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MIFFLIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
2008-2009
Student Handbook -
Middle and High Schools
Continued
(1) - (2)
- (3) - (4)
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Schools can
operate effectively only when students and
staff can work together in an environment of
cooperation and helpfulness. School officials
believe that each student has the right to be
able to learn and work in an atmosphere free
of disruption. Therefore, students have the
responsibility to respect the rights of
others, and to maintain a high degree of
self-discipline.
The
School District’s discipline measures
are categorized into three divisions.
The three divisions are written in
the form of behavioral expectations.
Attempts have been made to categorize
misbehaviors into levels of
increasing seriousness. Division One
misbehavior is not as serious as
Division Two; Division Two is less
serious than Division Three.
It is
the pupil’s responsibility to learn
the behaviors characteristic of a
student of the Mifflin County School
District. They are very simple.
Behavioral expectations at school may
be different from those at home or in
the community. If they are, we fully
expect pupils to conform to school
expectations while in school. We
firmly endorse our Twelve (12) Traits
of Character.
The
few pupils who cannot or will not
conform to the behavioral
expectations set forth by the school
will be disciplined swiftly and
fairly. Most pupils do not want
others to interfere with their right
to learn and their teachers’ right to
teach. Disruption will not be
tolerated.
The
following behavioral expectations are
listed by divisions. The range of
disciplinary measures, any of which
may be applied for an infraction, are
also spelled out.
All students are expected to:
- Be on time to school, classes, appointments, meetings and special assignments.
- Complete assignments on time and to the best of your ability.
- Pay attention in class.
- Tell the truth.
- Do their own work and not cheat.
- Not engage in potentially injurious activity.
- Use proper language with fellow students and staff and show due respect.
- Secure proper passes to move in the halls during class periods.
- Put forth a high level of effort.
- Build a good attendance record.
- Demonstrate manners and good etiquette in the cafeteria.
- Show respect for school property.
- Refrain from unacceptable forms of affectionate behavior.
Pupils who violate the above will receive appropriate disciplinary action by the principal,
assistant principal or teacher. These measures may be, but are not limited to:
- A reprimand
- A personal conference
- Rearrangement of seating
- Discussions with parents
- Removal of privileges
- After-school detention
- Temporary removal from class or study hall
- Development of a contract of expected future behavior
Students will:
- Not fight and harm others.
- Complete assignments and follow reasonable directives without a defiant attitude.
- Refrain from the use of abusive language.
- Refrain from bullying and threatening
students.
- Attend classes according to schedule.
- Refrain from possessing pornographic material.
- Follow rules of safety in school, on the bus and when driving a vehicle to and from school
and on school property.
- Refrain from using or possessing tobacco or tobacco look-alike products in any form.
- Refrain from forging excuses, homework, documents, or other material.
- Avoid truancy.
- Refrain from repetitive misconduct.
Students who violate Division Two Expectations will receive disciplinary action which may
be:
Assignment to detention, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension,
a schedule change, work assignments, social probation, removal of
privileges, involvement in supportive service counseling, and
other appropriate discipline.
DEFINITION OF SCHOOL PROBATION
Probation means that the student is not permitted to attend any
after-school activities, home or away, sponsored by the Mifflin County
School District. If the student does, he/she will be charged with
trespassing and fined accordingly. Additionally, probation means that
the student’s attendance at school, academic effort, academic
achievement, behavior, and attitude will be closely monitored; and, if
there are problems in any of these areas, a Student Hearing Committee
will be formed and called into session to consider other disciplinary
measures.
This Division of expected behavior
refers to acts which result, or could
potentially result in violence to
another’s person or property, or
which pose a direct threat to the
health, safety, and welfare to the
violator or to others.
These are essentially criminal
acts and could involve the
intervention of law enforcement
authorities.
