry the official seal of the Madison Public Schools.

    

Madison Students Participating in Foreign Exchange Programs

Just as the Board of Education recognizes the value of hosting exchange students in Madison, it also recognizes that students from Madison may benefit from opportunities to experience education in another country.

Any Madison student considering attending a program as an exchange student should consult as soon as possible with school administration and guidance. Arrangements and evaluation of programs can take many months. At least six months prior to leaving, any student seeking to attend school in a foreign country as an exchange student, shall request permission from the school Principal to have course work to be completed in the foreign country approved for transfer of credit. The student must work closely with his/her guidance counselor to determine which courses from the exchange school are eligible for credit in the Madison Public Schools, and how the student will fulfill requirements for graduation from the Madison Public Schools. The Principal of the school in Madison will make the final decision concerning credit transfers and the weight (if any) of such courses in determining the student’s grade point average and class rank. Nothing in this policy, however, is intended to diminish or waive any requirements for high school graduation for students who have studied abroad.

Students who do not bring an official transcript with them at the time they register for their courses upon their return to Madison will resume their education at the same grade level and with the same remaining graduation requirements to be fulfilled as existed before their departure.

 

 

 

5060.1.2 Nonresident Student Definition

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A nonresident student is a student who . . .

1. resides outside of the school district; or
2. resides within the school district on a temporary basis; or
3. resides within the school district on a permanent basis but with pay to the person(s) with whom the student is living; or
4. resides within the school district for the sole purpose of obtaining school accommodations; or is
5. a student placed by the Commissioner of Children and Family Services or by other agencies in a private residential facility. However, under this circumstance, students may attend local schools with tuition paid by the home district unless special education considerations make attendance in local schools and programs inappropriate. Students not requiring special education who live in town as a result of placement by a public agency (other than another Board and except as provided otherwise in this paragraph) are resident students. Those students requiring special education services may attend Madison schools (with special education cost reimbursements in accordance with statutes) unless the required special education services make attendance in Madison schools inappropriate.

Nonresident Attendance Without Tuition

Upon written parental request, nonresident students may be allowed by the Superintendent to attend district schools without tuition under one or more of the following conditions:

1. A family moves from the district on or prior to February 1st of the school year and the parents request that a student complete the marking period;
2. A family moves from the district after February 1st of the school year;
3. A family residing outside of the district has firm plans to move into the school district before February 1st as evidenced by a contract to buy, build, rent, or lease a residential dwelling;
4. A twelfth-grade student wishes to complete his/her education in the district;
5. Children reside temporarily within the district because of family circumstances or students attend even though they are residing temporarily outside of the district because of family circumstances. Approval must be granted by the Superintendent and shall not exceed three (3) calendar months.
6. Necessary student care in the district by grandparents or other relatives. Approval must be granted by the Superintendent and shall not exceed three (3) calendar months.
7. Mental or physical health of the student, as certified by a physician, school psychologist, or other appropriate school personnel, warrants attendance. Approval must be granted by the Superintendent and shall not exceed three (3) calendar months.

Exchange Students

No tuition is required for foreign students living within the district under the American Field Service Program or under other programs or circumstances approved by the Board. Exchange students will be accorded all the rights and privileges of a resident student during the period of enrollment.

Evidence of Residency

The Superintendent or his/her designee may require documentation of family and/or student residency, including affidavits, provided that prior to a request for evidence of residency the parent or guardian, relative or non-relative, emancipated minor, or studenteighteen (18) years of age or older shall be provided with a written statement of why there is reason to believe such students may not be entitled to attend school in the district. An affidavit may require a statement or statements with documentation that there is bona fide student residence in the district, that the residence is intended to be permanent, that it is provided without pay, and that it is not for the sole purpose of obtaining school accommodations.

Removal of Nonresident Student From District Schools

If after a careful review of affidavits and other available evidence, the Superintendent or his/her designee believes a student is not entitled to attend local schools, the parent or guardian, the student if an emancipated minor, or a student eighteen (18) years of age or older shall be informed in writing that, as of a particular date, the student may no longer attend local schools, and the Superintendent shall notify the Board (if known) where the student should attend school. If after review, district residency is established by the evidence, the parent or guardian, the student if an emancipated minor, or a student eighteen (18) years of age or older shall be so informed.

If a student is removed from a district school for residency reasons, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall: (1) inform the parent, guardian, emancipated minor, or student eighteen (18) years of age or older of hearing rights before the Board and that the students may continue in local schools pending a hearing before the Board if requested in writing by the parent, guardian, emancipated minor, or student eighteen (18) years of age or older (2) that upon request, a transcript of the hearing will be provided (3) that a local Board of education decision may be appealed to the State Board and that the student/s may continue in local schools pending a hearing before the State Board if requested in writing by the parent, guardian, emancipated minor, or student eighteen (18) years of age or older (4) that if the appeal to the State Board of Education is lost, a per diem tuition (equal to the district expenditure per student divided by 180) will be assessed for each day a student attended local schools when not eligible to attend.

Board of Education Hearing

Upon written request, the Board shall provide a hearing within ten (10) days after receipt of such request. If there is a hearing, the Board shall make a stenographic record or tape recording of the hearing; shall make a decision on student eligibility to attend local schools within ten (10) days after the hearing; and shall notify the parent, guardian, emancipated minor, or student eighteen (18) years of age or older of its findings. Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 4-177 to 4-180 inclusive of Connecticut General Statutes.

The Board shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of notice of an appeal, forward the hearing record to the State Board of Education.

(cf 5060 Madison Public Schools – Registration for School)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

5060.3 Withdrawal From School / Drop-Outs

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It is the responsibility of the school administration to identify potential student drop-outs and to use those resources available to encourage such students to remain in school. Failing this, the school administration should attempt to guide former students into an alternative plan of education.

A concerted effort should be made by school administrators and counselors to keep in contact with students who withdraw from school during the months immediately following their withdrawal and to encourage those students to reevaluate their decisions to drop out.

5060.3.1 Re-Entry To School

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If, in the course of the school year, a student chooses to withdraw from school, the following re-entry procedure is in effect:

• A student may be re-admitted to the school; however, the days missed will be assessed under the absence policy.
• Students may apply to the school administration for credit for college courses or adult education courses taken during his/her absence from the regular high school program.
• When a student chooses to be re-admitted he/she does so as a decision-making young adult. The administration will not tolerate any abrogation of the rules and regulations of the school.

Date of Adoption: February 27, 1996

5070 Promotion/Acceleration/Retention

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The Board of Education believes that a critical dimension of a quality educational program is the extent to which it offers courses, activities, experiences, and instruction tailored to the particular needs of each student. The Board recognizes its responsibility to educate all students to their highest academic potential. The Board also recognizes that student promotion is dependent on each student’s mastery and acquisition of basic student learning goals. Normally, students will progress annually from grade to grade. The Board desires to minimize the practice of social promotion and wants to ensure that promotion is based on demonstrated mastery of grade level material.

In each grade level, appropriate assessments will chronicle the skills, knowledge, and understandings in the curriculum. Results of such assessments shall be made known to students and their parent(s) / guardian(s). Expected levels of performance on these student learning goals shall be established and tests or other assessment devices shall be obtained or written as appropriate to measure each student’s degree of attainment of these standards. If a student is failing to meet standards or mastering at a consistent accelerated rate, efforts to differentiate instruction shall be taken immediately and parent(s) / guardian(s) should be advised.

Retention or acceleration will only be considered if multiple indicators point to a successful outcome for the student. Retention and acceleration decisions will be the responsibility of the building principal, after discussion and review with parents / guardians, other school officials, and with the Student Support Team when necessary. The student’s social and emotional growth shall be taken into consideration in making a determination to accelerate or retain. The building principal will review the consideration in accordance with established regulations and inform the parent(s) / guardian(s) in writing of the decision. Such decisions may be appealed first to the building principal and then to the Superintendent or his / her designee.

 

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 (a) (b)

5070.1 Assignment of New Students to Classes and Grade Levels

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Nothing in this policy is intended to prejudge the student's education as received in any nonaccredited school but only to assure maintenance of standards of the Madison Public Schools.

Students transferring from a school accredited by a state department of education will enroll at the grade level and with the course credits indicated by the records of the previous school. Students transferring from a school that is nonaccredited will be accepted for enrollment at the level school records indicate, but the level of mastery and the quality of their previous class work must be validated against Madison Public School's performance standards and benchmarks.

Grades K-8

Previous work will be validated for K-8 students by successfully completing the grade in which they enroll. If upon enrollment, it appears that the student is not able to handle the assigned level after 20 school days, the school psychologist or other qualified person will evaluate the student by a written and / or oral examination. The psychologist, building principal, teachers, and parents involved will meet to determine the appropriateness of the placement of the student.

Grades 9 - 12

Transfer From Accredited School

A student transferring from an accredited school must earn a minimum of 4.25 credits during the senior year to receive a Daniel Hand High School diploma. Students must complete all graduation requirements in order to participate in the commencement exercises. Any transferred second-semester senior may arrange with his / her former school to receive a diploma.

Transfer From Nonaccredited School

Previous high school work will be validated for a 9-12 student by successfully completing a placement assessment for every unit / course completed in a nonaccredited high school, i.e. successful completion of the placement assessment of mathematics would validate the mathematics credit being transferred. If the placement assessment does not validate the credit, similar or equivalent work will be evaluated at the discretion of the principal. Students transferring from nonaccredited schools may transfer a maximum of (6) equivalent units per school year. Ordinarily, students from nonaccredited high schools will not be eligible to graduate from Daniel Hand High School with less than two years of attendance.

Reference: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Date of Adoption: September 5, 1995

5070.2 Assignment of Former Home-Schooled Students to Classes

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Entry Procedures

When a student enters the district from home-schooled instruction, the district is required to determine the appropriate grade level and course level placement for the student. In order to make such determination when a student seeks entry, the administrator of the building will:

• contact Central Office to examine:
  1. the "Letter of Intent to Home School" which has been placed on file by the parent / guardian;
  2. the annual portfolio review(s) to determine if the student received equivalent instruction in the required courses;
• consult with the parent / guardian;
• review the permanent records of home-schooled instruction which are required to be kept by the parent / guardian, including the annual standardized test and / or annual assessment of educational progress; and require a placement assessment per the principal's recommendation.

Students will not be allowed "part-time" status for home-schooled instruction.

Grade Placement Procedures:

Elementary and Middle Schools (K-8) Students

Appropriate grade placement on the elementary and middle school levels (K-8) will be determined by the following factors:

• chronological age,
• physical maturity,
• social adjustment,
• performance in relation to student learning objectives for grade level,
• individual performance on standardized achievement tests, and
• other assessments as deemed necessary for evaluation.

The decision to place and / or retain will be based upon consideration of all of the above factors and will be made by a team composed of the principal, teacher(s) and the Student Support Team.

High School

In addition to the above criteria, the following applies to students seeking entry from home schooling at the high school level (9-12):

• The student must qualify for admission with appropriate grade level skills.
• The building principal will verify that the student is eligible to be included in school under these procedures.
• Following consultation with parents / guardians and administration of academic standardized tests, when appropriate, the building principal or designee will make a determination of grade level placement. Such determination will be based upon the school district official's professional judgment of:
  • the requests of the parent;
  • the student's verified performance while on home-schooled instruction; and
  • when appropriate, the student's academic ability as documented by the results of district-administered standardized achievement tests.
• Once the appropriate grade level has been determined, the student and his / her parent / guardian and the high school guidance counselor will develop a planned program of study which will enable the student to make appropriate progress toward fulfilling all graduation requirements.
• All students must complete all courses required by state and federal statute.
• In order to graduate from Daniel Hand High School, the student must be enrolled in the district his / her entire twelfth (12th) grade.
• A student's transcript will show only courses taken following enrollment in the district. The transcript will note, "standing awarded following home-schooled instruction."

 

(cf. #6080.23 Home Schooling)

Legal Reference: Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Eligibility Regulations

5080.1 Tardiness

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The term "tardy" will be defined as being late to school, class or an activity, with or without permission of parents / guardian or school personnel. The building administrator in consultation with staff will establish a specific building definition of what constitutes "being late to school, class or an activity." All teachers will inform their respective classes of the building's definition of "being late to school, class or an activity." School personnel will work together to address the needs of students who are developing a pattern of being tardy and will refer to a school administrator those students who in the teacher's judgment are not making progress towards correcting the problem.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for:

• monitoring tardiness,
• intervening through appropriate staff procedures in cases of tardiness, and
• contacting and meeting with parents / guardians where indicated or required by law.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

5080.2 Truancy

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The Truancy Policy #5080.2 is now part of the Student Attendance Policy #5113

December 18, 2018

 

5080.2.1 Attendance Records and Monitoring

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Toward the objective of encouraging regular school attendance and in accordance with the Board of Education's requirement that accurate records be kept of each student's attendance, a member of the Central Office staff may be chosen by the Superintendent to supervise the maintenance of attendance records according to regulations developed by the Superintendent. Such individual will be responsible for the implementation of these regulations throughout the district.

Chain of Authority for Attendance Issues

Any teacher giving instruction to any child within the compulsory attendance age will promptly report any absence to the person serving as attendance monitor for each school. If the school principal or his / her designee deems it so appropriate, he / she will report attendance issues to the designated Central Office staff member for his / her further action.(cf. Policy #5080 Student Absences)

(cf. Policy #5080.2 Truancy)

5080.3 Request for Late Arrival, Early Dismissal, or Release of Student for Part of the School Day

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A request for late arrival, early dismissal or release of a student for part of the school day which originates outside the schools must be handled by the administration to ensure maximum provisions for the safety and welfare of the student. Late arrival, early dismissal, or release of student for a part of the school day, should be requested only in emergency or unusual situations. Parents requesting entrance after the beginning of the school day or dismissal before the normal end of the school day or release of the student for part of the school day must make a written request in advance to the building administrator and follow individual school procedures. If not known in advance, the parent or guardian shall make the request in writing on that date and receive permission from the principal for the student to enter class or to leave early. Discretion shall be used by the principal to ensure the student's access to the educational program.

Students will not be authorized to arrive late, to be dismissed early, or to be excused from any part of the regular school day for the purpose of taking regularly scheduled private lessons of any kind or for activities of a recurring nature.

Released Time Provision Applicable to High School Students

The school day for all high school students will begin with the first period regular class and end with the last period regular class. Exceptions will apply only for:

• students in an approved work-study program who must proceed to work earlier in the day or remain at work later in the day, and
• students who elect to take additional classes or credits and can provide their own transportation.

Date of Adoption: 6/6/95

5080.4 Exclusions and Exemptions From School Attendance

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Every student who resides in the district who is at least seven years of age, or who is less than seven years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, but not more than sixteen years of age, and who is not legally exempt from this requirement will attend the public schools in the district or in some other district to which the student may legally be transferred, for at least 180 days of the regular school term.

The following students are subject to exemptions from usual attendance requirements within the district:

• one who attends a private or parochial school;
• one who is handicapped as defined by law and who cannot be appropriately served by the district in accordance with the requirements of the law;
• one who has a temporary and remedial physical or mental handicap which renders attendance unfeasible, and who has a certificate from a qualified physician which specifies the condition, indicates the prescribed treatment, and covers the anticipated time of absence;
• one who has been suspended in accordance with the requirements of law;
• one who has been expelled in accordance with the requirements of law and who has been assigned to an alternative educational program, as appropriate; and
• one who attends a non-public home-based educational program.

 

The parent establishing such a program will certify, in writing, upon forms furnished by the district for that purpose, a statement containing the name, age, place of residence, and number of hours of attendance of each student enrolled in said program. These forms will be submitted to the Department of Special Educational and Regional Programs.

Periodic assessments of student progress are required and the results must be submitted to the district or to a private or parochial school in the state.

Date of Adoption: 6/6/95

5090 Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Students have the right to a quality education and the responsibility to put forth their best efforts during the educational process. Students have the right to expect school personnel to be qualified in providing that education. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights of other students and all persons involved in the education process.

The rights and responsibilities of students, including standards of conduct, will be made available to students and their parents through handbooks distributed annually.

Date of Adoption: 6/6/95

5090.1 Student Due Process Rights

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The constitutional rights of individuals assure protection of due process of law.

• The hallmark of administrative authority will be fairness;
• Every effort will be made by administrators and faculty members to resolve problems through effective utilization of the school district's resources in cooperation with the student and his or her parent or guardian;
• In cases where these policies, state law or any regulations adopted pursuant to these policies require a hearing, a student must be given an opportunity for such a hearing;
• The hearing authority designated by the Board may request the student and parent or guardian to attempt conciliation first, but if the student and parent or guardian decline this request the hearing authority will schedule the hearing as soon as possible; and
• In the event of a suspension, no student shall be suspended without an informal hearing by the administration at which the student will be informed of the reasons for the suspension and be given an opportunity to explain the situation. In the event of an emergency, the student may be suspended and a hearing held thereafter, as provided by law. However, if the circumstances and state law require, a formal hearing shall be held.
• In the event of an expulsion, a student shall have a right to a hearing as provided by law.

Grievance procedures shall be available for students to receive prompt and equitable resolution of allegations of discriminatory actions on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, and handicap.

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes

5090.1.2 Age of Majority/Emancipated Minors

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Students declared emancipated by appropriate judicial authorities or who have reached the age of majority are entitled to all rights of emancipation per Connecticut General Statute 46b-150d and all rights of an adult as provided for under Connecticut law respectfully.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

Date of Adoption: May 4, 1999

5090.1.4 Student Misconduct in Schools

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The district's rules of conduct and discipline are established to achieve and maintain order in the schools. Persistent or repeated violations of the rules of conduct may result in increasingly serious penalties.

The district has jurisdiction over its students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on district transportation. This jurisdiction includes any activity during the school day on school grounds and attendance at any school-related activity, regardless of time or location.

While the district does not assume responsibility for the acts of students going to and from school, it may take disciplinary action, if the circumstances warrant. On the way to and from school, students will not loiter, litter, trespass, abuse, assault one another, or create a nuisance for residents or businesses of the community.

District Policies address the following specific student expectations:

• appropriate attire,
• damage to school property,
• hazing,
• bullying.
• sexual harassment
• racial or other discriminatory slurs
• smoking,
• controlled substances, alcohol, and inhalants
• weapons,
• assault,
• disruptive activities,
• attendance,
• publications and prior review, organizations and clubs, and• possession of prohibited devices,
• inappropriate use of technology at school
• engaging in misconduct on school buses
• being tardy, truant or otherwise skipping classes or other scheduled activities;

Prohibited Conduct / Behavior

In addition to the actions prohibited in the policies listed above, students at school or school-related activities are prohibited from, but not limited to, the following:

• engaging in any conduct that disrupts the school environment or educationalprocess;
• cheating, borrowing, or copying the work of another student, or allowing work tobe copied by another student;
• tampering with school records
• throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or damage property;
• leaving school grounds without a school official's permission to do so;
• being in unauthorized areas of schools / school grounds
• using profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures;
• failing to comply with lawful directives from school personnel, including but notlimited to, the classroom teacher;
• damaging or vandalizing property owned by other students or district employees;
• fighting;
• committing extortion, coercion or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or otherobjects of value from any unwilling person or forcing an individual to act throughthe use of force or threat of force;
• engaging in verbal abuse or derogatory statements addressed publicly to othersthat may cause disruption or incite violence;
• engaging in rude or disrespectful behavior to others;
• being insubordinate;
• causing or participating in classroom disturbances;
• possessing or using fireworks or explosives; and
• engaging in inappropriate physical familiarity disruptive to other students or the educational environment.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. TheSuperintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures andregulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinaryaction, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

 

5090.2 Student Involvement in Decision Making

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Students are in a unique position to make positive contributions to the improvement of the educational program and to the operation of a more effective school system.

Therefore, it is the Board's belief that students, in keeping with their level of maturity, should be encouraged to participate in the development of policies, regulations, and procedures which affect them. Their participation in decision making will be considered part of the educational process.

As appropriate to the maturity of students and varying grade levels, class or school organizations and school government organizations, such as student councils, may be formed to offer practice in self-government and to serve as channels for the expression of student ideas and opinions.

The Board, through the staff, will take into consideration student opinions in establishing policies which directly affect student programs, activities, privileges, and other areas of student sensitivity.

Students will be welcomed at Board meetings and granted privileges of speaking in line with such privileges extended the general public.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/95

5090.2.1 Student Government

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The function of student government will be to provide a channel of communication between students and the professional staff of the district. The principal will establish guidelines for the operation of the student government; these guidelines will be in accordance with Board policy and will be formulated on the basis of students' and staff members' ideas and suggestions.

Such modes and procedures of student self-government will be established in classrooms and in the schools as are appropriate to students' maturity. However, students will not be assigned decisions, particularly those involving individual students, for which teachers, administrators, and the Board are held legally responsible.

While the forms and functions of student government will vary from school to school, in all cases the scope of its powers, privileges, and responsibilities should be a matter of public record. The student government organization should publish a charter or constitution as a result of joint administration faculty-student discussions. Eligibility rules for candidates, and rules for conducting campaigns and elections are to be published, widely announced, and uniformly enforced. Procedures for consideration of matters before the group will be formulated, including referral or other disposition of matters considered to be proper concerns of the organization under Board policies, individual school regulations, or the organization's constitution.

The organization will constitute a means by which the students are formally heard on all matters of direct concern to them collectively; or, the organization may assist them in determining how they can be heard otherwise.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/1995

5090.2.2 Student Advisory Councils

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In order to promote a free exchange of ideas and opinions between the Board and students, the Superintendent will establish a Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. The Council will meet with the Superintendent to provide input into issues before the Board or input into issues of concern to the students within the district.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/95

5090.3 General Rules of Student Conduct

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The goal of the district will be to ensure that the optimum learning atmosphere of the classroom and the educational process is maintained. District policy and general rules of conduct for students are applicable for all district schools to ensure the rights and welfare of all students, and are designed to prevent the disruptive few from interfering with the education of all. When students violate rules, the school administrators will take appropriate action. Students not under the authority of a parent or guardian will assume full responsibility for their own behavior.

General rules of student conduct, responsibilities and rights, as published in the student handbook, will be made available annually to students and parents of the district.

The principal has the overall responsibility to direct the staff within his or her school to guide and counsel individuals and groups within each school. In order to assist the principal in carrying out this responsibility, the principal and building staff will confer on a regular basis to develop and / or review building disciplinary standards and uniform enforcement of those standards. The staff is responsible for maintaining proper order and discipline and uniform enforcement of established standards.

The staff has discretionary powers to use its best judgment, within existing policies, in deciding what is necessary to establish or maintain proper student conduct.

Such discretionary power will include the right of the staff to exclude any student who creates a disruption of the educational process from the classroom or activity area.

A balance of concern should exist for the individual, the welfare of the group and the institution. The staff will be responsible for working cooperatively toward consistent enforcement of acceptable student behavior throughout each school as well as within each classroom.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/1995

5090.3.1 Student Dress

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The Board of Education encourages students to dress in clothing appropriate to the school situation. Restrictions on freedom of student dress may be applied whenever the mode of dress in question:

• is unsafe either for the student or those around the student;
• is disruptive to school operations and the education process in general; or
• is contrary to law.

No restrictions on freedom of dress and adornment will be imposed which:

• reflect discrimination as to civil rights;
• enforce particular codes of morality or religious tenets;
• attempt to dictate or adjudicate style or taste; and
• do not fall within the direct or implied powers of the Board of Education.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

5090.3.2 Vandalism

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The district may press legal charges against any student who, in any manner, advocates, teaches, incites, proposes, aids, abets, encourages or advises the unlawful injury or destruction of school property. The parent or guardian of any minor / unemancipated child who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise damages, in any way, any property, real or personal, belonging to the district shall be held monetarily liable for such actions up to the maximum amount allowed under state law. Injury shall include intentional unauthorized modifications made to computer hardware and / or software.

Liability of Parents and Students

The liability provided under Connecticut General Statutes 52-572 does not relieve the minor(s) of personal liability for such damage or injury. This liability of the parent or guardian for damages done by a minor child is in addition to any other liability which exists in law. Liability shall include all costs incurred to remedy the situation.

The parent or guardian of a minor child shall also be held liable for all property belonging to the district that has been lent to the student and not returned upon demand of the district. The student may also be liable to disciplinary action.

An adult student shall be held personally liable for any damage done to any property, real or personal, belonging to the district, including property that has been lent to the student and not returned upon demand of the district. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Damaged or lost instructional articles will be replaced by the student and / or his or her parents / guardians. The individual school price list will be used in establishing replacement fees based on the list price and depreciation schedule.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

 

5090.3.3 Student Conduct on School Buses

The Board of Education will provide transportation for students under provisions of state law and regulations. The Superintendent of Schools shall administer the operation so as to:

• provide for maximum safety of students; and
• supplement and reinforce desirable student behavior.

The Superintendent shall develop procedures for the reporting and handling of disciplinary matters.

The bus driver will have responsibility to maintain orderly behavior of students on school buses and will report misconduct to the bus company, who will notify the student's principal.

The principal will have the authority to take appropriate disciplinary action for students engaging in misconduct on a school bus, in accordance with procedures established by the Superintendent.

Students must cooperate and maintain good conduct to ensure a safe transportation system.

1. Students shall stand in an orderly manner and out of the traffic lane at bus stops.
2. Students shall be at the bus stop ten minutes before the scheduled pickup.
3. Students shall move to enter or exit a bus only when the bus has come to a full stop and the doors are opened.
4. Students shall be respectful of the driver and each other.
5. Students must remain seated at all times on the bus.
6. Students shall not fight at any time on the bus. Students are to keep hands, feetand objects to themselves and within the bus.
7. Students shall not throw items in the bus or out of the bus.
8. Students shall not eat, drink or smoke on the bus.
9. Students shall keep the aisle of the bus free of all objects.
10. Students may have conversations, but shouting is not permitted.
11. Students shall respect the property of others.
12. Students shall not distract the bus driver.
13. Students, when necessary, must cross in front of the school bus, within the driver'sview and await the driver's signal to cross.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in theBoard of Education approved student handbook.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

 

5090.3.3.1 Electronic Surveillance

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The Board of Education recognizes the district's responsibility to maintain order, discipline, safety and security on school property and in school vehicles. The Board also desires to afford students and staff privacy in respect to the records maintained by the district. The Board recognizes the value of electronic surveillance systems in monitoring activity on school property and in school vehicles in furtherance of protecting the health, welfare and safety of its students and staff. The students and staff of the district recognize that their security and safety depends upon the capacity of the district to maintain discipline, control building access, and that a certain amount of restraint upon the activities of students and building visitors is assumed and expected.

The Board of Education having carefully weighed and balanced the rights of privacy of students and staff against the district's duty to maintain order, discipline, safety and security finds that it is appropriate to provide for the use of video camera surveillance in its transportation vehicles and on school grounds as follows:

1. The district shall notify its students and staff that electronic surveillance may/will occur on any school property or on any transportation vehicle. The district shall incorporate said notice in the student handbook;
2. The District authorizes the use of electronic surveillance on school grounds and school transportation. Only authorized persons, as determined by the Superintendent of Schools or his / her designee, are allowed to view the recordings. Included among those authorized are: Superintendent, Branch Manager or District Manager of the bus company, principal, teacher, driver, coach, parent of student involved, if the student is the subject of disciplinary action, and the Police Department, if reasonably warranted by the circumstances. Recordings of a student's actions may be used to support disciplinary action;
3. The use of recordings from surveillance equipment shall be subject to the other policies of the district including policies concerning the confidentiality of student and personnel records;
4. Electronic surveillance shall only be used to promote the order, safety and security of students, staff and property.

Regulations shall be adopted concerning notification of the use of electronic surveillance in its transportation vehicles and on school grounds, the maintenance of recordings andlimiting viewing of recordings.

Legal Reference: Title I - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Act. (PL 105-17)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, sec. 438, 20 U.S.C. sec. 1232g (1988)
Connecticut General Statutes
10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules

Date of Adoption: October 17, 1995
Date of Revision: April 6, 1999
Date of Revision: April 4, 2014 (Previously Use of Video Cameras on School Buses)

5090.3.4 Out of School Misconduct

Students are subject to discipline, up to and including suspension and expulsion for misconduct, which is seriously disruptive of the educational process and is a violation of a publicized board policy, even if such misconduct occurs off-school property and during non-school time.

In making a determination as to whether conduct is "seriously disruptive of the educational process," the administration may consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to (1) whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school; (2) whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement; (3) whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence or the unlawfu1 use of a weapon, as defined in section 29-38 and whether any injuries occurred; and (4) whether the conduct involved the use of alcohol and / or drugs. The Board of Education or impartial hearing board, in matters of expulsion for out of school misconduct, in making a determination as to whether conduct is "seriously disruptive of the educational process," may consider, but consideration is not limited to the same items listed previously.

Such discipline may result whether: 1) the incident was initiated in the school or on school grounds, or 2) even if the incident occurred or was initiated off-school grounds and non-school time; if after the occurrence there was a reasonable likelihood that return of the student would contribute to a disruptive effect on the school education or its process by threatening:

1. The school's orderly operations;
2. The safety of the school property;
3. The welfare of the persons who work or study there.

Examples of the type of such off-school misconduct that may result in such discipline include but are not limited to:

1. Use, possession, sale, or distribution of dangerous weapons; (as defined C.G.S. 53a-3, 53-206, and 29-35)
2. Use, possession, sale, or distribution of drugs, or
3. Violent conduct, where any such activity has the reasonable likelihood of threatening the health, safety or welfare of school property, individuals thereon, and / or the educational process.

