ANNUAL NOTICE OF STUDENT EDUCATION RECORDS AND INFORMATION RIGHTS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Students to whom the rights have transferred are “eligible students.”
• Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student’s education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies.
• Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
• Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
(1) School officials with legitimate educational interest;
(2) Other schools to which a student is transferring;
(3) Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
(4) Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
(5) Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
(6) Accrediting organizations;
(7) To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
(8) Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
(9) State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.
Schools may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, schools must tell parents and eligible students about directory information and allow parents and eligible students a reasonable amount of time to request that the school not disclose directory information about them. Schools must notify parents and eligible students annually of their rights under FERPA. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to the discretion of each school.
For additional information, you may call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) (voice). You may also contact Kimm Kenniston, Director of Special Education, at (207) 827-3921. Individuals who use TDD may use the Federal Relay Service.
Or you may contact the following address:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-8520
School and District Data Available
Certain RSU #34 testing data is available to the public, including the “Report Card” required under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. To access this data, visit www.rsu34.org and click “ESEA Report Card”, or contact:
Dr. Jon Doty - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Regional School Unit #34
156 Oak Street
Old Town, ME 04468
(207) 827-3932, jon.doty@rsu34.org
ESEA requires all school districts to provide two years of academic information for the public in the ESEA Report Card. These report cards include assessment informa- tion about all students in the grades tested in the district and informa- tion about all students tested in each school in the following academic areas: reading/language arts, mathematics, science.
Information about the academic achievement of the students in each school is compared to the district academic assessment results and to the academic assessment results of students at those grade levels in the State of Maine. This information is also disaggregated by the following subgroups: gender, racial and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency, economically disadvantaged students.
In addition to the academic as- sessment information, each Report Card includes information about attendance percentages of students in grades 3-8 and about the high school’s graduation rate.
ESEA also requires each district to provide the public with the following: qualifications of teachers in the district’s schools, the percentage of teachers in each school with each of the professional degrees (e.g., Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Certificate of Advanced Studies, Doctorate), and the percentage of teachers in each school who are teaching with emergency or provisional credentials.
Immunizations Available
If you have any questions regarding your child’s immunizations, please check with your doctor or the Bangor Immunization Clinic at 103 Texas Avenue, Bangor (992-4548). The best time to call is 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Appointments may be scheduled, or you can use the walk-in times below.
Walk-in Schedule Bangor Immunization Clinic:
Every Monday and Wednesday 9-12
The 4th Thursday of the month 4-7 p.m.
Health Information
Emergency Information: It is vital that the school have the phone numbers for parents and other emergency numbers in case we cannot reach you. Please notify the main office immediately if there is a change in address, phone number, or emergency numbers. It is very difficult to care for an ill child when no one can be reached. If your child has a chronic condition (asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, etc.), please make sure the school nurse is informed of the specific emergency procedure for your child.
Health Records: Each child was issued a health record when they entered Pre-K or Kindergarten. This record is part of their cumulative school record for the duration of their school years. It is very important that all information is accurate and up to date. Whenever there is an important change in your child’s health status (asthma diagnosis, diabetes, fractures, surgery, etc.), or if your child has been placed on long-term medication, please call and let the school nurse know so this can be added to their record. When a student graduates from high school, this health record, in regards to immunizations and health issues, is an important source of information for them, as many colleges, employers, and the military require immunization information.
Immunizations: Varicella (chickenpox): since school year 2007, the state of Maine required all children in K-12 to provide either proof/certificate of immunization for Varicella or proof from a physician that your child has had the illness. If your child receives immunizations (beyond the minimum requirement), at any time, and you provide the certificate of immunization to the school, it will be added to your child’s health record. According to the state of Maine, if a parent opposes immunization of their child for any vaccine (including Varicella) because of sincere religious belief or for philosophical reasons, this must be stated in writing each year.
