School Hours:
District Breakfast Service: 7:45 am
Pupils Admitted: 8:10 am
Tardy Bell: 8:30 am
Dismissal: 3:00 pm
Dismissal on Half Days: 11:10 am; Please note there is no lunch service on half days.
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
District Information
Brentwood maintains a district website that can be accessed at http://www.bb-sd.com. Please visit the website for building and district information and resources.
School
Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held on the second and
third Monday of the month. A full
listing of meeting dates can be found on the district website under the School
Board tab. All meetings are governed by
the rules outlined in Board Policy 006.
Annually
the Board of Directors conducts a formal written performance assessment of the
Superintendent as required by law and described in policy 312.
Mission of the Brentwood School District
It
is the mission of the Brentwood Borough School District to develop in all
students the skills to think critically by reasoning, creating, connecting, and
transforming in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century and achieve to
their fullest potential as ethical citizens.
Vision of the Brentwood School District
It
is the vision of the Brentwood Borough School District for all students to
graduate prepared to meet the challenges of a complex society through lifelong
learning skills that will allow them to be successful in college, career, and
their individual life goals.
Central Office Administration
Dr. Amy Burch | Superintendent |
Mrs. Stephanie DeLuca | Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development |
Dr. Christine Winiarski | Director of Special Education |
Mrs. Jennifer Pesanka | Business Manager |
Mr. Jeff George | Director of Facilities |
Mr. Jeremy Bogdanski | Director of School Police |
Nondiscrimination
The Brentwood Borough School District provides and equal opportunity for all students to achieve the maximum potential through the programs offered in the schools without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/ disability. If you believe you or others have been discriminated against please report such incidents to designated employees. For additional information please see Board Policies 103, 103.1, and 104.
Enrollment in the District
School
age students, those 5 on or before September 1st of the school year, will be enrolled in the district when the parent/ guardian has submitted proof of the student’s age, residence, immunizations, and completed a Parent Registration Statement. Students may be enrolled the following school day but no later than five school days, after submitting all required paperwork (Policy 200). Only district residents are permitted to enroll in the district and the office must be notified of all changes of address.
Financial Operations
The Brentwood Borough School District annually develops a budget for the operations of the schools and district. Preliminary and final budgets are available for review per Board Policy 604. The district also employees an independent, certified public account to conduct district audits in conformance with prescribed and legal standards (see policy 619). The school district is funded in part though local tax payers. All local tax payers are entitled to the Local Taxpayers Bill of Rights as outlined in Board Policy 621.
Public Complaint Procedures
The Board welcomes inquiries, suggestions, and constructive criticism from families, district residents, or community groups regarding the district’s programs, personnel, operations, and facilities. It is the intent that complaints, concerns, and suggestions be addressed or resolved at the lowest appropriate level starting with teacher or staff member then through building administrators and district administrators per Boar Policy 906.
Title IX
The Brentwood Borough Board of School Directors declares it to be the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs offered in the schools without discrimination on the basis; of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, or handicap/disability. The Board is further committed to maintaining high expectations for all students and eliminating persistent disparities among students based on race, ethnicity, language, or disability.
The District strives to maintain a safe, positive learning environment for all students that is free from discrimination. Discrimination is inconsistent with the educational and programmatic goals of the District and is prohibited on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities and on any conveyance providing transportation to or from a school entity or school-sponsored activity. The District shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, services, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The equitable distribution of District resources is one means the District shall use to ensure all students receive a quality education.
The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute handicaps and disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations. In order to maintain a program of nondiscrimination practices that is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Board designates the Superintendent to designate a Compliance Officer and to communicate that designation to all District schools as necessary and on at least an annual basis. All nondiscrimination notices or information shall include the position, office address, telephone number and e-mail address of the Compliance office. The Compliance Officer can be reached at, Dr. Christine Winiarski (412) 881-4940 ext. 2215.
Attendance
Arrival and Dismissal
We encourage parents or guardians to plan for the arrival of their son or daughter at school between 8:10 - 8:15 a.m. We cannot guarantee the safety of children who arrive before the school day officially begins as such students will not be admitted to school prior to 7:45 a.m. and only then will they be admitted if they are having school district breakfast. Students should not be dropped off prior to 8:10 a.m. unless they are utilizing the school’s breakfast service.
During arrival and pick-up times the school parking lot is closed to visitors. If you need to park your vehicle please do so on the street as vehicles are not permitted in the lot.
When the students arrive to school they will go directly to their classrooms. All grades enter through the main doors.
Students are dismissed from school starting with kindergarten at 2:55 pm; room 101 from the office door and room 204 from the upper door. All other grades are dismissed at 3:00 pm. Students in first and second grade will be dismissed through the upper set of doors. Students in third through fifth grade will be dismissed through the playground door.
Kindergarten and first grade students must be released to an adult or guardian. Students in second grade and above do not require an adult to pick them up from school. On early dismissal days students are released at 11:10 am; kindergarten students are released at 11:00 am.
All students must be picked up within 15 minutes of their dismissal time and are not permitted on the playground unless accompanied by an adult/ guardian or have gone home first.
Students may not be left on campus later than 15 minutes past their dismissal time. Failure to pick up your child(ren) within 15 minutes of dismissal may result in a report to the School Resource Officer or a referral to the Brentwood Borough Police Department or to Child, Youth and Families.
Tardiness
When a student is tardy to school, arriving 10 minutes after school starts, a written excuse from a parent or guardian explaining the tardy must be provided. Tardy excuses must be received no later than the next school day the student is present. Failure to provide this type of excuse will result in the tardy being entered as unexcused. Consequences for unexcused tardies can be found in the demerit section.
Early Dismissals
Students may be released early from school for lawful reasons including but not limited to: illness, medical appointments and court attendance (Board Policy 204). Please notify the office on the day of the early dismissal via note or email. In the message indicate the date, pick-up time, reason, and person who will be picking up the student. Depending on the time of the dismissal and if the student returns to school, dismissals may count as a full or half-day of excused absence.
Absences
Regular and punctual attendance is
essential for a successful educational experience (Board Policy 204).
Consistent attendance fosters a sense of responsibility, discipline and good
work habits. The public school code lists the following reasons for which
a student may be excused from school for all or part of a school day:
1. Illness or other urgent reasons
including sickness, recovery from accident, death in immediate family, court
appearance, and unavoidable family
emergency.
2. Observance of a recognized
religious holiday.
3. Religious instruction, not to
exceed 36 hours per school year.
4. Educational trips that are not
school sponsored, but are of an educational nature. Requests will be approved
on an individual basis, and will be contingent upon the student completing all
assignments made during his or her absence. It is strongly recommended
that only one trip be taken each year, and that it be only one week (5 school days) in length.
5. Health care - Absence for a portion of the school day may be approved for medical or dental appointments that cannot be arranged after school hours. Such requests must be made in writing by a parent or legal guardian and taken to the Attendance Office before 8:00 a.m. The dismissal time requested, the reason for dismissal, and a parent signature must be included on all early dismissal requests.
Absence for any reason not defined in the official school district policy is unexcused and constitutes truancy. When a student accumulates three (3) or more unexcused absences, the school district will follow the guidelines outlined in Pennsylvania’s truancy legislation that was signed into law in November 2016. If a student is to be absent from school, parents are asked to contact the Office by 8:15 a.m. Email is preferred.
