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.

TO PROMOTE STUDENT GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT, AN EFFECTIVE SCHOOL BOARD . . . ensures effective planning occurs by:  Adopting and implementing a collaborative strategic planning process;  setting annual goals that are aligned with the strategic plan; linking board actions to the strategic plan;  adopting a financial plan that considers short-term and long-term needs; adopting professional development plans for board and staff;  adopting a plan to ensure evaluation of student growth and achievement using relevant data; adopting a master facilities plan conducive to teaching and learning; and adopting a plan for curriculum review and development.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This motion will direct the Director of Business Services to make budget transfers, if necessary, after June 30, 2015 to prepare the books for the 2014-2015 annual audit.  All transfers made after June 30, 2015 will be brought to a committee meeting and the Board for final approval.

Errors and Omissions: Sundahl & Co Agency
* Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)

Commercial Package: Calvert Pearson
* Crime Coverage
* Inland Marine
* Commercial Auto
* General Liability
* Workers Compensation
* Excess Umbrella Liability

Cyber: Calvert Pearson

*Cyber Risk
 

INSURANCE SUMMARY FOR 2015-2016:

Cyber Coverage:  Calvert Pearson Insurance * Cyber Risk. 

School Leaders: Sundahl & Co Agency * Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions)

Commercial Package: Calvert Pearson Insurance  * Crime Coverage * Inland Marine * Commercial Auto * General Liability * Workers Compensation * Excess Umbrella Liability

2015-2016:

The WCSD total insurance increase is from $442,309 to $459,168 which represents a $16,859 increase or 3.81%.  This increase includes a new Cyber insurance which the WCSD did not carry prior to the 2015-2016 school year. 

Cyber:  The 2015-2016 premium for the Cyber Risk insurance is $7,063. This is a new insurance. 

School Leaders:  The 2015-2016 premium for the School Leaders insurance is $35,446.  This represents a reduction in premium of ($7,647).  We have changed carriers from AIG to Western World.  Beyond the premium savings, Sundahl  & Co Agency was able to negotiate a reduction in deductible from $25,000 to $10,000. 

Commercial Package:  The 2015-2016 premium for the Commercial Package is $416,659.  This represents an increase of $17,443.  The increase is due to market conditions and our claims history over the past couple years. 

Bun:

0126100000000000/521

0126100000000000/523

0111100000000000/260

This is the IU5 Reverse Auction results for the copier paper for our district.  The overall amount of $37,279.60 is $5,588.20 less than the previous year's expense.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The District would like to add the Warren County Career Center as a dedicated WAN link.  Previously, WCCC was fed through private fiber that the district owned.  Due to the construction project, a dedicated connection is required to minimize any downtime or complications during the Warren Area High School Renovation Project.    

The cost is an additional $468.75 per month, yearly addition of $5,841. 

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Reliable transportation and affordable car repair options are a hindrance for low income residents in Warren County struggling to obtain or maintain employment.   WFCEOC is requesting  a collaborative agreement where students in the automotive program at the Career Center  assist with basic services, such as oil changes or tire rotations, assisting low income Warren County residents towards becoming self sufficient.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

This contract agreement is for services that were received during the 2014-2015 school year.

BEACON LIGHT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS

WARREN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

LETTER OF AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems in connection with Warren/Forest Human Services hereinafter sometimes referred to as "Provider" provides Mental Health and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug services; and

WHEREAS, the Warren County School District hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "District" or “WCSD” provides public educational services for Warren County;

NOW THEREFORE, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems supports the Student Assistance Program initiative and philosophy and agrees to provide full time staff to act as the Mental Health and A.T.O.D. liaisons to the Warren County School District Student Assistance Program.  Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems will assure that they have the required Student Assistance training and group facilitator training as they become necessary and available.  On-going staff development will occur through other various trainings and community resources.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems further agrees that the responsibilities of these individuals as the Mental Health and A.T.O.D. liaisons to the Student Assistance teams are as follows:

1. The agency liaison will attend a minimum of two Student Assistance team meetings per month per school for the purpose of:  a.) general consultation and education to the team on Mental Health and A.T.O.D. issues, b.) assisting in interpretation of the liaison’s screening results on individuals, and c.) to assist in defining a plan of action in response to identified areas of concern as needed.

2. Will perform general assessments of students identified as possible referrals for mental health and other drug concerns.  A Student Assistance Program Assessment is not to be confused with a clinical intake or psychiatric evaluation.  The process of a full-evaluation and enrolling in treatment will occur as initiated by the student and parent, with the service provider of their choosing.

3. Will co-facilitate psycho-educational groups with one staff member when a group is identified by the Student Assistance team, dependent on funding and availability of staff.  Will NOT provide on-site Mental Health or A.T.O.D. treatment or therapy.

4. Will assist Student Assistance team members in coordinating formal and informal interventions with students and their families.

5. Will abide by all relevant school related confidentiality regulations and district policies and protocols when functioning as a member of the Student Assistance team.