Medications: The administra- tion of medications, including both prescription (requiring doctor/dentist order) and/or over the counter (non- prescription) is permitted only when failure to take such medication would jeopardize the health of the student. If a student needs to take medication while in school please request a Permission to Administer Medication at School form from the school. Read the form very carefully and follow all guidelines before any medication may be administered. The medication must be in the original container and should be brought in by the parent. Only enough medication for one month (20 days) should be brought to school. All medications must be stored in the locked cabinet in the main office/clinic.
Exceptions: 1. Inhalers and Epi- Pens may be carried by students only if the medication permission forms are completed and appropriate use has been demonstrated to the school nurse. The student must have their epi-pens for field trips, and/or outdoor school activities/classes. 2. If you would like your child to have acetaminophen (Tylenol), a written parental permission form must be signed annually.
Illness: If a student becomes ill at school and it is necessary for him/her to go home, a parent or emergency person will be contacted either by the school nurse, office, or teacher. If a student becomes ill at home and the illness will require several days absence, please notify the school. If the student becomes ill with a communicable disease (chickenpox, etc.) please let us know. Please do not send your child to school with fever, vomiting, congested cough, undiagnosed rash, suspected “pink eye”, etc. Please provide the school with a written physician note if they were sent home with question of a communicable disease (strep throat, skin rash, etc.) and when they are permitted to return to school.
Head Lice: If a student has eggs, the parents are called and a treat- ment plan is discussed with the nurse. If a student has live lice, the student’s parents are called to pick up the child and a treatment plan is discussed with the nurse. Students with lice may not return to school until the school nurse or designated school official has checked to be sure the lice have been treated. If a family has experienced chronic lice, the nurse will check the student more frequently to be sure the student is clear. Teachers can recommend a student be checked for lice if they are observing excessive head scratching. Full classroom checks are only conducted if the class is experiencing several outbreaks and excessive absences are occurring.
Public Notice Education Rights of Children and Youth that are Homeless
This public notice provides information about the rights of children, youths, and unaccompanied youth that are homeless to attend a public school or public charter school. An unaccompanied youth is a youth that does not live with a parent or guardian. This notice includes information to help you know if you or someone you know is considered homeless and is eligible for services from our school district. Children or youths that are homeless have rights that include the right to attend public schools. If you need assistance understanding this letter, please contact Kimm Kenniston (McKinney-Vento Liaison) at Kimm.Kenniston@rsu34.org or (207) 827-3921. Do you need an interpreter? Please tell us and we will make sure one is available.
Our school district actively enrolls and provides services for children and youth that are homeless. If you are homeless or know of a child, youth, or unaccompanied youth that may be homeless, please contact the person listed here for help: Kimm Kenniston (McKinney-Vento Liaison) at Kimm.Kenniston@rsu34.org or (207) 827-3921.
Who is “homeless”? Children or youth (including children of migrant workers) who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless. Fixed means the home is connected to the ground and is not easy to move. Regular means a place where the child sleeps every night. Adequate means the home meets modern standards of living. Children who are sharing someone else’s housing because they lost theirs or because they cannot afford their own housing are homeless.
Children and youths who are homeless may be living in: motels; hotels; camping grounds because they do not have an adequate home; emergency or transitional shelters; trailer parks (this does not refer to a mobile home (trailer) park, this refers to a type of camping ground for fifth wheel camper trailers or other types of movable campers); or are abandoned in hospitals.
Children and youth who are homeless may have a place they usually sleep that is a public or private place not meant to be a regular place for people to sleep. They may also be living in: cars; parks; public spaces; abandoned buildings;substandard housing (housing that does not meet modern standards of living); bus or train stations; or other similar settings.
If you are not sure, please contact the person listed on this notice.
What are the education rights of children and youth that are homeless? Our schools provide the same educational services to all students without regard to their living situation. Children and youth who are homeless also have rights that include:
*Based on what is best for the child or youth, the child or youth can continue to attend the “school of origin” or be immediately enrolled in any public school where the student now lives. This includes any school that students who are not homeless attend that is in the area where the child or youth now lives.
*Being given services without delay, such as transportation and meal programs.
