Hilltop Elementary School

Parent/Student Handbook

2023-2024

ADMINISTRATION Superintendent’s Office 419-924-2365 – Ext. 2321
High School Office 419-924-2365 – Ext. 2329 Elementary Office 419-924-2364 – Ext. 2350 Fax -419- 924-2367

Superintendent - Jim Wyse, Ext. 2322 High School Principal - Steven Riley, Ext. 2141
Elementary Principal – Jason Mansfield, Ext. 2351 Student Services Director - Bill Boyer, Ext 2331 Transportation Manager – Gwyn Livensparger, Ext. 2184 Food Service Manager - Shari Stough, Ext. 2144 Guidance Counselor - Amber Metzger, Ext. 2214 K-12 Care Coordinator - Amy Welling, Ext. 2377 Athletic Director - Tony Gerig, Ext. 2133
		
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Millcreek-West Unity Local School District

MILLCREEK-WEST UNITY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 1401 W. Jackson St.
West Unity, OH 43570

Jim Wyse, Superintendent 419-924-2365 ext. 2322

August 2023

Dear Parents and Students of Hilltop Elementary,

The staff and I want to welcome all of you to Hilltop Elementary School.	We are

Traci Thompson, Treasurer 419-924-2365 ext. 2378

HILLTOP HIGH SCHOOL Steve Riley, 7-12 Principal 419-924-2365 ext. 2141

Tony Gerig, Athletic Director 419-924-2365 ext. 2331

HILLTOP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jason Mansfield, K-6 Principal
419-924-2365 ext. 2351

STUDENT SERVICES DIRECTOR Bill Boyer
419-924-2365 ext. 2202

K-12 GUIDANCE COUNSELOR Amber Metzger
419-924-2365 ext. 2111

enthusiastically looking forward to the 2023-24 school year.	This handbook contains information designed to answer questions you may have regarding policies, procedures, and services available to the students in ourbuilding. Please take some time to review this document and keep it as a resource through the year. The rules in this booklet are designed for the health, safety and well-being of all members of the Hilltop learning community.

The staff and I want students to view school as an opportunity to improve their lives and gain valuable knowledge that will help them be successful in the future. Our teachers continually encourage students to maximize their potential and to participate in all of the school programs that will help them to become a better person.,

One of the greatest motivators for students is enthusiasm. When parents are enthusiastic about the purpose of school, their children will also be positive and enthusiastic about the learning experiences at school. Persistence, enthusiasm, being positive, and having a good attitude are qualities that are highly valued in society and also qualities that we choose individually.

It will be very helpful to your child if you attempt to:

K-12 CARE COORDINATOR Amy Welling, LSW
419-924-2365 ext. 2377

CUSTODIAL MANAGER Bill Williams
419-924-2365 ext. 2148

*	Find something positive about each school day.
*	Be positive about your child’s efforts to succeed at school.
*	Help your child learn how to organize and complete their homework. *	Use a lot of verbal praise to reward your child’s efforts at school.
*	Establish a homework routine with a quiet place to study.

FOOD SERVICE MANAGER Shari Stough
419-924-2365 ext. 2144

TRANSPORTATION MANAGER Gwyn Livensparger
419-924-2365 ext. 2184

WEBSITE www.hilltopcadets.org

FAX
419-924-2367

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS:
Heather Jones, President Brian Wieland, Vice-President Sarah Carothers
David Chester Randy Mahlman

The Hilltop teachers and staff make every effort to maximize your child’s learning experience and to enhance their problem-solving knowledge and skills. As a staff, we believe that the basic skills and knowledge that students learn at school will help them be valuable, productive, and efficient citizens in our country.

Sincerely,

Jason Mansfield

Mr. Jason Mansfield, M.Ed. Hilltop Elementary Principal

/jg

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Hilltop Elementary 401 West Jackson St. West Unity, OH 43570

www.hilltopcadets.org 419-924-2365

FOREWARD

This student handbook was developed to answer many of the commonly asked questions that students and parents may have during the school year and to provide specific information about certain Board policies and procedures. Please take the time to become familiar with the important information contained in this Handbook, and keep the Handbook available as a reference. If you have any questions that are not addressed in the Handbook, you are encouraged to talk to your teachers or the building principal. This Handbook replaces all prior handbooks and other written material on the same subjects. This Handbook reflects the current status of the Board’s policies and the Hilltop Elementary School’s rules as of July 2023. If any of the policies or administrative guidelines referenced herein is revised, the language in the most current policy or administrative guidelines prevails. Current Board policies and administrative guidelines are available by accessing the “QUICK LINKS” tab and then scrolling down to the NEOLA policy book on the district home page at www.hilltopcadets.org Each student and their parents/guardians shall read this handbook carefully to be informed of what is expected of students and as a reference to give direction to a student’s school life.
Approved by: Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education, June 26, 2023.

Board policies “NEOLA” may be accessed by using the “QUICK LINKS” tab on the Millcreek-West Unity Schools home page at www.hilltopcadets.org

MILLCREEK-WEST UNITY LOCAL SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education’s philosophy of education centers on the individual student. Children within the Millcreek-West Unity Local School District are entitled to and shall receive the best possible training for their adult life. It is the philosophy of this board of education that:

A.     Each child is an individual and must be taught as such.
B.     A program of studies in the elementary school should be constantly adjusted and evaluated so that each child will enter high school with a background sufficient to their needs.
C.	A program of studies in the high school should be constantly adjusted and evaluated so that each child will have the opportunity to be trained or prepared for their adult life outside of school.
D.     Each child upon leaving school, will have the background to become a useful member of society. E.	Each child will have been taught to adjust to life’s changing patterns.
F.	Each child should be encouraged to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In the end, it is the purpose and philosophy of the Board of Education that each student who attends these schools will be able to leave this school properly trained for a useful place in society.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Education Philosophy	2

