The Pathfinder School
2014-2015
Parent – Student Handbook
50 Donati Road
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Ms. Teresa Surace, Principal
Ms. Shelley Phelps, Secretary
Phone: 412-833-2777
Fax: 412-833-4060
Facebook: Pathfinder School
Educational Opportunities * Innovative Solutions * Leadership Excellence
AIU MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Mission Statement
We maximize educational opportunities for all learners by responding to the needs of our community with leading-edge, high-quality, cost-effective programs and services.
Vision Statement
Educational excellence is a hallmark of our region with all learners having access to the best services, enriching their lives and enabling their contribution to a vibrant economy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Attendance…………………………………………………..……………………….3
Early Arrival………………………………………………..……………………...... 3
Early Dismissal…………………………………………..……………………..……3
Late Arrival/Tardy……………………………………..…………………….…….3
Dress Code……………………………………………..…………………………..…4
Internet Policy………………………………………………………………..……..4
Cell Phones…………………………………………………………………..….……5
Weapons in the School…………………….…………………………..……….5
Drugs…………………………………………….……………………………..……....6
Student Code of Conduct……………………………………………..……….6
Student Rights……………………………….………………………….…..……..7
Student Responsibilities………………….…………………………………….9
Student Discipline………………………………………………………………….9
General School Rules……………………………………………………..……..9
Video Cameras…………………………………………………………………….11
Calming Down Room……………………………………………………….….11
Health Services……………………………..……………………………….……12
Medication……………………………………..…………………………………..12
Immunization Requirements……………..………………….……….……13
Accident or Illness at School……………….…..……………………..……14
School Programs………………………………….…..…………………..……..14
Community Based Instruction…………………….…………………..…..15
Graduation………………………………………………….…..…………….……15
Individualized Education Program (IEP)……..…………………..……16
Additional Information……………..………………………………………...16
Student Transportation………….…………………………………………...16
Visitors………………..………………………………………………………..…….16
Student Records – Access and Confidentiality……………..……..17
School Lunch………………………….……………………………………..…….17
School Notices……………………………………..……………………………..17
Lost and Found…………………………………..……………………………….17
Emergency School Closing……………..…………………………………...18
Picture Taking……………………………………..………………………………18
Classroom Conferences and Visitations………….……………………18
Local Task Force…………………………………….…………………………...18
School Calendar…………………………………………………………………..19
ATTENDANCE
The Compulsory School Attendance law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires every child of compulsory school age to be in school attendance unless absent for an approved reason and charges the parents of the child with the responsibility for the child’s school attendance. Compulsory school age refers to the period of a child’s life from the time the child enters school as a beginner, which may be no later than eight years of age, until the age of seventeen or graduation from a high school, whichever occurs first.
All absences should be treated as unlawful until the school receives a written excuse explaining the reason(s) for an absence. Parents/guardians and students should submit the written explanation within three calendar days of the absence and if they fail to provide a written excuse within three days of the absence, the absence would be permanently counted as unlawful. A maximum of ten days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten cumulative days require an excuse from a physician.
School attendance is a very important aspect in obtaining a formal education. Absences are detrimental to the individual education plans for your child. However, on occasion, it is recognized that your child may be absent due to illness, death in the family, or natural disaster. In order to comply with the Act VIII of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania School Code a written excuse is mandatory. Excessive, unexcused absences will be reported to the resident school district and will be subject to the attendance policies and procedures of the resident school district.
A “Student Absentee Form” may be used and will enable our staff to be more efficient in record keeping. When a student is absent from school, he/she will bring a completed “Student Absentee Excuse” on the day he/she returns.
EARLY ARRIVAL
There are no early arrivals. Students will not be permitted into the building earlier then 8:30 a.m.
EARLY DISMISSAL Students are not to leave the building without permission. A written request is required for early dismissal. The request must list the reason, date, time, and relationship of the person picking up the student. An adult must come into the school office to sign for the release of that student.
LATE ARRIVAL/TARDY
When your child arrives late to school, you must report to the office to sign your child in and secure an admittance slip.
