The mission of the Warren County School District is to educationally empower all students to think critically and solve problems through a rigorous curriculum that will provide them with the skills necessary to graduate and pursue a career of their interest.

Principles for Governance and Leadership

Pennsylvania school boards are committed to providing every student the opportunity to grow and achieve.  The actions taken by the Board ultimately have both short and long-term impact in the classroom.  Therefore, school directors collectively and individually will...

Plan Thoughtfully

• Adopt and implement a collaborative comprehensive planning process, including regular reviews
• Set annual goals that are aligned with the comprehensive plan
• Develop a financial plan that anticipates both short and long-term needs
• Formulate a master facilities plan conducive to teaching and learning

1. Caitlin Strassburg - Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
2. Alexander Borger - Award of Excellence - Congress of Future Medical Leaders

Financial Reports

1. IU5 - Mr. Paul Mangione

2. PSBA Liaison - Mrs. Marcy Morgan

3. Career Center Advisory - Mrs. Elizabeth Huffman, Mr. Michael Zamborik

The National School Boards Association Conference is being held in Philadelphia, PA from March 30 – April 1, 2019.  Registration begins October 11, 2018, and in order to secure housing, participants must be registered.

Executive Summary

Mrs. Amy Stewart - Superintendent

Mrs. Andrea Shene - Athletic Trainer

Mr. Steve O'Nuffer - Physical Education Instructor

Mr. Joseph Veriga - YMCA and Parent

Ms. Beck Labesky - Student

Ms. Julie Eckstrom - District Nurse

Mr. Scott Johnson - Nutrition Manager

Mr. Michael Kiehl - Transportation Manager

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This funds transfer is to reclass Professional Development, account 324, to account 360 due to a change in PDE's Chart of Account.

Please see attachment.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The agreement with Gannon University is for the Dual Enrollment program for the 2018-2019 school year, with the understanding that parents and students will be responsible for all costs related to the course.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The attachment lists the members identified for the General Advisory Committee and the Occupational Advisory Committee for the Warren County Career Center for school year 2018-2019.  The lists are to be approved annually.

Executive Summary

The Naviance platform will provide Warren County School District with a robust platform that promotes college and career readiness through encouraging academic rigor and aligning student strengths, interests, and passions to long-term goals focused on post-secondary readiness and transition planning.

Naviance will allow students and educators to utilize data in helping them make more data drive

• Allow students to start self-discovery, career and college research, build portfolios
• All in one platform to communicate and engage with students
• Meet & Exceed PA’s 339 Academic Standards & Career Education and Work

Please see attachment.

Please see attachment.

Please see attachment.

Please see attachment.

Please see attachment.

Executive Summary

The Warren County School District recognizes student wellness and proper nutrition are related to improving students’ physical well-being, growth, development, readiness to learn, and reducing childhood obesity.  The Board is committed to providing a school environment promoting student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. 

To ensure the health and well-being of all students, the District shall provide to students:

1. A comprehensive nutrition program consistent with federal and state requirements.
2. Access at reasonable cost to foods and beverages meeting established nutritional guidelines.
3. Physical education courses and opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during the school day and through extracurricular activities during non-school hours. 
4. Curriculum and programs for grades K-12 which are designed to educate students about proper nutrition and lifelong physical activity, in accordance with State Board of Education curriculum regulations and academic standards.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall work in cooperation with each building principal and other applicable staff members to monitor compliance with this Policy and to monitor District programs related to student wellness.   

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall, if requested by the Board, report to the Board on the District’s compliance with law and policy related to student wellness.  The report may include:

1. Assessment of school environment regarding student wellness issues.
2. Evaluation of food services program.
3. Review of all foods and beverages sold in schools for compliance with established nutrition guidelines.
4. Listing of activities and programs conducted to promote nutrition and physical activity.
5. Recommendations for improvement and policy or program revisions.
6. Feedback received from District staff, students, parents/guardians, community members and the Wellness Committee.

The Superintendent or his/her designee and the appointed Wellness Committee shall periodically conduct an assessment on the contents and implementation of this Policy as part of a continuous improvement process to strengthen the Policy and its implementation.  The assessment shall include the extent to which District schools are in compliance with laws related to student wellness and shall describe the progress made by the District in attaining the goals of this Policy.  The assessment, as well as information about the contents and implementation of this Policy, shall be made available to the public.

