Annual Notifications
The following documents are annual notifications and policies for parents, guardians, and students of the Wilkinsburg School District. The complete directory of all Wilkinsburg can be found at BoardDocs under the Policies tab or by contacting your principal.
Anti-Bullying/Cyberbullying
Purpose
The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.
Definitions
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:[1]
The Board is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. The Board recognizes that bullying creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board prohibits bullying by district students.
Definitions
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent, or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:[1]
- Substantially interfering with a student’s education.
- Creating a threatening environment.
- Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyberbullying.
School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.[1]
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person.
School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.[1]
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person.
Student Records and Privacy
Purpose
The educational interests of students require the collection, retention, and use of data and information about individuals and groups of students while ensuring the individual's right to privacy. The school district will maintain educational records for students for legitimate educational purposes.
The educational interests of students require the collection, retention, and use of data and information about individuals and groups of students while ensuring the individual's right to privacy. The school district will maintain educational records for students for legitimate educational purposes.
Special Education Services
Purpose
Each student with a disability who is a resident of the district shall be offered education programs and services that appropriately meet the student's needs for educational, instructional, transitional, and related services. A student who requires special education shall receive programs and services according to an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP shall provide access to the district's general curriculum and participation in state and local assessments, including supplemental aids and services that permit the student to be educated, to the maximum extent appropriate, with non disabled peers. The district shall provide a continuum of placement options to appropriately meet the needs of students with disabilities.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Definitions
Students with disabilities - school-aged children within the jurisdiction of the district who have been evaluated and found to have one or more disabilities as defined by law, and who require, because of such disabilities, special education and related services. School-aged children who have identified disabilities but do not require special education may be entitled to accommodations or services or to enroll in courses of study in the district that serve students with disabilities pursuant to other law or Board policy.[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Individualized Education Program (IEP) - the written educational statement for each student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.[12] [13]
Parent/Guardian - for purposes of this policy and Board policies related to special education, parent/guardian shall have the definition of parent in IDEA statute and regulations, which includes a biological or adoptive parent of a child; a foster parent, unless prohibited by state law or regulations; a guardian authorized to act as the child's parent, in accordance with law or regulations; an individual acting in the place of a parent, including a grandparent or other relative, with whom the child lives or an individual legally responsible for the child's welfare; or an appointed surrogate parent, in accordance with law and regulations.[9] [14]
Each student with a disability who is a resident of the district shall be offered education programs and services that appropriately meet the student's needs for educational, instructional, transitional, and related services. A student who requires special education shall receive programs and services according to an individualized education program (IEP). The IEP shall provide access to the district's general curriculum and participation in state and local assessments, including supplemental aids and services that permit the student to be educated, to the maximum extent appropriate, with non disabled peers. The district shall provide a continuum of placement options to appropriately meet the needs of students with disabilities.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Definitions
Students with disabilities - school-aged children within the jurisdiction of the district who have been evaluated and found to have one or more disabilities as defined by law, and who require, because of such disabilities, special education and related services. School-aged children who have identified disabilities but do not require special education may be entitled to accommodations or services or to enroll in courses of study in the district that serve students with disabilities pursuant to other law or Board policy.[7] [8] [9] [10] [11]
Individualized Education Program (IEP) - the written educational statement for each student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.[12] [13]
Parent/Guardian - for purposes of this policy and Board policies related to special education, parent/guardian shall have the definition of parent in IDEA statute and regulations, which includes a biological or adoptive parent of a child; a foster parent, unless prohibited by state law or regulations; a guardian authorized to act as the child's parent, in accordance with law or regulations; an individual acting in the place of a parent, including a grandparent or other relative, with whom the child lives or an individual legally responsible for the child's welfare; or an appointed surrogate parent, in accordance with law and regulations.[9] [14]
Child Find and Outreach
Purpose
In accordance with federal and state laws, the District is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating all children who may need special education programs and services due to a disability. This includes children who are residents of the District, preschool-aged children, students attending private schools, homeless children, and children who are wards of the state.[29] [30]
In accordance with federal and state laws, the District is responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating all children who may need special education programs and services due to a disability. This includes children who are residents of the District, preschool-aged children, students attending private schools, homeless children, and children who are wards of the state.[29] [30]
Awareness and Outreach
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the District conducts annual awareness and outreach activities to inform residents about:
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that the District conducts annual awareness and outreach activities to inform residents about:
- Child identification activities.