Calendar, Fees, School Hours	5

School Delays, Closings, & Automated Alert System	6

I.	Students Rights

A. Rights and Responsibilities	6 B. Anti-Harassment/Bullying Notice	6 C. Search and Seizure	7

II.	Academic Program

A. Enrollment	7 B. Grading System: Traditional & S/U Grading Systems Defined	7 C. Report Cards and Interim Reports	8 D. Computer Use	8 E. Promotion and Retention of Students	8

III.	Attendance

A. Attendance Policy	9 B. Absence Procedure	9 C. Truancy                                                                                                                            10 D. Tardy Policy                                                                                                                    10 E. Make-up Work                                                                                                               10 F.     County Fair Policy                                                                                                         10 G. Hunting Policy                                                                                                                11 H. Dismissal Policy                                                                                                             11 I.	Emergency Contacts                                                                                                     11

IV.	Supplemental Services

A. School Nurse	11 B. Speech Therapy	11 C. Guidance Counseling	11

V.	Medical Issues

A. Use of Medications                                                                                                        11 B. Allergies                                                                                                                           13

VI.	Miscellaneous Building Policies

A. Dress Code	13 B. Student Personal Electronic Property	13 C. Lockers	14 D. Textbooks	14 E. Library	14 F.     Classroom Speakers	14

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VII. Student Code of Conduct	14 A. Minor Misconduct                                                                                                         15 B. Major Misconduct                                                                                                         15 C. Bus Conduct                                                                                                                    17 D. Suspension/Removal from Bus                                                                                17 E. Suspension from School                                                                                              18 F.     Expulsion from School                                                                                                 18 G. Emergency Removal of Student                                                                                18 H. Corporal Punishment                                                                                                   18 I.	Weapons                                                                                                                          18

VIII. Public Complaints about School Personnel	18

IX. Emergency Procedures	18 A. Severe Storm Procedures	19 B. Fire Drill Procedures	19

X. FERPA	20

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Millcreek-West Unity Local Schools 2023- 2024 School Year Calendar

August
15	Teacher Orientation/Work Day/ Open House 5:30-7:00 pm
17	First Day for Students
21	First full day for Kindergarten/Young 5

September
4	Labor Day – No School 11	Fair Day – No School
12	Teacher In-Service – No School

October
4	2-hour delay
13	1st Grading Period Ends 16	Fall break
18	Grade Cards Available Online

January
4	Classes Resume
5	Grade Cards Available Online 15	MLK Day – no school
24	2-hour delay

February
16	Teacher In-Service – No School 19	President’s Day - No School

March
6	2-hour delay
15	3rd Grading Period Ends 18-22 Spring Break
27	Grade Cards Available Online 29	Good Friday – No School

November
1            Parent-Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1:00 pm)
6	Parent Teacher Conferences (After School) 15	2-hour delay
22-27 Thanksgiving Break - No School
25 December
20	Semester Ends
(tentative dismissal 1:00 p.m.) 21-1/3 Christmas Break

April
1	Monday after Easter – No School

May
26	Senior Graduation 27	Memorial Day
30	Last Day for Students (tentative dismissal 1:00 p.m.)
31	Teacher In-Service/Workday

June
5	Grade Cards Available Online

Workbook Fees for the 2023-2024 School Year Kinder Cadets- Grade 6	$50.00
Grades 3-6	$15.00 Chromebook fee (This fee is not eligible to be waived.)

Elementary School Hours
7:50 a.m.	Entry bell (Students can go to classrooms. No students can enter classrooms prior to this because staff members are not present to provide supervision.)
8:00 a.m.	Tardy bell – classes begin 2:55 p.m.	Walk/ride dismissal
2:57 p.m.	Bus dismissal begins

Preschool Morning
7:50-11:00 (Entry bell at 7:50)

Afternoon 11:50-3:00

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School Delays, Closings & Automated Alert System

Parents can visit our school website to obtain directions to sign up for our automated alert system or contact the elementary office via telephone for assistance. Per ORC 2213.535, all parents must be notified prior to the opening day of the school year of our emergency notification procedures. This is accomplished via Open House, on the District’s website, in this student/parent handbook, and upon enrolling a new student. Emergency notifications to parents may be established in the form of automated telephone calls, text messages, smartphone notifications, and email.

When we delay or cancel school, we notify the school’s automated alert system and the following radio and television stations immediately:
WBNO FM 100.9 Bryan	WTOL-TV Channel 11	WBCL FM 89.5 Archbold WDFM FM 98.1 Defiance	WTVG-TV Channel 13	WMTR FM 96.1 Archbold THE BULL 105.7 Defiance	WNWO-TV Channel 24

Preschool…for a two- hour delay, the a.m. session will be 9:50-12:00 and the p.m. session 12:50-3:00

Even though we will call all stations when upgrading or changing the status, the Bryan station will be our primary notification station. Please do not call school personnel, the school building, or the media except in case of emergency.

If school is in session and weather conditions deteriorate, the safety of the students may require early dismissal. In homes where both parents work during the school day, early dismissal can be very inconvenient. We urge those parents to be certain that their children, especially the younger ones, know where to go if we dismiss early if they are not to go home. You will be notified through our automated alert system if an early dismissal should occur.

Remember, you will also be alerted to delays and closing and other important events via an automated alert. Please make sure any changes in phone/cell numbers are updated in the school offices, in addition to your automated alert system and district app account. For more information or assistance call 419-924-2365 ext. 2350. With a one or two-hour delay, dismissal will be the regular time.

I.	Student Rights

A.     Rights and Responsibilities

These statements set forth the rights of students in the public schools of the district and the responsibilities that are inseparable from these rights:

1.	Civil rights – including the rights to equal educational opportunity and freedom from discrimination; the responsibility not to discriminate against others.
2.	The right to attend free public schools; the responsibility to attend school regularly, and to observe school rules essential for permitting others to learn at school.
3.	The right to due process of law with respect to suspension and expulsion.
4.	The right to free inquiry and expressions; responsibility to observe reasonable rules regarding these rights. 5.	The right to privacy, which includes privacy in respect to the student’s school records.