6. Will abide by all relevant Mental Health and A.T.O.D. confidentiality regulations when functioning as a Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems Mental Health or A.T.O.D. program staff person for the purpose of screening and referral to community-based Mental Health or Alcohol, Tobacco, or Other Drug services.

7. Will provide accountability reports to the Warren County School District as follows:

a.         An annual report for the July 1 – June 30 school year. The annual report will be delivered to the Director of Secondary Education and other individuals as designated by the district by July 31. 

b.         A monthly report due on the 15^th of the month following the month of report.

c.         The monthly and annual accountability reports will include at a minimum pertinent data regarding services to students and schools and data describing the services provided as outlined in Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems responsibilities 1 through 5 listed in this agreement.

8. SAP Services will be provided at the following schools: Sheffield Middle/Senior High School, Youngsville Middle School, Youngsville High School, Eisenhower High School, Beatty Middle School, Warren Area High School, Warren Area Elementary Center.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems further agrees that the Student Assistance Program Mental Health and A.T.O.D. liaisons can be utilized for further on-site screening of individuals as to Mental Health and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Program needs for the purpose of facilitating referrals to community-based services.  Liaisons will work with individual school teams and parents to pinpoint students in need of these services.  For students returning from psychiatric in-patient, Children and Youth placement, or Drug/Alcohol rehab, consultation and referral for aftercare services would be considered a Mental Health or A.T.O.D. function rather than a S.A.P. function liaison function.  In order for these activities to be completed, the Warren County School District agrees to the following:

1. School District personnel are required to inform parents and obtain permission for referrals to service-providing agencies for students, including up to the age of 18.  Students who are at least 14 years of age may self-refer to mental health agencies without parent contact or permission.  Students of any age may self-refer to any Alcohol, Tobacco, or Other Drug program.

2.   The Warren County School District will provide a private interviewing room for said activities in each of the participating S.A.P. schools, conducive to interviewing adolescents and/or family members.

3.   Parent Permission must be obtained in order for liaisons to conduct a Mental Health or A.T.O.D. screening.

4. Parent Permission must be obtained in order for students to attend educational groups facilitated by liaisons.

5. A Release of Information form must be properly completed in order to enable communication between liaisons and S.A.P. team members as to the results of the screening procedure.  If a signed Release of Information form is NOT obtained, specific screening results cannot be shared with the S.A.P. teams.  However, the liaisons will be able to indicate whether the individual is receiving Mental Health or A.T.O.D. treatment.

6. All documentation resulting from the screening and referral process to community-based Mental Health or A.T.O.D. services will be considered Mental Health or A.T.O.D. records.  Subsequently, these records will be maintained within the Mental Health and/or A.T.O.D. programs and will be subject to their regulations regarding confidentiality.

7. Students deemed appropriate for a MH or A.T.O.D. screening will be seen by the liaison within a two-week period provided that necessary parental consents have been obtained.

8. Liaisons will provide aftercare educational services, on an individual or group basis, to students returning to school from a psychiatric in-patient, Children and Youth placement, or Drug/alcohol rehab.  The number of contacts will be dependent upon the student’s presenting needs.  As always, Parent Permission must be obtained to participate and a Release of Information must be signed in order for liaisons to update the S.A.P. team on the student’s progress.

9. The Warren County School District will provide the appropriate crisis policies and protocols to the SAP Liaisons, to ensure that the program functions within indicated district guidelines.

Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, in connection with Forest/Warren Human Services, and the Warren County School District further agree that:

1. Crisis and Emergency Mental Health needs are to be referred to the Warren County Human Services Emergency/Crisis system by calling 726-2100 (weekdays 8:30a.m. – 4:30p.m.) and 723-2800 (after hours).

2. Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems and the Warren County School District agree to arrange and attend coordination meetings a minimum of three. 

3.   The SAP referral/screening process will include:

a.         The referral is received by the SAP Core team.

b.         The district staff will acquire parent permission.  Once parent permission is obtained, the district will forward the referral to the designated SAP liaison.

c.         The SAP liaison will obtain the parent and student’s consent/authorization to participate in the screening/referral process and for the liaison to share the resulting information with the Core Team staff.  In the event that the child/parent refuses to provide authorization for the liaison to communicate with the Core Team or district staff, specific screening results cannot be shared with the SAP teams.  However, the liaisons will be able to indicate whether the individual is receiving continued support through the SAP liaisons.

d.         As soon as possible, but no later than within three weeks of obtaining parental consent, students deemed appropriate for a MH or A.T.O.D. screening will be seen by the liaison.

e.         Following the screening, the liaison will share the results with the student’s parent and the SAP Core Team, if appropriate authorization for release of information has been obtained.  The liaison will assist with referrals and support plans for those students who require additional or ongoing support.

