Rose Tree Media School District
Media Elementary School
Home of the “Mustangs”
2015-2016 Student/Parent
Handbook
Media Elementary School
Front & Monroe Streets
Media, PA 19063
610-627-6800
Dr. Paula N. Voshell, Principal
610-627-6801
pvoshell@rtmsd.org
Principal@Media_ElSch
Media Elementary School
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year.
Welcome Home Mustangs!
Media School is a workplace where students are
prepared to claim their futures. Educating and
including every child is a commitment shared by
school, student, family and community. Together
we challenge each child to be responsible for his
or her own lifelong learning.
Honoring diversity is a community value. Respect,
responsibility, and high expectations are the
foundation of our work.
Mission Statement
Adopted, January, 2009
This handbook outlines
school and district policy and
procedures. It is intended to help you have a successful school
year. Please review the handbook as a family and contact us if
you have question/comments.
2
Media Elementary School Expectations
Be Ready
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Anti-Bullying Pledge
We are the children and adults of Media Elementary.
We pledge to make our school a safe place.
We promise to treat others with respect.
We will use our hands and words appropriately.
We will not hurt each other intentionally.
We will include others when we work and play.
We will speak up when we see others being bullied.
Together we can and will prevent bullying in our school.
CODE OF CONDUCT
A Set of General Principles Guiding Student Behavior
in the Rose Tree Media School District
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Respect yourself and others.
Speak kindly and avoid physical violence.
Respect personal and school property.
Strive to understand and respect differences among each other.
Conduct yourself in a safe and orderly manner.
Comply with all school board policies, local, state, and federal laws.
Take responsibility for your education.
Avoid disruptive dress and behavior.
Be honest and kind in your actions and words.
The Code of Conduct will include “Bullying” under examples of misconduct for
Level I, Level II, and Level III.
3
4
ROSE TREE MEDIA SCHOOL DISTRICT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE DRESS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Comfort and ease of movement should be goals in selecting school clothing. Health, safety, and
the minimizing of distractions for both wearer and fellow students should be considered also.
Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. T-shirts, polo shirts, or blouses are
suitable. Halters, midriff tops, and tank tops are not suitable. Students should wear properly
sized pants, skirts, and shorts. Short-shorts are not permitted.
Students are not permitted to wear clothing with offensive language or artwork or with
references to drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco.
For safety, footwear must be worn and should be firmly attached to the wearer’s feet. No flipflops.
Slacks or shorts must be worn during gym class.
Gloves, hats, mittens, boots, scarves, coats, and jackets are to be worn during cold weather.
In general, hats shall not be worn in the school building.
Students’ dress and grooming are primarily the responsibilities of students and parents. Parents and
school authorities have an obligation to counsel students about dress and grooming. All should adopt
practices that will be conducive to establishing a favorable atmosphere for learning, free from
distractions, and with consideration for the health and safety of students. The nurse will give assistance
with hygiene/appropriate clothing I needed. Dressing in layers works well. Outerwear (jackets, hats,
vests) are not be worn in the building for the entire school day.
SCHOOL HOURS
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 11:35 a.m.
12:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Regular School Day
A.M. Kindergarten
P.M. Kindergarten
Students who arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 must report to the cafeteria. The ideal time to arrive at
school is 8:45 a.m. Students who arrive between 8:45 and 9:00 should go directly to their classrooms.
For reasons of supervision, we ask that students not arrive before 8:30 a.m. Students who arrive after
9:00 will be marked late. Morning meeting begins promptly at 9:00 a.m.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES FOR 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
To prepare for the start of a new school year and to ensure the safety of all the students, we are asking that
you be very specific regarding dismissal for your children.
PARENT PICK-UP– Is your child being picked up (by car or walking adult) at the end of the day?
If yes, then your child is a “Parent Pick-Up.”
Please write the name of the street (Edgemont or State Street) on your dismissal note.
EDGEMONT STREET: Students will be escorted to Edgemont Street. Please wait for your child there.
STATE STREET: Students will be escorted to the door. Please wait for your child outside the door.
TRUE WALKER – Is your child walking home with another student or a group of students (NOT an
ADULT)?
If yes, then your child is a “TRUE WALKER,” and we ask that you put “TRUE WALKER” in your
dismissal note. TRUE WALKERS will be walked to the crossing guard at Front &Monroe Streets. The
crossing guard will cross the students.
5
BUS RIDER - If your child is not a PARENT PICK-UP or a TRUE WALKER, then he/she will be
sent home on the BUS.
EXCEPTION – If your child is staying after school for a school-organized activity, please indicate this
on the bottom of the blue slip (from the blue pad) and send it into school. This lets us know NOT to send
your child home by Bus, Parent Pick-up, or True Walker.
Reminders—Parents must contact the office before 3:00 p.m. if there is a change in dismissal. Do not
email or leave voicemails for the teachers in reference to dismissal plans. ONLY the children
scheduled to ride a bus may do so. Students may not ride a different bus for after school play dates.
Students may not return to classrooms after their teachers have left for the day. Custodians are not
permitted to let students into classrooms. The safety of our children is the essential component of our
opening and closing procedures.
Please note: Students who arrive early may not be on the playground
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS/ACTIVITIES
We have a variety of after school clubs/activities and intramural sports. The menu changes annually, but
has included H.OME. (service club), art club, world language clubs, computer club, and intramural
sports. Once enrolled in a club, it is the parents’ responsibility to use the blue Media Elementary School
slips (which were sent home in the beginning of the year) notifying the classroom teacher and office of
your child’s dismissal plans. It is the parents’ responsibility to pick-up their children promptly.
Failure to do so may result in the child’s exclusion from after school activities.
AHERA
“Rose Tree Media School District has engaged Eagle Industrial Hygiene Assoc., Inc. to fulfill the
requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), 40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E.
This law requires that each Local Education Authority (LEA) engage EPA accredited individuals to
initially inspect and subsequently re-inspect every three years all students and staff accessed areas for the
presence of both friable and non-friable asbestos containing materials (ACM) and to develop an Asbestos
Management Plan from the information developed from the building inspections. All accessible areas of
the facility were inspected for asbestos-containing materials.
