District General Operating Procedures

Activity Awareness – Public Relations

In an effort to keep the District community up-to-date on school events, Spring Grove Area School District will, on occasion, invite local media representatives into our schools to photograph or video special activities, programs, and events. Media representatives register at the main office of each building upon their arrival and are always escorted to a designated area from which they can take photos for publication. District personnel will also take photos and videos of classroom activities and/or individual students from time to time for either release to the local media or use in district publications. District publications may include newsletters, websites, and other forms of public communications. Identification of students is always limited to name, school, and grade in such photos.

Permission to photograph or video a student either individually or as part of a group is assumed unless indicated otherwise by completion of the Photo Denial form found on the Sapphire Community Web Portal. This information will be kept on file until the end of the current school year only.

Address Change

When a student moves to a new address or changes phone numbers, it is essential that this information be provided immediately to the school office, in writing, via email, or phone. Along with notification of the change of address, verification of new residence should be provided to the attendance secretary in the school office. Parents must maintain a valid phone number, and, if possible, an email address on file at all times.

Admission/Placement

Students enrolling in the district must submit an original birth certificate, proof of immunization, and two proofs of residency out of the list of approved documents.

School assignments to grades, classes, and groups will be completed by the Building Principal. This action will be based on consideration of the student's needs, as well as the administration of the school.

Animals in the School/Classroom

Policy #135

Although it is desirable for students to have experience with animals, the handling of animals under uncontrolled situations is potentially hazardous. Administrative approval is required prior to animals being brought to school unless the request is made through the Pupil Services Department for the District Facility Dog. Required documentation and guidelines concerning animals in school can be obtained by contacting the Superintendent’s Office.

Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Management Plan

This is to inform the parents, teachers, and building occupants of the Spring Grove Area School District that the District has maintained its AHERA Management Plan and Periodic Surveillance as stipulated in the EPA’s AHERA Section 763.84 regulation. This updated information is available at the District’s Support Services Office housed in the Educational Service Center, 100 East College Avenue, Spring Grove, PA. A copy of each building’s information is on file at the respective school. If you have any questions, please contact the District’s Facilities Manager, Bill Stiles, 717-225-4731, extension 3029.

Assessment System

The District implements an assessment system that helps determine student success in achieving academic standards. Both state and local assessments provide information to improve the educational program.

Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) – State Schedule

Test: English Language Arts Testing Window
Grades: 3-8
Timeframe: April 26 - 30, 2027

Test: Math and Science Testing Window and Makeups
Grades: 3-8
Timeframe: May 3 - 7, 2027

Please note: PDE PSSA Assessment dates reflected are as of the publication of this handbook and are subject to change by PDE. Please check the District website and/or contact building office(s) to obtain the most recent information.

Keystone Exams for Biology, Algebra, and Literature – State Schedule

• Winter Wave 1: December 7 - 18, 2026
• Winter Wave 2: January 4 - 15, 2027
• Spring: May 17 - 28, 2027
• Summer: July 26 - 30, 2027

Please note: PDE Keystone Exam dates reflected are as of the printing of this handbook and are subject to change by PDE. Please check the District website and/or contact building office(s) to obtain the most recent information

Attendance

Policy #204

Compulsory school age, beginning with academic year 2023-2024, shall mean the period of a student’s life from the time the student’s person in parental relation elects to have the student enter school, which shall be not later than six (6) years of age, until the student reaches eighteen (18). The Pennsylvania School Attendance Law requires that all residents between the ages of 6 and 18 and those who elect to start school earlier will attend school continuously throughout the entire term.  Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the district receives the absence excuse form in the Sapphire Community Web Portal explaining the absence, to be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative lawfully excused absences for illness, verified by parental notification, shall be permitted during a school year.  All absences due to illness beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require a note from a physician.

1. Excused absences include the following: death in the immediate family, illness of the student (not a family member), impassable roads, obtaining a passport or social security card, student-required court attendance, or any other exceptionally urgent reason. Extenuating circumstances causing absences and family emergencies must be communicated to the Attendance Officer.
    
2. The Spring Grove Area School District recognizes that students may have the opportunity to participate in preplanned vacation trips and educational experiences during the regular school year. When a trip or educational experience is planned that will require a student to be absent from school, an Educational Trip Form must be completed in the Sapphire Community Web Portal no later than one week prior to the absence. Neglecting to gain proper approval for the educational trip will result in the recording of unlawful/unexcused daily absences for those dates absent.  Pre-approved excused absences may not exceed five (5) school days in each school year. Pre-approved excused absences may not be granted during the first ten (10) days and the last ten (10) days of school.  Attendance during these times is of utmost importance for continuity and the education of students. To be excused for a trip, a student must be accompanied by a parent or acceptable adult and have a cumulative average of 70% or better, with no failing grade in any subject and a satisfactory attendance record of less than 7% absence for the school year to the date of the application. The District discourages parents from scheduling these trips during the time of State Exams. Timelines for State testing are available through contacting the school office or in the assessment section of this handbook.
    
3. Non-District-sponsored Athletic Competitions that may require exceptions to the pre-approved excused absence procedure must be reviewed by the Attendance Officer. A letter from the coach or organization indicating the student’s involvement in the event, along with dates and location of the competition, must be submitted to the Attendance Officer at least two weeks prior to the proposed absences, along with submitting an Educational Trip Form in the Sapphire Community Web Portal. 
    
4. Students may be excused from school for religious holidays observed by bona fide religious groups (22 PA CODE11.21). (This refers to observance of the holiday only and is not inclusive of travel arrangements to/from an event.) When a religious holiday requires a student to be absent from school, a request from the parent must be submitted using the Educational Trip Form in the Sapphire Community Web Portal one week prior to the absence.
    
5. Absence from school for any reason other than those stated in items 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this section will be considered unlawful as defined by the Pennsylvania School Code.
    
6. When a student must be absent from school during all or any part of the school day for a physician or dentist appointment, the parent must submit a Digital Excuse Card in the Sapphire Community Web Portal, along with a note from the physician excusing the student for the time missed due to the appointment. Failure to provide such documentation will result in the absences being classified as unlawful/unexcused.
    