A signed note or email from a parent or guardian stating the exact date and nature of the absence must be submitted to the Office in order for the student to be considered excused. Blanket excuses intended to cover absences that are weeks or months old will not be accepted and will remain on record as unexcused. All absences (including tardiness) are considered unexcused or illegal until a written excuse or parent email is submitted. Written and e-mailed excuses must be submitted to the secretary within three school days upon the student’s return to school (five school days if the excuse is written by a medical professional).
Frequent or prolonged absences require medical verification. (Policy – 204) Medical excuses must list the specific days of the absence. If a student expects to be out of school for a prolonged period, assignments can be sent home and/or homebound instruction can be arranged through the Guidance Office.
Please note – once a student has reached 10 excused absences, any further excuses must be signed by a medical professional. If not, additional absences will be considered unexcused.
Absence for a portion of the
school day for medical or dental appointments that cannot be arranged after
school hours. Early dismissal requests must be made in writing by a
parent or legal guardian and taken to the office before 8:30 a.m. The
note should state:
A). the dismissal time requested
B). the reason for dismissal
C). the parent's/guardian's signature
Excuses
Any time a student is absent from school, he or she MUST provide a written note from a parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. The legal reasons for absences are located in the Absences Section but include situations such as illness, doctor’s appointments, or family emergencies.
All absences will be entered as unexcused and unlawful until the school receives a written excuse explaining the absence. Written excuses must be submitted within three (3) school days after the absence. If a written excuse is not received within the three (3) day period the absence will remain as unexcused. Excuses will be accepted from parents/ guardians in the form of an email to the building secretary or a written note upon return.
All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts. Students will be considered truant if they have three (3) or more unexcused absences during the school year. Students who have six (6) or more unexcused absences will be considered habitually truant. As such, the student may be referred to the SAP team and the family may be asked to complete an attendance improvement plan in addition the following actions may occur: a citation with the Magistrate for violation of the compulsory attendance regulations, referral to Children, Youth, and Families, and/ or referral to other attendance agencies.
Absence for any reason not defined
in the official school district policy is not excused and constitutes
truancy. Unexcused absences may result in course failure, suspension, or
court action.
It is our goal for all students to
maximize their academic potential and we feel that good attendance habits can
go a long way in helping students achieve that goal. We thank you in
advance for your support in encouraging your son or daughter to understand and
abide by this attendance policy.
Truancy (Policy – 204)
An act of truancy shall consist of a student being unexcused for a minimum of 4 periods of a full day. Students may also be required to make up any truant time in detention (including Saturday detention). The school district will follow the guidelines outlined in Pennsylvania’s truancy legislation that was signed into law in November 2016.
- After 3 unexcused absences a student is considered truant. A letter will be sent home.
- After 6 unexcused Absences a student is considered habitually truant. A letter will be sent home, a Parent Attendance Improvement Conference will be scheduled as well possible referral to a community-based attendance improvement program, possible citation with the local magistrate, or child protective services.
- After 10 unexcused absences, a student will be referred to CYS or the local magistrate
- After 15 unexcused absences, a student will be added to the Restricted List for 45 days and cannot participate in school-sponsored events, clubs, or activities
Make-Up Work
A student who has missed school for an approved reason is required to make-up all work assigned during his/her absence. It is the responsibility of the student to see his/her teachers for the missed work, and to obtain help, if needed, in order to make up the work. Work must be made up immediately upon returning from a normal absence, unless other arrangements have been approved by the teacher. All make-up work due to absence must be completed within ten (10) days of the close of the grading period, or the student will receive a failing grade. Students may not be permitted to make-up work or assessments from unexcused absences.
When students are ill and parents wish to obtain their work they can access the day’s assignments from the student’s Canvas classrooms. Classes will not be live-streamed for sudden illnesses or vacations.
Flexible Instruction Day/ Emergency Closing / Delay
Only in the event of severe weather conditions or another type of emergency situation will there be a change in the established daily schedule. Alerts will be sent via Skyalerts and posting to the district website. In addition information can also be found on Twitter @AmyMBurchDEd as well as the local news stations (KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI or
www.pittsburghchannel.com). If no report is heard, it can be assumed that school will be in session.
When a Flexible Instruction Day is planned or called, students are to logon to their Canvas homerooms and answer the day's attendance question by 8:50 am. Students who do not answer the question by that time will be considered absent for the day and an excuse will need to be submitted to the main office. Students will then work at their own pace on the day's assignments. Students not completing the work for the day by midnight, will be considered unexcused.
Educational Programs
Every
six years the education program of the district is examined an a written plan
is developed for a comprehensive and integrated k-12 program. Components of that program include
guidance counseling, psychological
services and health services that support student development academically,
socially, and behaviorally (Board Policy 146).
Students are given both rights and responsibilities that include regular attendance, a conscientious effort in school work, the following of Board Policies and school rules, and respect for others (Board Policy 235). When students are responsible learners they are able to access educational programs and engage in the learning process. Parents can request to view curricular materials including assessment techniques, standards to be achieved, and instructional materials (Board Policy 105.1). Requests to review materials should be made to the building principal in writing.
Assemblies and Field Trips
Assemblies and field trips are
considered an important part of the educational/extracurricular program at
Brentwood. It is in this manner that children see firsthand items and
places of educational significance that could enrich classroom teaching and
enhance social maturation.
While taking part in these
activities, students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior and
maintain proper standards of personal hygiene, dress, and grooming. Please note that while on school buses video
and audio recordings may occur (Board Policy 810.2).
The cost of transportation for
field trips is provided by the Parent Teacher Associations. Parental
consent forms for those trips requiring bus transportation are sent home with
the students and must be returned with the signed consent of a parent or
guardian. Teachers will have one (1) chaperone for every five students,
not to exceed the number of students in attendance.
Child Find and Annual Notice to Parents (CFR 300.125)
In compliance with state and federal law, the Brentwood-Borough School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.
These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.
For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students or eligible students, contact Dr. Christine Winiarski at (412) 881-4940 Ext 2215 or email Christine.winiarski@bb-sd.com.
Each school district, along with other public agencies in the Commonwealth, must establish and implement procedures to identify, locate and evaluate all children who need special education programs and services because of the child’s disability. This notice is to help find these children, offer assistance to parents and describe the parent’s rights with regard to confidentiality of information that will be obtained during the process. Each school district shall also conduct awareness activities to inform the public of gifted education services and programs and the manner by which to request these services and programs.
The content of this notice has been written in English. If a person does not understand any of this notice, he or she should contact the school district and request an explanation.
Identification Activity
Child Find refers to activities undertaken by public education agencies to identify, locate, and evaluate children residing in the State, including children attending private schools, who are suspected of having disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, and determine the child’s need for special education and related services. The purpose is to locate these children so that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) can be made available. The types of disabilities, that if found to cause a child to need services are: Autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability (mental retardation), multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment due to chronic or acute health problems, specific learning disabilities, speech or language, traumatic brain injury and visual impairment including blindness, in the case of a child that is of preschool age developmental delay. Screening activities are also conducted to determine student need for gifted support services.
