Issuu

2026 – 2027 Annual Notification Manual

The material covered within this handbook is intended to communicate to parents and students general district information, rules and procedures and is not intended to either augment or diminish any Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Material contained herein may therefore be superseded by such Board policy, administrative regulation or negotiated agreement. Please contact administration for a copy of specific Board policies or visit the district website at www.waterfordschools.org.

Mission

In support of this Mission, we believe: ❑ Education is a collaborative responsibility requiring a partnership among the individual, family, school system, and community. ❑ Safety, integrity, and respect are critical to support success for all learners. ❑ The greatest potential for learning occurs when an individual’s social, emotional, and academic needs are met. ❑ Student growth and achievement are enhanced when curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement are valued by all members of the learning community. ❑ Evidence and information are the foundation of sound decision-making. Website: http://www.waterfordschools.org

Board of Education Members Deb Roselli Kelly– Chairperson Marcia Benvenuti– Secretary Amanda Gates-Lamothe Pat Fedor Craig Merriman Kim Hodges Elizabeth Maiese Corlyn Webster Laurie Wolfley District Offices ~ (860) 444-5801 Thomas W. Giard III Superintendent of Schools

Craig C. Powers Assistant Superintendent

Heather Gaieski Director of Special Services

Sarah Kozey Special Services Supervisor

Nancy Sudhoff Director of Human Resources

Joseph Mancini Director of Finance and Operations

James Miner, III Director of Buildings and Grounds

Mark Geer Director of Information Technology

Dianne Houlihan Director of School Dining and Nutrition Services

Tiffany Cole Supervisor of District Health Services 3

WATERFORD SCHOOLS AND PRINCIPALS Waterford High School 20 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 Telephone: (860) 437-6956 Fax: (860) 447-7928 Kirk Samuelson, Principal Tracy Moore, Assistant Principal Mandy Batty, Assistant Principal Chris Landry, Director of Athletics and Student Activities

Clark Lane Middle School 105 Clark Lane Waterford, CT 06385 Telephone: (860) 443-2837 Fax: (860) 437-6985 James Sachs, Principal Aaron Robarge, Assistant Principal

Great Neck Elementary School 165 Great Neck Road Waterford, CT 06385 Telephone: (860) 442-2593 Fax: (860) 437-6996 Billie Shea, Principal

Oswegatchie Elementary School 470 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT 06385 Telephone: (860) 442-4331 Fax: (860) 447-6261 Joseph Macrino, Principal

Quaker Hill Elementary School 285 Bloomingdale Road Quaker Hill, CT 06375 Telephone: (860) 442-1095 Fax: (860) 447-6267 Christopher Discordia, Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION ATTENDANCE AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATIONS CONNECTICUT SCHOOL CLIMATE CHILD ABUSE COMPARABILITY OF SERVICES USE OF DISTRICT’S COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND INTERNET SAFETY DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS BY STUDENTS EMERGENCY CARE IN SCHOOLS EMERGENCY CLOSINGS & DELAYED OPENINGS EMERGENCIES & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION HEALTH SERVICES HOMELESS STUDENTS MIGRANT STUDENTS MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS (ML)/ENGLISH LEARNERS (EL) NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS (NAEP) TEACHER AND PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE NOTICE OF PARENT/STUDENT RIGHTS ONE-TO-ONE DEVICE PROGRAM PARENT ACCESS TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL PARENT INVOLVEMENT/COMMUNICATIONS PESTICIDE APPLICATION PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE RESIDENCY SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES SCHOOL MEALS (FREE/REDUCED LUNCH) SEARCH AND SEIZURE SELECTION OF MEDIA CONTENT/LIBRARY MATERIAL SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT INSURANCE STUDENT PRIVACY STUDENT RECORDS STUDENT DISCIPLINE STUDENT WELLNESS SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS TESTING TITLE VI, TITLE IX AND SECTION 504 COORDINATOR TITLE IX NOTICE OF PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMPLAINTS/PROCEDURES SCHOOL HANDBOOKS BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES

6 6 7 7 8 8 8-10 10

10 11 11 11 11-13 14 14 14 14 14-15 15-16 16-18 18-20 20 20 20-21 21 21 21-22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 23-25 25-26 27-30 30 30 31 31 31-32 32-35 35 36

The policy information contained in this manual may be annotated and/or abbreviated. For the full policies and copies of corresponding regulations (if applicable), please go to https://www.waterfordschools.org/. 5

ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION Following federal guidelines, the Waterford Board of Education (Board) has developed an asbestos management plan, concerning the presence or suspected presence of asbestos-type materials within district school buildings, and required inspections and preventive measures related thereto. In accordance with federal law, members of the public, including parents, teachers and other employees, shall be permitted access to the asbestos management plan of the Board. Upon request, the district shall permit members of the public, including parents, teachers and other employees, to inspect any asbestos management plan. The district shall grant access to such management plans within a reasonable period of time after a request from a member of the public is received.

ATTENDANCE (BOE Policy 5010; BOE Regulation 5010) Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-184 provides that “each parent or other person having control of a child five years of age and over and under eighteen years of age shall cause such child to attend a public day school regularly during the hours and terms the public school in the district wherein such child resides is in session, unless such child is a high school graduate or 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….” In accordance with state law, Board Policy 5010 requires parents to make sure that their children between the ages of 5 to 18 attend school regularly. Daily attendance is a key factor in student success, thus any absence from school is an educational loss to the student. These rules are designed to minimize student absenteeism while providing students the opportunity to make up school work missed due to a legitimate absence. The parent or person having control of a child five (5) or six (6) years of age may exercise the option of not sending the child to school by personally appearing at the school district office and signing an option form. A student must remain in school until age 18, unless he/she graduates or gets written consent from a parent/guardian on a district provided form to leave school at age 17. Truancy When a student is truant (4 unexcused absences in a month or 10 unexcused absences in a school year), the building principal or designee will schedule a meeting with the parent/guardian (or other person having control over of such student) and appropriate school personnel to review and evaluate the reasons for the student's truancy. When a student is truant, the Superintendent or designee shall coordinate services with and referrals of students to community agencies providing child and family services, as appropriate, with parental consent and release of information. The district shall document efforts to contact and include families and to provide early intervention in truancy matters and shall follow additional procedures described in Regulation 5010 In addition to the procedures specified above, a regular education student who is experiencing attendance problems will be referred to the building Student Teacher Assistance Team (STAT) to consider the need for additional interventions and/or assistance. The Team will also consider whether the student should be referred to a planning and placement team (“PPT”) meeting to review the student's need and eligibility for special education. A special education student who is experiencing attendance problems will be referred to a PPT meeting for program review. Please refer to your school’s handbook for specific information on absences during the school year.

AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATIONS The Waterford Public Schools uses an automatic notification system to send out notices of cancellations, delays and emergency early dismissals. Notifications may be made via telephone calls, emails and/or text messages. This system may also be used to disseminate other vital information in a timely manner. It is very important that your child’s school has the correct phone number(s) and email address(es) on file. Please contact your school’s secretary if you need to update your contact information.

CONNECTICUT SCHOOL CLIMATE (BOE Policy 5025; BOE Regulation 5025) The Board is committed to promoting a positive sustained school climate and has adopted the Connecticut School Climate Policy in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-222cc. The district has also adopted administrative regulations to outline additional requirements under Connecticut General Statutes Sections 10-222aa et seq. regarding the reporting of, assessment of, and responses to challenging behavior and bullying, as well as certain related requirements. Board Policy 5025 defines “bullying” as unwanted and aggressive behavior among children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. “Bullying” includes “cyberbullying”, which 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 other electronic communication. “Challenging behavior” means behavior that negatively impacts school climate or interferes, or is at risk of interfering, with the learning or safety of a student or the safety of a school employee. Reporting Challenging Behavior or Bullying a.

School employees shall notify the School Climate Specialist or designee of any alleged challenging behavior or alleged bullying incident that results in student discipline (i.e., removal from the classroom, suspension, or expulsion).

Students, parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, and school employees (“Reporters”) may file a written report of any alleged challenging behavior or alleged bullying incident using the Challenging Behavior Reporting Form. Such reports may be filed with the building principal, program administrator, and/or the School Climate Specialist, and all reports shall be forwarded to the School Climate Specialist for review and actions consistent with these Administrative Regulations.

Reporters may complete the Challenging Behavior Reporting Form electronically or in hard copy, or they may meet with the School Climate Specialist for assistance in completing the Challenging Behavior Reporting Form.

Written reports of alleged challenging behavior and/or bullying shall be reasonably specific as to the basis for the report, including the date and place of the alleged conduct, a description of what happened, and the names of potential witnesses.

Within three (3) school days, the School Climate Specialist or designee will provide the Reporter with confirmation of receipt of the Challenging Behavior Form.