4.         Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems and the Warren County School District will utilize the Conflict Resolution Process if problems occur between agencies.  Including the following steps:

a.         Concerns are addressed between the Core Team and the agency liaisons.

b.         Unresolved concerns are forwarded to the WCSD SAP Coordinator, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems SAP Supervisor and the County SCA.

c.         If the concern remains unresolved, it is forwarded to the WCSD Central Office Administrator, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems Director of Children’s Community Programs and the County Human Services Administrator and the PA Network for Student Assistance Services Regional Coordinator.

d.         If, following the aforementioned process, the issue remains unresolved, it will be forwarded to the Commonwealth SAP Interagency Committee for final resolution.

            During the term of the Agreement, Providers shall maintain in full force and effect workman's compensation insurance coverage and liability insurance coverage in amounts acceptable to the District, with said insurance covering all operations of Providers on the District's premises.  At the time this Agreement is executed, Providers shall provide the District with certificates of said insurance.   

            In the conduct of its operations hereunder, Providers agree to comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations applicable at any time. Providers shall defend, indemnify, hold free and save harmless the District from any loss, actions, demands, suits, judgments and claims of any kind (and regardless of when any claims are asserted), including any expense, reasonable attorneys’ fees or costs incident thereto, filed or presented by any person or entity in connection with, arising from or in relation to the acts or omissions of Providers, its officers, employees, agents, or representative, in the conduct and operation of its program on the premises of the District.  Providers' obligations in accordance with this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

                       For any employee that will have direct contact with children, Provider agrees to be solely responsible, financially and otherwise, for ensuring compliance with 24 PS 1-111.1 (pertaining to employment history reviews); for ensuring compliance with all applicable criminal background check requirements (state and federal, with updates every 3 years as required by law) and ongoing reporting requirements relative to arrests or convictions; for ensuring compliance with all applicable child abuse clearance requirements (with updates every 3 years as required by law) and ongoing reporting requirements relative to alleged child abuse; and for ensuring compliance with all applicable child abuse training and reporting requirements. Provider acknowledges and agrees that any employee of Provider that will have direct contact with children is a mandated reporter of child abuse pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §6301, et. seq.   Provider shall be responsible for complying with School District Policies 7020 and 5002, which can be accessed on the District’s website (http://www.wcsdpa.org) or provided to Provider upon request.

    Provider shall maintain records documenting employment history reviews, criminal background checks, and child abuse clearances for all employees that have direct contact with children and shall provide the District with proof of compliance before any individual is permitted to have contact with students of the District.  Provider shall also maintain records that document child abuse training and ongoing reports received relative to arrests, convictions, or alleged child abuse.  Upon receiving any such report relative to arrests, convictions, or alleged child abuse, Provider shall immediately notify the District’s Superintendent in writing.  The District may at any time request access to any or all of the records identified in this paragraph and, upon receipt of such request, Provider shall provide the District with access within 24 hours.   

For purposes these provisions, the term “direct contact with children” shall mean, “the possibility of care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.”  

Provider agrees that that any violation of this provision by the Provider shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement and shall be grounds for the District’s termination of this Agreement.   Additionally, Provider understands that a violation of this provision may legally bar the School District from being able to to contract with Provider in the future. 

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Provider agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the District and the District’s officers, agents, Board Members, directors, employees, and representatives from and against any and all losses, claims, actions, injuries, damages, liability, and/or  expenses (including litigation and reasonable counsel fees) that arise out of, or that are in any way associated with Provider’s or Provider’s employee’s   failure to adhere to any of the  requirements of this provision.  Provider’s obligations to the District in this respect shall survive the termination of the Agreement and shall cover all claims regardless of when the claim is asserted. 

            In the conduct of its operations hereunder, District agrees to comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations applicable at any time. District shall defend, indemnify, hold free and save harmless the Providers from any loss, actions, demands, suits, judgments and claims of any kind (and regardless of when any claims are asserted), including any expense, reasonable attorneys’ fees or costs incident thereto, filed or presented by any person or entity in connection with, arising from or in relation to the acts or omissions of District, its officers, employees,   agents, or representative, in the conduct and operation of its program on the premises of the District.  District's obligations in accordance with this provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement.  This provision shall not be construed to in any way limit the District’s right to assert any immunity defenses or damage limitation defenses.

            The services to be provided herein shall be provided only by the Provider and its employees.  This Agreement, and Provider’s rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned to any other party without the prior written consent of the District. 

            Providers represent and acknowledge that it, and its employees and agents, are independent contractors and are not agents, servants, or employees of the District.  The parties understand that Providers and its employees and agents, acting under the scope of this contract, have no authority to assume or create any obligation whatsoever, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of the District, or to bind the District in any manner whatsoever.

            The effective dates of the agreement are from August 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016. Individuals signing this document concur with and are willing to comply with the terms of this Letter of Agreement.

            There are no understandings between the Parties regarding this Agreement other than those set forth in this Agreement, and there have been no promises, inducements, or commitments made in conjunction with this Agreement which are not explicitly set forth herein. This Agreement may be amended, modified, or waived only by written agreement signed by all of the Parties and approved by the District’s Board of School Directors at a public meeting held in compliance with the Sunshine Law. 

            If any paragraph or term of this Agreement is deemed to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall remain binding on the Parties hereto.