The Brentwood-Borough School District provides educational services for all eligible students either through district- operated classes, contracts with Intermediate Unit #3, or Approved Private Schools. Classes providing Learning Support, Life-Skills Support, Emotional Support, Physical Support, Multiple Disabilities Support, and Autistic Support are available for students at beginning school age through age 21, if necessary. Additional services include hearing, vision, and speech and language support. Students found to meet eligibility criteria as "mentally gifted" may receive services through district's Gifted Support programs.
Each school district is required to annually provide notice describing the identification activities and the procedures followed to ensure confidentiality of personally identifiable information. This notice is intended to meet this requirement.
Identification activities are performed to find a child who is suspected as having a disability that would interfere with his or her learning unless special education programs and services are made available. Children suspected of being "mentally gifted" who need specially designed instruction not ordinarily provided in the regular education program also go through screening activities. The activities include: review of group data, conduct hearing and vision screening, assessment of student’s academic functioning, observation of the student displaying difficulty in behavior and determining the student’s response to attempted remediation. Input from parents is also an information source for identification. After a child is identified as a suspected child with a disability, he or she is evaluated, but is not evaluated before parents give permission for their child to be evaluated.
The school district will follow procedures outlined in the special education regulations (Chapter 14) for determining eligibility and need for special education services. Chapter 16 regulations will be followed to determine eligibility and need for Gifted Support services.
Confidentiality (CFR 300.127)
If after screening, a disability is suspected, upon your permission, your child will be evaluated. Written records of the results are called an education record, which are directly related to your child and are maintained by the school districts. These records are personally identifiable to your child. Personally identifiable information includes the child’s name, the name of the child’s parents or other family member, the address of the child or their family, a personal identifier such as student identification number, a list of characteristics that would make the child’s identity easily traceable or other information that would make the child’s identity easily traceable.
The school district will gather information regarding your child’s physical, mental, emotional and health functioning through testing and assessment, observation of your child, as well as through review of any records made available to the school district through your physician and other providers of services such as day care agencies.
The school district protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information by one school official being responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of the records, training being provided to all persons using the information, and maintaining for public inspection a current list of employee’s names and positions who may have access to the information. The school district will inform you when this information is no longer needed to provide educational services to your child and will destroy the information at designated intervals, except general information such as your child’s name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record and classes attended, grade level completed, may be maintained without time limitation.
As the parent of the child you have a number of rights regarding the confidentiality of your child’s records. The right to inspect and review any education records related to your child are collected, maintained, or used by the school district. The school district will comply with a request for you to review the records without unnecessary delay before any meetings regarding planning for your child’s special education program (called an IEP meeting). Should you and your school district disagree about your child’s special education supports and services and a due process hearing is requested, the school district will furnish you with the opportunity to inspect and review your child’s records, within 30 days.
You have the right to an explanation and interpretations of the records, to be provided copies of the records if failure to provide the copies would effectively prevent you from exercising your right to inspect and review the records, and the right to have a representative inspect and review the records. This review is conducted with the assistance of an appropriate school district staff member.
Upon your request, the school district will provide you a list of the types and location of education records collected, maintained, or used by the agency. Additionally, the school district has a right to charge a fee for copies of records made in response to your request except, it will not charge a fee if doing so will prevent you from inspecting and reviewing your child’s records. A current list of reasonable fees relative to records request is available in the district’s central office. The district will not charge a fee to search or retrieve information.
You have the right to request in writing the amendment of your child’s education records that you believe are inaccurate or misleading, or violate the privacy or other rights of your child. The school district will decide whether to amend the records within 45 school days of receipt of your request. If the school district refuses to amend the records you will be notified of the refusal and your right to a hearing. You will be given at that time, additional information regarding the hearing procedures. Upon written request, the district will schedule and provide written notice of the hearing to challenge information in your child’s education files.
Parent consent is required before personally identifiable information contained in your child’s education records is disclosed to anyone other than officials of the Brentwood-Borough School District collecting or using the information for purposes of identification of your child, locating your child and evaluating your child or for any other purpose of making available a free appropriate public education to your child. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Additionally, the school district, upon request, discloses records without consent to officials of another school district in which your child seeks or intends to enroll.
A parent may file a written complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Education at the address below alleging that the rights described in this notice were not provided.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Bureau of Special Education
Division of Compliance
333 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333
The Department of Education will investigate the matter, issue a report of findings and necessary corrective action within 60 days. The Department will take necessary action to ensure compliance is achieved.
Complaints alleging failures of the school district with regard to confidentiality of personally identifiable information may also be filed with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
The Brentwood-Borough School District will provide ongoing screening services. If you wish to learn more, have questions, or believe your child may need to be identified, please contact Dr. Christine Winiarski at (412) 881-4940 Ext 2215 or email
winiarskic@bb-sd.com.
In accordance with 34 CFR § 300.624, please be advised of the following retention/destruction schedule for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), and Keystone Exam related materials:
- PSSA, Keystone Exam, and PASA test booklets will be destroyed one year after student reports are delivered for the administration associated with the test booklets.
- PSSA and Keystone Exam answer booklets and PASA media recordings will be destroyed three years after completion of the assessment.
Early Intervention Identification
In Pennsylvania, a child between three years of age and the school district’s age to begin school who has a developmental delay or one or more of the physical or mental conditions listed above, will be identified as an “eligible young child.” The parents of these children have the same rights described above.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing programs and services to eligible young children under Act 212 of 1990, the Early Intervention Services System Act. Screening for preschool children is available through the DART Program operated by Intermediate Unit #3. To schedule an appointment for screening call Dr. Susan Sams at 412-394-5816. For additional information, contact your local school district.
POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF WEAKNESSES IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL DOMAIN AREAS AND OTHER RISK FACTORS THAT COULD INDICATE A DISABILITY (Requirement of Section 14.212(b))
A developmental delay is determined by the results of a developmental evaluation. The results of one or more domain areas (adaptive, personal-social, communication, motor or cognitive) have to show at least a 25% delay or a score of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean (Standard Score of 77 or below). The delay results in the need for specially designed intervention/instruction (SDI) in order to participate in typical activities and routines.
Children with a developmental delay may show weaknesses in the following areas:
Adaptive – Pre-kindergarten aged children with a developmental delay may have difficulty dressing/undressing; using utensils to eat, removing shoes without assistance, distinguishing between nonfood/food substances, or have difficulty with toileting needs. One may have difficulty moving independently around the house, understanding that hot is dangerous, putting away toys when asked, indicating an illness or ailment to an adult, or demonstrating caution and avoiding common dangers.
Personal-Social – Pre-kindergarten aged children with a developmental delay may have difficulty responding positively to adult praise, rewards or promise of rewards; greeting familiar adults spontaneously, enjoying simple stories read aloud, helping with simple household tasks, initiating social interaction with familiar adults, expressing affection/liking for peers, playing cooperatively with peers, stating first name, last name, age, or whether he is a male/female; using objects in make-believe play, using ‘I’ or ‘me’ to refer to himself, or recognizing facial expressions of common emotions.
Communication - Pre-kindergarten aged children with a developmental delay may have difficulty following 2-step verbal commands, associating spoken words with pictures, recalling events from a story presented orally; engaging in extended and meaningful nonverbal exchanges with others, using words to get his needs met, responding to ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions appropriately, or asking ‘wh’ questions.