Threats to school personnel,
bomb threats, selling, using,
possessing, being under the influence
of, or aiding in the procurement of
alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs,
marijuana and medication of any kind,
as well as possession of drug
paraphernalia; false fire alarms;
vandalism; burglary; theft;
possession, use or transfer of
dangerous weapons (knives, guns,
brass knuckles, sharp metallic
objects, slingshots, mace, etc.);
possession or sale of stolen
property; robbery; arson; breaking
and entering; sexual misconduct;
molestation or rape; forgery;
disruption at events held on school
property or at any school-sponsored
or sanctioned event; assault;
battery; refusal to attend school;
habitual truancy; violation of
Medication Policy (penalties under
Division I and II Misconducts may be
administered at the discretion of the
administration or Board of School
Directors).
When Division Three Misconducts
occur, law enforcement authorities
may intervene at the request of
school officials. If so, this
does not obviate disciplinary
measures taken by school officials.
Pupils may be punished by law
enforcement officials and school
officials, and this does not
constitute double jeopardy.
Nearly every misconduct listed
under Division Three will be
considered for a review by the
superintendent and school board.
It is possible that a formal hearing
before the school board will be held
for the offending pupils. In
addition, the school principal may
impose disciplinary measures which
are appropriate. These may
include, but are not limited to:
in-school suspension, out-of-school
suspension, detention, may be
assigned to Alternative School, and
expulsion (only the school board is
empowered to expel).
The principal will conduct special assemblies during the first week of school, and thereafter
as needed to review contents of the Student Handbook. All pupils will receive a copy of the
Student Handbook on the first day of school. Teachers will highlight certain sections of the
Handbook; pupils are expected to read the entire Student Handbook. Ignorance of school
regulations and policy is not a legitimate excuse when a pupil violates school rules.
Generally, a Division One Misconduct will be handled by the teacher involved. If various
measures to eliminate undesirable behavior prove unsuccessful, the teacher will confer with the
pupil's advisor, guidance counselor, the principal or assistant principal for assistance.
Division Two Misconduct will usually be referred directly to the principal or assistant
principal for investigation and disposition.
Division Three Misconduct must be referred to the principal or assistant principal because
of the serious nature of these violations and the possible involvement of the law enforcement
officials.
Any time a pupil's right to attend school is in jeopardy because of a misconduct offense, the
basic element of due process will be followed before the pupil is barred from attending class(es)
or school. An exception to the procedure would occur when the principal or assistant principal
believes the offending pupil presents an immediate threat to the health, safety and welfare of
himself/herself and to others, in which case the suspension would be immediate and the due
process followed later in writing.
Due Process would involve:
- The principal or assistant principal telling you what rule, regulation or policy you have
broken
- The principal or assistant principal will explain to you, if you deny you broke the rule,
regulation or policy, why he believes you are guilty.
- You will be given an opportunity to tell your version of what happened.
Good grooming, cleanliness and
appropriate dress are important
institutional concerns.
Notwithstanding the value of
individual choice in the selection of
appropriate clothing to wear to
school, the Mifflin County School
District strongly encourages parents
to instruct their children of the
importance of good taste in the
selection of school clothing.
The school setting is first and
foremost a center for group learning;
therefore what an individual does
will have impact on others. It
is in this context that the Mifflin
County School District’s policy
statement on appropriate dress is
written.
All persons who attend or visit
schools and activities in the Mifflin
County School District are urged to
use reasonable discretion in the
selection of wearing apparel.
Persons who wear clothing which is
improperly fitted or is otherwise a
significant disruptive influence on
the learning-teaching environment,
will be requested to meet privately
with the school principal. If
the problem cannot be rectified, the
principal shall notify the district
superintendent for further direction.
Good grooming, cleanliness and the
use of reasonable discretion in the
selection of clothing are proper
concerns of the school district.
Further, the Board of Directors and
professional staff of the Mifflin
County School District believe that
students and adults do exercise
prudent judgment in these personal
matters. The School Board reserves the
right to adopt a dress code anytime
where it is deemed that student dress
is not appropriate during the school
year if problems develop.
The following is an itemization of
clothing or conditions deemed to be
inappropriate dress for pupils in the
Mifflin County School District and
are not to be worn:
(Exceptions will be made by
Principals for recess, proms, and
phys ed, and certain other events.)