*Other appropriate services and programs, such as programs for: gifted children; children with disabilities; English learners; career and technical education; and preschool.
*Help in school through the district’s federally funded Title I program. A student that is homeless can receive Title I services even if the student is not attending a Title I funded school.
*School activities for parents or guardians.
*Participation in athletics, fine arts, or other extra-curricular activities.
*Being treated the same as students who are not homeless by school personnel.
What is the “school of origin”? ‘School of origin’ means the school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or the school the child or youth last attended, including a preschool. When the child or youth completes the final grade level of a school of origin, then ‘school of origin’ means the school the child or youth would attend at the next grade level. The district must consider what is best for the child or youth when making a decision about which school the student will attend. Placement at the school of origin must be a choice unless doing so is not what is best for the student or is against the wishes of the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth.
What if there is a disagreement about school placement? If the district places a student in a school that is not the school of origin or a school requested by the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth, then the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth may appeal (ask to change) the placement decision. The student will be immediately enrolled in the school that the student or parent asked for while an appeal is being considered. The district homeless liaison listed on this notice will provide information and assistance to appeal a placement decision.
No Child or Youth Should Be Denied Access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education
Substitute Teaching in RSU #34
Have you ever thought of being a substitute teacher in Alton, Bradley, or Old Town? Here is a short list of some of the benefits:
*A second income that can certainly come in handy for the upcoming heating season.
*Flexibility: You get to pick the age level of the students, and which days you’d like to work!
*An excellent opportunity to gain experience in the teaching field - especially if you are considering teaching as a career.
*You will quickly become immersed in the school community and truly have an impact on the lives of children.
*There is no better job reference than one that involves experience working with children.
*RSU #34 kids are amazing!!!
Applications are available at the Superintendent’s Office located at Leonard Middle School. Call 827-7171 for more information.
My School Bucks...
...is a simple online payment ser- vice that provides a quick and easy way to add money to your student’s meal account using a credit/debit card or electronic check.
You can also view recent purchas es, check balances, and set-up low balance alerts for FREE!
MySchoolBucks provides:
• Convenience - Available 24/7 on the web or with the Mobile App for your iPhone, Android or Windows phone!
• Efficiency - Make payments for all your students, even if they attend different schools within the district. Eliminate the need for your students to take money to school.
• Control - Set low balance alerts, view account activity, recurring/ automatic payments & more!
• Flexibility - Make payments using credit/debit cards and electronic checks.
• Security – MySchoolBucks ad- heres to the highest security stan- dards, including PCI and CISP. Enrollment is easy!
1. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com and register for a free account.
2. You will receive a confirmation email with a link to activate your
account.
3. Add your students using their school name and student ID.
4. Make a payment to your students’ accounts with your credit/
debit card or electronic check.
5. A program fee will apply. You will have the opportunity to review any fees and cancel if you choose, before you are charged.
If you have any questions, you may contact the RSU 34 Food Ser- vice Office
827-3908 stephanie.salley@rsu34.org
or contact MySchoolBucks directly: parentsupport@myschoolbucks. com
1-855-832-5226
Visit myschoolbucks.com and click on Help/FAQ’s
RSU #34 FOOD SERVICE
Stephanie Salley, Director
Kim Hayward, Clerk
You have a right to inquire about the qualifications of your child’s teacher.
For more information,
please contact:
Dr. Jon Doty - Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Regional School Unit 34
156 Oak Street
Old Town, ME 04468
A.H.E.R.A. Notice
TO: BUILDING OCCUPANTS: Alton Elementary School, Old Town High School, J.A. Leonard Middle School Old Town Elementary School, Viola Rand School
FROM: David Walker, Superinten- dent of Schools
The above named schools have been inspected for the presence of asbestos-containing materials. A written plan for the management of these materials has been developed. This plan is available for inspection at the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, 156 Oak Street, Old Town, Maine 04468 during regular office hours. Copies of the plan for each school may be obtained on request at a cost of $35.00 per volume.