Recordkeeping

The District shall retain records documenting compliance with this Policy as required by 7 CFR 210.15.

Wellness Committee

The Board shall annually, as a part of its October meeting, appoint a Wellness Committee comprised of at least one (1) of each of the following:  District administrator, District food service representative, student, parent/guardian, and member of the public.    In advance of each October Board meeting, the Administration shall provide the Board with a list of the recommended Committee Members.   Even if not a member of the Committee, physical education teachers and school health professionals shall be permitted to participate in the operations of the Wellness Committee.

No School Board Member shall be a member of the Wellness Committee, the Wellness Committee is not a Committee of the Board, and the Wellness Committee’s authority, as it relates to the Board, is strictly limited to only providing information to the Board with respect to this Policy.      

The Wellness Committee shall be responsible for developing and implementing this Policy and for periodically reviewing and updating this Policy for the Board’s approval and to ensure legal compliance.  As part of this responsibility, the Superintendent or his/her designee and the established Wellness Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, shall conduct an assessment at least once every three (3) years on the contents and implementation of this Policy as part of a continuous improvement process to strengthen this Policy and ensure its implementation. This triennial assessment shall be used to update this Policy as needed, shall be made available to the public, and shall include:

1. The extent to which each District school is in compliance with laws and   policies related to school wellness.

2. The extent to which this Policy compares to model wellness policies.

3. A description of the progress made by the District in attaining the goals of this Policy.

As a part of its responsibilities, the Wellness Committee, or a subcommittee thereof, shall address Health and Nutrition Education and Promotion; Physical Activity and Education; and Other School Based Operations, as follows: 

1. Health and Nutrition Education and Promotion

Nutrition Education will be provided within the sequential, comprehensive health education program in accordance with curriculum regulations, certification requirements, and the academic standards for Health, Safety and Physical Education, and Family and Consumer Sciences.  The goal of nutrition education is to teach, encourage and support healthy eating by students because promoting student health and nutrition enhances readiness for learning and increases student achievement.

The District will aim to teach, encourage, and support healthful eating by students.  District schools shall promote nutrition by providing appropriate nutrition education in accordance with this Policy and with the goal of providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives.  Nutrition education shall strive to extend beyond the school environment by engaging and involving families and the community and encouraging parents/guardians to provide healthy meals for their children through letters, take-home materials, or other means.

2. Physical Activity and Education

Based on the District’s belief that age-appropriate physical activity is beneficial for its students to achieve optimal health, wellness, and fitness, District schools shall strive to provide students with opportunities for developmentally appropriate physical activity during the school day (such as recess and physical education) and through extracurricular activities during non-school hours (such as clubs,  intramurals, and interscholastic athletics) to assist students and parents in attaining this benchmark. 

Physical activity shall not be required as a form of punishment.

Students and the community shall have access to physical activity facilities outside school hours in accordance with applicable Board policies relative to facility usage.

A sequential physical education program consistent with curriculum regulations and Health, Safety and Physical Education academic standards shall be developed and implemented with the goal of providing quality physical education instruction promoting lifelong physical activity, providing instruction in the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong participation, and providing students the skills, knowledge and confidence to participate in lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity.   

3. Other School-Based Operations

Drinking water shall be available and accessible at no cost to students during meal periods and throughout the school day.  The drinking water at each school may be tested annually for lead.  In any year the drinking water at each school is not tested for lead, the administration shall discuss lead issues in school at a public meeting. 

District schools shall provide an adequate space, environment and duration, as defined by the District, for eating and serving school meals.  Students shall have access to hand washing or sanitizing before meals and snacks.

Nutrition professionals shall administer the school meals program, and professional development shall be provided to nutrition staff, as required by applicable federal regulations.

Nutrition content of school meals shall be available to students and parents/guardians, and parents/guardians may be involved in menu selections through various means.

To the extent possible, the District shall utilize available funding and outside programs to enhance student wellness.

Withholding Food shall not be used as a form of punishment.

The District shall strive to support the efforts of parents/guardians to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for children by communicating relevant information to parents/guardians if requested. 