B.     Anti-Harassment / Bullying Notice
The Board of Education recognizes that a student has the right to learn in an environment untainted by racial, religious, gender, sexual or other forms of harassment or discrimination. Offensive conduct which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with learning performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, discriminatory, or offensive learning environment disrupts the education process and impedes the legitimate pedagogical concerns of the District.

If any person believes that the Millcreek-West Unity Local School District or any of the District’s staff has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of:
	Title II, Title VI, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 	Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972
	Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

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	The Age Act; and/or
	The Americans with Disabilities Act,

That personmay bring forward acomplaint, which shallbereferred to asagrievance, to theDistrict’sCivilRights Coordinator; 1401 West Jackson Street, West Unity, Ohio 43570-0505 Reference Policy 5517; Guidelines 5517, 2260B; Form 5517 F1.

Bullying, harassment, and/or intimidation is an intentional written (including electronic), verbal, or physical act that an individual has exhibited towards another particular individual more than once. The behavior causes either mental or physical harm to the receiving individual and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the individual.

Bullying-aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Board of Ed. Policy 5517.01. All students and staff will participate in Anti-Bullying programs.

C.	Search and Seizure
Following is a policy of search and seizure in the Hilltop Schools as established by the Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education.
1. A school teacher or principal stands “In loco Parentis” and has the same right a parent would have to search a student in order to remove suspicion.
2.	In discharging the duty of supervision over students, school authorities have a right to inspect, which becomes a duty to inspect, school lockers when suspicion arises that something of an illegal nature may be secreted there.
3.	Students may have control of their lockers, but the student’s possession is not exclusive, as the school and its officials may need access. A school does not supply its students with lockers for illicit use in harboring stolen property or harmful substances.
4.	Students are advised that when a locker is assigned to them that the school and its officials reserve the right to inspect lockers or desks for any purpose it deems advisable.
5.	Locker searches may be made by the school principal or by any other proper school official designated by the principal or the superintendent of the school.

II. Academic Program

A.     Enrollment
Children may enroll in kindergarten when they reach the age of five (5) on or before September 30th. Children may enroll in first grade when they reach the age of six (6) on or before September 30th. Presentation of a certified birth certificate is required of each child for admission to school, also a copy of custody papers will be needed if parents are separated or divorced. It is mandatory that each pupil, at the time of initial entry to school, present written evidence that the pupil has received, or is in the process of receiving, immunizations against poliomyelitis, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, and tetanus. Immunization records must be presented to the school prior to the first day of school.

B.     Grading System: Traditional and S/U Grading Systems Defined

Grades	Description A+	Excellent
A                             Excellent A-                            Excellent
B+	Above Average B	Above Average B-	Above Average C+	Good
C	Good C-	Good D+	Fair

Cut-off % 100
94 90 87 83 80 77 73 70 67

Grade Value 100
99 93 89 86 82 79 76 72 69

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D	Fair	63	66 D-	Fair	60	62 F	Poor	59                                       0 S+	Satisfactory	90                                  100 S	Satisfactory	70	89 S-	Satisfactory	60	69 U	Unsatisfactory	59                                       0

Cut-off % is the final calculated percentage that the student must meet or exceed in order to receive that grade. Grade Value is the percentage used for calculations when the grade is entered as an assignment score. Kindergarten and 1st Grade will use S+, S, S- and U grades in all areas.
2nd Grade will use S+, S, S- and U in Science, Social Studies, Health, P.E., Music, and Art.
The traditional A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+… scale as above will be used in all other subjects.

3rd – 6th Grades – S+, S, S- and U in P.E., Music, Band, and Art. A, B, C, D, and F in all other subjects: Language Arts (will include English, Writing, and Spelling), Reading, Science/Health, Math, and Social Studies.
The Honor Roll will recognize students in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 for all A’s and S’s and all A’s, B’s, and S’s for each grading period.
The final average willbe the average of the four gradingperiods (there will be no semestergrade or semester average) Incomplete assignments will be reported to the parents.

C.	Report Cards and Interim Reports
Report cards are issued soon after the end of each nine-week period and will be available online. In addition to the report card, Interim Reports will be available online at the middle of the nine-week period.
Note: paper copies are available upon request.

D.     Computer Use
Students are allowed the use of school computers for school assignments only after the Acceptable Use Policy has been read and signed by both the students and their parents/guardians. (There will be an additional fee for a personal Chromebook computer for students in grades 3-6.)

E.	Promotion/Retention of Students
The promotion of each student will be determined individually. The decision to promote a student or to retain a student in a grade will be made on the basis of the following factors which the teacher and principal will take into consideration in forming this opinion: mental ability; age; physical maturity; emotional problems; social problems; home conditions; and grade average. A student who fails two or more subjects may be retained in the same grade if the teacher and principal conclude that satisfactory progress has not been made. A student may be placed in a grade for reasons such as age, IQ, social, and emotional adjustment upon the recommendation of the teacher and principal. Most retentions will take place in the lower primary grades.
Third-Grade Reading Guarantee/Retention
The State of Ohio has also implemented the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. A student must reach at least a minimum score (set by the state) on the Grade 3 Ohio State Test (OST) assessment to move on to the fourth grade. If a student does not reach that score, the student may still move on to fourth grade if they qualify for a retention exemption. These exemptions apply to:

	Limited English proficient students who have been enrolled in U.S. schools for less than three full school years and have had less than three years of instruction in an English as a Second Language program;
	Special education students whose IEPs specifically exempt them from retention under the Third Grade Reading Guarantee;
	Any student who has received intensive remediation for two years and was previously retained in kindergarten through the third grade; and
	Students who demonstrate reading competency on an Alternative Assessment approved by the Ohio Department of Education

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III. Attendance

A.     Attendance Policy
Ohio Revised Code Section 3321.01 requires that every child between the ages of six and eighteen is to be in school attendance each and every scheduled school day unless excused by the approval of the school’s administration. Regular attendance by all students is very important. In many cases, irregular attendance is the major reason for poor school work. Therefore, all students will be asked to go shopping, make dental appointments, do personal errands, and so forth, outside of school hours.
The legal responsibility for student attendance lies with the parents. Therefore, parents and students should be familiar with the attendance policy.