The Management Plan provides a description of the amount, type, location and condition of all ACM
found in these areas. The Plan also contains a detailed schedule of responses and activities for handling
the ACM. The Management Plan, subsequent Inspection Reports and applicable response action
documentation is available for review by parents, teachers, employee organizations, short-term workers or
other applicable interested parties in the school offices during business hours.”
ATTENDANCE/LATENESS/SCHOOL HOURS/PROCEDURE FOR EXTENDED ABSENCE (TRIPS)
To promote positive school attendance as required by Pennsylvania state laws and the No Child Left
Behind federal law, please take a few moments to read through this information as it pertains to
Pennsylvania laws and regulations and RTMSD policies. This information is new and more information
can be reviewed through the following link from the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
Pennsylvania State Compulsory Attendance and Truancy Elimination Plan.
6
You can also review the Rose Tree Media School District attendance policy with the following link:
RTMSD Board Policy 204 – Attendance
Kindergarten is now part of compulsory attendance.
Absences
 An absent student must be called out for each day of absence from school. This helps to ensure
the safety of your children. All absences require that a written excuse be submitted to the
school within three (3) days of the student’s return to school. If a written excuse is not
submitted to the office within that time period, the absence is recorded as unexcused and is
deemed by the state to be an illegal absence. A written excuse documenting an absence is
required under the state’s compulsory attendance laws.
o A written excuse must contain the following information: (1) name of the student; (2)
student grade level; (3) the date(s) of the absence; (4) the reason for the absence; and (5)
a parent or guardian’s signature.
o The school district provides excuse forms but you may use any paper to write the excuse.
We are able to accept excuse notes sent via email with signature to mesattendance@rtmsd.org.
o In the case of an absence of five (5) or more consecutive days, the child must return the
absence card or note accompanied with a note from a licensed health care provider within
three(3) calendar days.
 Excessive Absences – In cases where a student has accumulated ten (10) or more days of
absence, parents/guardians will be notified that future absences will require an excuse signed by a
health care professional treating the student. Some types of absences will not count towards the
ten (10) days including days excused by a doctor’s note, death of an immediate family member,
required court appearances with documentation, religious holidays, college visits, suspensions
and preapproved educational trips or tours.
 Unlawful Absences – The parent/guardian will receive a written warning when his/her child has
his/her first and second unlawful absence. No action is needed from these letters. When a
student accumulates a third unlawful absence, the state law requires that we send a document
(“Official Notice of Child’s Unlawful Absence”) explaining that future unlawful absences will
result in a petition to the local District Justice. Included in the Official Notice will be an
invitation to a family/school conference. A Truancy Elimination Plan will be created during this
conference.
Lateness
 When a student is late to school, he/she must report to the office or designated late area with an
excuse note before proceeding to class. If you child arrives at school after 9:00 a.m., her/she will
be marked “late”. Elementary students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Minutes of
unexcused lateness will accumulate and can be converted in unexcused absences. This is
determined by converting the number of minutes late in a percentage or part of the school day
missed. Excessive lateness to school may result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of
suspension from school.
Family Trips and Educations Tours
 In order for days out of school to be approved for family trips or other educational tours, the
“Parental Request for Pre-planned Educational Tour or Trip Form” must be submitted to the
building principal a minimum of five (5) days prior to the trip. Please note that trips will not be
approved during the standardized testing window. Trips taken without pre-approval by the
building principal will be recorded as unexcused absences. Please refer to the reverse side of the
request form for additional guidelines.
 The form is available on the school district’s website. Sample attached.
7
8
9
BICYCLES
Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to school. Roller blades, roller shoes, and scooters are also
not permitted.
BIRTHDAYS
Please do not send birthday treats to school. Rose Tree Media School District has adopted a wellness
policy that limits unhealthy snacks.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUS GUIDELINES
Bus Procedures
Busing is available to eligible elementary children. Students may not ride the school bus for play
dates or other social occasions as our busses are typically filled to capacity. A request to ride a bus
other than the bus assigned will be granted for extreme emergencies only. The cooperation of all bus
pupils is needed to maintain a high degree of safety. Bus regulations will be strictly enforced by the bus
driver. Pupils not abiding by bus safety regulations are written up by the driver and parents are notified.
The third infraction of bus rules may result in a temporary loss of riding privileges. Additional
infractions may lead to a recommendation to the School Board to rescind transportation privileges
permanently.
A.
B.
Bus Regulations
Before Boarding the Bus
1. Be careful when approaching the bus stop.
2. Be on time to the designated school bus stop. Arrive no more than five minutes prior to the
bus’ scheduled arrival.
3. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
4. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.
5. Respect the property of the neighbors in your community.
*Supervision at the bus stop is the responsibility of parents/supervising adults.
While on Bus
1. Be courteous to fellow pupils and the bus driver.
2. Keep hands, head, and feet inside the bus at all times.
3. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times.
4. Keep loud talking and laughter to a minimum.
5. Never tamper with the bus or its equipment.
6. Keep books, coats, packages, and all other articles out of the aisles.
7. Help look after the safety and comfort of the smaller children.
8. Do not throw anything out of the bus windows.
9. Stay seated until you are supposed to get off the bus.
10. Horseplay or fighting will result in disciplinary action.
11. Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing stop.
12. Don’t distract the driver when the bus is in motion. However, in an emergency, alert the bus
driver immediately.
13. Smoking is not permitted.
*In general, there is no eating on the bus.
Transportation concerns/problems should be addressed to the transportation department at
610-627-6477.
The above rules will apply during any trip under school sponsorship.
10
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
School cancellations and late openings due to adverse weather conditions or emergency situations are
announced on KYW news radio (School district code number 542) or by checking our website,
www.rtmsd.org and select school/Media Elementary School. For additional information on school
cancellations or emergency early dismissals: email alerts will be sent, website will be updated, and
information will be televised on cable TV, channel 11. Automated phone calls will be made in the
following order: home phone first; guardian I cell phone; and guardian II cell phone.
If it is necessary to begin classes two hours late, the following will be the modified schedule: Grades
1 to 5, 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; A.M. Kindergarten, 11:00 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., and P.M.
