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Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The mission of the Warren County School District is to support the personal and intellectual success and wellness of every student, every day.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

The 2022-2023 Student Assistance Program (6-12) Agreement is for an existing service funded by Forest Warren Human Services.

Executive Summary

eSAP services will expand the district's existing continuum of Student Assistance Program (SAP) services from grades 6-12 to k-12. Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems (BLBHS) is the current provider for SAP services for students in grades 6-12.

Phone quotes from three (3) community sources was sought and received.

Executive Summary

The WCCC Mental Health/Social Service Worker is responsible to monitor student attendance and provide family and staff with support in encouraging good school attendance – especially regarding pandemic related fears and concerns and other barriers influencing school enrollment. Duties may include participating in weekly staff attendance meetings, providing one-on-one assistance to students and family, and school/family and agency collaboration.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Satchel pulse provides a smart solution for stakeholder feedback through inclusive surveys, continuous feedback, instant results, and automated data collection procedures. Three different surveys are used to gather feedback for staff, students, and parents. Each survey includes its own pillars to ensure questions are relevant to the individual. Audio reading and language translation support diverse populations. School and district leaders can use tools to focus directly on taking action based on survey results. Surveys are automatically sent out, reporting is instantaneous, and an analysis follows that highlights areas to monitor, and areas to take immediate action.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

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Executive Summary

Please see the attachment.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Please see the attachment.

Please see the attachment.

Please see the attached contract.

The Board recognizes that a system of grading student achievement can help the student, teachers, and parents to better assess the student's progress toward personal educational goals.

Grading shall be that system of measuring and recording student progress and achievement which enables the students, parents and teachers to:  learn the student's strengths and weaknesses; plan an educational and vocational future for the student in the areas of the greatest potential for success; and know where remedial work is required.

Such grades shall measure the student's progress against his/her own potential for achievement and the following guidelines will pertain:

•     All high schools and the Career Center shall award credit in the same fashion. 

The following policy on honor roll criteria shall be utilized in the District for determining honor students at the completion of each nine weeks grading period.

Honor Roll

An average of 84% with no percentage below 75%.

Merit Honor Roll

An average of 92% with no percentage below 75%.

Other Criteria

In grades  6-12, courses will be weighted according to potential credits (the value given to each course - example:  1 credit or .5 credit).  The honor roll/merit honor roll average is based on the percent times potential credit (for each course).  This total is divided by the total potential credits for the grading period.

Those students enrolled in Pass (P)/Fail (F) courses must receive a pass in all the courses graded Pass (P)/Fail (F).

Students receiving an INC. (incomplete) for any course during the grading period do not qualify for the honor roll/merit honor roll until the INC. is completed.

Students receiving a WF (Withdraw Fail) for any course during the grading period do not qualify for the Honor Roll/Merit Honor Roll.  Any student who withdraws from any course (1 credit or ½ credit) after nine weeks of the courses start date (regardless of  the date on which a student may enroll in the course) will receive a grade of WP (Withdraw/Passing) or WF (Withdraw/Failing). Any student who withdraws from any course (1 credit or ½ credit) prior to nine weeks of the courses start date (regardless of  the date on which a student may enroll in the course) will receive no mark.  Students receiving a WF (Withdraw Fail) for any course during the grading period do not qualify for the Honor Roll/Merit Honor Roll for that grading period.  

Adoption Date         -     September 13, 1999

Revision Date          -     January 8, 2007; June 9, 2014; August 8, 2016; ______, 2022

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     22 Pa Code, Chapter 4 – Academic Standards and Assessment

Cross Reference       -     Policy 9715, 9737 & 9744

1. Pennsylvania Statute 24 P.S. §13-1302 mandates that a student is entitled to enroll in the Warren County School District if residency within the District is established.  However, the Board has the legal authority, and it is within the Board’s discretion pursuant to 24 P.S. §13-1310, to adopt rules that determine which school within the District a child will attend.  As an exercise of this discretion the Board has determined that, unless special permission has been granted pursuant to Section II of this policy, the attendance area in which a student will be required to attend school shall be determined as follows:

1. A student shall attend school in the attendance area in which his/her parents/guardians are domiciled.  If the parents/ guardians are each domiciled in a different attendance area, the student shall attend school in the attendance area where the parent/guardian that has physical custody a majority of the time during the school year is domiciled.  If the parents/ guardians are each domiciled in a different attendance area and the parents/guardians have a 50/50 physical custody arrangement, the parents/guardians must designate the attendance area, in which one of them is domiciled, that they desire their child to attend school for the school year. 
2. If the student does not have a parent who is domiciled within the District’s boundaries, but the student is entitled to enroll in the District because residency within the District has been established pursuant to 24 P.S. §13-1302, the student shall attend school in the attendance area in which the parent(s)/guardian(s) is residing.      
3. The attendance area in which a homeless student attends school shall be determined pursuant to District Policy 10140. 
4. The attendance area in which a foreign exchange student, or other student that is placed under the supervision of a District resident, attends school shall be the attendance area in which the supervising District resident is domiciled.  If a student is enrolled in the District, but neither the student nor his/her parents/guardians are domiciled in, or reside in, the District, the Superintendent shall determine the attendance area to which the student is assigned. 
5. The attendance area in which an emancipated minor or an 18-year old student (who does not live with, and is not dependent on, his/her parents/guardians) attends school shall be the attendance area in which the student is domiciled.   

2. The reasons for special permission are as follows: 

1.      A child whose parents/guardians domicile (or residence, if the parents/guardians are not domiciled within the District) changes from one attendance area to another during the school year, and whose parent/guardian has submitted a request in writing, may be given permission to continue to attend his or her former school if it is determined that it is in the best interest of the child. Such permission shall not extend beyond the current school year.
2.      In accordance with the regulations governing the identification and placement of exceptional students, a special education student may be assigned to another building via his/her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) when the program and services the student requires are not available in his/her assigned school. Placement decisions regarding an exceptional student must always consider the neighborhood school first when the recommended program is available in the student’s assigned attendance area. neighborhood school.  “Neighborhood School” is defined as the school in the attendance area that services the domicile or  legal residence (if there is no domicile in any attendance area)  of the parent or legal guardian.
3.      If, prior to the commencement of a particular school year, it is determined that a student will be taking the majority of his/her credit hours at a school other than his/her the neighborhood school during the school year because one or more of the courses in which the student is enrolled are not available at his/her assigned school, the student shall be transferred to the other school for that school year.  If any such transfer occurs for a particular school year, the decision as to whether the transfer shall remain in effect for any subsequent school year shall be determined by the Superintendent on an annual basis prior to the start of the school year based on academic need.
4.      A child who is involved in a serious disciplinary situation in his or her assigned school may be assigned to another school within the District, including the District’s Virtual Academy. when such a transfer appears to be in the best interest of the student and the District. The transfer shall remain in effect according to the provisions established at the time of the transfer.
5.      A child with a physical and/or psychological condition, verified by a written statement from a licensed physician or psychiatrist medical provider, may be transferred to another school within the district which better meets  the child's needs if the transfer is the only viable option to avoid significant detriment to the educational well-being of a student. The transfer shall remain in effect as long as it is necessary to meet the student's needs and is supported by the child’s doctor.
6.  A written request from a student’s parent/guardian may be approved to transfer a student into the District from another school district, or from the District to another school district, when it has been determined to be in the best interest of the student, and when a written agreement has been entered into between both districts.  Such a transfer must be in compliance with the School Code and with the applicable regulations promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The financial responsibility for the payment of tuition, transportation, and any other expenses which are incurred as a result of a student transferring to or from another school district and which are reimbursed pursuant to the School Code and applicable regulations shall be the responsibility of the parents/guardians who are requesting the transfer and not the responsibility of the Warren County School District, unless otherwise required by law.

7.       The decision to grant or deny a discretionary transfer pursuant to this Section shall be made by the Superintendent.

7.      Unless otherwise required by law or determined by the Superintendent, transportation for a student with an approved attendance area transfer will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

3. For purposes of this policy the attendance area in which a parent/guardian is domiciled shall mean the attendance area in which the parent/guardian has fixed his/her family permanent home and principal establishment and to which, whenever he/she is absent, he/she has the intention of returning.   By law, a person can have only one domicile and a new domicile can be acquired only by physical presence at a new residence coupled with an intent to live in the new residence permanently and to abandon the prior domicile.  Whether said intent is present shall be determined by the actual facts, not what a parent/guardian declares the facts to be. The determination regarding domicile shall be made by the Superintendent and shall be based upon the particular facts of each case.

4. This Policy shall govern all school assignment decisions made by the District for the 2014/2015 school year and thereafter.  This Policy does not mandate the reassignment of students who were previously assigned to a school or attendance area for a school year proceeding the 2014/2015 school year.    

5. The Superintendent or the assigned designee may develop administrative procedures necessary to effectuate this Policy.