Ohio Revised Code Section 3321.19 (C)(1) defines EXCESSIVE ABSENCES as a child of compulsory school age who “is absent with or without a legitimate excuse from public school the child is supposed to attend for 38 or more hours in one school month, or 65 or more hours in one school year.” A note from a parent may no longer be considered an “EXCUSED” absence once a student reaches the EXCESSIVE ABSENCE threshold (38 or more hours in one school month, or 65 or more hours in one school year.) Students not attending school/class to attend school-sponsored activities (i.e. field trips, athletic contests, academic contests) are considered in attendance. Hospitalization, chronic illness, or other extenuating circumstances will be considered in extending the limit of allowable absences.

Students who areabsent morethan60 hourspersemestermay berequired to makeup seat timemissed through theuseof before/after school detention and/or Saturday school. Students who return to school from an absence must immediately make arrangements with their teachers to make up missed work. Students who are absent from school for reasons not permitted by State Law, may or may not be permitted to make up work. Each case will be considered on its merits by the principal and the respective teachers(s).

Reasons for which absences may be excused include, but not limited to:
1.	Personal/Family illness (A doctor’s note may be required once a student reaches 65 total absent hours in a school year.)
2.	Death in the family
3.	Doctor/Dentist appointment
4.	Quarantine for contagious disease
5.	Emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the principal constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school.
6.	Religious reasons
7.	Pre-approved family vacations of up to 5 days (32.5 hours) per school year. (Notify the office in writing 5 school days prior to the scheduled vacation.)
8.	Emergency or set of circumstances which in the judgment of the principal constitute a good and sufficient cause for absence from school.

NOTE: all “excused” absences must have a written note or a call to the office.

Examples of “unexcused” absences: 1.     Oversleeping
2.     Car Trouble
3.     Missed the bus 4.     Shopping
5.     Hair or beauty appointment 6.     Truancy

7. Suspension or expulsion
8. Other absences not listed as excused. 9. Skipping class
10. Any absences without written reason from parents within two days after return to school.
11. Any absence deemed “not necessary” by the administration.

B.     Absence Procedure
1.	A written explanation of each absence shall be made by the parent/guardian to the principal to approve or disapprove of absences.
2.     A parent, custodial parent, legal guardian, or other person having charge of a student shall report by telephone or otherwise to the appropriate school administrator that the child will be absent for a specified

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number of days or part of a day from school. Notification must occur as early as possible on the same day that the student is absent from school, but no later than 10:00 a.m.
3.	Students who return to school after an appointment during the school day must come to the office, with a parent to sign in, stating the time and reason.
4.	It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all make-up work from their teachers. Requests for homework must be called in to the office by 11:00 a.m.

Students are permitted to go on vacation during the school year without penalty for up to 5 days. The purpose of this administrative guideline is to accommodate parents who must taketheir vacations during theschool year because of company (industry) policies and the desire to enjoy that time as a family. Whenever a proposed absence-for-vacation is requested, parents must discuss it with the principal. The length of absence should be made clear, and those involved should have an opportunity to express their views on the potential effects of the absence. The District will only approve a student’s absence for a vacation if they are in the company of a parent/guardian, but not other students’ parents. Students who are absent for any other type of vacation will be considered inexcusably absent from school and subject to truancy regulations.

Prior to the vacation, tentative assignments may be requested for the student to complete and turn in upon returning to school. If assignments and materials are desired, a request must be made to the office at least two school days before the absence and will be delivered to the student just prior to the absence. Assignments for the time missed will be counted as an authorized, unexcused absence, but shall not be a factor in determining grades unless make-up work is not completed.

C.	Truancy
Unexcused absence from school (Truancy) is not acceptable.	Ohio Revised Code defines a student as HABITUALLY TRUANT if thestudent is absent without a legitimate excuse from public school for thirty or more consecutive hours, forty-two or more hours in one month, or seventy-two or more hours in one school year. Students who meet thecriteriaof habitualtruancy willhaveacomplaint filed with the Judgeof theJuvenileCourt in compliance with State Law and Board Policy 5200.

D.     Tardy to School Procedure
Students who return to school after an appointment during the school day must come to the office, with a parent to sign in, stating the time and reason. The same is true of students leaving school for an appointment, the parents must come in to get their child. A student in the elementary who misses more than 90 minutes in the a.m. or 90 minutes in the p.m. is counted absent for ½ day. If a student does not report in the p.m. on a day when school is dismissed early, the student is absent ½ day.

E.	Make-up Work
A pupil should receive full credit for work missed as the result of absences that have been properly excused by the office when make-up work has been completed. One week after the absence should be ample time in most situations. Students who are truant may receive partial credit for school work that is missed. Each teacher is responsible for keeping accurate records for each class.

F.	County Fair Policy
A student may be granted an excused absence from school for any fair if the student is a member of a club or organization and has a project at the fair.
The following procedure must be followed prior to being excused from school to attend the fair:

1.	The student must secure a form at the principal’s office to be excused from school attendance for the fair. A note from the parent will be accepted as long as it is done in advance of the day of absence.

2.	The form must be signed by the advisor of the club or organization listing the dates and times the student is needed or required to be at the fairgrounds because of a project.

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G.     Hunting Policy
A student may be granted excused absences for hunting. In order to be excused for this day, the following procedure must be followed prior to being excused:
1.	The student must either bring an excuse from a parent/guardian or have the parent/guardian email the office asking for permission to be excused on a particular day.
2.	The student must present a valid hunting license to the principal before being excused.