Nutrition Standards/Guidelines

Foods and beverages available in District schools during the school day shall be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.  Foods provided through the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs shall comply with established federal nutrition standards. 

Competitive foods available for sale to students in District schools outside of school meal programs shall comply with established federal nutrition standards (USDA Smart Snacks in School).  Fundraising activities held during the school day involving the sale of competitive foods shall be limited to foods meeting the USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, unless an exemption is approved by the Superintendent of his/her designee.  The District may allow a limited number of exempt fundraisers as permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education each school year, as follows: up to five (5) exempt fundraisers in elementary and middle school buildings, and up to ten (10) exempt fundraisers in high school buildings.

Marketing/Contracting

Any foods and beverages marketed or promoted to students on the school campus during the school day shall meet or exceed the established federal nutrition standards (USDA Smart Snacks in School).   To the extent feasible, contracts shall be reviewed and modified to ensure compliance with established federal nutrition standards, including applicable marketing restrictions.

Management of Food Allergies in District Schools

The District’s administration shall develop and implement appropriate protocols and procedures to address food allergy management in District schools in order to:

1. Reduce the likelihood of severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
2. Provide a timely and effective response in case of a severe or potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
3. Provide students the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in all school programs and activities.

Non-Sold Competitive Foods

Non-sold competitive foods available to students, which may include but are not limited to foods and beverages offered as rewards and incentives, at classroom parties and celebrations, or as shared classroom snacks, shall meet or exceed the standards established by the district.

If the offered competitive foods do not meet or exceed the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, the following standards shall apply:

1. Rewards and Incentives – Foods and beverages shall not be used as a reward or incentive in District schools
2. Classroom Parties and Celebrations - When possible, foods/beverages for parties and celebrations shall be provided by the food service department to help prevent food safety and allergy concerns.
3. Shared Classroom Snacks – Shared classroom snacks are permitted, and the District shall provide a list of suggested nonfood ideas and healthy food and beverage alternatives to parents/guardians and staff, which may be posted via the District website, student handbook, newsletters, posted notices and/or other efficient communication methods.

Safe Routes to School

The District shall access and, as deemed necessary by the District, implement improvements to make walking and biking to school safer for students.   

District administrators shall seek and utilize available federal and state funding for safe routes to school, when appropriate.

Adoption Date        -     June 12, 2006

Revision Date         -     October 12, 2015; September 1, 2017; August 13, 2018; October 8, 2018

Review Date           -    

Legal Reference      -     24 P.S. 1422.1; 42 U.S.C. 1758b; 24 P.S. 1422; 24 P.S.1513;

                          24 P.S. 1512.1; 7 CFR 210.10; 7 CFR 220.8;

  42 U.S.C. 1751, et seq.; 42 U.S. C 1773; 7 CFR 210.11; 7 CFR 220.12a; 24 P.S. 504.1; 24 P.S. 1337.1; 24 P.S.1422.3; P.L. 111-296; 7 CFR Part 210; 7 CFR Part 220; 24 P.S. 742

Cross Reference     -     District Policies 1301, 1305, 1415, 5105, 5110, 5501, 5505, 5515, 9135, 9170, 9175, 9535, 9950, 10110, 10410, 10450, 10460, 10495, 10510, 10515, 10610, 10620, 10630, 11007, and 12401

I.  General Provisions

The administration of medication to a student during school hours or during a school-sponsored event taking place during non-school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian, an 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or an emancipated minor, or an unaccompanied youth and a physician, certified and registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant (hereinafter referred to as "qualified prescriber") will be permitted only when failure to take such medication would jeopardize the health of the student or the student would not be able to attend school or the school-sponsored event if the medication were not administered.

For purposes of this policy, the term "medication" shall include all medicines prescribed by a qualified prescriber and any non-prescription/over-the-counter medicines. 

For purposes of this policy, the term “approved chaperone” shall mean a volunteer who has been approved pursuant to Policy 9646 and authorized by the District to supervise students during a school-sponsored event (field trip, sporting event, evening performance, etc.). 