      _______________________________________

        Warren County School District            Date

        President, Board of School Directors

         ATTEST: 

      _______________________________________

        Warren County School District       Date

        Secretary, Board of School Directors

Executive Summary

Warren Area Elementary Center will host the Mobile Ag Ed Science Lab from May 23 - 27, 2016. The Lab is provided by the PA Friends of Ag Foundation and travels with a certified teacher to different schools around the state. The science curriculum taught meets Pennsylvania Department of Education Science & Technology and Environment & Ecology Standards and is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The district must approve the attached contract and coordinate with the Foundation on schedule and training (if necessary). District staff must be available when the Lab is delivered, and present while students are in the Lab. The district must provide adequate site access, as well as electrical/water hook-ups. The Lab Ag teacher must also have access to the building.

Executive Summary

This is a complete web-based platform that helps schools and districts know where all of their important educational resources are, from library books and textbooks to eBooks and mobile devices.  This tool is suited for the K-12 market, helping districts track and manage everything they buy.  As new digital learning tools and teaching styles emerge, this can help ensure accessibility and accountability for all resources, empowering digital learning to directly impact student success.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

I. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish procedures providing for the disclosure of certain information concerning the District’s bonds, notes or other obligations (the “Bonds”) on an on-going basis for the benefit of the holders of the Bonds or beneficial owners thereof in accordance with SEC Rule 15c-12, as amended from time to time.

II. Delegation of Responsibility

The District’s Director of Business Services shall be responsible for monitoring disclosure of required information, in accordance with Continuing Disclosure Certificates and agreements entered into by the School District with issuance of Bonds. In carrying out this responsibility, the Director of Business Services shall:

1. Coordinate procedures relative to the review of applicable records and information disclosure. 

2. Review SEC continuing disclosure procedures and applicable systems as needed; attend trainings and educational seminars as needed; create internal administrative procedures as need; and train any District staff that will assist with compliance as needed relative to the procedures and applicable systems.

3. Maintain all relevant records documenting continuing disclosure requirements.

4. Undertake and review all other such continuing disclosure requirements of each Bond issue and confirm that all applicable reports and forms have been filed with the SEC.

5. Work in conjunction with the applicable Underwriter, Bond Counsel, and other legal counsel and advisors as needed to identify material information to be included as part of the required disclosures and to establish procedures necessary or appropriate with respect to making the required filings.

6. When the District issues Bonds and a preliminary offering statement and a final offering statement are prepared, have primary responsibility for ensuring that all such information is accurate and not misleading in any material aspect and, when requested to do so, execute a certification that the information does not contain any untrue statement of material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the information contained in the offering statement, in light of the circumstances under which it was provided, not misleading.

Adoption Date         -     _____________, 2015

Revision Date          -    

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     SEC Rule 15c-12

Cross Reference       -     Policy 4225

      10465 Student Participation and Coaches Needed

Minimum participation levels required to support athletic teams and marching bands sponsored by schools of the Warren County School District are provided in the table below.  In the event that the minimum participation level is not met for an athletic team or marching band, the Superintendent or his or her designee shall render a determination, based upon the best interest of the District and any applicable laws or PIAA regulations, as to whether the athletic team or marching band will be eliminated for that particular year.  The Superintendent or his or her designee is authorized to develop and implement administrative procedures relative to such determinations.  Additionally, the Superintendent shall inform the Board in writing any time that an athletic team or marching band is eliminated for a particular year due to the fact that the minimum participation level is not met.  In the event that an athletic team or marching band is eliminated for a particular year due to the fact that the minimum participation level is not met, the athletic team or marching band eliminated shall be re-instated for any subsequent year in which the minimum participation level is met unless the Board, in accordance with the succeeding paragraph, elects to eliminate the athletic team or marching band.  

In the event that a school desires to eliminate an athletic team or marching band for any reason, other than due to the fact that the minimum participation level is not met, the matter shall be presented to the Board for a decision as to whether the athletic team or marching band will be eliminated or sustained.  In the event that the Board approves the elimination of an athletic team or marching band, the athletic team or marching band shall only be reinstated upon Board approval of the proposed reinstatement. 

In the event that, in accordance with this policy, an athletic team or marching band is eliminated at one school, but not at all schools within the District, the impacted students shall be provided with the opportunity to participate on another team within the District, subject to any applicable laws or PIAA regulations. The Superintendent or his or her designee shall, at his or her sole discretion, determine the school at which the student is permitted to participate based on factors including, but not limited to, the students proximity to each school, the number of participants participating on the band or team at each school, and applicable laws or PIAA regulations.  The transportation relative to said students shall be governed by Policy 5420.  Unless an athletic team or marching band is eliminated in accordance with this policy, or unless otherwise required by law, students shall only be permitted to participate as a part of the team or band at the school to which the student is assigned in accordance with Policy 10102.

Staffs of athletic teams and marching bands sponsored by schools of the Warren County School District shall not be funded in excess of the sum of the contract values of the positions indicated as prescribed by student participation in that activity.  If the Board exercises its prerogative to offer more than the minimum salary based upon an employee’s qualifications or experience that excess shall be added to the sum of the contract values.  Provisions of Policy 10465 shall be administered as per the approved procedure to the Policy.

STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND COACHES NEEDED

* different weight classes

Adoption Date         -     September 13, 1999      

Revision Date          -     April 12, 2004; March 24, 2005; June 12, 2006; June 8, 2009; June 28, 2012

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -    

Cross Reference       -     Policy 5420, Policy 10102

As a part of the Board’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its students, staff, and school community, this policy is intended to provide education on youth suicide awareness and prevention; to establish methods of prevention, intervention, and response to suicide or suicide attempt; and to promote access to suicide awareness and prevention resources.

The District shall notify District employees, students and parents/guardians of this policy and shall post the policy on the District’s website.

SUICIDE AWARENESS AND PREVENTION EDUCATION

Protocols for Administration of Student Education

Students shall receive age-appropriate education on the importance of safe and healthy choices, coping strategies, how to recognize risk factors and warning signs, as well as help-seeking strategies for self or others including how to engage school resources and refer friends for help.

Lessons shall contain information on comprehensive health and wellness, including emotional, behavioral and social skills development.

Protocols for Administration of Employee Education

All District employees shall receive information regarding risk factors, warning signs, response procedures, referrals, and resources regarding youth suicide prevention.

As part of the District’s professional development plan, professional educators in school buildings serving students in grades six through twelve shall participate in four hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every five years. 

Additional professional development in risk assessment and crisis intervention shall be provided to school counselors, District mental health professionals and school nurses.

METHODS OF PREVENTION

The methods of prevention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, early identification and support for students at risk; education for students, staff and parents/guardians; and delegation of responsibility for planning and coordination of suicide prevention efforts.

Suicide Prevention Coordinators

A District-wide suicide prevention coordinator, and a suicide prevention coordinator at each school, shall be designated to be responsible for planning and coordinating implementation of this policy.

Early Identification Procedures

Early identification of individuals with one (1) or more suicidal risk factors or of individuals exhibiting warning signs is crucial to suicide prevention efforts.

Risk factors refer to personal or environmental characteristics that are associated with suicide including, but not limited to:

Behavioral Health Issues/Disorders:

1.         Depression.

             2.         Substance abuse or dependence.

             3.         Previous suicide attempts.

             4.         Self injury.

Personal Characteristics:

1.         Hopelessness/low self-esteem.
            2.         Loneliness/social alienation/isolation/lack of belonging.
            3.         Poor problem-solving or coping skills.
            4.         Impulsivity/risk-taking/recklessness.

           Adverse/Stressful Life Circumstances:

              1.        Interpersonal difficulties or losses.

             2.        Disciplinary or legal problems.
 3.        Bullying (victim or perpetrator).

             4.        School or work issues.

             5.        Physical, sexual or psychological abuse.

             6.        Exposure to peer suicide.

Family Characteristics:

             1.        Family history of suicide or suicidal behavior.

             2.        Family mental health problems.

             3.        Divorce/death of parent/guardian.

             4.        Parental-Child relationship.

Warning signs are indications that someone may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future. Warning signs include, but are not limited to:

1.         Expressions such as hopelessness, rage, anger, seeking revenge, feeling trapped, anxiety, agitation, no reason to live or sense of purpose.

2.         Recklessness or risky behavior.

3.         Increased alcohol or drug use.

4.         Withdrawal from friends, family, or society.

5.         Dramatic mood changes.

Referral Procedures

If a student is identified by a District employee as being at increased risk of suicide because (i) he/she has  been identified as having one (1) or more of the risk factors specified above or (ii) has been identified as exhibiting a warning sign specified above indicating that he/she may be in danger of suicide, either immediately or in the near future, the District employee shall refer the student  to a suicide prevention coordinator for the implementation of further assessment and intervention.

METHODS OF INTERVENTION

The methods of intervention utilized by the District include, but are not limited to, responding to suicide threats, suicide attempts in school, suicide attempts outside of school, and family intervention for a completed suicide by a student. 

Procedures for Students identified as having an Increased Risk of Suicide

A District-approved suicide assessment instrument may be used by trained mental health staff such as counselors, psychologists, social workers.

Parents/Guardians of a student identified as being at increased risk of suicide shall be notified by the school. If the school suspects that the student’s risk status is the result of abuse or neglect, school staff shall notify Children and Youth Services pursuant to District Policy 10960.

The District shall identify mental health service providers to whom students can be referred for further assessment and assistance, which may include hospital emergency departments, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and primary care providers.

The District shall create an emotional or mental health safety plan to support a student and the student’s family if the student has been identified as being at risk of suicide.

METHODS OF RESPONSE TO SUICIDE OR

SUICIDE ATTEMPT BY A STUDENT OR STAFF

The District’s methods of response to a student or staff suicide or a suicide attempt include, but are not limited to:

1. Identifying and training the school crisis response/crisis intervention team.

2.   Determining the roles and responsibilities of each crisis response team member.
3.   Notifying students, employees, and parents/guardians or spouses.