- Tank tops / muscle shirts.
- Spaghetti straps / halter /
mesh tops / strapless.
- Bare midriffs are not
permitted. This is defined
to mean no skin showing between
the bottom of the shirt and top
of the pants area.
- Underclothing may not be
exposed.
- See-through blouses or
shirts.
- Hats, caps, scarves, or
headbands on the head in the
building at any time.
- Logos or sayings on clothing
or person may not promote alcohol, tobacco,
drugs, gang/cult behavior,
offensive language, or
inappropriate behavior, nor cause
distraction from the educational
process. This also includes
pins and buttons.
- Footwear must be worn at all
times.
- Both shoulders need to be
covered at all times.
- If shorts or skirts are worn,
the shorts or skirts can be no
shorter than halfway between the
knees and the waistline.
Staff members shall be instructed
to demonstrate by example positive
attitudes toward neatness,
cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and
good sense in attire and appearance.
We are fortunate to live in a free
society with freedom of choice and
expression. Students have the
right to express themselves unless
expression materially and
substantially interferes with the
educational process. |
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Adopted by the Board of Directors of the Mifflin County School District on July 18, 1994,
and revised July 15, 1996, effective August 1, 1996, the Drug and Alcohol Policy is as follows:
It is the intent of the School District to prevent misuse and abuse of restrictive drug and
alcoholic substances, including inhalants of any kind, within the district and to provide positive
behavioral alternatives to drug and alcohol-influenced lifestyles. The policy is not restricted to
prohibition. A basic tenet, however, is that the sale, use, possession, or transfer of, or being under
the influence of alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogens, inhalants, or restrictive drugs by students on
school property or at any school-sponsored activities anywhere is a violation of the law Act 211
of 1990 and this policy. Possession of drug paraphernalia is also a violation.
- The student is expected to be knowledgeable of existing Drug and Alcohol Policy.
- The student shall be aware of the availability of counseling and support systems provided by
the district, directly or indirectly, for himself/herself or friends.
- he student shall be aware of the right to confidentiality when assistance is sought voluntarily
for drug problems and prior to getting into trouble at school. This right includes the
withholding of any information about the situation and its treatment from any persons,
including parents, unless authorization is granted by the student.
- EDUCATION
- The district will educate its students, staff, and administration about students' rights to
confidential counseling and to the procedures listed below should intervention be required.
- The district has developed a curriculum in the areas of health and living that provides
students with affirmation of the value of healthy human relationships and specifically
instructing students against the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in all grades pursuant
to Section 1547 of Act 211.
- INTERVENTION
- An emergency situation related to drug use shall be recognized and treated as a medical
emergency. All standard medical emergency procedures shall be followed and
parents/guardians will be immediately notified of the emergency.
- Any incident of actual or suspected violation of the policy will be reported to the principal
or other person in charge by the person observing such use, possession or a student
suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The principal will immediately report details of the incident to his/her direct supervisor,
who in turn, will immediately report the incident to the district superintendent.
- Any student who violates the Mifflin County School District's Drug and Alcohol or
Medication Policy automatically waives any right to confidentiality.
- If the principal or other person in charge believes the
policy of the school district has been violated, she/he will conduct
a preliminary hearing for the student telling the student what they
did and the assigned discipline. The principal or other person in
charge will allow the student to comment or give his/her side of the
story. After the preliminary hearing is held and the principal or
other person in charge believes the policy was violated, an
out-of-school suspension will be ordered.
- If necessary, an informal hearing will be held for the student and the principal, parents,
student, and a representative of the superintendent will be invited to attend.
- Pending the outcome of the informal hearing, a formal hearing before a student hearing
committee appointed by the Board of School Directors within ten (10) school days may
be held.