H.     Dismissal Policy
All students must have a note if there is a change in normal dismissal procedures. Students will go home by their normal procedure unless parents contact the office by 2:00 pm. Parents making emergency calls during the day to change pick-up arrangements must come to the office to sign children out at the end of the day. Our office is very busy at the end of the day and late notice cannot always be given to the child or classroom teacher, so please adhere to this 2:00 deadline.

I.	Emergency Contacts
It is a parent’s responsibility to notify the office when any contact information has changed. It is crucial to have current up-to-date information on file for your child’s safety, including 3 emergency contact names and telephone numbers.

IV. Supplemental Services

A.     School Nurse
Eye screening, hearing, and teeth checks are done by the School Health Nurse. The Nurse is available two days each week (Tuesday & Thursday).

B.     Speech Therapy
The Millcreek-West Unity Elementary Schools offer speech therapy to children who have articulation, rhythm, voice, or hearing problems. The therapist arranges a schedule to meet the needs of the student after the initial screening is completed.

C.	Guidance Counseling/Care Coordinator
The guidance counseling services are for all students at all grade levels. Students are encouraged to seek help from the Guidance Counselor in solving educational, personal, and social problems.

The care coordinator is also available for all students and their families. They help families connect with outside resources for the well-being of the family for items such as utilities, clothing, glasses, food, or shoes.

V. Medical Issues

A.     Use of Medications

The medications and/or treatments, which may be administered, are defined in Policy 5330.     In those circumstances where a student must take prescribed medication during the school day, the following guidelines are to be observed:

1.	Parents should determine with their physician’s counsel whether the medication schedule can be adjusted to avoid administering medication during school hours.

2.	The Medication Request and Authorization Form 5330 F1 must be filed with the respective building principal before the student will be allowed to begin taking any medication during school hours.
This written and signed request form is to be submitted on an annual basis and will include:

a.	student’s name;
b.	medication and dosage or procedure required; c.      times required;

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d.	special instructions including storage and sterility requirements; e.	date prescribed medication will be started;
f.	date prescribed medication will no longer be needed; g.	physician’s name, address, and telephone number;
h.	probable side effects;
i.	authorization for school personnel to administer the prescribed medication, if necessary; j.	agreement/satisfactory arrangement to deliver medication to/from school;
k.	agreement to notify the school in writing if the medication, dosage, schedule, or procedure is changed or eliminated.
A new request form must be submitted each school year or for each new medication.

3.	All medications to be administered during school hours must be registered with the principal’s office. Upon receipt of the medication, the principal’s secretary shall verify the amount of medication brought to the school and indicate that amount on the student medication log sheet.

4.	Medication that is brought to the office will be properly secured. Medication may be conveyed to the school directly by the parent or transported by transportation personnel (bus driver and/or bus aide) at parental request.	This should be arranged in advance.	A two to four (2-4) week supply of medication is recommended. An exception to this would be prescriptions for emergency medications for allergies and/or reactions.

A.     For each prescribed medication, the container shall have a pharmacist’s label with the following information:

1.	student’s name 2.	physician’s name 3.	date
4.	pharmacy name and telephone 5.	name of the medication
6.	prescribed dosage and frequency
7.	special handling and storage directions

B.     Any unused medication unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by administrative personnel when a prescription is no longer to be administered or at the end of a school year.

C.	Thestaff member administering themedication shall ensure that thestudent takes the medication properly.

D.     A log for each prescribed medication shall be maintained which will note the person giving the medication, the date, and the time of day. This log will be maintained along with the physician’s written request and the parent’s written release.

E.	Written documentation of any training provided for each person authorized to administer a prescribed medication or treatment will show:

1.	what training was given;
2.	the trainer’s name and professional status; 3.	when the training was given;
4.	the duration of the training.

F.	Dispensing of non-authorized, over-the-counter (OTC) medication by District employees to students served by the District is prohibited. Where investigation confirms such allegations, prompt corrective action shall be taken up to and including dismissal.

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B.     Allergies
The classroom teacher should maintain a list of any students with allergies. In classrooms with any students with severe food allergies, precautions will be taken to prevent reactions. These should include: notification to all parents of students in the class of the condition and dangers, no food with reaction-causing ingredients allowed in the room at any time, hand washing before AND after lunch, adjusted seating arrangements at lunch (i.e. no nuts area).

VI. Miscellaneous Building Policies

A.     Dress Code

All students are expected to cometo school looking clean, neat, and dressed in a manner that is accepted as being
in good taste. Students are expected to dress and manage their appearance in a manner that does not disrupt the educational process, promote vulgarity, or present a safety risk.

1.	Shoes or secure-fitting sandals must be worn at all times. No “flip-flops” or slides may be worn. This is a safety concern, especially with younger students on the playground where we have blacktop and mulch. Tennis shoes (sneakers) are required to be worn to physical education classes, but a pair does not have to be kept at school.
2.	Shorts of appropriate length, mid-thigh, approximately 4 inches from the top of the knee, will be permitted. [Your garment must extend beyond your fingertips with your arms extended downwards at your sides.] There will be no short shorts, spandex shorts, or short skirts permitted.
3.	Pants are to be worn at the waistline and should not expose undergarments.
4.	Leggings, tights, yoga pants, and any other extremely form-fitted apparel are considered an accessory and must be worn with an appropriate length dress, skirt, shorts, or shirt that extends past the inseam.
5.	Shirts, blouses, or dresses with low necklines, sheer, strapless, backless, bare-midriff designs (crop tops) are not permitted. Tops must have each shoulder covered by 3 inches of material, (Approximately the width of 4 fingers.)
6.	Any garment alluding to drugs, alcohol, sex, discriminatory messages, or any topics of poor taste in written or illustrated form is not acceptable.
7.	Hats, hoods, or head coverings are not to be worn during the school day except for religious or preapproved occurrences.
8.	Clothing with holes above the knee is to be patched, have a backing, or be worn with leggings so that it does not expose the skin.
9.	Any hairstyle/color that is distracting to other students and disrupts the educational process will not be permitted.
10. Bandanas shall not be worn around wrists, arms, legs, head, etc. The wearing of chains that could be used as

a weapon is not allowed.