Motor - Pre-kindergarten aged children with a developmental delay may have difficulty running without falling, kicking a ball without falling, walking up and down steps alternating feet without assistance, walking backward, imitating the bilateral movements of an adult, pointing with his index finger independent of the thumb and other fingers, scribbling linear and/or circular patterns spontaneously, using the pads of fingertips to grasp a pencil, holding a paper with one hand while drawing or writing with the other hand, fastening clothing without assistance, cutting with scissors, copying a circle, or imitating vertical and horizontal markings.
Cognitive - Pre-kindergarten aged children with a developmental delay may have difficulty attending to one activity for 3 or more minutes, reciting memorized lines from songs or TV shows, showing interest in age-appropriate books, matching/naming colors, responding to one and one more, giving three objects on request, matching shapes, identifying objects by their use, identifying items by size, identifying colors of familiar objects not in view, or identifying simple objects by touch.
OTHER FACTORS THAT COULD INDICATE A DISABILITY
Developmental disabilities are
birth defects related to a problem with how a body part or body system works. They may also be known as
functional birth defects. Many of these conditions affect multiple body parts or systems. Researchers have identified thousands of different birth defects. Birth defects can have a variety of causes, such as:
Genetic problems caused when one or more genes doesn’t work properly or part of a gene is missing, problems with chromosomes, such as having an extra chromosome or missing part of a chromosome, environmental factors that the expectant mother is exposed to during pregnancy, such as Rubella or German measles or if she uses drugs or alcohol during pregnancy.
Factors Considered When Determining Mental Giftedness
- The child performs a year or more above grade achievement level in one or more subjects as measured by a nationally normed and validated achievement test.
- The child demonstrates rates of acquisition/retention of content and skills reflecting gifted ability.
- The child demonstrates achievement, performance, or expertise in one or more academic areas as evidenced by products, portfolios or research, as well as criterion-referenced team judgment.
- The child demonstrates early and measured use of high level thinking skills, academic creativity, leadership skills, intense academic interest, communication skills, foreign language aptitude, or technology expertise.
- The child demonstrates that intervening factors such as English as a second language, disabilities, gender or race bias, or socio/cultural deprivation are masking gifted abilities.
Interscholastic Athletics
At this time there are no interscholastic events for students at the elementary level as there no competitions between schools within or outside of the district (Board Policy 123). There are intramurals that are held in the winter for students in fourth and fifth grade. Appropriate student behavior is expected during intramurals students can be dismissed from the program due to repeated disciplinary infractions.
English as a Second Language Services
The Brentwood Borough School District operates a K-12 English as a Second Language (ESL) Program which serves linguistically diverse students enrolled in the district. This program provides English Learners daily instruction in the areas of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing in English by certified ESL teachers. Generally, this instruction is delivered to students by way of small group, pull-out instruction. Students are grouped with students of similar age, grade, and language proficiency level. They are provided with daily instruction which is aligned to PA Core Standards, PA English Language Development (ELD) Standards, and supported by a high quality, research-based language acquisition curriculum. Students are assessed annually with the WIDA ACCESS test to monitor growth in language proficiency and to determine the continued need for support with English language development. The amount and duration of ESL pull-out instruction may decrease as the student’s language proficiency increases. Students have the opportunity to exit the ESL program annually and the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for exit are followed. Each child’s ESL teacher collaborates with his/her classroom and content area teachers to monitor progress in the general curriculum. Information, strategies, and resources are regularly shared to assure that the child’s language needs are met. Parents are informed of the child’s progress in English language development through both grades on the school district report card as well as student performance on yearly WIDA ACCESS testing. Once a child is no longer in need of daily support with language development and they exit the ESL program, their progress is monitored for a period of 4 years.
Upon registration in the district, a Home Language Survey is completed by every parent/ guardian seeking enrollment of their child. The survey seeks to determine if the student speaks a language other than English or a language other than English is spoken in the home. Based upon this and other information, the school conducts a family interview to gather more information to determine if the student should be further screened to determine need for services. The screening instrument assesses the student in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing to determine eligibility for placement in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The goal of our ESL program is to help students acquire the English necessary to attain language proficiency and access grade level content instruction for grade promotion and graduation.
Parents do have the right to opt out of specific, specialized ELD instructional programs. This right to opt-out does not include initial assessment and identification or continuing annual assessment of the child’s English proficiency. If you wish to consider exercising your right to opt your child out of specific ESL instruction, please contact your child’s building principal to arrange a meeting. Individuals requiring further information regarding the ESL program at Brentwood Borough Schools are directed to Dr. Chris Winiarski, (412) 881-4940 ext. 2215 or christine.winiarski@bb-sd.com.
Mandated Reporters
School employees are mandated reporters for child abuse and must comply with the identification and reporting requirements for suspected child abuse including the requirements for training in the recognition and reporting of child abuse per Board Policy 806.
Physical Education
The Department of Education requires that all students in grades first through fifth participate in physical education classes at least twice weekly. Any student who is unable to participate in regular classes must submit a written excuse from a licensed practitioner of the healing arts to the Physical Education teacher, health office, and main office prior to class.
No
standard uniform is required. However, students must wear suitable attire
(girls are not permitted to wear tops which reveal midriffs) and gym shoes
acceptable for athletic use (no platform tennis shoes or flip flops).
Pictures For Local Publications
Please note: On occasion, the school district receives requests for students to have their pictures or images taken for local publications or other types of media. If a parent/guardian does not desire to have their child’s picture or image taken for this purpose, a written statement to that effect must be submitted by the parent/guardian to the principal’s office annually.
Safety Drills
Pennsylvania state code annual safety drills including fire, intruder, and weather emergency, to educate students as to what they are expected to do during emergencies. Board Policy 705.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
As per State mandate and District Policy 236, the district has developed a Student Assistance Program which is operational in every school building. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school.
SAP Teams are comprised of a SAP liaison, school counselors, building administrator, members of the teaching staff, and the school nurse. The core of the Student Assistance Program is a professionally trained team, including school staff and liaisons from community drug and alcohol and mental health agencies. SAP team members are trained to identify issues and to make recommendations to assist the student and the parent. The SAP team will also assist the parent and student in accessing services within the community. SAP team members do not diagnose, treat or refer to treatment; but they may refer a student to a liaison who may screen or assess for further community based services and support.
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) shall provide assistance in:
1. Identifying issues that pose a barrier to a student’s learning and/or academic achievement.
2. Determining whether or not the identified problem lies within the responsibility of the school.
3. Informing the parent/guardian of a problem affecting the student’s learning and/or academic achievement.
4. Making recommendations to assist the student and the parent/guardian.
5. Providing information on community resources and options to deal with the problem.
6. Establishing links with resources to help resolve the problem.
7. Collaborating with the parent/guardian and agency when students are involved in treatment through a community agency.
8. Providing a plan for in-school support services for the student during and after treatment.
There are four phases to the student assistance process:
1. Referral - Anyone can refer a student to SAP when they are concerned about someone’s behavior -- any school staff, a student’s friend, a family member or community member. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. The SAP team contacts the parent for permission to proceed with the SAP process.
2. Team Planning – The SAP team gathers objective information about the student’s performance in school from all school personnel who have contact with the student. Information is also collected from the parent. The team meets with the parent to discuss the data collected and also meets with the student. Together, a plan is developed that includes strategies for removing the learning barriers and promoting the student’s academic and personal success to include in-school and/or community-based services and activities.