- REHABILITATION AND SUPPORT
- It shall be the responsibility of the district to participate in the ongoing development of
programs offering counseling, support, and discipline on behalf of the students. Students
will be directed by the Board of Directors or administration to undergo evaluation,
counseling, rehabilitation, or therapy. This process begins by referral of the student to the
Student Assistance Team for an evaluation by a drug and alcohol counselor. The student
may be directed to receive counseling and rehabilitation outside of the district, and at the
expense of the parents, as a condition for readmission to school. Noncompliance with
Board directives will result in expulsion from school until conditions are met pursuant to
Chapter 12, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and Individuals with Disabilities Act
(I.D.E.A.)
- One requirement may be a drug test at the expense of the parents before the student is
readmitted.
- A student voluntarily seeking support is not subject to disciplinary action unless previous
charges have been filed.
- DISCIPLINE POLICY: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
This violation is a Level 3
misconduct which may require a
hearing before the School Board and a
referral to the Student Assistance
Program for evaluation.
- DETECTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
- Philosophy
- Since the use of controlled substances has been a problem in the school district and is
a real and present danger to young people, the Board of School Directors hereby
implements the following program to assist school personnel in the detection of
controlled substances:
- The detection program shall be under the control and supervision of the district
superintendent and his/her designees including the building principal.
- Detection may result from information received from other students, teachers,
other employees and citizens of the community.
- Detection may result from a general inspection of school premises by the
superintendent or his/her designees, which may include the utilization of trained
dogs.
- Guidelines for use of trained dogs are:
- Use of trained dogs will be under the control of the administration. The dogs
and handler will be accompanied by an administrator and one (1) other
school district employee. The dog handler will provide the school district with a rider on his/her insurance policy to indemnify the district in the event
of any liability arising from the use of the trained dogs.
- Trained dogs may be used on all school district property at the discretion of
the administration. The administration shall inspect school lockers and
parking lots. Individual school desks and other areas may be inspected as
well.
- Inspections will be unannounced.
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If a bomb threat is received by any
school employee, the principal and school
district officials are notified, and the fire
drill alarm is sounded. The fire department
and local and state police are called to help
search the school and investigate the bomb
threat. Students remain outside the building,
under supervision of the staff, until the
building is declared safe for reentry.
Persons who make such threats violate state
law and will be charged with a criminal
offense carrying severe penalties. Students
under the age of 18 who make bomb threats
will be expelled from school and will be
referred to a local law enforcement agency.
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I. OBJECTIVE
It is the intent of the Board of School Directors of the Mifflin County School District through its
education programs and policies to eliminate possession and use of tobacco and tobacco products
in any form among students.
WHEREAS, the use of tobacco products has been declared by the Surgeon General to be a
significant contributor to multiple health problems, and
WHEREAS, students and adults have the right by law to clean air in public facilities and buildings,
and
WHEREAS, the impact of educating children about the dangers of tobacco use is minimizing the
problem, but not to the optimum,
NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, the Board of School Directors of the Mifflin County
School District hereby enacts, a Tobacco Discipline Policy, which stresses education, cessation
programs, and progressive and more stringent disciplinary methods aimed at ridding the school
environment of tobacco and its by-products for the benefit of all.
II. PROVISIONS
A. Responsibility of the Student
- The student is expected to be knowledgeable of the existing tobacco policy.
- The student shall be aware of the availability of counseling and support systems provided
by the district, directly or indirectly, for himself/herself or friends.
B. Responsibilities of the School District
- Education
- The district has developed a curriculum in the areas of health and living that provides
students with affirmation of the value of healthy human relationships and specifically
instructing students against the use of tobacco.
- Definition of Tobacco: A lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or other lighted
smoking products, smokeless tobacco in any form, or look-alike tobacco products.
- Discipline and Fining
Policy: Tobacco use or possession of tobacco on school property or property leased by
or under the control of Mifflin County School District and on buses on the way to and
from school and on school sponsored and approved field trips is prohibited.
Penalty: A violation shall be treated as a summary offense and prosecution will be
initiated. The student will pay a fine of $50.00 and pay court costs.
NOTE: For all violations of the Tobacco Policy the student will be placed on probation
and remain on probation until such time as the principal deems that the student should be
removed. Other discipline may be imposed at the discretion of the
principal.