For example, if it is determined that a student's use, possession, or sale of drugs in the community has a reasonable likelihood of endangering the safety of students or employees because of the possibility of such sales in the school; or if violent conduct in the community presents a reasonable likelihood of repeating itself in the school environment; or if any similar type of misconduct in the community has a reasonable likelihood of being continued or repeated in school or of bringing retaliation or revenge into the school for such off-school misconduct, the Board may impose discipline up to and including suspension and / or expulsion.

A student found to be in possession of a firearm or deadly weapon shall be expelled for one calendar year unless said expulsion is modified on an individual case basis.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

4-176e through 4-185 Uniform Administrative Procedure Act.
10-233a through 10-233f re in-school suspension, suspension, expulsion. (as amended by PA 98-139)
29-35 Carrying of pistol or revolver without permit prohibited.
29-38 Weapons in vehicles.
53a-3 Firearms and deadly weapons.
53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons.
53a-217b Possession of firearms and deadly weapons on school grounds.
PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Safety.
18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.
PL 103-382 Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (Sec. 14601 -Gun Free Requirements: Gun Free School Act of 1994)
PA 95-304 An Act Concerning School Safety.
PA 96-244 An Act Concerning Revisions to the Education Statutes.
Kyle P. Packer PPA Jane Packer v. Thomaston Board of Education.

Date of Adoption: October 20, 1998

5090.3.6.1 Hazing

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It is the policy of the Board of Education and school district that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and will be prohibited at all times. Hazing is defined as any act of coercing another to participate in an initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district will encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate hazing activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations, will plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.

Administrators, faculty members, and all other employees of the school district will be particularly alert to possible situations, circumstances of events which might include hazing. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, involved students will be informed by the discovering school employee of the prohibition contained in this policy and will be required to end all hazing activities immediately. All hazing incidents will be reported immediately to the Superintendent.

Administrators, faculty members, students, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with State law.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Board of Education approved student handbook. The Superintendent shall develop regulations for implementation of this policy.

(c.f. #5090.1.4 Student Misconduct in Schools)
(c.f. #5090.3.4 Out of School Misconduct)
(c.f. #5090.3.6.1.1 Bullying)
(c.f. #5090.5 Secret Societies / Gang Activities)
(c.f. #5110.4 Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion from School / School Activities)
(c.f. #5120.4.2.4 Sexual Harassment Among Students)

Date of Adoption: September 19, 1995
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005
Date of Revision: January 24, 2017

5090.4 Student Publications

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Student publications are important elements of the instructional program and contribute directly to the accomplishment of the school's goals. The Board of Education shall encourage the development of school newspapers, yearbooks and magazines.

Freedom of speech and of expression in student publications as guaranteed by the First Amendment is to be observed scrupulously by the administration, faculty and students.

Such publications must have a faculty advisor approved by the principal.

Such publications must carry a statement identifying the editorial staff and all articles must be signed with the proper name of the writer.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/1995

5090.4.1 Underground Publications

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Provisions governing student verbal and written expression apply to contents and distribution of underground student publications.

Students who edit, publish and / or wish to distribute nonschool-sponsored handwritten, printed or duplicated materials among their fellow students in the schools must assume responsibility for the content of such materials.

Students may be restricted in the time and place of distribution and, if the principal determines that the material is libelous or obscene according to legal definition or would threaten to disrupt the educational process, students may be prohibited from distributing it on school property while school is in session.

Date of Adoption: February 27, 1996

5090.4.2 Freedom of Speech/Written and Oral Expression

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The Board of Education recognizes and protects the rights of student expression. School administrators are charged with maintaining a balance of these rights with the interests of an orderly and efficient educational process and of a school environment suitable for the healthy growth and development of all students.

The school district shall assume no responsibility for the contents of any written material produced, posted, circulated or otherwise distributed, nor will it be responsible for any student conduct related to any interests other than those of an orderly and efficient educational process and proper school environment.

In order to protect the educational process and school environment, written or oral expression produced, distributed or spoken within the confines of school district property shall meet the following criteria:

1. Written or oral expression shall be noncommercial.
2. Written or oral expression shall not contain libelous or obscene content.
3. Written or oral expression shall not advocate illegal actions.
4. Written or oral expression shall not contain false statements or innuendoes that would subject any person to hatred, ridicule, contempt or injury of reputation.
5. Written or oral expression will not imminently threaten to disrupt the educational process of the school.
6. Written or oral expression shall not advocate action that would endanger the health or safety of students.
7. Written or oral expression shall not invade the lawful right of others.
8. Material published, posted or otherwise distributed shall bear the names of the students principally involved in the promotion of this material and, whenapplicable, the name of the sponsoring student organization or group.
9. Material may not be sold on school property.
10. Material which seeks a donation or solicitation of funds may not be circulated.
11. Distributors of materials will be held responsible for cleaning up litter causedby such distribution.

Date of Adoption: 6/20/1995

5090.4.2.1 Pledge of Allegiance

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The Board of Education directs that an opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance shall be provided in each school day. Participation in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is voluntary.

If, because of some personal philosophy or belief, a student has made the personal decision not to recite the “Pledge,” he / she may choose to remain seated and silent. Students may wish to use this time to reflect on their belief or remember loved ones. In any event, all students must be courteous and respectful of the beliefs of others.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

Public Act #02-119 an act concerning bullying behavior in schools andconcerning the Pledge of Allegiance.

Date of Adoption: December 3, 2002
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006

5090.4.3 Computers: Web Sites/Pages

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The Board of Education encourages students to work under the direction of the administration and staff to create and maintain World Wide Web sites for purposes related to school activities and assignments.

Materials displayed on web sites are published on the Internet. Therefore, the content should be appropriate and consistent with the education mission of the school system. Web sites shall follow standards for ethical behavior with regard to information and technology by showing respect for the principles of intellectual freedom, intellectual property rights and the responsible use of information and technology. Pages shall reflect an understanding that both internal and external audiences will be viewing the information.

Any pages or links on a student developed web page shall follow guidelines and responsibilities pertaining to content standards, student records, copyright, and technical standards which are contained in the administrative regulations adopted pursuant to this policy.

Additionally, all provisions of this policy must comply with existing Board of Education policies.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

 

Date of Adoption: May 18, 1999

5090.5 Secret Societies / Gang Activity

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Gangs, which initiate, advocate, or promote activities which threaten the safety or wellbeing of persons or property on school grounds or which disrupt the school environment, are harmful to the educational process. The type of dress, apparel, activities, acts, behavior or manner of grooming displayed, reflected or participated in by the student(s) may lead school officials to reasonably believe that such behavior, apparel, activities, acts or other attributes would disrupt or interfere with the school environment or activity and / or education objectives.

Incidents involving initiations, hazings, intimidations and / or related activities of such group affiliations which are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.

Individual, gang or group activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

The Superintendent will establish procedures and regulations to ensure that any student, gang or group who cause or participate in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of any student shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

Date of Adoption: June 6, 1995
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005

5090.7 Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Inhalants, and Performance-Enhancing Substances

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Pursuant to the goal of the Board of Education to maintain a drug-free, tobacco-free, and alcohol-free school district, schools shall take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, and medical and police referral in handling incidents in the schools involving possession, sale, and / or use of alcohol, tobacco / tobacco products, and controlled substances identified under schedules I to V, inclusive, in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 812(c), and under schedules I to V, inclusive, of the Connecticut controlled substance scheduling regulations pursuant to section 21a-243 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, street drugs, including but not limited to marijuana, heroin and cocaine; anabolic steroids, hormones and analogues, diuretics and other performanceenhancing substances are addressed by this policy.

Student Privacy Rights

Personal privacy rights of students shall be protected as provided by law. School properties may be inspected by school authorities to maintain health and safety. Searches to locate drugs, narcotics, alcohol, weapons, poisons, and missing properties are matters relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable grounds for searches by school personnel. Privileged communication between an employee and a student concerning drug abuse shall remain confidential, except in cases where the employee is obtaining physical evidence of a controlled substance, and / or where there is an immediate threat to, or where students’ health, safety, and welfare may be jeopardized.

Notification of Policy / Disciplinary Action

Annually, students will be notified through the Madison Public Schools Code of Conduct, or through other means, of disciplinary consequences for violation of this policy.

1. Principals shall include statements, appropriate to student maturity, in the Code of Conduct, and on District and school websites to the effect that:
   1. the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances, other illegal drugs, performance-enhancing substances, alcohol or tobacco is prohibited in school, on school grounds, on school transportation and at school sponsored activities;
   2. compliance with the standards of conduct stated in the Code of Conduct is mandatory;
   3. a violation of the provisions of this policy will subject students to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution per the Code of Conduct;
   4. CIAC controlled activities at the high school and middle school levels sponsored by the District / school are included in this policy;
   5. CIAC may impose sanctions to students beyond those applied by the District for the use of performance-enhancing substances, as defined by this policy.

Reporting Procedures

The following procedures for reporting alleged violations are to be followed:

1. If an employee suspects student possession, use, abuse, distribution, or sale ofcontrolled substances, other illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, ortobacco / tobacco products the employee shall refer the matter to the principal ordesignee. The principal or designee will notify the student’s parent or guardian,recommend a specified assessment in cooperation with Madison Youth Services, asappropriate, and contact law enforcement personnel as appropriate.
2. If an employee obtains physical evidence of a controlled substance, other illegal drug,drug paraphernalia, performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, tobacco products ortobacco paraphernalia from a student in school, on school grounds, on schoolprovided transportation or at a school sponsored event, the employee shall turn thestudent and the physical evidence over to the school principal or designee. The principal will notify the student’s parent or guardian, recommend a specified assessment in cooperation with Madison Youth Services as appropriate, notify lawenforcement personnel as appropriate and shall surrender possession of the physical evidence to the proper authorities within the time period required by state law.

Drug-Free Awareness Program

The Superintendent shall assure that the school district provides a drug-free awarenessprogram for students including the following topics:

• health and safety-related dangers of drug abuse;
• review of the Board of Education's policy of maintaining drug-free schools;
• notification of the availability of drug counseling and rehabilitation programs; and
• official penalties for drug abuse violations in schools.

Drugs and Alcohol

It is the policy of the Board of Education to prevent and prohibit the use (except as duly authorized through the school nurse), possession, distribution or sale of any drug, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol by any student at any time on school property, at schoolsponsored events or on school-provided transportation. The District provides (1) a supportive environment for recovering chemically dependent students during and / or after their involvement in a treatment program for chemical dependency; and will provide (2) assistance to those students who are affected by drug / alcohol possession or use by others. Any student in District schools found to be using, selling, distributing, in possession of or under the influence of intoxicants, mood altering drugs or substances, or look-alike drugs, or in possession of any related drug paraphernalia during a school session, on school premises, or anywhere at a school sponsored activity or trip, on school-provided transportation, or otherwise off school grounds when such student’s conduct violates the substance abuse policy and is seriously disruptive of the educational process shall be subject to consequences as stated in the Code of Conduct.

A breath alcohol tester is approved for use at events / activities such as dances and proms at the middle school and high school levels where, in the judgment of the school administrator, there exists reasonable suspicion that a student has consumed an alcoholic beverage and then, only under the following circumstances:

• The student denies to an administrator that he/she has consumed alcoholic beverages and wishes to establish his / her innocence. Should the student register a positive reading on the breath alcohol tester, consequences will be administered as outlined in the discipline / behavior regulations in the Code of Conduct.
• The student denies to an administrator that he / she has consumed alcoholic beverages and elects not to utilize the breath alcohol tester to establish his / her innocence. The judgment of the administrator will then be utilized to determine if the student has consumed an alcoholic beverage. In this instance, consequences will be administered as outlined in the discipline / behavior regulations in the Code of Conduct.

Tobacco

It is the policy of the Board of Education to prevent and prohibit the use or possession of tobacco, tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, or tobacco paraphernalia including electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products by any student in any school building, or on any school grounds, or on school-provided transportation at any time, or at any time when the student is subject to the supervision of designated school personnel, such as when the student is at any school function, extracurricular event, field trip, or school related activity such as a work-study program. Tobacco and tobacco

products include, but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, bidis, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, vapor product, nicotine delivering devices, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco or nicotine innovations. An ongoing program of student support and counseling will be offered to provide support for students who wish to break the smoking habit. Any student in the District schools found to be using or in possession of tobacco, tobacco products, including chewing tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, will be subject to discipline / behavior consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Medical Marijuana

Although possession and use of marijuana for certain medical conditions, consistent with Connecticut's P.A. 12-55, "An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana," is no longer a crime in Connecticut, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Consistent with federal law, including the Controlled Substances Act and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the use and or possession of marijuana continues to be prohibited while a student is on a school bus, at school, on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity. The District will continue to enforce its policies regarding controlled substances and any students who violate District policy prohibiting the use, sale or possession of illegal drugs in District facilities and school property will be subject to disciplinary and criminal action.

Inhalants

It is the policy of the Board of Education to prevent and prohibit the use, possession, sale, or distribution of an abusable glue, aerosol paint or substance containing a volatile chemical by any student with intent to inhale, ingest, apply or use of these in a manner:

1. Contrary to directions for use, cautions or warnings appearing on a label of a container of the glue, paint aerosol or substance; and
2. Designed to affect the central nervous system, create or induce a condition of intoxication, hallucination or elation, or change, distort, or disturb the person’s eyesight, thinking process, balance or coordination.

For purposes of this policy, inhalants are defined as follows, but not limited to:

Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas, Whippets, C02 Cartridges
Amyl Nitrite – “Locker Room”, “Rush”, “Poppers”, “Snappers”
Butyl Nitrite – “Bullet”, “Climax”
Chlorohydrocarbons – Aerosol Paint Cans, Cleaning Fluids
Hydrocarbons – Aerosol Propellants, Gasoline, Glue, Butane

Further, no student, 18 years of age or older, shall intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly deliver or sell potentially abusable inhalant materials as listed above to a minor student.

No student shall intentionally use or possess with intent to use inhalant paraphernalia to inhale, ingest or otherwise introduce into the body an abusable glue, aerosol paint or substance or other substance that contains a volatile chemical.

The Board of Education shall incorporate into the curriculum at all levels education pertaining to potential inhalant abuse which is appropriate for students given their age, maturity, and grade level. Inhalant abuse educational programs / information for parents / guardians will be offered in a manner convenient to parents / guardians.

Any student in the District schools found to be in possession of, using, distributing or selling, potentially abusable inhalant materials will be subject to discipline / behavior consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs

It is the policy of the Board of Education to prevent and prohibit the use, possession, distribution or sale of performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids by students for the purpose of bodybuilding and enhancement of athletic ability and performance.

School personnel and coaches will not dispense any drugs, medication or food supplements except as in compliance with Connecticut State law, District policy, and as prescribed by a student’s physician, dentist, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.

Students shall be made aware of the dangers of steroid abuse and that such abuse, unauthorized possession, purchase, or sale will subject them to disciplinary action and CIAC sanctions.

It is the expectation of the Board that District schools, as members of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAC), require all students participating in CIACcontrolled sports to be chemical free.

Any student in the District schools found to be in possession of, using, distributing or selling, performance-enhancing drugs will be subject to discipline / behavior consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

(c.f. 5090.1.4 Student Misconduct in Schools)
(c.f. 5090.3.4 Out of School Misconduct)
(c.f. 5090.8.1 Search and Seizure)
(cf. 5090.8.1.2 Madison Public Schools - Vehicle Searches on School Grounds)
(cf. 5110.1 Madison Public Schools - Reasonable Physical Force / Corporal Punishment)
(c.f. 5110.4 Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion from School / School Activities)
(c.f. 6080.14.1 Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Education)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

1-21b Smoking prohibited in certain places
10-19 Teaching about alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, drugs and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Training of personnel.
10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student. Surrender or physical evidence obtained from students.
10-220b Policy statement on drugs.
10-221(d) Boards of education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures re sale, use and possession
21-240 (8) Definitions “Controlled Drugs” dependency producing drugs
21-240 (9) Definitions “Controlled Substances”
21a-240 Definitions dependency producing drugs.
21a-243 Regulation re schedules of controlled substances.
P.A. 11-73 An Act Regulating the Sale and Possession of Synthetic Marijuana and Salvia Divinorum.
P.A. 12-55 An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana.
P.A. 14-76 An Act Concerning the Governor's Recommendations Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Youth Smoking Prevention.
P.A. 15-206 An Act Regulating Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products
Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012. (part of s.3187, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act)
53-198 Smoking in motor buses, railroad cars and school buses
Federal Regulation 34 C.F.R. Part 85 Drug-free Schools & Communities Act
20 U.S.C. Section 7181 et. Seq. No Child Left Behind Act
New Jersey v T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985)
Veronica School District 47J v Action, 515 U.S. 646 (1995)
Board of Education of Independent School District No 92 of Pottawatomie County v Earls 01-332 U.S. (2002)

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996
Date of Revision: October 21, 1997
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005
Date of Revision: January 5, 2006
Date of Revision: June 16, 2009 - Replaces Policies #5090.6 Tobacco Use by Students, #5090.7.1 Inhalant Abuse and #5090.7.2 Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Date of Revision: April 1, 2014
Date of Revision: October 7, 2014
Date of Revision: March 22, 2016

5090.8 Weapons and Dangerous Instruments

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Students shall not possess firearms, facsimiles or realistic replicas of firearms, weapons, or dangerous instruments of any kind on school grounds or buildings, nor on school buses, nor at any school-related or school-sponsored activity away from school facilities. Firearms, weapons, and dangerous instruments shall include those defined by law (18 U.S.C. 921, C.G.S. 53a-3, and 53-202 to 53-206, and 29-35). Such weapons include, but are not limited to, any pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun; slingshot; bludgeon; brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind; knives having a blade of greater than two inches, any knife the blade of which can be opened by a flick or a button or pressure on the handle, or any pocketknife where the blade is carried in a partially opened position; martial arts weapon; destructive device. Pursuant to federal law, the term “firearm” includes, but is not limited to, any weapon designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such a weapon, or destructive device.

The possession of, use, or bringing such weapons or devices on school grounds or other areas under the control of the Board of Education may also be a violation of criminal law, and therefore any violation of this policy shall be reported immediately to the local law enforcement agency, the Board of Education, and, if possible, the parent or guardian. Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as well as possible court action.

A student’s conduct off school grounds that is seriously disruptive of the educational process or violative of the Board’s publicized policies may also be grounds for expulsion. A student found to be in possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon, as defined by law and in violation of this policy, shall be subject to an expulsion of one calendar year. The Board of Education or hearing board / officer may modify the period of expulsion on a case by case basis. To comply with federal law, any finding of an exception shall be reduced to writing. All legal restrictions and requirements will be adhered to pertaining to special education students.

Any dangerous device or weapon may be seized by an employee of the school system under the power granted to the Board of Education to maintain order and discipline in the schools, and to protect the safety of students, staff and the public.

Every employee seizing any weapon or dangerous instrument under the provisions of this policy shall report the incident to the building principal immediately, and deliver the seized device to the principal, together with the names of persons involved, witnesses, location and circumstances of the seizure.

If an employee knows or has reason to suspect that a student has possession of such a device but the device has not been seized, the employee shall report the matter to the principal immediately, and the principal shall take such action as it is appropriate. The principal shall report all violations of this policy to the Superintendent or designee, and to the local law enforcement agency on approval of the Superintendent or designee.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

(cf. 5110.4 - Suspension / Expulsion; Due Process)
(cf. 5090.8.1 - Search and Seizure)
(cf. Madison Public Schools Crisis Management Manual)
(cf 5090.1.4 Student Misconduct in Schools)
(cf 5090.3.4 Out of School Misconduct)
 

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules
10-233a through 10-233f – Expulsion as amended by PA 95-304
53a-3 Definitions
53a-217b – Possession of firearms and deadly weapons on school grounds
53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons
PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety
GOALS 2000: Educate America Act
18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions
USCA 7151 – No Child Left Behind Act

Date of Adoption: September 5, 1995
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006

5090.8.1 Search and Seizure

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Desks and School Lockers

Desks and school lockers are the property of the schools. The right to inspect desks and lockers assigned to students may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property, giving recognition to the Fourth Amendment rights of students.

The exercise of the right to inspect also requires protection of each student's personal privacy and protection from coercion. An authorized school administrator may search a student's locker or desk and seize contraband under the following conditions:

1. There is a reasonable belief that the student's desk or locker contains contraband material, or that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school.
2. The probable presence of contraband material poses a serious threat to the maintenance of discipline, order, safety and health in the school. Contraband is defined as any object that is illegal or in violation of any Board policy.
3. The student has been informed in advance that school board policy allows desks and lockers to be inspected if the administration has a reasonable belief that materials injurious to the best interests of students and the school are contained therein.

District officials may seize any item which is evidence of a violation of law, Board policy, administrative regulation, school rule, or which the possession or use of is prohibited by such law, policy, regulation or rule.

Student Search

A student may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. The scope of the search must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the age and sex of the student and the nature of the infraction.

(c.f. 1350 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies)
(c.f. 5090.8.1.2 Vehicle Searches on School Grounds)
(c.f. 5110.3.1 Police in Schools)
(c.f. 5142.4 School Resource Officer)
 

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 - Boards of Education to prescribe rules.
New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325; 105 S.CT.733
PA 94-115 An Act Concerning School Searches
Safford Unified School District #1 v. Redding (U.S. Sup. CT 08-479)
 

Date of Adoption: September 19, 1995
Date of Revision: March 18, 2014

The privilege of bringing a student-operated motor vehicle onto school premises is hereby conditioned on consent by the student driver to allow the search of that motor vehicle when there is reasonable cause for a search of that motor vehicle. The act of bringing a motor vehicle upon school premises will allow school officials to presume consent by the student, parent or guardian, or owner of the vehicle for a search of that motor vehicle. Refusal by a student, parent or guardian, or owner of the vehicle to allow access to a motor vehicle on school premises at the time of a request to search the motor vehicle will be cause for termination, without further hearing, of the privilege of bringing a motor vehicle onto school premises. The principal, or a building administrator, may request a law enforcement officer to search a motor vehicle on school premises, subject to provisions of this policy.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules
New Jersey v T.L.O., 53 U.S.L.W. 4083 (1985)

(c.f. 1350 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies)
(c.f. 5090.8.1 Search and Seizure)
(c.f. 5110.3.1 Police in Schools)
(c.f. 5142.4 School Resource Officer)

Date of Adoption: September 19, 1995
Technical Revision: February 11, 2014

Use of Mobile and Personal Electronic Devices

The Board of Education supports the use of mobile and personal electronic devices while at school, and school sponsored activities as learning tools intended to support instruction and as a means of communication under approved circumstances. Electronic communication devices such as smart phones, e-book readers, tablets, laptops as well as any new technology developed with similar capabilities should be an integral part of the educational process. The Board encourages their appropriate use in the classroom or other school settings.

Use of mobile and personal electronic devices must not disrupt the classroom, harass, or harm others. The Board prohibits the taking, storing, disseminating, transferring, viewing, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images including recording someone covertly at a time when that person can reasonably expect that no recording is taking place whether by electronic data transfer or other means, including but not limited to texting and e-mailing. This prohibition applies to students, employees, volunteers, or any other person on school property or at a school-sponsored activity. “Recording” for purposes of this policy includes audio recording and recording of video, still images, or other types of images. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Conduct for students or disciplinary action for employees, including suspension or termination.

The Superintendent or his/her designee will establish guidelines and procedures for responsible use of mobile and personal electronic devices aimed at promoting an optimal learning environment.

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 10-233j

Date of Adoption: September 5, 1995
Date of Revision: October 15, 1996
Date of Revision: December 1, 1998
Date of Revision: April 23, 2002
Date of Revision: June 1, 2010
Date of Revision: June 5, 2012
Date of Revision: October 15, 2013

Students will not possess or use a laser pointer while on school property or while attending a school-sponsored activity on or off school property, unless under the supervision of a staff member and in the context of instruction.

A person who discovers a student in possession of a laser pointer in violation of this policy will report the violation to the principal, who will order an appropriate school employee to confiscate the device.

(cf 5120: Madison Public Schools – Student Welfare / Safety)

Date of Adoption: December 15, 1998

Student concerns and issues shall be addressed through a decision-making / problemsolving model to be implemented in each school, except for schools serving students in grades pre-kindergarten through grade two.

Legal Reference: U.S.O.E. Title IX (Final Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972 Prohibiting Sex Discrimination in Education, U.S.C. @ 1681 et seq.)

Date of Adoption: March 5, 1996

Married students shall have the same educational opportunities as unmarried students, and the Board of Education's responsibility for the education of all school-age students includes pregnant students whether married or unmarried who shall be allowed to remain in school and provided appropriate support services as a part of the school program.

A pregnant student may remain in her regular school program as long as her medical / physical condition permits, as determined by a physician. Any variation from a pregnant student's continuance in regular classes shall be based upon her specific needs. Homebound and hospitalized instruction shall be provided only when the Planning and Placement Team finds that it is in the best interest of the student to do so.

Students with children have the same educational opportunities as unmarried and childless students.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-184 Duties of parents.
10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re: school attendance.
State Board of Education Regulations
10-76a-35 Educationally exceptional children.
10-76d-15 Homebound and hospitalized instruction (subsection b4).
10-76d (e)(2) Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services.

Date of Adoption: March 5, 1996

Cocurricular and extracurricular activities are an important part of the total school curriculum; however, students earn and sustain the privilege of participating in such activities. Such activities, including athletics, clubs and organizations, provide opportunities for students to explore areas of interest as well as to engage in opportunities that promote teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline and leadership.

Cocurricular and extracurricular activities are learning experiences and are to be developed, managed and evaluated with this purpose in mind. Activities are considered part of the total school program and are to be included in the curriculum planning, review and evaluation process, as appropriate. All cocurricular and extracurricular activities are to be approved by the school principal who is responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of all student activity programs and are to operate under the policies, rules, and regulations of the Board.

While it is desirable that students participate in such activities to the extent that they further their educational development, it is of paramount importance that such participation will not jeopardize students' academic achievement nor exploit their time and talents. Loss of privilege to participate in cocurricular and extracurricular activities will occur if the student’s behavior results in serious disciplinary action or loss of academic standing.

Date of Adoption: February 27, 1996

Qualifications for Membership in Student Organizations

Any combination of the following may be used as the basis for membership: scholarship; community service; grade level; subject field; special proficiency evaluated by certificated personnel on the basis of predetermined standards. Under no circumstances is the membership in a school club to be determined by the subjective judgment of the students constituting the club.

Religious Discussion Groups

If the school principal permits student discussion groups to meet on school premises, student religious discussion groups may meet on school premises when the facilities are not being used for school purposes.

Basic Purpose

The basic purpose for raising and expending money by student organizations will be to promote the general welfare, morale, and educational experiences of the student group.

Rules and Regulations

The building principal will oversee the development of rules and regulations for the conduct and operation of student organizations that conform with the policies herein set forth. In addition, a faculty advisor is also required for each student organization.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

The Equal Access Act requires that public secondary schools grant equal access to student groups who wish to meet for religious, political, or philosophical purposes, if the school allows other types of non-curriculum related student groups to meet. The law establishes the open forum be held during specific times as determined by the school principal to ensure equal access to student groups wishing to meet. The open forum is defined as the lunch hour or non-instructional time as determined by the principal.

The principal may approve student groups’ use of facilities to conduct a meeting during the open forum provided that:

• The meeting will take place during the open forum.
• The meeting is voluntary and student initiated. The principal must be assured that students are the ones promoting such activities and that they are participating of their own volition. Only students enrolled in the school may request the meetings.
• School authorities or district employees do not promote, lead or participate in such meetings. Principals may assign personnel to supervise these meetings. This action does not constitute sponsorship by the district of such meetings.
• The presence of school authorities or district employees or district personnel at any student religious meeting is non-participatory in nature. The presence of school authorities is for the purpose of student supervision only, not staff participation.
• The meeting does not in any way interfere with the conduct of regular instructional activities of the schools. Since the education of the student is the
• prime responsibility of the school, any other activities are secondary. The school may deny facilities to students on the basis that such activities or meetings interfere with the instructional program or that the school cannot provide adequate supervision.
• Student meetings are not controlled, conducted or directed by people or groups not affiliated with the schools. Such persons may attend student meetings but not on a regular basis nor in a participatory capacity. Visitors to the school must be approved by the principal and clearance obtained prior to the meeting.
• The meeting is open to all students without regard to race, gender, sexualorientation, religion, or national origin.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. TheSuperintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures andregulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinaryaction, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treatedconsistently.

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005

All school sponsored events will be under the control and supervision of school personnel. Approval for an event will be secured from the principal of the building involved, and the event will be placed on the school calendar before any public announcement is made.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

School clubs and / or organizations are encouraged to arrange for individual student and group public performances when such performances reinforce educational objectives and when they do not interfere with other scheduled activities or classes within the school day.

Specific guidelines for such public performances are as follows:

• All public performances involving students will be approved by the building principal.
• The extended use of one particular performance group will be discouraged to avoid extensive absences.
• Students participating in a public performance will conduct themselves in a way as to bring credit to their school.
• Public performances that are scheduled outside school hours are preferred.
• Performances during school hours should be limited to the class period during which the activity is usually taught to that particular student or students.
• Students will not be paid for participating or performing when they represent the school.

Date of Adoption: February 27, 1996

The Board recognizes that students may wish to support a particular school project or activity by conducting fundraising drives. The Board respects such expressions of support.

Because the Board's first responsibility is to the educational development of each student, no fundraising contests or activities will be held which interfere with the instructional program.

Fundraising activities such as games of chance or raffles may not be conducted or sponsored in school buildings or on school grounds. Any school club or organization must request and receive permission from the principal to engage in a fundraising activity. The request must be in writing by the club or organization's sponsor. All fundraising activities must comply with federal, state, and local laws including but not limited to any permit that may be required. Plans for such activities should be made well in advance of the event and the total fundraising efforts in a school must not be a burden or nuisance to students, faculty, parents, or the community.