3. Intervention and Recommendations – The plan is put into action. The team assists in linking the student to in-school and/or community-based services and activities. The team might recommend a drug and alcohol or mental health screening or assessment.
4. Support and Follow-Up – The SAP team continues to work with and support the student and their family. Follow-up includes monitoring, mentoring, and motivating for academic success.
It is the parent’s right to be involved in the process and to have full access to all school records under the applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Involvement of parents in all phases of the Student Assistance Program underscores the parents’ role and responsibility in the decision–making process affecting their child’s education and is key to the successful resolution of barriers. For students receiving treatment through a community agency, the student assistance team, in collaboration with parents and the agency, can assist in helping plan in-school support services during and after treatment.
Title I Services
Moore Elementary School’s Title I program focuses on the development of reading skills through the reading room or intervention times. Title I meetings are held annually to explain the goals and purposes of the Title I program to families. Those meetings may occur during PTA meetings, Open House, Parent-Teacher conferences, or at another time. Families are invited to collaborate with the school in the design, development, and operation of the program (Board Policy 918). Questions regarding the Title I program can be directed to the building principal or the Title I reading specialist.
Student Records
Report Cards and Progress Reports
Report cards are issued at nine-week intervals for grades kindergarten through five and they are accessed through Skyward. Paper copies of report cards will not be sent home unless there is a written request submitted to the office. Report cards, in addition to attendance and discipline records, become part of a student’s record per Board Policy 216.
Progress reports are issued for students
who are not attaining the level of achievement expected in a given subject
area; they may be emailed midway during the nine-week grading period. The
intent of the progress report is to alert parents that a problem exists, and
that a conference with the instructor is needed. Conferences may be
scheduled before or after school.
All students shall be graded
according to the following table:
A | Excellent | 90 - 100% | 3.6 - 4.0 |
B | Above Average | 80 - 89% | 2.6 - 3.5 |
C | Average | 70 - 79% | 1.6 - 2.5 |
D | Below Average | 60 - 69% | 0.6 - 1.5 |
E | Failure | Below 60% | 0.0 - 0.5 |
Skyward Family Access
Skyward
Family Access (SFA) allows parents and guardians to use the Internet to keep
track of important information that impacts your child’s education. This
is a free service to you and is intended to make it easier for you to be
involved in your child’s daily educational activities. The information
that will be available includes the following:
A).
Attendance information, shown by day or month
B).
Food Service information, including purchases and account balance
C).
Grading information
D).
Emergency contact information
If you registered for Family Access previously, the system will automatically be available to you with your existing login name and password. If you did not register or you are new to the Brentwood Borough School District, you must complete and return the Family Access Registration Form to take advantage of this free service. If you need your login information, please contact the main office.
Food Services
The
schools food service program is designed to reinforce the district’s commitment
to nutrition and student wellness. Food
served in schools shall be selected to meet the nutritional needs of students
and follow the guidelines outlined in Board Policy 808.
Classroom Treats
The Board of Directors recognizes the need for student wellness and health. As such, students are not permitted to bring food as classroom treats. Board Policy 246. We are suggesting nonfood items to share with the class birthdays or to mark other events. Here are a few suggestions:
A). Items such as decorative pencils, erasers or trinkets from the
Dollar Store.
B). A board game or other item for use during recess.
Though we have made changes to the
school cafeteria menu regarding peanut and tree nut foods, students may still
bring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other nut related foods in their
bagged lunches from home. Students with
food allergies should notify the health office for an allergy plan.
Lunch Service
Both
elementary schools serve breakfast and hot lunches each day. The cost of
breakfast is $1.55. The cost of lunch is $2.65. The cost of milk is
.75¢. Information about the food service program can be found on
the Food Service portion of the website.
The
breakfast period runs from 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. daily.
The
lunch periods for Moore Elementary are:
11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Kindergarten and First Grade
11:50 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Second and Third Grade
12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Fourth and Fifth Grade
PLEASE NOTE there will be no lunch
service on half-days.
Free or reduced price meals are available to pupils whose families meet certain federal guidelines. Please note that the application forms must be completed annually.
The Brentwood Borough School District has implemented a point of sale program for school lunches. With this program you are able to deposit money into your child’s account using School Cafe. This school year we are only able to accept checks in person, cash cannot be processed.
Health Services
Should your child become ill or be injured during school hours, he or she should report to their teacher who will then refer the student to the Nurse's Office or, if she is unavailable, the Principal's Office. Parents or guardians will be advised if any follow-up medical attention is necessary. A child will not be allowed to leave the building unless a parent or designated guardian accompanies them. Please ensure that parent/guardian contact information and emergency contact information is up to date in Skyward.
Medications and Allergies
When the health of a child requires that medication be given during school hours, special arrangements must be made. No medication will be given in school until the proper paperwork is completed and signed by a parent or guardian. This ruling applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as emergency medications such as EpiPens and Inhalers. Medication must be in the original container and clearly marked with the child’s name and the physician’s directions for administering the medicine. . All prescription medication requires proper paperwork to be completed by the physician and parent/guardian, the necessary forms can be found on the district website under Health Services, Board Policy 210 and 210.1.
Students with food allergies or other medical needs or chronic conditions such as diabetes, seizure disorders, or sickle cell anemia should notify the office so that a medical care plan can be developed, Board Policy 209.1 and 209.2.
Required Vaccines and Examinations
Pennsylvania law requires that children receive physical and dental examinations at various times. Such examinations may be conducted by the child's family physician or dentist, or by the school's medical examiner.
Physical examinations are required in kindergarten, and
dental examinations are required in kindergarten and third. Proof of blood lead level testing is also required in kindergarten (Board Policy 209).
The nurse annually checks each child's weight, height, and vision. In addition, hearing examinations are administered in kindergarten and grades one, two and three.
All students entering school for the first time are required to have the following immunizations as prescribed by the state regulations. Students who have not been immunized may risk exclusion from school. Students who are in foster care or who have transferred from out of state shall have provisional admission up to 30 days (Board Policy 203).
A).
4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis* or more properly
spaced doses of diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday)*
B).
4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday ad at least 6 months after previous dose given)**
C).
2 doses of measles, mumps, rubella***
D).
3 doses of hepatitis B
E).
2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or evidence of immunity
*
Usually given as DTP or DTaP or if medically advisable, DT or Td
**
A fourth dose is not necessary if the third dose was administered at age 4
years or older and at least 6 months after previous dose
*** Usually given as MMR
Communicable Diseases
In order to prevent the spread of
communicable diseases, the County of Allegheny has set forth the following
guidelines for control:
Measles | exclude from school at least 4 days after the rash appears |
German Measles | exclude from school for at least 4 days after the onset of rash |
Chicken Pox | exclude from school for 6 days from the last crop of vesicles, or until vesicles become dry |
Mumps | exclude from school until swelling is gone, or until 9 days after swelling occurs |
Strep Throat | exclude from school until 24 hours after treatment is started |
Whooping Cough | exclude from school until the student has received at least 5 days of a minimum 14-day course of antibiotics |
Conjunctivitis | exclude from school until 24 hours after start of appropriate treatment, or until physician certifies as non-infectious |
Fifth Disease | children with Fifth Disease do NOT need to be excluded from school since they are not contagious once the rash occurs |
Head Lice | exclude from school until adequately treated and until judged non-infectious by the child’s physician or by the school nurse |
COVID-19
| exclude from school per Allegheny Health Department regulations |
School Insurance
Student accident insurance is
available for all children at a nominal fee. This insurance covers
medical, dental, and hospital expenses resulting from accidental injury which
may occur at school.