Kindergarten, 1:35 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please be sure to have a “family emergency plan” in place for
early dismissals.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones: Students are not permitted to bring cell phones to school. Adults are asked to turn their
cell phones off when they are in the building.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/TELEPHONE
Notify the school office immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the
school year so that our records and emergency cards remain current. We appreciate having as many
contact numbers (cell phones, beepers, etc.) as possible. Changes of address will require “proof of
address change” such as copy of lease, purchase agreement, etc.
CLASS SIZE
As per the Rose Tree Media School District Policy 126 (Class Size/Faculty Staffing) revised August 24,
2006, “Insofar as practical, the overall goal for average class size will be approximately 25 students. If
variations are necessary, the Board prefers that the smaller classes be located in the early primary grades.”
CHAPERONES/VOLUNTEERS
Recent changes in the Child Protective Services Law require all volunteers who have direct contact with
students to obtain the following three clearances: A Child Abuse Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police
Criminal Background Check and an FBI Clearance. All clearances are now available electronically.
You will find the directions for obtaining the clearances on the next page. The cost of obtaining the
clearances will be your responsibility. Once you have obtained the certifications please hand them in at
the front desk at the building in which you will be volunteering. They will be sent to the Human
Resources Department for verification and returned to you. If you have any questions about obtaining
your clearances please call Debbie Raup-Whiteside at 610-627-6038.
Please allow enough time for the clearances to be verified prior to the date of chaperoning a field trip or
your volunteer work is to begin. Chaperones and volunteers still must have their driver’s licenses swiped
in the Media School office upon entering the building.
11
Class trips are to be aligned to the curriculum. Each grade level will plan approximately 2 trips per year.
Please let your child’s teacher know if you have a problem paying for a school trip. Accommodations
will be made.
Clearances for School Volunteers, Chaperones and Visitors
Volunteer – An individual who voluntarily offers and provides a service to the District without receiving
compensation.
Visitor – A parent or other adult who attends an event at school but who is not responsible for students.
Example: Parent attending a concert, a grandparent who attends Grandparents’ Day, A parent who comes
in to attend a Halloween Party.
PTG Volunteer - recruited by the PTG to work PTG Events held on school district grounds and
involving direct contact with Rose Tree Media students.
Chaperones –parents or other adults, not school district employees, who travel with students on a field
trip, either a day trip or overnight trip.
Contact with Students – Has direct contact with students whether on his/her own or under the
supervision of a teacher or administrator employed by the district.
Single Event Volunteer – Volunteer for a single event lasting not more than a few hours.
Short-term Volunteer – on an occasional basis not exceeding two (2) weeks during the school year.
Long-Term Volunteer – from time to time throughout the school year.
Visitors –No Clearances needed
Single Event– No Clearances needed
Short Term Volunteer – Clearances Needed
Long Term Volunteer – Clearances Needed
Chaperones –Clearances Needed
How to Obtain Clearances
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE
Website: https://epatch.state.pa.us
On gray toolbar, click “record check”, choose “new record”
Follow instructions filling out application and making payment. The cost is $10.00
After completing the application information and payment, a box will show that contains:
Control #, Name ……….
Click on Control #
Click on Certification Form
Print Form – this is your background clearance
FBI CLEARANCE - can be applied for on-line or phone 1-888-439-2486
Access the Cogent Systems Website at: www.pa.cogentid.com
Choose Pennsylvania
Choose PDE
Click on “Register On-Line”.
Complete the information on the form
Reason Fingerprinted – School District
After completing the form, follow through for payment. The cost of the report is $27.00.
After your registration is completed and paid for, print out your receipt.
Go to one of the designated fingerprint collection locations. There is list on the website under “Print
Locations”.
Please call the fingerprint location you choose for their dates and times of operation. The Delaware
County Intermediate Unit is now requiring an appointment. Remember, you do have to register online before reporting to the fingerprint location.
You must bring identification with you when you go to be fingerprinted. There is a list of acceptable
forms of ID on the website under “what to bring”.
12
You do not need to wait for a clearance to come in the mail. After having your fingerprints taken, the
receipt you printed out can be used by the District to obtain your clearance.
CHILD ABUSE CLEARANCE
The application for the Child Abuse Clearance can be completed on-line at the following link:
Website: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/Home
You will need to create a log-in before applying. After you apply for the child abuse clearance, you will
receive an e-mail confirming your application. Print out your child abuse clearance when it is ready, you
do not need to wait for it to come in the mail.
All information on obtaining your clearances may also be found on the RTM website:
http://www.rtmsd.org under District Departments/Human Resources.
GUIDELINES FOR CHAPERONES
The Rose Tree Media School District believes that field trips provide a valuable educational experience
for students. Without the help of volunteer chaperones, many field trips would not be possible. We thank
you very much for giving your time and support to these important activities. In order to ensure Districtsponsored field trips result in safe and rewarding experiences for all participants, we have prepared these
guidelines to provide information about volunteering as a field trip chaperone.
Because student safety is our paramount concern, RTMSD requires a security swipe of your driver’s
license in the school office for volunteers and chaperones with unsupervised access to children along with
the three (3) clearances as described in “Clearances for School Volunteers, Chaperones, and Visitors”.
The District also requires that volunteers and chaperones be at least 21 years of age and physically
capable of participating in planned activities and providing needed supervision.
Prior to chaperoning a field trip, the supervising staff member will provide you with information
regarding the activities planned for the trip, expectations for supervising students, and emergency
procedures. In addition, we have developed the following general guidelines to help you perform your
duties as a chaperone. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please contact the
supervising staff member or the building principal.
1. All school rules apply on District-sponsored events. Chaperones are expected to comply with
District policies, follow the directions given by the District’s supervising staff member, work
cooperatively with other staff and volunteers, and model appropriate behaviors for students.
2. In order to comply with District policy, during District sponsored events, volunteer chaperones:
 May not use, sell, provide, possess, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
 May not use tobacco in the presence of, or within the sight of students.
 May not possess any weapons.
 May not administer any medications, prescription or nonprescription, to students unless
professionally trained and previously approved by the District.
3. Students must be supervised** at all times while at District-sponsored events. As a chaperone,
you will supervise a small group of students, helping them learn and making sure they behave
appropriately. Students must be under your supervision at all times. Go over use of the buddy
system with students under your care. Account for all participants regularly and before changing
activities. Be sure you know when and where to meet the rest of your group at the end of the
visit. Chaperones must be readily available, be mindful of safety concerns, and respond to
students’ needs.