7. In accordance with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), students arriving more than 90 minutes after the official start of school or leaving more than 90 minutes before dismissal will be charged with a half-day of absence.
    
8. A student must be present by 9:00 a.m. (at the secondary level) during the school day if the student is to participate in any scheduled activity of the school day or evening.
    
9. Students arriving late to school should report directly to the main office, where such tardiness will be recorded. The parent is responsible for submitting a Digital Excuse Card in the Sapphire Community Web Portal for this tardiness. Minutes of tardiness are cumulative and will convert to half days of absence once 90 tardy minutes have accumulated. These absences will remain unexcused/unlawful.
    
10. Students missing any part of the school day due to physician appointments must, within 3 days, submit the Digital Excuse Card in the Sapphire Community Web Portal, along with a physician note on official office stationery signed by the attending physician, indicating the physician saw the student, the student was unable to attend school, and indicate the date the student can return to school. Lack of an appropriate physician’s note would constitute a tardiness or half-day unlawful/unexcused absence. 
     
11. A student who leaves school without proper authorization will be charged with a minimum of half a day of unlawful/unexcused absence.
     
12. If a school attendance official makes a call to the house of a student during the school day and gets no response, the absence will be counted as unlawful/unexcused, except when a physician’s excuse is submitted in the Sapphire Community Web Portal.
     
13. Students in 11th or 12th grades may submit letters confirming visits from post-secondary institutions to excuse up to 5 days per school year. These letters must be submitted within 3 days of the absence attached to a Digital Excuse Card in the Sapphire Community Web Portal. The letters will excuse the date of visit only. Any days missed due to travel must be requested in advance using an Educational Trip Form. Students in grade K-10 visiting a post-secondary institution, whether for themselves or a sibling, must submit an Educational Trip Form at least a week in advance to have the days missed excused. These days will be counted toward the student’s 5 Educational Trip Days for the year for students in grades K-10.
     
14. A doctor’s excuse is required if a student is out of school due to illness for 3 or more consecutive days. The doctor’s note must be submitted with the Digital Excuse Card in the Sapphire Community Web Portal upon the student’s return to school in order for the absence to be excused.

Chronic Attendance Problems

If a student’s excused absence pattern for purposes of illness becomes excessive, appears questionable, or has reached between five and ten days of absence, school officials will notify the parents of the possibility of a physician’s excuse being required for all future absences. If the absences continue and reach eleven (11) days, it will be necessary to require that any future absences be explained by a physician’s certificate indicating the student was seen by the health care provider. This will be in effect for the remainder of the school year. Should the student transfer from the Spring Grove Area School District during the school year, the status of the questionable attendance will be shared with the receiving school district.

Students under Age 18

• If a student is charged with three (3) days of unlawful absence, a first notice of unlawful absence will be sent to the parents or guardians.
   
• If a fourth day of unlawful absence is recorded, a Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) will need to be developed with the student, parents, and school representatives. Additional unlawful absences will result in a referral to Children and Youth Services or a complaint will be filed with the District Justice; the state law imposes a fine, which includes court costs.

Students Aged 18 or Older

• If the student is in receipt of three days of unexcused absences, a written notification will be mailed home, and a conference with the school counselor and attendance officer will be scheduled.

Electronic Excuse Cards

Digital Excuse Cards must be submitted through the Sapphire Community Web Portal, the student information system.

Automated Messaging

The District uses the automated Sapphire Notification System to promptly call every student’s assigned contact (parents/guardians) and staff member in the event of an emergency and/or to share other important and time-sensitive information. This system may also be used to alert parents/guardians of student absences and to remind them that an absence/excuse card should be submitted when their child returns to school the next day. Maintaining a valid ten-digit phone number for these calls is critical. Parents may provide more than one telephone number for the automated messaging system.

Building Security

The District utilizes a Visitor Management System (RAPTOR) at each school building. Once a visitor has initially entered the appropriate information into the Raptor VMS, the information does not need to be re-entered for subsequent visits. 

There is a camera/audio/buzzer system at each building’s primary entrance. All visitors wishing to enter a District School Building must enter through the primary entrance and request entry by ringing the buzzer. All other building entrances remain locked during the school day. Office staff will grant entry only after the appropriate initial screening and will then request valid identification and the purpose of the visit prior to “buzzing in” the visitor to the main office.

All visitors must have a visitor’s pass, or district staff will escort you to the main office. The Spring Grove Area School District strives to maintain a safe learning environment in all schools and for all students and staff. To this end, we ask for your complete cooperation with this matter.

Cafeteria/Food Service

All foods available in district schools during the school day will be offered to students with consideration for promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity. Meals provided through the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs will comply with federal nutrition standards under the School Meals Initiative. All competitive foods and beverages available to students in district schools during the school day will comply with the nutritional standards for competitive foods in Pennsylvania schools.

The cafeteria operates under strict state and federal regulations governing the preparation and serving of food. The current prices for breakfast and lunch are available on our website. Some students may qualify for free and reduced meals based on family size and income. Information on this program is available on the District's website under Nutrition Services or by contacting Support Services at (717) 225-4731, ext. 3025.

MySchoolBucks.com: The Spring Grove Area School District is pleased to offer an online option for families to pay for student lunches. Our Nutrition Services Department accepts payments for school meals through MySchoolBucks.com – an online payment service. MySchoolBucks.com offers a secure transaction gateway that accepts VISA®, MasterCard®, and Discover as a means of adding money to your child’s meal account. Credit or debit cards can be used.

Important: The District participates with MySchoolBucks.com to provide parents/guardians the opportunity to view their child’s account 24/7. Setting up and viewing the account is free. Making a payment to their account online is optional.

If a student’s cafeteria account has a negative balance, the student will be offered a standard breakfast or lunch, as defined by the National School Lunch/Breakfast Program (NSLP, NSBP). No charges will be allowed for extra items, such as a-la-carte options, drinks, or second meals.

The collection of negative balances will be communicated to the parents/guardians of the student by either email or letters on a weekly basis as long as the account remains negative. Negative balances will then be turned over to the Business Office if no funds have been collected, and the account may be referred to a collection agency. 