Student Insurance
Those students who participate in
interscholastic sports MUST have insurance or an appropriate waiver from their
parents.
School insurance is available to
all students at minimum cost. Forms may be obtained in the office at the
beginning of the school year. Students without health insurance may
qualify for the Child Health Insurance Program, or C.H.I.P. For more
information please contact the building nurse at 412-881-7776.
Integrated Pest Management
The school district utilizes and integrated pest management procedures. If you would like to be notified of the application of pesticides in accordance with applicable laws please notify the office to be added to the list (Boar Policy 816).
Parent Teacher Association
The Moore School PTA annually sponsors cultural and recreational activities designed to enrich the educational life in the elementary school. Their efforts are aimed at bringing the home and school into a closer relationship by involving parents and teachers in programs of benefit to children. Your cooperation and participation in the activities of the PTA will be in the best educational interest of your son or daughter. The school building and grounds is can be used by the PTA and other groups for educational, social, recreational, or other purposes as defined by Board Policy 707.
Visitors
To ensure the safety and security
of our students and staff and the orderly operation of the Brentwood School
District educational programs, all parents and guardians and other individuals
planning to visit our schools during the school day are required to follow the
district registration and check-in/check-out procedures. Please take time to
review the visitation procedures below.
A).
When planning to visit a classroom or another area of the school building,
during the school day, please call the main office and pre-register for an
appointment prior to the date of the visit. Absent an emergency, requests
to meet with a classroom teacher or other staff member should be made at least
48 hours in advance to allow the school sufficient time to make arrangements
for substitute coverage.
B).
School policy does not permit children (students from other schools, friends,
relatives) to visit the classroom for the day.
As part of the registration process at the office window, all visitors will be asked to provide their driver’s license or other state-issued photo-identification prior to you entering the school for any reason. The secretary, will scan the ID through the Raptor Visitor System. A visitor pass will
be printed and will include a picture of the visitor, name, date, and time of
entrance to the building.
A).
Visitor pass must be worn in a visible place.
B).
All visitors must have a pass before proceeding to any other part of the
building.
C).
Visitors must remain in approved areas only and at all times and act in a
manner appropriate to the safe functioning of the school environment. Any
individual who engages in uncooperative or disruptive behavior will be required
to leave the premises.
D).
Upon conclusion of the visit, the visitor must return to the building office,
and sign-out by returning your visitor badge. Once the visitor has signed-out,
they must leave the school building immediately.
These procedures are implemented
pursuant to Board Policy 907, which is available for review on the district’s
website. These procedures apply to all Brentwood School District
buildings. Please note that parents and guardians dropping off items for a
student may do so at the window without going into the office.
For the safety of your child and in order to maintain the proper learning environment, no person will be permitted in the building without a visitor's
pass. Upon arriving at either
elementary school, all visitors must register with the secretary and receive a
visitor's pass before proceeding to their destination. Those without
previously scheduled visits may be asked to schedule a visit and return at a
later date.
The district reserves the right to
deny an individual entry to any school building, when there is reason to
believe that such individual’s presence would be detrimental to the operation
of the school and the learning environment. The Board prohibits gambling,
the possession and use of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, and
weapons on school premises (policy 904).
No Smoking
Smoking is prohibited on all
school grounds and within fifty feet of school buildings, stadiums and
bleachers. This includes tobacco, nicotine,
and nicotine delivery products. See
policy 904.
No Animals
Students are not permitted to
bring animals to school for visitation without authorization from the
principal’s office. Animals are not permitted on the school property
during school hours which include arrival and dismissal times. Service animals are permitted on property for
events that are open to the general public in accordance with state and federal
laws and regulations.
No Solicitation
Unless authorized by the
Elementary Principal or Superintendent, no advertisement of any material
containing advertising, whether free or otherwise, is to be distributed to
students in the school. There will be no selling of promotional items to
staff and/or students unless directly related to the Parent Teacher Association
fund raising activities.
Under no circumstances should an
individual or outside agency be given the names, addresses, or telephone
numbers of students, their parents, or staff this includes the surveying of
students or collection of information for marketing purposes (policy 235.1).
Dress Code
It is the practice of the Brentwood Borough School District not to interfere with the rights of students and their parents to make decisions regarding a student’s appearance, except when their choices interfere with the educational mission of the district, Board Policy 235.
Consequently, the following dress code shall apply to every student within the district:
- No student shall wear clothing that that permits the exposure of undergarments, bare midriffs, or private body parts
- No student shall wear sunglasses, hats, hoods raised, or other headwear within the school building. (An exception to the wearing of headwear maybe granted to an individual student by the administration for medical or religious reasons.)
- No student shall wear coats, jackets, or other forms of outerwear within a classroom.
- No student shall wear any clothing or jewelry that by words, signs, pictures, colors, or any combination thereof appearing on said clothing or jewelry, advocates or promotes gang activity, profanity, sexual activity or violence, or the use of alcohol or drugs, or demeans or degrades another because of race, sex, religious persuasion, national origin, handicap, or disability. The third prohibition shall be in effect not only during school hours but also at any school-sponsored event whether on or off school premises.
- No student is permitted to wear wallet or biker chains.
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing and will be required to conform to posted safety requirements while participating in physical education classes, shops, extra-curricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.
The administration has the right to object to any clothing or article worn that may cause disruption to the educational process. All violations of the dress code shall be subject to disciplinary action. School officials, administrators, teachers and students shall provide the leadership, encouragement and, when necessary, counseling, in working to achieve the goal of maintaining the appropriate and acceptable appearance of all students.
Student Discipline
Rules governing student conduct have been developed per Board policy 218. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a safe and orderly educational environment. The codes and procedures related to student discipline apply both in school and at school sponsored events.
School officials have the authority to lawfully search students or their belongings, including lockers, backpacks, clothing, etc. if there is a reasonable suspicion per Board policy 226. It is the expectation that students volunteer information relating to matters of health, safety, and welfare of the school community and protection of school property.
Students who are victims of violent crimes that occur on school property as defined by Board policy 144 are entitled to transfer schools within the district.
Demerit Procedures
The school has the authority to
take corrective action against any behavior, whether covered specifically in
this written code or not, which is found to be disruptive to the educational
process of school.
In addition to the code, 1 to 15
demerits may be assigned by the Principal, as judged necessary, in handling
discipline problems in the school which have not been addressed in the
discipline code.
The Principal has the authority to
make age appropriate adjustments to any of the above corrective actions when
deemed necessary.
The Principal, at his/her
discretion, may award merits to students who have shown good citizenship and/or
attendance for an extended period of time. The Principal may determine to use
earned merits in conjunction with the demerit system.
Level I Offenses
Level I offenses are violations of
school rules and regulations that minimally hinder or disrupt the operation of
the school and the delivery of the educational program.