- Available special education services and programs, and how to request them.
- Procedures used to ensure the confidentiality of student information.
Public awareness activities may include written notices in newspapers and other media, information published in District handbooks, and postings on the District website. These notices also provide information on potential signs of developmental delays and other risk factors that could indicate a disability.
The Intermediate Unit is responsible for conducting Child Find activities necessary to provide equitable participation services to students with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents/guardians in private schools.
Family Assistance
This notice is available in English and Spanish and may be translated into other languages upon request. Families who need help understanding the information may contact the Special Education Department at 412-871-2114 for assistance.
This notice is available in English and Spanish and may be translated into other languages upon request. Families who need help understanding the information may contact the Special Education Department at 412-871-2114 for assistance.
Weapons Policy
Purpose
The Board recognizes the importance of a safe school environment relative to the educational process. Possession of weapons in the school setting is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law.
Definitions
Weapon - the term shall include but is not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, a replica of a weapon, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.[1] [2]
Possession - a student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the person of the student; in the student's locker or assigned storage area; or under the student's control while on school property, on the property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, at any school event held away from the school, or while the student is coming to or from school.
The Board recognizes the importance of a safe school environment relative to the educational process. Possession of weapons in the school setting is a threat to the safety of students and staff and is prohibited by law.
Definitions
Weapon - the term shall include but is not limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle, a replica of a weapon, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.[1] [2]
Possession - a student is in possession of a weapon when the weapon is found on the person of the student; in the student's locker or assigned storage area; or under the student's control while on school property, on the property being used by the school, at any school function or activity, at any school event held away from the school, or while the student is coming to or from school.
Use of Medication at School
Purpose
The Board shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. The administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian or family physician will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not available during school hours.
Definition
For purposes of this policy, medication shall include all medicines prescribed by a physician and any over-the-counter medicines.
Authority
Before any medication may be administered to or by any student during school hours, the Board shall require the written request of the parent/guardian, giving permission for such administration and relieving the Board and its employees of liability for administration of medication or the written order of the prescribing physician, which shall include the purpose of the medication, dosage, time at which or special circumstances under which the medication shall be administered, length of period for which medication is prescribed, and possible side effects of medication.[1]
The Board shall not be responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of student illness. The administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent/guardian or family physician will be permitted only when failure to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of the student or the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not available during school hours.
Definition
For purposes of this policy, medication shall include all medicines prescribed by a physician and any over-the-counter medicines.
Authority
Before any medication may be administered to or by any student during school hours, the Board shall require the written request of the parent/guardian, giving permission for such administration and relieving the Board and its employees of liability for administration of medication or the written order of the prescribing physician, which shall include the purpose of the medication, dosage, time at which or special circumstances under which the medication shall be administered, length of period for which medication is prescribed, and possible side effects of medication.[1]
Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Affecting Students
Authority
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 and activities offered in the schools without discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religious creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
The Board also declares it to be the policy of this district to comply with federal law and regulations under Title IX prohibiting sexual harassment, which is a form of unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex. Such discrimination shall be referred to throughout this policy as Title IX sexual harassment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX to the district may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education, or both.
School Volunteers Guidelines
Purpose
The purpose of volunteers in the schools is to augment the education and support resources available to students through the use of the diverse talents and skills of community members. The Board recognizes that community volunteers can make valuable contributions to the educational program. The use of community volunteers is endorsed by the Board, subject to legal requirements and administrative procedures.