11. Body piercing that is distracting to self, other students, or the educational process will not be permitted.

The final decision on acceptable dress and grooming will be the responsibility of the principal and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken after a conference and parent notification has failed to ensure proper dress and grooming.

B.     Student Personal Electronic Property
Cell phones, wearable technology, electronic tablets, or other communication devices not medically necessary that are brought to school are not to be turned on, used, or visible throughout the school day. It is recommended students keep these devices in their locker or turn them into the office in the morning/pick them up after school if it is necessary to bring them to school. Because those items are not a necessity for educational purposes, responsibility for them rests with the students. Hilltop Elementary is not responsible for loss or damage.

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C.	Lockers
Students will be assigned to a locker at the beginning of each school year. Students should follow these rules regarding lockers:

1.	Money or valuable articles should never be left in lockers. If it is necessary to bring money or valuable items to school, we suggest you check the items in the office until needed.
2.	Students should always use their own locker.
3.	Students shall not mar or decorate their lockers and shall keep them clean and tidy. 4.	Students shall never leave their locker doors open.
5.	Students shall avoid slamming their locker doors.

Students are advised that when a locker is assigned to them that the school and its officials reserve the right to inspect lockers or desks for any purpose it deems advisable.

D.     Textbooks
Certain textbooks are assigned for individual use. These same textbooks must be used by other students in the years to follow. These books should be treated accordingly. If any text is lost or shows unnecessary abuse and wear, students will be charged.

E.	Library
All library books may be checked out for one week. If a student does not return all books on library day, they may not check out more. Books must be returned in the same condition that they were in when checked out. Fees will be charged for lost or damaged books. All fees must be paid before a student can graduate. Any inappropriate behavior in the library will result in loss of library privileges or other disciplinary action.

F.	Classroom Speakers
During the school year, guests are invited to the school to speak to individual classes and assemblies. Occasionally, the information may be considered by some to be of a controversial nature. Also, the speakers themselves may portray a special interest of a controversial nature. If the principal determines the nature of the program or speaker to be controversial, parents will be informed by notices sent home with the students when such a program is to be presented. Students’ requests for absence from such a program will be honored.

VII. Student Code of Conduct

The goal for Millcreek-West Unity Local Schools is to create a learning environment where all students have an opportunity to learn.	Teachers establish classroom rules and procedures in order to limit the loss of instructional time and to provide all with the opportunity to learn. Good conduct is based on respect and consideration for the rights of others; therefore students will be expected to conduct themselves in such a way that the rights of students and staff are not violated. Students will respect persons in authority, including all adults in charge (teachers, bus drivers, aides, lunch staff, recess monitors, etc.). In consideration of developmental appropriateness, an immediate and concrete system of rewards and consequences will be in place within the classroom.

A student who fails to comply with the established building/classroom expectations, the following Student Code of Conduct items, or reasonable requests made by school personnel on school property or at school-related events may require appropriate disciplinary action, which could include but is not limited to: a visit to the office, verbal warning, coaching session and discussion with principal or representative, missed recess, written warning, lunch in the office rather than with classmates, loss of privilege, phone call or email to the parent, after school detention, Friday extended detention, Saturday school, in-school reassignment, suspension, emergency removal from class or school, and/or expulsion. Damage to school property including furniture, books, magazines, busses, orany other equipment shallbepaid forby thepupilcausing such damage. Theconsequences listed are not meant to be all-inclusive; a building administrator may use other options if they are deemed more appropriate.

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A.     Minor Misconduct
Minor misconduct is typically an action that causes little harm or disruption to the educational process. The following are examples of minor misconduct and are not meant to be all-inclusive.
1.	Inappropriate hallway or cafeteria behavior: running, excessive noise, throwing things, etc. 2.	Violation of playground rules: no snowballs, tackle ball, sliding, bikes, skateboards, etc.
3.	No chewing gum or eating candy at school without permission.
4.	Bringing banned items to school: ex. video, audio, and recording devices 5.	Leaving school grounds without permission.
6.	Food being taken out of the cafeteria without permission. 7.	Violation of dress code.
8.	Profanity and/or obscenity 9.	Disruption in the classroom 10. Insubordination
11. Rude or disrespectful to a staff member or another student 12. Writing on school property or others’ personal property. 13. “Roughhousing”: hitting, tripping, wrestling, etc.
14. Bringing toys to school that are not approved by the classroom teacher.
15. Any other action of an inappropriate nature or as defined by individual teacher requirements or reported by a staff member.

B.     Major Misconduct
In some cases or situations, a student’s actions may be classified as major misconduct. Misconduct classified as minor or major misconduct as well as appropriate disciplinary action will be determined by administration. A major violation of the Student Code of Conduct is recorded for the school career of a student. No violation will be removed from a student’s records at the end of a school year.

The following is a list of serious violations which may be considered major violations:
1.     Disruption of the Educational Environment: A student shall not disrupt the normal school atmosphere, including all curricular activities and assemblies, through the use of disruptive behavior/actions, violence, force, coercion, threat, harassment, insubordination, threatening dress or appearance, inappropriate gestures, pranks, and strikes or walk-outs. Students shall not place signs or slogans on school property without thepermission of theproper authorities. Students shall not produce, distribute, or maintain printed materials or petitions on school grounds that are disruptive to the school or slanderous to anyone.
2.     Destruction of School or Private Property: A student shall not damage or attempt to damage school property (including vehicles owned by the Board) or private property both on and off-premises during a school activity.
3.     Aggressive Behavior, Fighting, Assault, and/or Threat Thereof: A student shall not physically harm or threaten to harm any person on or off school premises or while in the custody or control of the school or in the course of school-related activities.
4.     Dangerous Weapons, Instruments, and Objects: A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any object which might be considered a dangerous weapon or instrument capable of harming another person or themselves. See VII Student Code of Conduct, K. Weapons
5.     Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco/Alternative Nicotine Product: A student shall not possess, use, transmit, conceal, sell, attempt to sell, transfer, or have evidence of use of alcohol, tobacco, or alternative nicotine products (cigarettes, e-cigarettes, Vape, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.), paraphernalia, anabolic steroids, or “drugs'' defined by Board policy 5530, including look-alike or counterfeit drugs, in any manner or form.
6.     Profanity and/or Obscenity: A student shall not use profanity and/or any obscenity by written, verbal, electronic, gestured, or other means, to annoy or humiliate others, and/or disrupt the educational process.
7.     Truancy and Tardiness: A student shall comply with the compulsory school attendance laws. When a student is absent from school without a legal excuse, it constitutes truancy or tardiness. Repeated tardiness is also considered a serious offense.
8.     Insubordination: A student shall not fail to comply with a reasonable request or discipline prescribed by a staff member or administrator during any period of time when the student is properly under the authority of the school. Repeated violations of any minor rules, directives, or discipline procedures shall also constitute insubordination.