4. School rules related to student behavior apply. Go over rules and standards of behavior, safety
rules, and any site-specific rules with students. Student behavior is your responsibility; however,
student discipline is the responsibility of the school district employees sponsoring the trip.
Report any discipline infraction to an employee as soon as possible. Never engage physically
with a student unless it is to prevent them, or someone else, from immediate harm. Ensure that
students do not get involved in extra activities not pre-approved.
13
5. For the protection of both the student and the chaperone, chaperones should not place themselves
in situations in which they are alone with a student.
6. Family members or friends of a chaperone may not participate in a District-sponsored field trip or
event unless prior approval has been obtained from the building principal. Additionally, small
children can distract you from your duties as a chaperone/volunteer.
7. Be sure to know what to do in an emergency (medical emergency, natural emergency, lost child,
serious breach of rules, etc.). Know who is first aid trained, where the first aid kit is, supervising
staff member’s cell phone number, and who has the copies of parental permission slips with
emergency phone numbers and medical information.
**One of the duties owed to students in school and on field trips is proper supervision. The main purpose
of supervision is to help protect students from injury or diminish the risk of student injury. Adults do not
automatically have the skills necessary to appropriately supervise students. Teach chaperones applicable
school district policies and procedures and their duties and responsibilities. Proper supervision has four
basic components:
 Presence and attentiveness: Be available to students at all times. Do not become distracted from
duties. Chaperones must be physically and mentally able to participate in the activity as needed.
 Student behavior monitoring and intervention: Chaperones must be knowledgeable of and
consistently willing to enforce school rules and policies. Chaperones must be comfortable
restricting students from leaving the group, from roughhousing, horseplay, or other inappropriate
behaviors; and willing to take appropriate action when rules are not followed or a student is in
danger.
 Hazard surveillance and intervention: Chaperones need to be risk-conscious (prioritizing
attention into the areas where accidents are most likely to occur), checking the areas visited, and
appropriately addressing hazards.
 Responding appropriately to emergencies: Chaperones must be able to properly handle
emergencies that occur to reduce potential injury and damage. Identify emergency exits and be
aware of your surroundings.
CROSSING GUARDS
Crossing guards will be on duty at selected street corners. Check with the Media Police (610-565-6655)
for locations and times. Children are asked not to arrive early or linger at crossing areas. The
responsibility of the crossing guard is only to assist students with safely crossing the street.
MY SCHOOL BUCKS
Starting January 2, 2007, Rose Tree Media School District offered parents the opportunity to deposit
money into their students' Point of Sale Cafeteria Account online through a service called My School
Bucks. Parents can make payments toward their student's debit account using their Visa, MasterCard, or
Discover Card or by direct withdrawal from their checking account. A minimal handling fee added to
each transaction helps keep the service free to the school district. Parents are able to check their student's
account balance as well.
My School Bucks is fast and easy to use. Parents must first sign up at the website address,
http:/Myschoolbucks.com From then on, when an online payment is made, parents receive confirmation
via email. For this reason, a valid email address is required. The school receives notification of the
payments by email each day. The funds become available to the student at the start of the following day.
The website's popularity is growing with school districts as well as with busy parents throughout the
country. Many parents who use the service, find it a convenient alternative to sending money to school
14
with their children. Others simply prefer to pay with a credit card. Rose Tree Media School District will
still accept cash or checks for cafeteria accounts at the school cafeterias.
To learn more about this service, please visit http:/Myschoolbucks.com
School Lunches
Complete lunches are $2.55; milk, 50 cents; 4 oz. juice, 55 cents; and 8 oz bottled water, 70 cents. Our
“point of sale” automated system has been in effect since December, 2004. A letter will be sent in midAugust to all first grade parents explaining our debit system. Checks to be applied to your child’s debit
account may be dropped off in the school office at any time. Applications for free or reduced lunch
are available in the school office.
Students may charge lunch on an emergency basis. Charging lunch is not intended to be a regular
service.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA GUIDELINES
The following rules must be observed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Polite behavior is expected at all times.
Students will enter and leave the cafeteria in a quiet and orderly manner.
Students will obey the aides and teachers on duty.
Students may leave the cafeteria after receiving permission from the adult supervisor. They
may not return to their classrooms for play equipment, snacks, or other forgotten items.
Students will hang up their coats upon entering the cafeteria.
Students will remain in their seats while eating their lunch or snack.
Conversations among students should be in soft tones. No shouting please.
All trash will be placed in the appropriate containers.
Plastic dishes and trays will be returned to the designated location.
Students will be dismissed by table. To be dismissed, students must be seated, reasonably
quiet, and the table top and floor where they are sitting must be clear.
Sharing money or selling of food and/or snacks is not permitted.
Children are discouraged from charging their lunch. Charging is for emergencies only.
Charges should be paid the next day. Students who charge habitually will have their
ability to charge suspended. There will be no lunch charges during the last two weeks
of school.
Snacks will be sold only after everyone has been served lunch. Thursdays will be snack
day for grades 1, 3 and 5. Fridays will be snack day for grades 2 and 4.
All food is to be eaten only in the cafeteria.
Good eating habits will be encouraged at all times.
Students unable to follow the above rules may be seated at a separate table and/or lose recess.
Parent volunteers in the cafeteria or playground are welcome. Contact the office if you are
interested.
LUNCH SCHEDULE
Grade 1
Lunch 11:15-11:40 a.m.
Recess 11:40-12:00 noon
Grade 2
Recess 11:15-11:35 a.m.
Lunch 11:35-12:00 noon
Grade 3
Lunch 11:55-12:20 p.m.
Recess 12:20-12:40 p.m.
Grade 4
Recess 11:55-12:15 p.m.
Lunch 12:15-12:40 p.m.
Grade 5
Lunch 12:45-1:10 p.m.
Recess 1:10-1:30 p.m.
15
EMERGENCY PLAN
The building has a trained Emergency Response Team. The students and staff will periodically practice
emergency response drills including lockdown, fire, shelter in place, and hazardous material drills. There
will be no advance notification of these drills.