A copy of the entire school climate policy and accompanying regulations may be obtained on our website at www.waterfordschools.org. In addition, each school has developed a School Climate Improvement Plan to address school-wide instructional practices and relational practices that prevent, identify, and respond to challenging behavior, including but not limited to alleged bullying and harassment, in the school environment. The School Climate Improvement Plan(s) is/are available at the following links: ( WHS School Climate Plan; CLMS School Climate Plan; Elementary School Climate Plans). The Board has also adopted a Policy. Such policy reflects the Board’s commitment to identifying strategies to improve 7

school climate, including, but not limited to, by responding to challenging behavior and implementing evidence and research-based interventions, including restorative practices. Restorative practices may be implemented by school employees for incidents of challenging behavior, bullying, and/or harassment in the school environment, or other forms of student conflict that is nonviolent and does not constitute a crime. In addition to addressing challenging behavior in accordance with the Connecticut School Climate Policy and Restorative Practices Response Policy, the district shall address challenging behavior, bullying, and harassment in accordance with the Board’s Student Discipline policy and any other applicable Board policy, administrative regulations, and/or school rules. CHILD ABUSE

(BOE Policy/Regulation 4112) ALL EMPLOYEES are obligated to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or if a child is placed in imminent danger of serious harm to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect, and staff receive yearly training in their use. Reporting of child abuse and neglect is a responsibility which is taken seriously. If an employee has reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect, a report will be made. The school will work with the parents/guardians and appropriate social agencies in all cases. Child abuse includes any physical injury or injuries inflicted on a child by other than by accidental means, or injuries which are at variance with the history given of them, or is in a condition which is the result of maltreatment, such as, but not limited to, malnutrition, sexual molestation or exploitation, deprivation of necessities, emotional maltreatment or cruel punishment. Child Sex Abuse or Assault Response and Reporting (Policy 5030) The Waterford Board of Education has adopted a uniform child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault response policy and reporting procedure in connection with the implementation of its sexual assault and abuse prevention and awareness program. Information regarding the sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program identified or developed by DCF are included in the policy under resources.

COMPARABILITY OF SERVICES All district schools, regardless of whether they receive Federal Title I funds, provide services that, taken as a whole, are substantially comparable. Staff, curriculum materials and instructional supplies are provided in a manner to ensure equivalency among district schools.

USE OF DISTRICT’S COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND INTERNET SAFETY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (BOE Policy 5220; BOE Regulation 5220) The Board offers students access to the district’s computers and computer networks, including access to electronic mail (e-mail) and the Internet, as well as electronic devices, (all of which will be referred to collectively as "computer systems".) Access to the school's computer systems will enable students to explore libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with others. Such access is provided solely for education-related purposes. The Board and the Administration believe in the educational value of such computer systems and recognize their potential to support our curriculum by expanding resources available for staff and student use. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. 8

These computer systems are expensive to purchase, install and maintain. As the property of the district these computer systems must be carefully handled and their integrity preserved for the benefit of all. Therefore, access to the computer systems is a privilege, and not a right. Students will be required to adhere to a set of policies and procedures, as set forth in detail below. Violations may lead to withdrawal of the access privilege and/or disciplinary measures in accordance with the Board’s student discipline policy. Monitoring Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer systems just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the computer systems are often public in nature and general school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and will act in a responsible and legal manner, at all times in accordance with district standards, as well as with state and federal laws. It is important that students and parents understand that the district, as the owner of the computer systems, reserves the right to monitor and review the use of these computer systems. The district intends to monitor and review in a limited fashion, but will do so as needed to ensure that the systems are being used for district-related educational purposes. As part of the monitoring and reviewing process, the district will retain the capacity to bypass any individual password of a student or other user. The system's security aspects, such as personal passwords and the message delete function for e-mail, can be bypassed for these purposes. The district's ability to monitor and review is not restricted or neutralized by these devices. The monitoring and reviewing process also includes, but is not limited to; oversight of Internet site access, the right to review emails sent and received, the right to track students’ access to blogs, electronic bulletin boards and chat rooms, and the right to review a student’s document downloading and printing. Therefore, all users are advised that they shall not have any expectation of personal privacy in the use of these computer systems. Students are permitted to use the district’s computer systems for legitimate educational purposes. Personal use of district computer systems is expressly prohibited. Conduct which constitutes inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to the following: ● Sending any form of harassing, threatening, or intimidating message, at any time, to any person (such communications may also be a crime); ● Gaining or seeking to gain unauthorized access to computer systems; ● Damaging computers, computer files, computer systems or computer networks; ● Downloading or modifying computer software of the district in violation of the district's licensure agreement(s) and/or without authorization from a teacher or administrator; ● Using another person's password under any circumstances; ● Trespassing in or tampering with any other person's folders, work or files; ● Sending any message that breaches the district's confidentiality requirements, or the confidentiality of students; ● Sending any copyrighted material over the system; ● Using computer systems for any personal purpose, or in a manner that interferes with the district’s educational programs; ● Accessing or attempting to access any material that is obscene, material that is obscene as to minors, or is harmful to minors, as defined above; ● Transmitting or receiving e-mail communications or accessing information on the Internet for non-educational purposes; ● Cyberbullying, or 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; ● Accessing or attempting to access social networking sites without a legitimate educational purpose; ● The unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence on any of the Board’s computer systems. For purposes of this Regulation, “generative artificial intelligence” refers to a technology system, including but not limited to ChatGPT, capable of learning patterns and relationships from data, enabling it to create content, including but not limited to text, images, and audio, when prompted by a user. In addition, as noted above, if a particular behavior or activity is generally prohibited by law, by Board policy or by school rules or regulations, use of these computer systems for the purpose of carrying out such behavior or activity 9

is also prohibited. Misuse of the computer systems, or violations of these policies and regulations, may result in loss of access to such computer systems as well as other disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion, depending on the specific conduct. Anyone who is aware of problems with, or misuse of these computer systems, or has a question regarding the proper use of these computer systems, should report this to his or her teacher or principal immediately. Most importantly, the Board and the Administration urge any student who receives any harassing, threatening, intimidating or other improper message through the computer system to report this immediately. It is the Board's policy that no student should be required to tolerate such treatment, regardless of the identity of the sender of the message. Please report these events! Board of Education Policy and /Regulation 5025 allows for reporting of suspected challenging behavior and bullying behaviors. The “Challenging Behavior Reporting” form (5025 Form #1) should be completed and given to a building administrator. Internet Safety The Administration will take measures: to assure the safety and security of students when using e-mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; to prohibit unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; to prohibit unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information regarding students; to educate minor students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber-bullying awareness and response; and to restrict students’ access to online materials that are obscene or obscene as to minors or contain child sexual abuse material, to the extent practicable when students are using Board-provided Internet access.

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS BY STUDENTS All requests from groups or individuals to have students distribute materials to people in the community will be referred to the office of the Superintendent to determine whether the requests comply with overall school purpose and policy. To provide the most effective use of this technique without exploitation of staff or students, the Superintendent or designee may approve such distribution providing: 1.

The materials relate to the school, community, local recreational or civic activities.

The materials do not promote private gain or political position.

The materials do not promote any political party or candidate.

EMERGENCY CARE IN SCHOOLS The school is responsible for the immediate care given to a student whose sickness or injury occurs on the school premises during school hours or in school-sponsored and supervised activities. The school shall maintain a file of Emergency Information cards for each student. Parents are asked each year to complete an emergency information form for use by the school in the event of a medical emergency. Parents/guardians are asked to complete the Opt-in for Over-the-Counter Medication Form for school nurses/authorized school personnel to administer OTC first aid treatment. If the child’s injury requires immediate care, the parent or guardian will be called by telephone and advised of the student’s condition. This call is the building Principal’s (or their designee’s) responsibility. If parents or guardians, the family physician/dentist or Medical Advisor cannot be reached and immediate medical or dental attention is indicated, the student will be transported to the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital unless otherwise indicated on the student’s Emergency Information card.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS & DELAYED OPENINGS Emergency school closings and/or delayed openings are announced through our automatic notification system (School Messenger), on the Waterford Public Schools website – www.waterfordschools.org, Social Media Platform X – @WPS_CT and on the following radio and television stations. Early dismissals are announced by 11:00 A.M.

● ● ● ●

TELEVISION WFSB-TV Channel 3 WTNH-TV Channel 8 WVIT-TV Channel 30 FOX CT – Channel 6

● ● ● ● ● ●

RADIO WCTY 97.7 FM ● WRCH 100.5 FM ● WKNL 100.9 FM ● WNLC 98.7 FM WTIC 96.5 FM WZMX 93.7 FM

WTIC 1080 AM WICH 1310 AM WiIi 1400 AM

EMERGENCIES & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS State law and our district’s Security and Safety Plan require each school to conduct crisis drills and fire drills annually. Students must follow the exit directions posted in each classroom. The signal for a fire drill is a constant blast on a special horn. When the alarm sounds, students are to proceed along the posted exit routes in a quick, quiet and calm manner. Students should not return to the building until the return signal is given.

EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION (BOE Policy/Regulation 6010) A student will be exempted from instruction in the areas of dissection, family life education, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse and assault awareness prevention programs, or firearms safety programs upon receipt by the building administrator of a written request for such exemption from the student’s parent or guardian. Parents who wish to exercise such exemptions must notify the school district in writing in advance of the instruction to be provided. Parents who wish to request a curricular exemption other than those noted above must notify the building principal in writing in advance of the instruction to be provided. The school district administration will consider whether to permit a requested exemption in accordance with applicable law.