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9.     Inappropriate Dress: A student shall not dress or appear in a fashion that interferes with the student’s health or welfare or that of others, causes disruption, or directly interferes with the educational process. See VI. Miscellaneous Building Policies, A. Dress Code
10. Theft: A student shall not obtain, attempt to obtain, or exert control over the property of another, including the property of the school.
11. Extortion: A student shall not obtain or attempt to obtain another person’s property, either by implied or expressed threat.
12. Misrepresentation/Forgery/False I.D.: A student shall not falsify information or use false identification to mislead school personnel. A student shall not falsify, in writing, the name of another person, times, dates, grades, addresses, or other data on forms or correspondence directed to or from school personnel.
13. Trespassing or Loitering: A student shall not be present in a school building or on school grounds at unauthorized times when his presence may cause disruption of any activity, function, or the educational process. A student shall not attempt to enter school or private property either on school grounds or at any school activity, function, or event off school grounds.
14. Bullying: A student shall not engage in one-sided, unwanted, and repeated written, verbal, electronic, or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting, or dehumanizing gesture, that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment, cause discomfort or humiliation, orunreasonably interferewith anindividual’sschoolorworkperformanceasoutlined inBoard Policy 5517. See I. Student Rights, B. Anti-Harassment/Bullying Notice.
15. Harassment: A student shall not engage in bullying that rises to the level of unlawful harassment when one ormorepersonssystematically and chronically inflict physicalhurt orpsychologicaldistress ononeormore students or employees and that bullying is based upon oneor moreof the following protected classes, which includes but is not limited to: race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or genetic information as outlined in Board Policy 5517. See I. Student Rights, B. Anti-Harassment/Bullying Notice.
16. Hazing: A student shall not engage in or perform any act or coerce another, including the victim, to perform any act of initiation into any class, team, or organization that causes or creates a substantial risk or causes mental or physical harm as outlined in Board Policy 5516.
17. Lewd Behavior: Students shall not make lewd comments, threats of inappropriate touching, engage in inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, or be involved in a sexual act while under the guidance of the school.
18. BombThreats, Arson, FalseAlarms, FalseReports: Studentsshallnot issuea bombthreat, start afire, tamper with or falsely activate a fire alarm, tamper with or falsely discharge a fire extinguisher, make a false report, or use a stink bomb. Students issuing a bomb threat, starting a fire, setting off an alarm, or making threats to cause significant harm to fellow human beings will be reported immediately to local law enforcement personnel.
19.	 Computer/Chromebook Usage/Personal Student Electronic Property: Students shall not violate the Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy for the computer network or the Chromebook User Agreement. Violations may result in the enforcement of disciplinary measures as well as the denial of computer/online privileges.
20. Failure to abide by other rules that may be established from time to time by the Board, superintendent, or principal, or included in Ohio Revised Code 3313.66, such as, but not limited to:
a. Not reporting to the assigned location or leaving school during school hours without authorized permission.
b. Disrespect to a teacher or other school authority.
c. Refusal to take detention or other properly administered discipline. d. Cheating or plagiarizing.
e. Gambling.
f. Publication, possession, or electronic searches for obscene or libelous material. h. Willfully aiding another person to violate school regulations.
i. Commission of any act on school premises or at a school activity in violation of the Ohio Criminal Code or the Ohio Juvenile Code.
j. Any other activity which a pupil knows or should know will disrupt the academic process or a curricular activity either on the school premises or on premises where a school-related activity is taking place.

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C.	Bus Conduct
Although the school district furnishes transportation in accordance with State Law, it does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the end of the school day.

Once children board the bus -- and only at that time -- do they become the responsibility of the school district. Such responsibility will end when the child is delivered to the regular bus stop at the close of the school day. Students on a bus are under the authority of and directly responsible to the bus driver. The driver has the authority to enforce the established regulations for bus conduct. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of thedriverwill besufficient reasonfor refusing transportationserviceto any student. Policies should be designed to ensure the safety and welfare of all school bus passengers and shall include:
A. The school bus driver’s authority and/or responsibility to maintain control of the pupils (Section 3319.41 of the Revised Code).
B. The pupil’s right to “due process” as provided for by the local board of education policy and procedure. C. Pupil management regulations, which shall include the following:
1.	Pupils shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
2.	Pupils must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from where the bus stops. (Safety Spot) 3.	Behavior at school bus stops must not threaten the life, limb, or property of any individual.
4.	Pupils must go directly to an available or assigned seat. 5.	Pupils must remain seated keeping aisles and exits clear.
6.	Pupils must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully. 7.	Pupils must not use profane language.
8.	Pupils must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus except as required for medical reasons. 9.	Pupils must not use tobacco on the bus.
10. Pupils must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus except for prescription medication required for a student.
11. Pupils must not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.
12. Pupils may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps (See Paragraph I of Rule 3301-83- 20 of the Administrative Code).
13. Pupils must leave or board the bus at locations to which they have been assigned unless they have parental and administrative authorization to do otherwise.
14. Pupils must not put their heads or arms out of the bus windows.
15. Guidelines will be formulated for the use and storage of equipment and other means of assistance required by handicapped pupils.
16. Proper steps will be taken to collect, store, and use medical information related to pupils known to have medical problems which may require driver attention.