GUM
Our school rule about gum is simply “NO GUM”.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important extension of the learning which occurs during the school day. Parents can
help by providing a quiet and comfortable place and time. Teachers will post homework on their
websites.
16
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
17
INSURANCE
Low cost accident insurance is available to our students. Forms will be distributed in September. If you
would like more information, contact the school nurse. The nurse also has information on health care
insurance for children who qualify (CHIPS).
LOST & FOUND
There is a LOST & FOUND container in the atrium, outside of the cafeteria. Periodically, unclaimed
articles are donated to charity.
MONEY AND VALUABLES
Money and valuables should not be brought to school unless there is a definite need for them. Inform the
teacher if this situation arises. Electronic hand-held games/toys/cell phones may not be brought on the
bus or to school.
SCHOOL MOTTO
“Be Nice.”
SCHOOL MASCOT & COLORS
Our school mascot is the mustang. Our school colors are royal blue and white.
18
PARENTS’ RIGHT TO INFORMATION ABOUT THE CURRICULUM
1. Parents have the right to information about the curriculum including expected student
learning outcomes, instructional materials, and assessment techniques.
2. Parents will be afforded opportunities to review instructional materials.
3. Parents have the right to request in writing that their children be excused from specific
instruction which conflicts with their religious beliefs.
4. Parents wishing to exercise their rights as described in this policy are asked to contact the
principal
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES/PROGRESS REPORTS
Parent-teacher conferences will be held in November and March. The teacher will contact the
parent/guardian to arrange a mutually convenient time. The 2015-2016 are November 23 and 24, 2015;
and March 9 & 10, 2016.
Progress reports are issued November, March, and June for Kindergarten, grades 1-5.
The progress report will:
 Indicate how a student is currently performing relative to the PA Academic Standards.
 Reflect a student's growth in terms of grade level expectations.
 Indicate a student's investment of effort in the learning process.
 Offer a shared language for conversing about a student's learning.
 Better clarify expectations for each grade level.
 Assist teachers in providing appropriate instruction to improve a student's performance over
time.
Good communication between home and school is critical. You may leave a voice message
for or email your child’s teacher at any time.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Parent volunteers are critical to our success. We are always looking for new ways to use parent
volunteers.
Parent volunteers are asked not to bring younger children when volunteering.
Please review the “volunteer compact” for guidelines about confidentiality. The following will be asked
to sign the “Volunteer Compact”: homeroom parents, RSVP tutors, field placement students,
student teachers, library volunteers, and community volunteers.
19
VOLUNTEER COMPACT
I agree to serve as a volunteer at Media School. As a volunteer, I
understand my work with students is important and must remain
confidential. I will discuss student-related information only with
relevant school personnel. Student-related information includes any
personal/family information or observations regarding a student’s
behavior or learning.
Should it be determined that I failed to honor a student’s
confidentiality, I will no longer be permitted to serve as a volunteer
at Media School.
Volunteer support is essential to our students’ success. The staff
recognizes and values your time and commitment to the school. We
appreciate your efforts for our students.
____________________________
PRINT NAME
________________
DATE
SIGNATURE
Volunteers will be asked to submit 3 clearances and also have their driver’s license swiped
before volunteering in the building. The process for applying for clearances is under
“Chaperones/Volunteers”. If you have had your license swiped in the last year, you will
not need to have it swiped again. When your license is entered into our system, a name tag
will be issued before you leave the office.
PARKING
Parents are asked not to park on the residential side of Front Street, including in front of the medical
building (Front & Monroe) and in the medical office parking lot. (The residents may have your car
ticketed or towed.) When you are dropping your child off, please pull over in front of the bus zone. The
primary responsibility of our security guard is to keep the children safe.
PARTY INVITATIONS
It is not appropriate to distribute party invitations in the classroom unless the entire class is invited.
Please consult your P.T.G. Student Directory for names and addresses.
20
RELEASE OF STUDENTS
Any time a parent or guardian is requesting to pick up their child prior to regular dismissal, the
parent/guardian must provide written notification to the teacher. (A pad of dismissal slips will be provided
for your convenience.) Also, for anyone other than a parent or guardian to pick up a child, written
authorization must be provided to the teacher by the parent or guardian. The teacher, in turn, will notify
the office of the request for release. The person picking up the child will be asked for identification. All
releases will be made from the main office. Students must be signed out.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND INSTRUCTION
The Rose Tree Media School District respects the rights of students to participate in the religion of their
choice. Whenever students’ religious obligations are found to be in conflict with their school work,
students are encouraged to speak with their teachers, counselor, or principal. Every effort will be made to
find a satisfactory accommodation.
The Public School Code of Pennsylvania and the State Board of Regulations specify that a student may be
excused from school for all or part of a school day for the following: observance of religious holidays
and religious instruction not to exceed 36 hours per school year.
VISITATION POLICY/SECURITY
All visitors to Media Elementary School are required to register in the main office. Visitors will be asked
to sign a registration book indicating purpose of visit, time of entry, and time of departure. A visitor's
badge will be issued. Visitors may not interrupt classes when they are in session. Visitors must
refrain from parking on the north side of Front Street, which is designated for "Residents Only."
All visitors should enter the building through the main entrance (green canopy) on Front Street. A “buzzin” system is in place during school hours.
If you are not wearing a “Visitor’s” badge or an RTM
employee badge, you can expect to be stopped by school personnel.
21
MEDIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT-TEACHER GROUP
The purpose of the Parent-Teacher Group (P.T.G.) is to provide service to the school and foster closer
communication between home and school. The organization provides a forum for the expression and
exchange of ideas and concerns necessary for the establishment of school policies.
Membership includes parents and guardians of Media Elementary School students and members of the
Media School staff. Meetings are announced well in advance so that teachers will have the
opportunity to attend. The P.T.G. meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on the following dates: 9/29/15,
10/20/15, 11/18/15, 1/19/16, 2/16/16, 3/16/16, 4/19/16, and 5/18/16. Please note, the September,
October, January, February and April meetings are Tuesday evenings. The November, March and May
meetings are Wednesday evenings. Two teacher representatives will attend these meetings.
Our P.T.G. generously supports our school in many ways (field trips, technology purchases, assembly
programs, etc.). Every child benefits. Every family is asked to join the P.T.G. and/or make a
contribution.