Fundraising in grades K-5 will be limited to the operation of a school store. Only school supplies (pencils, pens, ink, paper, notebooks, school embossed shirts/souvenirs, etc.) and refreshments may be sold in the school store. Items of food and drink may not be sold at times which conflict with the operational rules of the school lunch program.

For grades 6-12, the above-stated project, along with the sale of advertisements in school yearbooks and newspapers are approved fundraising projects. Any other fundraising projects are subject to approval by the principal. The school principal will document the special fundraising project, the type of sale to be held, and the projected sales with anticipated profits and expenses annually in the internal accounts report.

Students in grades K-8 are strongly discouraged from participating in fundraising activities involving door-to-door solicitations without parental supervision. This prohibition includes school-sponsored activities and activities of school-related organizations in which students sell items, solicit contributions or pledges, or take orders.

Students in grades K-12 are not permitted to participate in any program involving solicitation of funds to support any school-sponsored project during regular school hours.

Money Raising Projects.

In general, student body money raising projects will be limited to school activities, or will be in connection with regularly scheduled school events. No individual or group will instigate any project or activity involving the handling of money without first obtaining the permission of the principal or his/her designee. No class, club, or organization may raise money through community sales, or off-campus events, without approval of the principal and compliance with requirements established by the principals in accordance with Board of Education policy.

Reserves

Student organizations will not accumulate money reserves beyond reasonable requirements. In general, student monies will be expended for the benefit of those students currently enrolled in the schools who have contributed in some manner to the accumulation thereof. Upon specific authorization of the Superintendent, a reserve may be established to make a major expenditure that may be financed for more than one school year.

Fixed Assets

Student organizations will not acquire in their own names ownership of fixed assets. Upon approval of the Board of Education, acting upon recommendation of the Superintendent, fixed assets may be acquired and donated to the school district. Such approval may set forth such conditions, control and use as the board may desire.

Audit

The financial records of student organizations will be audited as a part of the annual school district audit that is performed in accordance with Town procedures. The cost of the audit will be paid from the district general fund.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

Student activity funds are those funds raised or collected by and/or for school approved student groups and gate receipts. Student activity funds will be collected and expended for the purpose of supporting the school's co-curricular and extracurricular activities program.

Monies raised by students through student body organizations, receipts from activity tickets and gate receipts, are subject to review by the Board of Education. Each school in the district that has student activity funds is to designate a bookkeeper. The bookkeeper may be: (1) an assistant principal, (2) the principal, or (3) the head secretary.

• The principal of each school is responsible for all school/student accounts. The principal will assign one, or more, school staff member(s) who has been designated to share the responsibility for assuring that accounting records are maintained in accordance with district guidelines.
• The principal is the primary advisor to the student body. The principal will be responsible for designating advisors to the various student subgroup organizations affiliated with fundraising.
• The principal will be responsible for supervising the accounting functions to be performed at the building level. The building level accounting procedures will be consistent with the accounting functions performed at the district office level.
• Schools may establish bank and savings accounts in institutions that have been designated as depositories of school district funds by the Board of Education.
• Materials and equipment purchased by student activity funds/donations become district property.
• Projects for raising student activity funds should in general contribute to the educational experience of students and should not conflict with, but add to the instructional program and comply with district guidelines.
• Donations must be accepted under the provisions of Policy #3280.
• The Superintendent, or his/her designee, may request all necessary financial information needed for review or required by the Board of Education.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

Contests Originating Outside The System

The public schools will cooperate with individuals, community organizations, and agencies desiring to sponsor contests in the public schools when the goals of such contests are clearly educational in nature or of civic or cultural value, provided such contests can be integrated into the school program without disruption or loss of instructional time for the student and without imposing an unreasonable added work load on the staff of the school. Contests that are obviously commercial in nature, or that are clearly concerned with the promotion of partisan political causes or political organizations, rather than for educational experiences, are prohibited.

Organizations desiring to sponsor such contests will present their plans to the principal. All contests, competitions, etc., proposed by private sources will be judged on the grounds of their direct contribution to educational, civic or cultural values. All community-sponsored contests for students must have principal approval.

The sponsor of a contest, and/or school staff, will be responsible for the preparation and circulation of all informational materials and for other administrative work required in the grading, judging or evaluation of the work of the participants.

The schools will not participate in essay or poster contests as schools. However, schools may post announcements on such contests and use other means for passing information on to students about essay and poster contests that have the approval of the principal and Superintendent.

Contests Originating Within the System

Special or regularly scheduled contests involving students that originate directly within the school system as part of the ongoing educational, civic or cultural process do not require the approval of the Board or Superintendent if they involve only one class or one school building or facility. However, the classroom teacher or other staff member originating the contest should do so with the knowledge and consent of his or her principal who, in case of any question involving policy or advisability of the contest, may resolve the question or refer it to higher authority. Contests involving students of more than one class or of more than one school must have the approval of the principal and the Superintendent.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

The Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designee, will develop and implement procedures outlining the requirements for student travel. These procedures may include a preapproved list of activities. To protect the district from liability claims which could exceed the coverage limits of the self-insured plan and insurance programs, district employees, volunteers, independent contractors, or students will not participate in any activities, special events, or trips which are not approved or sponsored by the district. Participation in non-approved or non-sponsored activities by district employees, volunteers, independent contractors, or students is outside the course and scope of their authority or employment. The district will not assume any liability for any student travel which was not preapproved by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Since student travel may potentially involve significant risk of loss to the district and students, the district may require the purchase of additional insurance coverage or the transference of such risk to a third party. Any cost attached to such additional insurance coverage or risk transfers may be assessed against the participants in the proposed activity.

By contract or by any other means, the district will not assume any liability for the operations of any third party providing services to the district, its employees, volunteers or students for student activities or travel. The district will not provide any physical damage comprehensive or collision coverage to any vehicles or other property not directly owned or leased by the district.

The district forbids the use of any vehicle which does not meet the district's insurance requirements. The use of any such vehicle is outside the course and scope of authority or employment of district employees, volunteers, independent contractors and students. The insurance coverage of the vehicle, i.e., the driver's coverage and all other applicable policies, will be primary.

• District Vehicles: Without the prior, express, written authorization of the Superintendent or his/her designee, vehicles owned, leased or in the care, custody and control of the district, will not be driven.
• Commercial, Chartered & Public Transportation: By contract or any other means, district employees, volunteers, or students will not agree to have the district assume any liability for operation of commercial, charter or public transportation.
• Non-District Vehicles: Vehicles not owned, leased or in the care, custody and control of the district may not be driven by any employee or volunteer on district business unless each such vehicle meets the district insurance requirements and Superintendent approval.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

The Board shall provide full access for the recruitment of students by regional vocational technical schools, regional vocational agricultural centers, inter-district magnet schools, trade schools, charter schools and inter-district student attendance programs. Additionally, the high school shall provide the same on-campus recruiting opportunities to representatives of the armed forces of the United States of America and state armed services as are offered to nonmilitary recruiters, recruiters for commercial concerns and recruiters representing institutions of higher education.

Student names, addresses and telephone numbers, when requested for recruitment purposes, shall be released unless the parent, legal guardian, or student who has attained majority status notifies the school in writing that they choose to exercise their option to withhold consent to the release of such information. The Board of Education shall notify parents / guardians of the option to make such request and shall comply with any request received.

The school administrator may make the determination of when the recruitment meetings are to take place and reserves the right to deny such meeting where the holding of such meeting will materially and substantially interfere with the proper and orderly operation of the school.

Any person or organization denied the rights accorded under this policy shall have the right to request a review of the decision by the Board of Education by filing a written request with the Superintendent of Schools.

(cf. 5180.1 Records / Confidentiality)
(cf. 5180.1.1 Directory Information)
Legal Reference: PL 107-110 (No Child Left Behind Act) sec. 9528.
Connecticut General Statutes
1-210(11) Access to public records. Exempt records.
10-221b Board of education to establish written uniform policy re: treatment of recruiters.

Date of Adoption: October 20, 1998
Date of Revision: June 20, 2002
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006
Technical Revision: August 22, 2006

All participants in middle / high school interscholastic sports must meet the following prerequisite:

• Any student participating in an interscholastic sports program must have a health assessment within thirteen (13) months prior to the first try out session for the sport or sports.
• After the initial examination, repeat examinations are required every thirteen (13) months. The proper school form must be completed and returned to the school before the student may practice or play.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-206 Health assessments (as amended by PA 07-58 and PA 11-179)

Date of Adoption: September 3, 1996
Date of Revision: August 11, 2008
Date of Revision: March 7, 2017

A. Purpose of Programs

The Madison Public Schools’ Department of Athletics provides progressive interscholastic, club and intramural opportunities that are complementary to the central academic mission of the school district. These activities are considered student privileges. Through its commitment to athletics, the Madison Public Schools supports its belief that there are many important and enduring lessons to be learned from involvement in athletics.

B. Current Athletic Activity Evaluation System

The Madison Board of Education understands the needs and interests of students may change over time. With this in mind, the Board of Education requires the Director of Athletic Programs to assess existing athletic programs by using an objective and streamlined method.

This method will include, but is not limited to the evaluation of the following categories:

Category - Considerations

1. Gender Equity - Title IX considerations
2. Facilities - Burden on available facilities
3. Existing Programs - Financial data and participation rates
4. Administration - Administrative support and supervision
5. Capital Expenses - One time capital or periodic capital outlays
6. Availability of competition - Reasonable creation of a competitive schedule
7. Annual expenses - Annual budget expenditures
8. Student Interest - Ability to attract student participation
9. Community Support - Overall financial support and attendance
10. Level of competitiveness - Potential to meet desired level of success

This evaluation process will be a function and primary duty of the Athletic Advisory Council. The Chairman of the Council shall lead the members of the Athletic Advisory Council to implement this evaluation system and assessment cycle.

The Council does not set or execute policy, but serves to influence policy development and the administration of athletic programs. First and foremost, the Athletics Advisory Council exists to help the Madison Public Schools to maintain a focus on the mission, goals, and objectives of the athletic program and the athletic, academic and social development of student-athletes.

C. New Program Implementation

The Madison Board of Education recognizes that the needs and interests of students may foster support for new athletic activities. Students, staff or parents wishing to recommend a new athletic program must submit a proposal in writing to the Director of Athletic Programs. All proposals for the addition or expansion of the athletic program shall be received by the Director of Athletic Programs and reviewed initially by the School Building Principal and the Superintendent of Schools in the context of the annual budget process. Proposals for such new or expanded programs must be received by October 1 each year for consideration in the upcoming year’s budget.

Through the annual budget process, the Madison Board of Education requires the Director of Athletics to recommend the implementation of new sports activities with the expectation that the Board shall review said recommendation in the context of the operational budget for the next fiscal year. All new sports programs recommended through the budget process will be designated to begin as either an intramural or club sport activity. A new sports program must first serve at least one sports season as an intramural or club program before receiving consideration to move to varsity status.

Following the first season of a new sports activity (intramural or club), the Athletic Advisory Council will evaluate the new program to determine its future status. The Council will use the categories listed in the Current Athletic Activity Evaluation System and other categories as deemed appropriate to evaluate the activity and make recommendations regarding the future status of the program. Any recommendation from the Athletic Advisory Council proposing eligibility as a varsity program shall be forwarded to the Madison Board of Education for action in the context of the next budget cycle.

The result of this process shall be informed decision-making based upon constructive dialogue and consensus for the entire school system and community.

Sources: Almany, David, Athletic Activity Evaluation System: A System for the Evaluation of Current and Proposed High School Athletic Programs,
D & L Enterprises, Licking, Missouri, 1998
Madison Public Schools – Department of Athletics, Student-Athlete / Parents Handbook, 2007-2008
National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, Athletic Administration: A Comprehensive Guide, National Federation of High Schools, Kansas City, Missouri, 1998.

Date of Adoption: October 3, 2000
Date of Revision: December 18, 2007

The conduct of students in school has an important impact on the school climate for learning. The ultimate responsibility for student behavior rests with students themselves and is reinforced by the parents. The schools provide leadership to be sure that appropriate standards of behavior are maintained while students are under school supervision. Schools shall exercise the right to determine and request appropriate school behavior from the student in order to encourage the positive social and educational development of the child.

The Superintendent shall establish clearly defined procedural steps to be followed by all district employees in dealing with disciplinary problems. These steps shall: provide that respect for the individual and commitment to student success will be the top priorities in all disciplinary actions; recognize the limits of individual freedom in order to maintain the safety, welfare and order of the educational community, when dealing with disciplinary issues; make ample provision for procedural due process in all disciplinary actions; inform parents of the school system's procedure for due process in disciplinary actions; and be consistent with appropriate state statutes.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes, 10-221; 10-233

Teacher's Authority

For minor infractions of the code of conduct or other policies and regulations, teachers may detain students after school hours. Before assigning students to detention, the teacher will inform the student of the conduct that allegedly constitutes the violations, and the student will be given an opportunity to explain his/her version of the incident.

Notice To Parents

When detention is used, notice will first be given to the student's parents/guardian to inform the parent/guardian of the reason for the detention and permit arrangements for the necessary transportation of the student. Except in the case of a student who is 18 years of age or older, the detention will not begin until the parents/guardians have been notified. The student's parents, if the student is a minor, may be required to provide transportation when the student has been assigned to detention.

Staff Supervision

All students detained for disciplinary purposes will be under the direct supervision of a teacher or another member of the professional staff. The principal will be responsible for seeing that the time that the student spends for disciplinary purposes is used constructively for educational purposes. Extenuating circumstances, e.g. a student's sole means of transportation is the regularly scheduled school bus, may make detention inappropriate. If detention is deemed inappropriate for any reason, suitable alternative discipline may be imposed.

Teachers may use recess and before/after school time in order to provide a penalty to enforce the proper management of their classes and appropriate student behavior.

Teachers may not use recess and before/after school time when, in the best judgment of the principal or designee, this practice would be detrimental to the safety or well-being of the students.

Teachers may not cause a student who is transported by school bus to miss a bus without prior arrangements for the parent to transport the student.

Date of Adoption: March 5, 1996

Police who arrest an enrolled district student, ages seven to twenty, for a Class A misdemeanor or felony are required by Public Act 94-221 and Public Act 95-304 to notify orally the Superintendent, not later than the school day following the arrest, of the identity of the student and the offense or offenses for which the student was arrested and follow up in writing, including a brief description of the incident, not later than seventy two hours of the arrest.

The Superintendent shall maintain this information confidential in accordance with 46b-124 and in a secure location and disclose only to the principal of the school in which such person is a student or to the principal or supervisory agent of any other school in which the Superintendent knows such person is a student. The principal may disclose the information only to special services staff or a consultant (such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker) for the purpose of assessing the danger posed by such person to himself, other students, school employees, or school property and effectuating an appropriate modification of such person's educational plan or placement, and for disciplinary purposes.

Attendance of Students Placed on Probation by a Court

Before allowing a student to be placed on probation to return to school, the Connecticut court will request from the Superintendent information on the attendance, adjustment, and behavior of the student along with the Superintendent's recommendation for conditions of sentencing or disposition of the case.

Liaisons for Students in Pre-Court and Court - Related Status

The district will appoint at least one counselor and one school social worker to act as liaison for pre-court diversion students, such as those referred to the juvenile review board. In addition, the district will appoint the school social worker to students referred to juvenile Court or DCF for issues of child abuse/neglect.

The school social worker acting as liaison will provide counseling and other services for court related students and their parents with the objective of establishing or re-establishing normal attendance. The school social worker will assist students and teachers so that students have the opportunity to complete all assignments missed as appropriate because of their status as court-related students.

School Officials and Probation Investigations

If requested by the court prior to disposition of a case, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall provide information on a student's attendance, adjustment, and behavior, and any recommendations regarding the proposed conditions of probation included in the probation officer's investigation report.

School Attendance As a Condition of Probation

Under section 46b-140, a court may include regular school attendance and compliance with school policies on student conduct and discipline as a condition of probation.

Information to Superintendent on a Student Adjudged to be a Delinquent as a Result of Felony

Under section 46b-124 of CGS, courts are required to release the identity of a student adjudged a delinquent as a result of felony to the Superintendent who may only use this information for school placement and disciplinary decisions.

Information to Superintendent on a Student Adjudged to be a Youthful Offender

Under section 54-761 of CGS, courts are required to release the identity of a student adjudged a youthful offender to the Superintendent who may only use this information for school placement and disciplinary decisions.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
46b-121 re juvenile records
46b-124 re juvenile matters and the law.
46b-134 re school officials and probation investigations.
46b-140 re school attendance and compliance with Board policies on student conduct and discipline as a condition of probation.
54-761 re confidentiality of records on youthful offenders.
10-233a through 10-233g re student suspension, expulsion.
Public Act 94-221 Public Act 95-304

Date of Adoption: March 5, 1996

Schools are responsible for students during school hours which includes protecting each student's constitutional rights, assuring due process in questioning and arrest, and protecting students from any form of illegal coercion.

When police are investigating possible criminal acts which occurred, or may have occurred, on school property, or while under jurisdiction of the school district, they may question students at school when the following procedures are observed:

1. Students will be questioned as confidentially and inconspicuously as possible.
2. In cases involving students age 16 or younger, the student's parents will be present during the questioning. The school principal, or his/her designee, will also be present.
3. In cases involving students age 17 or older, an attempt will be made to notify the student's parents so that they may be present during the questioning. The school principal or his/her designee, will be present.

When investigating a possible criminal violation occurring off school grounds or not part of a school program, police will be encouraged to question students in their homes, however, they may be permitted to question students in the schools when the procedures outlined above are observed.

(c.f. 1350 Relations with Law Enforcement Agencies)
(c.f. 5090.8.1 Search and Seizure)
(c.f. 5090.8.1.2 Vehicle Searches on School Grounds)
(c.f. 5142.4 School Resource Officer)

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Technical Revision: February 11, 2014

5110.4 Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion From School / School Activities

School district employees share responsibility for supervising the behavior of students to help them meet standards of conduct established by the Board of Education and / or the school administration. In working with students, emphasis shall be placed upon developing self-discipline as the most effective disciplinary approach. However, when disciplinary action is necessary, the following guidelines for suspension or expulsion, are in effect:

Definition of Terms

Exclusion

shall be defined as any denial of public school privileges to a student for disciplinary purposes.

Removal

shall be defined as an exclusion from a classroom for all or part of a single class period, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond ninety (90) minutes.

In-school suspension

shall be defined as an exclusion from regular classroom activities and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days, but not exclusion from school, provided such exclusion does not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such in-school suspension was imposed.

Suspension

shall be defined as an exclusion from school privileges (both academic and co-curricular and extra-curricular activities) or transportation services only, for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days. Such exclusion shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such suspension was imposed.

 

A student in grades preschool to two, inclusive, may be given an out-of-school suspension if it is determined by the administration that such suspension is appropriate based on evidence that the student’s conduct on school grounds is of a violent or sexual nature that endangers persons.

Expulsion

shall be defined as an exclusion from school privileges for more than ten (10) consecutive school days and shall be deemed to include, but not be limited to, exclusion from the school to which the student was assigned at the time such disciplinary action was taken, provided such exclusion shall not exceed one calendar year. The period of exclusion may extend to the school year following the school year in which such exclusion was imposed.

Emergency

shall be defined as a situation under which continued presence of the student in the school imposes such a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that a hearing may be delayed until a time as soon after the exclusion of such student as possible.

School-sponsored activity

shall be defined as any activity sponsored, recognized, or authorized by the Board of Education or its administrative agents, including activities both on and off school property.

Removal from Class

Each teacher shall have the authority to remove a student from class when such student deliberately causes a serious disruption of the educational process within the classroom. No student shall be removed from class more than six times in any year, nor more than twice in one week unless such student is referred to the principal or his / her designee/s and granted an informal hearing in accordance with the provisions of this policy.

Whenever any teacher removes a student from the classroom, such teacher shall send the student to a designated area and shall immediately inform the principal or his / her designee/s giving the name of the student against whom such disciplinary action was taken and the reasons therefore.

Guidelines For Governing In-School Suspension, Suspension, and Expulsion

A student may be given in-school suspension, suspension, or expulsion for behaviors or actions on school property, at school activities, or off school grounds as outlined in each school’s Code of Conduct.

Suspension Procedures

Each principal or his / her designee/s shall have the authority to invoke in-school suspension or suspension, for one or more of the reasons outlined in each school’s Code of Conduct. However, the principal or his / her designee/s, or the Superintendent or designee, shall have the authority to immediately suspend a student from school when an emergency exists as defined in this policy, and under those circumstances, the hearing shall be held as soon after the suspension as possible.

Whenever the authorized member of the administrative staff suspends a pupil, that person shall inform the Superintendent or designee of the name of the student, the disciplinary action taken, and the reason for it within twenty-four hours.

A suspended pupil must be given an opportunity to complete any classwork, including examinations, which were missed during the suspension

Students may not be suspended without an informal hearing before the building principal or the principal’s designee unless the principal determines that an emergency situation exists. In the informal hearing the student shall be informed of the reasons for the disciplinary action and be given an opportunity to explain the situation. Nothing in the informal hearing shall be taken to prevent a more formal hearing from being held if the circumstances warrant. In determining the length of a suspension, the principal or designee may receive and consider evidence of past disciplinary problems which have led to removal from a classroom, suspension or expulsion of the pupil.

For any one incident a student shall not be suspended for more than ten (10) consecutive school days. No student shall be suspended more than ten (10) times or a total of fifty days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, unless a hearing is first granted. At the discretion of the school building principal, in-school suspensions (not to exceed ten (10) consecutive school days) may be given when deemed appropriate. A student may not be placed on in-school suspension more than fifteen (15) times or fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion. The fifty (50) day limit per school year shall include both in-school and out-of-school suspensions. If it is necessary to suspend a student before an informal hearing is held, such a hearing shall be held as soon after the suspension as possible. A suspension shall not extend past the end of the school year.  A special education student’s disability shall be considered before making a decision to suspend. 

Whenever a pupil is suspended pursuant to the provisions of this section, notice of the suspension and the conduct for which the pupil was suspended shall be included on the pupil’s cumulative educational record. Such notice shall be expunged from the cumulative educational record by the local or regional board of education if a pupil graduates from high school, or in the case of a suspension of a pupil for which the length of the suspension period is shortened or the suspension period is waived pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, such notice shall be expunged from the cumulative educational record by the local or regional board of education (1) if the pupil graduates from high school, or (2) if the administration so chooses, at the time the pupil completes the administration-specified program and meets any other conditions required by the administration pursuant to said subsection (e), whichever is earlier.

Expulsion Procedures

The Board of Education may expel any student whose conduct endangers persons or property, whose conduct on or off school grounds is seriously disruptive of the educational process or violates a published policy of the Board, provided that a formal hearing is held under C.G.S. 4-176a through 4-180a inclusive, and C.G.S. 4-181a.

Unless an emergency exists, procedures for a hearing shall be followed prior to expulsion. If an emergency situation exists, such hearing shall be held as soon after the expulsion date as possible.

Disciplinary records will be considered in determining the length of an expulsion. Grounds for expulsion may occur on or off school property, while receiving or awaiting school transportation services, or at any school-sponsored activity. 
 

Mandatory Expulsion

It shall be the policy of the Board to expel a student for one full calendar year if:

1. There is reason to believe that a student on school grounds or at a school sponsored activity was in possession of a firearm, as defined in 11 U.S.C. 921, or a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or martial arts weapon, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes §53a-3, as amended.
2. There is reason to believe that a student did possess, off school grounds, a firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §29-35, or did possess or use a firearm, deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or martial arts weapon in the commission of a crime.
3. There is reason to believe that a student, on or off school grounds, offered for sale or distribution a controlled substance, as defined in Connecticut General Statute §21a-240, whose manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting, or possessing with intent to sell or dispense, offering or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Sections 21a-277 and 21a-278 of the Connecticut General Statutes. 

The Board may modify the term of a mandatory expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

Alternative Educational Opportunity

The Board of Education recognizes its obligation to offer any student under the age of sixteen (16) who is expelled an alternative educational opportunity during the period of expulsion. Any parent or guardian of such student who does not choose to have his or her
child enrolled in an alternative educational program shall not be subject to the provision of Section 10-184 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Any expelled student who is between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) not previously expelled and who wishes to continue his or her education shall be offered an alternative educational opportunity if he or she complies with conditions established by the Board of Education. Such alternative educational opportunity shall be the equivalent to alternative education, as defined by C.G.S. 10-74j with an individualized learning plan, (1) if the Board provides such alternative education, or (2) in accordance with the standards adopted by the State Board of Education which includes the kind of instruction to be provided and the number of hours to be provided, during the period of expulsion.   In determining the nature of the alternative education opportunity to be offered under this section, the Board of Education may receive and consider evidence of past disciplinary problems which have led to removal from a classroom, suspension, or expulsion.

The Board of Education is not obligated to provide such alternative educational opportunity to any student eighteen years of age or older. The Board of Education is not required to offer such alternative educational opportunity to any student between the ages
of sixteen and eighteen who is expelled because of conduct which endangers a person, if it was determined at the expulsion hearing that the conduct for which the student was expelled involved (a) possession of a firearm, as defined in 11 U.S.C. 921, or a deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or martial arts weapon, as defined in C.G.S. §53a-3, as amended, on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, or (b) offering for sale or distribution on school property or at a school sponsored activity a controlled substance, as defined in subdivision (9) of C.G.S. 21a-240, whose manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting, or possessing with the intent to sell or dispense, offering, or administration is subject to criminal penalties under C.G.S. 2la-277 and 2la-278. If the Board expels a student for the sale or distribution of such a controlled substance, the Board shall refer the student to an appropriate state or local agency for rehabilitation, intervention or job training, or any combination thereof, and inform the
agency of its action. If a student is expelled for possession of a firearm or deadly weapon, the Board shall report the violation to the local police department.

This provision shall not apply to students requiring special education who are described in subdivision (1) of subsection (e) of C.G.S. 10-76a. The alternative educational opportunity for any such student shall be established by the PPT in accordance with the procedures described above.

Whenever the Board notifies a student between the ages of sixteen and eighteen or the parents / guardians of such student that an expulsion hearing will be held, notification shall include a statement that the Board is not required to offer an alternative educational opportunity to any student who is found to have engaged in the conduct described in the above paragraph.

Students With Disabilities

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following procedures shall apply to students who have been identified as having one or more disabilities under the IDEA and / or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (a “student with disabilities”):

1. If a student with disabilities engages in conduct that would lead to a recommendation for expulsion, the district shall promptly convene a planning and placement team (PPT) meeting to determine whether the misconduct was caused by the student’s disability. A student may be suspended for up to ten days pending the PPT determination.If the PPT finds that the misconduct was not caused by the disability, the Superintendent may proceed with a recommendation for expulsion. During any period of expulsion, a student with disabilities under the IDEA shall receive an alternative educational plan consistent with the student’s educational needs as determined by the PPT in light of such expulsion.
2. If the PPT finds that the misconduct was not caused by the disability, the Superintendent may proceed with a recommendation for expulsion. During any period of expulsion, a student with disabilities under the IDEA shall receive an alternative educational plan consistent with the student’s educational needs as determined by the PPT in light of such expulsion.
3. If the PPT finds that the misconduct was caused by the disability, the Superintendent shall not proceed with the recommendation for expulsion. The PPT shall consider the student’s misconduct and revise the IEP to prevent a  recurrence of such misconduct and to provide for the safety of the other students and staff.
4. Should a parent of a student with disabilities who is eligible for services under the IDEA (or the student himself / herself if eighteen years of age or older) file a request for a due process hearing under C.G.S. 10-76h to contest an expulsion under subparagraph (2) above or a proposed change in placement under subparagraph (3), unless the parents (or student if eighteen years of age or older) and the Board otherwise agree, the child shall stay in his / her then current placement pending decision in said due process hearing and any subsequent
   judicial review proceedings. This “stay put” requirement shall not apply when modified by a court order.

5. Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding subparagraph (4), a student with disabilities may be assigned to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than forty-five (45) school days if the student brings a weapon to school. 

For purposes of this paragraph,

“weapon”

means: any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon or metal knuckles.

“dangerous instrument”

means: any instrument, article or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used or attempted or threatened to be used, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury, and includes a motor vehicle and a dog that has been commanded to attack. 

“firearm”

means: (1) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (2) the frame or receiver of any such weapons; (3) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer or (4) any destructive device. Firearm does not include any antique firearm, “destructive device” means: any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than 4 ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than ¼ ounce, mine, or device similar to any of the weapons described herein. 

The interim alternative placement shall be determined by the PPT. If a due process hearing is requested, the student shall remain in said interim alternative placement pending a decision in the due process hearing, unless the Board and the parents otherwise agree, or the Board obtains a court order.

Notification to Parents or Guardian

The parents or guardian of any minor student either given in-school suspension, expelled, or suspended shall be given notice of such disciplinary action as soon as possible by telephone, but in any case written notice must be mailed within twenty-four (24) hours of decisions to institute in-school suspensions, suspensions, or expulsions.

General Provisions

In determining the length of an expulsion and the nature of any alternative educational opportunity provided, the Board of Education may receive and consider evidence of past disciplinary problems which have led to removal from the classroom, suspension and expulsion of such student.

The maximum period of expulsion is for a period of up to one calendar year.

A student may be expelled before the formal hearing provided that an emergency exists, but in this case the hearing shall be held as soon after the expulsion as possible. The notice or formal hearing required by C.G.S. 4-177 shall be given to the parents or guardians of the student as well as to the student if he / she is a minor.

Under provisions of C.G.S. 10-233d, a student may be expelled at a meeting at which three or more members of the Board are present provided that at least a majority of those present at the expulsion hearing vote for expulsion, and provided that at least three affirmative votes for expulsion are cast. In the event that a three-member panel of the Board is unable to be present, the Chairman of the Board of Education is authorized to appoint an impartial hearing officer in accordance with C.G.S. 10-233d to hear expulsion cases.