D.     Suspension, expulsion, or immediate removal from the bus.
1.	The provisions of Section 3313.66 of the Revised Code shall apply to suspension, expulsion, and immediate removal of a pupil from school bus riding privileges.
2.	The superintendent, superintendent designees, principals, or assistant principals are authorized to suspend or remove pupils from school bus ride privileges.
3.	Immediate removal of a pupil from transportation is authorized. A pupil removed immediately from transportation must be given notice as soon as practical of a hearing, which must be held within 72 hours of the removal. The notice shall also include the reason for removal. Immediate removal is authorized when the pupil’s presence poses a danger to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school bus. The length of time removed ridership shall be in accordance with school district policy but not more than ten days.
4.	Suspension of riding for a rule violation or conduct not considered a danger to persons or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school bus may not exceed ten days. Suspension of riding privileges by the superintendent, superintendent designee, principal, or assistant principal shall be in accordance with Section 3313.66 of the Revised Code and school district policy related to due process.
5.	Expulsion of a pupil from riding privileges shall be in the superintendent and in compliance with Divisions B, D, and E of Section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

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6.	School bus drivers shall report in writing to theappropriate administrator all ruleviolations or conduct that justifies immediate removal, suspension, or expulsion.
7.	Suspension or immediate removal of handicapped pupils may require a modification of the above procedures and shall be accomplished in accordance with law.

E.	Suspension
The superintendent or the principal may suspend a student from school for disciplinary reasons outlined in the student code of conduct. (SeeBoard Policy 5610) No period of suspension will be for more than 10 school days. It shall not extend beyond the current school year. The guidelines listed below will be followed for all suspensions:
1.     The student will be informed in writing of the potential suspension and the reasons for the proposed action. 2.     Students will be given an opportunity to appear at an informal hearing before the principal, superintendent, or their designee, and will be given a chance to challenge the reasons for the intended suspension or explain
their actions.
3.     If a suspension is enacted, the parent or guardian will be notified in writing within 24 hours of the suspension. The reason(s) for the suspension and the appeal procedures will be included in the notice.
4.	To be suspended means the student will not attend school and not be allowed to participate in any school activities during the suspension. At times, the principal may assign an in-school suspension rather than an out-of-school suspension.

F.	Expulsion from School
Expulsionis a removal of a student for more than 10 days duration, but no more than 80 consecutive school days in a school year. Refer to Board Policy 5610.

G.     Emergency Removal of a Student
If a student’s presence poses a continuous danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process, then the superintendent or principal may remove the student from the premises. Refer to Board policy 5610.3

H.     Corporal Punishment
The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education adopted a policy banning the use of corporal punishment.

I.	Weapons
Weapons are not allowed on school premises, including the bus, or any school-sponsored event. The term "weapon" means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include but are not limited to, firearms, guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, razors, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives. See Board Policy 5772.

VIII Public Complaints about School Personnel

Complaints about school personnel will be investigated fully and fairly. However, before any such complaint is investigated, it must besubmitted in writing and signed. Anonymous complaints will bedisregarded. Whenever a complaint is made directly to the Board of Education as a whole or to a board member as an individual, it will be referred to the school administration for study and possible solutions.

IX. Emergency Procedures

SchoolActivationforEmergencies bookletsareposted nearthephonein each classroom. Thesebooklets contain board-approved procedures and emergency phone numbers for most emergency situations. Safe locations and exits are posted near the doorways of each classroom. Additionally, we are fortunate to have a school resource officer, who is here to assist all students, staff, and visitors on a daily basis.

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A.     Severe Storm Procedures Tornado Watch/Warning
1.	Tornado Watch-The school is alerted by WBNO storm sentry system. Students will not be alerted or alarmed. School will be dismissed at the regular hour during a Tornado Watch.
2.	Tornado Warning-
a.	Students and teachers will be alerted. Students will then be directed to a designated location where they will be asked to sit on the floor and against an inside wall when possible.
b.	Students will not be permitted to leave the building unless accompanied by their parent or guardian. Buses will not operate during a warning. Normal dismissal of school will be delayed if a warning is in effect at the time of dismissal.
c.	Complete silence will be maintained during a “warning” period.
d.	When an ALL CLEAR is sounded by the U.S. Weather Bureau, students will receive verbal instructions from the principal concerning return to the classrooms. Periodic drills will be conducted to acquaint students with these procedures.

B.     Fire Drill Regulations
1.	When the fire alarm sounds, students are to proceed quickly and quietly to the assigned exit. Do not run! 2.	All teachers should make sure windows are closed and lights are off.
3.	The teacher will follow the students out of the building, closing classroom doors. 4.	Proceed to a safe distance from the building to your designated location.
5.	Attendance must be taken outside a report given to the principal before students may be permitted to re-enter the building.
6.	Caution: Be ready for every emergency.     Have an alternate route in mind if one exit should be blocked.

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X. FERPA

Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("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 after the day the Millcreek-West Unity Local School District (“school” or “school district”) receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal, or appropriate school official, a written request that identifies the records 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, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school district to amend a record should write the school principal, or appropriate school official, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why it should be changed. 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 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 provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from 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) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official. School officials have a legitimate educational interest to review education records in order to fulfill their 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, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

4.	The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school districtto comply withthe requirementsof FERPA. The nameand addressof the Office that administersFERPA are:

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

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See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

	To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))

	To officialsofanother school,schoolsystem,or institution of postsecondary educationwhere the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))

	To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)

	In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))

	To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to §99.38. (§99.31(a)(5))

       To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§99.31(a)(6))

	To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7))

	To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))

	To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))

	To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10)

	Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11)

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