P.T.G Executive Board
2015-2016
President
Vice-President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Kathleen Cohen
Marsha Peterson
Robin Matthews
Karen Ashbach
Michael Corner
president@mesptg.org
exec-vp@mesptg.org
vp@mesptg.org
secretary@mesptg.org
treasurer@mesptg.org
RECESS
Weather permitting, students are given a recess each day. Decisions to have outside recess during cold
weather depend upon the temperature and the wind chill factor. Students should always dress for outside
recess. Only students with medical excuses will be allowed to remain in the building during recess.
22
PLAYGROUND GUIDELINES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Good safety rules will be followed on all playground equipment.
Wrestling, fighting, tackling, piggyback riding or roughhousing, etc. are not permitted on the
playground.
The throwing of ice, snow, snowballs, or hard objects is not permitted.
Any games that require the student to be on the ground, tackled, etc. are forbidden.
The use of balls will be restricted to playground type (inflatable), “Nerf” balls, tennis balls,
basketballs, soccer balls, and soft footballs. No hardballs of any type will be permitted on the
playground. This includes solid rubber type balls (super balls), baseballs, and footballs.
A child who wishes to go inside the building before the end of recess must first receive
permission from one of the playground supervisors on duty.
The climbing of fences or trees is not permitted.
Objectionable or dangerous objects, such as pocket knives, water pistols, pea shooters, hockey
sticks, or skate boards are not allowed in school or on school property.
When the bell rings (or signal is given), the children must immediately stop all games, ball
tossing, etc. Lines will form promptly in the designated area. The teachers or aides on duty will
instruct the children to enter the building in a quiet, orderly fashion.
Children must obey the playground supervisors at all times. Problems that cannot be resolved
with the playground supervisor should be brought to the principal’s attention.
All accidents must be reported to one of the playground supervisors on duty immediately.
Guidelines and pictures for playground equipment follow. Playground accidents happen, but can
be minimized by thoughtful playground behavior and appropriate use of the equipment.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Do not wait on a tire when someone is on the
"zip wire" slide.
23
Go feet first only (on sliding board, tube), one at
a time. No running, or pushing on platforms.
Slides are down only-do not walk up them. Do
not jump off slides or steps. Do not climb on
outside of tube.
Do not jump off swings when in motion. Stay
clear of swings-front & back. Don't push wildly
on handicapped swing or hang onto the back of
that swing. Do not twist the swings. Swing back
& forth (not sideways) only. Only your bottom
should be in contact with the swing seat, and
you should be facing forward only.
One person on slide at a time, feet first only:
slides are down only; do not jump off sides of
slides. Do not stand at bottom of slide.
Use for pull-ups. Do not hang upside down or
spin around the bar (intended for upper body
workout only). Do not dismount in a flip.
24
No pushing or shoving.
Do not spin until you are dizzy, go at a medium
speed or slower; two people maximum at a time;
people waiting should stand clear.
One person on the rings at a time. Start on one
side only—go one way!
For infants and toddler only.
25
Do not hang upside down on the bars. Do not sit or stand on the middle
platform. No extra "pushers" on teeter-totter. On jungle gym, do not climb
higher than top of yellow bar.
ASSESSMENTS & PSSA TESTING
The 2015-2016 PSSA testing dates for English & Language Arts for grades 3, 4, & 5 will be April 11 –
15, 2016; Math for grades 3, 4, & 5 will be April 18 – 22, 2016; and Science for Grade 4 will be April 25
– 29, 2016. Please read the 2015-2016 Assessment Calendar on the next page.
Please do not plan family trips during PSSA testing.
They will not be approved.
RECORDS POLICY
Under the new Supplemental Discipline Record Policy, a student’s discipline record is to be sent with a
student’s other school records when he/she transfers to another school. The discipline record includes
incidents reported on the “Individual Incident Record” and a record of suspensions and expulsions. These
records also follow the student from building to building within the district.
When we receive a report from juvenile probation that a student has been adjudicated, the student’s
teachers must be notified about the delinquent acts. A meeting will be called for the entire staff. A
written statement of the date and time of the meeting will be placed in the separate discipline file along
with the report that was received.
26
SCHEDULES
We will be operating on a block schedule with a 12 day cycle. Special area classes (art, music, phys ed,
library) are 50 minutes long.
SCHOOL NURSE/PHYSICAL & DENTAL EXAMS
Media School has a full-time school nurse. Please carefully monitor your child’s wellness and keep the
nurse and your child’s teacher informed.
State Law requires that every child must have a physical when he/she enters school. Vision and hearing
screenings are administered annually by the school nurse. Parents will be notified only if child fails
screening.
Dental exams are required in kindergarten and grade 3. Children who do not visit their family dentist will
be examined by our school dentist/dental hygienist.
STUDENT MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION
According to the Rose Tree Media School District’s medication policy, medication(s) should be given at
home before and/or after school whenever possible. If medication must be given during school hours the
following criteria must be met. In accordance with new guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of
Health, starting September 2010, ALL medications, both prescription and over the counter, must be
accompanied by a written, signed order from a licensed prescriber. In addition, the parent/guardian must
sign the RTMSD Student Medication Authorization (sample on page 21) form for each medication to be
administered in school. The exception is acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as these medications are covered
by a standing order and permission can be granted on the Student Emergency Card. Prescription
medication must be in a current pharmacy container with directions for administration from the physician
and all over the counter medications must be in their original container. There are provisions for students
who need to self carry emergency medications. Please check with your school nurse for more
information. Orders and medication authorization forms must be renewed every year.
27
SAMPLE AUTHORIZATION FORM
Rose Tree Media School District
Student Medication Authorization Form
Student Name: _____________________________________________________ Date: _________________
School: ______________________________________ Grade/Teacher: ______________________________
All medication(s) should be given at home before and/or after school whenever possible. If medication must be
given during school hours the following criteria must be met. In accordance with new guidelines from the
Pennsylvania Department of Health, starting September 2010 ALL medications, both prescription and over
the counter, must be accompanied by a written, signed order from a licensed prescriber. In addition, the
parent/guardian must sign the RTMSD Student Medication Authorization form for each medication to be
administered in school. The exception is acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as these medications are covered by a
standing order and permission to administer can be granted on the Student Emergency Card. Prescription medication
must be in a current pharmacy container with directions for administration from the physician and all over the
counter medications must be in their original container. Orders and medication authorization forms must be renewed
every school year and any time there is a change in dosage or medication.