Disruption of School and/or Class
A student shall not engage in any conduct that may cause or create a substantial disruption or material interference with any school function or activity, or that creates a reasonable likelihood that it will interfere with the health, safety, well-being, or rights of students. (up to 10 demerits)
Dress Code
Wearing any attire that is in
violation of the dress code. The administration reserves the right to take
corrective action against students dressed inappropriately including sending
the offender home to change clothes. (1 to 5 demerits)
Use of Electronic Devices, Including Cell Phones
All personal electronic devices, including mobile phones, must be turned off and placed in the student’s backpack/ locker during the school day.
Students may only use personal electronic devices during the school day with teacher or staff member permission per Board policy 237.
First offense – Confiscation of device. May be picked up by student at end of that school day from the office.
Second offense - Confiscation of device. Parent must pick up device. Parent conference with administration. 5 demerits.
Third offense- Confiscation of device. Parent must pick up device. 10 demerits and one day of out of school suspension. Student must turn in device daily to the front office upon arrival. Refusal to turn device in or non-compliance will be considered insubordination.
Subsequent offenses to be considered additional insubordination and will be treated as the same as a third offense.
Technology Code (Policies – 218, 815)
Engaging in any activity prohibited by the technology code may result in a student being assigned 10-15 demerits as well as additional discipline as determined by administration.
Recording in the building and/or on school grounds will result in students being assigned 1-3 day suspension and between 10-15 demerits.
Public
Display of Affection
Engaging in display of affection
in school, on school grounds, or at a school event. (1 to 5 demerits)
Physical Altercation
A physical altercation is one in which a student engages another in physical aggression but does not throw punches/ and or excessive violence has not occurred. This is the judgement of the teacher or administration. If deemed an altercation up to 10 demerits can be assigned. If deemed a fight, it is considered a Level II offense.
Skipping or
Cutting Class
Skipping or cutting class is
defined as not being in the assigned classroom, study hall, lunch period, etc.,
but not leaving the school building/grounds. Excessive class cutting may result
in a citation and hearing with the magistrate.
First
offense - 5 demerits
Second
offense - 10 demerits
Subsequent
offenses - 15 demerits
Unexcused Tardiness to School
Third
unexcused tardy - Warning letter sent home
Fifth
unexcused tardy - After school detention
Seventh
unexcused tardy- Saturday detention
Tenth
unexcused tardy - In-school suspension (1 day)
Fifteenth
unexcused tardy - In-school suspension (3 days)
Twentieth
unexcused tardy - Citation and hearing with the magistrate
Saturday
detention will be assigned for every 3rd tardy after 20
The
Principal has the authority to make age appropriate adjustments to the above
when deemed necessary.
Level II Offenses
Level II offenses call for the
assignment of up to 15 demerits. Depending on the incident, suspension and a
citation may be involved. In some cases, expulsion may also be
recommended.
Academic Integrity Regulations
Students’ grades reflect their
individual efforts and achievements. It is the responsibility of each student
to act in an ethical and responsible manner on all assignments. Therefore,
cheating, plagiarism, and assisting others to do so are all violations of
academic integrity. This includes the following:
Cheating, defined as using another individual’s work as your own. This includes copying homework and assignments, sharing test information, using “cheat sheets”, or prohibited texts or materials. Plagiarism,
defined as representing the words, ideas, or creations of another person as
one’s own. This includes copying another person’s work or ideas without
giving proper credit, cutting and pasting from the Internet or other database
sources, copying from texts, or paraphrasing without giving credit to the
original source. Violating federal copyright laws by using images downloaded from the Internet or other sources for personal use, except for classroom assignments.
Consequences for the above include
an automatic failure on the assignment, test, project, etc. In addition,
demerits may be accumulated at the Principal’s discretion.
Damage to Private or School Property
A student shall not steal, cause
damage to, or destroy school property or private property during school, on
school grounds, or at a school function. (Up to 15 demerits)
Disruption of School and/or Class
A student shall not engage in any
conduct that may cause or create a substantial disruption or material
interference with any school function or activity, or that creates a reasonable
likelihood that it will interfere with the health, safety, well-being, or
rights of other students. (Up to 15 demerits)
Fighting
A student is determined to be involved in a fight if they throw a punch or uses excessive violence against another students. If physical aggression is initiated against a student, that student must attempt to remove themself from the situation in order to avoid culpability in the fight or physical altercation.
15
demerits for each offense, 3 day suspension, and citation issued
Any student found recording a fight will also be subject to disciplinary actions.
Harassing, Intimidating, Threatening, Bullying, Degrading, or Disgraceful
Acts
A student shall not engage in any act which harasses, intimidates, threatens, bullies, degrades or disgraces a teacher, fellow student, visitor, administrator, school employee, or member of the Board of School Directors by written, verbal, or gestural means. Board policy 247 and 249 (15 demerits and 1 – 3 day suspension)
Insubordination
A student shall not fail to comply
with the directions of teachers, student teachers, aides, bus drivers,
principals, or other authorized school personnel. He/she shall not fail to
comply with the rules and regulations of the school. (Up to 15 demerits)
Leaving School Grounds without Permission
First
offense - 10 demerits
Subsequent
offenses - 15 demerits
Possession of Tobacco
Students should not bring tobacco
products to school. Tobacco products are not to be carried on a student nor
stored in lockers. (5 demerits, citation, and fine)
Profanity
A student shall not use any form
of profanity, written or verbal. Included in this prohibition would be the use
of obscene gestures, signs, pictures or publications, obscene language,
phrases, or partial phrases. (5 demerits)
Profanity Directed Toward Faculty
First
offense - 15 demerits and 1 – 3 day suspension
Second
offense - 30 demerits and 3 – 5 day suspension
Tobacco/ Nicotine Products
Students
shall not be permitted to possess, use or sell tobacco, nicotine and nicotine
delivery products in the school building or on school property, including on
school buses, at school sponsored functions, during field trips, and other
scheduled activities of the school.
First
offense - 15 demerits, 1 – 3 day suspension, citation and fine
Second
offense - 15 demerits, 3 – 5 day suspension, citation and fine
Third
offense - 15 demerits, 10 day suspension, citation and fine
Technology Code
Engaging in any activity
prohibited by the technology code. See
Board Policy 815. (Up to 15 demerits)
Truancy
An
act of truancy shall consist of a student being unexcused for a minimum of 4
periods of a full day.
First
offense - 10 demerits
Second
offense - 10 demerits
Third
offense - 15 demerits, citation and fine depending on age of student
Level III Offenses
Level III offenses consist of acts
that threaten the health, welfare, safety, and security of the Brentwood
Borough School District community. Level III offenses call for an immediate
suspension of 10 days and the assignment of 60 demerits. A hearing with
the Superintendent of Schools and a possible expulsion hearing will result in
cases involving Level III offenses. In addition, Level III offenses
require a parental conference with the school administration and may result in
legal action.
Assault
A student shall not cause physical
injury to any student, teacher, or other school employee or visitor on school
grounds or during a school function or event. (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
Breaking and
Entering
Illegal or unauthorized entry into
school facilities. (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
Dangerous
Weapons or Instruments
A student shall not possess, use, transmit, or
conceal any object that might be considered a dangerous weapon or instrument of
violence. This list is not totally inclusive, but some examples are:
sharp instruments, cutting instruments, cutting tools, knives, pipes, guns, ice
picks, switchblades, brass knuckles, nuchakus, handguns, BB guns, pellet guns,
shotguns, rifles, firecrackers, explosive devices, chemicals, and gases
including mace. Students found to be in violation of Board policy 218.1 are
subject to an expulsion hearing before the Board of Directors.