4.   Referrals to appropriate mental health service providers.

4.   Working with families.
5.   Responding appropriately to the media.
6.   Collaborating with community providers.

Re-Entry Procedures

A District-employed mental health professional, the building principal or a suicide prevention coordinator shall meet with the parents/guardians of a student returning to school after an absence that a parent/guardian has identified as being due to mental health and, if appropriate, meet with the student to discuss re-entry and applicable next steps to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school.  When authorized by the student’s parent/guardian, a designated District employee may also coordinate with the appropriate outside mental health care providers as necessary to ensure the student’s readiness to return to school. 

DOCUMENTATION Procedures

The District shall document the reasons for referral, including specific warning signs and risk factors identified as indications that the student may be at risk.  The District shall document observations, recommendations and actions/responses conducted throughout the intervention and assessment process including verbal and written communications with students, parents/guardians and mental health service providers.

Information, documents, and reports shall be provided, as appropriate, to the Superintendent, school counselors, District mental health professionals and school nurses.

Suicide Awareness and Prevention Resources

A listing of resources regarding suicide awareness and prevention is attached to this Policy.

Adoption Date         -     ______________, 2015

Revision Date          -    

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     24 P.S. §1526

                                       22Pa. Code §12.12                     

Cross Reference          -           District Policy 10960

1.   DEFINITION/SCOPE OF POLICY.

This Policy shall apply to, and govern, all booster organizations.  For purposes of this policy, the term “booster organization” shall refer to any organization comprised of parents or community members that exist to support an extra-curricular or co-curricular activity or to support a school or its programs.    

2.   PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY.

The Board recognizes and appreciates the cooperation, encouragement, and support given by booster organizations and further recognizes that it is necessary for the Board, pursuant to Section 511 of the School Code, to implement reasonable rules and regulations that govern the operation of booster organizations and their members.   

3.   ESTABLISHING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.

To initiate a booster organization for a particular activity, the following process must be followed:

A.  An adult sponsor shall discuss the proposed purpose of the booster organization with the appropriate athletic director and coach (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is to support a sport) or teacher (if the proposed purpose of the booster organization is not to support a sport).   

B.  The athletic director or teacher shall then discuss the request with the building principal.  If approved by the building principal, a formal written request to establish a booster organization must be submitted by the proposed booster organization to the Board for approval and must contain the following information: 

(i)   The name of, and a detailed description purpose for, the booster organization.

(ii)  The names of any founding members of the proposed booster organization.

(iii)    A copy of the proposed Bylaws for the booster organization that contain all of    the information specified in Section 4(I) of this Policy. 

(iv)    The name of the District employee who will serve as the advisor to the organization. 

4.   GUIDELINES.

Each booster organization shall conform to the following operational guidelines:

I.  Organization.

Booster organizations shall be governed by published Bylaws, which must be submitted to the building principal.  The Bylaws must be approved minimally by a majority of those involved in the booster organization and must contain language that provides for: 

A.  The approval of the Bylaws by a majority of the booster organization.

B.  The manner in which officers are to be elected. 

C.  Two (2) signatures are required on all accounts for disbursement of funds.

D.  A process is in place for members to vote upon how funds will be used.   

E.   The purpose and goals of the booster organization.

F.   The criteria for membership and voting rights in the booster organization.

G.  The mechanism by which an internal audit is conducted annually. 

H.  How the booster will disperse its money in the event that it is disbanded.

II.  Fundraising.

Students are not to be involved in fundraising activities during school hours without the permission of the building principal.  Booster organizations may raise funds through activities with the preapproval of the building principal, to be requested through the completion of an appropriate request form, which must include:    

A.  The name of the organization, contact person, and contact information.

B.  The desired date, time, and location of the fundraiser.

C.  The purpose and description of the fundraiser.

D.  A list of any items that will be for sale.    

E.   A list of any groups or businesses to be solicited.

III.  General Expectations.

A.  Booster organizations must complete the “Use of Facilities” form and comply with all other requirements of Policy 11401.

B.  All gifts to the District shall be donated pursuant to Policy 11501 and, once accepted by the District, shall become the property of the District.

C.  Each booster organization shall provide an audit or treasurer’s report, which accounts for deposits and expenditures, once each year, a copy of which shall be submitted to the Director of Business Services no later than ninety (90) days following the conclusion of the season, or June 30 if a year-round activity, and forwarded to the Board upon request. 

D.  Booster organizations shall not be permitted to use the District’s tax-free number for purchases.   

E.   Students are eligible for membership in a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) because student membership in this organization is nationally recognized.  Otherwise, students are not eligible for membership in any booster organization.   

F.   Each booster organization shall have a District employee that serves as the advisor for the organization.  A District employee’s  role in the functioning of the booster organization is solely in an advisory capacity, and he/she should not handle money or make purchases in the name of the booster organization.  Only the booster organization shall control money or accounts of the booster organization. 

