East Windsor Public Schools
Board of Education Policies
Community Relations Series 1000
1000
Community Relations
Concept and Role in Community Relations
The Board of Education recognizes that the community shapes the quality of local
education. It is imperative that members of the community and the school personnel
cooperate in planning, developing policy, implementing programs and evaluating
results.
School-community relations are not merely reporting and interpreting but part of a public enterprise in which community members and school personnel play their respective roles in the best interest of the school district.
The Board of Education establishes the following goals for the community relations program;
1. To increase public understanding of the school system.
2. To increase community confidence and interest in the school system.
3. To promote effective dissemination of information concerning school activities.
4. To solicit and consider community opinions about the school system.
5. To encourage the sharing of resources among civic and community organizations for the benefit of the school system.
6. To invite community participation in school activities.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-4a Educational Interests of State Identified.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1100
Communications with the Public
General
The Board of Education believes it is important to inform the public about school curriculum, programs, and activities so citizens can participate in these programs. Concurrently, the school staff, administration, and Board of Education should be aware of the community’s goals and concerns for its children so they may be given consideration in curriculum, program, and activity revisions.
To this end, the Board supports and encourages various means such as publications, press releases, open houses, and other public events to disseminate school district information and to hear from the community.
Administration of the Community Relations Program
The community relations program shall be a concurrent responsibility of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent of Schools shall work with members of the Board of Education to conduct an active and comprehensive informational program throughout the school district.
Staff members shall be kept informed of community relations efforts, and their support and participation in such efforts shall be sought.
News of Board of Education Meetings and Activities
The Board of Education believes in the widest possible dissemination of news concerning the school and shall cooperate fully with the press, radio, and television to assure that news coverage is complete, balanced, and accurate.
Board minutes shall be available in unapproved form, within 72 hours of a Board meeting excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; a written record of Board votes shall be available for public inspection in the Superintendent’s office within 48 hours of a Board meeting excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. (In determining the time herein, any day on which the Board office is closed shall also be excluded.)
It should be made clear to anyone wishing to review the minutes that they are unofficial until approved by the Board of Education.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
1-13-1-21k Public records and meetings.
10-220 Duties of boards of education.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1110.1
School-Family Partnership
The East Windsor Board of Education recognizes that a child's education is a
responsibility shared by the school and family during the entire period the
child spends in school. To support the goal of the school district to educate
all students effectively, the schools and parents must work as knowledgeable
partners.
Although parents are diverse in culture, language and needs, they share the school's commitment to the educational success of their children. This school district and the schools within its boundaries, in collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.
To this end, the Board supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a parent involvement program in each school, which will involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles. The parent involvement programs will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature. They will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:
· Responsible parenting is promoted and supported.
· Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.
· Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning.
· Parents are welcome in the school and their support and assistance
are sought.
· Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and
families.
· Community resources are made available to strengthen school programs,
family practices and student learning.
The East Windsor Board of Education supports professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies. The Board also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.
In addition to programs at the school level, the Board of Education supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using to the degree possible, the components listed above.
Engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement. This school district shall foster and support parent involvement.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
Recognizing that an open relationship should exist between school administrators
who are charged with the responsibility of conducting public business, and the
news media who has the responsibility of reporting the actions of government
to citizens, the Superintendent of Schools is authorized to provide to the members
of the press information which is a matter of record and public information.
Members of the press, television and radio stations will be directed by the Superintendent of Schools to the administrator directly responsible for the information they seek.
Information released to the media shall be that which is public information as covered by statute. It is recognized that there is information of a confidential nature which shall not be released, such as information concerning personnel, grievances, negotiations, court actions and special placement of students. Information provided to the media should be factual and should not involve speculation or assumptions.
Administrators may release any information which has been previously generated. This does not include, however, generating new information at the request of a member of the press. All communications by school officials to the press shall be “on the record.” Press releases are to indicate the administrator's name and title.