If payment by personal check is returned to the School District, marked “Non-Sufficient Funds” (NSF), the School District will reverse the credit to the student’s account in the amount of the original check. This may result in a negative balance in the account, and the procedures listed above will be followed for charging meals and paying the overdue balance. A $20.00 fee will be assessed for NSF checks returned to the School District. (See the District website for more detailed information.)

Camera Surveillance

Video surveillance cameras, both covert and overt, are installed in District facilities and buses for security and monitoring purposes. This equipment may or may not be actively monitored at any given time. Information through these recordings will be shared with district staff and local agencies as deemed appropriate by the administration.

Child Abuse/Student Abuse

According to the Child Protective Service Law (Act 151 of 1994), School Districts are mandated reporters and will report to local authorities, when they have reasonable cause to suspect, on the basis of their professional training and experience, that a child coming before them in their professional capacity is an abused child.

Commission of a Crime

The commission of any of the crimes defined and enumerated in the “Crime Code” of Pennsylvania (Act 334, December 6, 1972) will result in disciplinary action being taken.

Conflict Resolution

If a problem develops between a student and a staff member, the student and parents are encouraged to first contact the school employee involved, to clarify the issues and reach a solution. If a satisfactory decision cannot be reached, students and parents are encouraged to contact the school counselor, and then the Building Principal, if needed. If a problem develops between a student and another student, the student is encouraged to contact the school counselor.

Daily Opening Exercises

Policy #807

All students are encouraged to participate in opening exercises. Opening exercises include the Pledge of Allegiance (flag salute), the playing of the National Anthem, and a moment of silent meditation. Students may decline to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and refrain from saluting the flag on the basis of religious conviction or personal belief. 

A student who declines to participate in opening exercises will maintain a respectful attitude throughout the exercises. If a student is disrespectful during opening exercises, such students will be subject to disciplinary action, consistent with the Student Disciplinary Code as outlined in the Progressive Discipline Chart.

Debt Collection

The District will take reasonable efforts to collect unpaid charges or debts from parents/guardians, including but not limited to, unpaid meal charges, student fines, technology fees, uniform or equipment expenses, library/book fines, and other charges. If the charges still remain unpaid, the District may turn the charges over to a professional collection agency. Unpaid charges are subject to a collection fee. This additional fee will be added to the charge if it is not paid to the District when requested. The parent/guardian is ultimately responsible to pay the charge, including any additional collection fee.

Educational Records

Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are: 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the Building Principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the Building Principal and clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 

3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 

Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. 

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: 

Family Policy Compliance Office 
U.S. Department of Education   
400 Maryland Avenue, SW 
Washington, DC 20202-5901 

Demographic information will be shared with local law enforcement personnel and other agency persons when it is considered that the information is valid to the safety and well-being of staff, students, or community members. 

Emergency Information

At the beginning of each school year, parents will provide emergency information concerning each child via the Sapphire Community Web Portal "Student Data Card" form. This information will include the names and phone numbers of contacts that are responsible for picking up the child when parents are unable to be contacted. 

We encourage all parents/guardians to have more than one emergency contact available in the event that a situation warrants immediate contact. When an emergency contact changes address and/or changes phone numbers, it is very important that parents inform the school office of this change immediately.

Emergency Operations Plan

The District is committed to maintaining the safety and security of all students. As such, the District has a district-wide School Safety and Security Committee, and each school building has developed specific plans in the event of an emergency. Specifics related to this plan are shared with parents via an Emergency Protocol Letter from the Superintendent located under District Foundations on the Student Parent Handbook webpage of the District website.

Emergency School Closings

The District’s automated messaging system (Sapphire Notification) will be utilized to share information regarding school closures, school delays, early dismissals, and late buses with parents/guardians using the home number and/or any and all alternative number(s) provided. Additionally, announcements will be made over WGAL-TV 8, FOX 43 TV, CBS 21 STORMWATCH, and ABC-27, as well as Facebook (@SGSchoolNews) for this purpose.

School closings, delays, and early dismissals are also posted on the District website.

English Language Development

Policy #138

In accordance with the Board’s philosophy to provide a quality educational program to all students, the Spring Grove Area School District shall provide an appropriate, planned instructional program for identified students whose dominant language is not English. The goal of the program shall be to increase English language proficiency of eligible students so they can attain the academic standards adopted by the Board and achieve academic success. Students who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) shall be identified, assessed and provided instruction, and shall be provided an equal opportunity to reach their maximum potential in educational programs and extracurricular activities, consistent with federal and state laws and regulations.

EL Program Goals:

• to provide the necessary services and/or modifications to educate the student whose dominant language is other than English
• to attend to specific needs in socialization skills, unfamiliarity with school culture, and developmental language deficits
• to facilitate the student’s achievement of English language proficiency and the PA Core Standards/English Language Development (ELD)
• to ensure effective and meaningful participation in regular education
• to facilitate the acclimatization process in a complex, multicultural society by exposing students to the customs, traditions, and expectations of their new environment
• to facilitate effective communication between the school and home of the English Learner (EL) student

Identification of English Learners begins at registration. School personnel responsible for registering students must have parents complete a Home Language Survey. New students whose answer is other than English to one or more of the Home Language Survey questions must also complete the English Language Development Information Form and be referred to the ELD teacher. Upon the completion of the Home Language Survey and the ELD Information Form, the ELD teacher works with the student (administering informal and/or formal assessments, observing in the classroom setting, and soliciting input from the regular education teachers). The ELD teacher will confer with parents, the regular education teacher(s), and principal to complete the ELD Service Recommendation Form. Parents will be given the option to decline services.

Questions concerning this program should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent at (717) 225-4731, extension 3023.

Field Trips

Policy #121

All students on field trips remain under the supervision and responsibility of the Spring Grove Area School District and must adhere to the established rules, regulations, policy, and expectations of the District. Students may participate in field trips to foreign countries only if the field trip is coordinated and led by professional employees of the school district and approved by the Superintendent and the Board of School Directors during the regular school year.