(The Definition of School Probation is on page 55 of
this handbook.)
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Your Right: The school may not interfere with your rights to observe any religion, or none
at all if you wish, by requiring, establishing or conducting religious exercises for you.
Your Responsibility: You have the responsibility to respect the religious beliefs and
observances of others.
Your Right: You have the right to express your views, either orally or symbolically (through
buttons, arm bands, symbols on clothing, political salutes, etc.) however unpopular or critical of
school or governmental policy they may be.
Your Responsibility: When expressing yourself, you must do so in a manner that does not
"materially or substantially" disrupt the operation of the school. You may not, in expressing
yourself, violate another person's rights, encourage unlawful activity, or cause a threat of
immediate harm to the welfare of the school or community.
Your Right: You may not be forced to take part in the salute to the Flag or Pledge of
Allegiance, if doing so violates your beliefs or values.
Your Responsibility: If you refuse to participate in the salute to the Flag or Pledge of
Allegiance, you may not disrupt the activity of others who choose to do so.
Your Right: Before you may be suspended from school or class for ten (10) days or less, the
principal or assistant principal must:
- Tell you orally or in writing what rule you have broken. This phase of the suspension
process is call the Preliminary Hearing.
- Explain to you, if you deny you broke the rule, regulation or policy, why the principal or
assistant principal believes you did break the rule, regulation or policy.
- Give you a chance to tell your version of what happened.
- Notify you, your parent(s), guardian(s) or person(s) in parental standing, and the
superintendent of the district, immediately in writing of the suspension and the reason for
it.
- When ordering a suspension of four (4) to ten (10) days, offer to schedule an Informal
Hearing, to be held at the school within the first four days of suspension.
- The student, his/her parent, guardian or person in parental standing, and any other
invited by the pupil, will be invited to meet to discuss the incident with school officials.
Evidence on behalf of the student may be presented. The student may speak, present
witnesses, and may be represented by an attorney.
- At the conclusion of the Informal Hearing, the principal or assistant principal will
decide what additional discipline, if any, will be applied.
- After the Informal Hearing, the principal or assistant principal may continue the
suspension from school or class for an additional period up to a total of ten (10) days.
- The principal or assistant principal may not, except in special cases, suspend a pupil for
more than ten (10) consecutive school days.
- In the event that you receive an in-school suspension, the following rules shall apply:
- You may not receive an in-school suspension unless you have been informed of the
reasons for the suspension and you have been given an opportunity to respond before
the suspension becomes effective.
- Following the initiation of the suspension action the principal or assistant principal shall
communicate that action to the student's parent(s), guardian(s) or person(s) in parental
standing.
- An in-school suspension may exceed ten (10) consecutive school days. If it does, an
Informal Hearing with the principal will be offered to you and your parent(s),
guardian(s) or person(s) in parental standing before the eleventh (11th) day of
suspension. The Informal Hearing will be carried out in the same manner as that
offered in the event of suspension from school.
- Some provision will be made for your education during the period of in-school
suspension.
- Suspended pupils have the right to make up school work without penalty, and the
responsibility to do so, upon returning to school. Generally, a pupil is given one day for
each day of absence to complete back work. It is the responsibility of the pupil to contact
teachers to secure back work and to comply with time limits on completion of work.
- When suspended from school, a pupil is prohibited from participating in, being a spectator
of, or attending any after-school activity on school district property, including scheduled
events held at another school. Suspension is in effect 24 hours, and the ban on activities
is a part of the suspension. Suspension may include a prohibition against attendance at
Baccalaureate and/or Commencement.
Your Responsibility: Pupils are responsible for knowing the rules, regulations and policies
of the school and school district. These are contained in the Student Handbook which is rewritten
each year and distributed to all pupils in middle and high school. In addition, special assemblies
are conducted during the first week of school each year by the principal and assistant principal to
discuss school rules, regulations, policies and expectations. It is the responsibility of the pupil to
be an attentive participant in these discussions.