G.  In the event that a booster organization contracts with any individual or entity for services that take place on School District-owned facilities, the contract must be preapproved by the building principal, the booster organization must carry a minimum $1 million liability insurance policy, and the booster organization must provide certificates of insurance to the Director of Business Services.    

H.  Prior to July 1 of each year, all booster organizations shall provide to the Superintendent, in writing, a list of  the current officers of the organization.   Said booster organizations shall also immediately advise the Superintendent, in writing, of any change in the officers that occurs during the year. 

IV. Small Games of Chance/Lotteries.

Small games of chance shall be permitted as authorized by the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act.  The booster organization is solely responsible for obtaining any necessary permits and for complying with all aspects of the Pennsylvania Small Games of Chance Act.  The District shall provide no guidance or assistance of any kind in this respect. 

V.  Camps.

Any camp sponsored by a booster organization must be preapproved by the building principal and, if a District employee participates, the responsibilities of the employee and the booster organization must be clearly defined.

5.   LEGAL COMPLIANCE.

A Booster organization shall comply with all PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rules or regulations and any applicable local, state, or federal law, regulation, or ordinance.   

6.   TIME PERIOD FOR AN EXISTING BOOSTER ORGANIZATION TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY.

Any booster organization established prior to the effective date of this Policy shall not require additional Board approval, but shall have 90 days to establish to the appropriate building principal that it is in compliance with the requirements of this Policy. 

7.   DISBANDING A BOOSTER ORGANIZATION.

The Board may revoke a booster organization’s authorization to operate if the Board determines that it is in the best interest of the District to do so or if the booster organization, or one of its members, violates any of the requirements contained in this Policy.  A booster organization may also disband on its own accord. 

8.   DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.

The Superintendent or his/her designee is authorized to develop and implement administrative procedures, as deemed necessary, to effectuate this Policy. 

9.   EXCLUSION FROM LIABILITY.

Each booster organization is its own independent entity, and members of the booster organization are not employees or agents of the District and have no legal authority to act on behalf of the District .  Neither the District nor the District’s Board of School Directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives assumes any liability of any kind relative to (i) the conduct, actions or inactions, or operation of a booster organization or its member(s); (ii) the violation of any local, state, or federal law, regulation or ordinance by a booster organization or its member(s); (iii) the violation of any PIAA, NCAA, or other governing organization’s rule or regulation by a booster organization or its member(s); or (iv) any loss of, damage to, or theft of equipment owned by a booster organization or its member(s).   

Adoption Date         -     September 13, 1999

Revision Date          -     August 8, 2011, _______________, 2015

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     24 P.S. §5-511; 61 Pa. Code §901.701; 10 P.S. §311, et. seq.; 31 Pa. Code §32.23

Cross Reference       -     Policy 11401; Policy 11501; Policy 4215

Student activities are an important part of the total school curriculum.  Student activities provide opportunities for students to explore areas of interest and skill as well as opportunities to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, pride and fairness.  For the purpose of this policy, “co-curricular activities” are sponsored or approved by the Board but generally not offered for credit toward graduation.  The Board acknowledges that in certain limited circumstances activities that would otherwise be regarded as co-curricular are sometimes offered for credit, such as the awarding of a physical education credit for participation in a sports activity.  For the purposes of this policy such activity shall still be regarded as a co-curricular activity even though an academic credit may be awarded for participation in it.

Participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege, offered to students, that carries with it the responsibility of good behavior.  Students have no absolute rights or property interest in participation in co-curricular activities.  This policy is intended to provide a general outline and code for the manner in which discipline and eligibility will be handled.  The student is reminded that this co-curricular policy does not stand alone.  Other District policy sections also relate to student conduct such as the Student Search Policy, the Discipline Policy and the Transportation Policy.

This policy will govern behavior, eligibility and circumstances for events that occur during school or school related activity, off school grounds at a school activity function or event, on school provided transportation and during hours a co-curricular activity is taking place including overnight trips.  Additionally, this policy may apply outside of school property or school related activities if there is misconduct that causes a substantial disruption to the operation of the school, or the administration reasonably anticipates that the conduct is likely to cause a substantial disruption to the operation of the school. 

The following separate and distinct co-curricular rules and regulations are promulgated by the Board as follows:

1.     The use and/or possession of illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages by a student shall result in the exclusion from all co-curricular activities until the receipt of the official Hearing Officer’s Adjudication Report is approved by the Board.

2.     The possession or use of tobacco or a vapor product by a student in violation of Policy 1420 shall result in the exclusion from all co-curricular activities for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days.  The definitions of “tobacco” and “vapor product” are contained in Policy 1420 and are incorporated herein by reference.    

3.     The distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages/drugs or substances intended to mimic any substance or the possession of any mechanical device (such as pot pipe, syringe or needle) capable of utilization for taking by a student of any substance regarded as controlled or illegal shall result in exclusion from all co-curricular activities until the official Hearing Officer’s Adjudication Report is approved by the Board.

4.     Any student involved in the stealing of school property or the property of others will result in an exclusion of all co-curricular activities for a minimum of ten (10) calendar days.