Students driving private vehicles to field trips is strongly discouraged. Any special exception must be approved by the Building Principal on an individual basis, considering needs and alternatives. The following conditions must be met, and, in addition, each driver and passenger must have parental permission as per the approved permission form:

1. Written permission must be granted by the Building Principal and filed in the principal’s office.
2. The vehicle must be adequately covered by liability and medical payment insurance, as prescribed by state law and verified by the Building Principal.

Students appearing at destinations without following the above guidelines are not considered to be part of the school group.

Health Examinations/Health Screenings

Policy #209

The school nurse will monitor student records for documentation of all health and dental examinations required by Pennsylvania School Code 1402-1407.

• Health examinations are required for original entry, 6^th grade, and 11^th grade
• Dental examinations are required for 1^st grade, 3^rd grade, and 7^th grade.

It is encouraged that parents/guardians have these examinations completed by their family health care provider; appropriate forms are available from the school office or may be downloaded from the District website.

For those students who do not furnish the school nurse with the appropriate report, an examination will be arranged by the school nurse.

During the school year, the school district sponsors a variety of state-mandated health screenings.

All students are screened annually for vision and growth. Hearing screenings are completed for all students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11, ungraded, and annually for failures. Scoliosis screenings are completed in grades 6 and 7. Additional screenings are available upon specific request. Students are automatically screened unless the parent/guardian submits a note requesting a student be excused from the screening. These notes are valid only for the school year submitted.

Health Services - School Wellness

Policy #246

Ultimate care of any sickness, accident, or injury of any school child while under the jurisdiction of the school (in traveling to and/or from school or while in school) is still the responsibility of the parent. Therefore, no employee of the school system has the authority to refer any medical or surgical care to any physician or institution of his or her choice. Such choice is up to the parent or guardian.

School nurses are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to report suspected communicable and infectious diseases to the local county health authority.

Policy #203

Infected students have the same right to attend school and receive services as other students and will be subject to the same policies and rules. School authorities will determine the educational placement of infected students on a case-to-case basis by following policy and procedures established for students with chronic health problems and students with disabilities.

Homebound Instruction

Policy #117

Students confined to home or hospital for physical disability, illness or injury, or when such confinement is recommended for psychological or psychiatric reasons, may be eligible for homebound instruction. An application for homebound requires a letter from the physician certifying the nature of the illness or disability, the need for confinement to home or a hospital, and the probable duration of the confinement. A homebound request cannot exceed twelve weeks.

In the event the confinement is recommended for psychological or psychiatric reasons, the recommendation must be certified by a psychiatrist or a physician and psychologist.

Homeless Students (Homelessness, Foster Care, and Other Educational Instability)

Policy #251

Spring Grove Area School District aims to provide educational stability for students experiencing transitions, displacement, or homelessness, as outlined in Board Policy 251. Dr. Michelle Ludwig, Director of Pupil Services, is the District’s Liaison between students and their families and the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program. The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal mandate that ensures students experiencing homelessness or displacement can access the same free and appropriate public education as their peers. 

Please refer to the SGASD Homelessness webpage or the Basic Education Circulars (BECs) for Education for Homeless Youth for additional information on the following:

• The duties and responsibilities of the LEA's Homeless Liaison and their contact information
• The McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness
• Unaccompanied youth definition and rights
• Information about the rights of students experiencing homelessness
• The dispute resolution process

Immunization Requirements

Policy #203

Pennsylvania Department of Health Regulations states that all students need to be immunized with the following when entering school in grades K-12.

• 4 doses of tetanus
• 4 doses of diphtheria
• 4 doses of acellular pertussis vaccine (1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday)
• 4 doses of polio (1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday)
• 3 doses of hepatitis B
• 2 doses of measles (1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday)
• 2 doses of mumps
• 2 doses of rubella (German measles) (1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday)
• 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) or history of disease

Immunization requirements for students attending 7th grade:

• 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
• 2 doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) (First dose given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or prior to entry into 12^th grade. If the dose was given at 16 years or older, only one dose is required).

Insurance

All students must be covered by insurance to be eligible to participate in the school athletic program. This may be a family policy or accident insurance, which will be made available through the school.

Integrated Pest Management

Policy #716

The state signed into law Act 35 and Act 36 of 2002 pertaining to requirements of School Districts and other municipalities related to pest management and the use of pesticides in the School District. In accordance with the law, the School District will maintain records of all chemical pest control treatments for a period of three (3) years, and all treatments will be posted on bulletin boards and provided to each employee of the building as required both before and after any treatments.

Also, you, as a parent or guardian of a student, may receive direct notification before any spraying that will occur at the building your child attends by completing “Appendix C” in the Sapphire Community Web Portal. 

This form must be completed and submitted annually for inclusion on the notification listing. Any additional questions or requests for information should be made to the District Facilities Manager at the above address or by calling (717)225-4731, extension 3029.

Livestreaming Policy

Student/Parent Acknowledgement of Virtual and Livestream Instruction Privacy Concern

The Board has adopted Policy 815.1, Livestreaming, to allow for “live” learning from a remote location. The main purpose of Policy 815.1 is to authorize the creation of hybrid classes. A hybrid class is one in which the teacher and a portion of the students in the class are located in the brick-and-mortar classroom on District property, and a portion of the students are located off District property, participating in livestream instruction and other educational activities. Additional staff may engage with the hybrid class, whether on or off District property. The District may livestream instruction through the broadcast of live video content through the Internet and virtual platforms, which may include social media platforms.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law created to protect personally identifiable information (PII) located in a student’s education record from unauthorized disclosure. The District annually posts a FERPA notice to provide a comprehensive description of parent and student rights as well as District obligations in relation to those rights. This notice applies to recorded virtual and livestream instruction. 

The District is making reasonable efforts to protect PII found in education records; however, this notice serves to apprise families that the District cannot entirely ensure student privacy when utilizing virtual instruction and/or livestream instruction. Live lessons with teachers or other educational professionals may be recorded, and thus, contain student interaction.

When a Student is Engaged in Virtual and/or Livestream Instruction From a Remote Location

To the maximum extent possible, the student must engage in virtual or livestream instruction in a space away from noises and distractions.