The Board may adopt the decision of a student expulsion hearing conducted by another school district in accordance with statute, provided that prior to adopting any such decision, the Board shall hold a hearing that shall be limited to a determination of whether the misconduct that was the basis for the expulsion would also warrant expulsion under the provisions of this policy. Any such student shall be excluded from school pending such hearing, and if the expulsion decision is adopted, the student shall be provided an alternative educational opportunity if otherwise eligible in accordance with this policy and state law.

If a student withdraws from school after notification of an expulsion hearing, but before the hearing is completed and a decision rendered, (1) notice of the pending expulsion hearing shall be included on the student's cumulative record, and (2) the Board shall complete the hearing and render a decision.

Readmission of Student from a Residential Placement

A District student who has committed an expellable offense who seeks to return to a District school, after participating in a diversionary program or having been detained in a juvenile detention center, the Connecticut Juvenile Training School or any other residential placement, for one year or more, in lieu of expulsion from the District, shall be permitted to return to the appropriate school setting within the District.  Further, the District shall not expel the student for any additional time for the offense(s).

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

4-176e through 4-180a.  Contested Cases.  Notice.  Record, as amended.
10-74j Alternative education (PA 15-133)
10-233a through 10-233f Suspension, removal and expulsion of students, as amended by PA 95-304, PA 96-244, PA 98-139, PA 07-66, PA 07-122, PA 08-160, PA 09-82, PA 09-6 (September Special Session), PA 10-111, PA 11-126, PA 14-229, PA 15-96, PA 16-147 and PA 17-220
53a-3 Definitions.
53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds.
PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety.
PA 15-96 An Act Prohibiting Out-of-School Suspensions and Expulsions for Students in Preschool and Grades Kindergarten to Two
GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub.  L. 103-227.
18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.
Title III - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence)
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994
P.L. 105-17 The Individuals with Disabilities Act, Amendments of 1997.
Kyle P. Packer PPA Jane Packer v. Thomaston Board of Education.
P.L. 108-446 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

 

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Date of Revision: October 21, 1997
Date of Revision: August 23, 2005
Date of Revision: March 17, 2009
Date of Revision: March 5, 2019

 

Connecticut state law requires parents to cause their children, ages five through eighteen inclusive, to attend school regularly during the hours and terms the public school is in session. Parents or persons having control of a child five years of age have the option of not sending the child to school until ages six or seven.  Mandatory attendance terminates upon graduation or withdrawal with written parent/guardian consent at age seventeen. The responsibility for regular attendance rests with the students' parents, guardians or with the student himself / herself when he / she becomes of legal age.

In order for students to develop to their full potential, the Board of Education deems it essential that students attend school on a regular basis. The learning experiences that occur in the classroom are considered to be meaningful and essential components of the learning process. Time lost from class tends to be irretrievable in terms of opportunity for instructional interaction.

The Board believes that a student should not be absent from school without the parents' knowledge and consent, therefore verification of an absence should be in writing by a parent or guardian.

The Board takes the view that a student's education is jeopardized when a student misses an instructional day. Parents should carefully consider the negative effects that absence from school may have on their children's total educational progress.

Board policy stresses prevention and inquiry leading to remediation of absences. The schools will make all reasonable efforts to keep parents and students informed about attendance problems and will make all reasonable efforts to help students improve their attendance when such improvement is warranted. Only when all local resources are exhausted is referral to legal authorities recommended.
 

Attendance Guidelines

Excused Absences

A.    A student’s absence from school shall be considered excused if written documentation of the reason for the absence is submitted within ten school days of the student’s return to school or in accordance with Section 10-210 of the Connecticut General Statutes and meets the following criteria: For absences one through nine, a student’s absence from school is considered excused when the student’s parent / guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation to school officials.

B.    For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absence from school is considered excused for the following reasons:

1.    Student illness (must be verified by a licensed medical professional to be deemed excused, regardless of the length of the absence);
2.    Student observance of a religious holiday;
3.    Death in the student’s family or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family;
4.    Mandated court appearance (documentation required);
5.    The lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends (no documentation required);
6.    Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by District administration and to be in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance.

When a student is out of school or class because of an excused absence, appropriate provisions will be made by school personnel regarding make up of missed assignments, homework, and assessments when possible. Many classroom learning experiences cannot be made-up or duplicated for completion at home due to the nature of the task design.  Responsibility for completion of missed classwork offered lies with the student, not the teacher. Unless a student has an extended illness, all make-up work will be completed within five days after the student returns to school. 

Excused Absences for Children of Service Members

An enrolled student, age five to eighteen, whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces, as defined in Section 27-103, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat support posting, shall be granted ten days of excused absences in any school year and, at the discretion of the Board of Education, additional excused absences to visit such child’s parent or legal guardian with respect to such leave or deployment of the parent or legal guardian.  In the case of such excused absences, such child and parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for obtaining assignments from the student’s teacher prior to any period of excused absence, and for ensuring that such assignments are completed by such child prior to his or her return to school from such period of excused absence.  

Unexcused Absences

A student’s absence from school shall be considered unexcused unless:

1.    The absence meets the definition of an excused absence and meets the documentation requirements; or
2.    The absence meets the definition of a disciplinary absence, which is the result of school or District disciplinary action and is excused from these State Board of Education approved definitions.

An unexcused absence occurs when a student is out of school for reasons other than those approved as excused absences. When a student is absent for an unexcused reason, the amount and kind of assistance provided shall be at the discretion of the student’s teacher(s) after consulting with the building administrator. 

The following specific guidelines will govern student attendance.

•    For purposes of this policy, all unexcused absences will count. Total absences which exceed 10% of a half-trimester course (3 days); 10% of a one trimester course (6 days); 10% of a 2 trimester course (12 days); or 10% of a full year course (18 days) may result in the student receiving no grade or credit for the course.

For students in grades K through 8, when school personnel have not received notification from the child’s parent or other person in charge of the child indicating they are aware of the student’s absence, a reasonable effort will be made by school personnel to notify by telephone and by mail such parent or other person having control of the child.  The required mailed notice shall include a warning that two unexcused absences from school in one month or five unexcused absences in a school year may result in a complaint filed with the Court or community treatment programs, alleging the belief that the acts or omissions of the child are such that the child’s family is a family with service needs.
 

Definitions (related to chronic absenteeism)

Chronically absent child:

An enrolled student whose total number of absences (both excused and unexcused) at any time during a school year is equal to or greater than ten percent of the total number of days that such student has been enrolled at such school during such school year.

Absence:

An excused absence, unexcused absence or disciplinary absences, as those terms are defined by the State Board of Education pursuant to C.G.S. 10-198b.

District chronic absenteeism rate:

The total number of chronically absent children in the previous school year divided by the total number of children under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education for such school year.

School chronic absenteeism rate:

The total number of chronically absent children for a school in the previous school year divided by the total number of children enrolled in such school for such school year.

The Board of Education, in compliance with statute, requires the establishment of attendance review teams when chronic absenteeism rates in the District or at individual schools in the District meet the following circumstances:

1. A team for the District must be established when the District chronic absenteeism rate is 10 percent or higher.
2. A team for the school must be established when the school chronic absenteeism rate is 15 percent or higher.
3. A team for either the District or each school must be established when (a) more than one school in the District has a school chronic absenteeism rate of 10 percent or higher or (b) a District has a District chronic absenteeism rate of 10 percent or higher and one or more schools in the District have a school chronic absenteeism rate of 15 percent or higher.

The membership of attendance review teams may consist of school administrators, guidance counselors, school social workers, teachers, chronically absent children, parents or guardians of chronically absent children, and representatives from community-based programs who address issues related to student attendance by providing programs and services to truants.

Each attendance review team shall be responsible for reviewing the case of truants and chronically absent children, discussing school interventions and community referrals for such truants and chronically absent children and making any additional recommendations for such truants and chronically absent children and their parents or guardians.  Each established attendance review team shall meet at least monthly.

The District shall utilize the chronic absenteeism prevention and intervention plan developed by the State Department of Education    Such plan must include the means for collecting and analyzing data relating to student attendance, truancy and chronic absenteeism.  The data must be disaggregated by school district, school grades and subgroups such as race, ethnicity, gender, eligibility for free and reduced priced lunches, students whose primary language is not English, and students with disabilities.  

The District shall annually include in information for the strategic school profile report for each school and the District that is submitted to the Commissioner of Education, data pertaining to truant and chronically absent children.
 

Truancy

“Truant”

shall mean a student age five to eighteen, inclusive, who has four unexcused absences in any one month, or ten unexcused absences in one school year.

“In attendance”

shall mean a student is present at his/her assigned school, or an activity sponsored by the school (e.g., field trip), for at least half of the regular school day. A student who is serving an out-of-school suspension or expulsion should always be considered absent.

Remediation of Truancy

School personnel shall seek cooperation from parents or other persons having control of such child and assist them in remedying and preventing truancy. The Superintendent of Schools shall develop regulations which will detail the following school district obligations under the district’s truancy policy.

1. Notify parents annually of their obligations under the attendance policy.
2. Obtain telephone numbers for emergency record cards or other means of contacting parents or other persons having control of the child during the school day.
3. Establish a system to monitor student attendance.
4. Make a reasonable effort by telephone and by mail to notify parents or other persons having control of the child when a child does not arrive at school and there has been no prior approval or other indication which indicates parents are aware of the absence. (Note: Persons who in good faith give or fail to give notice pursuant to this section shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, which might otherwise be incurred or imposed and shall have immunity with respect to any judicial proceeding which results from such notices or failure to give notice.)
5. Identify a student as “truant” when the student accumulates four unexcused absences in any month or ten in a school year.
6. Identify a student as “chronically absent” when the student accumulates a total number of absences at any time during a school year that is equal to or greater than 10% of the total number of days that such student has been enrolled at the school during the school year.
7. Appropriate school staff meet with parents of a child identified as truant or chronically absent to review and evaluate the situation, within ten days of such designation.  Such meeting may involve the school or District Attendance Team.  Students so identified may be subject to: 
   1. retention in the same grade to acquire necessary skills for promotion.
   2. A requirement to complete a summer school program successfully before being promoted to the next grade. 
8. When a petition is filed, an educational evaluation of the truant student shall be done by appropriate student services personnel if no such evaluation has been performed within the preceding year.
9. Provide coordination of services and refer “truants” to community agencies which provide child and family services.
10. If in existence, refer the child to the children’s probate court truancy clinic.

Remediation of Truancy

School personnel shall seek cooperation from parents or other persons having control of such child and assist them in remedying and preventing truancy.  The Superintendent of Schools shall develop regulations which will detail the following school district obligations under the district’s truancy policy.  

The Board shall implement a truancy intervention model identified by the Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE) for any school within the District that has a disproportionately high rate of truancy, as identified by the Commissioner of Education.  The intervention models must also address the need of students with disabilities.  Parents or other persons having control of each child shall be notified of such truancy model.

Release of Student During School Day

The Board recognizes the need for students to be in school for the full instructional day.  It is encouraged that early dismissal or late arrival should be requested only in emergency or unusual situations.

Request for release of a student during the school day originating outside the schools must be handled by the administration to ensure maximum provisions for the safety and welfare of the student.

Dismissal before the normal end of the school day must be requested in writing to the building Principal or designee.

Students who become ill during the school day may be excused by the school nurse, and transportation home will be arranged by school personnel.

The Superintendent will develop regulations for determining what constitutes "excused" and "unexcused" absences for purposes of determining the appropriate disciplinary action and for determining whether a student is truant.

(cf. 5050.1 Compulsory Attendance)

 

Legal Reference:        Connecticut General Statutes

10-184 Duties of parents (as amended by PA 98-243 and PA 00-157)
10-185 Penalty
10-198a Policies and procedures concerning truants (as amended by P.A.11-136, An Act Concerning Minor Revisions to the Education Statutes and PA14-198, An Act Concerning Excused Absences from School for Children of Service Members.) and PA 16-147, An Act Concerning Recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Policy & Oversight Commission.
10-198b State Board of Education to define “excused absence”, “unexcused absence” and “disciplinary absence”
10-198c Attendance review teams.
10-198d Chronic Absenteeism (as amended by PA 17-14 and PA 18-182)
10-198e Identification of truancy identification models (as amended by PA 18-182)
10-199 through 10-202 Attendance, truancy - in general
10-220(c) Duties of Boards of Education (as amended by PA15-225)
Action taken by State Board of Education on January 2, 2008, to define “attendance.”
Action taken by State Board of Education on June 27, 2012, to define “excused” and “unexcused” absences.
 PA 17-14 An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Department of Education

Date of Adoption:     August 22, 1995
Date of Revision:      July 20, 2010 
Date of Revision:      April 14, 2015
Date of Revision:      January 19, 2016
Date of Revision:      October 3, 2017
Date of Revision:      December 18, 2018

The Board shall strive to build safe, supportive, and academically challenging school learning environments in partnership with students, staff members, and families.

The Board shall ensure that all facilities, grounds, equipment, and vehicles meet acceptable injury and violence prevention standards for design, installation, use and maintenance.

Student safety shall be a priority of all school personnel through close supervision of students in all school buildings and grounds and through special attention to:

1. Maintenance of safe school environments through conducting regular safety and hazard assessments of all school facilities, school grounds, sports-related equipment and vehicles used to transport students.
2. Safe practices by school personnel and students – particularly in instructional areas or in extracurricular activities presenting special hazards.
3. Development of school programs and activities consistent with appropriate abilities and limitations of students at each age level.
4. Offering safety education to students germane to particular subjects, such as laboratory courses in science, industrial arts, and health and physical education.
5. Appropriate first aid care for students in case of accident or sudden illness.
6. Adequacy of emergency response procedures at each school in the District (first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, infection control security).
7. Development, adoption and implementation of a code of conduct and other appropriate rules that are designed to promote health and safety and prevent unintended injury, harassment, bullying and other forms of violence. Such code shall prohibit the use and possession of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and weapons and dangerous instruments at school.
8. Training exercises for all school staff designed to help them maintain a positive climate for learning and to effectively enforce safety and discipline rules.
9. Requiring the District and its individual schools to have safety plans which serve as a guide to address the various safety needs in the school, such as lockdown procedures, evacuations, drills and safety protocols, and personnel assignments.
10. Conducting regular audits (at least annually) to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of each school’s safety and security plans. First responders, local law enforcement and the entire school community shall be involved in this process.
11. Communicating with parents/guardians and community members about school level emergency preparedness protocols to the greatest extent possible.
12. Providing regular training for all school employees on the Districts’ school emergency management systems and protocols.
13. Creating a partnership between schools, local law enforcement and appropriate community agencies, including mental health, to prevent and reduce school violence.

(c.f. 0100 / 6100 Our Mission)
(c.f. 5090.1.4 Student Misconduct in Schools)
(c.f. 5090.3 General Rules of Student Conduct)
(c.f. 5090.3.6.1.1 Bullying)
(c.f. 5090.7 Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Inhalants, and Performance-Enhancing Substances)
(c.f. 5090.8 Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
(c.f. 5110 Student Discipline)
(c.f. 5120.3 Health Services)
(c.f. 5120.3.1 Communicable and Infectious Diseases)
(c.f. 5120.3.3 Administering Medications)
(c.f. 5120.3.5 Automatic External Defibrillators)
(c.f. 5120.4.2.1 Suicide Prevention)
(c.f. 5120.4.2.5 Child Abuse)
(c.f. 5190 Crisis Response)
(c.f. 6080.14.2 Family Life Education
(c.f. 6114.1 Fire Drills / Crisis Response Drills
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-220 Safety Committee

Date of Adoption: December 5, 1995
Date of Revision: October 7, 2014

Scholastic insurance will be made available annually to all students. The purchase of such accident insurance and liability insurance coverage is optional and the cost will be borne by the student and parents.

Date of Adoption: December 5, 1995

Principals are to report upon forms supplied by the central office, accidents occurring to pupils, employees, or patrons on the school premises, or while under school supervision. These reports will give all of the necessary circumstances and details, including dates, times, witnesses, and the signatures of the people filing the reports. A copy of the report will be filed immediately following the accident with the Superintendent, another copy remaining with the school principal. The Superintendent will develop regulations for filing procedures, per required insurance policy guidelines.

Date of Adoption: December 5, 1995

The Board of Education recognizes that concussions and head injuries are commonly reported injuries of children and adolescents who participate in sports and other recreational activities. The Board acknowledges the risk of catastrophic injuries or deaths are significant when a concussion or head injury is not properly evaluated and managed.

Commencing July 1, 2010, and each school year thereafter, any coach of intramural or interscholastic athletics employed by the District shall complete an initial training course, approved by the State Board of Education, regarding concussions which are a type of brain injury prior to commencing the coaching assignment for the season. Such training course shall include, but not be limited to (1) the recognition of the signs and symptoms of a concussion; (2) the means of obtaining proper medical treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion; (3) the nature and risk of concussions, including the danger of continuing to engage in athletic activity after sustaining a concussion; and (4) the proper method of allowing a student athlete who has sustained a concussion to return to athletic activity.

Each school year any coach who has completed the initial training course regarding concussions shall annually review current and relevant information, developed or approved by the State Board of Education, regarding concussions prior to the start of the coaching assignment. This annual review is not required in any year the coach is required to complete a refresher course. Beginning July 1, 2015, and each school year thereafter, a coach must complete an approved refresher course not later than five years after the initial training course in order to maintain his/her coaching permit and to coach in the District.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
PA 10-62 An Act Concerning Student Athletes and Concussions P.A.
14-66 An Act Concerning Youth Athletics and Concussions "Concussion Education Plan and Guidelines for Connecticut Schools" adopted by the State Board of Education, January 7, 2015.

Policy Adopted: February 15, 2011
Policy Revised: March 7, 2017

School District Medical Advisor / School Nurses

The Board of Education shall appoint a school district medical advisor and appropriate medical support service personnel, including nurses.

School health efforts shall be directed toward detection and prevention of health problems and to emergency treatment, including the following student health services:

1. provide preventive services, education, emergency care, referral and management of acute and chronic health conditions; designed to prevent health problems, promote health, assess health status, provide emergency care, ensure access to health care, and identify and manage barriers to student learning;
2. provide a healthy school environment that is a safe physical and psychological environment supportive of learning; and
3. provide family and community involvement, including partnerships among schools, families, community groups and individuals; designed to share and maximize resources and expertise in addressing the healthy development of children and families.

Health Records

There shall be a cumulative health record for each student enrolled in the school district which will be maintained in the school health office. For the purposes of confidentiality, records will be treated in the same manner as the student's cumulative academic record.

Regular Health Assessments

Prior to enrollment in pre-k special education and kindergarten, each student shall have a health assessment by a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant, school medical advisor, or a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse or a physician assistant stationed at any military base, herein referred to as a health care provider to ascertain whether the student has any physical disability or other health problem which could be a barrier to learning. Health assessments shall also be required in grade 6 and in grade 10 by a legally qualified physician of each student’s parents or guardians choosing, or by the school medical advisor, or the advisor’s designee, to ascertain whether a student has any physical disability or other health problem.

Such health assessments shall include:

1. physical examination which shall include all assessment areas on the State of Connecticut Department of Education’s Health Assessment Record (HAR-3);
2. updating of immunizations required under 10-204 and 10-204a;
3. vision, hearing, postural, and gross dental screenings;
4. Tuberculosis high risk screening, if required by the school district medical advisor, testing for tuberculosis and sickle cell anemia or Cooley’s anemia; and
5. any other information including a health history as the physician believes to be necessary and appropriate.

A student will not be allowed to begin or continue in district schools unless health assessments are performed as required. Students transferring into the district must provide evidence of required Connecticut immunizations and health assessments prior to school attendance which have been performed by a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant or the school medical advisor licensed to practice in the United States.

The Board of Education shall provide for health assessments, without charge, to all pupils whose parents or guardians meet the eligibility requirements for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program or for free milk under the special milk program. To meet its obligations pursuant to this section, the Board may utilize the school medical advisor or existing community resources.

As required, beginning February 2004, the district will annually report to the Department of Public Health and to the local health director the asthma data obtained through the required asthma assessments, including student demographics. The district, as required, will also participate in annual school surveys conducted by the Department of Public Health pertaining to asthma.

Health assessment results and recommendations signed by the health care provider shall be recorded on forms provided by the Connecticut State Board of Education (Dept. of Education Form: Health Assessment Record [HAR-3] most current version) and kept on file in the school the student attends. For students moving to another school district within the State of Connecticut, the original cumulative health records shall be sent to Superintendent or his / her designee of the school district to which such student moves and a copy of the student's cumulative health records will be maintained in a central inactive file. For students moving out of the State of Connecticut, the student’s original cumulative health record shall be placed in a central inactive file, with a copy to the requesting school, within 10 days. Unless the student’s parents authorized the record transfer in writing, the old district must send them a notice when it sends the records to the new district. The Superintendent’s designee shall notify parents of any health-related problems detected in health assessments and shall make reasonable efforts to assure that further testing and treatment is provided, including advice on obtaining such required testing or treatment.

Students who are in violation of Board requirements for health assessments and immunizations will be excluded from school after appropriate parental notice and warning.

Vision Screening

All students in grades K-1 and 3-5 inclusive will be screened using a Snellen chart, or equivalent screening, by the school nurse or school health aide. Vision screenings performed by a student’s health care provider, as part of the mandated health assessments in grade K may be accepted in lieu of school screening. Additional vision screenings will also be conducted in response to appropriate requests from parents/guardians or professionals working with the student in question. Results will be recorded in the student's health record on forms supplied by the Connecticut State Board of Education, and the Superintendent’s designee shall cause a written notice to be given to the parent or guardian of each student found to have any defect of vision or disease of the eyes, with a brief statement describing such defect or disease.

As necessary, special educational provisions shall be made for students with handicapping conditions.

Hearing Screening

All students will be screened for possible hearing impairments by the use of a calibrated audiometer by school nurses, speech pathologists, audiologists, trained aides to school nurses or trained volunteers in grades K-1 and 3-5 inclusive. Audiometric screenings performed by a student’s health care provider, as part of the mandated health assessments in grade K may be accepted in lieu of school screening. All persons who conduct audiometric screening shall have completed six (6) hours of training in this area. Additional audiometric screenings will be conducted in response to appropriate requests from parents/guardians or professionals working with the student.

Results will be recorded in the student's health record on forms supplied by the Connecticut State Board of Education, and the Superintendent shall cause a written notice to be given to the parent or guardian of each student found to have any defect of hearing, with a brief statement describing such defect.

As necessary, special educational provisions shall be made for students with handicapping conditions.

Postural Screening

School nurses will screen female students in grades 5 and 7 and male students in grades 8 or 9 for scoliosis or other postural problems. Scoliosis screenings performed by a student’s health care provider may be accepted in lieu of school screening. Additional postural screenings will also be conducted in response to appropriate requests from parents/guardians or professionals working with the student.

Results will be recorded in the student's health record on forms supplied by the Connecticut State Board of Education, and the Superintendent shall cause a written notice to be given to the parent or guardian of each student found to have any postural impairment or problem, with a brief statement describing such impairment or disease.

As necessary, special educational provisions shall be made for students with handicapping conditions.

Tuberculin Testing

TB screening (PPD) will be required as determined by the child's health care provider and noted on the HAR-3 form or will be required for children who are at increased risk of acquiring Tuberculosis infection and disease. Students entering from outside the United States will be required to have a new tuberculin test (PPD) and results reported prior to entry into Madison Public Schools.

Those with a negative reaction to the tuberculin test need not have further skin tests unless they have one of the following risk factors:

1. travel to a high risk country since the previously required skin test;
2. extensive contact with person who have recently come to the United States since the previously required examination;
3. contact with persons suspected to have tuberculosis;
4. have been incarcerated;
5. have been living in a homeless shelter; or
6. have HIV infection

Immunizations/Vaccinations

No student will be allowed to enter district schools without adequate immunization against the following diseases:

• Measles
• Rubella
• Poliomyelitis
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis
• Mumps
• Haemophilus influenza type B Hepatitis B
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis A
• Pneumococcal disease
• Influenza Meningococcal disease
• Any other vaccine required by section 19A 7f of Connecticut General Statutes

All students in grades K-12 are required to have received 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine or serologic proof of immunity. Students entering kindergarten and seventh grade shall show proof of having received 2 doses of varicella vaccine, laboratory confirmation of immunity, or present a written statement signed by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse indicating the individual has had varicella based on family or medical history. (Varicella requirement effective August 1, 2011.)

All seventh grade students must show proof of 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine and 1 dose of Tdap in addition to the completion of the primary DTP series. Students shall be exempt from the appropriate provisions of this policy when:

1. they present a certificate from their health care provider or local health agency stating that initial immunizations have been given and additional immunizations are in process under guidelines and schedules specified by the Commissioner of Health Services; or
2. they present a certificate from their health care provider stating that in the opinion of such provider, immunization is medically contraindicated because of the physical condition of such student (this must be updated yearly); or
3. they present a statement from their parents or guardians that such immunization would be contrary to the religious beliefs of such student or his/her parents/guardians; such statement to be officially acknowledged by a notary public or a judge, a court clerk/deputy clerk, a town clerk, a justice of the peace, a Connecticut attorney, or a school nurse; or
4. they present, in the case of measles, mumps, rubella or varicella, a certificate from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse stating that the student has had a confirmed case of such disease or serologic evidence of past infection confirmed in writing by a certified laboratory; or
5. In the case of haemophilus influenza type B, has passed his or her fifth birthday; or
6. in the case of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, has a medical exemption confirmed in writing by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse (per C.G.S. 19a-7f).

The school nurse coordinator, working with the school medical advisor, will report to the local director of health any outbreak of State of Connecticut defined reportable communicable diseases.

Interscholastic Sports Programs / Health Assessments

Any student participating in an interscholastic or intramural sports program must have a health assessment, within the past thirteen months prior to the first try out session for the sport or sports. After the initial examination, repeat examinations are required every two years. Each participant in a sport program must complete a health history and consent form before participating in each sport. Parents are expected to use the services of their private physician. If a student is unable to obtain a health assessment from his/her personal physician for financial or other reasons, an examination can be arranged with the school medical advisor. Health assessment results shall be recorded on sports forms provided by the Board of Education, in accordance with The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic conference (CIAC) regulations, signed by a legally qualified practitioner of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or school medical advisor, filed in the student's health folder, and maintained up to date by the school nurse. Coaches and physical education staff shall assist in appropriate monitoring of an athlete's physical condition and report any serious concerns to the school nurse.

Student Medical Care at School

School personnel are responsible for the immediate care necessary for a student whose sickness or injury occurs on the school premises during school hours or in school sponsored and supervised activities.

Schools shall maintain files of emergency information for each student. If a student's injury requires immediate care, the parent or guardian will be called by telephone by the nurse, the building principal or other personnel designated by the principal, and advised of the student's condition. When immediate medical or dental attention is indicated, and when parents or guardians cannot be reached, the student will be transported, via 911, to an emergency care facility unless otherwise indicated in the student's emergency information data. In this event, the student’s health care provider / dentist and the school district medical advisor will be notified of school district actions.

(cf. 5120 Student Welfare / Safety)
(cf. 5120.4.2.5 Child Abuse and Neglect)
(cf. 5120.4.2.1 Suicide Prevention)
(cf. 5100.9.4 Physicals for School Athletics)
(cf. 6080.14.2 Family Life Education)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-203 Sanitation.
10-204 Vaccination.
10-204a Required immunizations (as amended by PA 15-174 and PA 15-242).
10-204c Immunity from liability
10-205 Appointment of school medical advisors.
10-206 Health assessments (as amended by PA 07-58 and PA 11-179)
10-206a Free health assessments.
10-207 Duties of medical advisers (as amended by P.A. 12-198).
10-208 Exemption from examination or treatment.
10-208a Physical activity of student restricted; boards to honor notice.
10-209 Records not to be public.
10-2 10 Notice of disease to be given parent or guardian.
10-212 School nurses and nurse practitioners.
10-212a Administration of medicines by school personnel.
10-213 Dental hygienists.
10-214-3,4,5 Vision, audiometric and postural screenings: When required; notification of parents re defects; record of results.
10-214a Eye protective devices.
10-214b Compliance report by local or regional board of education.
10-217a Health services for children in private nonprofit schools. Payments from the state, towns in which children reside and private nonprofit schools.
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended, added by section 513 of P.L. 93-568, codified at 20 U.S.C. 1232g)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes (cont.)
42 U.S.C. 1320d-1320d-8, P.L. 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
P.A. 13-122 Minor Revisions to the Education Statutes (Bill 5566)

Date of Adoption: May 6, 1996
Date of Revision: February 1, 2000
Date of Revision: October 17, 2000
Date of Revision: December 18, 2001
Date of Revision: June 3, 2003
Date of Revision: October 20, 2015
Date of Revision: February 16, 2016

 

# 5120.3.1 Communicable and Infectious Diseases

The Board of Education recognizes that all children have a constitutional right to a free, suitable program of educational experiences. The Board has established reasonable health requirements as prerequisites to admission or attendance, including the requirement that students undergo physical examination prior to admission.

Where it can be medically established that a student suffers from a serious infectious disease and there is a significant risk of transmission of the disease to others because of the nature of the disease or behaviors of the student carrier, it may be appropriate to exclude the student from the regular classroom. The determination of exclusion of any student will be made on a case by case basis with appropriate procedural due process safeguards. However, where the risk of transmission is relatively low or appropriate procedures can be adopted to reduce the risk of transmission, exclusion is not warranted.