Ignorance of school rules, regulations, policies and expectations is not a
defense when one of these is violated. Pupils who want clarification of rules,
regulations, policies or expectations should direct their inquiries to their
teacher, assistant principal, principal or Student Council representative.
When a rule, regulation or policy is broken, pupils have the responsibility of accepting
reasonable and fair discipline meted out by school officials.
Expulsion from school is the most severe form of discipline which may be imposed upon a
child. Patently, expulsion removes the right of a pupil to attend school in the district. Only the
Board of School Directors may expel, and only after a Formal Hearing is held before the Board
of School Directors, a Board Committee or a Hearing Examiner appointed by the School Board.
In instances where a hearing is conducted by a Board Committee or a Hearing Examiner, a
majority vote of the entire Board is required to expel.
Your Right: The same procedure is followed for expulsion proceedings as for suspension from
school. The principal or assistant principal will:
- Tell you orally or in writing what rule, regulation or policy you have broken. This phase
of due process is called the Preliminary Hearing.
- Explain to you, if you deny you broke the rule, regulation or policy, why the principal or
assistant principal believes you broke the rule, regulation or policy.
- Give you a chance to tell your version of what happened.
- Notify you, your parent(s), guardian(s) or person(s) in parental standing, and the
superintendent of the district, immediately in writing of the expulsion and the reason for
it.
If the principal or assistant principal believes the pupil is guilty of the violation, he will order
a suspension of up to four (4) days. The pupil, his/her parents, guardian or person in parental
standing will be invited to attend an Informal Hearing at a place and time (within the four (4) days'
suspension period) designated by the principal or assistant principal.
The Informal Hearing will be conducted in the same manner as for suspensions.
At the conclusion of the Informal Hearing the principal or assistant principal may order a
continuation of the suspension of up to six (6) more days. Except in special cases, ten (10) days
is the maximum period a pupil may be suspended from school by a principal or assistant principal.
If after the Informal Hearing the principal or assistant principal believes an expulsion
proceeding is in order, he will so inform the school superintendent, who, in turn, will notify
members of the School Board. The School Board or a representative committee of same will
establish the date and time for a Formal Student Hearing. Official written notification will be given
to the pupil and to the parent(s), guardian(s) or person(s) in parental standing. The letter of
notification outlines the basic procedural and substantive rights of the accused pupil.
The pupil may be represented at the Formal Student Hearing by legal counsel and may present
witnesses and their testimony under oath. The pupil may cross-examine witnesses presented by
the school district and has a right to learn, in advance of the hearing, the names of the witnesses
and the substance of their testimony. Costs of the pupil's defense are borne by the pupil. A record
of the hearing will be made and the pupil may, at his or her expense, obtain a copy of the
transcript.
The School Board or its designated committee is judge and jury in the matter. The decision
of the Board or committee is relayed to the pupil and his parents. If the pupil is expelled by the
School Board, he or she may not attend any public school in the Mifflin County School District.
Further, the expelled pupil may be barred from school district property. The hearing will be held
in private unless the pupil or parent, guardian or person in parental control requests a public
hearing. The Board will vote at a public meeting.
If the pupil disagrees with the decision of the Board, then he or she must seek relief through
an appropriate state or federal court.
Pupils who are less than seventeen (17) years of age remain subject to the compulsory school
attendance law and will be required to undertake some educational program.
Your Responsibility: All pupils are responsible for knowing the rules, regulations, policies
and expectations of the school. Pupils are expected to read and understand the information
pertaining to their rights and responsibilities as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Should it be determined by the principal or assistant principal that the misconduct of the pupil
is so threatening as to endanger the safety, health and welfare of the staff and pupils of the
school, he may dispense with certain elements of procedural due process for expediency and
accord them at a later and more convenient time.
I. OBJECTIVE
The Board strives to provide a safe, positive working climate for its
employees. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to maintain an
employment environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated.
II. PROVISIONS
The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of employees and third
parties by all district students and staff members, contracted individuals,
vendors, volunteers, and third parties in the schools. The Board encourages
employees and third parties who have been harassed to promptly report such
incidents to the designated administrators.