• The student may need to put a curtain or object in the background to prevent others in the hybrid class from viewing items in the remote setting.
• The student may need to wear headphones or earbuds to prevent noise in the remote setting from distracting the hybrid class. Should ongoing distractions occur, and if the student does not utilize headphones or earbuds, the teacher may have to mute the student in the remote setting.

Only the invited student may attend the virtual and/or livestream instruction from a remote location.

• Families must not disrupt or engage in students’ instructional processes. Families/parents/guardians who wish to assist in their child’s instruction from a remote setting must have prior approval from the District.
• If a parent/guardian or third party happens to be present when protected information is shared via virtual and/or livestream instruction, that person is prohibited from re-sharing the information.

Student behavior in a remote setting will be handled in a manner similar to in-person classroom settings. Policy 815.1 incorporates the Code of Conduct and its disciplinary processes, including suspension and expulsion.

Parents/guardians and students are prohibited from recording virtual and/or livestream instruction without District permission.

Electronic communication with teachers (audio and/or video) must be for legitimate educational purposes only. Legitimate educational purposes include matters relating to teaching, educational support, counseling, athletics, and extracurricular activities.

We ask that all members of the school community make every reasonable effort to abide by and implement these privacy guidelines. The District staff thank you and appreciate your cooperation with the above matters as we provide valuable educational opportunities to your child. 

Livestream instruction may be recorded and, thus, contain student interaction. The District will not share these recordings or any educational records with anyone who does not have a legitimate educational interest without written parental consent. The recordings may, however, be shared with other students for instructional purposes, in which case you may be notified.

Parent(s) / Guardian(s)

When your child is in the classroom on the District campus, his or her interactions may be captured and live-streamed to students engaged in instruction off the District campus.

When your child is engaging in instruction from a site not located on the District campus, the livestream may capture the visual and audio interactions taking place in the remote setting.

Recordings of instruction, including but not limited to, hybrid class live-streams and pre-recorded instruction, are the property of the District. (See Policy 815, Responsible Use of Internet and Network Resources.)

Should you receive a recording of a hybrid class livestream, it is because you have a legitimate educational interest in your child’s education.

Should you receive a recording of the livestream, you are obligated to abide by privacy protections and shall not share this livestream recording with anyone, even if it is the parent of another student in your child’s class. Only the District is authorized to share live stream recordings.

You shall utilize the livestream recording only for the remote instruction of your child.

Should you violate such privacy requirements – i.e. share this livestream recording with anyone or on the website or on social media – you will be prohibited from gaining access to future recordings.

Student

Recordings of instruction, including but not limited to, hybrid class livestreams and pre-recorded instruction, are the property of the District. (See Policy 815, Responsible Use of Internet and Network Resources, and Policy 224, Care of School Property.)

Should you receive a recording of instruction, it is to be used by you only for educational purposes as instructed by your teacher.

Should you receive a recording of instruction, you are obligated to abide by privacy protections and shall not share this recording of instruction with anyone or edit or misuse it in any way, even if it is with another student in your class. Only the District is authorized to share recordings of instruction.

You shall utilize the recording of instruction only for remote instruction.

Should you violate such privacy requirements – i.e. share this recording of instruction with anyone or post it on the website or on social media, or in any way edit or misuse the recording – you will be prohibited from gaining access to future recordings and maybe disciplined in accordance with Policies 224 and 815.

Medical Personnel

A Certified School Nurse (CSN) or Health Care Assistant (HCA) is assigned to each educational building to provide needed health care. The goal of the school nurse is to promote lifelong healthful living through health promotion, correction of health problems, and adjustments to chronic conditions, coordinating strengths of family, school, and community to help children achieve optimum health.

The nurse provides a variety of health screenings, maintains student health records, and provides care for emergency and non-emergency health problems occurring during school hours. Health problems and acute injuries that occur outside the school hours are the primary responsibility of the family, and care should be obtained through the family physician.

Medication

Policy #210

Medication should be given before or after school hours whenever possible. If it is essential that a student receive any medicine (over the counter or prescribed) during school hours, a School Medication Form must be completed by the physician. (See Policy #210)

Medication forms can be completed in the Sapphire Community Web Portal. Medications such as Tylenol and Maalox will be given only by the nurse or the health care assistant to students in grades 5-12 after evaluating the need and only during health room hours, with parental permission. A maximum of twelve (12) doses per year of Tylenol for students in grades 5-12 will be given with parental permission. Additional doses of Tylenol will require a physician’s order and the School Medication Form.

All medications require name, date, medication, dosage, administration time, side effects, physician, and parent signature. Medication must be sent to school in the original container.

Self-administration of “emergency” medication is permitted only if it has been determined medically necessary to be administered immediately at the onset of symptoms. Appropriate paperwork must be placed on file in the nurse’s office. (See Policy #210 Attachment.)

Naloxone will be administered as emergency medication, as indicated by the standing order of the Physician General of Pennsylvania.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in their child’s educational program through participating in Parent-Teacher Conferences.

In addition to the scheduled conference sessions listed on the school calendar, a conference can be scheduled at any time to discuss a student’s academic progress or other concerns or questions relating to the child’s educational program. Conferences can be scheduled directly with the classroom teacher or by contacting the school office.

Parties and Classroom Rewards

Policy #246

Student or parent-initiated parties or special events are not encouraged. Any student/parent-initiated special activity requires prior approval by the principal or assistant principal. In the event of a party, all food or drink must adhere to the nutrition guidelines established by the school district in accordance with the Student Wellness Policy #246 and The Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania.

Competitive foods and beverages are defined as any foods or beverages offered or sold at school other than the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs and include classroom parties, holiday celebrations, and food from home for the classroom.  All competitive foods and beverages available to students in district schools during the school day will comply with the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and the Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools.

The Nutritional Standards for Competitive Foods in Pennsylvania Schools state:

• Classroom parties will offer minimal amounts of foods (a maximum of 2 to 3 items) that contain added sugar as the first ingredient. Optimally, the following choices should be offered:
• Fresh fruits and/or vegetables
• Water, 100% fruit juice, or milk
   
• Parents and teachers are encouraged to utilize the Nutrition Services Department for celebration baskets on special occasions.
   
