School District of Hillsboro

School District of Hillsboro ANNUAL NOTICES P.O. Box 526 Hillsboro, WI 54634 ANNUAL NOTICES are published by the School District of Hillsboro to keep families of school aged children informed of the policies of our schools, and to communicate expectations and guidelines for the education of our children. The District also distributes an Elementary and Middle/High School Student Handbook as a resource given to families at the beginning of the school year, or upon enrollment in the district. This document and the full policies can also be accessed on our website at www.hillsboro.k12.wi.us. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal or the superintendent at 608 489 2221. Academic Standards Acceptable Use of Technology Alcohol and Drug Use By Students Annual Asbestos Notification Annual Indoor Environmental Quality Plan Notification Attendance Bullying and Cyberbullying Child Find Activity Complaint Procedure for Federally Funded Programs Equal Educational Opportunities Federally Funded Programs Headlice/Nits/Nuisance Diseases Human Growth and Development Instruction Locker Searches McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act Meningococcal Disease Information Nondiscrimination Policy Parent Involvement Parental Right to Review Curriculum Parental Right to Review Teacher Qualifications Public Records Notice Section 504 Compliance Special Education Referral and Evaluation Procedures Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use Student Discrimination Complaint Procedure Student Harassment Complaint Procedure Student Harassment Policy Student Records Student Religious Accommodations Title I Title IX Complaint Procedure Youth Options Program Wellness Policy 1

Academic Standards The School District of Hillsboro has adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts with a key component being Disciplinary Literacy and the Mathematics Standards. We are currently in the process of implementing the Next Generation Science Standards in (NGSS) in Science. The guiding standards for Social Studies and all related arts areas including Music, Art, Physical Education, Health Education, Foreign Language, and Technology Education are the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. Information and Technology Literacy Standards are infused in all curricular areas. The School District of Hillsboro screens all PreK 10 students using PALS, AIMSweb, and STAR to identify students for our RtI Program. Our daily, 30 minute, RtI Program provides both additional support for our struggling students in reading and math in addition to enrichment for our students exceeding benchmarks. Ongoing progress monitoring and summative and formative assessments guide continuous instructional adjustments to meet student need. Juniors receive intense ACT test prep instruction and test practice during RtI while seniors receive post high school planning time under the guidance of our student services staff. Curriculum Beginning in the Spring of 2011, we have used Curriculum Companion (CESA #7) as our guiding documents for curriculum design in both ELA and Mathematics. This framework provides the organization method for all curricular areas. By the end of the 2015 16 school year, students, parents, and the greater community will have the opportunity to view curriculum and standards via our school website. Acceptable Use of Technology The use of an account or access to the network, other technologies, or Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the School District of Hillsboro, including use of the system for classroom activities, professional or career development, self discovery activities, and pursuit of educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses that might be acceptable on a private or home account or on another system may not be acceptable on this limited purpose network. Use of other organization s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network, including generally accepted rules of network and Internet etiquette. In accordance with requirements of the Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children s Internet Protection Act (NCPIA), all equipment connecting to the Internet from any connection located within the District s buildings will be blocked or filtered. The District will make best efforts to prevent users from accessing or transmitting visual depictions of material deemed obscene, child pornography, and any material deemed harmful to minors as those terms are defined in CIPA. It will also make best efforts to prevent users from accessing or transmitting offensive, disruptive, or harmful data or any inappropriate matter as that term is used in NCIPA. This includes, but is not limited to, messages, files, or data that contain the following: Pornographic or erotic images Sexual implications Racial slurs Derogatory gender specific comments Information or instructions designed to cause harm to other person(s)/organization(s), comments that offensively address a person s age, sexual orientation, beliefs, political beliefs, gender, religious beliefs, national origin, or disability. 2