5.     A student who has been absent from school during a semester for a total of twenty (20) or more school days shall not be eligible to participate in any co-curricular activity until the student has met the prescribed requirements of Section 3 of Article 3 of the PIAA By-Laws, excepting absences certified by a physician as due to illness, injury or quarantine.

6.     Students who participate in co-curricular activities must meet minimum academic requirements to maintain their eligibility.  Students must maintain passing grades in four (4) full time classes or the equivalency for the nine (9) week grading period to be eligible.  Students not meeting academic standards will be ineligible to participate in co-curricular      activities for 15 days.  At the end of the student’s 15 day exclusion, the student’s work will be re-evaluated to determine if she/he is maintaining passing grades in four (4) full-time classes or there equivalents, if not, the student’s exclusion from co-curricular activities will be extended an additional 15 days.  At that time, the work will be re-evaluated again.  An eligibility report will generally be prepared during each week of the school year that school is in session.  An eligibility report will not be prepared during any time that school is not in session due to a holiday breaks, or otherwise.    If an eligibility report indicates that a student is failing more than one course (regardless of the number of credits applicable to the course), the student will be ineligible to participate until such time as an eligibility report is prepared and indicates that the student is no longer failing more than one course.  Additionally, pursuant to Article X of the PIAA Constitution and By-Laws, students must maintain passing grades in four (4) full-credit subjects, or the equivalent, for the nine (9) week grading period to be eligible for participation.  If it is determined at the end of a grading period that a student did not meet this standard, the student will be ineligible to participate in co-curricular activities for at least 15 school days of the next grading period and will remain ineligible to participate until such time as an eligibility report, that is prepared after the 15 school days has lapsed, indicates that the student is not failing more than one course (regardless of the number of credits applicable to the course).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the end of the school year, student’s final credits in his/her subjects, rather than his/her credits for the last grading period, shall be used to determine his/her eligibility for the next grading period and, so long as a student’s final credits indicate that he/she obtained passing grades in four (4) full-credit courses, the student shall be eligible to participate at the commencement of a Fall co-curricular activity.    The Building Administrator will notify the parent and the student of his/her ineligibility.

7.     Unacceptable behavior engaged in by any student, such as, but not restricted to, inappropriate language/gestures, insubordination, hazing, threats, etc., will result in an exclusion from all co-curricular activities a minimum of ten (10) calendar days.

8.     Any student who is determined to bring a weapon into any school property, any school sponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity shall be excluded from all co-curricular activities until the official Hearing Officer’s Hearing Adjudication Report is approved by the Board. 

"Weapons" are defined but not limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaka, firearm, rifle or any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting personal bodily injury.

9.     The club/team/organization, sponsors and/or coaches and/or advisors, with the approval of the building administrator, may establish rules that are more stringent than the adopted rules of the co-curricular policies.  Participants and their parents/guardians shall be notified in writing of these rules.

10.   Permanent removal from an activity shall result in the forfeiture of awards for recognition in that particular activity.

11.   When participation in a co-curricular activity requires that students pay fees for that activity, with such fees including but not necessarily being limited to ski lift tickets, participation fees, and entrance fees, the policy of the District shall be to structure the activity so that to the greatest extent possible all participating students pay the same fee.  As the sponsor of all co-curricular activities, the District is to be considered the chaperone, sponsor, or similar party for such activities.  Accordingly, any incentives or perks that are bestowed upon a chaperone, sponsor, etc. for participation in a co-curricular activity shall be understood to be the property of the District and shall not, for example, be used by a parent as a means to pay for his or her own child's participation in a co-curricular activity.  The District, at its sole discretion, will determine how such incentives and perks will be utilized in order to benefit all of the participants in the co-curricular activity.

The discipline set forth in the above specific rules is intended to establish only a minimum discipline.  Greater discipline may be imposed depending upon the circumstances of the infraction.

Any student suspended, in-school or out-of-school, or expelled from school shall also be automatically suspended or excluded from participating in all school or co-curricular activities for the duration of the school suspension or expulsion.  Students enrolled in the alternative education program are not permitted to participate in co-curricular activities.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for the administration of the co-curricular policy.  The Building Administrator shall be responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the rules and regulations.  All schools, through the Building Administrator, sponsor, coach, and advisors, shall be responsible for informing student participants and parents/guardians of the rules and regulations.

Each school shall notify parents/guardians and students in the following manner:

1.     One parent newsletter per year shall include reference to the rules and regulations.

2.     Each sponsor/coach/advisor of a co-curricular activity shall inform the student participants at the start of each activity/season of the rules and regulations.  Also, a copy of the rules and regulations shall be sent home with the student participants.

                        Adoption Date            -     September 13, 1999

                        Revision Date             -     June 30, 2008, August 8, 2011, May 11, 2015; June 29, 2015

                        Practice                       -    

                        Legal Reference          -     Article X of PIAA Constitution and By-Laws

                        Cross Reference          -     Policy 10410; Policy 10465; Policy 1420

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary