Arrival InformationWe encourage parents or guardians to plan for the arrival of their son or daughter at school between 8:20 - 8:30 a.m. as there is no supervision of students prior to 8:05 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 7:30 a.m. and only then will they be admitted if they are participating in the school’s breakfast program. Students should not be dropped off prior to 8:05 a.m.
During arrival and pick-up times the Moore 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 "do not enter" sign is out.
When the students arrive to school in the morning, they will wait in the gymnasium with their respective grade levels until the bell rings. All students will enter the building using the lower doors,
by the school office, on Dalewood Street.
Tardiness
When a student is tardy to school 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.
Attendance
Regular and punctual attendance is essential for a
successful educational experience.
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:
- Illness or other urgent reasons including sickness, recovery from accident, death in immediate family, court appearance, and unavoidable family emergency.
- Observance of a recognized religious holiday.
- Religious instruction, not to exceed 36 hours per school year.
- 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 in length.
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
Absence
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
Attendance 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 a phone call to the office, 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 practicioner of the healing arts. Three illegal absences during the course of a school year may result in 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.
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.
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.
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 pick up their work, we require that the office be notified by
9:00 a.m. Work may then be picked up in
the office at the close of the school 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.
For information on schedule changes, listen to the
following:
Radio stations: KDKA (1020 AM), KQV (1410 AM or Froggy (FM 104.3)
Television stations: KDKA, WTAE, and WPXI.
If no report is heard, it can be assumed that school will be in session. Parents and students are reminded not to call the radio station. You may also check the district website or the pittsburgh channel website.
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.
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) chaperon for every five students, not to exceed the number of students in attendance.
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 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).
Fire Drills / Tornado DrillsPennsylvania state code mandates that there be at least one
fire drill each month and one emergency weather alert drill a year to educate
students as to what they are expected to do during evacuation drills. Procedures for exiting the building are posted
in each classroom. All teachers will
instruct their classes on the proper exit routes and the behavior expected
during these drills.
Report Cards and Progress ReportsReport cards are issued at nine-week intervals for grades kindergarten through five. 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 Policy
Many school age children have food related allergies. For these children even casual contact can
cause a severe allergic reaction.
For the general health of our school community, students will not be permitted to bring food as birthday treats. We are suggesting nonfood items to share with the class on or close to their actual birthday. 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.
Our School Community has a rich tradition of considering the
best interests and safety of our students. Thank you, in advance, for your
cooperation in this matter.
Lunch Service
Both elementary schools serve breakfast and hot lunches each day. The cost of breakfast is $1.55. The cost of lunch is $2.50. 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 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. daily
The lunch periods for Moore Elementary are:
11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Kindergarten, First and Second Grades
11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades
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.
Health ServicesShould 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.
By law, a school nurse is not permitted to diagnose,
prescribe, or dispense any type of medication.
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. Medication must be in the original container and clearly marked with the child’s name and the physician’s directions for administering the medicine. Long-term medications (those to be given for more than a two week period) require a physician’s signature.
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 grades one and three. First graders also need to be given a Tine test.
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 at
kindergarten or first grade must have the following immunizations completed
prior to entering school.
- Four or more properly spaced doses of
diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (One dose must be on or after the fourth birthday)
- Three properly spaced doses of polio virus
- Three properly spaced doses of hepatitis B
vaccine
- Two properly spaced doses of measles vaccine,
preferably as MMR vaccine
- One dose each of mumps and rubella vaccine
administered at 12 months of age or older, preferably as MMR vaccine
- Two doses of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or
documentation that child had disease
Since 1983, Allegheny County Regulations have allowed
provisional status only for students who transfer from another state. Students transferring from out of state may
be enrolled provisionally provided there is evidence of having received at least
one dose of each antigen and provided there is a plan to complete the required
immunizations within eight months.
Communicable DiseasesIn 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
|
School InsuranceStudent 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 InsuranceThose 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 Kristi Thieshen, CSN.
Parent Teacher AssociationThe 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.
Pupil ServicesThe Brentwood Borough School District seeks to meet the
needs of all pupils by employing specialists with a wide range of
expertise. Some of the services provided
by these specialists are guidance, speech and vision therapy, remedial reading
instruction, enrichment instruction, and instruction for students with learning
disabilities. These services are
available either directly from the school district or through the Allegheny
Intermediate Unit. In addition, other
contracted services may be provided to the students through outside
agencies. These services are available
to large groups, classrooms, small groups, and individual students. Parents are notified before any pupil
services are provided for their child.
VisitorsTo 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.
- 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.
- School policy does not permit children (students
from other schools, friends, relatives) to visit the classroom for the day.
Upon arrival at the school building, visitors must:
- Have photo identification ready
- Press buzzer
- Show
photo identification into camera
- State
reason for visit
- Report to the main office window
Please note that parents and guardians dropping off items
for a student may do so at the window without going into the office.
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.
- Visitor pass must be worn in a visible place.
- All visitors must have a pass before proceeding
to any other part of the building.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
No SmokingSmoking is prohibited on all school grounds and within fifty
feet of school buildings.
No AnimalsStudents 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.
No SolicitationUnless 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.
Dress CodeIt 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. Consequently, the following dress code shall apply to every student within the district:
- No student shall wear clothing that bares chests, midriffs, breasts, and buttocks or appears provocative.
- Shorts and skirts must be four inches above the knee or longer (mid-thigh range).
- Holes that reveal skin or undergarments above
the knee are NOT permitted.
- Tops must be able to be tucked in.
- Undergarments shall not be exposed.
- No student shall wear pajama pants or other
sleepwear.
- Basketball jerseys must be worn with a sleeved
T-shirt.
- Sleeveless tops must measure three inches across shoulders. (Post-it® note size)
- No student shall wear sunglasses, hats, hoods raised, or other headwear within the school building. (An exception to the wearing of headwear may be 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.
When a student is representing the school as a participant
in an extracurricular activity, he/she will dress according to the guidelines
of the teacher, coach, or sponsor.
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.
Demerit Policy
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.
Dress CodeWearing 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)
Possession/Use of Personal Communication ResourcesAll personal communication devices must be turned off and placed in the student’s locker during the school day.
Students are not to possess or use telephone paging devices (beepers), personal or lap top computers, personal digital assistants (PDA’s), cellular or digital telephones, MP3 or other music players, personal cameras, video cameras, computer games, walkie-talkies, etc.
- First offense - 5 demerits and student retrieves resource from office at end of school day
- Subsequent offenses - 10 demerits, suspension,
and parent must come to school to retrieve item
Public Display of AffectionEngaging in display of affection in school, on school grounds, or at a school event. (1 to 5 demerits)
Skipping or Cutting ClassSkipping 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
- 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)
- Twentyth 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 OffensesLevel 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 RegulationsStudents’ 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 PropertyA 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 ClassA 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
For each offense 15 demerits will be assigned in addition to a 3 day suspension and citation issued with the local magistrate.
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. (15 demerits and 1 – 3 day suspension)
InsubordinationA 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 TobaccoStudents 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)
ProfanityA 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
Smoking/Use of Tobacco ProductsStudents shall not be permitted to smoke or use tobacco
products of any kind 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 CodeEngaging 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 OffensesLevel 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.
AssaultA 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. (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
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 (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
The restrictions noted above shall refer to:
- The school grounds during, before, or after school hours
- Off school grounds at a school activity
- On school buses or rented carriers
- Use prior to attending a school activity,
function, or event
Institutional VandalismIntentionally defacing or destroying school property. (10 day suspension plus 60 demerits)
Terroristic Threats and ActsA 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 CodeAny 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:
- Student conference
- 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.
- 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. Work assignments beyond the regular course load
when determined to be appropriate and practical
- 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.
- 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.
- Referral to juvenile authorities or police When a serious offense is involved, outside
authorities may be called for assistance.
- 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.
- 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.
Weapons PolicyThe Brentwood School District recognizes that the possession of weapons on school property or at school-sponsored activities is a criminal offense in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and also presents a serious legal, safety and welfare problem to the community. Therefore, the Brentwood School District emphasizes that the possession of a weapon or knowing of and not reporting the possession of a weapon on school property or at school activities is a serious violation of the District’s rules and regulations. For a complete listing of definitions consult board policy 218.1 located in the policy manual.
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 UseThe 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 UseThe 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 ViolationsViolations 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.