HEALTH SERVICES The school health office is designed to provide care to students who become ill or are injured while in school. A cumulative health file is maintained for each student and stored in the nurse’s office. Health records shall be maintained as confidential. A listing of all professionals who have access to the record will be maintained in each student’s health folder. Parents are notified if the school becomes aware of any deviation from the normal pattern of health and suggestions are given for follow-up. It is likewise important that parents notify the school nurse of a student’s illness. If a student is to be excused or limited for an extended period from participation in school activities, he/she is required to bring a statement signed by a physician. The school nurse is available to parents and students for conferences regarding health issues. Students with medical conditions that may expose others to disease or infectious conditions will be excluded from school and referred for medical diagnosis and treatment. Before a child may return to school after an absence due to such condition, parents/guardians will be required to submit medical evidence that their child has recovered sufficiently or is no longer contagious. It is recommended that you keep your child home if you suspect that he/she is ill and contagious. Children sent to school are expected to participate in all school activities unless excused by a physician. 11

If a student is ill in school, the student will be sent to the school health room. At that time, the school nurse will determine whether the student can remain in school or should go home. Parents will be notified and are expected to pick up their child as soon as possible. Children who are ill will not be sent home on the bus in order to safeguard the child and to prevent spread of infection.

Administration of Medication (BOE Policy 5000; BOE Regulation 5000) Prescribed medication should preferably be given at home. However, the Board recognizes that the administration of medication by school personnel is sometimes necessary to meet the health needs of an individual student. Parents of students requiring medication during school should contact the school nurse. Special forms are required to permit the administration of medicine in school. They are available from the school nurse. All medication must be in the original container with proper labels. Over the counter, non-prescribed medications will not be allowed in school unless they are stored and administered according to the regulations outlined in Policy 5000. Over the counter medications include cough drops, aspirin, aspirin substitutes, and other medications not requiring an authorized prescriber’s prescription. Please review the relevant sections on the emergency administration of Epinephrine and Naloxone in Policy 5000. Students may be permitted to self-administer medication, in certain circumstances and provided a number of requirements are met. For information regarding when and how a student is able to self-administer medication, please see Regulation 5000 Form #2 and consult the school nurse. The Board permits blood glucose testing by students who have a written order from a physician or an advanced practice registered nurse stating the need and capability of such student to conduct self-testing or the use of continuous blood glucose monitors (CGM) by children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. For more information, please see BOE Policy 5060; BOE Regulation 5060 and consult the school nurse.

Health Assessments and Immunizations (BOE Policy/Regulation 5090) The Board requires each student to undergo health assessments as mandated by state law. The purpose of such health assessments is to ascertain whether a student has any physical disability tending to prevent the student from receiving the full benefit of school work and to ascertain whether school work should be modified in order to prevent injury to the student or to secure a suitable program of education for the student. Health assessment requirements are detailed in the policy and regulation linked above. All students must present evidence of a health assessment and physical examination upon enrollment to the district. Health assessments are also required in grade six or seven and in grade nine or ten. A school nurse may reject the results of an assessment or screening submitted on forms other than the forms supplied by the State Board of Education (SBE) and require the resubmission of such results on the forms supplied by the SBE. All students in grades K, 1, and 3-5 will undergo vision screening by the school nurse or school health aide and may undergo such screening in preschool and grade 2. Hearing screening will be conducted for all students in grades K, 1, and 3-5. Postural screening will be conducted for all female students in grades 5 and 7 and male students in grades 8 or 9. All of the screenings will be performed in accordance with regulations applicable to such screenings as adopted by the SBE. Health assessments will be provided by the Board free of charge to all students 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 Free Milk Program. If a homeless student, as defined by applicable law, lacks immunization/medical records, the school will enroll the child and refer the parent/guardian to the district’s homeless liaison. 12

Immunizations (BOE Policy/Regulation 5095) In accordance with state law, the Board requires each child to be protected by adequate immunization against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, hemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, varicella, pneumococcal diseases, meningococcal disease and any other vaccine required by the schedule for immunization as determined by the Commissioner of Public Health pursuant to Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 19a-7f, prior to enrolling in any program or school under its jurisdiction. Adequate immunization shall be determined by the district in conjunction with applicable Connecticut law and the immunization requirements for students in Connecticut schools published or otherwise transmitted by the Commissioner of Public Health. For further information regarding immunizations please contact the school nurse.

Students with Special Dietary Needs (Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies and/or Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes) (BOE Policy/ Regulation 5060) The district strongly encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with a life-threatening food allergy to notify the school of the allergy, providing as much information 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 strongly encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with GSD and/or diabetes to notify the school of the disease, providing as much medical documentation about the type of GSD and/or diabetes, nature of the disease and current treatment of the student. Substitutions to the regular meal, in compliance with the USDA Child Nutrition Division guidelines, will be made for students who are unable to eat school meals because of their special dietary needs, when that need is established as part of the student’s Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP). A student’s IHCP shall be developed by a group of individuals, which shall include the parents, the adult student, if applicable, and appropriate school personnel. The IHCP describes how to meet the child’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 identified school personnel. The IHCP may also include strategies to minimize the student’s risk for exposure. For more information, please review the district’s policy and regulations, linked above.

School Based Health Center Waterford Public Schools has two school-based health centers (SBHCs) through UCFS Healthcare located at Waterford High School and Clark Lane Middle School. The SBHCs provide comprehensive physical and behavioral health and well care to students who attend Waterford Public Schools. Both SBHCs are available for ALL Waterford Public Schools’ students. The SBHCs are staffed with an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and two behavioral health clinicians who are experts in adolescent health and employed by UCFS Healthcare. SBHC services and care supplement and coordinate with services and care provided by private pediatricians. SBHC’s services include yearly well-child examinations, vaccinations, sports physicals, and acute and chronic care visits with an emphasis upon prevention through early intervention and education. Behavioral health offers services in mental health assessments, substance use screenings and counseling. Parental consent for services is required, as required by applicable law. Services are billed to insurance carriers, and assistance is available for those who are not insured. More information on the SBHCs can be found on the Waterford Public Schools website at: https://www.waterfordschools.org/parents_family/for_students/school-_based_health_center. 13

HOMELESS STUDENTS (BOE Policy/Regulation 5100) In accordance with applicable law, the district does not permit discrimination against, segregation of, or stigmatization of homeless children and youth. The district has adopted regulations setting forth procedures for the enrollment of homeless children and youth, school selection, and services available for such students. The local liaison for homeless children is the Director of Special Services.

MIGRANT STUDENTS The district has a program to address the needs of migrant students. A full range of services will be provided to migrant students, including applicable Title I programs, special education, gifted education, vocational education, language programs, counseling programs and elective classes. Parents/guardians of migrant students will be involved in and regularly consulted about the development, implementation, operation and evaluation of the migrant program.

MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS (ML)/ENGLISH LEARNERS (EL) A student whose primary language is not English is considered a “multilingual learner” or “English learner.” The district shall take steps to assure that MLs/ELs have an opportunity to participate equally in the district’s educational programs. In addition, parents and guardians of eligible students may review the SBE’s multilingual learner bill of rights, available at https://portal.ct.gov/sde/english-learners/english-learner-multilingual-learner/parent-bill-of-rights. A copy of such bill of rights shall also be provided to parents and guardians of eligible students in their dominant language. Parents of Multilingual Learners (MLs) participating in an English language instructional program will be notified within 30 days of their child’s placement in the program. The notification will include an explanation of why and an explanation of the parents’ rights to remove their child from the ML program. The goals of the program are to help the child to develop academically, learn English and achieve the standards necessary for promotion. Students not meeting the English mastery standard or demonstrating limited progress will be provided with additional language support services which may include, but are not limited to, English for speakers of other language program (ESOL), sheltered English programs, and transitional bilingual programs.

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS (NAEP) The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires schools selected to participate in this national testing program to notify parents of children who will be taking the test of their right to exclude their child. Parents also have the right to inspect all NAEP data, questions and assessment instruments.

TEACHER AND PARAPROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Parents of children enrolled in Title I schools are entitled, pursuant to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015, to request the following information about the professional qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals who work with their children: 1. 2. 3.

Whether their child’s teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction; Whether their child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived; Whether their child’s teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of his or her certification; and 14

Whether their child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and, if so, the paraprofessionals’ qualifications.

Contact the Human Resources office at 860-440-1863 if you desire this information. Furthermore, if your child is taught for more than four weeks by a teacher who is not certified, we will notify you of that fact.