A child with an infectious disease may be considered handicapped, if the condition presents such physical impairment that limits one or more major life activities. Therefore, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the "Education of all Handicapped Children Act" may apply. The parent, guardian or the school administration may make a referral for determination whether the student is handicapped and entitled to protection under Section 504. The Planning and Placement Team will determine whether the student is handicapped or is "otherwise qualified" within the meaning of Section 504. All students should be educated in the least restrictive environment.

Legal Reference:    "Education for Children with Disabilities", 20 U.S.C. 1400, et seq.
    Section 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 706 (7) (b)
    "Americans with Disabilities Act"
    The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g, 45 C.F.R. 99
    Connecticut General Statutes
    10 76(d) (15) Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services.
    10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student 
    10 207 Duties of medical advisors
    10 209 Records not be public 
    10 210 Quarantine of certain persons 
    19a 581 585 AIDS testing and medical information

Date of Adoption: April 2, l996

Philosophy

The District shall strive to protect the safety and health of children and youth in our care, as well as their families and the general public, and are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for employees. Staff members shall cooperate with public health authorities to promote these goals.

The evidence is overwhelming that the risk of transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is extremely low in school settings when current guidelines are followed. The presence of a person living with HIV infection or diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) poses no significant risk to others in school, day care, and school athletic settings.

School Attendance

A student with HIV infection has the same right to attend school and receive services as any other student, and will be subject to the same rules and policies. HIV infection shall not factorinto decisions concerning class assignments, privileges, or participation in most school sponsored activities.

The school principal will determine the educational placement of a student known to be infected with HIV on a case-by-case basis by following the established policies and procedures for students with chronic health problems or students with disabilities. The principal must consult with the student's physician and parent or guardian, respect the student's and family's privacy rights, and reassess the placement if there is a change in the student's need for accommodations or services.

School staff members will always strive to maintain a respectful school climate and not allow physical or verbal harassment of any individual or group by another individual or group. This includes taunts directed against a person living with HIV infection, a person perceived as having HIV infection, or a person associated with someone with HIV infection.

Confidentiality

Students are not required to disclose HIV infection status to anyone in the district. HIV antibody testing is not required for an), school-related purpose.

Every employee has a duty to treat as highly confidential any knowledge or speculation concerning the HIV status of a student. Violation of medical privacy is cause for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, and/or personal liability for a civil suit.

No information regarding a student's HIV status will be divulged to any individual or organization without a court order or the informed, written, signed, and dated consent of the student with HIV infection (or the parent or guardian of a legal minor). The written consent must specify the name of the recipient of the information and the purpose for disclosure.

All health records, notes, and other documents that reference a student's HIV status will be kept confidential. Access to these confidential records is limited to those named in written permission from the person (or parent or guardian) and to emergency medical personnel. Information regarding HIV status will not be added to a student's permanent educational or health record without written consent.

School Environment Infection Control

Schools will operate according to the standards promulgated by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration for the prevention of blood-borne infections. All employees are required to consistently follow infection control guidelines in all settings and at all times, including playgrounds and school buses. Equipment and supplies needed to apply the infection control guidelines will be maintained and kept reasonably accessible.

The Director of Special Educational and Regional Programs shall oversee implementation of the precautions and investigate, correct, and report on instances of lapse in practice.

A school staff member is expected to alert the person responsible for health and safety issues, or the school nurse, if a student's health condition or behavior presents a reasonable risk of transmitting an infection.

If a situation occurs at school in which a person could have been exposed to an infectious agent, such as an instance of blood-to-blood contact, school authorities shall counsel that person (or, if a minor, alert a parent or guardian) to seek appropriate medical evaluation.

HIV and Athletics

The privilege of participating in physical education classes, athletic programs, competitive sports, and recess may or may not be conditional on a student's HIV status. School authorities will make reasonable accommodations to allow students living with HIV infection to participate in school-sponsored physical activities.

All employees must consistently adhere to infection control guidelines in locker rooms and all play and athletic settings. Student handbooks will reflect these guidelines. First aid kits must be on hand at every athletic event.

All physical education teachers and athletic program staff must complete an approved first aid and injury prevention course that includes implementation of infection control guidelines.

Student orientation about safety on the playing field will include guidelines for avoiding HIV infection.

HIV Prevention Education

The goals of HIV prevention education are to promote healthful living, and discourage the behaviors that put people at risk of acquiring HIV. The educational program will:

• be taught in all grades, kindergarten through grade twelve;
• use methods demonstrated by sound research to be effective;
• follow content guidelines prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
• be appropriate to students' developmental levels, current behaviors, and cultural backgrounds;
• build knowledge and skills from year to year;
• stress the benefits of abstinence from sexual activity and intravenous drug use;
• include accurate information on reducing the risk of HIV infection;
• address students' own concerns;
• include means for evaluation;
• be integrated within an overall school health program;
• be taught by well-prepared instructors with adequate support; and
• involve parents and families as partners in education.

Parents and guardians will have convenient opportunities to preview all HIV prevention curricula and materials. School staff members shall assist parents or guardians who ask for help in discussing HIV infection with their children. If a parent or guardian submits a written request to a principal that a child not receive instruction in specific HIV prevention topics at school, and assures that the topics will be discussed at home or elsewhere, the child shall be excused without penalty.

The school district will endeavor to cooperate with HIV prevention efforts in the community that address youth in situations that put them at high risk of acquiring HIV.

Related Services

Students who are HIV infected or who have an immediate family member or close friend who is HIV infected will have access to voluntary, confidential counseling services that are age and developmentally appropriate. School administrators will maintain confidential linkage and referral mechanisms to facilitate voluntary student access to appropriate HIV counseling and testing programs and to other HIV-related services as needed. Public information about resources in the community will be kept available for voluntary student use.

On an annual basis, school administrators will notify students. their family members, and school personnel about current policies concerning HIV infection, and invite public input and discussion.

In accordance with the established policy review process, or at least every three years, the Superintendent shall report on the accuracy, relevance, and effectiveness of this policy and, when appropriate, provide recommendations for improving and/or updating the policy.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

Students

Administering Medications

The purpose of this policy is for the Board of Education (Board) to determine who shall administer medications in a school and the circumstances under which self-administration of medication by students shall be permitted.

The Board of Education allows students to self-administer medication and school personnel to administer medication to students in accordance with the established procedures, and applicable state regulations, sections 10-212a-1 through 10-212a-10 inclusive. In order to provide immunity afforded to school personnel who administer medication, the Board of Education, with the advice and approval of the School Medical Advisor and the school nurse supervisor, shall review and/or revise this policy and regulation biennially concerning the administration of medications to District students by a nurse, or in the absence of a nurse, by qualified personnel for schools. The District's School Medical Advisor (or other qualified physician) shall approve this policy, its regulations and any changes prior to adoption by the Board.

Definitions

Administration of medication

means any one of the following activities: handling, storing, preparing or pouring of medication; conveying it to the student according to the medication order; observing the student inhale, apply, swallow, or self-inject the medication, when applicable; documenting that the medication was administered; and counting remaining doses to verify proper administration and use of the medication.

Advanced practice registered nurse

means an individual licensed pursuant to C.G.S. 20-94a.

Authorized prescriber

means a physician, dentist, optometrist, advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant, and for interscholastic and intramural athletic events only, a podiatrist.

Before- and after-school program

means any child care program operated and administered by a local or regional Board of Education or municipality exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health. Such programs shall not include public or private entities licensed by the Department of Public Health or Board of Education enhancement programs and extra-curricular activities.

Board of Education

means a local or regional Board of Education, a regional educational service center, a unified school district, the regional vocational-technical school system, an approved private special education facility, the Gilbert School, the Norwich Free Academy, Woodstock Academy or a non-public school whose students receive services pursuant to Section 10-217a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Cartridge injector

means an automatic prefilled cartridge injector or similar automatic injectable equipment used to deliver epinephrine in a standard dose for emergency first aid response to allergic reaction.

Controlled drugs

means those drugs as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240.

Cumulative health

record means the cumulative health record of a student mandated by Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-206.

Director

means the person responsible for the operation and administration of any school readiness program or before- and after-school program.

Eligible student

means a student who has reached the age of eighteen or is an emancipated minor.

Error means:

1. the failure to do any of the following as ordered:
1. administer a medication to a student;
2. administer medication within the time designated by the prescribing physician;
3. administer the specific medication prescribed for a student;
4. administer the correct dosage of medication;
5. administer medication by the proper route; and/or
6. administer the medication according to generally accepted standards of practice; or
2. the administration of medication to a student which is not ordered by an authorized prescriber, or which is not authorized in writing by the parent or guardian of such student.

Extracurricular activities

means activities sponsored by local or regional Boards of Education that occur outside of the school day, are not part of the educational program, and do not meet the definition of before- and after-school programs and school readiness programs.

Guardian

means one who has the authority and obligations of guardianship of the person of a minor, and includes: (1) the obligation of care and control; and (2) the authority to make major decisions affecting the minor's welfare, including, but not limited to, consent determinations regarding marriage, enlistment in the armed forces and major medical, psychiatric or surgical treatment.

Intramural athletic events

means tryouts, competition, practice, drills, and transportation to and from events that are within the bounds of a school district for the purpose of providing an opportunity for students to participate in physical activities and athletic contests that extend beyond the scope of the physical education program.

Interscholastic athletic events

means events between or among schools for the purpose of providing an opportunity for students to participate in competitive contests which are highly organized and extend beyond the scope of intramural programs and includes tryouts, competition, practice, drills, and transportation to and from such events.

Investigational drug

means any medication with an approved investigational new drug (IND) application on file with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is being scientifically tested and clinically evaluated to determine its efficacy, safety and side effects and which has not yet received FDA approval.

Licensed athletic trainer

means a licensed athletic trainer employed by the school district pursuant to Chapter 375a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Medication

means any medicinal preparation including over-the-counter, prescription and controlled drugs, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240. This definition includes Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Aspirin substitutes containing Acetaminophen.

Medication emergency

means a life-threatening reaction of a student to a medication.

Medication plan

means a documented plan established by the school nurse in conjunction with the parent and student regarding the administration of medication in school. Such plan may be a stand-alone plan, part of an individualized health care plan, an emergency care plan or a medication administration form.

Medication order

means the written direction by an authorized prescriber for the administration of medication to a student which shall include the name of the student, the name and generic name of the medication, the dosage of the medication, the route of administration, the time of administration, the frequency of administration, the indications for medication, any potential side effects including overdose or missed dose of the medication, the start and termination dates not to exceed a 12-month period, and the written signature of the prescriber.

Nurse

means an advanced practice registered nurse, a registered nurse or a practical nurse licensed in Connecticut in accordance with Chapter 378 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Occupational therapist

means an occupational therapist employed full time by the local or regional board of education and licensed in Connecticut pursuant to Chapter 376a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Paraprofessional

means a health care aide or assistant or an instructional aide or assistant employed by the local or regional Board of Education who meets the requirements of such Boardfor employment as a health care aide or assistant or instructional aide or assistant.

Physical therapist

means a physical therapist employed full time by the local or regional Board of Education and licensed in Connecticut pursuant to Chapter 376 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Physician

means a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut pursuant to Chapters 370 and 371 of the Connecticut General Statutes, or licensed to practice medicine in another state.

Physician assistant

means an individual licensed to prescribe medications pursuant to Section 20-12d of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Principal

means the administrator in the school.

Qualified medical professional,

as defined in C.G.S. 10-212, means a physician licensed under Chapter 370, an optometrist licensed to practice optometry under Chapter 380, an advanced practice registered nurse licensed to prescribe in accordance with Section 20-94a or a physician assistant licensed to prescribe in accordance with Section 20-12d.

Qualified personnel for schools

means (a) a full-time employee who is a qualified school employee, except that a coach, an athletic trainer, or school paraprofessional need not be a fulltime employee. For school readiness programs and before- and after-school programs, Directors or Director's designee, lead teachers and school administrators who have been trained in the administration of medication may administer medications pursuant to Section 10-212a-10 of the State regulations.

Qualified school employee,

as defined in C.G.S. 10-212, means a principal, teacher, licensed athletic trainer, licensed physical or occupational therapist employed by a school district, coach or school paraprofessional.

Research or study medications

mean FDA-approved medications being administered according to an approved study protocol. A copy of the study protocol shall be provided to the school nurse along with the name of the medication to be administered and the acceptable range of dose of such medication to be administered.

School

means any educational facility or program which is under the jurisdiction of the Board excluding extracurricular activities.

School medical advisor

means a physician appointed pursuant to C.G.S. 10-205.

School nurse

means a nurse appointed in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-212.

School nurse supervisor

means the nurse designated by the local or regional Board of Education as the supervisor or, if no designation has been made by the Board, the lead or coordinating nurse assigned by the Board.

School readiness program

means a program that receives funds from the State Department of Education for a school readiness program pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 10-16p of the Connecticut General Statutes and exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of Section 19a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Self-administration of medication

means the control of the medication by the student at all times and is self-managed by the student according to the individual medication plan.

Supervision

means the overseeing of the process of the administration of medication in a school.

Teacher

means a person employed full time by a Board of Education who has met the minimum standards as established by that Board for performance as a teacher and has been approved by the School Medical Advisor and school nurse to be designated to administer medications pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies Sections 10-212a-l through 10-212a-7.

General Policies on Administration of Medication

A child with diabetes may test his/her own blood glucose level per the written order of a physician stating the need and the capacity of such child to conduct self-testing along with written authorization of the parent/guardian. Such self-testing shall be pursuant to guidelines promulgated by the Commissioner of Education. The time or place where a student with diabetes may test his/her blood-glucose level on school grounds shall not be restricted provided the student has written parental/guardian permission and a written order from a physician licensed in Connecticut.

The school nurse or school principal shall select a qualified school employee to, under certain conditions, give a glucagon injection to a student with diabetes who may require prompt treatment to protect him/her from serious harm or death. The nurse or principal must have the written authority from the student's parent/guardian and a written order from the student's Connecticut-licensed physician. The authorization shall be limited to situations when the school nurse is absent or unavailable. No qualified school employee shall administer this medication unless he/she has annually completed any training required by the school nurse and school medical advisor in the administration of medication with injectable equipment used to administer glucagon, the school nurse and school medical advisor must attest that the qualified school employee has completed such training and the qualified school employee voluntarily agrees to serve as a qualified school employee. The injections are to be given through an injector or injectable equipment used to deliver an appropriate dose of glucagon as emergency first aid response to diabetes.

A child diagnosed with asthma or an allergic condition, pursuant to State Board of Education regulations, may carry an inhaler or an Epipen or similar device in the school at all times if he/she is under the care of a physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and such practitioner certifies in writing to the Board of Education that the child needs to keep an asthmatic inhaler or Epipen at all times to ensure prompt treatment of the child's asthma or allergic condition and protect the child against serious harm or death. A written authorization of the parent/guardian is also required.

A school nurse may administer medication to any student pursuant to the written order of an authorized prescriber (physician, dentist, optometrist, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician assistant and for interscholastic and intramural athletic events only, a podiatrist) and the written authorization of a parent or guardian of such child or eligible student and the written permission of the parent/guardian for the exchange of information between the prescriber and the school nurse necessary to ensure the safe administration of such medication.

In the absence of a school nurse, any other nurse licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 378, including a nurse employed by, or providing services under the direction of the Board of Education at a school-based clinic, only qualified personnel for schools who have been properly trained may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse upon approval of the School Medical Advisor and the school nurse may administer medication to any student in the school following the successful completion of specific training in administration of medication and satisfactory completion of the required criminal history check.

Medications with a cartridge injector may be administered by qualified personnel for schools only to a student with a medically diagnosed allergic condition which may require prompt treatment to protect the student against serious harm or death. Qualified personnel for schools, as defined, may administer oral, topical, intranasal, or inhalant medication in the absence of a licensed nurse. Investigational drugs or research or study medications may not be administered by qualified personnel for schools.

Coaches and licensed athletic trainers during intramural and interscholastic events may administer medications pursuant to Section10-212a-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and as described in this policy and in the administrative regulations to this policy.

In compliance with all applicable state statutes and regulations, parents/guardians may administer medications to their own children on school grounds.

Administration of Medication by Paraprofessionals

A specific paraprofessional, through a plan approved by a school nurse supervisor and School Medical Advisor, may administer medications including medications administered with a cartridge injector, to a specific student with a medically diagnosed allergic condition that may require prompt treatment in order to protect the student against serious harm or death pursuant to Section 10-212a-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and as described in the administrative regulations. The approved plan also requires the written authorization of the student's parent/guardian and pursuant to the written order from the student's authorized prescriber licensed to prescribe medication.

Administration of Medications in School Readiness Programs and Before- and After- School Programs

Directors, or their designees, who may include lead teachers or school administrators, who have been properly trained, may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse or other registered nurse, in school readiness programs and before- and after-school programs that are child care programs. Such programs must either be District-administered or administered by a municipality exempt from licensure by the Department of Public Health and are located in a District public school. Medicine may be administered pursuant to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Section 10-212a-10, to children enrolled in these programs.

Administration of medications shall be provided only when it is medically necessary for program participants to access the program and maintain their health status while attending the program. A child attending any before- or after-school program, defined as any child care program operated and administered by the Board in any building or on the grounds of any district school, upon the request and with the written authorization of the child's parent/guardian and pursuant to the written order from the student's authorized prescriber, will be supervised by the District staff member (Director or designee, lead teacher, school administrator) trained to administer medication including a cartridge injector. Such administration shall be to a particular student medically diagnosed with an allergy that may require prompt treatment to avoid serious harm or death. Investigational drugs or research or study medications may not be administered by Directors or their designees, lead teachers or school administrators.

Properly trained Directors, Directors' designees, lead teachers or school administrators may administer medications to students as delegated by the school nurse or other registered nurse. They may administer oral, topical, intranasal, or inhalant medications. No medication shall be administered without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written approval of the parent/guardian.

The selected staff member shall be trained in the use of a cartridge injector by either a licensed physician, physician's assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse. (Optional: The selected staff member is also required to complete a course in first aid offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, the National Ski Patrol, the Department of Public Health or any Director of Health.)

The administration shall determine, in cooperation with the School Medical Advisor and school nurse [supervisor] whether additional school nursing services/nurses are required based on the needs of the program and the participants in the program. This determination shall include whether a licensed nurse is required on site. The recommendation shall be subject to Board approval.

The Board will allow students in the school readiness and before- and after-school programs to self-administer medication according to the student's individual health plan and only with the written order of an authorized prescriber, written authorization of the child's parent or guardian, written approval of the school nurse (The nurse has evaluated the situation and deemed it appropriate and safe and has developed a plan for general supervision of such self-medication.), and with the written permission of the parent or guardian for the exchange of information between the prescriber and the school nurse necessary to ensure the safe administration of such medication.

An error in the administration of medication shall be reported immediately to the school nurse, the parents/guardians and the prescribing physician. In case of an anaphylactic reaction or the risk of such reaction a school nurse may administer emergency oral and/or injectable medication to any child in need thereof on school grounds, or in the school building, according to the standing order of the School Medical Advisor or the child's private physician. However, in an emergency any other person trained in CPR and First Aid may administer emergency oral and/or injectable medication to any child in need on school grounds, or in the school building. In addition, local poison control center information shall be readily available at the sites of these programs. The Program Director or his/her designee shall be responsible for decision making in the absence of the nurse.

In the event of a medical emergency, the following will be readily available: (1) local poison information center contact information; (2) the physician, clinic or emergency room to be contacted in such an emergency; and (3) the name of the person responsible for the decision making in the absence of a school nurse.

All medications shall be handled and stored in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) to (k) inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, as outlined in the accompanying administrative regulation to this policy.

Where possible, a separate supply of the child's medication shall be stored at the site of the before- or after-school program or school readiness program. If this is not possible, a plan should be in place to ensure the timely transfer of the medication from the school to the program and back on a daily basis.

Documentation and record keeping shall be done in compliance with the stipulations outlined in the administrative regulation accompanying this policy.

THE PORTION OF THIS POLICY PERTAINING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION IN SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAMS AND BEFORE- AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS SHALL BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD ON AN ANNUAL BASIS WITH INPUT FROM THE SCHOOL MEDICAL ADVISOR OR A LICENSED PHYSICIAN AND THE SCHOOL NURSE SUPERVISOR.

Administration of Medication by Coaches and Licensed Athletic Trainers During Intramural and Interscholastic Events

During intramural and interscholastic athletic events, a coach or licensed athletic trainer who has been trained in the general principles of medication administration applicable to receiving, storing, and assisting with inhalant medications or cartridge injector medications and documentation, may administer medication for select students for whom self-administration plans are not viable options as determined by the school nurse.

The medication which may be administered is limited to: (1) inhalant medications prescribed to treat respiratory conditions and (2) medication administered with a cartridge injector for students with a medically diagnosed allergic condition which may require prompt treatment to protect the student against serious harm or death.

The school nurse is responsible for the student's individualized medication plan and shall provide the coach with a copy of the authorized prescriber's order and the parental/guardian permission form. Parents are responsible for providing the medication, such as the inhaler or cartridge injector, to the coach or licensed athletic trainer, which shall be kept separate from the medication stored in the school health office during the school day.

Medications to be used in athletic events shall be stored in containers for the exclusive use of holding medications; in locations that preserve the integrity of the medication; under the general supervision of the coach or licensed athletic trainer trained in the administration of medication; and in a locked secure cabinet when not in use at athletic events.

The agreement of the coach or licensed athletic trainer is necessary for the administration of emergency medication and the implementation of the emergency care plan.

Coaches and athletic trainers are required to fulfill the documentation requirements as outlined in the administrative regulations accompanying this policy. Errors in the administration of medication shall be addressed as specified in Section 10-212a-6 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and detailed in the administrative regulation pertaining to this policy. If the school nurse is not available, a report may be submitted by the coach or licensed athletic trainer to the school nurse on the next school day.

Storage and Use of Epinephrine Cartridge Injectors (Emergency Administration of Epinephrine to Students without Prior Written Authorization)

A school nurse or, in the absence of a school nurse, a "qualified school employee" who has completed the training required by PA 14-176, shall maintain epinephrine in cartridge injectors for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who experience allergic reactions, who were not previously known to have serious allergies and who do not have a prior written authorization of a parent/guardian or a prior written order of a qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine.

Note: Epipens expire yearly. Therefore schools are responsible for refilling their prescriptions annually. It is estimated that each school would require two to three two-pack Epipens.

The school nurse or school principal shall select qualified school employees who voluntarily agree to be trained to administer such epinephrine as emergency first aid. There shall be at least one such qualified school employee on the grounds of each District school during regular school hours in the absence of the school nurse. Each school must maintain a supply of epinephrine in cartridge injectors (Epipens) for such emergency use.

Note: This requirement pertains only during regular school hours and does not include afterschool activities.

The school shall fulfill all conditions and procedures promulgated in the regulations established by the State Board of Education for the storage and administration of epinephrine by school personnel to students for the purpose of emergency first aid to students who experience allergic reaction and do not have prior written authorization for epinephrine administration.

The school nurse or, in the absence or unavailability of such school nurse, such qualified school employee may administer epinephrine to a student experiencing a life-threatening undiagnosed allergic reaction as emergency first aid, to students who do not have a prior written authorization from a parent or guardian or a prior written order from a qualified medical professional for the administration of epinephrine. A qualified school employee must annually complete the required training program in order to be permitted to administer epinephrine utilizing an Epipen.

The parent/guardian of a student may submit, in writing, to the school nurse and school medical advisor, if any, that epinephrine shall not be administered to his/her child permitted by statute. The District shall annually notify parents/guardians of the need to provide such written notice.

The Board of Education, recognizing this emergency use of epinephrine for previously undiagnosed students, per the statute, is to take place during "regular school hours" establishes such hours to be from the arrival of the first students to the school site to the departure of the last bus serving the school at the conclusion of the day's instructional programs.

Note: The regulations indicate that boards of education determine the regular school hours for each school. Another definition could be the hours specified in the Teacher's Contract for the normal school/employment day in terms of hours.

Administration of Anti-Epileptic Medications to Students

With the written authorization of a student's parent/guardian, and pursuant to the written order of a physician, a school nurse (and a school medical advisor, if any), shall select and provide general supervision to a qualified school employee, who voluntarily agrees to serve as a qualified school employee, to administer anti-epileptic medication, including by rectal syringe, to a specific student with a medically diagnosed epileptic condition that requires prompt treatment in accordance with the student's individual seizure action plan. Such authorization is limited to situations when the school nurse is absent or unavailable. No qualified school employee shall administer such medication unless he/she annually completes the training program developed by the State Department of Education, in consultation with the School Nurse Advisory Council.

In addition the school nurse (and school medical advisor, if any), shall attest, in writing, that such qualified school employee has completed the required training. The qualified school employee shall also receive monthly reviews by the school nurse to confirm his/her competency to administer anti-epileptic medication. For purposes of the administration of anti-epileptic medication, a "qualified school employee" means a principal, teacher, licensed athletic trainer, licensed physical or occupational therapist employed by the District, coach or school paraprofessional.

(cf. 4112.5/4212.5 - Security Check/Fingerprinting)
(cf. 5141 - Student Health Services)
(cf. 5141.23 - Students with Special Health Care Needs)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

• 10-206 Health Assessment
• 10-212 School nurses and nurse practitioners. Administration of medications by parents or guardians on school grounds. Criminal history; records check.
• 10-212a Administration of medications in schools. (as amended by PA 99-2, and June Special Session and PA 03-211, PA 04-181, PA 07-241, PA 07-252, PA 09-155, PA 12-198 and PA 14-176 and PA 15-215)
• 10-220j Blood glucose self-testing by children. Guidelines. (as amended by PA12-198)
• 19a-900 Use of cartridge injector by staff member of before- or after-schoolprogram, day camp or day care facility.
• 21a-240 Definitions
• 29-17a Criminal history checks. Procedure. Fees.
• 52-557b Immunity from liability for emergency medical assistance first aid or medication by injection. School personnel not required to administer or render. (as amended by PA 05-144, An Act Concerning the Emergency Use of Cartridge Injectors)
• Connecticut Regulations of State Agencies 10-212a-1 through 10-212a-10, inclusive, as amended.
• Code of Federal Regulations: Title 21 Part 1307.2
• 20-12d Medical functions performed by physician assistants. Prescription authority.
• 20-94a Licensure as advanced practice registered nurse.
• PA 07-241 An Act Concerning Minor Changes to the Education Statutes
• 29-17a Criminal history checks. Procedure. Fees.

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996
Date of Revision: December 15, 1998
Date of Revision: February 4, 2003
Date of Revision: October 20, 2015

The Superintendent shall work with the Coordinator of Health Services and School District Medical Advisor to develop and implement regulations concerning pediculosis or head lice. The regulations are to include identification, treatment procedures, and notification process which will ensure prompt and medically accurate action for students having pediculosis.

The regulations shall include, at a minimum, the following:

1. The Madison Public Schools shall provide information regarding pediculosis in each school so that all staff members will be knowledgeable in the identification of head lice and nits.
2. The principal shall designate qualified staff members, school nurses and health paraprofessionals to conduct head lice screening on suspected or referred students.
3. Children suspected of having active infestation of head lice shall be identified by the school nurse who will then notify the child’s parent/legal guardian. The student will be excluded from school, per nursing assessment, upon identification or at the end of the day. The child, the parent / legal guardian shall be referred to their health care provider for directions in the treatment of pediculosis and the care of personal effects.
4. The parent / legal guardian shall be required to communicate with the school nurse regarding treatment. The child shall be free from active head lice before returning to school. Parental monitoring of the child’s head is recommended for a period of at least two (2) weeks.
5. The school nurse or principal’s designee shall examine the child to verify that the child is free of active head lice before permitting the child to return.
6. Control measures will be based on current data from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996
Date of Revision: November 3, 1998
Date of Revision: April 6, 2004
Date of Revision: March 1, 2011

5120.3.4 Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes

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The Madison Public Schools (the “district”) recognize that food allergies, glycogen storage disease and diabetes may be life threatening.  For this reason, the district is committed to developing strategies and practices to minimize the risk of accidental exposure to life threatening food allergens and to ensure prompt and effective medical response should a student suffer an allergic reaction while at school.  The district is also committed to appropriately managing and supporting students with glycogen storage disease and diabetes.  The district further recognizes the importance of collaborating with parents, adult students (defined as students age eighteen (18) and older) and appropriate medical staff in developing such practices and encourages strategies to enable the student to become increasingly proactive in the care and management of his/her food allergy, glycogen storage disease or diabetes, as developmentally appropriate.  To this end, the district adopt the following guidelines related to the management of life threatening food allergies, glycogen storage disease, and diabetes for students enrolled in district schools.

I.    Identifying Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies, Diabetes and/or Glycogen Storage Disease

Early identification of students with life-threatening food allergies, diabetes and/or glycogen storage disease (GSD) is important.  The district therefore encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with life-threatening food allergies to notify the school of the allergy, providing as much medical documentation about the extent and nature of the food allergy as is known, as well as any known effective treatment for the allergy.  The district also encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with GSD and diabetes to notify the school of the disease, providing as much medical documentation about the type of GSD or diabetes, nature of the disease, and current treatment of the student. 

Students with life-threatening food allergies and diabetes are virtually always students with disabilities and should be referred to a Section 504 team, which will make a final determination concerning the student’s eligibility for services under Section 504.  The Section 504 team may determine that the only services needed are in the student’s Individualized Health Care Plan (IHCP) and/or Emergency Care Plan (ECP); in that case, the IHCP and/or ECP will also serve as the student’s Section 504 plan.  The Section 504 team will also ensure that parents receive appropriate notice and are informed of their rights under Section 504, including their right to request an impartial hearing if they disagree with the provisions in the Section 504 plan.