DRESS CODE
A dress code is devised to establish a healthy, safe, and positive learning environment. Proper dress is believed to be an avenue of transition for a successful adult life. The following dress code will address these issues:
· Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times during the school year.
· No hats, Bandannas, doo rags, hoods, or coats are to be worn in the building. Exception to wearing of headgear may be granted to an
· Persistent coughing
· Open bleeding/seeping wounds
· Individual student be the administration for medical or religious reasons.
· Low rider pants or baggy pants worn below the buttocks exposing underwear including ‘thongs’ are not permitted.
· Torn or ripped clothing showing underwear or exposure of midriff, thighs, or private body parts are not to be worn. Spandex or other tight fitting apparel, thank tops, halter tops, bare chest or midriff, or half-shirts and other provocative apparels are prohibited.
· Students for safety reasons, are not permitted to utilize the roller part of the Heelee shoes during the school day, if violated they will not be permitted to wear them to school.
· Wallet chains and spikes on wristbands or collars are prohibited.
· No student shall wear any apparel or jewelry that have words, signs, picture or any combination thereof appearing on clothing or jewelry advocating or promoting sexual activity, violence, or the use of alcohol, drugs, demons or degrades another’s race, sex, religious persuasion, national origin, handicap or disability.
· Students will be expected to wear appropriate clothing required for vocational and physical education classes determined by each teacher’s specifications for their classroom.
INTERNET POLICY
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit Board of directors recognizes the Internet as a valuable resource that promotes and enhances a student’s educational experience. Experts for the Student Internet Acceptable Use policy series 5010 reads as follows:
· Students shall not access an AIU computer technology prior to the submitted completion of the Student Internet Acceptable Use Authorization form by student, parent and/or guardian. An authorization form will be provided to each parent/student.
· Students shall not access inappropriate material on the Internet, including pornography, obscenity, child pornography, or other materials may be “harmful to minors”.
· Students shall not use electronic mail (email).
· Students shall not use chat rooms.
· Students shall not use forms of direct electronic communications (such as newsgroups and instant messaging).
· Student shall not engage in unauthorized access of computers, including “hacking”.
· Students shall not engage in unlawful activities.
· Students shall not disclose, use, or disseminate any personal identification information of themselves or others.
· Violation of AIU’s Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy in any way may result in the loss of Internet privileges provided by the AIU schools. Disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with existing AIU policy. When necessary, the AIU may call in law enforcement agencies.
CELL PHONES
We understand there may be a need at times to communicate with your child if there is an emergency. Should such an emergency arise, please call the school office. Cell phones are not to be used during school hours. Cell phones can be a major distraction to the educational process. If a student is using a cell phone at school, the phone will be confiscated, turned into the office and the parents will be requested to come to the school to retrieve the phone
WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOL
It shall be the purpose of this handbook to comply with Act 26 of 1995, Section 1317.2 of the School Code relating to discipline resulting from the possession of weapons by students on school property or at any school sponsored activity. It shall further be the purpose to comply with the Safe Schools Act, 24PS Subsection1301-A et seq., concerning reporting of weapon policy violations in the school.
The term “weapon” shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.
Upon suspicion that a student possesses a weapon, the principal may search the person, the clothing, and personal belongings including any bag, purse, backpack, parcel, locker, and vehicle of the student in the presence of another adult witness. If the student resists being searched, the principal will immediately summon the police and request assistance in this matter from the local police.
Students are prohibited from possessing or storing weapons on school property or at any function, activity or event sponsored by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit/Pathfinder. Students are also prohibited from possessing a weapon on any home district school property. I.e. school bus.
DRUGS
In accordance with the Public School Code of 1949, the faculty and administrative staff of the school are authorized, empowered and directed to act in loco parentis and discipline any student who uses, possesses, transports, sells, or purchases drugs or alcohol under such circumstances as would be illegal under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the United States of America.