For purposes of this policy, the term “unaccompanied youth” shall mean a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act.  When an unaccompanied youth is involved, the administration, after consulting with the Solicitor as necessary, shall make a determination on a case by case basis with respect to who signs the written permission, who signs the liability waiver, who packages the medication, self-administration, etc. In making these determinations, factors such as the age of the child, who has physical custody of the child, who has legal custody of the child, and whether the child meets the legal criterion to be considered an emancipated minor shall be taken into consideration. 

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop, review, and monitor procedures for the administration and self-administration of students’ medications which are consistent with this Policy.  All medications shall be administered by the school nurse or self-administered by the student upon written request, approval of said request by the school nurse, and proper evidence of competency and capability in self-administration, as determined by the school nurse.  If a medication is to be taken at school during the school day, carrying medication on a student’s person or self-administering a medication shall be limited only to an asthma inhaler, epinephrine auto-injector, insulin, or other medication a qualified prescriber determines is necessary to be carried and self-administered by a student in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death to said student.   The circumstances under which a student will be permitted to carry a medication on his/her person and/or self-administer the medication during a school-sponsored event taking place during non-school hours shall be governed by Section III of this Policy.

When any medication for a student is initially brought to school, it shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide or establish the following to the school nurse:

1.   All necessary documentation, including written permission from the qualified prescriber and parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor for administration or self-administration of the medication, which shall be kept confidential and on file in the office of the school nurse.

2.   The reason for taking the medication, how often and for what length of time the medication will be taken, what will happen if the medication is not taken or is taken incorrectly, and qualified prescriber comments about the medication.

3.   When applicable, the student’s demonstrated ability to self-administer the medication. 

II.  Administration at School During School Hours

Before any medication may be administered to or by any student during school hours, the Superintendent, or his or her designee, shall (i) require the written request of the parent/guardian, 18 year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor, giving permission for such administration; (ii) request that the parent/guardian, 18 year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor sign a document relieving the District, its agents, employees, officers, and directors of liability for administration of the medication; and (iii) require the written order of the qualifying prescriber, which shall include the purpose of the medication, the dosage, the time at which or special circumstances under which the medication shall be administered, the length of time for which medication is prescribed, and possible side effects of the medication.  The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container.

A certified school nurse shall maintain an individual medication log for all students taking medication during school hours.  The log shall be kept in a central place and shall include:

            a.   Name of the student;

            b.   Name of the medication;

            c.   Medication dosage;

            d.   Time of administration;

            e.   Route of administration;

            f.    Initials or signature of adult administering the medication; and

            g.   Initiation and expiration date of the medication.

In cases where the qualified prescriber determines a student MUST carry an inhaler, epinephrine auto-injector, insulin, or other medication on their person (as opposed to storing it in the health office) and be permitted to self-administer the medication in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death to said student, the following additional requirements shall apply:

1.   The qualified prescriber must (i) indicate the student is qualified and able to self-administer the medication on the comment section of the medication authorization, (ii) indicate it is necessary for the medication to be carried on the student’s person and self-administered by the student (as opposed to being stored in the health office and administered by the school nurse) in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death to said student, and (iii) indicate the potential of any serious reaction that may occur from use of the medication, as well as, any necessary emergency response.

2.   A statement from the parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor must be submitted, (i) acknowledging the District is not responsible for ensuring the medication is taken,
(ii) relieving the District and its employees of any responsibility for the benefits or consequences of the medication, and (iii) indicating the student is qualified and able to self-administer the medication.

3.   The student may be instructed by the school nurse in the safety of carrying the medication and shall be required to exhibit to the school nurse competency and capability in its use prior to being permitted to carry the medication on his or her person or self-administer the medication.  The District reserves the right to deny the privilege of self-carrying and self-administration in the event the capability of self-administration or responsible behavior in use of the medication is unable to be demonstrated by the student to the school nurse.

4.   The medication is for the student’s use only and shall not be shared with other students.

5.   The student shall notify the school nurse immediately following each use.

6.   The sharing of any self-carried and self-administered medication with any other student will result in the immediate confiscation of the medication, loss of self-carrying and self-administration privileges, and disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Discipline Code.  Additionally, any violation of this Policy relative to self-carrying and self-administration of a medication may result in a loss of the privilege of self-carrying and self-administering the medication.  In the event such privileges are revoked, the school nurse shall ensure the administration device and medication are stored at a location in close proximity to the student and notify the student’s classroom teachers of the place or places where administration device and medication are to be stored and the means to access them.