The Board directs that complaints of harassment shall be investigated
promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated.
Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s
legal and investigative obligations.
Neither reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith
charges of harassment.
For purposes of this policy, harassment shall consist of verbal,
written, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color,
national origin/ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or
religion when such conduct:
- Is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects an
individual’s ability to perform job functions or creates an intimidating,
threatening or abusive work environment.
- Has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering
with an individual’s work performance.
- Otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities.
For purposes of this policy, sexual harassment shall consist of
unwelcome sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and other inappropriate
verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Acceptance of such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or
condition of an individual’s continued employment.
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is the basis for employment
decisions affecting the individual.
- Such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it has
the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the employee’s job
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working
environment.
Examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include but
are not limited to sexual flirtations, advances, touching or propositions;
verbal abuse of a sexual nature; graphic or suggestive comments about an
individual’s dress or body; sexually degrading words to describe an
individual; jokes; pin-ups; calendars; objects; graffiti; vulgar statements;
abusive language; innuendoes; references to sexual activities; overt sexual
conduct; or any conduct that has the effect of unreasonably interfering with an
employee’s ability to work or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive
working environment.
In order to maintain a work environment that discourages and prohibits
unlawful harassment, the Board designates the following as the district’s
Compliance Officer:
Director of Middle Level
Education
Administration Building
201 Eighth Street - Highland Park
Lewistown, PA 17044
717-248-0148
The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and the
complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents, employees,
independent contractors, vendors, and the public. The publication shall include
the position, office address and telephone number of the Compliance Officer.
The administration shall be responsible to provide training for students and
employees regarding all aspects of unlawful harassment.
Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain a working environment free
from all forms of unlawful harassment.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the
following duties when receiving a complaint of unlawful harassment:
- Inform the employee or third party of the right to file a complaint and
the complaint procedure.
- Notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at appropriate
stages of the procedure.
- Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal
is the subject of the complaint.
Complaint Procedure - Employee/Third Party
Step 1 - Reporting
An employee or third party who believes s/he has been subject to conduct that
constitutes a violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the
incident to the building principal.
If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the employee or
third party shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer.
The complainant is encouraged to use the report form available from the
building principal, but oral complaints shall be acceptable.
Step 2 - Investigation
Upon receiving a complaint of unlawful harassment, the building principal
shall immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall
authorize the building principal to investigate the complaint, unless the
building principal is the subject of the complaint or is unable to conduct the
investigation.
The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant,
the accused, and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The
investigator may also evaluate any other information and materials relevant to
the investigation.
The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact
that a criminal investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded.
Step 3 - Investigative Report
The building principal shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15)
days, unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The
report shall include a summary of the investigation, a determination of whether
the complaint has been substantiated as factual and whether it is a violation of
this policy, and a recommended disposition of the complaint.
Copies of the report shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and
the Compliance Officer.
Step 4 - District Action
If the investigation results in a finding that the complaint is factual and
constitutes a violation of this policy, the district shall take prompt,
corrective action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur.
Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with Board policies and district
procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal
laws.
If it is concluded that an employee has knowingly made a false complaint
under this policy, such employee shall be subject to disciplinary action,
including termination.
Appeal Procedure
- If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the
policy or with the corrective action recommended in the investigative
report, s/he may submit a written appeal to the Compliance Officer within
fifteen (15) days.
- The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and the
investigative report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation.
- The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal
within fifteen (15) days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the
complainant, the accused and the building principal who conducted the
initial investigation.
Your Right: The state, or any other governmental body, may not establish racially segregated
schools, thus depriving you of your right to an education, regardless of race.
Your Responsibility: Students have the responsibility of respecting the race of other persons.
NONDISCRIMINATION IN SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PRACTICES
POLICY
I. OBJECTIVE
The Board declares it to be the policy of this district to provide an equal
opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the
programs offered in the schools regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin or handicap/disability.
The district shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course
offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, athletics and extracurricular
activities. The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified
physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with
the requirement of federal and state laws and regulations.
