HILLSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

MAINTAINING APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES WITH STUDENTS (P5461 and R5461)

All District Adults shall be expected to maintain professional, moral and ethical relationships with District students that are conducive to an effective, safe learning environment. “District Adults” means all District employees, coaches of recognized club sports, volunteers, student teachers, and

independent contractors, including the employees of independent contractors who interact with Dis-trict students or are present on District grounds.

A copy of School Board Policy 5461 and Administrative Regulation 5461 are available at https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/14/P5461.pdf and https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/14/R5461.pdf, respectively. Select excerpts and summary information from this Policy and Administrative Regulation are also presented below.

In order to maintain professional boundaries, District Adults shall ensure that their interactions with students are appropriate. Social interactions and electronic communications by District Adults with students shall be for legitimate educational reasons only, unless an exception applies as outlined in Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5461. District Adults shall be prohibited from entering into or attempting to form romantic or sexual interactions with any student enrolled in the District, regardless of the student's age. Students of any age are not legally capable of consenting to romantic or sexual interactions with District Adults. All electronic communications conducted by District Adults with a student must relate to educational or extra-curricular programs or activities. Authorized meth-ods of electronic communication are the following:

1. District-provided email;

2. District-sponsored web site (including school and teacher web pages);

3. Telephones (not including texting, unless otherwise permitted under number 4 below); and

4. Other electronic communication methods that are authorized by the administration in support of educational or extra-curricular programs or activities.

When available, all employees, including extra-duty employees such as coaches and activity spon-sors, shall use District-provided email or other District-provided communication devices when com-municating electronically with students. The use of District-provided email or other District provided communication devices shall be in accordance with District policies and procedures. District em-ployees are prohibited from using personal email, text messaging, instant messaging, and social-networking accounts, websites, and any other applications for communicating with parents and stu-dents that are not specifically authorized. District employees shall not follow or accept requests for current students to be friends or connections on personal social networking sites and shall not create any networking site for communication with students other than those provided by the District for this purpose, without the prior written approval of the building principal. An example of allowable commu-nications in this context includes where the adult is a family relative of the student.

If an employee plans to communicate electronically with students through the use of text messages, the employee must obtain permission to do so from their building principal using the form attached as Attachment A to R5461. Also, if permission from the building principal is received, the employee must also obtain written parental/guardian permission to do so.

Policy 5461 applies to conduct committed on or off school property and extends beyond the workday. However, this Policy is not intended to interfere with appropriate personal relationships between Dis-trict Adults and students and their families that exist independently of the District or to interfere with participation in civic, religious or other outside organizations that include District students.

An emergency situation or a legitimate educational reason may justify deviation from professional boundaries set out in Regulation 5461. The District Adult shall be prepared to articulate the reason for any deviation from the requirements of this Regulation and must demonstrate that they have maintained an appropriate relationship with the student.

Administrative Regulation 5461 includes examples of conduct that could or may violate District Policy regarding maintaining professional boundaries with students. District Adults shall be informed of conduct that is prohibited and the disciplinary actions that may be applied for violation of Board Pol-icies, Administrative Regulations, rules and procedures.

Any person, including a student, who has concerns about or is uncomfortable with a relationship or interaction between a District Adult and a student, shall immediately notify the Superintendent, prin-cipal or other administrator. Individuals who make good faith reports of potential or actual violations of Policy or Regulation 5461 shall not be subject to retaliation, discipline or other adverse action. Allegations of inappropriate conduct shall be promptly investigated in accordance with the procedures utilized for complaints of prohibited harassment of students.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE (P5401 & R5401)

In order to maintain a safe school climate that encourages learning for all students, teachers and administrators shall respond to actions or situations that disrupt this learning process. Discipline measures may include warnings, detentions, suspensions, expulsions or other appropriate re-sponses to the circumstances.

Offenses committed on school grounds, in school vehicles or while participating in school-sponsored activities on or off school premises or that have some other legally recognized nexus to the school that are considered to be of an extremely serious nature and may result in either suspension or expulsion, include but are not limited to the following:

1. Inappropriate physical contact, verbal threats or attacks, bullying, hazing, harassment or fighting;

2. The use of, distribution of, or possession of, any substance subject to Policy 5405 (Student Substance Abuse) or 5411 (Tobacco, Smoking Products and Electronic Smoking Products). Aiding or abetting any of the above actions regarding substances subject to Policy 5405 or 5411 shall be treated in the same way;

3. The use, possession, or transfer of any item which could be considered a weapon or which is dangerous in nature, as outlined in Policy 5410 or in accordance with applicable law;

4. Consistent lateness to or cutting of class or detentions;

5. Destruction or defacing of school property;

6. Infraction of school rules that carries the consequence of suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the applicable Code of Conduct or otherwise in Board Policy or an accompanying Adminis-trative Regulation;

7. Conduct adversely affecting the school routine or otherwise endangering the safety, morals, health or welfare of others;

8. Physical or verbal threats or attacks or other retaliatory conduct directed at school staff mem-bers, their property, or their families;

9. Chronic insubordination.

When a suspendable offense occurs, the principal or designee will meet with the student, at which time the student will have the opportunity to offer an explanation of the infraction. After that meeting the principal or designee may suspend the student from school for a period of up to three school days. Parents/guardians will be notified.

When a suspension exceeding three (3) school days is under consideration, the principal or de-signee shall offer the student and student’s parents/guardians an informal hearing, as required by law. After such hearing the principal or designee may extend the suspension for a period of up to ten (10) total school days. Parents/guardians will be notified.

When discipline is to be imposed upon a student with disabilities, District employees are required to follow the additional procedures outlined in the District’s Administrative Regulation (R5401) and appli-cable law.

HAZING/BULLYING/HARASSMENT (P5401 and R5401)

Bullying shall mean an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts which meet the following criteria:

1. directed at another student or students;

2. occurs in a school setting;

3. is severe, persistent or pervasive; and

4. has the effect of doing any of the following:

a. substantially interfering with a student's education;

b. creating a threatening environment; or

c. substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

School setting shall mean in school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the District.

Hazing is any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person or that results in the willful destruction or removal of public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in any school organization, club, team, group or activity.

Endanger the mental health shall include but not be limited to any activity that would subject an individual to extreme mental stress, such as prolonged sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from so-cial contact, or forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. Any hazing activity, whether by an individual or a group, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if a student willingly participates.

Endanger the physical health shall include but not be limited to any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping; beating; branding; forced calisthenics; exposure to the elements; forced con-sumption of any food, beverage, drug, or controlled substance; or other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the individual. Any hazing activity, whether by an individual or a group, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, even if a student willingly partici-pates.

Harassment means verbal, written, electronic, graphic or physical conduct relating to an

individual’s race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual

orientation, gender identity, gender expression or religion when such conduct:

1. Is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects a student’s educational per-formance or creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment; and/or

2. Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s educational per-formance; and/or

3. Adversely affects a student’s educational opportunities.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, bullying, hazing or other verbal, written, electronic, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual's race, color, national origin/ethnic-ity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or religion. Har-assment also includes sexual harassment, as defined below.

Sexual harassment is a specific form of harassment which means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, gestures of a sexual nature, or display of materials which evoke responses not in keeping with the atmosphere intended for the classroom or the school environment.

It is the Policy of the Board to maintain a safe, positive and respectful environment for students and staff that is free from bullying, hazing, and harassment. Any form of bullying, hazing, or harassment that is a part of a school sponsored activity is prohibited.

No student, coach, sponsor, volunteer, District employee, administrator, representative, agent, or contractor shall plan, direct, encourage, assist, engage in, tolerate, condone, or fail to properly re-port any known instances of bullying, hazing, or harassment.

Students who have been subjected to bullying, hazing or harassment are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to a building administrator, teacher and/or school counselor.

Students, administrators, coaches, sponsors, volunteers, District employees, representatives, agents, and contactors shall be alert to incidents of bullying, hazing and harassment and shall promptly report such conduct to their supervisor or the building principal.

Complaints of bullying, hazing and harassment shall be promptly investigated, and appropriate dis-cipline shall be administered to any individual who violates the District’s prohibitions against bully-ing, hazing and harassment, in accordance with applicable Board Policies, Administrative Regula-tions, and any applicable Code of Conduct.

Each building administrator or designee shall be responsible for reviewing and investigating any reports received alleging bullying, hazing or harassment. To the extent that the report involves alle-gations of sexual misconduct, including peer-on-peer sexual harassment or sexual violence, the staff member responsible for reviewing and investigating the complaint shall contact the Director of State and Federal Programs as the District’s Title IX Coordinator for these types of situations.

Complaints of bullying, hazing and harassment may also be referred to the appropriate law en-forcement agency for investigation, as required by law or as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

No reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of bullying, hazing or har-assment. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District's legal and investigative obligations

HARASSMENT OF STUDENTS BY NON-STUDENTS (P5420 and R5420)

The District’s policy is to maintain a positive learning environment and to prohibit any form of unlawful harassment. “Unlawful harassment” means verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct re-lating to an individual’s race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orienta-tion, gender identity, gender expression, or religion. The term unlawful harassment includes but is not limited to slurs, jokes, bullying, hazing or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual's race, color, national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or religion. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual ad-vances, requests for sexual favors, inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, gestures of a sexual nature, or display of materials which evoke responses not in keeping with the atmosphere intended for the classroom. It shall be a violation of the District’s policy for any student or staff member to harass any student or staff member. The administration shall report the cir-cumstances of the unlawful harassment to law enforcement officials and the district attorney’s office as required by law. Complaints of harassment by a student against another student shall be han-dled in the same manner as other student disciplinary investigations.

Any student or parent who alleges sexual harassment by any staff member or student may complain directly to a teacher, a guidance counselor, or a building administrator. Students who believe that they have been subjected to harassment by an employee or any other adult member of the school community have the right and are encouraged to file a complaint in accordance with the formal and informal complaint procedures in R5420. The allegations will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. If any student or staff member is found, after appropriate investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment, he or she shall be subject to disciplinary action. Detailed procedures for resolv-ing complaints involving sexual harassment will be distributed on a periodic basis to students and staff and will be posted in prominent locations in each school building.

NONDISCRIMINATION OF STUDENTS IN SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PRACTICES (P6141 and R 6141)

It is the policy of the District to provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs offered in the school regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability. The District shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course offerings, counseling assistance, employment, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations.

Students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination and students who become aware of discrimination against a student or students are encouraged to promptly report such alleged inci-dents to a counselor or administrator. The District takes complaints of discrimination very seriously. Such complaints shall be investigated expediently, and appropriate corrective action will be taken when allegations are substantiated. To the extent permitted by the District’s legal and inves-tigative obligations, confidentiality of all parties affected by the investigation will be maintained. There shall be no reprisals or retaliation as a result of good faith charges of discrimination.

POSSESSION OF WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOLS (P5410)

Possession of a weapon or weapons on District property (as defined in this policy) or at school-sponsored activities is specifically prohibited. In addition, with very limited exceptions, Pennsylvania law requires public schools to report to police, and expel, for a minimum of one year, any student found in possession of any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting bodily injury on District property.

SEARCHES (P5412 and R5412)

For the safety of the entire school community and to the extent permitted by law, any student is subject to having his/her person searched, motor vehicle, and/or personal belongings inspected upon entrance to any school building, program, or conveyance. Under ordinary circumstances, a search will be justified where there is reasonable suspicion that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the District. Furthermore, lockers, locks, desks, and storage compartments may be provided for the use of students, but remain the property of the District. Consequently, the District has the right to randomly or periodically inspect lockers, desks or other storage areas at any time. Students do not have the right to be present during such searches. Systematic suspicionless testing (as defined in this policy) may be performed at school dances or proms. Testing may be by breathalyzer or similar non- invasive testing.

STUDENT CONDUCT ON BUSES (P5413 and R5413)

No student shall be permitted to engage in conduct that could endanger that student’s safety or the safety of others. Discipline will be imposed as the situation warrants, in accordance with Board Policy, applicable Administrative Regulations, this Student Handbook, and the Code of Student Conduct.

VIDEO MONITORING IN SCHOOLS AND ON SCHOOL BUSES (P8070 &R8070)

In order to provide a safe environment for students, school personnel, and contracted personnel, schools may be equipped with audio and video monitoring devices in public areas such as hallways and classrooms, and school buses may be equipped with video recording devices that provide video

surveillance of passengers. Students and, when applicable, school bus passengers will be notified as to the presence and possible activation of any video recording devices.

EVALUATION OF PUPIL PROGRESS (P5221 and R5221)

Each student will receive a comprehensive appraisal of their progress by each teacher in all subjects. In conducting the assessment, teachers may include scores using a variety of assessment strategies, including additional objective and essay tests, portfolios of a student’s work, and performance tasks that demonstrate the student’s acquisition and application of concepts and skills.

STUDENTS’ FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION (P5400 and R5400)

Freedom of expression is a right guaranteed by the United States Constitution. Students have the right to express themselves in accordance with law; however, expression that materially and sub-stantially interferes with the educational process, threatens serious harm to the school or community, encourages unlawful activity, or interferes with another individual's rights is prohibited.

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS (P5332 and R5332)

Student publications published, funded or otherwise formally sponsored by the District represent the students, the staff and the District to the community at large and, as such, shall be created and published under the auspices of the District. Student publications shall not be printed or distrib-uted should they contain printed or graphic representation that would cause a substantial disruption or interference with school activities.

PARTICIPATION OF FINANCIALLY DISADVANTAGED PUPILS IN CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (P5312 and R5312)

No student will be denied the opportunity of participating in school-sponsored curricular activities, including field trips, because of an inability to pay necessary fees.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE (P5415 and R5415)

Students have the right to determine their dress and appearance as long as it conforms to norms of decency as set forth below and does not substantially and directly endanger physical health or safety, damage property or substantially disrupt activities.

Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes or in activities such as music performances and athletics. A student may not be disciplined or excluded from regular instruction because of his or her appearance if style, fashion, or taste is the sole criterion for such action.

Students are expected to dress appropriately for weather conditions and in accordance with Board Policy.

Student attire or appearance that materially and substantially interferes with the educational process, threatens the school or community, depicts or encourages unlawful or otherwise prohibited activity, or interferes with another student’s rights is not permitted.

Clothing bearing or depicting messages, images, or advertisements relating to drugs, alcohol to-bacco is not permitted. Clothing depicting violent or sexually explicit messages or images is also prohibited.

Absent an administrative exception to the contrary, students are expected to dress in accordance with Board Policy and the guidelines established in the applicable Student Handbook during school hours and at school-sponsored events.

Each school’s dress code policy shall be gender-neutral. Schools cannot enforce specific attire based on gender. Students have the right to dress in accordance with their gender identity within the constraints of the dress codes adopted by the school. Gender-neutral dress code guidelines apply to regular school days as well as any school sponsored activities.

Students whose attire does not conform to the applicable standards will be asked to put on appropriate clothing. Students may be asked to change into appropriate clothing, if available at school, or the student’s parent/guardian will be called and asked to bring appropriate clothing to school.

Students with questions about the applicable dress code or the appropriateness of particular at-tire/appearance shall direct such questions to the building principal or assistant principal.

Serious or repeated violations of the dress code will be subject to disciplinary action.

STUDENT ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES – TREATMENT AND REPORTING (P5422 and R5422)

The Board has created procedures for students who suffer injuries at school or during school events, including students who suffer brain injuries or cardiac arrest. The Board requires that brain injuries or symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest to student-athletes be taken extremely seriously and with the short- term and long-term health of the student-athlete kept upper-most in mind. Regulations which have been established with regard to this policy are available in the Athletic Office at CHS and in the Athletic Handbook.

STUDENT RECORDS (P5225 and R5225)

The Board recognizes its responsibility for the collection, retention, disposition and security of student records. The Board further recognizes its duty to maintain the confidentiality of such records as re-quired by law.

Parents/Guardians and eligible students, as defined in the accompanying Administrative Regulation, shall be notified upon initial enrollment and annually thereafter of their rights concerning student rec-ords. The notice shall be modified to accommodate the needs of the disabled or those whose primary language is other than English. Notice of the rights of parents/guardians and eligible students with respect to student records, as well as other District guidelines governing the collection, retention, disposition and disclosure of student records is available for review in Board Policy and Administra-tive Regulation 5225, which are available at https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Do-main/14/P5225.pdf and https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/14/R5225.pdf, respectively.

FIELD TRIPS (P6153 and R6153)

Students may have the opportunity to participate in supervised, school-sponsored field trips. Students are reminded that all rules and regulations of the District remain in effect. In the event that a trip is cancelled for any reason, the District shall not be responsible for monetary deposits lost due to such cancellation.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (P8012)

When pesticide applications are planned and scheduled in school buildings and/or on school grounds, the District will provide notification including: (1) posting a pest control sign in an appropriate visible area, (2) providing the pest control information sheet to all individuals working in the school building, and (3) providing required notice to all parents and guardians of students or to a list of parents or guardians who have requested notification of applications of pesticides. Records of the Districts’ chemical pest control treatments for the past three (3) years are available to the public at the Districts’ administrative office.

COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE DISTRICT (P1122 and R1122)

Complaints concerning the District’s programs or operations should be directed to the staff member or the administrator immediately in charge of the area in which the complaint arises. Complaints received anonymously by the District, by the Board or by its members will not be recognized as formal correspondence; and therefore, typically will not be given a response.

The Superintendent shall promulgate Administrative Regulations detailing the process and procedures District personnel will follow for handling complaints received by the District. Special procedures provided by law or other District Policy for handling complaints in certain areas such as discrimination, sexual harassment, and resolving issues of concern for non-contract staff shall supersede the provisions of this Policy and its accompanying Regulation.

STUDENT WELLNESS (P5402 and R5402)

A copy of the District’s Student Wellness and Nutrition Policy and Administrative Regulation are avail-able for review on the District’s website at https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Do-main/14/P5402.pdf and https://www.tesd.net/cms/lib/PA01001259/Centricity/Domain/14/R5402.pdf, respectively. Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to review this Policy and Reg-ulation carefully, as they contain important information about fundraisers in school involving the sale of food and regulations regarding brining outside food into school.

TOBACCO, SMOKING PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRONIC SMOKING PRODUCTS – POSSESSION AND USE (P5411 and R5411)

The possession and/or use of tobacco by students is prohibited within all of the buildings owned by the District, on school grounds, in school vehicles and/or while participating in school-sponsored activities on or off school premises. Use of tobacco shall mean all uses of tobacco, including pos-session of lighted or unlighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes or other smoking products or material, smoke-less tobacco in any form, and electronic smoking products. “Electronic smoking products” mean electronic products designed to deliver nicotine, flavor and/or other potentially harmful chemicals. Students who violate this Policy and Administrative Regulation will be subject to school-based discipline.

STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE (P5405 and R5405)

Detected evidence of use of, distribution of, possession of, or being under the influence of prohibited items within any of the buildings owned by the District, on school grounds, in school vehicles and/or while participating in school-sponsored activities on or off District premises shall cause the student or students to be placed on immediate suspension and delivered into the custody of their parents or legal guardian. Aiding or abetting any of the above shall be treated in the same manner. The proper law enforcement authorities will be notified of such action. Expulsion proceedings may be initiated as warranted.

It is generally agreed that the most meaningful approaches to substance abuse involve a coopera-tive effort on the part of students, parents, the school and community social agencies. Furthermore, the best contribution schools can make is to provide a positive, meaningful learning environment and an educational program of value for each student. Students attend school so that they may develop to their fullest potential. In order to create and maintain an academic environment, the school, with the support of the students and parents, must strive to eliminate substance abuse. The following regulations define practices intended to meet this goal.

I. STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)

The District, recognizing the need to manage and treat the problem of substance abuse on a District-wide basis and to take appropriate measures to prevent the problem of such abuse, supports the maintenance of a Student Assistance Program. The purpose of the Student Assistance Program is three-fold: (1) to identify students who are having problems because of substance abuse or due to mental health problems, (2) to intervene when appropriate either by personal contact or through sup-port groups, and (3) with the involvement and approval of parents, to refer those students for appro-priate help.

The Student Assistance Program is not a treatment program. It seeks to improve identification of students who exhibit "at risk" behavior, such as suicidal intent, depression and substance abuse. It also provides for intervention by alerting parents or guardians to behavioral changes or related school problems and by making referrals to outside agencies or school support services.

II. STUDENTS SEEKING HELP

Any student who is self-referred or who is voluntarily referred by anyone else and who seeks help with a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem, and who is not under the immediate influence or in possession of a substance governed by Policy 5405 is not subject to the disciplinary provisions outlined in Administrative Regulation R5405. In such instances, an intervention plan will be developed and implemented at the principal’s direction in conjunction with the Student Assistance Team.

* School personnel to whom a student reports and from whom he or she seeks help should consult with the student and make an appropriate referral to the Student Assistance Team, counselor or administrator.

* The Student Assistance Team will make an appropriate assessment and referral for psy-chological, medical or other types of help as indicated. If assessment or treatment appears necessary, the consent of the parent or legal guardian of the student shall not be neces-sary to refer the student for treatment, although the District will notify the parent or legal guardian of any such referral.

* Follow-up will be conducted by a member of the Student Assistance Team and the agency to which the student was referred.

* In accord with the Pennsylvania Drug and Alcohol Abuse Control Act, a student in the Dis-trict who suffers from the effects of substance abuse may consent to counseling or medical care related to its diagnosis and treatment.

III. VIOLATION OF POLICY 5405

Policy 5405 is violated when any student, employee, visitor, guest or any other person manufactures, uses, abuses, possesses, is under the influence of, distributes or attempts to distribute substances subject to Policy 5405 or paraphernalia associated with substances subject to Policy 5405 on school premises, or at any school-sponsored activity anywhere, or while traveling to and from school or school-related activities, or who conspires, aids, or abets the use, abuse, active possession, construc-tive possession, or distribution of substances subject to Policy 5405.

A. “Under the influence” means noticeable impairment of ability to ambulate, converse, com-prehend or perform motoric tasks as a result of consumption of substance subject to policy 5405.

B. Simulated ("look alike") medication is prohibited and its possession is a violation of this regulation. This would include sale, distribution, or possession of substances which look like controlled pills, alcohol, marijuana or other substances which alter behavior or judgment.

C. The principal or designee is authorized to prevent any person from entering District prem-ises, who possesses or attempts to distribute, or is under the influence of substances subject to Policy 5405.

D. Students who are on field trips or are participating in school-sponsored activities at or away from school are subject to Policy 5405 and these regulations. Any students covered by the rules in the Coaches Handbook or by agreements governing participation in non-athletic extracurricular ac-tivities shall also be subject to these regulations. Students who violate these regulations may be re-turned home, if warranted, before completion of the activity, and the appropriate authorities shall be notified as indicated elsewhere in Administrative Regulation R5405.

USE OF MEDICATION (P5406 and R5406)

Administration of Medications to Students

This policy specifies the conditions and circumstances under which medication shall be administered in school and during school-sponsored activities. This policy is intended to align with all applicable Federal and State laws relevant to the administration of medication in the school setting.

"Medication" means:

* “prescribed medication,” which is any drug prescribed by a medical provider licensed to write prescriptions for any state in the United States for treating an injury, disease or dis-order; or

* “over-the-counter medication,” which is any drug obtained by an emancipated minor or by the parent/guardian of an unemancipated minor student as an over-the-counter drug, and there exists a standing order from a school physician or both an order from a licensed prescriber and written authorization by the parent/guardian to administer the drug during the school day. This definition includes any homeopathic or herbal remedy administered for the purpose of treating a physical or mental impairment.

* “research or investigational medications,” which are substances undergoing formal study, are currently involved in clinical trials, but do not have FDA approval.

* “asthma inhaler” means a prescribed device used for self-administration of short acting, metered doses of prescribed medication to treat an acute asthma attack.

* "supervised self-administration" means pre-approved medication adminis-trated directly by the student to herself/himself in the presence of a designated adult.

* “unsupervised self-administration” means self-administration of pre-approved medication, including but not limited to, an epinephrine auto-injector, insulin, asthma inhaler or lactose, not in the presence of a school nurse, to avoid immediate and substantial risk to health.

Except for the specific exceptions enumerated in the Administrative Regulation, the school principal or nurse must receive a written request from the parent/guardian before any medication that may be administered to a student during school hours.

Responsible Personnel

The administration of medication to a student may not be delegated to other personnel. A certified school nurse or other licensed personnel, such as a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, must administer medication to students. Students are not permitted to carry medications on their persons during the school day except as authorized by Policy and Administrative Regulation.

Course of Action

Planning for administration of medication during school and school-sponsored activities should begin before the school year or at the beginning of the school year and should include school admin-istration, family and health care providers. Nothing in this policy is designed to prevent the admin-istration of first aid, including administration of an epinephrine auto-injector, to a student without the express written permission of a parent where deemed necessary by a nurse, pursuant to the nurse’s professional judgment.

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Superintendent with direction from the District phy-sician.

PROCEDURES FOR ENFORCING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (P5113 and R5113)

Students of compulsory school age (under 17) are required to attend school. Regular, timely attend-ance will ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve. Many of the rules and procedures governing tardiness, absences and truancy are mandated by Pennsylvania law and school code.

Compulsory school age shall mean the period of a child’s life from the time the child’s parents elect to have the child enter school, which shall not be later than the age of eight (8) years, until the age of seventeen (17) years. The term shall not include any child who holds a certificate of graduation from a regularly accredited senior high school. Truant shall mean having incurred three (3) or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year by a child subject to compulsory school attendance.

Habitually truant shall mean six (6) or more school days of unexcused absences during the current school year by a child subject to compulsory school attendance.

Person in parental relation shall mean (1) a custodial biological or adoptive parent; (2) a noncustodial biological or adoptive parent; (3) guardian of the person of a child; or (4) a person with whom a child lives and who is acting in a parental role of a child.

School attendance improvement conference shall mean a conference where the child’s absences and reasons for the absences are examined in an effort to improve attendance, with or without addi-tional services. The following individuals shall be invited to the conference: (1) the child; (2) the child’s person in parental relation; (3) other individuals identified by the person in parental relation who may be a resource; (4) appropriate school personnel; and (5) recommended service providers.

School-based or community-based attendance improvement program shall mean a program de-signed to improve school attendance by seeking to identify and address the underlying reasons for a child’s absences. The term may include an educational assessment in an alternative education program, provided the program does not include a program for disruptive youth.

Attendance Officers

Attendance officers are in charge of enforcing the provisions of the Pennsylvania School Code re-garding compulsory attendance for their individual schools. At the elementary school levels, prin-cipals shall be the attendance officers for their individual schools. At the middle school and high school levels, assistant principals designated by the principals shall be the attendance officers for their individual schools

Attendance Officers possess powers and responsibilities including but not limited to:

1. Tracking student attendance.

2. Communicating with parents/guardians regarding truancy.

3. Coordinating, attending and participating in school attendance improvement conferences and doc-umenting the outcome of the conference in a written school attendance improvement plan in accord-ance with the guidelines contained herein.

4. Filing truancy citations in the Magisterial District Court when necessary.

5. Attending court procedures related to truancy and presenting truancy cases in court.

6. Requesting the Magisterial District Court to subpoena any school staff member as a witness in order to prove the District’s truancy case.

7. Referring habitually truant children to a school-based or community-based attendance improve-ment program or to the Chester County Office of Children and Youth for services when appropriate and/or required or permitted by law.

8. Full police power without warrant, and may arrest or apprehend any child who fails to attend school in violation of compulsory attendance.

9. If an arrest or apprehension takes place, the Attendance Officer must promptly notify the par-ent/guardian and place the child in school.

10. Authority to inspect places where children are employed and inspect employment certificates.

If a discovery is made that any child of compulsory school age is unable to attend school due to the lack of necessary clothing or food, the case must be reported to any suitable relief agency operating

in the District or to the proper County board of assistance for investigation and relief.

Unexcused Absences

All absences shall be treated as unexcused until the District receives a written excuse explaining the reason for an absence. Parents/guardians may submit excuses as follows:

1) written note signed by a parent/guardian; or

2) email from a parent/guardian’s email account as designated by the parent/guardian.

Excused Absences

A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

1) When the student is prevented from attendance for mental, physical, or other urgent reasons such as • Illness • Family Emergency • Death of a Family Member • Medical or Dental Appointments • Authorized School Activities • Educational Travel with Prior Approval • Pre-approved religious in-struction (limit 36 hours per year) • Bona Fide Religious Holiday • For purposes of receiving tutorial instruction in a field not offered in the District’s curricula, when the excusal does not interfere with the student’s regular program of studies, the qualifications of the tutor or instructor are satisfactory to the Superintendent or his/her designee, and permission for such excusal is sought in writing by the parent/guardian of the child in advance of the commencement of such tutoring

2) When the student is required to leave school for the purposes of attending court hearings related to their involvement with the county children and youth agency or juvenile probation office.

3) If the student is absent due to participation in a project sponsored by an organization that is eligible to apply for a grant under the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair Act.

4) If a student is dismissed from school during school hours for health-related reasons by a certified school nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse or a school administrator or designee em-ployed by the District.

5) For the purpose of obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory.

6) If a student whose parent or legal guardian has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or is immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, with regard to school attendance, tests and extra-curricular or cocurricular activities, at the discretion of the Super-intendent or designee, no penalties shall be imposed for absences of up to five (5) days. Teachers shall assist students in making up work caused by such absences.

7) Where the Superintendent has approved an attendance plan necessitated by rare and extraordi-nary circumstances. In this context, “rare” means typically no more than 1 or 2 per year District-wide and “extraordinary circumstances” means the student is engaged in a profession or activity at a nationally recognized level.

Ten Consecutive Absences

Students who miss ten consecutive school days shall be dropped from the active membership roll unless the school is provided with evidence that the absences are excused or the school is pursuing compulsory attendance prosecution.

Policy Notification

Parents/guardians shall be given copies of the District’s attendance Policy and Administrative Reg-ulations upon request. District attendance information, including the Policy, Administrative Regu-lations, and other documents will be posted on the District’s website.

School Responses and Procedures for Unexcused Absences

Parents/guardians and students shall submit the required excuse within three (3) school days of the absence. A maximum of ten days of cumulative lawful absences for illness verified by parental noti-fication may be permitted during a school year. The absence may be reclassified if a valid excuse note is forthcoming within ten (10) school days from the date of the absence. A maximum of ten days of cumulative excused absences for illness verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences for illness beyond ten cumulative school days shall require an excuse from a physician familiar with the student who may not be the student’s parent/guardian.

When a child is absent from school, the Attendance Officer or designee will send a notice via email to the parents/guardians in the form set forth in Attachment 1. For parents/guardians with no desig-nated email address, Attachment 1 will be mailed to the parent or guardian.

Third Unexcused Absence

Within ten (10) school days of a child of compulsory school age’s third unexcused absence, the Attendance Officer shall send an Official Notice of Truancy. Included in this notice shall be a descrip-tion of the consequences if the child becomes habitually truant. This notice may include the offer of a school attendance improvement conference, and shall be in the mode and language of commu-nication preferred by the parent in parental relation to the child. When transmitted to a person who is not the biological or adoptive parent, such notice shall also be provided to the child’s biological or adoptive parent if the parent’s mailing address is on file with the school and the parent is not pre-cluded from receiving the information by court order.

Continued Absenteeism

If a child of compulsory school age continues to incur unexcused absences after the issuance of the Official Notice of Truancy, the school shall then schedule a school attendance improvement confer-ence, unless a conference was previously held following the Official Notice of Truancy. (See At-tachment 3). The following shall apply with respect to a school attendance improvement confer-ence:

• There is no legal requirement that the child or person in parental relation attend the conference, and the conference shall occur even if the person in parental relation declines to participate or fails to attend the scheduled conference after advance written notice and attempts to communicate via telephone.

• The outcome of the conference shall be documented in a written school attendance improvement plan, on the template provided by the Department of Education for this purpose.

• Further legal action may not be taken to address unexcused absences by the child until after the date for the scheduled school attendance improvement conference has passed.

The District shall not expel or impose out-of-school suspension, disciplinary reassignment or transfer for truant behavior.

Procedure for Addressing Habitually Truant Children

When a child is habitually truant and under fifteen (15) years of age at the time of referral, the school: Shall i. refer the child to either (1) a school-based or community-based attendance improvement program or (2) the Chester County Office of Children and Youth for services or possible disposition as a dependent child; and ii. May file a citation in the office of the magisterial district judge having jurisdiction in the region against the person in parental relation who resides in the same household as the child. The venue for the filing of such a citation shall be based on the location of the school in which the child is enrolled or shall be enrolled.

When a child is habitually truant and fifteen (15) years of age or older at the time of referral, the school shall either i. Refer the child to a school-based or community-based attendance improvement

program or service; or ii. File a citation in the office of the magisterial district judge having jurisdiction in the region against the child or the person in parental relation who resides in the same household as the child. The venue for the filing of such a citation shall be based on the location of the school in which the child is enrolled or shall be enrolled.

If a child of compulsory school age who is fifteen (15) years of age or older continues to incur addi-tional unexcused absences after being referred to a school-based or community-based attendance improvement program or fails to participate in the such a program as recommended through the school attendance improvement conference, the school may refer the child to the Chester County Office of Children and Youth for possible disposition as a dependent child.

When referring a habitually truant child to the Chester County Office of Children and Youth or filing a citation with the magisterial district judge having jurisdiction over the region, the school shall pro-vide verification that a school attendance improvement conference was held.

No citation may be filed against a child or a person in parental relation with the child who resides in the same household as the child for a subsequent violation of school attendance if any of the follow-ing circumstances apply: • A proceeding is already pending against the child or person in parental relation with the child who resides in the same household as the child and judgment in the first pro-ceeding has not yet been entered, unless a warrant has been issued for failure of the child or person in parental relation to appear before the court and the warrant has not yet been served. • A referral for services has been made to the Chester County Office of Children and Youth and the agency has not closed the case. • A petition has been filed alleging the child is dependent due to being habitually truant and the case remains under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court.

Exempt from Compulsory Education

Pennsylvania School Code section 1330 states that a 16-year-old student who is regularly engaged in any useful and lawful employment or service during the time the public schools are in session, and who holds an employment certificate issued according to the law is exempt from compulsory attend-ance. In order to be a student who is exempt from compulsory education, the student must be 16 years of age or older and must be engaged in useful and lawful employment or service for 40 hours per week or more.

If a student is absent or tardy for reasons other than those listed under Excused Absence, the absence or tardy will be marked as Unexcused.

INTERNET AND COMPUTER NETWORK SAFETY AND USE (P6190 AND R6190)

Individual student access will be offered to all students only after students have submitted the completed Network Acceptable Use Agreement. Individual users of the District computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over these networks. In compliance with the Chil-dren’s Internet Protection Act, the District will educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response.

Blocking software will be used on the Internet in an attempt to protect minor students from obscene material, all pornography, including but not limited to child pornography, other visual depictions deemed harmful to minors (as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act), and other categories deemed necessary by the administration (see Regulation 6190). Other Internet users will also have these categories blocked. An administrator, supervisor, or person authorized by the Board may dis-able the technology protection measure if needed for bona fide research or other lawful purpose.

The Information Services Department monitors its network for unauthorized access or unlawful activity on District network computers and servers. Inappropriate, unauthorized or illegal use (including hacking or attempted hacking) may result in the cancellation of the offender's privileges. Appropri-ate legal and disciplinary action may be taken. Information placed on any District computer or server is subject to review and may be deleted without notice.

The network is provided for students and staff to conduct research and communicate with others. Access is a privilege and entails responsibility. Students and staff are expected to act in a respon-sible ethical and legal manner in accordance with the District Policy 6190, acceptable rules of network etiquette and Federal and State law. Specifically, the following are prohibited:

1. Use of the network to facilitate illegal activity.

2. Use of the network for commercial or for-profit purposes.

3. Use of the network for fundraising purposes, except for links approved by the principal to websites of school- related organizations/clubs.

4. Use of the network for non-school related work on more than an incidental basis.

5. Use of the network for product advertisement or political lobbying.

6. Use of the network to transmit hate mail/speech, discriminatory remarks and objectionable, offen-sive or inflammatory communication.

7. Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of copyrighted materials.

8. Use of the network to access obscene or pornographic material.

9. Use of inappropriate language or profanity on the network.

10. Use of the network to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, and data belonging to other users.

11. Use of the network to disrupt the work of other users.

12. Impersonation of another user.

13. Sharing District password with, or allowing password to be used by, anyone else.

14. Loading or use of unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic media.

15. Destruction, modification, or abuse of network hardware and software.

16. Quoting personal communications in a public forum without the original author’s prior consent.

Since the network and network storage areas are District property or otherwise constitute District-leased storage capacity, network administrators may review and delete files, web browsing history and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system respon-sibly and in accordance with acceptable network use guidelines. Users should not expect that files or other electronic information stored on or available from District servers will always be private or secure.

RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES (P5414 and R5414)

Except where the use of electronic devices has been prohibited by law, students may possess electronic devices within all of the buildings owned by the District, on school grounds, in school vehicles and/or while participating in school-sponsored activities on or off school premises. The administration shall have the right to regulate the use and possession of all electronic devices. In addition to limitations on use and possession imposed by the school administration, possession of electronic devices is subject to the following restrictions:

1. Students may not use electronic devices to conduct any activities which violate state and/or federal law, Board Policy, District Administrative Regulations or school rules.

2. Students may not use electronic devices in any manner which interferes with, or is disruptive to, educational or extracurricular activities or events.

3. Students may not use electronic devices or have them readily accessible when they are in re-strooms, locker rooms and in other areas where individuals would have a similar expectation of privacy.

Notwithstanding the rules set forth above, electronic devices may be used:

1. At any time to respond to or report an emergency situation; and

2. When and as required pursuant to a student’s Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Service Agreement.

Violations of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion.

DISTRICT ISSUED LAPTOPS (P6194 AND R6194)

The District-network refers to the District’s system of computers, data, and telecommunication net-works and resources made available through the District, regardless of location or ownership. This includes email, cloud-based storage, programs, and applications made available through the District.

Laptops

1. The Superintendent or designee shall provide formal written notification to District parents and guardians whose child is issued a Laptop relating to the One-to-One Laptop Initiative and how it works.

2. Each student and the student’s parent or guardian must sign an Agreement for Laptop Use acknowledging receipt of the terms and conditions set forth in this and other applicable policies related to appropriate use of the Laptop. The Agreement shall be attached to the Administrative Regulation accompanying this Policy.

3. The Superintendent shall establish regulations to implement the One-to-One Laptop Initiative which provide for the following:

a) Internet filtering in accordance with Policy 6190;

b) Remote downloading of information and software updates.

employee remotely activate any camera device or audio listening/recording capabilities in-stalled in a District-issued Laptop;

c) Prohibitions against any District employee from looking at or reviewing a student’s files stored on the Laptop, except as expressly authorized by the regulation;

d) Necessary accommodations for a student in the event the parent/guardian or student re-fuses to sign the required Agreement for Laptop Use to ensure that the student’s education is not adversely affected; and

e) Training to students issued a Laptop regarding safe and appropriate use. Orientation for parents/guardians of students to whom Laptops are issued.

Sanctions

A student’s failure to abide by the rules and regulations of this Policy will subject the student to the usual disciplinary procedures of the District as established in the applicable Student Code of Conduct or District Policies/Administrative Regulations and, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense, could result in referral to law enforcement. Students who fail to abide by such rules and regulations may also have access to their Laptop limited and/or otherwise restricted. Parents, guardians and students may be held financially responsible for all uninsured damage, loss or theft of the Laptop while the Laptop is/was in the possession, custody or control of student.

Annual Written Notification to Parents/Guardians The District shall provide written notification to parents and guardians whose child is eligible to be issued a Laptop for the first time.

Cost Sharing Fee

Families of students participating in the One-to-One Laptop Initiative will be asked to pay an annual cost-sharing fee of $50 per student, with a maximum annual family fee of $100. This fee will cover the manufacturer’s extended warranty and Accidental Damage Protection, as well as a case and set-up/maintenance of the device. Parents/guardians who would like their child to participate in the One-to-One Laptop Initiative but who cannot afford the cost-sharing fee shall contact their child’s school counselor or building principal to discuss available solutions.