Definitions
Volunteers - one who voluntarily offers and provides a service to the school district without receiving compensation. Volunteers can fall into one (1) of three categories: assistive volunteer, independent volunteer and volunteer sponsor.
Assistive Volunteer - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works directly under the supervision and direction of a teacher or administrator employed by the district; and does not provide direct services to students or does not have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of assistive volunteers include homeroom parents/guardians; individuals who volunteer to assist in the planning or conducting of classroom celebrations; concert/performance ushers; and individuals who help manage, officiate, or perform functions ancillary to an extracurricular activity.
Independent Volunteer - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works under the general direction and supervision of a teacher or administrator employed by the district; and provides direct services to students or may, from time to time, have or may be reasonably expected to have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of independent volunteers include volunteer tutors, chaperones for overnight field trips, monitors, readers, and those who assist in similarly appropriate activities with students.
Volunteer Sponsor - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works under the general direction and supervision of a student activity sponsor employed by the district; and directly supervises or instructs students engaged in the activity or may, from time to time, have or may be reasonably expected to have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of volunteer sponsors are choreographers, musicians and other individuals who provide instruction to students in the marching band or school musical.
The purpose of volunteers in the schools is to augment the education and support resources available to students through the use of the diverse talents and skills of community members. The Board recognizes that community volunteers can make valuable contributions to the educational program. The use of community volunteers is endorsed by the Board, subject to legal requirements and administrative procedures.
Definitions
Volunteers - one who voluntarily offers and provides a service to the school district without receiving compensation. Volunteers can fall into one (1) of three categories: assistive volunteer, independent volunteer and volunteer sponsor.
Assistive Volunteer - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works directly under the supervision and direction of a teacher or administrator employed by the district; and does not provide direct services to students or does not have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of assistive volunteers include homeroom parents/guardians; individuals who volunteer to assist in the planning or conducting of classroom celebrations; concert/performance ushers; and individuals who help manage, officiate, or perform functions ancillary to an extracurricular activity.
Independent Volunteer - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works under the general direction and supervision of a teacher or administrator employed by the district; and provides direct services to students or may, from time to time, have or may be reasonably expected to have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of independent volunteers include volunteer tutors, chaperones for overnight field trips, monitors, readers, and those who assist in similarly appropriate activities with students.
Volunteer Sponsor - any individual who voluntarily provides services to the school district, without compensation, and who works under the general direction and supervision of a student activity sponsor employed by the district; and directly supervises or instructs students engaged in the activity or may, from time to time, have or may be reasonably expected to have unsupervised contact with students. Examples of volunteer sponsors are choreographers, musicians and other individuals who provide instruction to students in the marching band or school musical.
Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care, and Other Educational Instability
Purpose
The Board recognizes the challenges encountered by students experiencing homelessness, foster care, and other educational instability. The Board is committed to facilitating the immediate enrollment; eliminating barriers to attendance, education, and graduation; and providing additional supports in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and Board policy, for such students.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Authority
The Board directs the district to collaborate with school staff, other school districts, local agencies, and other entities in supporting the needs of students experiencing educational instability.
The Board shall ensure that students experiencing educational instability have equal access to the same educational programs, activities, and services provided to other district students.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
The Board authorizes the Superintendent to waive specific requirements in Board policies, procedures, and administrative regulations to the extent that they create barriers for the enrollment and attendance of students experiencing educational instability. Such waivers include, but are not limited to, requirements regarding:[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
- Dress code.
- Transportation.
- School-sponsored or extracurricular activities for which students meet placement and qualification requirements, including, but not limited to, clubs, athletics, performing arts, class trips, social events, career and technical education, internships and specialized classes.
- Fees related to school-sponsored or extracurricular activity participation fees, and other fees including, but not limited to, school identification (badges, cards, etc.), uniforms, materials, lost or damaged items, athletic physical exams, parking or driving, food services, library, locker or padlock rental or replacement, summer school or credit recovery, technology and graduation regalia
- Graduation.
- Registration deadlines.