Parent/Guardian Consent:
I give permission for my child _____________________________________________to receive the following
medication, ______________________________________, ordered by a licensed prescriber for administration
during the school day and/or on school sponsored field trips. I have completed the Instructions for Administration
section listed below.
I/We do hereby waive, release, discharge, indemnify and/or hold harmless the said employee and School District
from any and all liability for any reaction, injury, harm, and/or damage which may be caused to my/our child by
reason of administering the said medication pursuant to my/our authorization herein including but not limited to
negligent acts or omissions.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: ______________
Parent/Guardian Name Printed: ________________________________________________________________
Instructions for Administration
Medication: _______________________________________________________________________________
Dosage: __________________________________________________________________________________
Time of Administration: _____________________________________________________________________
28
29
30
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN SCHOOL CHILDREN:
GUIDELINES FOR READMISSION TO SCHOOL
Disease
Readmission Criteria
Diphtheria
Two weeks from the onset or until appropriate
negative culture tests.
Measles
Four days from the onset of rash. Exclusion
may also be ordered by the Department as
specified.
Mumps
Nine days from the onset or until subsidence of
swelling.
Pertussis
Three weeks from the onset or 5 days from
institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Rubella
Four days from the onset of rash.
Chickenpox
Five days from the appearance of the first crop
of vesicles, or when all the lesions have dried
and crusted, whichever is sooner.
Respiratory streptococcal infections
including scarlet fever
24 hours after the institution of appropriate
antimicrobial therapy.
Infectious conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Until judged not infective; that is without a
discharge.
Ringworm
Immediately after first treatment, if body lesions
are covered.
Impetigo contagiosa
24 hours after the institution of appropriate
treatment.
Pediculosis capitis
After first treatment or until judged not infective
by school nurse.
Scabies
After completion of appropriate treatment.
Trachoma
24 hours after institution of appropriate
treatment.
Neisseria meningitidis
Until judged not infective after a course of
rifampin or other drug which is effective against
the nasopharyngeal carriage state of this disease,
or until otherwise shown to be noninfective.
31
SCHOOL DISTRICT WEBSITE AND DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS TO FAMILIES
Please note the Rose Tree Media School District website is
www.rtmsd.org .
32
SOLICITATION
Students are not to be solicited for money unless a project has been approved by the principal.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
As required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the District provides special
education services for students who are found eligible and in need of these services. If you believe that
your child may be eligible for special education services, please contact your child’s guidance counselor
or school psychologist. Parents may request that their child be evaluated to determine if they have a
disability by sending in a written request to the building principal.
Students who are evaluated and found to be eligible and in need of special education services may
receive specially-designed instruction and accommodations through an Individualized Education Program
(IEP). Concerns about your child’s learning should be discussed with the classroom teacher, building
principal, or school psychologist.
TEACHER GIFTS
School board policy indicates that teachers may accept gifts of a consumable nature and of nominal
value from students or parents. It is also the policy of the board that the writing of letters, expressing
gratitude and appreciation, is always, and in most circumstances, more appropriate than a gift.
TELEPHONE
Parents, please minimize changing your child’s pick-up arrangements during the school day. We are
aware that there are emergencies. However, daily calls that need to be communicated to your child are
highly disruptive to his/her classroom. If you must change your child’s dismissal arrangement, please
contact the office by phone before 3:00 p.m.
RTM TIPLINE
The district, local law enforcement officials and RTM DARE (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Effort) have
established an anonymous RTM tipline that parents, students and community members can call to alert
officials of potentially dangerous situations within the schools or the community.
Tipline: 610-627-6101
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The possession, sale, or use of alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substance by anyone, on the school
campus or busses, is strictly forbidden. Violation of this rule will result in appropriate disciplinary and
legal action.
33
USE OF TOBACCO IN SCHOOLS PROHIBITED
A pupil who possesses or uses tobacco in a school building, a school bus or on school property
owned by, leased by or under the control of a school district, commits a summary offense. A
pupil who commits an offense under this section shall be subject to prosecution initiated by the
local school district and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than
$50.00 for the benefit of the school district in which such offending pupil resides, and to pay
court costs. When a pupil is charged with violating subsection A, the court may admit the
offender to an adjudication alternative as authorized under 24 PA. C.S., Section 1520 (relating to
adjudication alternative program in lieu of imposing the fine).
A summary offense under this section shall not be a criminal offense of record, shall not be
reportable as a criminal offense of record, shall not be reportable as a criminal act and shall not
be placed on the criminal record of the offending school-age person if any such record exists.
A lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other lighted smoking product and smokeless
tobacco in any form constitutes “tobacco.”
*All RTM facilities (buildings and surrounding grounds) are designated as “NONSMOKING”.
WEAPONS POLICY
Students may not have any weapon in their possession or control in school, in their locker, on
school property, at any school function or activity, at any school event held away from school,
while on their way to or from school, or on property used by the school.
The term weapon shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool,
nunchaku stick, brass or metal knuckles, firearm, shotgun, rifle, BB or pellet gun, look-alike gun,
chemical agent, explosive device, and/or any other tool, instrument or implement capable of
inflicting serious bodily injury.
A student who violates this rule may be recommended to the School Board for expulsion from
school for no less than one year.
STUDENT HANDBOOK REVISION TO MEET ACT 71 REGULATIONS
Bullying:
A person is being bullied or victimized when he or she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to
negative actions on the part of one or more persons.
 Harm or hurt is intended
 A power imbalance exists between the target and the perpetrator
 The perpetrator repeats the behavior, often in a systematic way
 The victim is hurt physically or psychologically and has a sense of being persecuted or
oppressed.
Source: Olweus (1993) Davis (2004) Sullivan (2000), Coloroso (2003)
34
No. 248
ROSE TREE MEDIA
SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECTION:
PUPILS
TITLE:
HARASSMENT
ADOPTED: December 19, 2002
REVISED:
August 24, 2006
248. HARASSMENT
1. Purpose
The Board 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.
