Source: https://www.cooperstowncs.org/o/cooperstown-csd/page/section-8000-instruction
Timestamp: 2020-07-16 17:07:24
Document Index: 83586039

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 100', 'art 200', 'art 100', 'art 200', 'art 136', 'art 104', 'arts 104', '§ 6318', 'arts 74', 'art 54', 'arts 117']

Policy 8110 Curriculum Development, Resources, and Evaluation
Policy 8120 Request for Part 100 Variance or Part 200 Innovative Program Waiver from
Policy 8130 Equal Educational Opportunities
Policy 8210 Safety Conditions and Programs
Policy 8211 Prevention Instruction
Policy 8212 Animals in the School and on Campus Property
Policy 8220 District Investments
Policy 8230 Guidance Program
Policy 8241 Patriotism, Citizenship, and Human Rights Education
Policy 8242 Civility, Citizenship, and Character Education - Interpersonal Violence Prevention Education
Policy 8243 School District Coordination with the Clark Sports Center
Policy 8244 The LaCava Nature Center
Policy 8245 After-School Care Program
Policy 8246 Summer School
Policy 8248 Outside Speakers
Policy 8249 Armed Forces Guidance
Policy 8250 Evaluation of the Instructional Program
Policy 8270 Instructional Technology
Policy 8271 The Children's Internet Protection Act - Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy
Policy 8280 Instruction for English Language Learners or Students with Limited English Proficiency
Policy 8310 Purposes of Instructional Materials
Policy 8320 Selection of Library and Audiovisual Materials
Policy 8330 Objection to Instructional Materials
Policy 8331 Controversial Issues
Policy 8340 Textbooks/Workbooks
Policy 8350 Use of Copyrighted Materials
Policy 8360 Religious Expression in the Instructional Program
Policy 8410 School Calendar and School Day
Policy 8420 Opening Exercises
Policy 8430 Independent Study
Policy 8440 Homework
Policy 8450 Home Tutoring - Temporary Instruction
Policy 8460 Field Trips
Policy 8461 Student Travel
Policy 8470 Home Instruction (Home Schooling)
Policy 8480 Loan of Instructional Computer Hardware
There are many resources for curriculum development that exist in our School District, and the instructional staff, under the guidance of the administration, is expected to delve into those resources for possible improvement of the instructional program. The Compact Level Teams, the Grade Level/Department Chairpersons and the Team Leaders are expected to play vital roles in curriculum development. Each teacher has the privilege of being an initiator of improvement, as well as a reactor to changing conditions, and the principals shall be involved in curriculum development.
The administrative staff shall evaluate the curriculum in a systematic manner, involving school personnel and others as appropriate. Curriculum areas shall be designated each year for detailed study and development.
The Superintendent, with the assistance of the Principals, shall give an annual report each spring on curriculum development. The Superintendent shall also submit for Board approval all proposed curricular changes. The Board of Education from time to time may invite teachers or others to discuss the curriculum.
Policy 8120 Request for Part 100 Variance or Part 200 Innovative Program Waiver from Commissioner's Regulations
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 United States Code (USC) Section 2000d, et seq.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 United States Code (USC) Section 2000e, et seq.
Education Law Sections 409 and 409-a, 807-a, and 906
(NYCRR) Part 136 and Section 141.10
AIDS instruction in the elementary grades shall be taught by the regular classroom teachers, while such instruction in the middle and high school grades shall be a part of the required health education curriculum.
c) Avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and drugs; and
Instruction in courses in technology education, science, art and physical education, health, and safety shall include and emphasize safety and accident prevention.
AIDS Instruction: 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 135.3(b)(2) and (c)(2) Civil Preparedness: New York State Office of Disaster Preparedness Fire and Arson: Education Law Section 808 Prevention of Child Abduction: Education Law Section 803-a Student Safety: Education Law Section 808 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 107 and 155 Substance Abuse: Education Law Section 804 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 135.3(a)
The Board of Education, in recognizing the educational uses of animals in the classroom, requires that permission be obtained from the Building Principal before animals are brought into the school or classrooms. It is the Principal's responsibility to ensure that there is an appropriate educational purpose if any animal is housed in a classroom. Animals are not to be transported on school buses with the exception of animals certified to assist persons with disabilities.