It is the policy of the Board that no student shall be discriminated against, segregated or stigmatized based on their status as a student experiencing educational instability.
Integrated Pest Management
Purpose
The school district shall utilize integrated pest management procedures to manage structural and landscape pests and the toxic chemicals used for their control in order to alleviate pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The district shall integrate IPM education into the curriculum in accordance with relevant academic standards.[1]
Definitions
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information to design and implement pest control methods that are economically, environmentally, and socially sound. IPM promotes prevention over remediation and advocates integration of at least two (2) or more strategies to achieve long-term solutions.
Integrated Pest Management Plan is a plan that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.[3]
Authority
The Board establishes that the school district shall use pesticides only after consideration of the full range of alternatives, based on analysis of environmental effects, safety, effectiveness, and costs.[8] [9]
The Board shall adopt an Integrated Pest Management Plan for district buildings and grounds that complies with policies and regulations promulgated by the Department of Agriculture.[3]
The school district shall utilize integrated pest management procedures to manage structural and landscape pests and the toxic chemicals used for their control in order to alleviate pest problems with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The district shall integrate IPM education into the curriculum in accordance with relevant academic standards.[1]
Definitions
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information to design and implement pest control methods that are economically, environmentally, and socially sound. IPM promotes prevention over remediation and advocates integration of at least two (2) or more strategies to achieve long-term solutions.
Integrated Pest Management Plan is a plan that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.[3]
Authority
The Board establishes that the school district shall use pesticides only after consideration of the full range of alternatives, based on analysis of environmental effects, safety, effectiveness, and costs.[8] [9]
The Board shall adopt an Integrated Pest Management Plan for district buildings and grounds that complies with policies and regulations promulgated by the Department of Agriculture.[3]
Emergency Notifications and Procedures
When emergencies such as weather conditions or power failures require the delay or closing of school, notice is given as early as possible. Typically, when school is canceled, after-school and evening activities are not conducted.
Phone/Text Alert System
In the event of a school delay or closing, parents will receive a phone call from the District’s Emergency Phone Alert System to the primary phone numbers listed with the school. You may also receive a text message if you choose to opt in.
Information Sources for a Delay/Closing/Emergency:
- School District Website
- Wilkinsburg School District Facebook
- Wilkinsburg School District Instagram
- TV Stations: KDKA, WPXI, WTAE
Emergency Procedures
In order for school emergency response plans to be effective, we depend on parents/guardians to support our efforts. Your cooperation and assistance is vital to help protect the safety and welfare of all children and school employees.
Parent/guardians are asked to observe the following procedures during a crisis situation:
- Visit the district website for the most reliable and up-to-date information.
- Check for a call or text from the Wilkinsburg School District Phone Alert system. A phone call or text will be sent from the District to notify parents of a school emergency.
- Keep your contact information current in the Dashboard.
- Check your email. Email notifications will be sent to those who have entered their email addresses in the Dashboard.
- Talk to your children. Emphasize how important it is for them to follow instructions from their teachers, school, and public safety officials during an emergency.
- Do not go to the school or evacuation location until you are instructed to do so. It may be necessary to keep streets and parking lots clear for emergency vehicles.
- Do not telephone the school. We understand and respect your concern, but it is essential that the telephone system be available for emergency communications.
- In the event of an emergency evacuation, each building has been assigned a reunification site depending on the situation. Parents will be informed of the site in a communication from the District.
Safe Walking Rules
Safe Walking Rules for Students:
- Never step into the street from between parked cars
- Watch for turning cars
- Look all ways before crossing
- Obey traffic signals
- Walk! Don’t run! Allow yourself plenty of time
- Cross only at corners
- Face traffic when walking on streets without sidewalks
- Be extra alert on snow and rain days
- Go directly to and from school
- Have a partner to walk with if possible
In the event a student is approached by someone when walking, they should do the following:
- Do not approach the car
- Immediately run to a safe place
- Inform a parent or an adult of the incident
- Contact 9-1-1
- Try to give a good description of the individual and the vehicle