II. PROVISIONS
The Board encourages students and third parties who have been subject to
discrimination to promptly report such incidents to designated employees.
The Board directs that complaints of discrimination shall be investigated
promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated.
Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the district’s
legal and investigative obligations.
No reprisals nor retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of
discrimination.
In order to maintain a program of nondiscrimination practices that is in
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Board designates the
following as the district’s Compliance Officer:
Director of Middle Level Education
Administration Building
201 Eighth Street - Highland Park
Lewistown, PA 17044
727-248-0148
The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and
complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents, employees and the
public. Nondiscrimination statements shall include the position, office address
and telephone number of the Compliance Officer.
The Compliance Officer is responsible to monitor the implementation of
nondiscrimination procedures in the following areas:
- Curriculum and Materials - Review of curriculum guides, textbooks and
supplemental materials for discriminatory bias.
- Training - Provision of training for students and staff to identify and
alleviate problems of discrimination.
- Student Access - Review of programs, activities and practices to ensure
that all students have equal access and are not segregated except when
permissible by law or regulation.
- District Support - Assurance that like aspects of the school program
receive like support as to staffing and compensation, facilities, equipment,
and related matters.
- Student Evaluation - Review of tests, procedures and guidance and
counseling materials for stereotyping and discrimination.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the
following duties when receiving a complaint of discrimination:
- Inform the student or third party of the right to file a complaint and the
complaint procedure
- Inform the complainant that s/he may be accompanied by a parent/guardian
during all steps of the complaint procedure.
- Notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at appropriate
stages of the procedure.
- Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal
is the subject of the complaint.
Complaint Procedure - Student/Third Party
Step 1 - Reporting
A student or third party who believes s/he has been subject to conduct that
constitutes a violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the
incident to the building principal.
A school employee who suspects or is notified that a student has been subject
to conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy shall immediately report
the incident to the building principal.
If the building principal is the subject of a complaint, the student, third
party or employee shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer.
The complainant or reporting employee is encouraged to use the report form
available from the building principal, but oral complaints shall be acceptable.
Step 2 - Investigation
Upon receiving a complaint of discrimination, the building principal shall
immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall
authorize the building principal to investigate the complaint, unless the
building principal is the subject of the complaints or is unable to conduct the
investigation.
The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant,
the accused, and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The
investigator may also evaluate any other information and materials relevant to
the investigation.
The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact
that a criminal investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded.
Step 3 - Investigative Report
The building principal shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15)
days, unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The
report shall include a summary of the investigation, a determination of whether
the complaint has been substantiated as factual and whether it is a violation of
this policy, and a recommended disposition of the complaint.
Copies of the report shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and
the Compliance Officer.
Step 4 - District Action
If the investigation results in a finding that the complaint is factual and
constitutes a violation of this policy, the district shall take prompt,
corrective action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur.
Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with the Student Code of Conduct,
Board policies and district procedures, applicable collective bargaining
agreements, and state and federal laws.
Appeal Procedure
- If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the
policy or with the corrective action recommended in the investigative
report, s/he may submit a written appeal to the Compliance Officer within
fifteen (15) days.
- The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and the
investigative report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation.
- The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal
within fifteen (15) days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the
complainant, the accused and the building principal who conducted the
initial investigation.
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Mifflin County School District provides a program for each student whose dominant language is
not English for the purpose of facilitating the student's achievement of English proficiency and the
academic standards. Programs shall include appropriate bilingual-bicultural or English-as-a-Second Language instruction.
The following procedures will be used to ensure that the programs are serving Limited-English
Proficient (LEP) Students effectively. Mifflin County School District will:
- Identify students who need assistance;
- Develop a program which, in the view of experts in the field, has a reasonable chance for
success;
- Ensure that necessary staff, curricular materials, and facilities are in place and used properly;
- Develop appropriate evaluation standards, including program exit criteria, for measuring the
progress of students; and
- Assess the success of the program and modify it where needed.
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