III.  Administration during a School-Sponsored Event (field trip, sporting event, evening performance, etc.)

A District form for medication authorization must be completed and signed by both parent/legal guardian and prescribing physician.  The decision as to whether a medication to be taken during a school-sponsored event will be administered by a properly licensed nurse or will be self-administered by the student shall be determined at the discretion of the District.  The District reserves the right to cancel a student’s attendance at any such event if it is deemed in the best interest of the District to do so.  In those instances, when the District permits a student to self-administer a medication during the event, the following requirements shall apply:

1.   The parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor must provide written documentation (i) requesting and providing permission for the student to self-administer medication during the school-sponsored event, (ii) stating the student is capable in all respects of self-administering the medication, and (iii) relieving the District and its employees of any responsibility for the benefits or consequences of the medication.

2.   The parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor must provide a document from the student’s physician stating (i) the failure to take the medication during the school-sponsored event would jeopardize the health of the student or the student would not be able to attend the school-sponsored event if medication is not taken during the school-sponsored event; (ii) the drug to be taken, the exact dosage to be taken, and at what times it is to be taken; and (iii) the student is competent and capable in all respects of self-administering the medication.

3.   For any medication which is not taken by mouth, the District shall also require the student to demonstrate to the school nurse competency and capability in self-administration prior to the occurrence of the school-sponsored event.

4.   The parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor must package the medication and write on the package the name of the student and the exact quantity, whenever possible, of the medication contained in the package.  The package must contain the medication in its original container, with the original prescription directions/label as provided by the pharmacy.  The parent/guardian, 18-year old student (if the student is not a dependent of a parent/guardian), or emancipated minor shall only provide the exact dosage, whenever possible, that needs to be taken during the course of the school-sponsored event.  No excess dosages or pills are to be provided if it can be avoided.

5.   The packaged medication shall be carried by a District employee or approved chaperone at all times, unless (i) the medication is an inhaler, epinephrine auto-injector, insulin, or other medication a qualified prescriber determines is necessary to be carried by a student in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death to said student; (ii) all requirements relative to self-carrying and self-administration have been adhered to; and (iii) the student’s privileges to self-carry and self-administer the medication have not been revoked.

6.   At the times the medication is to be taken, the medication will be given to the student, and the student will self-administer the medication in the presence of the District employee or approved chaperone.  This provision shall not apply if (i) the medication is an inhaler, epinephrine auto-injector, insulin, or other medication a qualified prescriber determines is necessary to be carried by a student in order to prevent serious bodily injury or death to said student; (ii) all requirements relative to self-carrying and self-administration have been adhered to; and (iii) the student’s privileges to self-carry and self-administer the medication have not been revoked.  In such instance, the student shall notify a District employee or approved chaperone immediately following each use.

IV.  Naloxone (aka Narcan)

In an effort to ensure the health and safety of its students and staff, the Board hereby authorizes the District to store and administer Nalaxone (a/k/a Narcan) for use during emergencies related to a known or suspected opioid overdose. The Board further authorizes the administration to develop an administrative procedure with respect to Narcan addressing topics including, but not necessarily limited to, the identified supervising medical professional(s), training, storage/security, the method of administration, inventory procedures, documentation of administration, and who is authorized to administer Narcan.

Adoption Date             -     June 8, 2009

Revision Date              -     October 14, 2013; April 11, 2016; November 11, 2018

Review Date                -    

Legal Reference           -     School Code – 24 P.S. §510, 1402

                                 -     State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code §12.41

                                 -     42 U.S.C.A. § 11434a

                                 -     35 P.S. §780-113.8

Cross Reference          -     Policy 9646

Executive Summary

The Warren County School District (WCSD) has been approached by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania to participate in a food donation program with Sheetz. The program will provide dry goods from Sheetz for donation to the student food pantries currently operating in WCSD schools. Donated foods will not include any items requiring refrigeration/specialized transportation. The district administration would like to proceed with the program as a pilot for the 2018-19 school year, which will require the execution of a memorandum of understanding between the WCSD and Second Harvest (see attachment).

Executive Summary