2. Authority
Title IX
42 U.S.C.
Sec. 1681
43 P.S.
Sec. 951 et seq
29 CFR
Sec. 1606.8(a)
The Board prohibits all forms of harassment of students and third parties by all district
students and staff members, contracted individuals, vendors, volunteers, and third parties in
the schools. The Board encourages students and third parties who have been harassed to
promptly report such incidents to the designated employees.
The Board directs that complaints of harassment shall be investigated promptly, and
corrective action shall be taken when allegations are verified. Confidentiality of all parties
shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations.
No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of harassment.
3. Definitions
29 CFR
Sec. 1606.8(a)
62 Fed. Reg.
12033
(Mar 13, 1997)
66 Fed. Reg. 5512
(Jan. 19, 2001)
For purposes of this policy, harassment, sexual, racial, ethnic, religious, or otherwise, shall
consist of verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct when such conduct:
1. Is a repeated pattern of unprovoked aggressive behaviors of a physical and/or
psychological nature carried out by an individual or group against an individual or a
group with the effect of causing harm or hurt. Harassing behaviors are all those
behaviors that are unwelcome, unwanted and uncomfortable in the view of
the recipient.
2. 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.
3. Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s academic performance.
4. Otherwise adversely affects an individual’s learning opportunities.
29 CFR
Sec. 1604.11 (a)
For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual
advances, requests for sexual favors; and other inappropriate verbal, written, graphic, or
physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a
student’s academic status.
35
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for academic or work
decisions affecting the individual.
3. Such conduct deprives a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatments.
4. Such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it has the purpose or
effect of substantially interfering with the student’s school performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.
Examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to,
sexual flirtations, advances, touching or propositions, verbal abuse of a sexual nature,
graphic or suggestive comments about an individual’s dress or body, sexually degrading
words to describe an individual, jokes, pin-ups, calendars, objects, graffiti, vulgar
statements, abusive language, innuendoes, references to sexual activities, overt sexual
conduct, or any conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with a student’s
ability to work or learn, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning or working
environment.
Racial, ethnic, or religious harassment/intimidation means any alleged or confirmed act
directed against or occurring to a person, private property, or public property on the basis of
race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. An incident need not involve an act that constitutes a
criminal offense.
Individuals or groups are in violation of this policy if they engage in harassing or
intimidating conduct at school, on school grounds, while engaging in school-sanctioned
activities or while traveling to or from school. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not
limited to:
1. Making remarks directly or indirectly, such as name-calling, fighting words,
racial slurs or jokes that demean individuals or groups.
2. Physically threatening or harming individuals or groups.
3. Damaging, defacing or destroying the private property of any person.
Individuals who are not the direct recipient of harassment or intimidation may also
experience a hostile environment. Third party individuals shall, therefore, have the same
right to act under this policy as those directly victimized.
Actual or threatened retaliation against a person who complains or intends to complain of
harassment or intimidation will be prohibited and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary
action.
4. Delegation of
Responsibility
Pol. 103
In order to maintain an educational environment that discourages and prohibits unlawful
harassment, the Board designates the Director of Human Resources as the district’s
Compliance Officer.
The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and complaint procedure
at least annually to students, parents/guardians, employees, independent contractors,
vendors, and the public. The publication shall include the position, office address, and
telephone number of the Compliance Officer.
The administration shall be responsible to provide training for students and employees
36
regarding all aspects of harassment.
Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free from all
forms of harassment.
Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of all other students and district
employees and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the following duties
when receiving a complaint of harassment:
1. Inform the student or third party of the right to file a complaint and the complaint
procedure.
2. Inform the complainant that s/he may be accompanied by a parent/guardian during all
steps of the complaint procedure.
3. Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal is the subject
of the complaint.
4. The Compliance Officer will notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at
appropriate stages of the procedure.
5. Guidelines
Complaint Procedure – Student/Third Party
Step 1 – Reporting
A student or third party who believes s/he has been subject to conduct that constitutes a
violation of this policy is encouraged to report the incident immediately to the building
principal or a district employee.
A school employee who suspects or is notified that a student has been subject to conduct
that constitutes a violation of this policy shall immediately report the incident to the building
principal. The building principal will forward the complaint to the Compliance Officer.
If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the student, third party, or employee
shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer.
The complainant or reporting employee is encouraged to use the report form available from
the building principal, but oral complaints shall be acceptable.
Step 2 – Investigation
Upon receiving a complaint of unlawful harassment, the building principal shall
immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer or designee shall
investigate the complaint.
The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant, the accused,
and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The investigator may also evaluate any
other information and materials relative to the investigation.
The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact that a criminal
investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded.
37
Step 3 – Investigative Report
The Compliance Officer or designee shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15) days,
unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The report shall include a
summary of the investigation, a determination of whether the complaint had been
substantiated as factual and whether it is a violation of this policy, and a recommended
disposition of the complaint.
The findings of the investigation shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, the
Compliance Officer and the Superintendent.
Step 4 – District Action
If the investigation results in a finding that the complaint is factual and constitutes a
violation of this policy, the district shall take prompt, corrective action to ensure that such
conduct ceases and will not recur.
Disciplinary action shall be consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, Board policies and
district procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws.
If it is concluded that a student has knowingly made a false complaint under this policy,
such student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Appeal Procedure
1. If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding that no violation of the policy or with
the corrective action recommended in the investigative report, s/he may submit a written
appeal to the Superintendent within fifteen (15) days.
2. The Superintendent shall review the investigation and the investigative report and may
also conduct a reasonable investigation.
3. The Superintendent shall prepare a written response to the appeal within fifteen (15)
days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the
Compliance Officer.
38
MEDIA SCHOOL SONG
By Sara Vaccaro
There’s a place I like to call my home,
When home I cannot be,
It’s a place where I can be myself,
And everyone likes me.
Media, Media,
We make good choices and we’re free
To do our best when we’re put to the test,
We’re from Media Elementary.
We like reading books at Media,
And helping our community,
We learn to celebrate our differences,
And our diversity.
Media, Media,
We make good choices and we’re free
To do our best when we’re put to the test,
We’re from Media Elementary.