Fort Edward District Policy Manual - Updated 2021

Bullying/DASA

Dignity for All Students - Anti-Bullying Information and Resources

FEUFSD believes that all students deserve and have the right to be educated in a safe, nurturing, and supportive school environment that accepts them for who they are.

New York State Dignity for All Students Act?New law effective July 1, 2012

The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which took effect July 1, is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Some of the law requirements include updating and/or establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies and regulations, creating school training programs and incorporating or embedding civility, citizenship and character education into the curriculum for every grade level.

Fort Edward School already meets the DASA standards in many respects. From in-school character education sessions led by teachers and counselors to after school clubs, students at all grade levels are exposed to the ideas of tolerance, compassion and respect.

Resources for Parents

What is Bullying? A government website titled Stop Bullying Now defines it as:

Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending himself or herself. Usually, bullying happens over and over.

• Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically

• Spreading bad rumors about people

• Keeping certain people out of a "group"

• Teasing people in a mean way

• Getting certain people to "gang up" on others

Bullying also can happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when children or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include:

• Sending mean text, email, or instant messages

• Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites

• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone

Each school has a Dignity Act Coordinator. In the Elementary School it is Mrs. LeBarron (747-4529 ext 3115, dlebarron@fortedward.org) and in the MS/HS it is Mrs. Scotch (747-4529 ext 3123, jscotch@fortedward.org).

DASA Report Form Download 
DASA Appeal of Determination/Decision Form Download

Sexual Harassment Policy Download

Acceptable Use Policy

McKinney Vento Homeless/ Unaccompanied Youth Program

Fort Edward Union Free School District

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

Under McKinney-Vento, “homeless” is defined as individuals of school age who lack “fixed, regular and adequate housing.”

I think I might be homeless, what are some examples of homeless situations?

Here are several common examples. If you do not see your situation listed, please contact the McKinney Vento Liaison listed below to discuss your case in more detail.

What does it mean if I am homeless?

Simply put, homeless designation means that the school district can provide additional supports and resources to support you during this difficult time. Each case is unique, but the most common needs are:

· Free meals for all homeless students

· Transportation if temporary residence is outside the district

· Flexibility in scheduling, as a result of transportation needs

· Expedited registration process to ensure that the child misses as little school as possible

· Additional supports for students through guidance

Who will know that I am homeless?

Information regarding homeless status is kept as confidential as possible. Information is provided to the business office, guidance department, registrar and faculty on a need to know basis. Personal information is not shared, only the information that is needed to provide adequate services in a timely manner.

Who do I contact?

The best person to contact at Fort Edward is the McKinney Vento Liaison. You may also notify the registrar or main office secretary and they will direct you to the liaison.

Joyce Long
McKinney Vento Liaison

(518) 747-4529 Ext. 3125

What will happen next?

After contacting the liaison, a meeting will be schedule promptly to determine the nature of your specific situation. During that time, you will have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and discuss with the liaison the resources that the school has at its disposal to assist you. There will be a small amount of paperwork to be completed at that time. Should transportation be required, the liaison will facilitate that process. Remember our goal is stabilize the learning environment as quickly as possible.

Then what?

After homeless status has been established, we will continue to work with you to provide supports in the weeks or months to come. It is important to remain in contact with the liaison as to any changes in your housing status. Moves to different temporary housing or fixed housing need to be reported to the liaison. The liaison will also reach out to you periodically to check on your status, it is essential that changes in contact information remain current.

Additional Resources:

· Federal McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act

http://www.nysed.gov/essa/mckinney-vento-homeless-education

· New York State Office for the Homeless

http://www.nysteachs.org/

· Dispute Resolution/ Appeals Process

https://www.nysteachs.org/dispute-resolution-appeals-process

· Determining Eligibility

https://www.nysteachs.org/determining-eligibility-for-mckinney-vento

· Enrollment and School Selection

https://www.nysteachs.org/enrollment-and-school-selection

· Research on Homeless Education

https://www.nysteachs.org/research-on-homeless-education

Fort Edward students have all rights afforded them by federal and state constitutions, statutes, and regulations. Accordingly, students are reminded that certain responsibilities accompany these rights.