Any school, which cares for or uses animals for study shall ensure that each animal in the school be afforded the following:
a) Appropriate quarters;
b) Sufficient space for the normal behavior and postural requirements of the species;
c) Proper ventilation, lighting, and temperature control;
d) Adequate food and clean drinking water; and
e) Quarters, which shall be cleaned on a regular basis and located in an area where undue stress and disturbance are minimized.
Only the teacher or those students designated by the teacher are to handle the animals.
Any student expressing a moral or religious objection to the performance or witnessing of the dissection of an animal, either wholly or in part, shall be provided the opportunity to undertake and complete an alternative project approved by the student's teacher; provided, however, that such objection is substantiated in writing by the student's parent or legal guardian. Students who perform alternative projects shall not be penalized.
Students in elementary school must receive instruction in the humane treatment and protection of animals and the importance of the part they play in the economy of nature as well as the necessity of controlling the proliferation of animals that are subsequently abandoned and caused to suffer extreme cruelty.
This instruction may be joined with work in literature, reading, language, nature study, or ethnology.
SUBJECT: ANIMALS IN THE SCHOOL AND ON CAMPUS PROPERTY (Cont'd.)
Dogs on Campus Property
Dogs will not be allowed on campus at any time unless prior arrangements have been made with building principals for instructional purposes.
(NYCRR) Section 100.2(c)(8)
Amended: 01/23/19
Whenever the District has funds (including operating funds, reserve funds and proceeds of obligations) that exceed those necessary to meet current expenses, the Board of Education shall authorize the Business Administrator to invest such funds in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and in conformity with the guidelines established by this policy. Objectives The objectives of this investment policy are four-fold: Investments shall be made in a manner so as to safeguard the funds of the School District; and Bank deposits shall be made in a manner so as to safeguard the funds of the School District. Investments shall be sufficiently liquid so as to allow funds to be available as needed to meet the obligations of the School District. Funds shall be invested in such a way as to earn the maximum yield possible given the first three (3) investment objectives. Authorization The authority to deposit and invest funds is delegated to the Business Administrator. These functions shall be performed in accordance with the applicable sections of the General Municipal Law and the Local Finance Law of the State of New York. The Business Administrator may invest funds in the following eligible investments: Obligations of the State of New York. Obligations of the United States Government, or any obligations for which principal and interest are fully guaranteed by the United States Government. Time Deposit Accounts placed in a commercial bank authorized to do business in the State of New York, providing the account is collateralized as required by law. [Banking Law Section 237(2) prohibits a savings bank from accepting a deposit from a local government. This also applies to savings and loan associations.] Transaction accounts (demand deposits) both interest bearing and non-interest bearing that do not require notice of withdrawal placed in a commercial bank authorized to do business in the State of New York, providing the account is collateralized as required by law.
Certificates of Deposits placed in a commercial bank authorized to do business in the State of New York providing the Certificates are collateralized as required by law. Securities purchased pursuant to a Repurchase Agreement whereby one party purchases securities from a second party and the second party agrees to repurchase those same securities on a specific future date at an agreed rate of return (the interest rate). Implementation Using the policy as a framework, regulations and procedures shall be developed which reflect:
Procedures including a signed agreement to ensure the School District's financial interest in investments; Standards for written agreements consistent with legal requirements;
This policy shall be reviewed and re-adopted at least annually or whenever new investment legislation becomes law, as staff capabilities change, or whenever external or internal issues warrant modification. General Municipal Law Section 39 Education Law Sections 1604-a, 1723(a), 2503(1) and 3652 Local Finance Law Section 165
c) Identification of staff members and other resources to accomplish the objectives; and
Guidance Program (K through 5)
A coordinated guidance program in grades K through 5 shall be developed and implemented to:
Guidance Program (6 through 12)
A coordinated guidance program in grades 6 through 12 shall be developed and implemented including the following activities and services:
a) Each student's educational progress and career plans will be reviewed annually;
b) Instruction at each grade level to help students learn about various careers and career planning skills; and
In order to promote a spirit of patriotic and civil service and obligation, as well as to foster in students of the District moral and intellectual qualities which are essential in preparing them to meet the obligations of citizenship, the Board requires students attending District schools, over the age of eight (8) years, to attend instructional courses in patriotism, citizenship, and human rights issues, with particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide, slavery, the Holocaust, and the mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850 (the "Irish Potato Famine").