The Administrators have the right to restrict interaction with students on school property if he/she deems it interferes or disrupts the educational process.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1112.5
Media Access to Students
The Board recognizes the important role the media serves in reporting information
about the district’s program, services and activities. Therefore, the
district will make every reasonable effort to provide media access to students.
School administrators shall be authorized to grant permission and set parameters
for media access to students in their respective schools. The media may interview
and photograph students involved in instructional programs and school activities
including athletic events provided their presence will not be unduly disruptive
and shall comply with Board policies and district goals.
Media representatives shall be required to report to the administration for
prior approval before accessing students involved in instructional programs
and activities not attended by the general public.
Media representatives wishing to photograph or identify particular students,
must obtain parental or guardian approval as well. Such permission shall not
be required before photographs, videotapes, and/or articles referring to students
involved in athletic events may be published.
Parents who do not want their student interviewed, photographed or videotaped
by the media shall inform the School Administrator accordingly.
Information obtained by media representatives directly from students does not
require parental approval prior to publication by the media. Parents who do
not want their student interviewed or photographed by the media may direct their
student accordingly.
District employees may release student information to the media only in accordance
with applicable provisions of the education records law and Board policies governing
directory information and personally identifiable information.
Parents will be advised of the district’s media access to students policy
at the time of the student’s registration and each fall in the student/parent
handbook.
(cf. 5125 - Student Records; Confidentiality)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
1-213 Access to public records. Exempt records.
10-209 Records not to be public.
Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Sec. 438, 20 U.S.C. Sec 1232g
(1988).
Title I - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Act. (PL 105-17)
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1112.6
Videotaping of Staff/Students
Videotaping and filming of school district employees and/or students is subject
to the following procedures:
1. The exclusive rights for any videotape or film and the soundtrack thereof
produced by the school district shall be its exclusive property unless other
prior written agreements are made.
2. Signed consent forms must be obtained from the Building Administrator and
participating employees before videotaping or filming is begun. A signed consent/release/waiver
must be obtained from the lawful custodian of each disabled or exceptional student
who is identifiable as such and from the lawful custodian of all students who
are identified or made a primary subject on camera.
3. The consent/release/waiver form is available from the Administrator’s
office. After a form is signed, it should be sent to the Administrator and a
copy given to any of the participants if requested.
4. Film or videotape of a district employee shall not be used for any purpose
other than the purpose set forth.
5. School district productions shall not be duplicated without the consent of
the Superintendent or his/her designee.
6. Commercial distribution of videotapes or films produced by the school district
is not permitted without an appropriate signed consent/release/waiver and the
approval of the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education.
7. This policy does not apply to local new media representatives in performance
of their routine duties as reporters. The policy also does not apply to employees
or students who are filmed or videotaped during voluntary appearances in public
or for use in their own classroom.
(cf. 1112 News Media Relationships)
(cf. 1112.5 Media Access to Students)
(cf. 5125 Student Records)
(cf. 6145.4 Student Performances)
Regulation approved: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1140
Page 1 of 2
Community Relations
Distribution of Materials by Students (Use of Students)
Printed materials may be distributed to parents by students as an inexpensive
means of mass communications. At the same time this procedure can prove objectionable
to parents and the school district if overdone.
To provide the most effective use of this technique without exploitation of staff or students, the Superintendent or his/her designee may approve such distribution providing:
1. The materials relate to the school, community, local recreational or civic activities.
2. The materials do not relate to any religious belief or activity, or promote private gain, or political position.
3. The materials do not promote any political party or candidate.
All requests from groups or individuals to have students distribute materials to people in the community, with the exception of requests from school?connected organizations like parent-teacher organizations or Board appointed citizens’ ad hoc advisory committees, will be referred to the office of the Superintendent to determine whether the requests comply with overall school purposes and policy.