Adoption Date      -        May 14, 2001

Revision Date       -       June 11, 2012; June 10, 2013; August 11, 2014;

                          -       September 1, 2017; __________, 2022

Review Date         -       

Legal Reference    -        24 P.S. §13-1302

Cross Reference    -        Policy 10106, 10107, 10110, and 10140

Periodically resident parents request that their child/ren requests are made to attend a District school on a part-time basis. when the child/ren is/are enrolled in a non-District educational program for the rest of the day. 

The Superintendent or their designee will establish procedures to approve part-time student status enrollment when:       

          1. in accordance with the regulations governing the identification and placement of exceptional students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) establishes a part time schedule.

2. the student’s class has graduated and he/she needs less than a full-time schedule to graduate.

3.   the student is an adult resident who desires to take an occasional class.

4.   the student has a verified medical condition and a shorter day is recommended by the attending physician.

5.  the student is scheduled less than a full day attendance meets the student’s educational needs in particular instance.

6.  other circumstances prevail which are deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or his/her designee.

          1.  The student is between the ages of 18 and 21, such that the student is no longer of compulsory attendance age but still has the right to attend school and does not hold a certificate of graduation from a regularly accredited, licensed, registered or approved high school.

                                                           OR

2.  The student is of compulsory attendance age and one of the following is met:

A.  The student holds a certificate of graduation from a regularly accredited, licensed, registered or approved high school, and the District consents to part-time enrollment. The District is not required to educate a student that has graduated, but can do so at its discretion. 

B.  The student is attending college.

C.  The student is attending a home education program.   

D.  The student is at least 15 years of age, and their enrollment in private trade or business school has been approved. 

E.  The student is at least 14 years of age, has completed the highest elementary grade, and is engaged in farm work or private domestic service under duly issued permits.

F.  The student is at least 16 years of age, is regularly employed during the time school is in session and holds a lawfully issued employment certificate. 

G.  Part-time enrollment is pursuant to a student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or Gifted Individualized Educational Plan (GIEP).

H.  The student has a verified medical condition and attendance/enrollment on a part-time basis is recommended by the attending physician (or other duly licensed professional) or is incorporated as a part of the student’s Act 504 Plan.

Adoption Date         -     September 13, 1999

Revision Date          -     September 12, 2022

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -     24 PS 13-1327, 24 PS 13-1330

                                       22 Pa. Code 11.11, 22 Pa. Code 11.12

Cross Reference       -     Policy 9335, Policy 10110

Purpose:

The Board recognizes that a limited number of students tend to create disruption within the school system and interfere with other students’ learning experiences.  Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) programs are necessary to assist such students in developing skills to improve their ability to remain within the school program and to create positive attitudes regarding completion of their education.

The district may implement its own AEDY alternative education programs or contract with other entities for such programs.

Definition of “Disruptive Student” for Purposes of this Policy: 

A student who poses a clear threat to the safety and welfare of other students or the school staff, who creates an unsafe school environment or whose behavior materially interferes with the learning of other students or disrupts the overall education process.  The disruptive student exhibits to a marked degree any or all of the following conditions:

1. Disregard for school authority, including persistent violation of school policy and rules.
2. Display or use of controlled substances on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
3. Violent or threatening behavior on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
4. Possession of a weapon on school property.
5. Commission of a criminal act on school property or during school-affiliated activities.
6. Misconduct that would merit suspension or expulsion under school policy.

No student who is eligible for special education services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act shall be deemed a disruptive student, except as provided for by law.

Guidelines:

1. AEDY Alternative education programs shall only be utilized for middle and high school students.  AEDY alternative education programs shall comply with state and federal laws and regulations.  Student progress in AEDY alternative education programs shall be periodically reviewed and evaluated, minimally at the end of each semester, to determine the appropriateness of returning to the regular classroom.
2. Disruptive students shall be considered for placement in an AEDY alternative education programs on a case by case basis and may be placed in an AEDY alternative education program only after the student and parents have been given an opportunity for an informal hearing or, in those cases when expulsion is a potential disciplinary action, after a formal expulsion hearing.
3. Temporary placement of a student in an AEDY program for up to 10 days is permitted, without holding an informal hearing,  if both the parent and student agree with the recommendation and the requirement for an informal hearing is waived. 
4. A student returning from a placement, who is on probation resulting from being adjudicated delinquent, or who has been convicted of committing a crime in an adult criminal proceeding shall be considered for placement in AEDY alternative education programs on case by case bases upon return to the district.  Factors considered by the district, may include, but are not limited to, whether the incident causing the adjudication occurred at school or a school sponsored event, the student’s behavior in placement, and the recommendations of teachers and other adults, such as the juvenile probation officer and residential treatment staff, who have worked with the student.  The student and parents shall be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an AEDY alternative education program.
5. When a student transfers from a public or private school during a period of expulsion for an act or an offense involving a weapon, the district may place that student in an AEDY alternative education program, provided the assignment does not exceed the period of expulsion.  The student and parents shall be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an AEDY alternative education program.
6. A student need not be expelled to be placed in an AEDY alternative education program.  Students who are expelled by the district and who are required to be provided with a free and appropriate public education by the district may be placed in an AEDY alternative education program following the formal expulsion hearing.  In such instances, the Hearing Officer’s Adjudication Report relative the expulsion shall specify the AEDY alternative education program as the mechanism through which a free and appropriate public education will be provided, and a separate informal hearing shall not be required prior to placement in an AEDY alternative education program.
7. In those instances when the student and parents are required to be given an opportunity for an informal hearing prior to being placed in an AEDY alternative education program:

1. The informal hearing shall be held to bring forth all relevant information regarding the event or series of events for which the student may be assigned to an AEDY alternative education program and for the student, her/his parents or guardians, and school officials to discuss concrete strategies for avoiding future offenses.
2. Notification of the reason for the recommendation of assignment shall be given in writing to the student and her/his parents or guardians.
3. Sufficient notice of the time and place of the informal hearing shall be given.  If a suspension is also involved, the district shall offer to hold the informal hearing within the first 5 days of the suspension
4. The student has the right to question any witnesses present at the hearing and the student has the right to speak and produce witnesses on his/her own behalf.

8. If the student’s presence in the regular classroom poses a danger to persons or property or provides a disruption of academic progress, immediate placement in an AEDY alternative education program may occur with the informal hearing to follow as soon as practicable.
9. The AEDY alternative education program shall be utilized only when other established methods of discipline and interventions have been utilized and have failed or when the seriousness of the student’s behavior warrants immediate placement. 
   
10. An AEDY alternative education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY) State Referral will be needed prior to placement.
11. A student placed in the AEDY program may be referred to the Hearing Officer for further discipline if necessary.

            Adoption Date         -     June 28, 2012

            Revision Date          -     June 10, 2013, July 31, 2017, __________, 2022 

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -   School Code  - 24 P.S. §511, § 1317.2, §1901-C et. seq, §1901-E et.seq.; 22 Pa. Code - §12.8, Ch. 14 & 15; 20 U.S. C. §1400 Et. Seq.; 34 CFR§300.530-300.536 

Cross Reference       -    

This Policy applies to students who are residents of the District and who are enrolled in a home education program.  For purposes of this policy, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Appropriate Education – a program consisting of instruction in the required subjects for the time required by law and in which the student demonstrates sustained progress in the overall program.

Home Education Evaluator – a licensed clinical psychologist; a certified school psychologist; a teacher certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who possesses appropriate experience in evaluating student performance; or a non-public school teacher or administrator with at least two years’ experience within the last ten (10) years in a Pennsylvania public or non-public school who possesses appropriate experience in evaluating student performance; or persons with other qualifications, with the prior consent of the Superintendent.    

Supervisor - the parent/guardian or person having legal custody of a child who is responsible for providing instruction, provided such person has a high school diploma or its equivalent. 

Prior to commencement of a home education program and annually thereafter, the Supervisor shall file a notarized affidavit with the District’s Home School Administrator (who shall be designated by the Superintendent) setting forth the information, instructional program, and courses as required by law.  The initial affidavit may be submitted at any time during the school year, but all subsequent affidavits are due by August 1st for the following school year.  If a child who will be reaching the age of six (6) during the upcoming school year has never been enrolled in a public school, private school, private tutoring or home education program, the Supervisor must submit the initial affidavit before the child turns six (6) years old. 

When the affidavit is submitted, the Supervisor shall also provide the District’s Home School Administrator with evidence the home educated student has complied with Pennsylvania’s immunization requirements, evidence the home educated student has received the health and medical services required for students of the child’s age or grade level as outlined in Article XIV of the School Code, and an outline of the proposed education objectives by subject area which is compliant with the course requirements specified at 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(c) & 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1(d).

If the District determines the notarized affidavit and the additional required documents are incomplete or noncompliant, the District shall implement the hearing and appeal process specified at 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1.

For each student enrolled in the home education program, the Supervisor shall:

1. Maintain a portfolio of records and materials.
2. Provide an annual written evaluation of the student’s educational progress.