NONDISCRIMINATION (BOE Policy/Regulation 5110 ) The Board complies with all laws prohibiting the exclusion of any person from any of its educational programs or activities, or the denial to any person of the benefits of any of its educational programs or activities including all academic, extra-curricular, and school sponsored activities, on the basis of any protected characteristic (or protected class) including race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, alienage, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law (“Protected Class”),, subject to the conditions and limitations established by law. When the Board has created a limited public forum, the Board shall provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other groups as required by law. It is the policy of the Board that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived membership in a Protected Class, whether by students, Board employees, Board members or third parties subject to the control of the Board is prohibited in the district. The Board’s prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic, and extracurricular activities, including athletics. The Board further prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any individual who reports incidents in good faith that may be a violation of this policy, or who participates in the investigation of such reports. Discrimination and/or harassment against any individual on the basis of that individual’s association with someone in a Protected Class may also be considered a form of Protected Class discrimination and/or harassment and is therefore prohibited by this policy. It is the policy of the Board to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging Protected Class discrimination or harassment. Any student, staff member and/or parent/guardian who believes a student has experienced Protected Class discrimination or harassment or an act of retaliation or reprisal in violation of Board policy should report such concern in writing to the Assistant Superintendent in accordance with the Board’s complaint procedures included in Policy 5110 and Regulation 5110. Students may make verbal or written reports about Protected Class discrimination, harassment, or retaliation to any school employee. If a complaint involves allegations of discrimination or harassment based on sex. sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, or disability, such complaints will be handled in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable Board policy. In the event reported conducted allegedly violates more than one policy, the Board will coordinate any investigation in compliance with the applicable policies. All other complaints by a student or parents/guardians alleging Protected Class discrimination or harassment against a student should file a written complaint with: Assistant Superintendent of Schools 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 860-444-5854 In addition to reporting to the Board, any student and/or parent/guardian also may file a complaint with the following agencies: 15

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”) U.S. Department of Education Washington DC (Metro) 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-1475 Telephone: 202-453-6020 Fax: 202-453-6021; TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities 450 Columbus Blvd. Hartford, CT 06103-1835 (860-541-3400 or Connecticut Toll Free 1- 800-477-5737) Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member who (1) has questions or concerns about the Board’s non-discrimination policy or its accompanying regulations or (2) wishes to request or discuss accommodations for a student based on religion; may contact: Assistant Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member who has questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination or harassment of students on the basis of sex may contact the District’s Title IX Coordinator: Assistant Superintendent 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 Any parent, student, staff member, Board member or community member who (1) has specific questions or concerns about the Board’s policies regarding discrimination on the basis of disability applicable to students; or (2) wishes to request an accommodation for a student on the basis of disability may contact the District’s Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Director of Special Services 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE The Waterford Public Schools strives to provide accurate and effective communication with members of the public, regardless of their level of English proficiency. It is the policy of Waterford Public Schools to take reasonable steps to overcome language barriers to Waterford Public Schools’ programs or activities, at no cost to the limited English proficient (LEP) individual. Please let us know if you need an interpreter to communicate with the Waterford Public Schools. Interpretation and translated materials will be provided at no cost. You may ask for an interpreter or translated material if needed when you contact us. If you can, please tell us your language (or dialect). 16

We will respect your request for an interpreter or translator to ensure that communication is understandable and complete. Please call the Special Services office at 860-444-5802 regarding requests for language assistance.

Aviso de Disponibilidad de Asistencia Lingüística (Spanish) Las Escuelas Públicas de Waterford se esfuerzan por proporcionar una comunicación precisa y eficaz con los miembros del público, independientemente de su nivel de dominio del inglés. Es política de las Escuelas Públicas de Waterford tomar medidas razonables para superar las barreras lingüísticas en los programas o actividades de las Escuelas Públicas de Waterford, sin costo alguno para las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP). Por favor, háganos saber si necesita un intérprete para comunicarse con las Escuelas Públicas de Waterford. Se proporcionarán servicios de interpretación y materiales traducidos sin costo alguno. Puede solicitar un intérprete o material traducido si lo necesita cuando se comunique con nosotros. Si puede, indíquenos su idioma (o dialecto). Respetaremos su solicitud de un intérprete o traductor para garantizar que la comunicación sea comprensible y completa. Llame a la oficina de Servicios Especiales al 860-444-5802 para solicitar asistencia lingüística. ‫( زﺑﺎن ﮐﯽ ﻣﻌﺎوﻧﺖ ﮐﯽ دﺳﺘﯿﺎﺑﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻧﻮﭨﺲ‬Urdu) ‫ ﭼﺎﮨﮯ ان ﮐﯽ اﻧﮕﺮﯾﺰی ﮐﯽ‬،‫واﭨﺮﻓﻮرڈ ﭘﺒﻠﮏ ﺳﮑﻮﻟﺰ ﻋﻮام ﮐﮯ ﻣﻤﺒﺮان ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮭ درﺳﺖ اور ﻣﻮﺛﺮ ﻣﻮاﺻﻠﺖ ﻓﺮاﮨﻢ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﮐﻮﺷﺶ ﮐﺮﺗﮯ ﮨﯿﮟ‬ ‫ﻣﮩﺎرت ﮐﯽ ﺳﻄﺢ ﮐﭽﮭ ﺑﮭﯽ ﮨﻮ۔ ﯾہ واﭨﺮﻓﻮرڈ ﭘﺒﻠﮏ اﺳﮑﻮﻟﺰ ﮐﯽ ﭘﺎﻟﯿﺴﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐہ وہ واﭨﺮﻓﻮرڈ ﭘﺒﻠﮏ اﺳﮑﻮﻟﺰ ﮐﮯ ﭘﺮوﮔﺮاﻣﻮں ﯾﺎ ﺳﺮﮔﺮﻣﯿﻮں ﻣﯿﮟ زﺑﺎن ﮐﯽ‬ ‫ اﻧﮕﺮﯾﺰی ﮐﮯ ﻣﺤﺪود ﻣﺎﮨﺮ‬،‫( رﮐﺎوﭨﻮں ﮐﻮ دور ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﻣﻌﻘﻮل اﻗﺪاﻣﺎت ﮐﺮﯾﮟ‬LEP) ‫ﻓﺮد ﮐﻮ ﺑﻐﯿﺮ ﮐﺴﯽ ﻗﯿﻤﺖ ﮐﮯ۔‬ ‫ﺑﺮاہ ﮐﺮم ﮨﻤﯿﮟ ﺑﺘﺎﺋﯿﮟ ﮐہ ﮐﯿﺎ آپ ﮐﻮ واﭨﺮ ﻓﻮرڈ ﭘﺒﻠﮏ ﺳﮑﻮﻟﺰ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮭ ﺑﺎت ﭼﯿﺖ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﮐﺴﯽ ﻣﺘﺮﺟﻢ ﮐﯽ ﺿﺮورت ﮨﮯ۔ ﺗﺸﺮﯾﺢ اور ﺗﺮﺟﻤہ‬ ‫ﺷﺪہ ﻣﻮاد ﺑﻐﯿﺮ ﮐﺴﯽ ﻗﯿﻤﺖ ﮐﮯ ﻓﺮاﮨﻢ ﮐﯿﺎ ﺟﺎﺋﮯ ﮔﺎ۔ ﺟﺐ آپ ﮨﻢ ﺳﮯ راﺑﻄہ ﮐﺮﯾﮟ ﺗﻮ ﺿﺮورت ﭘﮍﻧﮯ ﭘﺮ آپ ﻣﺘﺮﺟﻢ ﯾﺎ ﺗﺮﺟﻤہ ﺷﺪہ ﻣﻮاد طﻠﺐ ﮐﺮ ﺳﮑﺘﮯ‬ ‫ﮨﯿﮟ۔ اﮔﺮ ﮨﻮ ﺳﮑﮯ ﺗﻮ ﮨﻤﯿﮟ اﭘﻨﯽ زﺑﺎن )ﯾﺎ ﺑﻮﻟﯽ( ﺑﺘﺎﺋﯿﮟ۔‬ ‫ﮨﻢ ﻣﺘﺮﺟﻢ ﯾﺎ ﻣﺘﺮﺟﻢ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ آپ ﮐﯽ درﺧﻮاﺳﺖ ﮐﺎ اﺣﺘﺮام ﮐﺮﯾﮟ ﮔﮯ ﺗﺎﮐہ ﯾہ ﯾﻘﯿﻨﯽ ﺑﻨﺎﯾﺎ ﺟﺎ ﺳﮑﮯ ﮐہ ﺑﺎت ﭼﯿﺖ ﻗﺎﺑﻞ ﻓﮩﻢ اور ﻣﮑﻤﻞ ﮨﮯ۔‬ ‫ ﭘﺮ ﮐﺎل ﮐﺮﯾﮟ۔‬5802-444-860 ‫زﺑﺎن ﮐﯽ ﻣﺪد ﮐﯽ درﺧﻮاﺳﺘﻮں ﮐﮯ ﺳﻠﺴﻠﮯ ﻣﯿﮟ ﺑﺮاہ ﮐﺮم ﺧﺼﻮﺻﯽ ﺧﺪﻣﺎت ﮐﮯ دﻓﺘﺮ ﮐﻮ‬ 语言协助通知 (Chinese) 沃特福德公立学校致力于与公众进行准确有效的沟通，无论他们的英语水平如何。沃特福德公立学校的政策是采取合理措施克服沃特福德公立学校课程或活动的语言障碍，并且对英语水平有限 (LEP) 的个人不收取任何费用。如果您需要翻译人员与沃特福德公立学校沟通，请告知我们。我们将免费提供翻译和翻译材料。如有必要，您可以在联系我们时要求提供翻译人员或翻译材料。如果可以，请告诉我们您的语言（或方言）。我们将尊重您对口译员或翻译员的要求，以确保沟通清晰、完整。如需语言协助，请联系特殊服务办公室：860-444-5802。

Aviso de assistência linguística (Portuguese) As escolas públicas de Waterford esforçam- se esforçam para fornecer comunicação precisa e eficaz com membros do público, independentemente do seu nível de proficiência em inglês. É política das Waterford Public Schools tomar medidas razoáveis para superar as barreiras linguísticas para os programas ou atividades das Waterford Public Schools, sem custo para o indivíduo com proficiência limitada em inglês (LEP). Por favor, nos informe se você precisa de um intérprete para se comunicar com as Waterford Public Schools. Interpretação e materiais traduzidos serão fornecidos sem custo. Você pode pedir um intérprete ou material traduzido, se necessário, quando entrar em contato conosco. Se puder, por favor, nos informe seu idioma (ou dialeto). Respeitaremos sua solicitação de intérprete ou tradutor para garantir que a comunicação seja compreensível e completa. Ligue para o escritório de Serviços Especiais pelo telefone 860-444-5802 para solicitar assistência linguística.

NOTICE OF PARENT/STUDENT RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 (BOE Policy/Regulation 5160) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) is a non-discrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by recipients of federal funds. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA” or “Title II”) also prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by state and local governments. To be protected under Section 504 and the ADA (“collectively, “Section 504/ADA”) as an individual with a disability, an individual must (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Under Section 504, the district has specific responsibilities to identify, evaluate and provide an educational placement for students with a disability. The district’s obligation includes providing such eligible students a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”). Section 504 defines FAPE as the provision of regular or special education and related services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of a student with a disability as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met, and that are provided without cost (except for fees similarly imposed on nondisabled students/parents). A student is eligible for regular or special education and related services under Section 504 if it is determined that the student has a mental or physical disability that substantially limits one or more major life activity such as (but not limited to): caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating or working. A major life activity may also include the operation of a major bodily function, such as an individual’s immune, digestive, respiratory or circulatory systems. A student can have a disability and be covered by Section 504/ADA even if the student does not qualify for, or receive, special education services under the IDEA. The purpose of this notice is to provide parents/guardians and students 18 years of age or older with information regarding their rights under Section 504. Under Section 504, you have the right: 1.

To be informed of your rights under Section 504;

To have your child take part in and receive benefits from the district’s education programs without discrimination based on his/her disability; 18

For your child to have equal opportunities to participate in academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities in your school without discrimination based on your child’s disability;

To be notified of decisions and the basis for decisions regarding the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of your child under Section 504;

If you suspect your child may have a disability, to request an evaluation, at no expense to you and to have an eligibility determination under Section 504 (and if eligible, placement decisions made) by a team of persons who are knowledgeable of your child, the assessment data, and any placement options;

If your child is eligible for services under Section 504, for your child to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). This includes the right to receive regular or special education and related services that are designed to meet the individual needs of your child as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met;

For your child to receive reasonable accommodations and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school, extra-curricular and school-related activities;

For your child to be educated with peers who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate;

To have your child educated in facilities and receive services comparable to those provided to non-disabled students;

10.

To review all relevant records relating to decisions regarding your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation, and educational placement;

11.

To examine or obtain copies of your child’s educational records at a reasonable cost unless the fee would effectively deny you access to the records;

12.

To request changes in the educational program of your child, to have your request and related information considered by the team, a decision made by the team, and if denied, an explanation for the team’s decision/determination;

13.

To request an impartial due process hearing if you disagree with the district’s decisions regarding your child’s Section 504 identification, evaluation or educational placement. The costs for this hearing are borne by district. You and the student have the right to take part in the hearing and to have an attorney represent you at your expense;

14.

To file a local grievance/complaint with the district’s designated Section 504 Coordinator to resolve complaints of discrimination including, but not limited to, claims of discrimination directly related to the identification, evaluation or placement of your child; and

15.

To file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

The Section 504/ADA Coordinator for the district is: Director of Special Services 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 860-444-5802

For additional assistance regarding your rights under Section 504 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may contact: Office for Civil Rights, Washington DC Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202 (202) 453-6020

USE OF PRIVATE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES BY STUDENTS (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE) (BOE Policy 5240) The Waterford Board of Education (the “Board”) recognizes that various technological devices can be used to enhance the educational process. Students may possess privately-owned technological devices on school property and/or during school sponsored activities, in accordance with the mandates of this policy and any applicable administrative regulations as may be developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

ONE-TO-ONE DEVICE PROGRAM Waterford students, depending on grade level, are issued district-owned devices. The goal of the one-to-one device program in Waterford is to provide an equitable learning experience for all students and integrate all digital resources offered to students. All students will be required to use a school issued device for the 2026-2027 school year. The implementation of a one-to-one device program ensures that our students will be provided with an innovative and equitable education and be prepared to leave with the knowledge and skills to be successful in today’s digital society. More information on this program can be accessed via the WPS One-to-One Device Program Website.

PARENT ACCESS TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL (BOE Policy 6110) Parents or guardians are permitted access to instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for any student and all curriculum approved by the Board’s curriculum committee and all associated curriculum materials, except for academic tests or academic assessments. Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, the Board will post the objectives and scope and sequence of all approved curriculum on its website. Parents may access curriculum either through the Waterford Public Schools website https://www.waterfordschools.org or by requesting a copy through the Assistant Superintendent’s office.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT/COMMUNICATIONS (BOE Policy 6050) Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school-based communications and interactions. Parents/guardians are urged to encourage their children to put a high priority on education and to make the most of their educational opportunities available. Parents/guardians should become familiar with all of the child’s school activities and with the district’s academic programs, including special programs. Attendance at parent-teacher conferences, participation in campus parent organizations, attendance at board of education meetings and being a school volunteer are strongly encouraged. For more information about parent-teacher communications, please see the policy linked above. 20

PARENT INVOLVEMENT/COMMUNICATIONS (BOE Policy 6000) (BOE Policy 6050) Education succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school-based communications and interactions. Parents/guardians are urged to encourage their children to put a high priority on education and to make the most of their educational opportunities available. Parents/guardians should become familiar with all of the child’s school activities and with the district’s academic programs, including special programs. Attendance at parent-teacher conferences, participation in campus parent organizations, attendance at board of education meetings and being a school volunteer are strongly encouraged. In accordance with Section 1010 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (“ESSA”), Public Law 1114-95, it is the policy of the Waterford Board of Education (the “Board”) to provide parents and family members of students participating in the district’s Title I programs meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children within these programs. To facilitate parental and family participation, the Board encourages parents and family members of Title I eligible students to be involved in regular meetings, communications, and activities that will inform them about the district’s Title I programs, to participate in the improvement of such programs and to help improve their child’s progress within these programs. For more information about parent-teacher communications, please see the policies linked above.

PESTICIDE APPLICATION (BOE Policy/Regulation 1255) It is the policy of the Board to implement an integrated pest management plan to reduce the amounts of pesticides applied in any building, or the grounds of any Waterford public school, by using all available pest control techniques including judicious use of pesticides, when warranted, to maintain a pest population at or below an acceptable level, while decreasing the use of pesticides. Areas to receive pesticide application will be posted and a written record of all pesticide applications will be maintained for five years. Parents/guardians and staff who want to receive advance notice of all pesticide use will be listed on a registry and such notice will be provided as required by law. Parents/guardians who want to be notified prior to pesticide applications inside their child(ren)’s school assignment area may contact the Director of Buildings and Grounds.

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USE (BOE Policy/ Regulation 5340) School personnel are prohibited from recommending the use of psychotropic drugs for any student enrolled within the school system. School nurses, nurse practitioners, the district’s medical advisor, school psychologists, school social workers, and school counselors may discuss with parents and/or guardians of a child the advisability of a medical evaluation by an appropriate medical practitioner when there are behaviors or concerns that may be indicative of medication considerations.

RESIDENCY (BOE Policy/Regulation 5270) The Board provides, by transportation or otherwise, school accommodations in accordance with federal and state law. The district has adopted procedures to facilitate compliance with Board policy and applicable law, as they relate to establishing and verifying residency for purposes of enrollment and school accommodations. In addition, 21

prior to attending school, in accordance with state law and Board policy, the district will require proof of age and adequate proof of health assessments and immunizations.

SCHOOL CEREMONIES AND OBSERVANCES (BOE Policy 5130) An opportunity will be provided, at the beginning of each school day, for students to observe an appropriate period of silent meditation and to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Participation in these activities is voluntary. Nonparticipants are expected to maintain order and decorum appropriate to the school environment.