Any comment which in any way defames, slanders, or libels another person(s) Any comment intended to frighten, intimidate, threaten, abuse, annoy, or harass another person(s) or organization(s) Those data or activities that invade the privacy of another person(s). The District s computer network, other forms of technology, and the Internet, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of cyber bullying. Students and community members who believe they have been the victims of such misuses of technology, as described in this policy, should not erase the offending material from the system. A copy of the material should be printed and brought to the attention of the building principal or the Technology Services Coordinator. Alcohol and Drug Use By Students It is the policy of the School District of Hillsboro that students have the right to attend school in an environment that is free from the non medical use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and mood altering substances. These substances interfere with the learning environment and performance of students. Annual Asbestos Notification In compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), this is notice that the School District of Hillsboro has an Asbestos Management Plan at the school district office. The plan is available for inspection by the public, parents, and district employees. The district performs six month periodic surveillance of asbestos in June and December and full re inspections every three years. For more information please contact the district office. Annual Indoor Environmental Quality Plan Notification The School District of Hillsboro would like to inform staff, students, parents, and the public of the district s indoor environmental quality (IEQ) management plan. The plan was initially developed in 2013 and is reviewed as necessary. The plan was developed as deemed appropriate for the district. Questions and concerns should be directed to the IEQ Coordinator. Copies of the plan are available at the district office for a fee. The district office is located at777 School Ave, Hillsboro, WI, 54634 Attendance Regular attendance is critical to academic success and is required as outlined by State law. Frequent absences of pupils from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process. Education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for each individual child. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that absences be kept to a minimum. Bullying and Cyberbullying The Hillsboro Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, caring, respectful learning environment for all students and staff. The District will both strictly enforce rules in response to instances of bullying and provide high quality curriculum to teach students about bullying. Bullying can include, but is not limited to the following: Intimidation and/or harassment such as cruel teasing, put downs, or rumors; hazing; hateful name calling; or making threats Malicious social alienation, exclusion, or isolation Extortion Written notes, phone calls, or electronic text that are hurtful, slanderous, threatening, 3

intimidating, or degrading Verbal aggression or assaults which are hurtful, slanderous, threatening, intimidating, or degrading Nonverbal or emotional threats or intimidation Any act, attempted act, or threat of physical aggression such as assaults on a student or students, or attacks on a student s or students property Any act which threatens or intimidates any person or group because of sex, race, religion, national origin, color, disability, sexual orientation, age, or other protected status. Bullying behavior by students and staff is prohibited whether it is of the nature of student(s) to student(s), staff member to staff member, staff member to student, or student to staff member. Bullying is prohibited at school, on school premises, during school sponsored functions, on school buses and at bus stops, or through the use of electronic devices and telecommunications message devices. Any person who believes he/she has been bullied may file a written complaint with any administrator, counselor, psychologist or teacher. Any complaint received must be immediately forwarded to the building principal in order that he/she may conduct a thorough investigation. Cyberbullying The School District of Hillsboro s computer network and the internet, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of harassment or bullying. All forms of harassment over the internet, commonly referred to as cyberbullying are unacceptable and viewed as a violation of this policy and the District s acceptable computer use policy/procedures. Malicious use of the District s computer system to develop programs or to institute practices that harass or bully other users or gain unauthorized access to any entity on the network is prohibited. Users are responsible for the appropriateness of the material they transmit over the system. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other antisocial behaviors are expressly prohibited. Child Find Activity The school district must locate, identify, and evaluate all resident children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. The school district has a special education screening program to locate and screen all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district and who have not graduated from high school. Upon request the school district will screen any resident child who has not graduated high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate. A request may be made by contacting Eric Auel, School Psychologist, Hillsboro Public Schools, P.O. Box 526, Hillsboro, WI 54634, (608) 489 2221. Complaint Procedure for Federally Funded Programs Any organization or individual who believes that the School District of Hillsboro is in violation of a federal statute or regulation that applies to a federally funded program may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The complaint must be in writing, signed and include a statement that the District has violated a requirement of a federal statute or regulation and the facts upon which this allegation is based. A decision on the complaint will be made within 60 days after the Department of Public Instruction receives the complaint. An independent on site investigation may be conducted to resolve the complaint. Complaints meeting the requirements stated above may be addressed to: Mr. Tony Evers, State Superintendent Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 125 South Webster Street P.O. Box 7841 Madison, WI 53707 4