Students who complete all graduation requirements of the home education program shall receive a high school diploma issued by the Supervisor by using the standard form developed by PDE.  The District will not issue a diploma to students who complete all of the graduation requirements of the home education program.

At the request of the Supervisor, the District shall lend to the home education program copies of the school’s planned courses, textbooks, and curriculum materials appropriate to the student’s age and grade level.

Students with Disabilities

For any child identified by the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as needing special education services, the proposed home education program must address the specific needs of the exceptional student and be approved by:

1. A teacher with a valid certificate from the Commonwealth to teach special education;
2. A licensed clinical psychologist; or
3. A certified school psychologist,

The foregoing shall not apply if the parent/legal guardian refuses to consent to, or revokes consent for, the provision of special education services. 

Appropriate Education/Compliance Determination

Prior to June 30th of each year, the Supervisor must provide the Superintendent with a certification completed by a Home Education Evaluator and stating that an appropriate education is occurring for the school year under review.  If the Supervisor fails to submit the certification, the Superintendent shall send a letter to the Supervisor by certified mail (return receipt requested) notifying the Supervisor that he/she has ten (10) days from the receipt of the certified letter to submit the certification.

If the Superintendent has a reasonable belief at any time that an appropriate education may not be occurring in the home education program or the home education program being proposed or implemented, is not compliant with any requirement of  24 P.S. § 13-1327.1,  he/she may submit a letter by certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Supervisor which includes the basis for reasonable belief and requires the Supervisor to submit to the Superintendent, within 30 days of the receipt of the certified letter, a certificate by a Home Education Evaluator certifying an appropriate education and that the program is compliant. 

Hearing and Appeal

If the Supervisor fails to submit a certification that an appropriate education is occurring in the home as required, the District shall implement the hearing and appeal process specified at 24 P.S. § 13-1327.1.  If the final determination is that the home education program is out of compliance, the student will be enrolled in a District school, a non-public school or a licensed private academic school.

Transfers

If a student in a home education program is relocating to another school district in Pennsylvania, the Supervisor must request from the Superintendent, by certified mail (return receipt requested) at least 30 days prior to the relocation, a letter of transfer for the home education program verifying the program is compliant.  The Superintendent shall issue the letter of transfer within 30 days of the receipt of the certified letter and provide a copy of the letter to the Superintendent of the new district of residence.  If a home education program is out of compliance or involved in hearing or appeal proceedings, the Superintendent shall inform the home education Supervisor and Superintendent of the new district of residence of this status and the reason for any denial of the transfer letter.

If the Superintendent is informed of pending hearing or appeal proceedings related to a student with a home education program who is relocating to the District, the student shall continue the home education program until the process is finalized.

Participation in District Activities

Participation in District activities (sports, clubs, etc.) by students in a home education program shall be governed by Policy 10410. 

Dual Enrollment/Participation in Classes offered by the District

A student enrolled in a home school education program shall be entitled to dual enrollment in the District pending course enrollment numbers; which means that  if a student is enrolled in a home education program, the student shall be permitted to also enroll in, and receive credit for, any class offered by the District (including the District’s Virtual Academy) or the Warren County Career Center, so long as the student does not take a seat away from a student that is not participating in a home education program and that is working toward a District diploma.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any student enrolled in the District or the Warren County Career Center and pursing a District diploma shall not be awarded credit by the District for any home education course taken while the student is enrolled in the District or the Warren County Career Center.

Entry to the District, Grade Placement, & the District’s Awarding of Credit for Home Education Courses

The District shall evaluate for grade placement any student enrolling in the District after being enrolled in a home education program and shall also determine the credits the District will award towards graduation for those courses completed pursuant to a home education program.  The manner through which the District determines grade placement and the awarding of credits towards graduation shall be determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee and specified in a separate administrative procedure. 

Delegation of Authority

The Superintendent or his/her designee is hereby authorized to establish administrative procedures to implement this Policy. 

Adoption Date           -     September 13, 1999        

Revision Date           -     August 12, 2019; February 10, 2020; August 9, 2021;    ____________, 2022

Review Date             -    

Legal Reference        -     24 P.S. §511; 24 P.S. §111; 24 P.S. §1327; 24 P.S. §1327.1; 22 Pa. Code §11.12; 22 Pa. Code §1131a; 22 Pa. Code §1133

Cross Reference

A.        PURPOSE

Emerging software opportunities, electronic communication systems and networks (technology) allow for new methods of education and academic research in the District by providing resources and the opportunity for collaborative work.  Telecommunications facilities, computer hardware and associated software opportunities, including educational computer programs, research via the World Wide Web, transfer of information and interaction with others via electronic mail, electronic collaboration tools, and the like, should be utilized to support the District’s curriculum and to support communications among the District’s students and employees.