NOTE: Refer also to Policy #8242 -- Civility, Citizenship and Character Education/Interpersonal Violence Prevention Education
i) Dignity, and other traits which will enhance the quality of students' experiences in, and contributions to, the community.
Education Law Sections 801 and 801-a 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 100.2(c)
The Board of Education recognizes the many new and diversified facilities available at the Clark Sports Center. The Board also appreciates the willingness of the gymnasium management to coordinate its programs with those of the Cooperstown Central School.
The Superintendent is therefore authorized to develop joint programs which further school physical education and athletic policies.
The LaCava Nature Center is a specialized educational facility which provides CCS with an opportunity to offer students and other citizens of the community valuable experiences. Use of the Center for educational programs in the school should be promoted, and the community should be made aware of and encouraged to utilize the area.
The Board may appoint a director of the Nature Center each year. The director will be supervised by the High School Principal and his/her duties will be scheduled as necessary over the twelve month period. (This position by nature will entail some summer duties.) Like a department chairperson, the director will prepare a list of goals for the following twelve month period.
The director's job description will be prepared and reviewed annually by the two building principals, and important areas of responsibility will include:
a) Long range planning for use of the Nature Center and the establishment of program-related goals;
b) Establishment of curricular and extra-curricular programs that will make the center an integral part of the school curriculum;
c) Development of in-service programs pertaining to the Center for staff and students;
d) Supervision of upkeep and maintenance of the Center;
e) With the principal, preparation of a budget for the Center to be submitted to the Board by the principal;
f) Promotion of increased community utilization through a public awareness campaign; and,
g) Continuation of efforts to attract external funding for program development and Center maintenance.
The director is expected to work with the whole K through 12 staff and student body to encourage Center use by both schools.
The Board will provide an annual budget for the Nature Center which will include the director's stipend and funds for supplies and maintenance of the Center. These monies will be expended during the twelve month period and all District budgetary rules and regulations will apply.
The director will make a written report to the Superintendent and the Board annually.
The Cooperstown Central School District recognizes that there are students, particularly in the early elementary grades who, because of parent's work schedules and school dismissal time, need after school care. In order to meet the needs of this group of students, the District will operate an AfterSchool Care Program from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on days when school is in session.
The Board of Education will appoint an After-School Care Director, as well as an assistant(s) upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. Staff salaries will be approved by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. The daily operation of the program will be determined by the Director and his/her assistant(s) with the guidance of an advisory committee from the Cooperstown School Community Association. The Director will be responsible to the Superintendent (or his/her designee) and will make regular reports to the Board through the Superintendent.
The initial costs of the After-School Care Program will be borne by the District. Nevertheless, the District expects that the program will be self sufficient.
All students of the Cooperstown Elementary School in grades K through 5 are eligible to participate in the After-School Care Program. However, due to several physical and economic constraints, participation in the program may be limited on a first come, first serve basis. Full-time students will be given preference over regular part-time students.
In the event that the District receives grant funding from the Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership (CROP), the regulations governing that federal after school program will be in effect.
The School District may provide summer school in any given year, but is not required to do so. Summer school is an additional opportunity to meet the needs of students by providing courses for enrichment, acceleration, and improvement of skills or making up course work from the regular school year.
Summer secondary school shall provide a secondary school program during the months of July and August of at least twenty (20) hours of instruction, exclusive of days used for registration, final examinations or Regents examinations. Daily instructional sessions must be provided of at least one (1) hour but not more than five and one half (5 1/2) hours.
When the School District operates a summer school or participates in a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) regional summer school, all resident students, including public, nonpublic, and home-schooled students, are entitled to attend the District's summer school program. For the purpose of summer school instruction, a resident nonpublic school student is not considered to be an enrollee of the nonpublic school. The School District cannot charge resident students fees for any part of the District's program offered to meet high school diploma requirements. However, students must meet any academic requirements for a particular course.