Use of Students
The Board prohibits the use of students during normal school hours in activities which are not part of the normal educational and planned curriculum process. Permission for use of students in activities of a non-educational nature must be obtained from the Superintendent or his/her designee who will ensure that the student's rights in terms of voluntary activities are maintained and that students are not exploited either knowingly or unknowingly.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall interpret this
policy strictly. In case of differences of decision, the decision of the Superintendent
will be final and may be made when, in their judgment, the best interests of
the students will be served. In case of differences of opinion between them
the decisions of the Superintendent will be final.
1140
Distribution of Materials by Students (Use of Students)
Budget/Referendum Materials
Information concerning a budget or referendum, specifying only the time, date, location, and question or proposal may be disseminated through the students. This information may not contain statements, or be written in a manner which may advocate a position on the budget or on a referendum question.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
9-369b Explanatory text relating to local questions
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1210
School-Community Associations
1. Activities sponsored by independent community organizations (ICO) such as,
but not limited to, civic clubs, booster clubs and parent organizations and
the like when acting to support school district curricular and extra?curricular
activity, may not involve East Windsor public school students and/or school
district personnel unless such activity has received prior authorization of
the Superintendent of Schools or the Superintendent's designee.
2. Any ICO which desires to engage in activities, including fund-raising activities, by the use of student labor or school district personnel must first file and have approved by the Superintendent of Schools a plan for such activities. The plan shall set forth the following information:
A. The goal or purpose of the activities;
B. The proposed use of any and all funds to be raised;
C. The specific role of the students or school district personnel in the activities;
D. Any other relevant information required by the Superintendent of Schools; and
E. The plan shall be signed by the person responsible for supervising the activities.
3. Approval of the plan by the Superintendent of Schools shall not be deemed to be an adoption of the activity as “school sponsored” but shall grant permission to the ICO to use student or school personnel labor in its fund-raising efforts if such persons agree.
4. In no case shall participation by a student in such ICO activities be a prerequisite for membership or participation in any school district-sponsored curricular or extracurricular club, team or activity.
5. Participation by a student in any such ICO activities, including fund-raising activities, shall not be a precondition for attendance or participation by any student in any event honoring the members of the team, club or activity by the ICO. No student shall be charged more than the actual cost per student for attendance at any such event.
6. Under no circumstances shall an ICO use any form of coercion to obtain student or school district personnel acquiescence to donate their labor.
7. Under no circumstances may an ICO utilize student labor without the specific
written permission of the student's parent or guardian.
8. As a condition of approval, any ICO involving students and/or school personnel shall clearly state in its publications that such activities are sponsored by the ICO rather than the School District
9. The Superintendent of Schools shall not approve a plan which, in his sole discretion, violates any of the standards of this regulation or a plan which indicates that the purpose or activity:
A. Is contrary to the educational interests of the East Windsor school district; or
B. Is not in support of school district curricular or extra?curricular activities; or
C. Raises any funds which do not directly benefit the school district or its students: or
D. Would negatively affect the health, safety or welfare of the students or school district personnel.
10. This policy shall not prevent school district personnel from attending meetings of ICO’s on school premises for the purposes of liaison and communication, without the filing and approval of a plan.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1210
Form
EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
ACTIVITY APPROVAL APPLICATION
Name of Organization: _____________________________________________________________
Organization Representative filing this request: __________________________________________
Name Title
Address of Representative: __________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _______________________________________________________________
Nature of Planned Activity: _________________________________________________________
Please give a brief description of the activity and the specific role of students or school district personnel: _______________________________________________________________________
Goal or Purpose of Activity: _________________________________________________________
Proposed use of any funds to be raised: ________________________________________________
Date(s) activity is to take place: ______________________________________________________
Location where activity will take place: ________________________________________________
Proof of liability insurance (please attach)
Student Permission Slips - Please attach a copy of the permission slip which participating students' parents will have to sign.
Note: The proposed activity may not take place until a list of those students' names whose parental permission slips have been signed has been filed with the Superintendent of Schools. The Administrator's signature indicates a review and approval of the activity.