Although this technology allows significant opportunities for research, curriculum enhancement and improved communications, the technology also affords significant opportunities for abuse.  This Policy is intended to establish guidelines for the appropriate usage of existing technology.  Guidelines are also established for the introduction of new technology to be utilized in the educational setting.

The District makes available various forms of digital technology to its students for educational purposes and to certain employees to advance the education of students or to advance the legitimate business of the District. The purposes are exclusive to the District as it makes digital technology available.

It is the policy of the District to (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Given the ever-changing nature of technology, its potential opportunities, and abuses, it will not be possible for this Policy to address all specific situations, which may arise. Therefore, it is also the purpose of the Board, by this Policy to vest in the Superintendent or his or her designee the authority to fashion procedures, as necessary, to implement the general purposes of this Policy.

B.        DEFINITIONS

            1.   Minor – any student of school age.

2. Obscene - Analysis of the material meets the following elements:

a.     The average person applying contemporary community standards would find that the subject matter taken as a whole with respect to minors appeals to the prurient interest.

1.   Contemporary community standards shall be defined to mean the regions within which the District provides services to students.

b.     The subject matter depicts, describes or represents in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts or a lewd exhibition of the genitals or post-pubescent female breast.

c.     The subject matter taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value.

3.   Harmful to minors - Any text, picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

a.     taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion.

b.     depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals.

c.     taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value as to minors.

4.   Child Pornography – any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer, or computer generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct where (a) the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, or (b) such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identifiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

C.        ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY

Access to technology is provided to District employees and students as a privilege.  Access is not and cannot be guaranteed.  However, when access is available it is to be regarded as a privilege that carries with it a responsibility.  All usage is to be done in a responsible, efficient and legal manner that is consistent with the values of the Student Discipline Code and the policies and mission of the District as enunciated in this Policy Manual or other directives of the Board or Administration.  For users, the District’s technology is to be used primarily for education-related purposes and performance of District job duties.  Incidental personal use of school technology is permitted for employees so long as such use does not interfere with the District’s Policy manual, the employee’s job duties and performance, with system operations, or with other system users.  Personal use must comply with this Policy; procedures and rules contained in this Policy, as well as Internet Service Providers, local, state and federal laws and must not damage the District’s hardware, software, applications, or technology.  Students may only use the technology for educational purposes.

The District will notify the parents about the policies governing technology use. This Policy contains restrictions on accessing inappropriate material.  There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be fitting with the particular values of the families of the students.  The District will educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and Cyberbullying awareness and response.  It is not practically possible for the District to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet.  Further, the District recognizes that parents bear primary responsibility for transmitting their particular set of family values to their children.  The District will encourage parents to specify to their child(ren) what material is and is not acceptable for their child(ren) to access through the District system. 

D.        GUIDELINES FOR USAGE

Usage of the technology which is not consistent with the “access” policy contained in the previous paragraph is prohibited.  It is not possible to list all of the types of usage which are inappropriate.  However, as a guideline, some of the types of inappropriate usage are listed below:

1. Engaging in non-work or non-school related communications unless for employees under this Policy’s definition of incidental personal use.  Users should understand that even when using District technology resources for incidental personal use there is no expectation of privacy, and the personal nature of such use shall not create any such expectation.

2.     Sending or displaying of offensive messages or pictures, including but not limited to, messages or pictures that contain pornography, child pornography, matters that are obscene or matters that are harmful to minors, ethnic slurs, racial epithets, or anything that may be construed as disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or religious or political beliefs.

3.     Using vulgar or obscene language, pictures, or symbols.

4.     Using technology to harass, bully, threaten, disrupt, or libel/defame or annoy others or to materially or substantially interfere with the education of others.  

5.     Trespassing in or upon personal files or programs, removing, damaging or utilizing information which the user is not entitled to remove, damage or utilize or communicating under a false name or other false pretenses.

6.     Violating any copyright laws or the Copyright Policy of the District including Policy Section 9905 by copying, downloading, uploading or otherwise duplicating copyrighted material.

7.     Violating any other District Policy, or associated administrative procedures, including (i) policies concerning political activities and advertising such as Policy Number 7240 ; (ii) policies governing student distribution and /or posting of material such as Policy Number 10230; (ii) policies governing harassment and sexual harassment such as Policy Number 1215; and (iv) policies that pertain to maintaining professional adult/student boundaries such as Policy Number 1217.