When the District operates a summer school or participates in a BOCES regional summer school, the District decides whether or not it will accept nonresident students. The District must treat all nonresident applicants equally and may charge tuition calculated in accordance with Commissioner's Regulations Section 174.2.
Part 104 of Commissioner's Regulations pertaining to attendance applies to all students enrolled in scheduled instruction during the school year from July 1 through June 30, including summer school. The School District must use the same Board-approved attendance policy for summer school that is used during the regular school year. Summer school attendance requirements are based on a proration of the regular year attendance requirements.
The School District may contract for summer school instruction with another school district or with a BOCES. These courses must be provided at no cost to resident students. No contracts or agreements regarding the provision of elementary, middle or secondary level instruction may be made with any other entity.
Education Law Sections 807, 917, 1950, 2040, 3602(1)(g), 3602(39), and 4402(2)(a) 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Parts 104, 110, and 112 and Sections 100.5(d)(5)(i), and 136.4
Adopted: 09/19/07
Assemblies and classroom presentations by speakers who are not employees of the school district should be used to enrich our curricular program. In addition to providing enrichment for children beyond that which can be provided by our regular teaching staff, such programs provide an important opportunity for indigenous community talent to assist in the programs of our school district. Such speakers should be based on the appropriateness of the program vis-à-vis our curricular objectives and the ability to schedule the program with minimal disruption to the school's regular program.
In selecting speakers who are not school district employees, a recommendation from other school districts or recognized professional organizations must be on file before a decision is made to commit to any particular speaker. In lieu of this, speakers may be selected with the expressed approval of the Superintendent or his/her designee if recommended by a current staff member. A professional staff member must be in attendance at any assembly or classroom presentation given by speakers who are not employees of the school district. Individual assessments of each individual should be made where appropriate by the sponsor and kept on file for future reference.
Amended: 07/05/17
The Board of Education recognizes service in the Armed Forces of the United States is a post graduation option for students. Armed Forces representatives will therefore be given the same opportunities for presentations and student contracts accorded other career and educational institutions. (State Education Law 2-A)
a) Armed Forces Representatives should request in writing an appointment to meet with students. This same process applies to college and employment representatives. The appointment time and date will be announced to students one week in advance. Students who wish to attend an Armed Forces presentation will sign up in the Guidance Office, and a pass will be granted to meet with the recruiter. Students should use study hall time and not class time for these meetings. If this is not possible, a presigned pass from the classroom teacher must be obtained.
b) The Guidance Staff will encourage parental involvement in cases of student interest. Recruiters are requested to contact parents directly before meeting with their son or daughter.
c) The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a recognized standardized test that is used by Cooperstown Central School students to determine an individual's aptitude, strengths and weaknesses. The test results are used by students when making important educational decisions. They are also used by colleges and employers, but will only be used for Armed Forces recruitment purposes when a student personally releases his/her results to military personnel.
d) At the end of the Junior year, each student will be asked if he/she wants his/her name and other directory information given to military recruiters the following October. Directory information for those students wishing to be included will be name, address, date of birth and phone number.
Policy 8251 Course Adoption/Deletion
The Board will rely on its professional administrators to oversee the design and implementation of instructional programs and courses of study that will forward the educational goals of the District.
All course offerings will be reviewed by the Superintendent, who will make recommendations regarding their adoption or deletion by the Board. All courses must meet or exceed guidelines established by the State Department of Education. Any course that does not meet guidelines established by the State Education Department should be considered for deletion.
If the course no longer meets the needs or goals of the District, it should be considered for deletion.
Administration regulations will be developed by the Superintendent.