• Food should not be the primary reward considered for classroom or school activities. When used, food rewards should promote a positive nutritional message that supports the SGASD Wellness policy.

Homemade foods/foods prepared or assembled in a non-commercial kitchen are not permitted. All food or drink donations must be sourced through the Nutrition Services Department. Celebration baskets and snack bags are available to purchase through MySchoolBucks. Orders must be placed two (2) weeks prior to the date needed to ensure timely delivery.

Personal Property

The school takes no responsibility for loss or damage to a student’s personal property.  Students should never bring large sums of money or articles of an expensive nature to school. Do not ask a teacher to take responsibility for personal property. Skateboards are not permitted in school.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

Policy #235

Notification of Rights under The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) 

PPRA affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to: 

• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”), if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED): 

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; 
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family; 
3. Sex behavior or attitudes; 
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; 
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships; 
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers; 
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or 
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility. 

• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: 

1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; 
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under State law; and 
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. 

• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use: 

1. Protected information surveys of students; 
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and 
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. 

These rights transfer to/from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law. 

The Spring Grove Area School District has adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. Spring Grove Area School District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. Spring Grove Area School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Spring Grove Area School District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year, if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this requirement: 

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution. 

• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED. 

• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. 

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: 

Family Policy Compliance Office 
U.S. Department of Education 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901 

Specifics regarding this amendment can be found in Policy #235.

Release of Student Information

Policy #250

School Districts must provide the military recruiters, institutions of higher education, or other organizations, as per Policy #250, access to secondary school student directory information on students who are juniors and seniors. This type of directory information would include name, address, and telephone number. It is required that this list be compiled after the opt-out form due date each academic year for those students in grades 11 and 12.

Parents have the right to request that this directory information not be disclosed without prior written consent. The parent must inform the school district, in writing, that such directory information is not to be shared with respect to their child. The form to “Opt Out” of releasing student information can be found as “Appendix I” of the High School specific section of the Student Parent Handbook.

Release of Students During the School Day

To ensure the welfare and safety of our students, the following safeguards will be observed:

• Adults are not permitted to go to the classroom to pick up a student. Adults are expected to remain in the office area to unite with the student. All students must be “checked out” in the office when leaving the building.
• Parents are required to make sure any legal documents limiting custody be placed on file in the office of the Building Principal. Students will be released only to their custodial parents/legal guardians or the individuals listed as emergency contacts on the emergency card. In the event the non-custodial parent wishes to take the child at any point during the school day, they should have explicit written consent from the custodial parent with a phone number for contact in the event of any questions concerning the request.
• When releasing a student, the office personnel must check the appropriate school records to ensure that the child is released only to their custodial parents/legal guardians or individuals listed on the emergency card. Please be certain that the emergency information is up-to-date and on file in the main office.

Further guidance is indicated below in the District’s Notification of Neutrality Toward Families Split by Divorce or Separation. 

It is the intent of the Spring Grove Area School District to remain neutral toward families split by divorce or separation. The District will not take sides with one parent against the other in situations where there may be possible conflict over your child who attends school in this District. If you have the most recent court order/court decree that describes legal and physical custody arrangements, please provide it to the District for attachment to your child’s permanent record(s). 

In the absence of such a document, please be aware that the District cannot deny either parent access to his/her child. The District cannot withhold information or refuse to see or work with the other parent. The District cannot prevent the other parent from picking up his/her child from school. 

To ensure all children have a calm and supportive environment at school, we kindly ask parents to do their best to resolve any potential conflicts. 

Right of Refusal by the Student

Animal Dissection

Students and their parents or guardians have the right to decline participation in an educational project involving the use of animals for lab dissection. Parents or guardians have the right to assert the rights of their children to refuse participation in those projects.

Students who choose to refrain from participation in these educational projects will be offered an alternative education project for the purpose of providing the student with factual knowledge and information required by the course of study. This alternative project cannot be more burdensome than the original assignment.

The law mandates that students and parents/guardians be informed of their options at least three weeks before the dissection exercise begins.

HIV/AIDS Instruction

The Wellness Department has determined that students should be educated about AIDS. Because of this, AIDS education will be discussed, but not limited to, the Intermediate, Middle, and High Schools. The Wellness Department will discuss with the student how it spreads and the signs, symptoms and stages people that have the disease exhibit. Information concerning specific curriculum topics and materials are available for parent review by contacting your child’s wellness instructor.

According to PA Code 5.220 “A school district shall excuse a student from HIS/AIDS instruction when the instruction conflicts with the religious beliefs or moral principles of the student or parent or guardian of the student and when an excuse is requested in writing. Prior to the commencement of instruction, a school district shall publicize that detailed curriculum outlines, and the curricular materials used in conjunction with the instruction are available to parents and guardians during normal school hours or at parent-teacher conferences. Curricular materials, if practical, shall be made available by the school district for home instruction use by a parent or guardian of a student excused from the district’s HIV/AIDS instruction.”

Students who choose to refrain from participation in these educational areas will be offered an alternative education project for the purpose of providing the student factual knowledge and information required by the course of study. This alternative project cannot be more burdensome than the original assignment.

Sapphire Community Web Portal (Parent Portal)

The Sapphire Community Web Portal connects students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff through an intuitive interface that is reliable and easy to use. Its integration with the Sapphire modules gives students and parents a powerful portal to view their educational progress and communicate with teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators can upload and share documents in any electronic format, and the student information system accurately populates all data. Students and parents are automatically notified via email anytime new information is available to them in the Portal. The Sapphire Community Portal is currently available (in varying degrees) for students in grades K-12. All parents/guardians are encouraged to create a login so that access to report cards and other information can be accessed in a timely manner.

School Counseling/Social Work/School Based Therapy

Policy #112

The School Counseling Program strives to be developmental in nature, assisting students to become life-long learners who are productive and responsible citizens. School Counselors are resources for students, parents, staff, administrators, and the community. Implementation of the District Counseling Program is achieved through classroom lessons, group counseling, individual counseling, and consultation. Appointments with counselors can be arranged by contacting the counselor’s office.