8.     Engaging in any use which violates any State or Federal law, rule or regulation federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

9.     Intentionally creating, uploading or other introduction of computer viruses or similar device or program, which damages hardware, applications, or software.

10.   Engaging in unauthorized access of computers, intentionally disrupting the network or attempting to circumvent security measures on an individual computer and / or the District network.

11.   Using the technology for gambling, sports pools, betting games or games of chance.

12.   Installing, uninstalling or damaging computer hardware, applications, software or the network.

13.   Creating such things as documents, web pages, electronic communications, or videoconferences that include personally identifiable information that indicates the physical location of a student at a given time without parental consent.

14.   Unauthorized connection of non-district issued technology devices to the District network.

15.   Creation of, or participation in, “chain letters” or similar forms of broadcast mail.

13.   The use of profanity in any communication unless required for business purposes.

14.   Using technology resources to access, inspect or disseminate confidential or personal information of others.

Any employee or student engaged in the inappropriate use of or access to the technology may be subject to the loss of the privilege.  The Board hereby vests the Administration with the authority to restrict any person's usage of the privileges, for the period of time deemed appropriate by the Administration, on account of violations of this Policy.  Additionally, students are advised that violations of this Policy may result in students being disciplined in accordance with the Discipline Code (Policy 10510) and employees are advised that violations of this Policy may result in discipline procedures according to the applicable sections of this Policy Manual or the Contract(s) governing the relationship between the District and employee.

E.         FILTERING

The District uses a technology protection measure that is designed to prohibit users from accessing Network sites that are not in accordance with the policy and procedures of the District and the laws of Pennsylvania.  This measure helps guard against access by users to messages or pictures that contain pornography, child pornography, matters that are obscene or matters that are harmful to minors, ethnic slurs, racial epithets, or anything that may be construed as disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or religious or political beliefs.  Filtering may be disabled for adults engaged in bona fide research or for other lawful purposes.  To ensure enforcement, the District will monitor use of technology resources through direct supervision and monitoring of the network.  This filtering measure is not foolproof and inadvertent access to sites not consistent with this Policy needs to be reported immediately to a District administrator.

F.         USER ACCOUNTS

All electronic communications initiated while utilizing the District technology shall be channeled through a User Account.  User Accounts may be provided for District students and employees.  Any student utilizing a User Account shall do so only with permission of a District employee.  All User Accounts shall be the property of the District and shall be used only for the purposes described in this Policy.  All User Accounts shall be accessed only via a password.  Upon request, a student or employee shall make their password known to the Superintendent, the Technology Director, the Building Administrator or their designee.  No user shall reveal their password to another individual except as set forth above or except as is absolutely necessary to carry out an educational objective.  Except as is absolutely necessary to carry out an educational objective, no user is to utilize a computer that has been logged in under another individual’s password.

User Accounts may be provided for District students and employees. All User Accounts shall be the property of the District and shall be used only for the purposes described in this Policy.  All User Accounts shall be accessed only via a password. No user shall reveal their password to another individual. No user is to utilize a computer that has been logged in under another individual’s password.  Account requests or termination will be processed through the account management team. 

G.        SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS

Except as provided below, no software will be utilized on any computer or other component of the District’s technology systems unless said software has been selected or approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The Superintendent will cause to be published a list of approved software, and any software referenced on said list may be utilized without obtaining other approval.  District employees, students, or other persons desiring to see the introduction of software not approved by the above persons or referenced on the above list, shall make application for approval of the particular software according to procedure established by the Superintendent or his / her designee.

Except as provided below, no application will be utilized on any device or other component of the District’s technology systems unless said application has been selected or approved. 

H.        HARDWARE

It shall be the duty of all District employees to report technology problems to the Building Administrator, and for the Building Administrator to report technology problems to the Technology Department, or his /her designee through District through the Technology Work Order system.

All computers or other technology system components technology belonging to the District are is to remain in their designated areas.  Prior to any change in equipment a District Technology Work Order must be completed and submitted for approval.

All purchases or acquisitions of computers or other components of the District’s technology system, including donations of equipment from businesses, parent/teacher organizations and similar entities are to be channeled to the Building Administrator at the building at which the equipment is proposed to be installed.  Before approving the installation of said equipment, the Building Administrator is to submit a description of the equipment to the Technology Department for approval.

Building Administrators are expected to adopt appropriate procedures to safeguard the investment of technology.  As an example, food and drink should not be permitted near computers or technology devices.