District-Wide Parent and Family Engagement *
b) Improve student academic achievement and school performance through coordination, providing; technical assistance, and giving support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement activities, which may include meaningful consultation with employers, business leaders, and philanthropic organizations, or individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parents and family members in education;
School-Level Parent and Family Member Engagement *
b) Offer flexibility in scheduling meetings, and may provide transportation, child care, or home visits, related to parent and family member engagement, using Title I funds;
d) Provide parents and family members with timely information about programs, a description and explanation of the curriculum in us, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, the achievement levels of the challenging state academic standards, and, if requested by parents or family members, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate in decisions relating to their child's education. The District will respond to any suggestions as soon as practicably possible; and
e) Develop a compact jointly with parents and family members that outlines how they, school staff and students will share responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The compact will also detail the means by which the school and parents and family members will build and develop a partnership to help all children achieve the state's standards.
1. Describes the school's responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment to enables these students to meet the challenging state academic standards;
a) Provide assistance to parents or family members of children served by the District or school to understand topics such as the challenging state academic standards, state and local academic assessments, the requirements of this part, and how to monitor a child's progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of the children. Parents requesting assistance and information regarding State requirements and assessments are encouraged to contact the appropriate building principal;
b) Provide materials and training to help parents or family members to work with the children to improve their achievement, such as literacy training and using technology (including education about the harms of copyright piracy), to foster parent and family member engagement;
Comparability of Services *
Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 20 USC §§ 6318 and 6321 34 CFR Parts 74-86, 97-99, and 200
* Please refer to the District’s Response to Intervention (RtI) Plan.
Amended: 04/04/06
The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to further the District's educational goals through the use of appropriate and high quality technological materials and equipment. For the purpose of this policy, technology refers to computers, interactive videodiscs, Compact Disc-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) devices, local area networks, satellite transmission and other telecommunications equipment.
The Board directs the Superintendent or his/her designee to assess the technological needs of the District's instructional program, research and review current materials and make recommendations to the Board.
a) Ensuring the presence of a teacher and/or other appropriate District personnel when students are accessing the Internet including, but not limited to, the supervision of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications. As determined by the appropriate building administrator, the use of e-mail and chat rooms may be blocked as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of such students;
Student access to District’s computer system will automatically be provided unless the parent has submitted written notification to the District that such access not be permitted. Procedures will be established to define the process by which parents may submit a written request to deny or rescind student use of District computers.
47 United States Code (USC) Sections 254(h) and (l) 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 54 Education Law 814
Amended: 02/06/08
3. Annually evaluate each ELL/LEP student including his/her performance in content areas to measure the student’s academic progress.
f) A description of the District and school level procedures for the management of the program, including staffing, site selection, parental notification, coordination of funds, training, and program planning.
The instructional programs and services available to limited English proficient pupils to help them acquire English proficiency may include, pursuant to Commissioner's Regulations, bilingual education programs, free-standing English as a second language programs, appropriate support services, transitional services, in-service training, and parental notification.
A student who, as a result of a disability, scores below the State designated level on the Language Assessment Battery-Revised (LAB-R) or the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) shall be provided special education programs and services in accordance with the individualized education program (IEP) developed for such student and shall also be eligible for services available to an ELL/LEP student when those services are recommended in the IEP. Such a student will be counted as an ELL/LEP student as well as a student with a disability for purposed of calculating State aid.
Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Sections 1112(g) and 3302(a) Education Law Sections 207, 215, 2117, 3204(2)(2-a), 3602 and 3713 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 100.2(g) and Parts 117 and 154
Amended: 04/23/08
a) Broad and varied collections will be developed systematically by the librarian based on recommendations of the professional staff and suggestions of students and parents. Final approval will be made by the building principal.
b) Qualitative standards of selection involving factual accuracy, authoritativeness, artistic quality and appeal will be applied by librarians before purchases are made.
In accordance with applicable law and regulation a student may be excused from the study of specific materials if these materials relating to health and hygiene are in conflict with the religion of his/her parents/guardians. Alternatives may be provided that are of comparable instructional value.
Education Law Section 3204(5) 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 135.3
NOTE: Refer also to Policies #8320 -- Selection of Library and Audiovisual Materials
It is recognized that parents and citizens of the community have a right to protest to the school administration when convinced that unfair and biased presentations are being made by the teacher. In considering such protests, the Superintendent of Schools shall provide for a hearing so that both parties may fairly express their views. If requested, the Superintendent's decision may be appealed to the Board of Education.