District Social Workers are also available as an additional resource for students, parents, and families. Appointments may be arranged at each school.

School-based therapy is available within the District as a community service and provided independently through Pennsylvania Comprehensive Behavioral Health (PCBH) Services. Information on this service is available through the school counselor at each building.

School Names

The name of the Spring Grove Area School District, any of its schools, any school groups, or any employees in their school-related capacity may not be used by an outside organization or individual, for the solicitation of advertising or any other consideration, for merchants or residents of the Spring Grove Area School District, without prior approval

School Property

(i.e., textbooks, electronic devices, protective cases, locks)

1. Students are responsible for school property issued to them. It is the responsibility of the student to replace property that is lost, damaged, or stolen.
2. Respect for school property and the property of others is a responsibility of good citizenship and is expected at all times. Students will be charged for damage to school property caused by carelessness or abuse.  Willful destruction or theft of property will result in disciplinary action in addition to paying for damage or loss. The administration may report to the appropriate juvenile authorities, any student whose damage of school property has been serious or chronic in nature.
3. Students are responsible for the return of Media Center materials by the date assigned at the time of checkout.

Middle School/High School

Overdue Books/Equipment Notices: Each book is marked with the appropriate due date. Overdue notices are sent as a courtesy. When books/equipment are late, an overdue notice is sent on Fridays to homeroom teachers to distribute.

Elementary Schools/Intermediate School

Students will be charged the cost of the lost or past due item not returned. A letter will be sent to parents requesting the replacement cost of the item.

All outstanding financial and/or other obligations are expected to be resolved by the end of the school year. Refer to Debt Collection regarding the collection of unpaid charges/debts.

School Resource Officers (SROs)

Policy #805.2

The Spring Grove Area School District contracts with Northern York County Regional Police Department for uniformed police officers to be assigned to District facilities. The School Resource Officers support the School District in a variety of areas, such as local law enforcement; monitoring safety in school; conducting safety/security drills in collaboration with District administrators; and supporting educational and/or counseling programs that are relevant to law enforcement and safety.

School Volunteers

Policy #916

School volunteers enhance the educational experience in many ways: assisting students individually and in small groups; supporting student and school activities; helping develop and grow district initiatives.

State law requires all school volunteers having direct contact with children to obtain the following clearances:

1. Child Abuse History Clearance
2. Pennsylvania Criminal History Check
3. Federal Criminal History Check or proof of continued PA residency for a period of 10 or more years.

Persons interested in becoming a school volunteer must complete a brief application form (available online) and secure the above clearances. All necessary materials are available on the District website under the Community Tab, Volunteer Services. When all paperwork has been received and processed appropriately, contact will be made with the individual for the next steps.

Sickness

The nurse’s office will be open daily. If the nurse is not in the Health Suite, the student should always report to the main office - never to a restroom. Students need to acquire a pass from the teacher before reporting to the nurse. Students should report to the nurse in a prompt manner. Students failing to follow this procedure will be considered out of their assigned area and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Contacting Parents

When a student is ill, the school nurse or administrative designee will contact the parents to make arrangements to remove the student from school, if appropriate.  Students are not permitted to call parents to make such arrangements.

Students may only leave school property if prior arrangements have been made between the nurse and the parent or emergency contact.

If the nurse does not send the student home, the absence is considered unlawful.

Students who have a temperature of 100 degrees or more, a contagious illness, or have had repeated episodes of vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours should not attend school. 

Students should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Parents/guardians will be contacted if your child becomes ill or injured at school. For this reason, the current home, work, and emergency phone numbers must be maintained in the main office. Please inform the school secretary whenever your contact information changes. Please refer to the following if you are unsure if your child should attend school on a particular day.

I need to keep my child home if they have:

• A temperature of 100 or higher
• Vomited within the past 24 hours
• Had diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• A body rash with itching or fever
• An itchy head active with head lice
• An eye infection or presenting redness, itching, and/or crusty drainage from the eye(s)

My child is ready to go back to school when they are:

• Fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, i.e., Tylenol, Motrin
• Free from vomiting for at least two solid meals
• Free from diarrhea for the last 24 hours
• Free from rash, itching, or fever/have been evaluated by a doctor if needed
• Treated with the appropriate lice treatment at home, and the proof is provided to the school nurse
• Have been evaluated by a doctor and have a note to return to school

Special Education Services

Spring Grove Area School District provides a continuum of special educational services and support. An annual review of current programming and the complex needs of our students prompts the administration to research the needs of SG resident students qualifying for services under PA Ch. 14 and IDEA. This review is focused on the least restrictive environment for individual students. The IEP team determines the programming based on the student’s individual needs. 

The following support is offered: 

• Learning Support 
• Emotional Support 
• Autistic Support 
• Life Skills Support 
• Secondary Transition Services 

Further clarification and discussion of our programs are available by contacting the appropriate Special Education Supervisor: 

Dr. Kerri Henry, Elementary Special Education Supervisor
henryk@sgasd.org 
717-225-4731 ext. 5077 

Ms. Shannon Shearer, Secondary Special Education Supervisor 
shearers@sgasd.org 
717-225-4731 ext. 6077 

Student Expression

Policy #220

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 part of that expression. The Board also recognizes that the exercise of that right must be limited by the district’s responsibility to maintain a safe and 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 and substantially disrupt or interfere with the educational process, including school activities, school work, discipline, safety 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.

Expression means verbal, written, technological or symbolic representation or communication.

Student expression that occurs on school property or at school-sponsored events is fully governed by Policy #220. In addition, off campus or after-hours expression is governed by the same Policy if the student expression involved constitutes unprotected expression and provided the off-campus or after-hours expression does or is likely to substantially interfere with the educational process, including school activities, school work, discipline, safety 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.

Dissemination means students issuing non-school materials to others on school property or during school-sponsored events; placing upon desks, tables, on or in lockers; or engaging in any other manner of delivery of non-school materials to others while on school property or during school functions. When email, text messaging or other technological delivery is used as a means of dissemination or accessing non-school materials via use of school equipment or while on school property or at school functions, it shall be governed by Policy #220. Off-campus or after-hour dissemination, including technological dissemination, that does or is likely to substantially interfere with the educational process, including school activities, schoolwork, discipline, safety 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 is also covered by Policy #220.

