Documents, Forms, Policies, Handbooks - Fort Edward Union Free School District

Access to Student Information

Board of Education Policy #5676

Access to student records and information is governed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Parents and students over 18 years of age have the right to:

Inspect and review their educational records.
Request the amendment of records believed to be inaccurate or misleading.
Object to the disclosure of personally identifiable information within the student’s education records.
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education alleging failure of the district to comply with FERPA and its regulations.

Annual Fire Inspection

Annual Professional Performance Review

Anti-Idling Law

Asbestos Management Plan

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.

Attendance Policy

Board of Education Policy #7110 (Grades 7-12 )
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:

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

Body Mass Index Information

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

Child Abuse Hotline

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling the New York State Office of Children and Family Services at 1-800-342-3720. 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 www.ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.

Child Find Mandate

Code of Conduct

Board of Education Policy #3410

The Fort Edward Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment where students may receive, and district personnel may deliver, quality educational services without disruption or interference. Responsible behavior by students, facility, support staff, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal.

The Board of Education recognizes the need to clearly define these expectations for acceptable conduct on school property, to identify the possible consequences and of unacceptable conduct and to ensure that discipline when necessary is administer promptly and fairly. School specific code of conduct information is included in student handbook and on our school website.

Concussion Testing

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

Data Privacy and Security

The district is committed to ensuring student privacy in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations and district policies. More details on the Parent’s Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security can be found on our website.

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

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;
Personally identifiable information (PII) shall not be included in public reports or documents;
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;
Alignment with the National Institute for Standards & Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework.
Annual training and notification for employees that handle student, teacher and/or principal PII.
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

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

Board of Education Policy #3420

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) was enacted to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. In accordance with DASA, Fort Edward Schools condemn and strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

For more information about DASA and the Fort Edward School’s policy, please call our building level DASA coordinators.
High School - Ms. Joanna Scotch (518) 747-4529 Ext. 3123
Elementary School - Ms. Deb LeBarron (518)747-4529 Ext. 3116

Disclosure of Information to Military

Upon request, the district must disclose to military recruiters or institutions of higher learning the name, address and telephone numbers of high school students.

The district may also receive requests for what may be termed “directory information” regarding students. This could include a students Name, Address, telephone number, major course of study, participation in school activities and sports, weight and height of perspective college athletes, dates of attendance, diplomas awarded and schools previously attended.

Parents and students above the age of 18 may request that the district not disclose this information. Any such request must be submitted in writing to a student’s principal. Requests should be submitted by the second week of school and must be renewed each year.

Dispensing Medication in Schools

New York State 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, acetaminophen, 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.

District Emergency Management Plan

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.

Emergency Closing

In order to ensure the safety of students and staff, the Fort Edward Union Free School District will close in inclement weather. If school is closed or delayed you will be notified by automated phone message. You many also tune to the local network television affiliates, and regional FM and AM radio stations. Be sure to check the Fort Edward Union Free School District website (www.fortedward.org) and social media for any up-to-the -minute cancellation information.

Equal Opportunity (Title IX)

It is the policy of the Fort Edward Union Free 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, Ben Halsey
518-747-4529 Ext 3113

Fort Edward Union Free School District
220 Broadway
Fort Edward, NY 12828

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

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.

Fire Safety Inspection

Grade Promotion & Placement

Decisions about student promotion and placement are at the discretion of the building principal or administration. These decisions are guided by recommendations of teachers and staff members, past academic performance, and parent/guardian input. Past academic performance refers to a variety of indicators of student achievement and growth. Promotion and placement decisions are not based solely on student performance on New York state assessments in grades 3-8 English language arts or mathematics. The district’s promotion and placement policy was adopted by the board of education following a review by the district administration.

Hand Sanitizer Use

Health Information Privacy

The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) requires written authorization from a parent of guardian in order for information to flow between health providers and a school. For example, immunization records require such authorization. Within the school setting, FERPA continues to govern the exchange of healthcare information that is contained in the student’s educational record. It is not necessary to obtain a release of information from a parent or guardian in order to share such information with school staff for the purposes of ensuring the best and most appropriate care for a student. Contact the New York State School Health Services Center at (585) 349-7630 for additional information.

Homeless Student Policy

All programs and services of the district are available to homeless students and unaccompanied youth. Whenever a homeless child or unaccompanied youth seeks to enroll in the district, and at least twice annually, while the child is enrolled, the parent and child will be informed of their rights. Some of these rights include the right to attend the school they previously attended or to attend school in the district of current location, the right to be enrolled even though the admission requirements have not been completed and prior student records are not available, and the right to transportation to and from school.

New York State ESSA-Funded Programs Complaint Procedures

Non-Discrimination Notice

Board of Education Policy #3421

The Fort Edward Union Free School District does not discriminate in employment or in the education programs and activities which it operates on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, race, or handicap in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, or §504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the NYS Human Right Law. Inquiries regarding this non-discrimination notice may be directed to the Section 504/Title IX Coordinator.