Equal Educational Opportunities It is the policy of the School District of Hillsboro, pursuant to State law and regulations, that no person, on the basis of sex, race, national origin, religion, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, homeless status, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, may be denied admission to any school in this district or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extracurricular, pupil services, recreational, food service program, or other program. Federally Funded Programs Any organization or individual who believes that the Hillsboro School District is in violation of a federal statute or regulation that applies to a federally funded program may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The complaint must be in writing, signed and include a statement that the District has violated a requirement of a federal statute or regulation and the facts upon which the statement is based. A decision on the complaint will be made within 60 days after the Department of Public Instruction receives the complaint. If necessary, an independent on sight investigation will be conducted to resolve the complaint. Complaints meeting the requirements described above may be addressed to: Tony Evers, State Superintendent; Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction; 125 South Webster Street PO Box 7841; Madison, WI 53707 Headlice/Nits/Nuisance Diseases Because schools bring large numbers of children into close contact daily, they serve as a focal point for the transmission of all kinds of communicable diseases such as head lice and other nuisance diseases. Control depends upon prompt case finding, proper administrative handling of each case, and effective treatment and treatment of its spread. Therefore, specific guidelines have been developed for the treatment of head lice and/or nits (eggs of the louse) in the School District of Hillsboro. These guidelines include parent notification, treatment instructions and parent responsibilities. Human Growth and Development Instruction Parents may receive an outline of the human growth and development curriculum for their child's grade level and preview the instructional materials. Please request information by contacting the Director of Curriculum and Instruction 608 489 2221 or the elementary and/or middle/high school principal. Locker Searches A student locker is provided by the school for the convenience of the student, to be used solely and exclusively for the storage of outer garments, footwear, and school related materials, and no student shall use the locker for any other purpose. The locker assigned to a student is the property of the School District of Hillsboro. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act Your children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act if your family lives in any of the following situations: In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground On the street In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing Please contact the school district liaison for homeless education: Cara Wood, PK 5 Principal Hillsboro 5

School District, 608 489 1610. If you need further assistance, please contact the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll free HelpLine number at 1 800 308 2145, or Mary Maronek, DPI State Coordinator for Homeless Education at 608 267 1284 Meningococcal Disease Information Public health authorities recommend that teenagers and college bound students be immunized against a potentially fatal bacterial infection called meningococcal disease, a type of meningitis.the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading medical organizations recommend routine meningococcal immunization for adolescents during the preadolescent doctor s visit (11 to 12 year olds), adolescents at high school entry (15 year olds) if they have not previously been immunized, and for college freshmen living in dormitories. To learn more about meningococcal disease, vaccine information, and public health resources visit the following web site: www.cdc.gov This CDC website includes the CDC recommendations and information on the meningococcal vaccine. Nondiscrimination Policy The Hillsboro School District does not discriminate against pupils on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, martial or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activities. Federal law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex or handicap. Parent Involvement Hillsboro Public Schools is committed to the goal of providing quality education for every child in this district. The district recognizes the importance of parent involvement and the critical role it plays in a child s academic success. Parental Right to Review Curriculum In compliance with school board policy and applicable legal requirements, the School District of Hillsboro would like to inform you of your right to inspect, upon request, any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum for students. In addition, you may deny your child s participation in certain District educational programs or activities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Parental Right to Review Teacher Qualifications As a parent of a student in the Hillsboro School District you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers that instruct your child. The No Child Left Behind federal law allows you to request specific information about your child s classroom teachers and requires that your school respond to your request in a timely manner. You have the right to ask for the following information in regard to your child s teachers: whether the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches; whether the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances; the teacher s college major, whether the teacher has advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees; whether any teacher s assistants or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualification. 6