Students with GSD and less severe food allergies should be referred to a Section 504 team if there is reason to believe that the student’s GSD or food allergy substantially limits a major life activity.  To determine whether a food allergy is severe enough to substantially limit a major life activity, the team should consider the impact on the student when the student has been exposed to the allergen and has not yet received treatment.

Major life activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, interacting with others, and working; and
2. The operation of a major bodily function, including functions of the immune system, special sense organs and skin; normal cell growth; and digestive, genitourinary, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, hemic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive functions.  The operation of a major bodily function includes the operation of an individual organ within a body system.

II. II.    Individualized Health Care Plans and Emergency Care Plans

1. If the district obtains medical documentation that a student has a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes, the district shall develop an (IHCP) for the student.  Each IHCP should contain information relevant to the student’s participation in school activities.

2. The IHCP shall be developed by a group of individuals, which shall include the parents, the adult student, if applicable, and appropriate school personnel. Such personnel may include, but are not limited to, the school nurse, school or food service administrator(s), classroom teacher(s) and the student, if appropriate. The school may also consult with the school’s medical advisor, as needed.
3. IHCPs are developed for students with special health needs or whose health needs require daily interventions.  The IHCP describes how to meet the student’s health and safety needs within the school environment and should address the student’s needs across school settings.  Information to be contained in an IHCP should include a description of the functional health issues (diagnoses); student objectives for promoting self-care and age appropriate independence; and the responsibilities of parents, school nurse and other school personnel.  The IHCP may also include strategies to minimize the allergic student’s risk for exposure.  For the student with life-threatening food allergies, GSD, or diabetes, the IHCP may include strategies designed to ameliorate risks associated with such disease and support the student’s participation in the classroom.  IHCPs for such students may include such considerations:
   1. classroom environment, including allergy free considerations, or allowing the student with GSD or diabetes to have food/dietary supplements when needed;
   2. cafeteria safety;
   3. participation in school nutrition programs;
   4. snacks, birthdays and other celebrations;
   5. alternatives to food rewards or incentives;
   6. hand-washing;
   7. location of emergency medication;
   8. who will provide emergency and routine care in school;
   9. risk management during lunch and recess times;
   10. special events;
   11. field trips, fire drills and lockdowns;
   12. extracurricular activities;
   13. school transportation;
   14. the provision of food or dietary supplements by the school nurse, or any school employee approved by the school nurse;
   15. staff notification, including substitutes, and training; and
   16. transitions to new classrooms, grades and/or buildings.
4. The IHCP should be reviewed annually, or whenever there is a change in the student’s ECP, changes in self-monitoring and self-care abilities of the student, or following an emergency event requiring the administration of medication or the implementation of other emergency protocols.
5. For a student with a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes, the IHCP shall not prohibit a parent or guardian, or a person designated by such parent or guardian, to provide food or dietary supplements to a student with a life threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes on school grounds during the school day.
6. In addition to the IHCP, the district shall also develop an ECP for each student identified as having a life-threatening food allergy. The ECP is part of the IHCP and describes the specific directions about what to do in a medical emergency. For the student with a life-threatening food allergy, the ECP should include the following information:
1. The student’s name and other identifying information, such as date of birth, grade and photo;
2. The student’s specific allergy;
3. The student’s signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction;
4. The medication, if any, or other treatment to be administered in the event of exposure;
5. The location and storage of the medication;
6. Who will administer the medication (including self-administration options, as appropriate);
7. Other emergency procedures, such as calling 911, contacting the school nurse, and/or calling the parents or physician;
8. Recommendations for what to do if the student continues to experience symptoms after the administration of medication; and
9. Emergency contact information for the parents/family and medical provider.
7. In addition to the IHCP, the district shall also develop an ECP for each student identified as having GSD and/or diabetes. The ECP is part of the IHCP and describes the specific directions about what to do in a medical emergency. For the student with GSD or diabetes, the ECP should include the following information, as may be appropriate:
1. The student’s name and other identifying information, such as date of birth, grade and photo;
2. Information about the disease or disease specific information (i.e. type of GSD or diabetes);
3. The student’s signs and symptoms of an adverse reaction (such as hypoglycemia); d. The medication, if any, or other treatment to be administered in the event of an adverse reaction or emergency (i.e. Glucagon or insulin)
4. The location and storage of the medication;
5. Who will administer the medication (including self-administration options, as appropriate);
6. Other emergency procedures, such as calling 911, contacting the school nurse, and/or calling the parents or physician;
7. Recommendations for what to do if the student continues to experience symptoms after the administration of medication; and
8. Emergency contact information for the parents/family and medical provider.
8. In developing the ECP, the school nurse should obtain current medical documentation from the parents/family and the student’s health care provider, including the student’s emergency plan and proper medication orders. If needed, the school nurse or other appropriate school personnel, should obtain consent to consult directly with the student’s health care providers to clarify medical needs, emergency medical protocol and medication orders.
9. A student identified as having a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes is entitled to an IHCP and an ECP, regardless of his/her status as a student with a disability, as that term is understood under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”), or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”).
10. The district shall ensure that the information contained in the IHCP and ECP is distributed to any school personnel responsible for implementing any provisions of the IHCP and/or ECP, and that any procedures in the IHCP and/or ECP comply with the district’s policies and procedures regarding the administration of medications to students.
11. When making eligibility determinations under Section 504 and/or the IDEA, schools must consider the student’s needs on an individualized, case-by-case basis.

III. Training/Education

1. The district shall provide appropriate education and training for school personnel regarding the management of students with life-threatening food allergies, GSD and diabetes.  Such training may include an overview of life-threatening food allergies, GSD and diabetes; prevention strategies; IHCPs and ECPs; and food safety and sanitation.  Training shall also include, as appropriate for each school (and depending on the specific needs of the individual students at the school), training in the administration of medication with cartridge injectors (i.e. epi-pens), and/or the specific preventative strategies to minimize the risk of exposure to life-threatening allergens and prevent adverse reactions in students with GSD and diabetes (such as the provision of food or dietary supplements for students).  School personnel will be also be educated on how to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions and/or symptoms of low blood sugar, as seen with GSD and diabetes, and what to do in the event of an emergency.  Staff training and education will be coordinated by the Coordinator of Health Services.  Any such training regarding the administration of medication shall be done accordance with state law and Board policy.
2. Each school within the district shall also provide age-appropriate information to students about food allergies, GSD and diabetes, how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and/or low blood sugar emergency and the importance of adhering to the school’s policies regarding food and/or snacks.  
    

IV.    Prevention

Each school within the district will develop appropriate practices to minimize the risk of exposure to life-threatening allergens, as well as the risks associated with GSD and diabetes.  Practices that may be considered may include, but are not limited to:

1. Encouraging handwashing;
2. Discouraging students from swapping food at lunch or other snack/meal times;
3. Encouraging the use of non-food items as incentives, rewards or in connection with celebrations;
4. Training staff in recognizing symptoms of anaphylaxis and hypoglycemia; and
5. Planning for school emergencies, to include consideration of the need to access medication, food and/or dietary supplements.
    

V.    Communication

1. As described above, the school nurse shall be responsible for coordinating the communication among parents, a student’s individual health care provider and the school regarding a student’s life-threatening allergic condition, GSD and/or diabetes.  School staff responsible for implementing a student’s IHCP will be notified of their responsibilities and provided with appropriate information as to how to minimize risk of exposure and/or alterations in blood sugar levels and how to respond in the event of such emergency.
2. Each school will ensure that there are appropriate communication systems available within each school (i.e. telephones, cell phones, walkie-talkies) and for off-site activities (i.e. field trips) to ensure that school personnel are able to effectively respond in case of emergency.  
3. The district shall develop standard letters to be sent home to parents, whenever appropriate, to alert them to food restrictions within their student’s classroom or school.
4. All district staff are expected to follow district policy and/or federal and state law regarding the confidentiality of student information, including medical information about the student.
5. The district shall make the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes available on the Board’s website or the website of each school under the Board's jurisdiction.  
6. The district shall provide annual notice to parents and guardians regarding the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes.  Such notice shall be provided in conjunction with the annual written statement provided to parents and guardians regarding pesticide applications in the schools.
    

VI.    Monitoring the District’s Plan and Procedures

The district should conduct periodic assessments of its Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes. Such assessments should occur at least annually and after each emergency event involving the administration of medication to a student with a life-threatening food allergy, GSD or diabetes to determine the effectiveness of the process, why the incident occurred, what worked and what did not work.

The Superintendent shall annually attest to the Department of Education that the District is implementing the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes.

Legal References:
State Law/Regulations/Guidance:

    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-212a    Administration of Medications in Schools
    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-212c    Life-threatening food allergies and Glycogen Storage Disease:  Guidelines; district plans
    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-220i    Transportation of students carrying cartridge injectors
    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-231c    Pesticide applications at schools without an integrated pest management plan.
    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-900    Use of cartridge injectors by staff members of before or after school program, day camp or day care facility.
    Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-557b    “Good Samaritan law”. Immunity from liability for emergency, medical assistance, first aid or medication by injector.  School personnel not required to administer or render. Immunity from liability re automatic external defibrillators.
    Regs. Conn. State Agencies § 10-212a-1 through 10-212a-7 Administration of Medication by School Personnel
Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Connecticut Schools (Includes Guidelines for Managing Glycogen Storage Disease), Connecticut State Department of Education (Updated 2012).

Federal Law:

    Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794
    Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
    The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

Date of Adoption:  October 1, 2002
Date of Revision:  March 22, 2016
Date of Revision:  November 12, 2019
 

In order to assist individuals who may experience cardiac arrest on school property, the Madison Public Schools has acquired automatic external defibrillators for use in school buildings. It is the policy of the Board of Education to support the placement and use of these automatic external defibrillators by trained personnel on school property.

The Superintendent or his / her designee shall be responsible for developing administrative regulations in furtherance of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) policy, in conformity with the provisions of applicable statutes and regulations.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Board of Education to prescribe rules
52-557b “Good Samaritan Law”. Immunity from liability for emergency medical assistance, first aid or medication by injection.
School personnel not required to administer or render.
10-16b Subsection (d) [amended 7-1-2012]
Bill #318 “An Act concerning Good Samaritan immunity for automatic external defibrillator use by a person with proper training”
Public Law 106-505 Cardiac Arrest Survival Act
Public Law 105-170 Aviator Medical Assistance Act
Public Law 107-188 the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act

Date of Adoption: May 3, 2005
Technical Revision: April 23, 2013

The Board of Education recognizes that animals can provide opportunities for valuable academic and social/emotional growth in school. Animals are part of our natural environment and can be used effectively as teaching aids, and the positive benefits of the human-animal bond are well established. The presence of animals in school must not interfere with the health and safety of the school community, however, and the humane and proper care and treatment of the animals must be assured. The following guidelines are adopted regarding all animals in school buildings or on school grounds.  

For policy on service animals, please refer to #6163.32, Service Animals.

• All requests to have animals in the classroom or on school property must be submitted to the Principal in writing. Included in the request should be a description of the activity, type of animal, educational objective/benefit, length of activity, and a plan for the care of the animal. The Principal has the discretion to permit or deny a request at any time.
• Students and staff with allergies or immunodeficiencies must receive special consideration before animals are brought into a school. Prior to any exposure to animals in school, the teacher and principal should be aware of any medical or emotional condition which could be exacerbated by exposure to those animals. Appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be accorded to protect the health and well-being of such individuals.
• Fur- and feather-bearing animals must have designated safe space.
• Parents/guardians must be notified in writing prior to any activity in which animals are directly involved with students. Passive animal displays, such as an aquarium or terrarium in a common area, are exceptions and do not require parental notification.
• Proper evidence of rabies immunization must be provided for any animal brought onto school grounds or into school buildings if the animal falls within the class of animals requiring the vaccine by state statute. Any domesticated mammal that is too young to be immunized for rabies will not be handled by students.
• Any animal brought to school must be appropriately contained by leash, cage or suitable carrier. No animals are allowed free range in any school facility. The Principal reserves the right to limit the presence of certain animals to exterior school grounds only.
• Animals are not allowed on school buses, with the exception of service animals (refer to Policy #6163.32 – Service Animals).
• No poisonous or venomous animals are allowed in school.
• If a student or staff member is injured by an animal, an allergic response is suspected, or an incident occurs which could otherwise have an adverse effect on physical or emotional health:
  • The animal shall be immediately isolated;
  • Appropriate medical care shall be provided to the injured party. The Principal and parents/guardians shall be notified as soon as possible; and
  • An incident report will be completed by the supervising teacher and submitted to the principal if the injury requires treatment outside the classroom.

Animals used in educational presentations

• No wild (non-domesticated) or protected animals will be purposely brought to school or grounds by anyone other than an authorized or licensed handler/unless under the control of an individual trained in the care and management of the animals and subject to the provided documents as detailed below:
  • Exhibitor’s license issued by the US Department of Agriculture (mammals only).
  • An official interstate health certificate signed by a veterinarian and dated no earlier than 60 days prior to entry into Connecticut (mammals only).
  • Permit from the DEP Wildlife Division authorizing the exhibitor to import or possess a wild bird, wild mammal, reptile, amphibian or invertebrate (where applicable).
  • List and description of the animals to be exhibited.
  • Exhibitor’s written statement that describes how the animals will be exhibited, securely confined when not on display, and prevented from having direct contact with people or being approached by the public. Direct contact between animals and students will only be permitted if such contact is an integral part of the program’s objectives and with prior written consent of the Principal and parents/guardians of students involved.
• Each teacher is responsible for the proper supervision and control of students under his/her direction whenever there is an exhibit or activity involving animals in school.

Animals in the classroom

• Teachers are responsible for being familiar with the requirements of and providing a plan of care for classroom animals which must include provisions for weekend, vacation and emergency closure care. Students shall not clean animal housing or come into contact with animal waste [without a signed parental/guardian waiver].
• Teachers are responsible for the control and handling of classroom animals to insure the safety of both animals and students. This includes providing adequate protective housing and establishing and supervising safe handling procedures.
• Teachers must emphasize hand-washing with soap and water by students (and staff) immediately after handling animals and prior to any further school or classroom activity. Eating/drinking will not be allowed during activities involving animals.

Animals will be allowed to be housed in the classroom only for a specified and appropriate educational purpose for the time necessary to achieve the educational goal.

Animals on Field Trips

• All requests to take field trips involving animals must be submitted to the Principal in writing. In determining whether to grant the request, the Principal shall be guided by the district policy on field trips and shall also take into consideration any known allergies among the students and the possible side effects of the planned exposure to animals.

Deceased Animals

• Non-living animals may be brought into the classroom for educational purposes such as artistic study or scientific observation or dissection. Care should be taken to observe strict hand-washing protocols or scientific procedures to prevent any contact with zoonotic diseases.

 

Restrictions

• Bats shall not be kept, as they are known carriers of the rabies virus.
• Parrots, parakeets and other psittacine birds may be carriers of human respiratory diseases and shall not be kept in schools unless they have been tested and certified as psittacosis-free.
• Red-eared turtles, also known as painted turtles, are known carriers of salmonella, and shall not be kept in a classroom unless the supplier provides written documentation that the turtle is salmonella-free. Many other reptiles also harbor salmonella bacteria and must be handled cautiously and only by the teacher.
• Raccoons, ferrets and skunks shall not be brought to school because they may inflict severe bites.
• Poisonous animals and insects are prohibited.
• Insects that sting or bite shall not be intentionally brought into the classroom.
• Plans must be made for the food, housing and general comfort of an animal before it is brought into the classroom.
• Animal housing must be kept in a clean, sanitary condition, free of odor. Waste shall be disposed of in a tied plastic bag.
• All animal bites, stings or scratches shall be reported immediately to the school nurse and Principal, and a local health authority should be consulted for advice. Teachers shall inform the parent/guardian of the injury and complete a student accident report form.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures
46a-42 Mobility impaired person
46a-44 through 46a-64 Public accommodations and transportation, admittance to. (Access of guide and assistance dogs to modes of public transportation and in places of public accommodation)
Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 20 U.S.C. 706(7)(b)
American Disability Act of 1989, 1990
28 C.F.R. Parts 35 & 36, “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities in State and Local Government Services, Final Rule”

Policy adopted: January 3, 2012
Date of Revision:        December 4, 2018

5120.3.7 Sunscreen Application in School

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The Madison Board of Education (the “Board”) permits the application of sunscreen by students within the Madison Public Schools (the “District”), in accordance with State law.  Specifically, notwithstanding the provisions of Connecticut General Statutes § 10-212a and the Board’s policy and/or administrative regulations concerning the administration of medication in school, any student who is six (6) years of age or older may possess and self-apply an over-the-counter sunscreen product while in school prior to engaging in any outdoor activity.

For a student to apply sunscreen prior to engaging in any outdoor activity, the following elements must be met:

1. The student’s parent or guardian must sign the Board’s written authorization and submit the authorization to the school nurse; and
2. The student and the student’s parent or guardian, where applicable, must comply with any individual school procedures concerning the possession and self-application of sunscreen in school.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent or his/her designee to develop administrative regulations to implement this policy.

Legal References:

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-212a    Administration of medications in schools, at athletic events and to children in school readiness programs

 

Public Act 19-60, “An Act Allowing Students to Apply Sunscreen Prior to Engaging in Outdoor Activities”

Date Adopted:;November 12, 2019

Written Authorization for the 
Possession and Application of Sunscreen
in School

The Board of Education recognizes that suicide is a complex issue and that, while the school may recognize a potentially suicidal youth, it cannot make a clinical assessment of risk and provide in-depth counseling. Instead, the Board directs school staff to refer students who may be at risk of attempting suicide to an appropriate service for assessment and counseling.

The Board of Education recognizes the need for youth suicide prevention procedures and will establish program(s) to identify risk factors for youth suicide, procedures to intervene with such youth, referral services and training for teachers, other school professionals, and students to provide assistance in these programs.

Any school employee who may have knowledge of a suicide threat must take the proper steps to report this information to the building principal or his/her designee who will, in turn, notify the appropriate school officials, the student's family and appropriate resource services.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221(e) Boards of education to prescribe rules.

Date of Adoption: May 6, 1996
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006

Health problems of youth are primarily the responsibility of the home and community, but schools share in that responsibility because substance abuse problems often interfere with school behavior, student learning, and the fullest possible development of each student.

The Board recognizes that substance abuse is a treatable health problem which does not respect any group or age. Under no circumstances does the district condone the use or abuse of chemical substances and the district discipline policy governing such abuse, will continue to be strictly observed.

The Board recognizes that substance abuse affects not only the individual but the total family. Therefore, when a student is involved in substance abuse, services will be offered to assist the student and/or his/her family. These services may include education and awareness, identification, assessment, referral, and follow-up with student support services.

Principals will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the substance abuse prevention program at their school site. The parents and community are responsible for learning about the school's substance abuse program and cooperating in its implementation.

A curriculum that stresses preventive substance abuse education will be conducted throughout the K - 12 program. The curriculum will be regularly reviewed and updated to assure accurate and comprehensive programming

(cf: 5090.7 Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Inhalants, and Performance Enhancing Substances)
(cf: 5110.4 Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion from School / School Activities)
(cf: 6080.14.1 Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Education)

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Technical Revision: August 22, 2006

5120.4.2.4 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 – Prohibition of  Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the Madison Board of Education (the “Board”) for the Madison Public Schools that any form of sex discrimination or sexual harassment is prohibited in the Board’s education programs and activities, whether by students, Board employees or third parties subject to substantial control by the Board. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates and the Board is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations (“Title IX”) not to discriminate in such a manner. Students, Board employees and third parties are required to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of students, employees and third parties. Any student or employee who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination, respectively.

For conduct to violate this Policy, the conduct must have occurred in an education program or activity of the Board; the conduct must have occurred within the United States of America; and the complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity of the Board. Conduct that does not meet these requirements still may constitute a violation of another Board policy.

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop Administrative Regulations implementing this Policy and in accordance with Title IX (the “Administrative Regulations”).

Sex discrimination occurs when a person, because of the person’s sex, is denied participation in or the benefits of any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Sexual harassment means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: 

1. An employee of the Board conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the Board on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo); 
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the Board’s education programs or activities; or 
3. “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

Reporting Sex Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

It is the express policy of the Board to encourage victims of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment to report such claims. Students are encouraged to report complaints of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment promptly in accordance with the appropriate process set forth in the Administrative Regulations.  The Board directs its employees to respond to such complaints in a prompt and equitable manner. The Board further directs its employees to maintain confidentiality to the extent appropriate and not tolerate any reprisals or retaliation that occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Any such reprisals or retaliation will result in disciplinary action against the retaliator, up to and including expulsion or termination as appropriate.

Any Board employee with notice of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment allegations shall immediately report such information to the building principal and/or the Title IX Coordinator, or if the employee does not work in a school building, to the Title IX Coordinator.
 
The Madison Public Schools administration (the “Administration”) shall provide training to Title IX Coordinator(s), investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process (as set forth in the Administrative Regulations) on the definitions of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, the scope of the Board’s education program and activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias. The Administration shall make the training materials used to provide these trainings publicly available on the Board’s website. The Administration shall also periodically provide training to all Board employees on the topic of sex discrimination and sexual harassment under Title IX, which shall include but not be limited to when reports of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment must be made. The Administration shall distribute this Policy and the Administrative Regulations to staff, students and parents and legal guardians and make the Policy and the Administrative Regulations available on the Board’s website to promote an environment free of sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

The Board’s Title IX Coordinator is the Director of Special Education.  Any individual may make a report of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment directly to the Title IX Coordinator as follows: 

Director of Special Education
10 Campus Drive
Madison, CT  06443
203-245-6341

Any individual may also make a report of sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination to the U.S. Department of Education: 

Office for Civil Rights Boston Office,
U.S. Department of Education,
8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square,
Boston, MA  02109-3921
Telephone (617) 289-0111

Legal References:    

• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681, et seq.
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 34 C.F.R § 106.1, et seq.
• Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District, 524 U.S. 274 (1998)
• Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 526 U.S. 629 (1999)

    

Date of Adoption:   August 25, 2020

The Board of Education recognizes its legal and ethical obligation to identify and report any student, regardless of age, who may be suffering from child abuse, neglect, placed in imminent danger or serious harm, or is suspected of being sexually assaulted. Any person applying for employment with the Board shall submit to a record check of the Department of Children and Families Child Abuse and Neglect Registry before the person may be hired. Connecticut General Statutes 17a-101, as amended by Public Acts 02-138, 11-93, and 15-205, states all school employees, whether employed by the Board or working in one of the District schools, or any other person who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in District schools, are statutory mandated reporters. They include the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, guidance counselors, school paraprofessionals, coaches of intramural and interscholastic athletics, as well as licensed nurses, physicians, psychologists, and social workers. Such individual(s) who have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any student, regardless of age, has been abused, neglected, placed in imminent risk of serious harm, or sexually assaulted is required to report such abuse and / or neglect or risk.

A mandated reporter shall make an oral report, by telephone or in person, to the Commissioner of Children and Families or a law enforcement agency as soon as possible, but no later than twelve (12) hours after the reporter has reasonable cause to suspect the child has been abused or neglected. In addition, the mandated reporter shall inform the building principal or his/her designee that he/she will be making such a report. Not later than forty-eight hours of making the oral report, the mandated reporter shall file a written report with the Commissioner of Children and Families or his/her designee.

Reporting suspected abuse and/or neglect of students or sexual assault, in addition to the requirements pertaining to staff training, record keeping and dissemination of this policy, shall be in accordance with the procedures established and set forth in the Administrative Regulation 5120.4.2.5. Furthermore, the Board of Education requires all personnel who have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that any student, regardless of age, who has been abused, neglected, has had non-accidental physical injury, or injury which is at variance with the history given of such injury, is placed in imminent danger of serious harm, or has been sexually assaulted, to report such cases in accordance with the law, Board policy and administrative regulations.

The oral and written reports shall include, if known: (1) the names and addresses of the child and his / her parents or guardians; (2) the child’s age; (3) the child’s gender; (4) the nature and the extent of the child’s injuries, maltreatment, or neglect; (5) the approximate date and time the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect occurred; (6) information concerning any previous injury or injuries to, or maltreatment or neglect of, the child or his / her siblings: (7) the circumstances in which the injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect came to be known to the reporter; (8) the name of the person(s) suspected to be responsible for causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect; (9) the reasons such person or persons are suspected of causing such injury or injuries, maltreatment or neglect; (10) any information concerning any prior cases in which such person or persons have been suspected of causing an injury, maltreatment or neglect of a child; and (11) whatever action, if any, was taken to treat, provide shelter or otherwise assist the child.

If the report of abuse or neglect involves an employee of the District as the perpetrator, the District may conduct its own investigation into the allegation, provided that such investigation shall not interfere with or impede any investigation conducted by the Department of Children and Families or by a law enforcement agency.

The Board, recognizing its responsibilities to protect children and in compliance with its statutory obligations, shall provide in-service training regarding the requirements and obligations of mandated reporters. District employees shall also participate in training offered by the Department of Children and Families.

State law prohibits retaliation against a mandated reporter for fulfilling his/her obligations to report suspected child abuse or neglect. The Board shall not retaliate against any mandated reporter for his/her compliance with the law and Board policy pertaining to the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.

In accordance with the mandates of the law and consistent with its philosophy, the Board in establishing this policy, directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop and formalize the necessary rules and regulations to comply fully with the intent of the law.

This policy will be distributed annually to all employees. Documentation shall be maintained that all employees have, in fact, received the written policy and completed training related to mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect as required by law.

(cf. 4112 – Hiring of Personnel)
(cf. 5120.4.2.4 – Sexual Harassment)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-220a In-service training. Professional development committees. Institutes for educators. Cooperating teacher program, regulations (as amended by PA 11-93)
10-221d Criminal history records check of school personnel. Fingerprinting.
Termination or dismissal (as amended by PA 11-93)
17a-28 Definitions. Confidentiality of and access to records; exceptions. Procedure for aggrieved persons. Regulations (as amended by PA11-93 and PA 14-186)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes (cont.)

17a-101 Protection of children from abuse. Reports required of certain professional persons. When child may be removed from surroundings without court order (as amended by PA 96-246, PA 00-220, PA 02-106, PA 03-168, PA 09-242, PA 11-93 and PA 15-205).
17a-101a Report of abuse or neglect by mandated reports (as amended by PA 02-106, PA11-93, and PA 15-205).
17a-101i Abuse of child by school employee or staff member of public or private institution or facility providing care for children. Suspension. Notification of state’s attorney re: conviction. Board of Education to adopt written policy re: reporting ofchild abuse by school employee.
17a-102 Report of danger of abuse. (as amended by PA 02-106)
17a-106 Cooperation in relation to prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse/neglect.
10-151 Teacher Tenure Act
P.A. 11-93 An Act Concerning the Response of School Districts and the Departments of Education and Children and Families to Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect and the Identification of Foster Children in a School District
PA 14-186 an Act Concerning the Department of Children and Families and the Protection of Children
PA 15-112 An Act Concerning Unsubsantiated Allegations of Abuse and Neglect by School Employees
PA 15-205 An Act Protecting School Children

Date of Adoption: May 6, 1996
Date of Revision: May 18, 2004
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006
Date of Revision: October 7, 2014
Date of Revision: February 16, 2016

The Board of Education is committed to safeguarding the rights of all students within the school district to learn in an environment that is free from racial discrimination, including harassment. The Board recognizes that racial harassment of students can originate from a person of the same or different race of the victim including peers, employees, Board members, or any individual who foreseeably might come in contact with students on school grounds or at school-sponsored activities.

Racial harassment of students consists of different treatment on the basis of race and is recognized in two different forms:

1. when the district’s employees or agents, acting within the scope of official duties, treat a student differently than other students solely on the basis of race; or
2. when the education environment is not kept free from discrimination because the harassing conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it interferes with or limits the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided.

The Board also prohibits any retaliatory behavior against complainants or any witnesses. Any student who believes that he / she has been subject to racial harassment should report the alleged misconduct immediately so that corrective action, up to and including discharge of an employee or suspension of a student, may be taken at once. The complainant shall not be discouraged from reporting an incident of alleged racial harassment. In the absence of a victim’s complaint, the Board, upon learning of, or having reason to suspect the occurrence of any racial harassment, will ensure that an investigation is promptly commenced by appropriate individuals.

The Superintendent of Schools is directed to develop and implement specific procedures on reporting, investigating and remedying allegations of racial harassment. Such procedures are to be consistent with any applicable provisions contained in the district’s policy manual, collective bargaining agreements, the tenure laws as well as other federal and state laws on racial harassment. Training programs shall be established for students and employees to raise awareness of the issues surrounding racial harassment and to implement preventative measures to help reduce incidents of racial harassment.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

(cf. 5020: Equal Educational Opportunity)
(cf. 5020.1: Nondiscrimination)
(cf. 5090.1: Student Due Process Rights)
(cf. 5120.4.2.4: Sexual Harassment Among Students)
(cf. 5090.5: Secret Societies / Gang Activity)

Legal Reference: Civil Rights Act or 1964, Title VI, 42 U.S.C. §2000 et seq. 34 CFR Part 1000

Date of Adoption: February 6, 2001
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005

District student services personnel will identify and assist children with problems that interfere with their education, including but not limited to juvenile offenders and children with severe behavioral problems or character disorders. The Director of Special Education and Student Services will coordinate efforts of district personnel, local police departments, truant officers, and probation officers in working with students, dropouts, and parents in identifying and correcting factors that adversely affect the education of the children.

Date of Adoption: September 3, 1996
Technical Revision: August 22, 2006

In the event that a student's absence cannot be reconciled per the conditions delineated in Policies #5080 (Absences), #5080.1 (Tardiness) or #5080.2 (Truancy), school officials will cooperate with local authorities to report cases of unaccounted for or missing students.