Affirmative Action General Policy Statement
It is the policy of RSU 34 to en- sure equal employment/educational opportunities/affirmative action regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability in accordance with all federal and state legislation.
RSU 34 will fully comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and intends not to discriminate on the basis of disability in any of its employment practices or educational programs.
Inquiries may be made or griev- ances initiated by contacting Scott Gordon, Affirmative Action Office, 203 Stillwater Avenue, Old Town, Maine 04468, Tel. 827-3910 ext. 303, or by contacting the Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C.
Annual Integrated Pest Management Notice
Pest Control: Because pesticides pose risks, the school uses an alter- native approach to merely applying pesticides. Control of insects, rodents, and weeds at our school focuses on making the school buildings and grounds an unfavorable place for pests to live and breed. Through maintenance and cleaning, we will reduce or eliminate available food and water sources and hiding places for the pests. We will also routinely monitor the school area to detect pest problems and prevent the pests from becoming established. Some techniques we will use include pest monitoring, sanitation, pest exclusion, proper food storage, pest removal and - as a last resort - pesticides. This holistic approach is often called Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Pesticide Use: Sometimes pesticide use may be necessary to control a pest problem. When that happens, the school will use the lowest risk products available. If higher risk pesticides must be used, notices will be posted at application sites and parents, guardians, and staff have a right to know.
Your Right to Know
Parents, legal guardians, and school staff will be notified of specific pesticide applications made at the school. Notification will be given at least five days before planned pesticide applications during the regular school year. In addition, for pesticides applied anytime during the year, notices will also be posted in the school and on school grounds two working days before until 48 hours after the application. Notification need not be given for pesticide applications recognized by law to pose little or no risk of exposure to children or staff.
The school also keeps records of prior pesticide applications and information about the pesticides used. You may review these records, a copy of the School’s Integrated Pest Management Policy and the Pesticides in Schools regulation (CMR 01-026 Chapter 27) by contacting our IPM coordinator, John Lodge, at 827-3902.
If you have any questions, please contact David Walker, Superinten- dent of Schools. For further infor- mation about pests, pesticides, and your right to know, call the Board of Pesticides Control at 207-287-2731 or visit the Maine School IPM web site at www.thinkfirstspraylast.org/ schoolipm.
Child Find Information
The purpose of this notification is to ensure that Regional School Unit #34 is in compliance with 05-071 Chapter 101 Maine Unified Special Education Regulation, Birth to Age Twenty.
“Each SAU shall maintain and implement policies and procedures to ensure that all children residing in the jurisdiction between the ages of 3 and 20 years, including children with disabilities who are homeless children, are wards of the State or state agency clients, children with disabilities attending private schools and receiving home instruction, highly mobile children (including migrant or homeless), children who have the equivalent of 10 full days of unexcused absences or 7 consecutive school days of unexcused absences during a school year, and children incarcerated in county jails, and who are in need of special education and related services, even though they are advancing from grade to grade, are identified, located and evaluated at public expense.”
It is the stated intention of Regional School Unit #34 to provide any eligible special education student for whom it has responsibility, a “genuine opportunity for equitable participation” in special education programs.
Section 504 Child Find Notice: Children eligible for Section 504 Accommodations or services include those children who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.
If you suspect your child has a disability and may need special education services or 504 Accommodations, or if you would like additional information, please contact your child teacher or call the District’s Special Education Director, Kimm Kenniston at 827-3921.
Homeless Liaison: Kimm Kenniston is the homeless liaison for RSU #34. It is the responsibility of RSU #34 to notify the citizens and parents in the district on an annual basis that education services are available to students classified as homeless. If you need further information to determine the rights available to students who are homeless in RSU #34, please contact Kimm Kenniston at 827-3921.
Americans with Disabilities Act Notice
RSU 34 does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities. RSU 34 does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Individuals who need auxiliary aids for effective communication in programs and services of RSU 34 are invited to make their needs and preferences known to the ADA Compliance Coordinator.