SCHOOL MEALS (FREE/REDUCED LUNCH (BOE Policy/Regulation 3195) The Waterford Public Schools will operate a breakfast and lunch program in each school as authorized and regulated by state law to provide nourishing meals needed to engage in active learning during the school day. Food service shall include breakfast, hot lunches, and milk through participation in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Board shall approve prices set for the lunches and milk. Children may receive free or reducedprice meals if their household’s income is within the limits of the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines. Please visit the WPS website, FAQs about Free and Reduced-price School Meals for more information.

All students are offered the opportunity and parents are encouraged to apply for the free or reduced meal price benefits based on their financial status. The application can be found at: https://www.waterfordschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_314195/File/FoodServices/Forms/2627/FAMILY%20APPLICATION%2026-27.pdf. Applications are also available in the main office of each school. Bilingual copies are available upon request by calling the Schools Dining & Nutrition Services Director at 860-444-5862. School Meal Charging Policy 3195

SEARCH AND SEIZURE (BOE Policy/Regulation 5150) Desks, school lockers and other district provided storage areas are property of the schools, placed there for the temporary convenience of students. The right to inspect desks, lockers and other storage areas assigned to students may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property with reasonable care for the Fourth Amendment rights of students. Conditions for an authorized school administrator to search a student’s locker, desk and other storage areas are listed in Policy/Regulation 5150. In certain circumstances, school officials may search students, 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 way the search is conducted should 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. Use of Drug-detection Dogs, Metal Detectors and/or Breathalyzers Use of drug detection dogs and metal detectors, similar detective devices, and/or breathalyzers and other passive alcohol screening devices may be used only on the express authorization of the Superintendent, in accordance with such procedures as the Superintendent may devise. 22

SELECTION OF MEDIA CONTENT/LIBRARY MATERIAL BOE Policy 6145 Library materials shall be selected relative to the needs, interests, and abilities of the students in the school. Materials will be selected to support the School and the district’s educational goals, including the advancement of student literacy. The school librarian shall work to stimulate and guide reading and teach the effective use of the library.

SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT (BOE Policy 1165) The Board prohibits smoking, including smoking, using an electronic delivery system (e.g., e-cigarettes) or vapor product, within any of its schools, including any indoor facility owned or leased or contracted for, and utilized by the Board, for the provision of routine or regular kindergarten, elementary, or secondary education or library services to children, or on the grounds of such school, or at any school-sponsored activity. The Board further prohibits smoking, including smoking using electronic nicotine delivery system (e.g., e-cigarettes) or vapor product, on the real property of any administrative office building. Real property means the land and all temporary and permanent structures comprising the district’s administrative office building(s) and includes, but is not limited to, storage facilities and parking lots.

SPECIAL EDUCATION In accordance with state and federal regulations, Waterford Public Schools is committed to identifying and evaluating children from birth through age 22 that require special education and related services. All children who are suspected of having a disability and who are in need of special education are part of the child find process in Waterford. This includes students who are: ● advancing from grade to grade; ● enrolled by their parents in private elementary or private secondary schools, including religious schools located in Waterford; ● wards of the state and children who are highly mobile, such as migrant and homeless children. In addition, Waterford identifies students who may be gifted or talented.

STUDENT INSURANCE Early in the school year students will receive information on low-cost insurance available through a local company. Both twenty-four hour and school-time coverage is available. In general, school-time protection is limited to claims arising from accidents occurring on the way to and from school, during regular school hours, and on field trips sponsored and supervised by the school. The policy generally provides that accidents occurring during schoolsponsored athletic events are also covered. Parents and guardians interested in purchasing the insurance are advised to carefully review the plan description and documents, which shall govern the terms and scope of the insurance protections.

STUDENT PRIVACY (BOE Policy/Regulation 5200) The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h, affords parents and eligible students (i.e., students over 18 or emancipated minors) certain rights with respect to the administration of student surveys, the collection and use of personal information, and the administration of certain physical exams. These rights include: 1. the right of a parent to inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is 23

3. 4.

administered or distributed by a school to a student; the right of a parent to inspect, upon request, any survey concerning one or more of the following confidential topics: a. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; b. mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family; c. sex behavior or attitudes; d. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; e. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships; f. legally recognized privileged relationships, such as those with lawyers, doctors, physicians, or ministers; g. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent; or h. income, other than as required by law to determine eligibility for certain programs or for receiving financial assistance under such programs; the right of a parent to consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the confidential topics (see #2 above, a-h) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education; the right of a parent or eligible student to receive notice and opt out of a student’s participation in a survey that concerns one or more of the confidential topics (see #2, above, a-h) if the student is not required to submit to such survey, whether the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education or some other source; the right of a parent to inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. Instructional material means any instructional content that is provided to a student, regardless of its format, including printed or representational materials, audio-visual materials, and materials in electronic or digital formats (such as materials accessible through the Internet) but does not include academic tests or academic assessments; the right of a parent to inspect, upon request, any instrument used in the collection of personal information from students gathered for the purpose of marketing, selling or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose. Personal information means individually identifiable information including, a student or parent’s first and last name, a home or other physical address, a telephone number or a social security number; the right of a parent whose student(s) is scheduled to participate in the specific activities provided below to be directly notified of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities, as well as the right of a parent or eligible student to opt-out of participation in these activities: a. activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose); b. the administration of any survey containing confidential topics (see #2 above, a-h) if the survey is either not funded as part of a program administered by the United States Department of Education or is funded by the United States Department of Education but the student is not required to submit to such survey; or c. any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school, scheduled by the school in advance, and unnecessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student. Such examinations do not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening or other examinations permitted or required by State law.

Parents and eligible students may not opt-out of activities relating to the collection, disclosure, and/or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing education products or services for, or to students or educational institutions, such as the following: a. b. c.

college or other post-secondary education recruitment, or military recruitment; book clubs, magazines, and programs providing access to low-cost literary products; curriculum and instructional materials used by elementary and secondary schools;

tests and assessments used by elementary and secondary schools to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information about students; the sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related or education-related activities; and student recognition programs.

e. f.

To protect student privacy in compliance with the PPRA, Waterford Public Schools has adopted policy 5155 regarding these rights. Parents and/or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated under the PPRA may contact: Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-8520

STUDENT RECORDS (BOE Policy/Regulation 5210) The Board complies with the state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality, access to and amendment of education records. The Board implements procedures that protect the privacy of parents and students while providing proper access to records. For more detailed information, please refer to the full BOE Policy and Regulations 5210, which can be found at www.waterfordschools.org. In addition, the following notification of rights under FERPA is provided for reference. Notification of Rights Under FERPA The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g, et seq., affords parents and eligible students (i.e., students over 18, emancipated minors, and those attending post-secondary educational institutions) certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are: 1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within forty-five (45) calendar days of the day the district receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parents or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parents or eligible student believe are inaccurate or misleading, or otherwise violate the student's privacy rights. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the district to amend a record should write the school principal , clearly identify the part of the record the parents or eligible student want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the district decides not to amend the record as requested by the parents or eligible student, the district will notify the parents or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parents or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3) The right to privacy of personally identifiable information in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to a school official with legitimate interests. A school official is 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); a person serving on the Board of Education; a person or company with whom the district has outsourced services or functions it would otherwise use its own employees to perform (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing official tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an 25

education record in order to fulfill the official’s professional responsibility. Upon request, the district discloses a student’s education record without consent to officials of another school, including other public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, in which the student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer. Further, and in accordance with state and federal law and guidance, the district may disclose education records to another school for enrollment purposes, which may include exploration of educational placement options by the district or educational placement decisions made by a planning and placement or Section 504 team, or in order to explore placement options for the provision of alternative educational opportunities. 4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W. Washington, DC 20202-8520 Unless notified in writing by a parent or eligible student to the contrary within two weeks of the date of this notice, the school district will be permitted to disclose “Directory Information” concerning a student, without the consent of a parent or eligible student. Directory Information includes information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. It includes, but is not limited to, the parent’s name, address and/or e-mail address, the student’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, photographic, computer and/or video images, date and place of birth, major field(s) of study, grade level, enrollment status (full-time; part-time), participation in school-sponsored activities or athletics, weight and height (if the student is a member of an athletic team), dates of attendance, degrees, honors and awards received, the most recent previous school(s) attended and student identification numbers for the limited purposes of displaying a student identification card. The student identification number, however, will not be the only identifier used when obtaining access to education records or data. Directory information does not include a student’s social security number, student identification number or other unique personal identifier used by the student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems unless the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN or password. The school district may disclose directory information about students after they are no longer in enrollment in the school district. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the district will continue to honor any valid objection to the disclosure of directory information made while a student was in attendance unless the student rescinds the objection. An objection to the disclosure of directory information shall not prevent the school district from disclosing or requiring a student to disclose the student’s name, identified or institutional email address in a class in which the student is enrolled. Parents and/or eligible students may not use the right to opt out of directory information disclosures to prohibit the school district from requiring students to wear or display a student identification card. The written objection to the disclosure of directory information shall be good for only one school year. School districts are legally obligated to provide military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students, unless the secondary student or the parent of the student objects to such disclosure in writing. Such objection shall be in writing and shall be effective for one school year. In all other circumstances, information designated as directory information will not be released when requested by a third party unless the release of such information is determined by the administration to be in the educational interest of the school district and is consistent with the district’s obligations under both state and federal law.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE (BOE Policy/Regulation 5180) Please review the complete Student Discipline policy (linked above) for comprehensive information concerning the laws and procedures concerning student discipline, including but not limited to definitions of terms and the procedures for student suspensions and expulsions. Actions Leading to Disciplinary Action, including Removal from Class, Suspension and/or Expulsion Conduct which may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to, removal from class, suspension and/or expulsion in accordance with this policy) includes conduct on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, and conduct off school grounds, as set forth above. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following: 1.