I.          REPAIRS

All repairs of the District technology system, including repairs to both hardware and software, and including in-house technician repairs and outside vendor services, are to be submitted on a Technology Department Work Order. to the Building Administrator for approval.  The Building Administrator shall forward all approved work orders to the Technology Director for his/her approval prior to the repair.

J.        ACCOUNTS, APPLICATIONS, SOFTWARE, HARDWARE, AND DEVICES USED BY DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

Employees are prohibited from doing any district business on accounts, applications, software, hardware, or devices that are not those issued to them by the District.  

K.        SEARCH, SEIZURE AND MONITORING

            Users of the privileges should have NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY with regard to any information or communication on or exchanged through the District's technology.  The District reserves the absolute and complete right to inspect and to seize any information or communication existing on any District technology equipment and any user of the said equipment must understand that the privilege is subject to the District's right of search and seizure.  Any information or communication seized by the District may be used for any legitimate purpose, including usage in disciplinary proceedings initiated by the District and usage in criminal proceedings initiated by State or Federal officials to which the District has given the information or communication.  The user of any District technology or software or application privilege is advised that the District, may at any time, monitor persons' usage and that seizure of material may be made as a result of random searches and not necessarily as a result of reasonable suspicion or probable cause.  If the user of the District technology does not want information or communications to be made public, the user should not place or share that information or communication on the District’s facilities.  At all times the District reserves the right to:

1.     Determine how its hardware space is utilized, including the right and ability to remove software, applications, files, to compress or consolidate files, and to otherwise manipulate the data maintained on any computer or other component of the District’s technology. 

2.     Restrict or limit usage of lower priority network and computer uses when network and computing requirements exceed available capacity. 

3.     Determine which technology will be provided through District resources.

4.     View and monitor network traffic, file server space, processor and system utilization, and all applications provided through technology, including email

5.     Log technology use by students and staff.

L.        MISCELLANEOUS

1.     Publishing on the Web.  All Web pages to be created through the use of District technology shall be linked through the District Web Site.  All District employees, students or school organizations wishing to create a Web page or similar device must create it under the supervision of the Superintendent, or his/her designee.

2.     Limitation of Liability.  The District makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, concerning the operation or the function of the privileges provided through the District's technology.  All users of the District's privileges agree that the District will not be responsible for any damages users may suffer, including but not limited to loss of data or interruption of service.  The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system.  The District will not be responsible for any financial obligations arising through the use of the privileges other than the provision of the hardware, software, applications, and utilities necessary to make the privileges available.

3.     Curricular Usage of Telecommunications Devices by District employees.   District employees may elect to utilize the technology system as a part of the instruction offered by that employee.  In the event that a parent or legal guardian desires that their student not have access to the technology devices, the parent or guardian shall request an exemption in accordance with Section 9525 of this Policy Manual.  In the event of an exemption, the District will provide an alternate means of instruction in accordance with Policy Section 9525.

4.     Curricular Usage of Telecommunications Devices by District students.  Students may use personal electronic devices that are not owned by the District, and that provide a wireless connection to the internet, during the school day for instructional purposes if, and only if, the particular type of device has been approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee and the student has the permission of the classroom teacher.  Such personal electronic devices shall include, but not be limited to, smart phones, laptop computers, notebooks, e-readers, and other similar devices.   The decision as to whether a particular type of personal electronic device is permitted to be used is within the sole and unrestricted discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The use of a personal electronic device shall be optional and shall not be required by any teacher to complete, or be necessary to complete, any educational assignment given to students.  

The District shall not be liable for, or responsible for, the loss of, theft of or damage to any personal electronic device that a student brings to school. The District is not required to provide technical support of any personal electronic device.  A personal electronic device that is used to violate either the law or a school rule shall be subject to search when permitted by law. 

M.       FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Technology devices and usage not currently contemplated will emerge.  In recognition of the fact that particular provisions of this Policy may not be adequate to address those developments the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent to develop procedure, on an as needed basis, to address emerging technologies or usage.  In preparing these procedures, the Superintendent is directed to issue procedures which are consistent with this Policy and which are consistent with the values and mission of the District as enunciated in this Policy Manual or other directives of the Board.  The procedures implemented by the Superintendent shall remain in effect until supplanted by the Board.

Adoption Date         -     March 8, 2004

Revision Date          -     September 14, 2009; April 18, 2016; ___________, 2022      

Review Date            -    

Legal Reference       -    

Cross Reference       -     Policy 7216, 7240, 10230, 10510, 1215, 1217

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Executive Summary