The term "textbook" shall refer to a book supplied to a student for a fixed period of time for his/her personal use and basic to the study of a subject.
Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education shall designate the textbooks to be used. Textbooks once designated cannot be superseded within a period of five (5) years except by a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Board.
The term "workbook" shall refer to the type of book that provides spaces to write in and is consumed each year. It is usually paper-covered and designed to be used in connection with a textbook.
Education Law Article 15
United States Constitution, First Amendment Equal Access Act, 20 United States Code (USC) Sections 4071-4074
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Section 9524, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 Education Law Sections 1609(9) and (10), 1709(1) and (3), 3204(5) and 3210 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 16.2 and 109.2
NOTE: Refer also to Policies #7460 -- Constitutionally Protected Prayer in the Public Schools
Education Law Sections 3204(4) and 3604(7)(8) 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 175.5
Education Law Section 802 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 108.5
Independent study, for credit, will be available to meet special individual needs of students in grades 11 and 12, exceptions may be made with administrative approval. Credit shall be granted only for courses in the approved curriculum.
Resident children attending public or non-public schools who qualify for home tutoring due to a long term illness (an absence of at least two weeks) shall be provided with such instruction in accordance with New York State Education Law and Commissioner's Regulations.
Education Law Sections 1604(20), 1709(24), 3202, and 4401 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 175.21
A field trip means any journey by a group of students away from the school premises, under the supervision of a teacher, which is an integral part of an approved course of study and conducted for the purpose of affording a first-hand educational experience not available in the classroom.
Field trips are a part of the curriculum of the schools, and student conduct and attendance on field trips are governed by the same rules that govern regular classroom activities. The District must obtain written parental/guardian permission for students going on school-sponsored field trips.
The Superintendent will prepare procedures for the operation of a field trip activity. Field trip support will be determined annually by the Board during its budget deliberations. Regardless of the fiscal support for field trips, the rules of the District for approval and conduct of such trips will apply.
#5730 -- Transportation of Students District Code of Conduct Commissioners Decision 14349
Amended: 12/14/16
The District recognizes that domestic or international travel can be an enriching and rewarding experience for many students. Properly planned and chaperoned, these types of trips offer a broad range of educational experiences that will add value to being a student in the District. This policy is distinct from the policy and regulations governing field trips: travel under this policy is not linked to curriculum.
1) School Sponsored Travel
A school-sponsored trip is one that has been presented to the Board of Education for consideration and approval through the superintendent in the time frame established through regulation. The District reserves the right of approval of such trips based on certain criteria such as but not limited to safety and security of the destination, proper planning and educational value of the experience, expense to the individual student, any necessary fundraising, District calendar and class schedule, selection of chaperones, emergency plan, type and safety of transportation to be used, and the risk and liability to the District.
The District may require all students attending a school sponsored trip – whether day trip or overnight – to turn in a signed parent or guardian permission slip. If there is a fee to attend the trip, all students will be required to have the same fee paid on their behalf.
A) Ground Transportation. Pupil ground transportation includes any mode of vehicular transportation necessary to transport students on an approved school-sponsored trip. Such forms of transportation may include (1) public contractor charter buses, (2) District charter buses, (3) private contractor charter buses, (4) wheelchair transportation service, or (5) authorized private passenger car.
No student drivers are to be allowed. Prior to approving transportation for a school-sponsored trip, the District must take care to diligently investigate the transportation provider.
The number of passengers in a vehicle, in addition to the driver, shall not exceed the number of operational passenger seat belts in the vehicle. Seat belts must be worn by every passenger in the vehicle.
(1) Volunteer Driver A volunteer driver must be an employee of the District or an employee of another agency who transports District students on school-sponsored trips in a passenger vehicle registered to the driver and/or the driver’s spouse, or another agency, not to the District. A volunteer driver must:
a. Be 25 years of age or older.
b. Give no reasonable evidence of impaired ability to drive.
c. Comply with any restrictions noted on the driver's license (e.g., eyeglasses).
d. Have a current inspection sticker for the vehicle to be driven.
e. Possess and present to the authorizing party and the trip organizer a valid, non-probationary driver's license and auto registration, along with the following information, any of which may be photocopied and retained by the District:
3. the make and year of the vehicle transporting students
4. name of insurance company and copy of New York State Insurance Card
6. number of points for moving violations
7. New York State Registration number
8. copy of inspection sticker
9. number of seat belts in vehicle to transport students
Emergency situations are those instances when a staff member may be asked to provide transportation for a student under some emergency circumstances. An emergency covers those instances which occur without prior notice and for which neither the parent/guardian nor the District is able to provide transportation. Chaperones will have in their possession appropriately completed medical authorization forms for all field trip participants. Although not mandated as a condition of employment, the cooperation of all staff is sought in providing emergency transportation for pupils in need.
1. For all school-sponsored trips, not including interscholastic athletic events, music groups, and school orientation visits, the number of students to adults will be no more than 12:1. Adult chaperones must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Interscholastic athletic events, music groups and school orientation visits will require a ratio of no more than 20 students per adult unless otherwise authorized by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.
3. All school-sponsored trips must have an adult chaperone, coach, or advisor on a bus prior to the bus leaving the school.
4. When private vehicles are used for transportation, all cars must leave and return together.
5. When a volunteer's license indicates a physical impairment (hand controls required) That prevents the volunteer from supervising students outside of the vehicle, one to the five (5) passengers in that car must be another adult to assist in supervising activities of the students outside the car.
C. International Travel
Travel will not be approved by the District to locations where there is question of safety of participants, or a U.S. Department of State warning is in effect. Travel warnings for individual countries and announcements for particular regions are available at the State Department’s website, which, at the time of this policy’s adoption, may be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/aler... Participants must provide to the District evidence (which can be electronic) of registration with the State Department identifying the regions where travel will occur. See https://travelregistration.state.gove/ibrs/ui/. Health information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control on specific destinations is available at http://www.csc.gov/travel through the World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/ith/en and through the U.S. Department of Agriculture at http://www.aphis.usda.bove/travel/.
2. Permission and Liability
The principal is responsible for obtaining and retaining on file any of the following as directed by the Board of Education: written parental permission, medical authorization and information, and indemnity clause forms for each student participating in the program. The principal will confirm that plans and travel arrangements have been provided to participants and their parents/guardians. Contracts for transportation and/or travel agencies shall be secured and signed in accordance with the District’s procurement policies and procedures.
D. Cancellation of Trip After Approval
Any well planned trip may be at risk of cancellation due to extenuating circumstances. In the event of a District approved trip cancellation, the District will not bear responsibility for financial loss to individuals enrolled to go on the trip. The advisor will work through all contracted agencies to recoup funding whenever possible, to offset individual's burden of loss.
ii. Non-School Sponsored Travel
Any trip not approved by the Board of Education will be considered a non-school sponsored trip. Such trips may still be taken, however they may not use District resources, including but not limited to employees during their contractual work hours, facilities, equipment, materials or funds; to plan, advertise, promote, manage or finance the trip. All materials regarding the trip should clearly designate in all correspondences that it is a non-school sponsored trip. Classrooms during the school day shall not be used for the presentation or distribution of trip information, and trip information should not be distributed through school mail. Informational meetings for students and/or families should only be held in school buildings if it is after school hours and only if the required permission for building use is granted under District policies and regulations.
Adopted: 05/08/17
Students instructed at home are not eligible to participate in interscholastic sports. Commissioner's Regulations mandate that only students enrolled in the public school are allowed to participate in interscholastic sports.
The District does permit home-instructed students to participate in selected extracurricular activities. All transportation to and from school as well as to and from off campus events will be the responsibility of the parents.
The District is not required to loan available textbooks and other materials (e.g., library materials, microscopes, computer software, and movie projectors) to home-instructed students. However, the School District shall provide home-instructed students with such textbooks and other materials upon request.
Students instructed at home shall not be allowed to use school facilities, except as provided for community organizations in Policy #3280 -- Community Use of School Facilities.