________________________________________________________________________________
Applicant's Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Administrator's Signature Date
________________________________________________________________________________
Superintendent of Schools Date
______Approved _______Disapproved (Superintendent's letter explaining the basis of disapproval is attached.)
1250
Page 1 of 1
Community Relations
School Visitations
Type of Visitor
This policy applies to all persons other than employees and students enrolled in the school who may come to the school for any reason during the school day.
Procedures
Parents and interested residents are encouraged to visit the schools.
All visitors must report to the school office. This requirement may be waived when schools are operating a “parent teacher conference” program or when prior arrangements have been made for meetings between parents or other adults and teachers or other staff members.
Employees of the school system (itinerant teachers, teachers assigned to other buildings, maintenance personnel and others) are to advise the School Administrator or secretary that they are in the building.
A visitor (a person not employed by the school system) must report to the school office and receive permission to be on the school grounds. Visitors must be issued an “identification pass.”
School routines, students schedules and teachers duties must not be impeded or interrupted by visitors.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
Classroom Visitation
Requests to visit classrooms are to be made at least one day in advance of the visit. Such requests will be approved by the Administrator, if, in the Administrator’s judgment, they do not interfere with the teaching-learning process.
Parental requests to visit classrooms will not be necessary during times when schools are operating “visitation programs.”
Definition of Visitor
Any persons, except students officially enrolled in that particular school and employees assigned to that particular school, are considered visitors to that school.
Notice to Visitors
A notice will be conspicuously posted inside the main entrance to each school instructing visitors to report to the school office prior to visiting.
Procedures
In grades K through 8, where parent-teacher conferences are scheduled on specific dates, visitors attending such conferences are not required to report to the school office. Building administrators will establish procedures designed to assist visitors in finding conference locations.
Building administrators will establish procedures designed to assist such visitors in locating meeting areas and staff members taking part in the meeting.
Board of Education committees or members visiting a school on official Board
of Education business are not required to report to the school office except
when they will be visiting areas where instruction is occurring. A Board member,
when in a school for other than official Board of Education business, will be
considered a visitor.
Supervision of Visitors
The Building Administration is responsible for the supervision of all visitors and is authorized to establish procedures that provide for adequate supervision of visitors.
The Building Administrator is authorized to refuse or revoke visitation privileges of any visitor who creates a disturbance. The Administrator may refuse, or postpone to a later date, visitation privileges if the visit is not in the best interest of the school or its students. Requests for classroom visitation must be approved by the Administrator.
Decisions to approve or reject requests for classroom visitation will be based on the educational value of the visitation to the student, parent or teacher.
When visitation privileges are refused, revoked or postponed to a later date, or a request for classroom visitation is denied, the Superintendent of Schools will be notified in writing on the next work day.
School Visitors
Under normal conditions, students are urged not to bring visitors to school. Their presence can create problems and interruptions that are unnecessary.
There are occasions, however, when visitors are permissible and welcome. Students who wish to have a visitor, must contact the main school office at least one day in advance of the anticipated visit.
As a general rule, visitors should be of high school age and from out?of?town, and not absent from their own school unless they have their Administrator's permission to be absent.
Any visitor who is permitted in our school is the responsibility of the student who brings the visitor. The visitor must accompany the district student throughout the day and is responsible for obeying all school rules.
Regulation approved: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
Loitering or Causing Disturbance
All visitors must register in the office of the School Administrator. Staff
members should be alert to the possibility of unauthorized visitors and promptly
report any concerns to the Administrator. Any person shall be considered loitering
on school grounds when he/she remains in or about a school building or grounds,
without any reason or relationship involving custody of or responsibility for
a student or any other license or privilege to be there. Loitering in or about
school grounds is a Class C misdemeanor and will be dealt with accordingly.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
53a-185 Loitering in or about school grounds; Class C misdemeanor.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1312
Page 1 of 2
Community Relations
Public Complaints
The Board of Education places trust and confidence in its employees and desires to support their actions in such a manner that employees are freed from unnecessary, spiteful criticisms and complaints.