After notifying the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of an unaccounted for student absence, school personnel will cooperate with the parents and authorities to provide information to assist in locating the student.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

#5120.9 Homeless Students

---

Children who meet the Federal definition of “homeless” will be provided a free and appropriate public education in the same manner as all other students of the District and will not be stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless. No homeless student will be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency or due to barriers such as fines, fees & absences. No Board policy, administrative guideline, or practice will be interpreted or applied in such a way as to inhibit the enrollment, attendance, or school success of homeless children.

Homeless students will be provided services comparable to other students in the District in compliance with federal and state law.  Access to District programs include public preschool programs administered by the District.  

The Superintendent will appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children who will perform the duties as assigned by the Superintendent and detailed in the administrative regulation accompanying this policy.   Additionally, the Liaison will coordinate and collaborate with the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth as well as with community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youth, as well as unaccompanied youth.

(cf. Student Health Assessments and Immunizations) 
(cf. Child Abuse)

Legal Reference:

State Law:

Public Act 19-179, “An Act Concerning Homeless Students’ Access to Education”

10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance. Hearings. Appeals to state board. Establishment of hearing board. Readmission. Transfers

10-253 School privileges for children in certain placements, non-resident children and children in temporary shelters

Federal Law:

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431 et seq., as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. 114-95.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006
Date of Revision: January 24, 2017
Date of Revision: January 7, 2020

Supervision inside and outside the classroom is necessary to protect the physical safety of the students. Each principal will be responsible to draw up a list of supervisory duties and assign staff members within the building to cover them. The duties specifically will include: lunch, recess, hall monitoring, bus duties as well as other duties peculiar to a particular building or educational level. The numbers of staff members required for a particular duty or set of duties will be determined by the principal.

The Board expects all students to be under assigned adult supervision at all times when they are in school, on school grounds, traveling under school auspices, or engaging in school sponsored activities. School personnel assigned this supervision are expected to act as prudent adults, keeping student safety as their chief concern.

During school hours, or while engaging in school sponsored activities, students will be released only into the custody of parents or other authorized persons.

The school administrators will ensure that anyone who wishes to contact a student during the school day is doing so within approved guidelines.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

Reference: Policy # 5120, Student Welfare/Safety

No staff member will excuse any student from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person's custody, without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the building principal or his/her designee, who will authorize early or otherwise irregular dismissal only when it is requested by the student's parent or guardian. Students who are eighteen or older may be released without parental permission per the principal's approval.

Special precautions will be taken by the school administration appropriate to the age of students, and as needs arise.

No teacher may permit any individual student to leave school prior to the regular hour of dismissal except by permission of the principal.

No school or grade may be dismissed before the regular hour for dismissal except with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools.

Release of Child to Noncustodial Parent

Before releasing a child to a parent or guardian, the school principal or designee will ascertain that the person calling for the child is the parent/guardian. A child will be released to either parent if the parents are divorced and have joint custody. A child will be released to a noncustodial parent only if there is a permission for doing so signed by the custodial parent on file with the school office.

Permission to Leave Grounds During the School Day

A student will not be permitted to leave school during the school day in the custody of a person other than the student's parent or legal guardian unless that person has the authorization of one of the parents or legal guardians and can identify himself/herself. In all cases, the teacher will secure the approval of the principal or his/her designee. The principal will verify the authorization.

Students will not miss classes for errands away from the school grounds except in instances where the activity is related to the course or school activity and with the approval of the principal or assistant principal and permission of the parent.

No student will be released from school early on the basis of a phone call which has not been validated.

Date of Adoption: January 23, 1996

The principal of each building will set specific rules for students for the use of bicycles and rollerblades to and from the school. The privileges of riding a bicycle or using rollerblades may be withdrawn if a student fails to observe the rules for bicycle or rollerblade use set by the school or by Connecticut state law.

In general, students who ride bicycles to school are requested to park them in an orderly fashion and at the location requested by the building principal. To discourage theft, the use of bicycle locks is highly recommended. Students are required to park bicycles upon arrival at school and leave them until ready to return home. Similarly, students who rollerblade to school are requested to remove rollerblades upon arrival at school and store them as designated by the principal until ready to return home. For safety reasons, riding bicycles or rollerblading on school grounds during school hours will not be permitted. Bicycle riders and rollerbladers are expected to know the rules of the road and to follow them.

Additionally, the Board strongly urges compliance with state law requiring the use of bicycle helmets for children and charges parents with monitoring their own child’s use of appropriate headgear and other safety gear for both bicycling and rollerblading.

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996

Upperclassmen in the high school will have permission to drive to school, subject to availability of parking spaces in school parking lots and provided that the following minimum requirements have been met:

• parental consent in written form has been received;
• possession of a valid Connecticut driver's license has been shown to school administration;
• insurance coverage is confirmed by school administration;
• and student has reviewed student handbook regulations.

Students enrolled in ninth, tenth and eleventh grades may apply for special permission to obtain parking privileges. Requests for special permission are to be considered only when the above minimum requirements have been met and there is evidence of need as determined by the building principal.

The building principal will have authorization to give special consideration to students who have special needs as a result of (student / family) medical, or school-related considerations. A minimum of special permits may be used to accommodate students who have short-term special needs.

A reasonable charge may be assessed by the building principal to recover costs involved in providing parking permits, applications, and related expenses.

In order to reduce parking congestion at school, students living more than one and one-half miles from the assigned school will be provided bus transportation by the school system.

Students enrolled in grades lower than ninth grade are not authorized to drive cars to school. Exceptions will not be granted. Parking space will be available for motorcycles and bicycles.

Juniors accumulating more than five (5) tardies per trimester will lose the privilege of applying for a permit Senior year.

Regular review of valid parking permits will be completed by the building principal (or assigned staff member).

Parking privileges may be terminated, without benefit of refund, for:

• students whose status no longer qualifies them for a permit –
• students who are suspended from school
• students who operate vehicles in a reckless or unsafe manner
• student who are chronically tardy
• failure to abide by the automobile agreement
• failure to display a valid parking permit
• selling or transferring permits without authorization
• parking in faculty spaces, visitor and other unauthorized areas
• accumulating five (5) tardies to school
• leaving school grounds
• accumulating three (3) or more parking tickets
• any other behavior judged as being unsafe or inappropriate

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

Regulations will be enforced by the Madison Department of Police Services.

The school and Board of Education will not assume responsibility for the safe keeping of vehicles.

Date of Adoption: September 3, 1996
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005

5125.1 – Health / Medical Records

When applicable, District schools will comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to maintain the privacy of protected health information that it receives, obtains, transmits or sends. The Board of Education designates the Director of Special Education as its HIPAA Privacy Officer.

Student education records, including personally identifiable health information, maintained by the District is subject to and protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the United States Department of Education Family Policy Compliance Office have stated that student records under FERPA are not subject to HIPAA. Therefore, District schools will comply with FERPA’s confidentiality provisions rather than HIPAA’s. 

The District will seek Medicaid eligibility information to determine if services to a student may be billed. Bills will be processed electronically for Medicaid reimbursement for qualified services to eligible special education students. The District will comply with HIPAA’s electronic transactions requirements. Procedures and safeguards will be developed to protect the privacy of health information and prevent wrongful user and disclosure. At a minimum, the policy and procedure for student records will comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) with assurances that the District has obtained authorization from the parent or adult student prior to the release of protected health information for the purpose of Medicaid billing. Individuals involved in the Medicaid billing process for the District shall be trained on the privacy procedures. Discipline shall be imposed, up to and including discharge, for staff that wrongfully uses or discloses protected health information.

(cf. 3150 - Medical Reimbursement for Special Education Students)
(cf. 5180.1 - Student Records; Confidentiality)

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes
1-19(b)(11) Access to public records. Exempt records.
10-15b Access of parent or guardians to student's records.
10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse & student.
10-209 Records not to be public
46b-56 (e) Access to Records of Minors.
Connecticut Public Records Administration Schedule V - Disposition of Education Records (Revised 1983).
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended, added by section 513 of P.L. 93-568, codified at 20 U.S.C.1232g.).
Dept. of Educ. 34 C.F.R. Part 99 (May 9, 1980 45 FR 30802) regs. implementing FERPA enacted as part of 438 of General Educ. provisions act (20 U.S.C. 1232g)-parent and student privacy and other rights with respect to educational records, as amended 11/21/96.
USA Patriot Act of 2001, PL 107-56, 115 Stat. 272, Sec 507, 18 U.S.C. §2332b(g)(5)(B) and 2331
PL 107-110 "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" Sections 5208 and
42 U.S.C. 1320d-1320d-8, P.L. 104-191, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
65 Fed. Reg. 50312-50372
65 Fed. Reg. 92462-82829
63 Fed. Reg. 43242-43280
67 Fed. Reg. 53182-53273

Policy adopted:    August 28, 2018 

The class rank, or decile, for a student will not be officially reported on the student’s academic transcript. Daniel Hand High School will calculate rank for the purpose of determining which students are eligible for Senior Honors and for some scholarships and awards. Rank in class is based upon the quality of work rather than on the quantity of credits. Rank in class is calculated by ranking each student's weighted grade point average as described in the Student Handbook. All English, science, social studies, mathematics, and world language courses as well as all other leveled courses will be included in rank in class calculations.

FINAL RANK IN CLASS

Final Rank in Class applies to students completing their high school course of studies at Daniel Hand High School without interruption. Final Rank in Class is based on nine trimesters of study and is calculated by ranking each student’s weighted grade point average as described in the Student Handbook.

SENIOR HONORS

Senior Honors Rank is based upon six trimesters plus the first and second trimesters of the student’s senior year. In order to qualify for Senior Honors, a student must complete a minimum of eight trimesters at Daniel Hand High School including his / her junior and senior years. An official Senior Honors Rank will be provided to candidates during the third trimester of their senior year.

Senior Honors are defined as the top ten ranking positions in the class for honors recognition and shall include the class valedictorian, salutatorian, class essayist, and senior scholars. If Daniel Hand High School has more than one student qualifying for top honors, the students tying for valedictorian honors will be named covaledictorians. The next recipient will be named salutatorian followed by the class essayist.

RANK IN CLASS – TRANSFER STUDENTS

For transfer students, course work completed at a previous school(s) (two semesters maximum) will be interpreted by the students’ Guidance Counselor and included with their courses in grades 10-12 at Daniel Hand High School to provide these students with a rank, if needed. Transfer students must meet the criteria above for Senior Honors to be considered for Senior Honors.

If a situation exists which is not covered by this policy, it will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Guidance Department and the building principal.

Date of Adoption: 5/15/90
Date of Revision: 8/15/2013
Date of Revision: 11/4/2014

Toward the goal of encouraging as many students as possible to strive for high achievement in scholarship and citizenship, a system of awards will be offered at each school level. General guidelines for the awards are as follows:

• There should be a sufficient number of awards in the areas of academic, athletic and extracurricular activities to stimulate many students to achieve high levels of performance.
• Different students should have an opportunity to win the awards each year.
• The types of awards should vary and relate to the particular grade levels.
• Factors deciding the awards should be clearly delineated and be as objective as possible. Students should be made aware of the criteria for the awards early in the school year.
• The presentation of awards is the responsibility of each school in terms of program. The school should develop and administer its own system of awards subject to approval by the principal or his / her designee and review by the Superintendent.

The Board of Education charges the school principal and the professional staff with maintenance of a set of criteria and procedures for presenting letters or other suitable awards to students for scholarship and distinguished service in any school activity. In all cases, the relationship between the award and the relevant goal(s) of the school should be clearly established.

Definition of Terms

To define what shall constitute a "scholarship" or an "award" and to maximize the effectiveness of such scholarships / awards, the following criteria have been established for scholarships and awards which are administered by the Madison Public Schools:

1. The minimum scholarship (yearly award) will be no less than $500.00.
2. Criteria set by the scholarship donor will be followed provided the minimum yearly award is met.
3. Donations to the scholarship fund will be acknowledged by the Department of Fiscal Services to both the donor and the scholarship family, if applicable.
4. Financial records will be available for review in the Department of Fiscal Services.
5. The minimum award (yearly award) will be no less than $25.00.
6. If available funding does not allow the criteria of the award to be fulfilled, the principal of the award may be applied to the interest earned, until the award funds are depleted.

Private Donors

The principal or his / her designee is authorized to review and approve, or reject, proposed trophies, prizes, scholarships or other awards from non school donors. Acceptance will require affirmative answers to at least the following questions:

1. Can the proposed award be considered free of promotional motives, solicitation of fees or corporate gain?
2. Are the criteria for making the award under the control of the professional staff, or acceptable to the staff
3. Are the purposes, either implied or explicit, of the proposed award consistent with the school's goals?
4. Are the terms and conditions governing awards established in writing and do they contain provisions for mutually agreed upon amendments and procedures for termination?
5. Are the standards for accepting the gift(s) consistent with the criteria outlined in the Board's policy relating to Gifts, Fundraising and Donations, #3280?

Management of Financial Accounting and Reporting of Scholarship Funds

The primary purpose of the district's financial accounting and reporting for scholarships and awards is to assure prudent fiscal management and reporting. Funds received and / or disbursed by the district will be accounted for carefully and accurately, under the direction of the Director of Business and Fiscal Services. Procedures will conform with generally accepted accounting practices, including separation of accounts and allocation of earned interest. Accounts will be maintained in such a manner that they can be easily reviewed and audited.

Cf. Business / Finance
Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Date of Revision: June 10, 1997

The Board of Education promotes a secure and safe school climate, conducive to teaching and learning that is free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior. Therefore, in accordance with state law and the Safe School Climate Plan, the Board expressly prohibits any form of bullying behavior on school grounds; as a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the Board; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board. A student who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and / or referral to law enforcement officials in accordance with the Board’s policy on student discipline.

The Board also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying

1. creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed,
2. infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or
3. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying are likewise prohibited.

Students who engage in bullying behavior or teen dating violence shall be subject to school discipline, up to and including expulsion, in accordance with the Board's policies on student discipline, suspension and expulsion, and consistent with state and federal law. The Board seeks an environment in which students and adults feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe; an environment that is free of harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Definitions

“Bullying”

for the purposes of this policy means the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district that:

1. causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property;
2. places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property;
3. creates a hostile environment at school for such student;
4. infringes on the rights of such student at school; or
5. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, oral or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

“Cyberbullying”

for the purposes of this policy means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications.

“Teen dating violence”

for the purposes of this policy means any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening that occurs between two students who are currently in or have recently been in a dating relationship.

“Mobile electronic device”

for the purposes of this policy means any hand-held or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more individuals, including, but not limited to, a text messaging device, a paging device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, equipment that is capable of playing a video game or a digital video disk, or equipment on which digital images are taken or transmitted.

“Electronic communication”

for the purposes of this policy means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo-electronic or photo-optical system.

“Hostile environment”

for the purposes of this policy means a situation in which bullying among students is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the school climate.

“Outside of the school setting”

for the purposes of this policy means at a location, activity or program that is not school related, or through the use of an electronic device or a mobile electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education.

“School employee”

for the purposes of this policy means (a) a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school Superintendent, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by a local or regional Board of Education or working in a public elementary, middle or high school; or (b) any other individual who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in a public elementary, middle or high school, pursuant to a contract with the local or regional Board of Education.

“School climate”

for the purposes of this policy means the quality and character of school life with a particular focus on the quality of the relationships within the school community between and among students and adults.

Students who engage in any act of bullying, on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the Board of Education, and outside of the school setting if such bullying:

1. creates a hostile environment at school for the victim,
2. infringes on the rights of the victim at school, or
3. substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school,

are subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement officials.

A comprehensive program, to improve the school climate, involving everyone in the schools and the community, to address bullying at all school levels is essential to reducing incidences of bullying. Such a program must involve interventions at all levels, school wide, classroom and individual. Consistent with the requirements under state law, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent or his/her designee(s), along with the Safe School Climate Coordinator, to be responsible for developing and implementing a Safe School Climate Plan in furtherance of this policy. As provided by state law, such Safe School Climate Plan shall include, but not be limited to, provisions which:

1. enables anonymous reports of bullying or teen dating violence by students to school employees requires at the beginning of each school year that students a be notified of the process by which students may make such reports;
2. enables parents or guardians to file written reports of suspected bullying;
3. requires school employees who witness acts of bullying or teen dating violence or receive reports of bullying or teen dating violence to orally notify the safe school climate specialist or another school administrator if the safe school climate specialist is unavailable, not later than one school day after such school employee witnesses or receives a report of bullying and to file a written report not later than two school days after making such an oral report;
4. requires the safe school climate specialist to investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying or teen dating violence and ensure that such investigation is completed promptly after receipt of any written report, and that the parents or guardians of the student alleged to have committed an act or acts of bullying or teen dating violence and the parents or guardians of the student against whom such alleged act or acts were directed receive prompt notice that such investigation has commenced;
5. requires the safe school climate specialist to review any anonymous reports, except that no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report;
6. requires a prevention and intervention strategy for school employees to deal with bullying or teen dating violence;
7. provides for the inclusion of language in student codes of conduct concerning bullying and teen dating violence;
8. requires each school to notify parents or guardians of all students involved in a verified act of bullying not later than forty-eight hours after the completion of the investigation;
9. requires each school to invite the parents/guardians of a student against whom such act was directed to a meeting to communicate to such parents/guardians the measures being taken by the school to ensure the safety of the students against whom such act of bullying was directed and the policies and procedures in place to prevent further acts of bullying;
10. requires each school to invite the parents or guardians of a student who commits any verified act of bullying to a meeting, separate and distinct from the meeting of the parents/guardians of the student against whom the act of bullying was directed, to discuss specific interventions undertaken by the school to prevent further acts of bullying;
11. establishes a procedure for each school to document and maintain records relating to reports and investigations of bullying in such school and make such list available for public inspection; and annually report such number to the Department of Education and in such manner as prescribed by the Commissioner of Education;
12. direct the development of case-by-case interventions for addressing reported incidents of bullying against a single individual or recurrently perpetrated bullying incidents by the same individual that may include both counseling and discipline;
13. prohibits discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying;
14. requires the development of student safety support plans for students against whom an act of bullying was directed that addresses safety measures the school will take to protect such students against further acts of bullying;
15. requires the principal of a school or the principal’s designee, to notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency when such principal or the principal’s designee believes that any acts of bullying constitute criminal conduct;
16. prohibits bullying and teen dating violence (a) on school grounds, at a school sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the local or regional board of education, and (b)outside of the school setting if such bullying or teen dating violence (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying or teen dating violence was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school;
17. requires, at the beginning of each school year, for each school to provide all school employees with a written or electronic copy of the school district’s safe school climate plan; and
18. requires all school employees to annually complete the training required by C.G.S. 10-220a, as amended.

The notification required pursuant to subdivision 8 (above) and the invitation required pursuant to subdivisions 9 and 10 (above) shall include a description of the response of the school employee to such acts and any consequence that may result from the commission of further acts of bullying. Any information provided under this policy or accompanying Safe School Climate Plan shall be provided in accordance with the confidentiality restrictions imposed under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and the district’s Records/Confidentiality policy and regulations.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes 10-15b

Access of parent or guardian to student’s records. Inspection and subpoena of school or student records.
10-222d Policy on bullying behavior as amended by PA 08-160 and P.A. 11-232 and P.A. 14-172.
P.A. 06-115 An Act Concerning Bullying Policies in Schools and Notices Sent to Parents or Legal Guardians.
P.A. 11-232 An Act Concerning the Strengthening of School Bullying Laws. P.A. 13-3 An Act Concerning Gun Violence Protection and Safety
P.A. 14-172 An Act Concerning Improving Employment Opportunities through Education and Ensuring Safe School Climates.
P.A. 14-234 An Act Concerning Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

(cf. 5090.3.3 - Student Conduct on School Buses)
(cf. 5090.3.4 - Out of School Misconduct)
(cf. 5090.3.6.1 - Hazing)
(cf. 5090.5 - Secret Societies / Gang Activity)
(cf. 5110 - Student Discipline)
(cf. 5110.4 - Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion From School / School Activities)
(cf.5120.4.2.4 - Sexual Harassment Among Students)

As required, the Board of Education shall approve the safe school climate plan developed pursuant to statute and submit such plan to the Department of Education for its review and approval; and not later than thirty calendar days after approval by the State Department of Education, the safe school climate plan shall be made available on the Board’s and each individual school in the District’s Internet website and ensure that the Safe School Climate Plan is included in the District’s publication of the rules, procedures and standards of conduct for schools and in all student handbooks.

The Board expects prompt and reasonable investigations of alleged acts of bullying and teen dating violence. The safe school climate specialist of each school is responsible for handling all complaints of alleged bullying and teen dating violence. The safe climate specialist shall investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying and teen dating violence promptly.

In addition, the norms that are established by adults through consistent enforcement of all policies pertaining to conduct and modeling appropriate behavior at school and at home will reduce the instances and damage of bullying and teen dating violence. It is necessary for students to promote the concept that caring for others is a valued quality, one that is accepted and encouraged.

Prevention and Intervention Strategy

The District shall implement, as required by C.G.S. 10-222d, as amended, a prevention and intervention strategy which may include, but is not limited to:

1. Implementation of a positive behavioral interventions and supports process or another evidence-based model approach for safe school climate or for the prevention of bullying and teen dating violence identified by the Department of Education.
2. school rules prohibiting bullying, teen dating violence, harassment, and intimidation and establishing appropriate consequences for those who engage in such acts.
3. Adequate adult supervision of outdoor areas, hallways, the lunchroom, and other specific areas where bullying or teen dating violence is likely to occur.
4. Inclusion of grade-appropriate bullying and teen dating violence education and prevention curricula in kindergarten through high school.
5. Individual interventions with the bully or student who commits teen dating violence, parents and school employees and interventions with the students against whom the acts of bullying and teen dating violence are directed, parents, and school employees.
6. School wide training related to safe school climate.
7. Student peer training, education and support.
8. Promotion of parent involvement in bullying and teen dating violence prevention through individual or team participation in meetings, trainings, and individual interventions.
9. Culturally competent school-based curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, self-awareness and self-regulation.

District Safe School Climate Coordinator

For the school year commencing July 1, 2012, and each school year thereafter, the Superintendent of Schools shall appoint, from among existing District staff, a District Safe School Climate Coordinator.

The Coordinator shall:

1. Implement the District’s safe school climate plan;
2. Collaborate with safe school climate specialists, the Board, and the Superintendent to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying and teen dating violence in the schools of the district;
3. Provide data and information derived from the safe school climate assessments, in collaboration with the Superintendent to the Department of Education;
4. Respond to bullying and teen dating violence in District schools;
5. Meet with the safe school climate specialists at least twice during the school year to discuss bullying and teen dating violence issues in the District and make recommended changes to the District’s safe school climate plan; and
6. Successfully complete, for the school year commencing July 1, 2014, the mental health first aid training provided by the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services. (Such training only required once.)

Safe School Climate Specialist

For the school year commencing July 1, 2012, and each school year thereafter, each school Principal shall serve, or designate someone to serve, as the Safe School Climate Specialist for the school.

The Specialist in each school shall:

1. Investigate or supervise the investigation of reported acts of bullying or teen dating violence in the school in accordance with the District’s Safe School Climate Plan;
2. Collect and maintain records of reports and investigations of bullying and teen dating violence in the school; and
3. Act as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying and responding to bullying and teen dating violence reports in the school.

Safe School Climate Committee

For the school year commencing July 1, 2012, and each school year thereafter, the Principal of each District school shall establish a new committee or designate at least one existing committee that is responsible for developing and fostering a safe school climate and addressing issues related to bullying in the school. The committee must include at least one parent/guardian of a student enrolled in the school, appointed by the Principal. The Safe School Climate Committee shall:

1. Receive copies of completed reports following investigations of bullying and teen dating violence;
2. Identify and address patterns of bullying and teen dating violence among students in the school;
3. Implement the provisions of the school security and safety plan, (developed pursuant to Section 87 of PA 13-3) regarding the collection, evaluation and reporting of information relating to instances of disturbing or threatening behavior that may not meet the definition of bullying or teen dating violence (defined in Connecticut General Statutes 10-222d) and report such information, as necessary, to the District Safe School Climate Coordinator and to the school’s security and safety committee;
4. Review and amend school policies relating to bullying and teen dating violence;
5. Review and make recommendation to the District Safe School Climate Coordinator regarding the District’s Safe Climate Plan based on issues and experiences specific to the school;
6. Educate students, school employees and parents and guardians of students on issues relating to bullying and teen dating violence;
7. Collaborate with the District Safe School Climate Coordinator in the collection of data regarding bullying and teen dating violence; and
8. Perform any other duties as determined by the School Principal that are related to the prevention, identification and response to school bullying and teen dating violence for the school. Parent members of the Safe School Climate Committee are excluded from activities #1 and #3 or any other activity that may compromise the confidentiality of a student.

Safe School Climate Plan

As part of this policy, the Board of Education shall develop and implement a Safe School Climate Plan to address the existence of bullying and teen dating violence in its schools. Such plan shall establish deadlines for reporting investigating, and notifying parents and guardians about bullying and teen dating violence incidents; prohibit retaliation against those who report bullying and/or teen dating violence; and require school officials to notify law enforcement officials when it is believed that bullying or teen dating violence conduct constitutes a crime.

The Board requires each school in the District, on and after July 1, 2012, and biennially thereafter, to complete an assessment using school climate assessment instruments, including uniform surveys that collect information about students’ perspectives and opinions about school climate at the school and allow students to complete and submit such surveys anonymously, approved and disseminated by the Department of Education pursuant to C.G.S. 10-222h, as amended by PA 11-232. The Board will collect the school climate assessments of each District school and submit them to the Department of Education.

Any information provided under this policy shall be provided in accordance with the confidentiality requirements of applicable federal legislation, including the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act ("FERPA"), and the district's Confidentiality and Access to Student Information policy and regulations.

The Superintendent shall develop rules and procedures, which carry out the provisions of this policy. In addition, the Superintendent shall provide that students and parents of students are notified of this prohibition against bullying and the penalties for violating the prohibition by ensuring the posting of such information at each school and by ensuring inclusion of such information in student and parent handbooks.

This policy shall not be interpreted to prohibit a reasonable and civil exchange of opinions, or debate that is protected by state or federal law.

(cf. 5090.3.3 - Student Conduct on School Buses)
(cf. 5090.3.4 - Out of School Misconduct)

(cf. 5090.3.6.1 - Hazing)
(cf. 5090.5 - Secret Societies / Gang Activity)
(cf. 5110 - Student Discipline)
(cf. 5110.4 - Suspension / Expulsion / Exclusion From School / School Activities)
(cf.5120.4.2.4 - Sexual Harassment Among Students)

Legal References: Public Act No. 02-119 Connecticut General Statutes Sections 10-233a through 10-233f

First Reading: May 19, 2015
Second Reading: June 2, 2015
Third Reading June 16, 2015
Date of Adoption June 16, 2015

The Board of Education recognizes the social and scholastic benefits derived from student participation in various community-sponsored activities. However, neither an individual nor the school as a whole shall be permitted to use school time for working on community-sponsored projects unless such an undertaking is deemed to contribute to the educational program. The administration has the responsibility to develop procedures for community groups to request student involvement during school hours, as well as guidelines for the consideration of such a request.

The Board is committed to preparing its high school students for active participation in community affairs in keeping with Madison's tradition of volunteerism. The student community service programs are implemented to provide service opportunities for students and to encourage students to develop projects in their areas of interest.

The program should have, as a primary objective, the development of commitment to community service among high school students. Therefore, students will receive the kind of training and support which will prepare them to be valuable helpers in their community. The program should be designed to be a collaborative effort between the schools and the community.

A supervising teacher(s) should be selected by his/her respective principals or designee for their ability to encourage students to volunteer, support students in their community service activities, solve problems where needed and, most importantly, ensure that students begin to understand that they are needed helpers and valued assets in their community.

Opportunities for student community service may be found in, but not limited to, the following areas:

• after-school tutorial volunteers at own or nearby school
• children's centers
• in-school peer counseling
• religious volunteer
• recreation volunteer
• neighborhood organizations
• libraries
• Town Hall office volunteers
• League of Women voting-related activities (non-partisan)
• hospital helpers
• clinics
• convalescent home visits
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• Summer Day Camps (summers only)
• adaptive recreation programs
• Safe Rides
• non-partisan civic activities

The Superintendent is authorized to establish regulations providing for course work for community service in accordance with Section 10-221a[a] of the Connecticut General Statutes.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

It is understood and agreed that the Board of Education, School officials, the Board of Police Commissioners, and Police Department officials share the following goals and objectives with regard to the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in the schools:

1. To foster educational programs and activities that will increase student’s knowledge of and respect for the law and the function of law enforcement agencies;
2. To encourage SROs to attend extra-curricular activities held at schools, when possible;
3. To act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to major disruptions and flagrant criminal offenses at school, such as: disorderly conduct by trespassers, the possession and/or use of weapons on campus, the sale and/or distribution of controlled substances, and riots;
4. To report serious crimes that occur on campus and to cooperate with the law enforcement officials in their investigation of crimes that occur at school; and
5. To cooperate with law enforcement officials in their investigations of criminal offenses which occur off campus.
6. To be involved in the development of District and school safety/crisis plans.
7. To abide by Board of Education policies and to perform various duties developed by the Superintendent.

School Resource Officer Joint Committee (SROJC)

The SROJC is an advisory and review committee composed of at least two members each of the Madison BOE and BPC. In addition, the School Superintendent, Police Chief, and at least one SRO will be members. Together, the SROJC will periodically review and evaluate the School Resource Officer Program. Two times per academic year (according to a schedule set by the BOE), the SRJOC will report on their review and make recommendations.

Agreement for Services

The Board of Education will execute the role of School Resource Officer via a separate agreement with the Madison Board of Police Commissioners for the purpose of determining term, termination, and funding. Any such executed agreement will reference and be governed by this policy (5142.4).