Public Records Notice In recognition that a representative government depends upon an informed electorate, all persons shall be entitled to the greatest possible information about governmental affairs. The Board believes that providing persons with such information is an essential function of governmental officials and employees. Section 504 Compliance The district assures compliance Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794: No otherwise qualified handicapped individuals... shall, solely by the reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Special Education Referral and Evaluation Procedures Upon request, the Hillsboro School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district. A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability, may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Eric Auel, Director of Special Education, Hillsboro School District at 608 489 1501 or by writing him at P.O. Box 526, Hillsboro, WI 54634. Student Alcohol and Other Drug Use It is the policy of the School District of Hillsboro that students have the right to attend school in an environment that is free from the non medical use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and mood altering substances. These substances interfere with the learning environment and performance of students. The School District of Hillsboro recognizes that the use of alcohol and other drugs, and the problems associated with it, are becoming increasingly commonplace in our society. The District supports and will implement the following measures: 1. A clear and strong ATOD violation policy and procedure, 2. An active and confidential referral and assistance procedure for ATOD policy violators and any other students with suspected ATOD abuse problems, 3. Continuing in service of all school personnel of ATOD awareness including causes, prevention, intervention, treatment and aftercare, 4. Training of appropriate school personnel in ATOD counseling, 5. The establishment and maintenance of a K 12 ATOD education and awareness program for all students. Student Discrimination Complaint Procedure Any complaint regarding the interpretation or application of this policy shall be processed in accordance 7

with the following grievance procedures: 1. Any student, parent, or resident of the District complaining of any form of discrimination shall report the complaint in writing to the District Administrator. A. Complaints/appeals relating to the identification, evaluation, educational placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education of a student with a disability must be resolved through procedures established in the District s special education handbook. B. Complaints that the District is in violation of a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program ( EDGAR Education Department General Administrative Regulations complaints ) must be referred directly to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 2. The District Administrator, upon receiving such a written complaint, shall immediately undertake an investigation of the suspected infraction. Within 30 days after receiving the complaint, the District Administrator shall decide the merits of the case, determine the action to be taken, if any, and report in writing the findings and the resolution of the case to the grievant. 3. If the grievant is dissatisfied with the decision of the District Administrator, he/she may appeal the decision in writing to the Board. The Board shall hear the appeal at its next regular meeting, or a special meeting may be called for the purpose of hearing the appeal. The Board shall make its decision in writing within 30 days after the hearing. Copies of the written decision shall be mailed or delivered to the grievant and the District Administrator. The grievant shall be notified that if he/she is dissatisfied with the Board s decision, he/she may appeal the decision in writing to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and of the procedures for making the appeal. Student Harassment Complaint Procedure The District Administrator is responsible for coordinating State and Federal regulations concerning harassment. Any person who is subject to harassment is encouraged to report it to any administrator, counselor, psychologist or teacher. Student Harassment Policy The Hillsboro Board of Education prohibits student harassment, and acknowledges all regulations, requirements and responsibilities defined by State and Federal laws regarding student harassment, including sexual harassment. Student harassment means behavior towards students based in whole or in part, on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, homeless status or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability which substantially interferes with a student s school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment. Student Records The Hillsboro School District maintains student records in the interest of the student to assist in providing appropriate educational experiences. Two types of records are kept by the District: Type A records include: directory data, a statement of courses taken by the student, health/immunization, attendance, test scores and notations entered by teachers and/or parents/guardians. Type B records include: all student records, other than progress records, such as psychological reports, statements relating to individual behavior and exceptional education records. Type A records are kept in various designated offices. Health/Immunization records are kept in the nurse s office. Type B records are secured in the District s psychologist s office. All student records, other than directory information are considered confidential. The school district is required to make student records available to law enforcement officers who are individually designated by the school board and assigned to the school district, in addition to the district employees who are required by the DPI to hold a license and to other school district officials who have been determined by the school 8