NYS School Report Card

Participation in Graduation Ceremonies by All Eligible Students

New York State Education Law requires Fort Edward Union Free School District to inform students and parents/guardians of the district’s policy that all eligible students are allowed to participate in a high school graduation ceremony and associated graduation activities with their graduating class (i.e., the 12th-grade class with which such student entered into ninth grade). This includes students who have been awarded a Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential or Career Development and Occupational Studies Commencement Credential.

Pesticide Notification

Board of Education Policy #5632
The Fort Edward Union Free School District may use pesticide products periodically throughout they year. The Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law requires school districts to maintain a list of staff and persons in a parental relation who wish to receive 48 hour written notice prior to the application of pesticides. Written notifications will include the date, locations and products used for each application. For further information or to be placed on the school-specific 48 hour notification list, please contact the schools main office at (518)747-4529

Right to Know

As a parent of a student in the Fort Edward Union Free School District, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teacher(s) who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask certain information about your child’s classroom teacher(s) and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it.

Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teacher(s):

Whether the NYS Education Department has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
Whether the NYS Education Department has decided that the teacher can teach in the classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulation because of special circumstances.
The teacher’s college major and whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degree.
Whether any paraprofessionals provide service to your child and, if they do, their qualifications.

Please contact the district office at (518) 747-4529 if you wish to access this information.

School Safety Plan

The Fort Edward Union Free School District Safe Schools Plan is a comprehensive look at all of the factors that contribute to school safety. The plan was developed in accordance with New York State’s Safe School Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, research and the input of representative from many constituencies within the school community. Safety training is conducted throughout the year, and there at least 12 safety drills (4 lockdown drills and eight evacuation drills) as well as an early dismissal.

Student Absences

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 provided a basis by which students can demonstrate mastery of subject matter,

The following reason for pupil absences, tardiness and early departure shall be considered by the Board of Education as excused: bereavement, medical, religious observance, required court appearances, participation in a school-related activity, pre-approved college visitations, approved cooperative work programs, approved military commitments, and suspensions.

When your child is 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 main office when he or she returns to school.

Student Photos and Work

Students directory information depicting school-related activities (e.g. name, grade, awards, activities, photos) is occasionally released for use in district publications, on the district website or social media pages, or by the media. Parents/guardians who object to the release of their child’s directory information should notify their child’s school principal in writing by September 30th . This request must be renewed each year.

Student Privacy

Board of Education Policy #7250
In accordance with the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), the district will send a letter home to notify parents of their right to opt a child out of surveys about protected areas (e.g. political affiliations, income, psychological problems, sexual behavior, religions practices) before issuing the surveys.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment provides parents/guardians with certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. In particular, if a survey is funded in whole or part by the U.S. Department of Education, parents/guardians have the right to consent before students are required to complete a survey that asks about any of the following protected areas:

Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents/guardians;
Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
Sexual behavior or attitudes;
Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

Parents/guardians will also receive a notice and an opportunity to opt students out of the following:

Any other survey that asks about the above protected areas;
Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attending school or school functions, with the exception of physical exams or screenings required or permitted by state law (e.g. hearing, vision, or scoliosis); and
Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

Parents/guardians have the right to inspect any surveys that ask about the above protected areas, as well as surveys created by third parties that are used to collect personal information from students for marketing purposes, and instructional materials used as part of the curriculum.

The school district will directly notify parents/guardians of its student privacy policy at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Parents/guardians will also be provided with reasonable notification of specific activities or surveys covered by this policy and the ability to opt their child out of such activities.

These rights transfer from the parents/guardians to a child who is at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.

Anyone who believes their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office; U.S. Department of Education; 400 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20202.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act is a new law as of July 1, 2022. It requires schools, students, and parents/guardians to be informed about sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs and symptoms.

The goal of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Prevention Act is to promote safe interscholastic athletics and to prevent incidents of SCA in student-athletes.

The law requires districts to provide information to parents/guardians of student-athletes prior to the student’s participation in any interscholastic athletics. The law also requires coaches to hold a valid certificate of completion of first aid training through a nationally recognized organization.

SCA is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately. Immediate treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). SCA in students at risk can be triggered by athletic activities. All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all school athletic events.

Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life. Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help them know if your child is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.

To decrease any chance of SCA in a student, the Interval Health History for Athletics must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian before each sports season unless a physical examination has been conducted within 30 days before the start of the season. This form has questions to help identify changes since the last physical examination or health history was completed. School personnel may require a student with health or history changes to see a healthcare provider before participating in athletics.

The law also requires any student who has signs and symptoms of pending SCA to be removed from athletic activity until seen by a physician. The physician must provide written clearance to the school for the student to be able to return to athletics.

Please visit the NYSED Health Services webpage for additional information. You may also email the NYSED Office of Student Support Services or call 518-486-6090.

Teacher Qualifications (Title I)

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents/guardians have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including:

Whether a teacher has state certification for the grade levels and subjects he or she is teaching;
Whether a teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
Whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification of the teacher;
Whether their child receives services from paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications; and
Whether their child has been taught for four or more weeks in a row by a teacher “who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.”

Parents/guardians may request their child’s classroom teacher’s professional qualifications by contacting the Superintendent of School (518) 747-4529 Ext. 3101