Non-school materials mean any printed, technological or written materials meant for posting or general dissemination that are not prepared as part of the curricular or approved extracurricular programs of the district. This includes, but is not limited to, fliers, invitations, announcements, pamphlets, posters, Internet bulletin boards, personal websites, and the like.

Posting means publicly displaying non-school materials on school property or at school-sponsored events, including but not limited to affixing such materials, to walls, doors, bulletin boards, easels, the outside of lockers; on district-sponsored or student websites; through other district-owned technology, and the like. When email, text messaging or other technological delivery is used as a means of posting non-school materials via use of school equipment or while on school property or at school functions, it shall be governed by Policy #220. Off-campus or after hours posting, including technological posting, that does or is likely to materially or substantially interfere with the educational process, including school activities, schoolwork, discipline, safety 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 is also covered by Policy #220.

Unprotected Student Expression

The Board reserves the right to designate and prohibit manifestations of student expression that are not protected by the right of free expression because they violate the rights of others or where such expression is likely to or does substantially interfere with school activities, schoolwork, discipline, safety and order on school property or at school functions. While the following list is not intended to be exhaustive, such expression shall not be protected if it:

1. Violates federal, state, or local laws, Board policy or district rules and procedures
2. Is libelous, defamatory, obscene, lewd, vulgar, or profane
3. Advocates the use or advertises the availability of any substances or material that may reasonably be believed to constitute a direct and serious danger to the health or welfare of students, such as tobacco/nicotine/vaping products, alcohol or illegal drugs.
4. Incites violences, advocates use of force or threatens serious harm to the school or community.
5. Is likely to or does materially or substantially interfere with the educational process, such as school activities, schoolwork, discipline, safety, and order on school property or at school functions.
6. Interferes with, or advocates interference with, the rights of any individual or the safe and orderly operation of the schools and their programs.
7. Violates written school district procedures on time, place, and manner for posting and dissemination of otherwise protected expression.

Spontaneous student expression, which is otherwise protected speech, is not prohibited by this section

Student Fundraising

Policy #229

Student fundraising will include the solicitation and collection of money and other items of value by students that are part of a board-approved student activity for any purpose and shall include the collection of money in exchange for tickets, papers, advertising, or other goods or services.

Collection of money by students on behalf of organizations outside the school may be permitted only by approval of the Spring Grove Board of Directors. 

Student Responsibilities

According to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education regulations, student responsibilities (Section 12) are as follows:

1. Regular school attendance, conscientious effort in class work and conformance to school rules and regulation. Most of all, students share with the administration and staff a responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living.
2. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his/her fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of teachers, students, administrators, and all others who are involved in the educational process.
3. Students should express their ideas and opinions in a respectful manner.
4. It is the responsibility of all students to conform to the following:

a. Be knowledgeable of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves in accordance with them. Students should assume that until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed in writing, it is in effect.

b. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property.

c. Dress and groom to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational process.

d. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for members of our school community.

e. Comply with the Commonwealth of PA and local laws.

f. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment.

g. Attend school daily and be on time for all classes and other school functions.

h. Makeup work when absent from school.

i. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by the Commonwealth of PA and local school authorities.

j. Report accurately and refrain from using indecent or obscene language in student newspapers and/or publications.

Students observing or otherwise becoming aware of weapons on school property, at school activities, or on school transportation will report the same to the administration immediately. Administrators will report individuals suspected of possessing weapons on school property, at school activities, or on school transportation to the appropriate law enforcement officials immediately.

Support Services for Academics

All district students are provided a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In order to assist some students in receiving FAPE, additional services are necessary and provided through identifying students as eligible for instructional support, special education, or protected handicapped services.

Every effort will be made to meet the student’s needs in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Students experiencing academic difficulty will be referred to the Instructional Support Team, sometimes called the Child Study Team or Student Study Team. At this level, District staff, parents, and the student work to develop strategies to assist the student in being successful in his/her general classes.

If this support is not successful, completion of a formal evaluation, with parent permission, determines if a student is eligible and in need of special education services according to the state and federal guidelines. Spring Grove Area School District, with the support of the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12, provides an extensive continuum of special education services. If eligible for these services, a multi-disciplinary/parent meeting will be scheduled to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and determine the appropriate educational placement.

On occasion, a student does not qualify for special education services and possesses a physical or mental disability that limits or prohibits them from participation in, and access to, the school’s educational program. In situations such as these, the student may be eligible for identification as a Protected Handicapped Student and eligible for a Service Agreement.

Specific information on instructional support, special education, and/or protected handicapped services, can be obtained by contacting the Building Principal or school counselor.

Telephone Calls

No telephone calls (other than emergencies) to students or teachers will be accepted and/or delivered during the time that classes are in session. The use of the office telephone is only available for emergency or urgent calls. Messages for teachers can be recorded in their individual voicemailboxes at any time.

The best time to speak directly to a teacher would be immediately before or after the regular student day.

Withdrawing from School

When a withdrawal from school is to be made because of a move from the school district, the parent should provide the school with the exact date of withdrawal, their new address, and the name of the school district they will enter. No school records will be given to parents except for copies of the immunization card and report card. All scholastic records will be forwarded to the appropriate receiving school upon receipt of a records request from the new school district.

When withdrawing from or dropping out of school is requested because a student has surpassed the compulsory age of attendance (18 years old) or has reached the age of 16 and has documentation of a full-time job in addition to parent permission, the student should schedule a preliminary conference with his/her counselor to discuss the reason for wanting to withdraw and potential consequences of the action. After such preliminary conference, students still intent on dropping out of school will schedule an exit meeting with the building administrator, counselor, and parent, to complete the paperwork and an exit survey and discuss additional options and services that may be available to the student.

All outstanding financial and/or other obligations must be met at the time of withdrawal from the Spring Grove Area School District. The District may pursue the collection of unpaid charges/debt.