board to have legitimate educational interests in the records. Parents or adult students shall be permitted to inspect and review any educational records relating to their children, which are collected, maintained or used by the District. The District shall comply with a request without unnecessary delay, (usually less than 24 hours). The right to inspect and review education records includes: The right to a response from the District to reasonable requests for exceptional explanation and interpretations of the records. The right to request that the District provide copies of the records containing the information if failure to provide those copies would effectively prevents the parent from exercising the right to inspect and review the records. The right to have a representative of the parent inspect and review the records. Parents who wish to review a copy of the school s policy or secure records may make that request through the building principal. If parents believe that the District is not complying with the Federal Students Records Law or if they wish to challenge information in a student s records, a complaint may be filed with the Superintendent. A parent who believes the information in education records is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the child, may request the District to amend the information. The District shall decide whether to amend the information in accordance with the request within a reasonable period of time of receipt of the request. If the District decides to refuse to amend the information in accordance with the request, it shall inform the parent of the refusal and advise the parent of the right to a hearing before the Board of Education, per the District s Complaint/Concern Policy. Student records will be maintained while the student is a resident of the District. After graduation or upon transfer to another school district, behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year. Other student records may be maintained for a longer period, per state statute. Student Religious Accommodations The District provides for the reasonable accommodation of a student s sincerely held religious beliefs with regard to examinations and other academic requirements. State law permits children to be released from school for religious instruction. The Board neither recommends nor discourages student participation in such instruction. Students in the Hillsboro School District will be released for religious instruction outside the school grounds under the following conditions: 1. The student must have written permission from his parent or guardian. 2. Not more than one hour per day and three hours per week of school time be granted for religious instruction. 3. The School Board may deny the privilege of released time to students who requested religious instruction but were absent from the instruction. The School Board assumes no responsibility for transporting students to religious instruction and shall be released from all liability for a pupil who is absent from school in accordance with the rules set forth above. The process for receiving and resolving complaints about the accommodation of religious beliefs is described above in the NonDiscrimination Policy section. Title I The Board of Education elects to augment the educational program of educationally disadvantaged students by the use of Federal funds in accordance with Title I. The Title 1 Coordinator shall prepare and present to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) a plan for the delivery of services, which meets the requirements of the law. Appropriate staff members and parents of students who will be served by the plan shall develop the plan. People involved in developing the plan shall be chosen in accordance with Title 1 requirements. 9

Title IX Complaint Procedure Any student or employee who has a complaint of sex discrimination prohibited by federal law contained in Title IX of the Educational amendments of 1972 shall attempt promptly to resolve the complaint by discussions with his/her principal, in case of a student or his/her supervisor, in the case of any employee. The complaint should be in writing and described in as much detail as possible the fact of the situation. The principal or supervisor shall keep a written record of the discussion and provide a copy to the student or employee involved. If the complaint is not resolved in Step One, the complainant may file the complaint in writing with the superintendent of school by certified mail, return receipt requested and mail a copy to the principal or supervisor involved. The Superintendent shall arrange a meeting to discuss the complaint and subsequent meetings may be scheduled as agreed by both parties. The Superintendent shall give a written answer to the complainant by certified mail, return receipt requested, within ten (10) calendar days after the final meeting regarding the complaint. If the complaint is not resolved in Step Two, the complainant may file the complaint in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Clerk of the Board of Education within ten (10) calendar days after the receipt of the Superintendent s answer. The Board shall consider the complaint at the soonest appropriate meeting at which time the complaint shall have the right to present his/her position to the Board. The Board shall within thirty (30) days after the meeting advise the complainant in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested of the action taken with regard to the complaint. Contact: Curt Bisarek, Superintendent; P.O. Box 526 777 School Road; Hillsboro, WI 54634; 608 489 2221 Ext. 1502 Youth Options Program Any 11th or 12 grade pupils attending Hillsboro High School may apply to attend a University of Wisconsin Institution of Higher Learning, a participating tribally controlled college, a participating private college, or a Wisconsin Technical College under the Youth Options Program. In order to participate, the student must notify the Board of their intentions prior to March 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. The Board must notify the pupil if any of the requested post secondary course work will be approved for high school credit and how much credit will be awarded, whether the course is comparable and whether it meets graduation credit requirements. For more information on this program contact the high school guidance office at 608 489 2221. Wellness Policy The School District of Hillsboro promotes the health and well being of its students and staff by supporting an atmosphere of good nutrition and physical activity. The School District of Hillsboro recognizes that proper nutrition and physical activity contribute to a student s physical well being and readiness to learn. 10