Drugs,
Alcoholic Beverages, Drug Paraphernalia and Look-a-Like Drugs
A student shall not possess, use,
transmit, distribute, or sell drug paraphernalia.
A student shall not possess, use,
transmit, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of any drug or alcoholic
beverage of any kind with the exception of the student who is taking
prescription medication under the direction of a physician. The office and
teachers must be informed in regard to prescription medication.
A student shall not knowingly
possess, sell, make, offer to sell, give, package, or deliver a counterfeit
controlled substance; nor shall he/she represent a counterfeit controlled
substance by describing it as being the same physical or mental effect
associated with use of a controlled substance; nor shall a student falsely
represent a counterfeit controlled substance as a controlled substance
The
restrictions noted above shall refer to:
A).
The school grounds during, before, or after school hours
B).
Off school grounds at a school activity
C).
On school buses or rented carriers
D).
Use prior to attending a school activity, function, or event
10
day suspension plus 60 demerits
Institutional
Vandalism
Intentionally defacing or
destroying school property. (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
Terroristic
Threats and Acts
A terroristic threat is a threat
to commit violence communicated with the intent to terrorize another, cause
evacuation of a building, or cause serious public inconvenience, in reckless
disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience. A
terroristic act is an offense against property or involving danger to
another. See Board
Policy 218.2. (10 day suspension plus 60
demerits)
Violations of
PA Crimes Code
Any violation of the Pennsylvania
crimes code not covered specifically in the disciplinary code.
School or local police may also be
involved with any situations that are a violation of the crimes code.(10 day
suspension plus 60 demerits)
Disciplinary Measures
Should
a student behave in the unacceptable ways indicated in this discipline code,
the school district administration may enforce any of the following
disciplinary measures:
1. Student
conference
2. Parent
phone call/parent conference
Prior
to a problem becoming quite serious, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will often be
asked to come to the school to work with school officials. Many times a
student will begin to show progress upon the involvement of the
parent(s)/guardian(s) in the problem.
3. Assignment
to detention
This
may be assigned before school, after school, or on Saturday. The
parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified in advance when detention is assigned.
4. Work
assignments beyond the regular course load when determined to be appropriate
and practical
5. In-school
suspension
When
an adequate place is available within the building, the Principal may assign
students to in-school suspension, which allows a student to remain in school,
but isolates the student from the rest of the students in attendance.
6. Suspension
from school
Serious violations and continued offenses may lead to a suspension from school. Unless it involves an emergency removal, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified in advance that the student is being suspended from school.
7. Referral
to juvenile authorities or police
When
a serious offense is involved, outside authorities may be called for
assistance.
8. Removal
from school by the parent(s)/guardian(s) on a temporary basis
For
the protection of the children involved, pending investigation of a situation
that may be disruptive to the school program. This allows school
officials to solve a potentially serious problem with the least amount of
confusion.
9. Hearing
with the Superintendent of Schools and possible expulsion
Expulsion
must be taken very seriously by the student and by the
parent(s)/guardian(s). Students cannot remain in the school if they are a
continuous threat to the health, safety, and well-being of the other students
and staff.
Consequences Associated With the Accumulation
of Demerits
1
to 14 Demerits - Students will be counseled; Parent/guardian will be contacted
after 8 demerits.
15
Demerits - 1 to 3 day suspension; Letter to parent/guardian; Parent/guardian
conference prior to student returning to school.
30
Demerits - 3 to 5 day suspension; Letter to parent/guardian; Parent/guardian
conference prior to student returning to school.
35
Demerits - Phone call to parent/guardian.
40
Demerits - Letter to parent/guardian.
45
Demerits - 10 day suspension; Letter to parent/guardian; Parent/guardian
conference prior to student returning to school; Psychological referral.
55
Demerits - Letter to parent/guardian explaining the consequences of 60
demerits.
60
Demerits - 10 day suspension; Hearing with Superintendent of Schools; Possible
exclusion from extracurricular activities; Possible action with the magistrate
and recommendation for expulsion.
Threats / Bullying
Ethnic intimidation, terroristic
threats, terroristic acts, and bullying will not be tolerated. Bullying
includes systematic name-calling, teasing, extortion, physical abuse, and
purposefully excluding individuals from social opportunities through cliques.
The Brentwood Borough School
District strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students in
the schools. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to
maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form is not
tolerated.
Harassment of a student consists
of verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s
race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation
or religion when such conduct:
A). Is
sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects an individual’s
ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program or activity or
creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment.
B). Has
the purpose or effect or substantially or unreasonable interfering with an
individual’s academic performance.
C). Otherwise adversely affects an individual’s learning opportunities.
Sexual harassment of a student
shall consist of unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors, and
other inappropriate verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual
nature.
Each student shall be responsible
to respect the rights of their fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free
from all forms of unlawful harassment.
Students shall be informed that
they may choose to report harassment complaints to any building principals,
teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators.
When a student believes that she
or he is being harassed, the student should immediately inform the harasser
that his/her behavior is unwelcome, offensive or inappropriate. If the
behavior continues, the student shall follow the established complaint
procedure.
A substantiated charge against a
district student shall subject such student to disciplinary action, consistent
with the Student Code of Conduct, and may include educational activities and/or
counseling services related to unlawful harassment.
If it is concluded that a student
has made false accusations, such student shall be subject to disciplinary
actions, consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.
Additional information regarding the bullying policy can be found in the policy
manual number 249.
Technology Policy / Code of Conduct
Introduction
We are pleased to offer students
of the Brentwood Borough Public Schools access to the district computer network
resources and the Internet. To use these resources, all students must
sign and return the form, and those under age 18 must obtain parental
permission. Parents, please read and complete the document carefully,
review its contents with your son/daughter, and sign and initial where
appropriate. Any questions or concerns about the permission form or any
aspect of the computer network should be referred to your school’s Technology
Specialist.
General Computer Use
The computers are provided for students to do computer-based learning, conduct research and complete assignments. Access to computers is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege - not a right. As such, general school rules for behavior and communications apply and users must comply with district standards and honor the agreements they have signed.
Students are prohibited from using
or installing software purchased or downloaded for home use. The use of
this software violates copyright laws.
General Network Use
The network is provided for students to conduct research, complete assignments, and store data. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Access is a privilege - not a right. As such, general school rules for behavior and communications apply and users must comply with district standards and honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.
Network storage areas may be
treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and
communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the
system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district
servers will always be private. Unapproved or inappropriate material will
be removed by the technology staff.
Internet / World Wide Web
Access to the Internet will enable
students to use thousands of libraries and databases. Within reason,
freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. Families
should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain
items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some
people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further
educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other
materials as well. Filtering software is in use, but no filtering system is
capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet.
We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the
form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any
disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for
setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when
using media and information sources. To that end, the Brentwood Borough Public
Schools support and respect each family's right to decide whether or not to
apply for access.
Policy Violations
Violations of this policy by
students will be handled within the guidelines of the elementary discipline
policy. Multiple offenses may result in the loss of all district computer
privileges, and or, school suspension.