Striking or assaulting a student, members of the school staff or other persons

Theft

The use of obscene or profane language or gestures

The possession, display and/or dissemination of obscenity or pornographic images or the unauthorized or inappropriate possession, display and/or dissemination of images, pictures or photographs depicting nudity, including intimate synthetically created images

Violation of smoking, dress, transportation regulations, or other regulations and/or policies governing student conduct

Refusal to obey a member of the school staff, law enforcement authorities, or school volunteers, or disruptive classroom behavior

The use of one or more of the following: objectively offensive racial, ethnic, or religious epithets (or epithets commonly associated with any Protected Class membership, including but not limited to epithets relating to sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity or expression); other words or phrases commonly considered demeaning or degrading on the basis of Protected Class membership; display of images or symbols commonly associated with discrimination against individuals on the basis of their membership in a Protected Class; graphic, written or electronic communications that are harmful, or humiliating based on Protected Class membership; bigoted conduct or communications; and/or physical, written, electronic or verbal threats based on Protected Class membership

Any act of Protected Class Harassment or reprisal or retaliation against any individual for reporting in good faith incidents of Protected Class Harassment, or who participate in the investigation of such reports

Refusal by a student to identify himself/herself to a staff member when asked, misidentification of oneself to such person (s), lying to school officials or otherwise engaging in dishonest behavior

10. Inappropriate displays of public affection of a sexual nature and/or sexual activity on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity 11. A walk-out from or sit-in within a classroom or school building or school grounds 12. Blackmailing, threatening or intimidating school staff or students (or acting in a manner that could be construed to constitute blackmail, a threat, or intimidation, regardless of whether intended as a joke) 13. Possession and/or use of any weapon, weapon facsimile, deadly weapon, martial arts weapon, electronic defense weapon, pistol, knife, blackjack, bludgeon, box cutter, metal knuckles, pellet gun, air pistol, explosive device, firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, whether functional or not, or any other dangerous object. The possession and/or use of any object or device that has been converted or modified for use as a weapon 27

14. Possession of any ammunition for any weapon described above in paragraph 13 15. Unauthorized entrance into any school facility or portion of a school facility or aiding or abetting an unauthorized entrance 16. Possession or ignition of any fireworks or other explosive materials, or ignition of any material causing a fire. Possession of any materials designed to be used in the ignition of combustible materials, including matches and lighters 17. Possession, sale, distribution, use, or consumption of tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes and vaporizers), or vapor products, or the unlawful possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption of drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages (or any facsimile of tobacco, drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages, or any item represented to be tobacco, drugs or alcoholic beverages), including being under the influence of any such substances or aiding in the procurement of any such substances. For the purposes of this Paragraph 15, the term “electronic delivery system” shall mean an electronic device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery of nicotine or other substance to a person inhaling from the device and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or electronic hookah and any related device and any cartridge or other component of such device. For the purposes of this Paragraph 15, the term “vapor product” shall mean any product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit or other electronic, chemical or mechanical means, regardless or shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine that is inhaled by the user of such product. For the purposes of this Paragraph 15, the term "drugs" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any medicinal preparation (prescription and non-prescription) and any controlled substance whose possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption is illegal under state and/or federal law 18. Sale, distribution, or consumption of substances contained in household items; including, but not limited to glue, paint, accelerants/propellants for aerosol canisters, and/or items such as the aerators for whipped cream; if sold, distributed or consumed for the purpose of inducing a stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic or mind-altering effect 19. Possession of paraphernalia used or designed to be used in the consumption, sale or distribution of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, as described in subparagraph (17) above. For purposes of this policy, drug paraphernalia includes any equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in growing, harvesting, manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, storing, containing or concealing, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing controlled drugs or controlled substances into the human body, including but not limited to items such as "bongs," pipes, "roach clips," vials, tobacco rolling papers, and any object or container used, intended or designed for use in storing, concealing, possessing, distributing or selling controlled drugs or controlled substances 20. The destruction of real, personal or school property, such as, cutting, defacing or otherwise damaging property in any way 21. Accumulation of offenses such as school and class tardiness, class or study hall cutting, or failure to attend detention 22. Trespassing on school grounds while on out-of-school suspension or expulsion 23. Making false bomb threats or other threats to the safety of students, staff members, and/or other persons 24. Defiance of school rules and the valid authority of teachers, supervisors, administrators, other staff members and/or law enforcement authorities 25. Throwing snowballs, rocks, sticks and/or similar objects, except as specifically authorized by school staff 28

26. Unauthorized and/or reckless and/or improper operation of a motor vehicle on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity 27. Leaving school grounds, school transportation or a school-sponsored activity without authorization 28. Use of or copying of the academic work of another individual and presenting it as the student's own work, without proper attribution; or any other form of academic dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism 29. Unauthorized use of wireless and/or portable electronic hand-held equipment that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image capture and recording, sound playback and recording, and information transmission and/or receiving, storing, etc. (including, but not limited to, personal laptops, tablet computers, smartphones, cellular telephones, e-readers, listening devices (such as an mp3 player), network access devices and other electronic devices on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity in violation of Board policy 5240 regulating the use of such devices 30. Use of a privately owned electronic or technological device in violation of school rules, including the unauthorized recording (photographic or audio) of another individual without permission of the individual or a school staff member 31. Possession and/or use of a beeper or paging device on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity without the written permission of the principal or his/her designee 32. Unauthorized use of or tampering with any school computer, computer system, computer software, Internet connection or similar school property or system, or the use of such property or system for inappropriate purposes as defined by Board Policy 5220 – Student Use of the District’s Computer Systems and Internet Safety (acceptable Use Policy) 33. Possession and/or use of a laser pointer, unless the student possesses the laser pointer temporarily for an educational purpose while under the direct supervision of a responsible adult 34. Hazing 35. Bullying, defined in Board policy 5020 Bullying and Safe School Climate Plan as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at another student attending school in the same district, or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, which: a.

causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property

places such student in reasonable fear of harm to themself, or of damage to his or her property

creates a hostile environment at school for such student

infringes on the rights of such student at school

substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school

36. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, repeated written, oral or electronic communications or physical acts or gestures based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, 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 37. Cyberbullying, defined in Board Policy 5020 Bullying and Safe School Climate Plan as any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other 29

mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications 38. Acting in any manner that creates a health and/or safety hazard for employees, third parties on school property students, or the public, regardless of whether the conduct is intended as a joke, including but not limited to violating school or district health and safety protocols 39. Engaging in a plan to stage or create a violent and/or sexual situation or activity for the purposes of recording it by electronic means; and/or recording such situations or activities by electronic means. Reporting recordings to school officials may warrant exceptions from disciplinary action in certain circumstances 40. The unauthorized publication or dissemination of the recording (photographic or audio) of another individual without permission of the individual or a school employee. Reporting recordings to school officials may warrant exceptions from disciplinary action in certain circumstances 41. Using computer systems, including email, instant messaging, text messaging, blogging or the use of social networking websites, or other forms of electronic communications, to engage in any conduct prohibited by this policy 42. Engaging in teen dating violence, defined as any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship as defined in Board Policy 5020 – Bullying and Safe Climate Plan 43. Any action prohibited by any Federal or State law 44. Any other violation of school rules or regulations or a series of violations which makes the presence of the student in school seriously disruptive of the educational process and/or a danger to persons or property

STUDENT WELLNESS (BOE POLICY 5250) It is the policy of the Waterford Board of Education to promote the health and well-being of district students. In furtherance of this policy, the Board has created an Advisory Council on Wellness (“Advisory Council”) to review any available state or federal guidance on wellness issues and to assist in formulating recommendations for specific goals and guidelines aimed at promoting lifelong wellness practices among district students. This Advisory Council involves parents, students, representatives from the school food authority (i.e. any private company employed to provide food services), teachers of physical education, school health professionals, school administrators, the board of education, and members of the public and may also involve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) coordinators or educators. The Advisory Council will be involved in the development and implementation of the policy, the triennial assessment and periodic updating of the policy.

SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS To maintain school safety and security, the use of technology such as video surveillance cameras on school property and on school buses is used in the district. These cameras may produce both video and audio coverage. The recorded media from these cameras will be used to assist school administrators in cases of emergency or to decide upon appropriate disciplinary action. Video surveillance shall be in accordance with applicable laws pertaining to their use. The Superintendent shall establish appropriate procedures for the retention and/or erasure of, and access to such recorded media. Unauthorized use of cameras or video equipment on school grounds is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary consequences. 30

TESTING All students in grades 3 through 8 and in grade 11 shall take a statewide summative assessment (measuring whether or not a student has mastered essential grade level skills in reading, language arts and mathematics). Additionally, there will be a science assessment in grades 5, 8 and 11. These summative assessments shall be provided by and administered under the supervision of the State Board of Education.

TITLE VI, TITLE IX, AND SECTION 504 COORDINATOR In compliance with State regulations, Waterford Public Schools provides a coordinator for Title VI, Title IX and Section 504, which deal with discrimination regarding race, sex, and disability. The coordinator is the Assistant Superintendent, who may be reached at 860-444-5854.

TITLE IX NOTICE OF PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX (BOE Policy/Regulation 5170) It is the policy of the Board that any form of sex discrimination or sexual harassment is prohibited in the Board’s education programs, 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 expected 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 Title IX, 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 Connecticut law or another Board policy. Sex discrimination occurs when a person, because of the person’s sex, is denied participation in or the benefits of any education program \ receiving federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment under Title IX 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). It is the express policy of the Board to encourage victims of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment to report such claims. Students and employees 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 31

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. Any individual may make a report of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment to any Board employee or directly to the Title IX Coordinator using any one, or multiple, of the following points of contact: Assistant Superintendent of Schools 15 Rope Ferry Road Waterford, CT 06385 860-444-5853 cpowers@waterfordschools.org Any Board employee in receipt of allegations of sex discrimination or sexual harassment, or in receipt of a formal complaint, shall immediately forward such information to the Title IX Coordinator. Students and employees may also make a report of sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination to the U.S. Department of Education: Office for Civil Rights, Washington DC (Metro); 400 Maryland Avenue, SW; Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; Telephone: 202453-6020; Fax: 202-453-6021; TDD: 800-877-8339; Email: OCR.DC@ed.gov; http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html. Students and employees may also make a report of sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103-1835 (Telephone: 860-541-3400 or Connecticut Toll Free Number: 1-800-477-5737). The Board has adopted grievance procedures for filing and responding to complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment. The grievance procedures are available on the Board’s website at the link above.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMPLAINTS/PROCEDURES All complaints concerning school transportation safety are to be made to the Director of Finance and Operations at 860-444-5849. A written record of all complaints will be maintained and an investigation of the allegations will take place.

Connecticut State Department of Education Complaint Resolution Procedure Elementary and Secondary Education Act 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 299(10)(a) I.

Filing of Complaint A.

Violation of Law A written complaint may be filed by an organization or individual with the Connecticut Commissioner of Education alleging that the state educational agency (SEA) or an agency or consortium of agencies is violating a federal statute or regulation that applies to the following applicable programs: 1.

Part A of Title I (Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Educational Agencies). 32

2. 3. 4.

Part B, Subpart 1 of Title I (Reading First). Part B, Subpart 3 of Title I (Even Start Family Literacy Programs). Part D of Title I (Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At Risk of Dropping Out). Part A of Title II (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund). Part D of Title II (Enhancing Education Through Technology). Part A of Title III (English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act). Part B, Subpart 4 of Title III (Emergency Immigrant Education Program). Part A of Title IV (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities). Part A of Title V (Innovative Programs).

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. B.

Review of an Appeal A written complaint may be filed by an individual with the Connecticut Commissioner of Education appealing the decision of an agency or consortium of agencies based on prior written complaint presented by an individual to such agency or consortium of agencies.

Content of Complaint The complaint shall be in writing, signed by the complainant and contain the following:

II.

A statement that the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies has violated a requirement of federal statutes or regulation regarding the applicable program, or in the case of an appeal, a statement of aggrievement with the decision rendered by the agency or consortium of agencies based on a prior written complaint.

A clear and concise description of the facts on which the statement is based and the specific alleged violation or aggrievement.

A description of prior efforts to resolve the complaint, including information demonstrating that the SEA, agency or consortium of agencies has taken action adverse to the complaint or has refused or failed to take action within a reasonable period of time.

Complainant's and respondent's name, address and telephone number.

Other materials or documents containing information which support or clarify the statement.

Review of Complaint A.

Analysis Within three business days of the receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner shall assign a review official. Within five business days of the assignment, the review official shall determine whether the complaint has been properly filed in accordance with Section I. If necessary, the review official shall interview the complainant.

Dismissal of Complaint The review official may dismiss the complaint in writing stating an explanation for such action. The grounds for dismissal shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. 2. 3.

Failure to file a proper complaint pursuant to Section I. The allegations fail to state a bona fide violation of federal statute or regulations by the SEA or an agency or consortium of agencies. The allegations fail to state a bona fide aggrievement with the decision rendered by an agency or 33

4. III.

consortium of agencies based on prior written complaint. The allegations were not caused by the actions or failure to act by the SEA, agency or consortium of agencies.

Notification of Complaint and Investigation If a complaint is not dismissed, the review official shall forward the complaint to the respondent immediately along with a copy of the Complaint Resolution Procedures.

IV.

Response to Complaint Within 10 business days of the receipt of the complaint from the review official, the respondent shall file with the Commissioner a written response to the complaint. A. B.

Content of Response The response shall address each and every allegation of the complaint and shall list the respondent's name, address and telephone number. Interview The review official or the respondent may request an interview to discuss the response and to resolve the dispute informally.

Complaint Investigation Upon completion of Section IV or the failure of the respondent to file a response, the review official shall conduct an investigation. All parties may be duly notified that an investigation has begun. At any time during the investigation, the review official shall attempt to resolve the dispute informally. Within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint, an investigation of the complaint shall be completed and a written report shall be mailed to both parties. Information shall be gathered in a timely manner, while minimizing any inconvenience or disruption to the complainant or respondent. Concerning a review of an appeal of the decision of an agency or consortium of agencies, the review official may elect to disregard the procedures contained in this section using in lieu thereof the following abbreviated procedure. 1. 2.

Review all of the appropriate records and determine whether the decision of the agency or consortium of agencies shall be affirmed, reversed or modified. Draft a letter of review of an appeal addressing, but not limited to, the issue in dispute, the facts found, the affirmation, reversal or modification of the lower decision and recommendation for improved practices, policies or procedures.

Data Collection The complainant and respondent shall provide the review official with copies of all relevant records requested in writing. Telephone interviews of the complainant, respondent and others with knowledge of the allegations may be conducted. Pursuant to 34 CFR 99-35(a) the review official, acting on behalf of the SEA, is authorized to have access to education records in connection with an evaluation of federal or state-supported education programs or for the enforcement of or compliance with federal legal requirements which relate to those programs.

Independent On-Site Investigation The review official may conduct an on-site visit to investigate the complaint if the official deems it necessary. Any on-site visit shall be coordinated with the respondent. 34

Complaint Investigation Report The Complaint Investigation Report shall be completed by the review official and mailed to the parties within 60 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint by the SEA. The Commissioner may grant an extension for the completion of the report on written request of the review official or respondent if exceptional circumstances exist with respect to the particular complaint. Such extension shall be in writing and shall be mailed to the parties. The report shall contain the following contents: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Summary of all investigation activities including, but not limited to, date of receipt of complaint, allegations, parties interviewed, documents received and dates of on-site visits. Specific allegation of the complaint, the findings of fact, conclusions and final decisions rendered regarding each allegation, including citation to applicable federal statute or regulation. Specific corrective action plan that resolves the complaint or ensures future compliance of the respondent regarding the violation of federal statute or regulation. Recommendations for improved practices, policies or procedures shall be offered when no violation of federal statute or regulation is found.

Corrective Action Plan If the Complaint Investigation Report finds that the respondent is violating federal statute or regulations, the respondent shall be requested to submit a corrective action plan within a specified period of time as determined by the review official. Respondent may request technical assistance from the SEA in order to prepare a plan to achieve compliance.

VI.

Review of Final Decision The complainant may file a written request with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to review the final decision of the SEA.

All local educational agencies shall disseminate information about the complaint procedures to teachers, staff, parents and appropriate private school officials or representatives. A private school official shall have the right to complain that a local educational agency did not engage in consultation that was meaningful and timely, or did not give due consideration to the views of the private school official.

SCHOOL HANDBOOKS All School Handbooks can be found on the Waterford Public Schools website at https://www.waterfordschools.org/parents_family/policies_procedures/schoolhandbooks. The information contained in the handbooks is only a portion of the applicable policies students are expected to abide by. All policies of the Waterford Public Schools can be found online at https://www.waterfordschools.org/.

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES The Board of Education has set policies and regulations that govern the operation of the school district. All policies and regulations are available on the district website at https://www.waterfordschools.org/. The policies and regulations are divided into the following series: ⮚ Community Relations

Series 1000

⮚ Administration

Series 2000

⮚ Business & Non-Instructional Operations

Series 3000

⮚ Personnel

Series 4000

⮚ Students

Series 5000

⮚ Instruction

Series 6000

⮚ Construction

Series 7000

⮚ Bylaws of the Board of Education

Series 9000