Accidental Damage Protection and Other Repairs

The annual cost-sharing fee paid by the families of students participating in the One-to-One Laptop Initiative shall include a manufacturer’s extended warranty for the life of the Laptop in the District to cover hardware repairs due to defective parts. Additionally, the cost sharing fee includes Acci-dental Damage Protection, which covers Laptop repairs or replacement due to damage that occurs during normal use of the laptop. There is no deductible for the first Accidental Damage Protection claim during a particular school year. Deductibles to be paid by families for subsequent claims in the same school year are as follows:

* Incident #2 within the same school year: $100, or the repair cost, whichever is less.

* Incident #3 within the same school year: $150, or the repair cost, whichever is less.

* Incident #4 within the same school year: $200, or the repair cost, whichever is less.

Accidental Damage Protection excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood, or other acts of nature. Accidental Damage Protection also excludes damage or loss due to negligence or inten-tional damage (vandalism) as those terms are defined in the warranty to be made available on-line.

If the damage is not covered by Accidental Damage Protection, the student and parent/guardian will be responsible for the full cost of the repair, or replacement ($385, prorated) if the damage cannot be repaired.

Notwithstanding the above provisions, students or their parent/guardian are responsible for the cost of the laptop ($385, prorated) and/or power cord/charger if they are lost, stolen, or not returned at the end of the school year for any reason.

Procedure for Reporting Laptops Missing or Stolen

Students issued Laptops are required to immediately report missing, stolen, or suspected stolen Lap-tops to a school administrator. To report a Laptop missing or stolen, the student must contact a school administrator by phone, email, or by visiting his/her office.

Notice Regarding Filtering Although students are primarily responsible for the use of the Laptop and other District provided technology resources, the District has installed blocking software designed to protect students from obscene material, child pornography and other visual depictions deemed harmful to minors (as de-fined by the Children's Internet Protection Act) when accessing the Internet through the Laptop on or off school property. An authorized administrator may disable the technology protection measure if needed for bona fide research or other lawful purpose. The District's current content filter meets the guidelines contained in the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES – STUDENT MEAL CHARGE POLICY (R8120)

School Meal Account Procedures / Meal Charging Policy

A student’s meal status is always kept confidential. All students have accounts to purchase their meals and are treated the same at the register.

Parents/guardians are responsible for their student’s cafeteria food purchases and are expected to maintain payments on any outstanding account balance for cafeteria food purchases. Parents/guard-ians may request in writing that the District restrict their child’s purchase of a la carte food items and/or meals at any time.

The procedures for notifying parents/guardians of low and negative balances and collecting negative balances are detailed below. However, students will be permitted to charge meals (breakfast and/or lunch), and will not be denied a meal because of the insufficient funds in their student meal accounts. In addition to purchasing a meal, students are permitted to charge a la carte food items, even if their individual student meal accounts lack sufficient funds, as long as their balance is not negative $50 or more. In any event, the District will initiate procedures to restrict a la carte pur-chases when the student’s negative meal account balance exceeds $50 and the student will only be permitted to purchase a breakfast and lunch meal.

Students may not be publicly identified or stigmatized, or required to perform chores or other work when they cannot pay or have a negative student meal account balance. Schools will not require a student to discard a school meal after it has been served to the student, even if the student is unable to pay for the meal or has a negative student meal account balance.

Low & Negative Account Balance Notification

If a student has an account balance of $5.00 or less, the parent/guardian will be notified at least weekly by email or a notice distributed in homeroom or in student folders that are brought home to the parent/guardian. The envelope containing this notice should be marked “confidential – to be opened by addressee only.” If the student’s outstanding account balance due reaches or exceeds five (5) school meals, including breakfasts and/or lunches, a request for payment letter will be mailed or emailed to the student’s parent/guardian, which shall also include a request that the parent/guard-ian apply to participate in the school food program. In addition, a school official will contact the parent/guardian to resolve the outstanding account balance due by one or more of the following methods: telephone, electronic communication, certified letter, and again request that the par-ent/guardian apply to participate in the school food program. These contacts will continue until the outstanding account balance due is satisfied or has been determined to be uncollectible.

If the student’s outstanding account balance due is in excess of $50.00 and remains unpaid for more than 30 days, the parent/guardian may incur additional collection charges on the outstanding bal-ance. If a good faith effort is not made towards payment of the outstanding balance due, then a referral to an outside authority or agency may be made.

Parents/guardians experiencing economic hardships may request payment arrangements from the District.

Additional Information

The Principal or designee shall notify Food and Nutrition Services regarding departing students so that account balances can be rectified prior to their departure. Information on meal prices, menus, how to apply for free or reduced priced meals, how to check a school meal account balance or add funds to such accounts can be found on the District’s Food and Nutrition Services webpage.

Delinquent School Meal Account Debt

After taking reasonable steps to collect delinquent school meal debt, which shall include at least two written correspondences, as outlined above, to the student’s parent/guardian, unrecovered/delin-quent debt at the end of each school year shall be referred to the Business Manager for appropriate action. Such unrecovered/delinquent debt shall be considered bad debt and non-federal funding sources must repay the Food Service Fund for the total amount of such unrecovered/delinquent debt. Delinquent school meal debt shall not be classified as bad debt for write off purposes until after reasonable steps have been taken to collect such delinquent school meal debt.

From time to time, parents/guardians or other individuals may choose to donate funds to the District. Donated funds may not be co-mingled with food service funds from federal or state sources or food sales. Instead, donations must be made to the District's General Fund, and transferred to the Food Service Fund at the appropriate time to offset unrecovered/delinquent student meal debt. Donated funds will not be applied to individual student meal account balances, but instead as an overall re-duction of the amount of funds that would otherwise need to be transferred from the General Fund to the Food Service Fund at the end of the school year to repay the Food Service Fund for unrecov-ered/delinquent debt.

Distribution

This Administrative Regulation, detailing the District’s local meal charge policy, shall be provided in writing to each household at the beginning of the school year, and during the school year to house-holds who transfer to the District during the school year.