It shall be the right of each student to:

• Have a safe, healthy, orderly, and courteous school environment.
• Take part in all district activities on an equal basis regardless of sex, religion, national origin, or disability.
• Attend school and participate in all school programs unless suspended.
• Have rules and regulations available for review and explanation.
• Be suspended only after his or her rights have been observed pursuant to Education Law.
• Present his or her views of the facts in all disciplinary matters.
• Follow personal standards of dress and grooming.
• Express his or her opinions verbally as long as this expression does not interfere with the rights of others.
• It is the responsibility of each student to:
• Be familiar with and abide by all school rules.
• Work to the best of his or her ability in all academic and extracurricular pursuits.
•  Behave responsibly when attending school functions and to accept responsibility for his or her actions.
• Seek help in solving problems that could affect his or her academic or extra-curricular achievement.
• Hold regular attendance in school and in class.
• Show respect for themselves and one another and his or her property.
• Dress in accordance with standards established by the Board and Superintendent.
• Make constructive contributions to the school and report fairly circumstances of school-related issues. 

The Board of Education of the Fort Edward Union Free School District recognizes that student attendance in school is an important component of student success. Student interaction with teachers and other students in class helps to enhance the academic learning experience and provides a basis by which students can demonstrate mastery of subject matter.

The following reasons for pupil absences, tardiness, and early departure shall be considered by the Board of Education to be excused:
• Bereavement
• Religious observance
• Required court appearances
• Participation in a school-sponsored activity
• Pre-approved college visits
• Approved cooperative work programs
• Approved military commitments
• Suspensions

When you expect your child will be sick and cannot attend school:
Call the school as early as possible in the morning and inform the office that the child will be absent.
Write and sign a note which the child will submit to the attendance office when he or she returns to school.

If your child becomes sick during the day:
Board policy states that the student should report his or her illness to his or her teacher.
The teacher will sign a pass for the student to proceed to the nurse’s office.
The school nurse will take appropriate action, possibly calling the student’s parent or guardian.

NYS law prohibits school nurses from dispensing, without written permission, any drugs or over-the-counter medications.

If your child is under a physician’s prescription to take medicine, please bring the medication, along with the prescription label, to the school nurse. The same procedure applies to aspirin, Tylenol, cold remedies and all other over-the-counter medicines.

If you wish to have your child take over-the-counter medication while in school, please bring the medicine to the school nurse.

In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, the Fort Edward School will close in inclement weather. If you expect school will be closed, please tune to the local radio and television stations below. You may also check our check our district website. We ask that you do not telephone the school. Thank you.

Radio
WBZA 1410 AM
WCKM 98.5 FM
WCQL 95.9 FM
WENU 101.7 FM
WGNA 107.7 FM
WGNA 1460 AM
WGY 801 AM
WHTR 107.1 FM
WNYQ 105.7 FM
WKBE 100.3 FM
WMML 1230 AM
WNYV 94.1 FM
WQAR 101.3 FM
WRVE 99.5 FM
WWSC 1450 AM
WYJB 95.5 FM
WZZM 93.5 FM

Television
WRGB TV 6
WNYT TV 13
WTEN TV 10
Capital News 9 

Regular attendance is a necessary requirement in the learning process. This attendance policy calls attention to student absence when it occurs and enables the family and the district to cooperate in helping the student succeed. In order to promote and encourage regular attendance, credit for completion of all classes will be based, in part, on attendance with the following criteria:

1. A student who is absent from any class other than for Band or Chorus in excess of 20 class periods for a 40-week course, or 10 class periods for a 20-week course, shall lose all credit for that course of study.
2. If a student and his/her parents believe that extenuating circumstances were involved in a specific set of legal absences, they may petition the appropriate building principal for review. Then, if unsatisfied, an appeal may be made to the Superintendent of Schools for further deliberation and examination.
3. Any first year BOCES student who misses 20 days or more of BOCES classes will not be allowed to return for his or her second year of study.

The Fort Edward Union Free School District has submitted information regarding asbestos containing building materials in the school district to the New York State Education Department. This information is documented in the school district’s Asbestos Management Plan, which is in compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763). This memorandum is intended to fulfill the annual notification requirements.