Education Law Sections 3204, 3205, 3210(2), 3212(2), 3240-42, 3602-c, and 4402 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 100.10, 135.4(c)(7)(ii)(b)(2) and 200.2(a)
The School District shall loan, upon request of an individual or a group of individual students, to all students legally attending nonpublic elementary or secondary schools located in the School District, instructional computer hardware which is designated for use in any public elementary or secondary schools of the State or is approved by any school authorities as such term is defined in Education Law Section 2(12). Such instructional computer hardware is to be loaned free to such children, commencing with the 2007-2008 school year, subject to such rules and regulations as are or may be prescribed by the Board of Regents and school authorities.
The School District shall not be required to loan instructional computer hardware to nonpublic school students in excess of the instructional computer hardware acquired pursuant to Education Law Section 753. Instructional computer hardware shall be loaned on an equitable basis to children attending nonpublic schools in the District and to students with disabilities residing in the District who attend programs under the provisions of Education Law Section 4401(2)(c),(2)(e),(2)(g),(2)(i), and (2)(l). However, the School District shall not be required to loan to children attending nonpublic schools in the District, or to such students with disabilities, instructional computer hardware purchased with local or federal funds or with State funds, other than Instructional Computer Hardware Aid funds.
Instructional computer hardware containing computer software programs which are religious in nature or content shall not be purchased or loaned by the School District.
Instructional computer hardware shall be loaned upon the individual written request of nonpublic school students, but such requests shall not be required of students attending public school districts. Requests may be presented directly to the lending District or, with the consent of the lending District, to an appropriate official of the nonpublic school which the student attends. The form of request used by the lending District may provide for a guarantee by a parent or guardian for the return of such hardware or, in the case of loss or damage, for payment of the value thereof.
School authorities shall adopt regulations specifying the date by which written requests for the purchase and loan of instructional computer hardware must be received by the District. Notice of the date shall be given to all nonpublic schools in the School District. Such date shall not be earlier than the first day of June of the school year prior to that for which such instructional computer hardware is being requested. For a child not attending a nonpublic school prior to June first, the parent/guardian may submit a written request for instructional computer hardware within thirty (30) days after such child is enrolled in the nonpublic school. In no event, however, shall a request made later than the times otherwise provided pursuant to Education Law Section 754 be denied where a reasonable explanation is given for the delay in making the request.
*The District has established December 1st as the date by which such requests for the purchase and loan of instructional computer hardware must be received by the District unless otherwise authorized in accordance with law and Commissioner's Regulations.
Such instructional computer hardware shall remain the property of the lending District and shall bear an identifying label. The school authorities of each District shall establish lending procedures which apply to students in public and nonpublic schools, and shall inform the authorities of such schools of these procedures.
Instructional Computer Hardware and Technology Equipment Apportionment
The School District shall be eligible for an apportionment under the provisions of Education Law Section 753 for approved expenses for:
a) The purchase or lease of micro and/or mini computer equipment or terminals for instructional purposes; or
b) Technology equipment with a useful life used in conjunction with or in support of educational programs including but not limited to video, solar energy, robotic, satellite, laser and such other equipment as the Commissioner of Education shall approve; or
c) The repair of such equipment and training /staff development for instructional purposes.
Such aid shall be provided pursuant to the Instructional Computer Technology Plan developed by the District which specifies requirements for each School District's Technology Plan, including an assurance of the Superintendent of Schools, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner of Education, that the School District has provided for the loan of instructional computer hardware to students legally attending nonpublic schools pursuant to Education Law Section 754.
The School District shall not be required to purchase or otherwise acquire instructional computer hardware or technology equipment, the cost of which exceeds the amount of state aid provided pursuant to Education Law Section 753.
Expenses aided pursuant to Section 753 shall not be eligible for aid pursuant to any other provision of Education Law.
The School District shall maintain a separate record of expenditures incurred from State aid received pursuant to Education Law Section 753 and the Rules of the Board of Regents Section 21.3.
Education Law Sections 2(12), 753, 754, 3602(6), 3602(26), 4401(2)(c),(2)(e),(2)(g),(2)(i), and (2)(l) 8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 21.3, 100.12, 155.1(a)(4), and 175.25