DRUG/ALCOHOL/MOOD-ALTERING SUBSTANCE; Any alcohol or malt beverage, any drug listed by law as a controlled substance, chemical, abused substance or medication for which a prescription is required under the law and/or any substance which is intended to alter mood. Examples include, but are not limited to: beer, wine, liquor, anabolic steroids, ephedra, marijuana, hashish, cocaine, crack, chemical solvents, glue, “look-alike” substances, and any capsules or pills not registered with the nurse annotated within the student’s health record and given in accordance with the School Procedures for the administration of medication to students in school.
DRUG-RELATED PARAPHERNALIA: Any utensil or item which, in the school’s judgment, is associated with the use of drugs, alcohol or mood-altering substances. Examples include, but are not limited to, papers, roach clips, pipes, bowls and scales.
POSSESS; to have without any attempt to distribute. Drugs/alcohol found in a student locker or book bag would also be categorized as possession.
DISTRIBUTE: To deliver, sell, pass, share or give any drug or alcohol as defined by this policy. (A larger amount would suggest intent to distribute.)
Students found to be in possession of the above mentioned Drugs/Alcohol/Mood-Altering Substance, Paraphernalia, possession and distribution shall be subject to the established policies of the home school district
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of the Pathfinder School Student Code of Conduct is to ensure a healthy and productive learning environment in our school, so that the maximum potential for learning exists for all students. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the rules and regulations that are designed to maintain a standard of conduct in the schools operated by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
The Student Code of Conduct includes many of the strategies used to maintain a safe and disciplined environment. It also has a strong focus on a cooperative effort among students, parents and school personnel and helps to define the essential role of each.
The Student Code of Conduct is designed to give Pathfinder School students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education in our school. In case of a conflict between Allegheny Intermediate Unit Board Policy and the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, the policy most recently adopted by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Board will prevail.
The Student Code of Conduct is not a contract between the school and the parents/guardians or students. It can be amended at any time at the discretion of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Board. If policy changes are enacted during the school year, the building administrator will communicate those changes to students, staff and parents/guardians.
Please review this document and help us in our task of guiding young people towards assuming a responsible and productive role in our school and in our society.
STUDENT RIGHTS
Confidential Communication - AIU Policy 207
The Board recognizes that particular written and oral communications between students and certain Intermediate Unit personnel must be confidential. Information received in confidence from a student may be revealed to the student’s parent/guardian, designated administrator or other appropriate authority by the staff member who received the information when the health, welfare or safety of the student or other persons clearly is in jeopardy
Freedom of Expression – AIU Policy 220
The right of public school students to freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the Commonwealth. The Board respects the right of students to express themselves in word or symbol and to distribute and post materials in areas designated for posting as a part of that expression. The Board also recognizes that exercise of that right must be limited by the Intermediate Unit's responsibility to maintain an orderly school environment and to protect the rights of all members of the school community.
Students have the right to express themselves unless such expression is likely to or does materially or substantially interfere with the educational process, including school activities, school work, or discipline and order on school property or at school functions; threatens serious harm to the school or community; encourages unlawful activity; or interferes with another's rights
Dress and Grooming – AIU Policy 221
The Board has the authority to impose limitations on student’ dress code. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational program of the Intermediate Unit or school or constitute a health or safety hazard.
Searches – AIU Policy 226
The Board acknowledges the need to respect the rights of students to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures while fulfilling the Intermediate Unit’s interest in protecting and preserving the health, safety and welfare of the school population, enforcing rules of conduct, and maintaining an appropriate atmosphere conducive to learning. Intermediate Unit officials have the authority to lawfully search students or belongings, including lockers, storage spaces, automobiles, electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing, and other possessions, without a warrant, when in the Intermediate Unit, while attending an Intermediate Unit program, while on Intermediate Unit grounds or when otherwise under supervision of the Intermediate Unit, if there is a reasonable suspicion that the place or thing to be searched contains prohibited contraband, material that would pose a threat to the health, safety and welfare of the school population, or evidence that there has been a violation of the law, Board policy, or school rules. The scope and extent of searches must be reasonable in relation to the nature of the suspected evidence, contraband or dangerous material and to the grounds for suspecting that it may be found in the place of things being searched.