Under the AHERA Regulation the school district is required to perform re-inspections on all facilities which contain asbestos-containing construction materials once every three years. Documentation related to the re-inspection is available in the Asbestos Management Plan. The AHERA regulations further require that periodic surveillances of the same asbestos containing materials be performed twice a year. These inspections have been, and continue to be, performed and records of the surveillances are also with the Asbestos Management Plan. The Asbestos Management Plan for Fort Edward School is available to the public for review. For more information, call the school’s main office at 747-4529, extension 3120.

APPR stands for Annual Professional Performance Review and it is the process by which teachers and principals are evaluated in New York State. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and, in turn, to improve students’ performance and readiness for colleges and careers. District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers and principals across New York ultimately receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.

All parents/guardians have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once they are available. Parents who wish to request these scores should contact the superintendent's office at 518-747-4529. 

The Anti-Idling Law (Title 6 NYCRR, Subpart 217-3) prohibits the idling of a diesel or non-diesel fueled engine for more than five consecutive minutes except to maintain temperatures inside the vehicles during the cold or hot weather when it is required by certain regulations and the operation of equipment.

Fort Edward Schools Transportation Department monitors compliance with the Anti-Idling Laws. When loading or unloading our buses at school, buses are shut off during those times. The school is also responsible to ensure visitors at our school follow the same rules and regulations regarding the idling of buses.

As part of a required school health examination, a student is weighed and his/her height is measured. These numbers are used to figure out the student’s body mass index or ‘BMI’. The BMI helps the doctor or nurse know if the student’s weight is in a healthy range, is too high or too low. The number is used as a way to improve the health and well–being of children. Recent changes to the New York State Education Law require that BMI and weight status group be included as part of the student’s school health examination. District schools are at times required to take part in a survey by the New York State Department of Health. The information sent to the New York State Department of Health will help health officials develop programs that make it easier for children to be healthier.

As part of the survey, we will be reporting to the New York State Department of Health information about students’ weight groups in grades Prekindergarten, Kindergarten, 2, 4, 7 and 10. Only summary information is sent for the school district. No names and no information about individual students are sent, only numbers for groups of students that are collected from their health examination. However, you may choose to have your child’s information excluded from this survey report.

If you do not wish to have your child’s weight status group information included as part of a Health Department survey, please complete the opt-out form and submit it to your child’s school nurse: Sabrina Sinagra (ssinagra@fortedward.org)

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.

New York state requires tackle football programs to provide information about concussions and sub-concussive blows, and the injuries that might occur as a result of such blows, to the parents or guardians of all children participating in tackle football programs. Fort Edward School District provides you with the following materials so that you are aware of the risks of concussion and other brain injuries.

• NYS Department of Health website’s “Sports-Related Concussion” page

In January 2020, the NYSED Board of Regents adopted Part 121 of the Commissioner's Regulations for the Strengthening of Data Privacy & Security in NYS Educational Agencies to Protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) pursuant to Education Law sections 2-d, 101, 207, and 305. The Board of Education policy was adopted on March 9, 2020.

The Fort Edward UFSD policy details specific privacy protections that ensure:

1. Every use and disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) by Fort Edward UFSD shall benefit students and the Fort Edward UFSD, such as improve academic achievement; advance efficient and effective school operations; empower families and students with information;

2. Personally identifiable information (PII) shall not be included in public reports or documents;

3. Parents, legal guardians, and eligible students (students who are age 18 or older) are afforded all the protections, where applicable, under the Family Education Rights Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the federal regulations for implementing those statuates;

4. Alignment with the National Institute for Standards & Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework.

5. Annual training and notification for employees that handle student, teacher and/or principal PII.

6. Publication of the Fort Edward UFSD data security and privacy policy on its website for its community of stakeholders.

For more information please visit our Data Privacy and Security Page

Pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the school district must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of our high school students. Parents have the right to request in writing that the district not release this information. Requests should be mailed to High School Guidance Counselor Joanna Scotch, Fort Edward Union Free School District, 220 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, or dropped off at the main office of the High School.

School nurses dispense all medications (including over-the-counter medicines). State regulation prohibits the administration of any medication without a physician's order and parent's written permission. ALL medications must be brought in to school by an adult and in the original containers. The instruction for administering the medication must match the written instructions provided by the child's physician. Medications cannot be dispensed unless the two sets of instructions match.