This notice is available in large print and on audio tape from the ADA Compliance Coordinator.
Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the ADA may be forwarded to RSU 34’s designated ADA Compliance Coordinator:
Kimm Kenniston
RSU 34
156 Oak Street
Old Town, ME 04468
Phone number - Voice: 827-3931
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Parental Notice Regarding Physical Restraint and Seclusion
2020-2021
The Board has adopted a policy/procedure JKAA/JKAA-R addressing Restraint and Seclusion of Students. The policy/procedure can be accessed on the district's website at: www.rsu34.org, in school offices and the Superintendent's Office. Any parent with questions about the policy/procedure should discuss the issue with a building principal, the Special Education Director or Superintendent.
Regional School Unit #34, Alton, Bradley & Old Town Special Education Record Destruction: Regional School Unit #34 plans to destroy special education records of former students whose birth dates are between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1993. Any records prior to 1992 not already posted will also be destroyed.
Parents/Guardians and/or former students may obtain their records before October 31, 2020. Records not picked up will be destroyed. Proper identification will be required. For more information please contact: Regional School Unit #34 Special Education Office at (207) 827-3921.
Monday's the big day! Eagle Scout candidate Ryan Kelley is leading a drive to collect working devices and non-working devices with minor issues to rehab them for RSU #34 kids' online learning this year. Please consider donating! Location: Old Town High School. Times: 9-2 on Monday, Sept. 7th.
Two visitors snuck up to Mr. Mayfield's outdoor classroom yesterday!
Clarification regarding "gaiters":
RSU #34 relies on the guidance of expert organizations such as the CDC. Masks help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others. Many staff and students ask about the effectiveness and allowability of “gaiters” as an alternative to traditional face masks; gaiters have received quite a bit of attention in the media lately.
The curret CDC guidance is to choose masks that:
*have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric
*completely cover your nose and mouth
*fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps
*do NOT have exhalation valves or vents which allow virus particles to escape
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
There are many types of gaiters. If a gaiter meets all of the above criteria, it may be used in RSU #34 under the current guidance. If your gaiter does not meet all of the above criteria, please choose a mask that does, or we can provide a disposable mask. With questions, please contact your school nurse or school administrator.
We are excited to launch the 2020-2021 school year, and very much look forward to welcoming our students whether they are participating in-person or remotely!
Our schools and community will break new ground this year, navigating the pandemic together, as will schools and communities around the world.
Each school is forming a continued input/feedback team of parents and staff, called the “COVID Advisory Council.” (AES and VRS will have one combined council). The school principal will chair the team, which will have these responsibilities:
• Receive and share input about what is working as intended, and what can be improved on
• Review emerging research
• Review public input
• Report to the Board with issues discussed, and whether consensus exists on any recommendations
The membership of each school’s team includes:
• (Ex Officio: Superintendent of Schools, Director of Curric/Instruction/Assessment, Special Education Director, School Nurse)
• Chair: Building administrator(s)
• Teacher representative
• 4 Parent Representatives
If you are interested in being a parent representative, please complete the form below by September 8th. On the form, please indicate if you’re comfortable with the current RSU #34 plan, if you think the plan is too cautious, or if you think the plan is too risky. We will seek to have a balance of parent perspectives on the team.
https://forms.gle/wX1tH3haStRsZnSZ8
Thank you. With questions, please contact your school principal.
OTHS junior Ryan Kelley is collecting gently used laptops, PCs, keyboards, mice, and webcams to help kids when they need to learn remotely. Ryan's Eagle Scout project will help many kids in our community! Devices can be dropped off at any of our school lobbies, or at OTHS on September 7th from 9-2. For more information please click the link below. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/community/boy-scout-restores-donated-computers-so-students-in-his-community-have-access-to-remote-learning/97-9ca3ca8f-2525-43ff-8d9f-6186b9ffabb8?fbclid=IwAR19SzolbFOP-9KWEM9fgS81mSgdbsC-upTK7R64YkdaBxJZe2MVe-8q5TQ