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

4-176e through 4-180a. Contested Cases. Notice. Record.
10-233a through 10-233f. Suspension, removal and expulsion of students, as amended by PA 95-304, PA 96-244, and PA 98-139.
53a-3 Definitions.
53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds.
PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety.
GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. 103-227.
18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.
Title III - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence)
Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.
P.L. 105-17 The Individuals with Disabilities Act, Amendment of 1997.
Kyle P. Packer PPA Jane Packer v. Thomaston Board of Education.

Adopted: February 11, 2014

#5144 Physical Restraint/Seclusion/Exclusionary Time Out

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The Board of Education believes that maintaining an orderly, safe environment is conducive to learning and is an appropriate expectation of all staff members within the district. To the extent that staff actions comply with all applicable statutes and Board policy governing the use of physical force, including physical restraint of students, staff members will have the full support of the Board of Education in their efforts to maintain a safe environment.

Specific circumstances may sometimes occur in school or other settings in which a child under the supervision of school personnel may require physical restraint. The purpose of this restraint is to prevent the student from endangering his/her safety or the safety of others, particularly when bodily harm may be the result of the behavior.

Definitions

Life-threatening physical restraint

means any physical restraint or hold of a person that restricts the flow of air into a person's lungs, whether by chest compression or any other means, or immobilizes or reduces the free movement of a person's arms, legs or head while the person is in the prone position.

Psychopharmacologic agent

means any medication that affects the central nervous system, influencing thinking, emotion or behavior.

Physical restraint

means any mechanical or personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the free movement of a person's arms, legs or head, including, but not limited to, carrying or forcibly moving a person from one location to another.  Excluded from this definition is briefly holding a person in order to calm or comfort the person; restraint involving the minimum contact necessary to safely escort a person from one area to another; medical devices including but not limited to, supports prescribed by a health care provider to achieve proper body position or balance; helmets or other protective gear used to protect a person from injuries due to a fall; helmets, mitts and similar devices used to prevent self-injury when the device is part of a documented treatment plan or individualized education program pursuant to Connecticut's special education laws or prescribed or recommended by a medical professional and is the least restrictive means to prevent such self-injury of an exclusionary timeout.

School employee

means a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, Superintendent, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional, or coach employed by the Board of Education or working in a public elementary, middle or high school; or any other individual who, in the performance of his/her duties has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the district's schools, pursuant to a contract with the board of education.

Seclusion

means the involuntary confinement of a student in a room, from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. Seclusion does not include an exclusionary time-out.

Student

means a child (A) enrolled in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, in a public school under the jurisdiction of a local or regional Board of Education, (B) receiving special education and related services in an institution or facility operating under contract with a local or regional Board of Education, (C) enrolled in a program or school administered by a regional education service center, or (D) receiving special education and related services from an approved private special education program, but shall not include any child receiving educational services from Unified School District #2 or the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Exclusionary time out

means a temporary, continuously-monitored separation of a student from an ongoing activity in a non-locked setting, for the purpose of calming such student or de-escalating such student’s behavior.

Conditions Pertaining to the Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion

1. School employees shall not use a life-threatening physical restraint on a student under any circumstance.
2. If any instance of physical restraint or seclusion of a student exceeds fifteen minutes an administrator or his/her designee, or a school health or mental health personnel, or a board certified behavioral analyst, who has received training in the use of physical restraint and seclusion shall determine whether continued physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to prevent immediate or imminent injury to the student or to others. Upon a determination that such continued physical restraint or seclusion is necessary, such individual shall make a new determination every thirty minutes thereafter regarding whether such physical restraint or seclusion is necessary to prevent immediate or imminent injury to the student or to others.
3. No student shall be placed in seclusion unless:
   1. The use of seclusion is as an emergency intervention to prevent immediate or imminent injury to the student or to others, provided the seclusion is not used for discipline or convenience and is not used as a substitute for a less restrictive alternative.Such student is continually monitored by a school employee during the period of such student's seclusion. Any student voluntarily or involuntarily placed in seclusion or restrained shall be regularly evaluated by a school employee for indications of physical distress. The school employee conducting the evaluation shall enter each evaluation in the student's educational record. Monitor shall mean by direct observation or by observation using video monitoring within physical proximity sufficient to provide aid as may be required.
   2. Such student is continually monitored by a school employee during the period of such student's seclusion. Any student voluntarily or involuntarily placed in seclusion or restrained shall be regularly evaluated by a school employee for indications of physical distress. The school employee conducting the evaluation shall enter each evaluation in the student's educational record. Monitor shall mean by direct observation or by observation using video monitoring within physical proximity sufficient to provide aid as may be required.
   3. The area in which such student is secluded is equipped with a window or other fixture allowing the student a clear line of sight beyond the area of seclusion.
   4. Seclusion shall not be utilized as a planned intervention in a student’s behavioral intervention plan, individualized education program or plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended from time to time.
4. School employees may not use a psychopharmacologic agent on a student without that student's consent except (1) as an emergency intervention to prevent immediate or imminent injury to the student or to others, or (2) as an integral part of the student's established medical or behavioral support or educational plan, as developed consistent with Section 17a-543 of the Connecticut General Statutes or, if no such plan has been developed, as part of a licensed practitioner's initial orders. The use of psychopharmacologic agents, alone or in combination, may be used only in doses that are therapeutically appropriate and not as a substitute for other appropriate treatment.
5. In the event that physical restraint or seclusion is used on a student four or more times within twenty school days:
   1. An administrator, one or more of such student's teachers, the parent/guardian of such student and, if any, a mental health professional shall convene for the purpose of:
      1. Conducting or revising a behavioral assessment of the student;
      2. Creating or revising any applicable behavioral intervention plan; and
      3. Determining whether such student may require special education.
   2. If such student is a child requiring special education or is a child being evaluated for eligibility for special education and awaiting a determination, such student's planning and placement team shall convene for the purpose of (1) conducting or revising a behavioral assessment of the student, and (2) creating or revising any applicable behavioral intervention plan, including, but not limited to, such student's individualized education plan.
6. The parent/guardian of a student who is placed in physical restraint or seclusion shall be notified not later than twenty-four hours after the student is placed in physical restraint or seclusion. A reasonable effort shall be made to provide such notification immediately after such physical restraint or seclusion is initiated.
7. School employees shall not use a physical restraint on a student or place a student in seclusion unless he/she has received training on the proper means for performing such physical restraint or seclusion.
8. The Board of Education, and each institution or facility operating under contract with the Board to provide special education for children, including any approved private special education program, shall:
   1. Record each instance of the use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student;
   2. Specify whether the use of seclusion was in accordance with an individualized education program;
   3. Specify the nature of the emergency that necessitated the use of such physical restraint or seclusion; and
   4. Include such information in an annual compilation on its use of such restraint and seclusion on students.
9. The Board and institutions or facilities operating under contract with the Board to provide special education for children, including any approved private special education program shall provide such annual compilation to the Department of Education in order to examine incidents of physical restraint and seclusion in schools.
10. Any use of physical restraint or seclusion on a student shall be documented in the student's educational record. The documentation shall include:
    1. The nature of the emergency and what other steps, including attempts at verbal de-escalation, were taken to prevent the emergency from arising if there were indications that such an emergency was likely to arise; and
    2. A detailed description of the nature of the restraint or seclusion, the duration of such restraint or seclusion and the effect of such restraint or seclusion on the student's established educational plan.
11. Any incident of the use of restraint or seclusion that results in physical injury to a student shall be reported to the State Board of Education.

Required Training and Prevention Training Plan

Training shall be provided by the Board to the members of the crisis intervention team for each school in the district. The Board may provide such training to any teacher, administrator, school professional or other school employee, designated by the school principal and who has direct contact with students regarding physical restraint and seclusion of students. Such training shall be provided during the school year commencing July 1, 2017 and each school year thereafter, and shall include, but not be limited to: 

1. An overview of the relevant laws and regulations regarding the use of physical restraint and seclusion on students and the proper uses of physical restraint and seclusion. (Such overview is to be provided by the Department of Education commencing July 1, 2017 and annually thereafter, in a manner and form as prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.)
2. The creation of a plan by which the Board will provide training regarding the prevention of incidents requiring physical restraint or seclusion of students.  Such plan is to be implemented not later than July 1, 2018.
3. The Board will create a plan, to be implemented not later than July 1, 2018, requiring training regarding the proper means of physical restraint or seclusion of a student, including, but not limited to:
   1. Verbal defusing and de-escalation;
   2. Prevention strategies;
   3. Various types of physical restraint and seclusion;
   4. The differences between life-threatening physical restraint and other varying levels of physical restraint;
   5. The differences between permissible physical restraint and pain compliance techniques;
   6. Monitoring methods to prevent harm to a student who is physically restrained or in seclusion, including training in the proper means of physically restraining or secluding a student; and
   7. Recording and reporting procedures on the use of physical restraint and seclusion.

Crisis Intervention Teams

For the school year commencing July 1, 2017 and each school year thereafter, the Board requires each school in the District to identify a crisis intervention team. Such team shall consist of any teacher, administrator, school professional or other school employee designated by the school principal and who has direct contact with student and trained in the use of physical restraint and seclusion.

Such teams shall respond to any incident in which the use of physical restraint or seclusion may be necessary as an emergency intervention to prevent immediate or imminent injury to a student or to others.

Each member of the crisis intervention team shall be recertified in the use of physical restraint and seclusion on an annual basis. The Board shall maintain a list of the members of the crisis intervention team for each student.

Exclusionary Time Out

Not later than January 1, 2019, the Board establishes this portion of this policy regarding the use of an exclusionary time out, as defined in this policy which includes, but need not be limited to, the following requirements:

 

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-76b State supervision of special education programs and services.
10-76d Duties and powers of boards of education to provide special education programs and services.
10-236b Physical restraint and seclusion of students by school employees. (as amended by PA 17-220)
46a-150 Definitions. (as amended by PA 07-147 and PA 15-141)
46a-152 Physical restraint, seclusion and use of psychopharmacologic agents restricted. Monitoring and documentation required.
46a-153 Recording of use of restraint and seclusion required. Review of records by state agencies. Reviewing state agency to report serious injury or death to Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and to Office of Child Advocate. (as amended by PA 12-88)
53a-18 Use of reasonable physical force or deadly physical force generally.
53a-19 Use of physical force in defense of person.
53a-20 Use of physical force in defense of premises.
53a-21 Use of physical force in defense of property.
PA 07-147 An Act Concerning Restraints and Seclusion in Public Schools.
PA 15-141 An Act Concerning Seclusion and Restraint in Schools.
State Board of Education Regulations Sections 10-76b-5 through 10-76b-11.

Date of Adoption: January 8, 2008
Date of Revision: February 13, 2018
Date of Revison: March 5, 2019

#5144.4 Physical Activity, Undirected Play and Student Discipline

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It is the policy of the Board to promote the health and well-being of district students by encouraging healthy lifestyles including promoting physical exercise and activity as part of the school day. 

Prohibition on Deprivation of Physical Exercise Period or Undirected Play Period as a Form of Discipline:

For elementary school students, the Board includes a time of not less than twenty (20) minutes in total, during the regular school day, to be devoted to physical exercise, except that a planning and placement team (“PPT”) may develop a different schedule for students requiring special education and related services.

The administration may include additional time, beyond the twenty minutes required for physical exercise, devoted to undirected play during the regular school day for elementary school students. 

In an effort to promote physical exercise and undirected play, the Board prohibits school employees from disciplining elementary school students by preventing them from participating in the full 20 minutes of time devoted to physical exercise or additional time devoted to undirected play during the regular school day, except in instances where the student’s behavior poses a health and/or safety concern or as determined by a student’s Section 504 or planning and placement team.

Prohibition on Compulsion of Physical Activity as a Form of Discipline:

For all students, the Board prohibits school employees from disciplining students by requiring students to engage in physical activity as a form of discipline during the regular school day.

Definition:

For the purposes of this policy, a “school employee” is defined as (1) a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by the Board or working in the district schools, or (2) any other individual who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the district schools pursuant to a contract with the Board.  

Disciplinary Action for Failure to Follow Policy: 

Any employee who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.  Any contracted individual who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the district and who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy may be subject to having his/her contract for services suspended by the district.

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes:

    Public Act 19-173.  An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Additional Time Devoted to Undirected Play to the Regular School Day.

    § 10-221o  Lunch periods.  Recess. Boards to adopt policies addressing the limitations of physical exercise 

    § 10-221u Boards to adopt policies addressing the use of physical activity as discipline

Date of Adoption:    August 28, 2018
Date of Revision:    November 12, 2019

Student In-School Employment

Part-time school jobs shall be open to students ages fifteen and over in keeping with their abilities and needs of the school for student help.

Student After-School Employment

If students choose to work during the school year the), shall be cautioned against assuming work commitments that will interfere with their studies and achievements in school. Students must be sixteen years of age or older to work in any "manufacturing, mechanical, or barber shop." Students must be fifteen years of age or older to work in any "mercantile-establishment." School guidance personnel shall make efforts to post employment notices.

Working Papers for Minors

Minors (15-18) receive employment certificates from the Superintendent or his/her designated agent in the town or city in which they live. The high school principal is the designated agent in the district. The school principal will establish hours during which students may obtain working papers and notices of such shall be included in the annual students' handbook. The high school issues ,working papers only to resident students in the town. If a Connecticut resident secures employment in another state, that state issues the papers. If a resident of another state works in Connecticut, that person may obtain the Connecticut certificate with the "promise to work" paper and proof of residency. Any student requesting working papers must provide evidence of age and promise of employment according to state law.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10- 193 Certificate of age of minors in certain occupations
10- 194 Penalty
10- 195 Evidence of age
10- 197 Penalty for employer under fourteen
10- 198 False statement as to age

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

No principal, teacher, or other employee of the Board will accept money as a gift from any student. Gifts of appreciation given by an individual student or a class, parents or other persons to any employee of the Madison Public Schools should not be elaborate or unduly expensive. The Board will consider, as always welcome, and in most cases more appropriate than gifts, the writing of letters to staff members expressing gratitude or appreciation.

This policy will not be interpreted as intending to discourage acts of generosity in unusual situations. Simple remembrances expressive of affection or gratitude will not be regarded as violations of this policy.

The Board expects that the solicitation of money for gifts for activity sponsors, teachers, or other individuals will be under the control of the school principal.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

All necessary materials, supplies, and equipment for the instructional program will be provided by the school district at no cost to students. However, the Board recognizes the need for student fees to fund certain school activities which are not financed by local, state, or federal funds. It also recognizes that some students may not be able to pay these fees. No student will be denied an education because of his or her inability to pay these supplementary charges.

All student fees and charges, both optional and required, will be listed and described annually in each school's student handbook or in some other written form and distributed to each student. The notice will advise students that fees are to be paid within 30 days of the date they become due and of the possible withholding of report cards until payment is made and/or denial of participation in the specific extra class activity for which they are being charged the fee.

Any fee or charge due to any school in the system and not paid at the end of the school year will be carried forward until the next succeeding school year, as such debts are considered to be debts of the student to the school system and not to a particular school.

Authorized Fees

Student fees are authorized for the following:

• any program in which the resultant product is in excess of minimum requirements and, at the student's option, becomes the personal property of the student; however, fees may not exceed the cost of materials;
• Registration fees for participation in extra-curricular athletics, intramurals and clubs at the middle school and high school level, provided the Board of Education has approved any such fee.
• membership dues in student organizations or clubs, and admission fees or charges for attending extra-curricular activities when membership or attendance is voluntary;
• field trips, including admission fees and transportation costs, which are not required by the teacher or used in the determination of a grade;
• security deposits for the return of materials, supplies, or equipment;
• consumable laboratory supplies/materials required for participation in an instructional course;
• personal physical education and athletic equipment and apparel;
• items of personal use or products which a student may purchase at his or her own option, such as student publications, class rings, annuals and graduation announcements;
• fees specifically permitted by any other statute;
• any authorized, voluntary student health and accident benefit plan;
• a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual annual maintenance costs, for the use of musical instruments and uniforms owned or rented by the district;
• items of personal apparel which become the property of the student and which are used in extra-curricular activities;
• parking fees and fees for identification cards;
• courses offered for credit where the activity necessitates the use of facilities not available on the school premises, and participation in the course is optional on the part of the student.

Prohibited Fees

Student fees are prohibited for the following:

• textbooks or other supplies necessary for participation in any instructional course, except as authorized under this policy;
• field trips required as part of a basic educational program or course;
• any specific form of dress necessary for any required educational program;
• instructional costs for necessary school personnel employed in any course or educational program required for graduation;
• library books required to be utilized for any educational course program, however, fines may be assessed for lost, damaged or overdue books;
• admission fees, dues, or fees for any activity which the student is required to attend as a prerequisite to graduation;
• any admission or examination cost for any required educational course or program; and
• lockers.

Personal Supplies and Incidental Expenses

Students may be required to furnish personal or consumable items, including pencils, paper, pens, erasers, notebooks, and consumable supplies and materials required for instrumental music programs and art programs. Additionally, food costs and personal purchases incurred during a field trip may be required to be paid by the student.

School Store

Student organizations may operate a school store where students may purchase school supplies and materials, subject to the provisions set forth in Policy # 5100.5.

Waiver of Fees

A deposit or fee, which a student and his or her parent or guardian are unable to pay, may be waived at the discretion of the principal. It is incumbent upon the teacher and principal to make every effort to be sure no student is denied the right to participate in trips or other enrichment activities because of lack of funds. Procedures for waiver of fees or deposits will be communicated to students through procedures determined by the school principal or his/her designee. However, charges for lost and damaged books, materials, supplies and equipment will not be waived. The adult and summer school programs may provide discount tuition programs to stimulate early registration and/or for other promotional purposes.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996
Date of Revision: October 2, 2007

The Superintendent shall require the school administrators to provide information concerning Board of Education policies and regulations governing student conduct to students and parents within thirty days of school opening each year. Information may be provided through student handbooks, school newsletters, school / district websites, and other types of media as deemed necessary.

Educational records will be kept for each student reflecting the physical, social, and cognitive aspects of a student’s development in the educational process. However, safeguards shall be practiced by the school administration to protect the student and the student's family from invasion of privacy in the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information in student records, and to provide accessibility to information by those legally entitled thereto.

Definition of Terms

Parent

means a natural parent, an adopted, or a legal guardian or an individual acting as a parent in the absence of a parent or guardian. If parents are divorced or legally separated, the parent granted custody and the parent not granted custody of a minor student both have the right of access to the academic, medical, hospital, or other health records of the student, unless a court order prohibits access. Whenever a student has attained the age of 18 years or is attending an institution of post-secondary education, the permission or consent required of, and the rights accorded to, the parents or guardians of the student shall thereafter only be required of, and accorded to, the student.

Student record

means any item of information directly related to an identifiable student, other than directory information, which is maintained by a school district or required to be maintained by an employee in the performance of his / her duties whether recorded in handwriting, print, computer media, video or audio tape, film, microfilm, microfiche, or other means. Student records include information relative to an individual student gathered within or without the school system and maintained within the school system, regardless of the physical form in which it is maintained. Any information which is maintained for the purpose of second party review is considered a student record.

Student record

shall not include informal notes related to a student compiled by a school officer or employee which remain in the sole possession of the maker and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a substitute. For purposes of this policy, "substitute" means a person who performs the duties of the individual who made the notes on a temporary basis, and does not refer to a person who permanently succeeds the maker of the notes in his or her position.

School official

means a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member, including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for ensuring that all requirements under federal and state statutes shall be carried out by the District. He / She will develop procedures providing for the following:

• informing parents of their rights annually;
• permitting parents to inspect and review educational records, including at least a statement of the procedure to be followed by a parent or an eligible student who requests to inspect and review the educational records, with an understanding that it may not deny access to educational records; a description of the circumstances in which the district feels it has a legitimate cause to deny a request for a copy of such records; a schedule of fees for copies; and a listing of the types and locations of education records maintained by the school and the titles and addresses of school officials responsible for those records;
• not disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education records without the prior written consent of the student's parent, except as otherwise permitted by administrative regulations; including at least a statement of whether the school will disclose personally identifiable information from the records to other school officials within the school who have been determined by the school to have legitimate educational interests, and, if so, a specification of the criteria for determining which parties are "school officials" and what the school considers to be a "legitimate educational interest;” and a specification of the personally identifiable information to be designated as directory information;
• maintaining the record of disclosures of personally identifiable information from a student's education records and permitting a parent to inspect that record;
• providing a parent with an opportunity to seek the correction of the student's education records through a request to amend the records or a hearing, and permitting the parent or an eligible student to place a statement in the education records of the student;
• guaranteeing access to student records to authorized persons within five days following the date of the request;
• assuring security of student records; and
• enumerating and describing the student records maintained by the district.

(cf. 5180.1.1 Directory Information)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-15b Access of parent or guardians to student's records. Inspection and subpoena of school or student records.
10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student. Surrender of physical evidence obtained from students.
10-209 Records not to be public.
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended, added by section 513 of P.L. 93-568, codified at 20 U.S.C. 1232g.
Regulations of the U.S. Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare, published in 45 C.F.R. 99 (June 17, 1976).

Date of Adoption: March 5, 1996
Date of Revision: May 7, 2002
Date of Revision: February 8, 2006

Directory information or class lists of student names and / or addresses shall not be distributed without the knowledge of the parent or legal guardian of the student or by the student who has attained majority status.

“Directory information” means one or more of the following items: student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, photograph, grade levels, electronic mail address, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous public or private school attended by the students.

Any person or organization denied the rights accorded under this policy shall have the right to request a review of the decision by the Board of Education by filing a written request with the Superintendent of Schools.

(cf. 5180.1: Records / Confidentiality)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
1-19(b)(11) Access to public records. Exempt records.
10-221b Boards of education to establish written uniform policy re treatment of recruiters

Date of Adoption: February 6, 2001

The Board of Education, unless informed otherwise in writing, assumes that there are no restrictions regarding the noncustodial parent's right to be kept informed of the student's school progress and activities. If restrictions are made relative to these rights, the custodial parent will be required to submit a copy of the court order to the superintendent, which curtails these specific rights.

Unless there are specific court-imposed restrictions, such as a final divorce decree which includes specific denial of visitation rights or a restraining order denying such rights, the noncustodial parent, upon written request and in accordance with Board of Education records policies 5124 and 5125 (a-c) may view the student's educational, medical or similar records maintained in such student's cumulative record, receive school progress reports, visit the child briefly at school and have an opportunity to confer with the student's teacher(s).

In addition, upon written request to the child's school principal, the school will subsequently and routinely mail to the parent making the request copies of all school information which is normally sent home with the child. This will include mailings of copies of report cards and class and school newsletters during the school year in which the request is made. Noncustodial parents and parents with shared custody not normally receiving materials from the school may annually request this service.

The custodial parent has the responsibility to keep the school office informed as to the address of residence, in a manner determined by the school, and how he / she may be contacted at all times. Any legal documents which restrict the rights of the noncustodial parent must be provided by the custodial parent. Unless otherwise indicated by a verified note from the parent or by a legal document provided by a parent, only the custodial parent has the right to remove the student from school property. If school personnel anticipate possible student abduction, law enforcement personnel are to be notified immediately.

(cf. 5060.1.2 Nonresidents)
(cf. 5080 Student Absences)
(cf. 5080.3 Request for Late Arrival, Early Dismissal, or Release of Student for Part of the School Day)
(cf. 5090.1.2 Age of Majority / Emancipated Minors)
(cf. 5120 Student Welfare / Safety)
(cf. 5120.9.2 Student Dismissal Precautions)
(cf. 5180.1 Records / Confidentiality)
(cf. 5180.1.1 Directory Information)

Date of Adoption: March 19, 2002

All requests for the utilization of students in research projects, special studies, and surveys not part of the regular educational program must have prior parent and Superintendent approval and Board of Education notification.

Date of Adoption: April 2, 1996

The Madison Board of Education recognizes that a school and/or students may derive value from publicizing student activities at periodic intervals. The Board of Education invites and welcomes the active participation of all forms of mass media in promoting the cause of good education within the school district and elsewhere. The Board encourages suggestions and advice from representatives of the media as to how best to facilitate the flow of information to them from the Board and others within the school system. If the building administrator determines that publicity will occur, the procedure for the publicity effort and all other conditions for the implementation of this policy shall be in accordance with administrative regulations established by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall establish procedures to govern day-to-day interactions between the schools and the news media.

Interviews, Photographs and Videotaping

Media coverage must extend from curricular activities and coordinate with the planned instructional program. Members of the public news media and/or other persons wishing to interview, photograph or videotape students at school need the prior per-mission of the principal.

Annually, parents/guardians will be given the option by written statement to withhold permission for interviews, photographs and videotaping of their child at school. Additionally, specific parental/guardian permission will be obtained if a newspaper story or a photograph, television segment or videotaping is to cover topics of a sensitive nature.

If any student is to be videotaped and will be identified or will be a primary subject of the video, prior written consent/release waiver will be obtained from the student's lawful custodian. Additionally, if a student is handicapped or exceptional and if such student will be identifiable on the videotape, prior written consent/release/waiver will be obtained from the student's lawful custodian.

Media coverage of campaign advertisements or other spots which advocate a certain position or opinion (e.g., partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrines) will not be allowed in a public school during-, the hours the school is in session.

Date of Adoption: June 4, 1996

The Madison Public Schools’ students have a basic need for security and safety. Therefore, the Board of Education is committed to averting and resolving crises that may occur and may involve students, faculty, staff, or the total school community. Through its educational programs, student assistance teams, student support personnel, and various strategies and mechanisms, the school system will strive to prevent crisis situations and to prepare its community members to address crises as they occur, and address circumstances that may pose the threat of crisis.

The Board of Education and administration acknowledge the necessity to prepare a Crisis Management Plan to address crises should they occur. It should be the intent of the Crisis Management Plan to provide (1) primary prevention strategies to prevent a crisis situation from occurring, (2) secondary prevention strategies to deal with the immediate aftermath, and (3) tertiary prevention strategies which provide long term follow-up for those affected by the crisis.

Rules and regulations for implementation of this policy are to be included in the district’s Crisis Management Plan, 1998.

Legal References: Connecticut General Statues
10-221 (e) Boards of education to prescribe rules.

Date of Adoption: March 23, 1999

Non-Discrimination

In compliance with its obligations under both Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, it is the policy of the Board of Education to provide a free and appropriate public education to each Section 504/ADA qualified & eligible student with disabilities within its jurisdiction, as defined in 28 CFR, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services without discrimination. Students may be disabled under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Students who are identified as individuals with exceptional needs according to the IDEIA criteria are not addressed under this policy, as the needs of such students are provided for elsewhere under state and federal law, and the District’s special education procedures.

Moreover, the Board of Education does not discriminate in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any of its programs and activities.

Due process rights of disabled students and their parents under Section 504 will be enforced.

The Director of Special Education and Student Services is the coordinator of Section 504 activities.

Civil, Legal Rights and Responsibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prohibit discrimination against person with a disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance. A person with a disability is anyone who:

1. has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (major life activities which include the operation of a major bodily function and functions such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working.);
2. has a record of such impairment; or
3. is regarded as having such an impairment.

 

In order to fulfill its obligation under the law, the school district recognizes a responsibility to avoid discrimination in its policies and practices. No discrimination against any person with a disability will knowingly be permitted in any of the programs and practices of the school system.

If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he / she has a right to request a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

19-581 through 585 AIDS testing and medical information.

10-209 Records not to be public.

46a-60 Discriminatory employment practices prohibited.

Section 504 and the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 20 U.S.C. 706(7)(b).

American Disability Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. Ch 126 §12112), as amended by ADA Amendments Act of 2008

Amendments of Americans with Disabilities Act, Title II and Title III, Regulation to Implement ADA Amendments Act of 2008. Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 155 (28 CFR Parts 35 & 36)

Chalk v. The United States District Court of Central California

Date of Adoption: November 4, 1999
Technical Revision: August 22, 2006
Technical Revision: June 1, 2010
Date of Revision: February 13, 2018

 

The Madison Board of Education provides computers, computer systems, software, electronic access privileges, and networks for students and staff to carry out the mission of the Board in an environment which ensures access to, and management of, up-to-date information and communication services. Responsible use of these systems and networks is expected of all students and staff.

The computers, computer systems, software, electronic access privileges, and networks are the property of the Madison Board of Education and are to be used only for those activities directly related to teaching, learning, and / or management by students and staff. The equipment, infrastructure, and software are not to be used for personal gain by any student or staff member.

The computers, computer systems, software, electronic access privileges, and networks provided by the Madison Board of Education shall not be modified or altered by individual users without the authorization of the Superintendent or his / her designee.

All users are hereby made aware that all information on the Madison Board of Education’s computers, computer systems, software, and networks is in the public domain, unless specifically protected by the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act. Users should not assume that any information accessed or stored on the computers, computer systems, or networks provided by the Madison Board of Education is private.

The Madison Board of Education reserves the right to bypass any or all individual or group passwords to determine the activity on any or all of the computers, computer systems, software, electronic access privileges, and networks.

The Superintendent shall establish grade level appropriate guidelines and procedures for responsible use of computer systems and devices, software, electronic access privileges, networks, and the internet provided by the Madison Board of Education.

The district shall provide student education about appropriate online behavior, including cyberbullying awareness and response, and how to interact with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms. Parents are required to annually sign a grade level appropriate Network Use Agreement granting permission for their child to access network resources. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

Legal Reference: Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 10-221

(cf 4150: Accepted Use of Computers, Computer Systems, Software, Electronic Access Privileges, and Networks)

Date of Adoption: November 4, 1999
Date of Revision: August 16, 2005
Date of Revision: May 15, 2012