The Fort Edward Union Free School District has developed the Emergency and Disaster Management Preparedness plan as required by New York State Education Law Section 155.13. The regulation requires that each public school district have Emergency Management Plans in place and that information on emergency procedures be provided to all students and staff. The district will provide training throughout the year and conduct at least 12 fire drills, as well as a "go home" drill to test transportation and communication systems. Emergency evacuation information is posted in each classroom. For additional information on the Emergency Management Plan, please contact: Superintendent Richard DeMallie Ed. D. at 747-4529 ext.3100.

In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, the Fort Edward School will close in inclement weather.

Our district uses a notification system, BlackBoard Connect, which allows us to reach parents, students and staff members instantly.

If our school will be closed or delayed you will be notified by a automated phone message.

You may also tune to the local network television affiliates (WRGB, WTEN, WNYT, and WXXA), Capital News 9, or the regional FM and AM radio stations. Websites associated with each of these media outlets are also excellent sources of school closing information.

Also, be sure to check the Fort Edward Union Free School District Web site (http://www.fortedward.org)  and social media for any up-to-the-minute cancellation information.

 We ask that you do not telephone the school. Thank you.

It is the policy of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District to provide a learning and working environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX requires the school district not to discriminate. Reports of sexual harassment can be made at any time, including during non-business hours using the telephone number or e-mail address, or by mailing to the office address listed for the for the Title IX Coordinator:

• School Superintendent Richard DeMallie Ed.D. 518-747-4529 Ext. 3101 (rdemallie@fortedward.org)

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents and students who are over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) have the right to inspect and review the student’s educational records. Such a request must be sent in writing to the main office of your school.

Contacts:

• Lecia Carpenter, Elementary School requests, lcarpenter@fortedward.org
• Mindy Gregory, Middle School / High School requests, mgregory@fortedward.org

Arrangements will be made to provide access to such records within 45 days after the request has been received.

Parents also have the right to request the amendment of the student’s education records believed to be inaccurate or misleading by writing to the Superintendent of Schools, identifying the record and specifying what they believe is inaccurate and why.

They have the right to consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information in a student’s education record, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. It is the district’s policy to disclose personally identifiable information from student records, without consent, to school district officials with legitimate educational interests (i.e., to fulfill professional responsibilities) and, upon request, to another school district or institution in which a student seeks enrollment. School officials include administrators, supervisors, instructors and support staff employed by the district; Board of Education members; a person or company (e.g., attorney, auditor or therapist) with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task; or a parent or student serving on an official committee or assisting another school official in performing duties. Parents who believe the district has not complied with FERPA requirements may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

Under the No Child Left Behind legislation and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district is required to provide information to parents about their right to inspect student records and disclosure of student directory information. Here's what you need to know: 

• Parents and 18-year-old students may inspect official records relating to the students, including progress reports, grades, aptitude and achievement test scores, psychological tests and teacher evaluations. A record may be challenged by parents or 18-year-olds when they believe it to be inaccurate or misleading. The principal may remove designated material if in agreement with the challenge. If the principal does not agree, the parent may appeal to the Superintendent either to have it removed or to add explanatory comments to the record in question.
  
  
• Individual student records are confidential and are not released to colleges, employers or elsewhere without written permission subject to the following exceptions. District schools may forward educational records to other schools that have requested them and in which a Schuylerville student seeks or intends to enroll. What the law refers to as "directory information" may be made public for school purposes unless a parent informs us in writing that they do not want this information made public. Directory information that we may make public includes: a pupil's name, address, phone number, grade level, honors or awards received, dates of attendance, photograph, age, membership in school athletic teams, activities or clubs, and (for athletes only) height and weight. Directory information is primarily made public so that students' accomplishments can be included in various publications, such as concert programs, yearbooks or honor rolls.
  
  
• Parents and 18-year-old pupils have the right to opt out of the disclosure of directory information by submitting a written request to the Superintendent. Requests need to be submitted annually and by September 10 of each school year. They can be dropped off in the main office of each building or sent to: Fort Edward Union Free School District, 220 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828. Questions about school policies in connection with the family rights and privacy law can be addressed to building principal or the Superintendent of Schools.

The district conducts an annual fire inspection and submits a report to New York State Education Department. Call (518) 747-4529 to review a copy.