The Board of Education recognizes that constructive criticism does play a significant role in improving the quality of education. Parents and students should feel free to bring problems and complaints to the attention of the school staff through the proper channels of communications; i.e., teacher, Administrator, Superintendent. The Board also recognizes that statements from citizens concerning the schools are valuable as a means of feedback to the Board regarding the success or failure of the school program, and thus such statements are encouraged.
Complaints coming directly to the Board of Education as a whole, or to an individual Board member, should be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for referral to the proper staff member for appropriate action. The procedure for appeal of action on complaints shall be to the next highest authority.
The Board of Education serves as a final review of appeal of administrative actions regarding complaints and criticisms. All complaints so appealed to the Board of Education shall be in writing, signed by the aggrieved person(s), and shall be directed to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools. No member of the community shall be denied the right to petition the Board of Education for re-dress of a grievance. Complaints shall be referred back through the proper administrative channels for solutions before investigation or action by the Board. Exceptions that the Board will act upon are complaints that concern Board policies or Board operations only.
(cf. 1220 ? Citizens' Advisory Committees)
(cf. 5145.2 ? Freedom of Speech/Expression)
(cf. 6144 ? Controversial Issues)
(cf. 6161 ? Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)
1312
Page 2 of 2
Community Relations
Public Complaints
Legal Reference: Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589, 603 (1967)
President's Council, District 25 v. Community School Board No. 25 457 F.2d 289 (1972), cert. denied 409 U.S. 998 (1976)
Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976).
Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982).
Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81).
Connecticut General Statutes
10-238 Petition for hearing by board of education.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
Public Complaints
General Complaint Procedures
Complaints and grievances shall be handled and resolved as close to their origin as possible.
The Board advises the public that the proper channeling of complaints involving instruction, discipline, or learning materials is as follows:
1. Teacher
2. School Administrator
3. Superintendent
4. Board of Education
Complaints Regarding Educational Materials
The Board of Education has established the following guidelines for addressing complaints regarding the utilization of books and other educational materials in the instructional program.
1. A parent and/or legal guardian has the right to request that his/her child not read, view or hear given material provided a written request is made to the appropriate building Administrator. No parent and/or legal guardian has the right to determine instructional materials for students other than his/her own children.
2. If there is parental/guardian concern about a particular book or instructional material, the parent will be asked to complete a “Request for Review of Book or Other Instructional Material” form. This request will be reviewed by the teacher giving the assignment, the appropriate department coordinator, and the Administrator. If a question arises concerning the suitability of a library book or other library material, the same form will be used to register parental concern and the form will be reviewed by the librarian, the appropriate Department Coordinator, and the Administrator. The Administrator will discuss the results of the school’s review with the Superintendent of Schools and provide an answer giving the school’s position to the parent. If the parent is not satisfied with the answer given by the Administrator, he may appeal to the Board of Education through the Superintendent of Schools.
1312
Page 2 of 2
Community Relations
Public Complaints (continued)
(cf. 1220 Citizens’ Ad Hoc Advisory Committees)
(cf. 5145.2 Freedom of Speech/Expression)
(cf. 6144 Controversial Issues)
(cf. 6161 Equipment, Books, Materials: Provision/Selection)
Legal Reference: Keyishian v. Board of Regents 385 U.S. 589. 603 (1967)
President’s Council, District 25 v. Community School Board No. 25 457
F.2d 289 (1972). cert/ denied 409 U.S. 998 (1976)
Minarcini v. Strongsville City School District, 541 F. 2d 577 (6th Cir. 1976).
Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982).
Academic Freedom Policy (adopted by Connecticut State Board of Education, 9/9/81).
Connecticut General Statutes
10-238 Petition for hearing by board of education.
Regulation approved: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1312
Appendix
EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
CITIZEN'S REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF A BOOK
AUTHOR _______________________________________________ Hardcover ___________
Paperback _________
TITLE __________________________________________________ PUBLISHER (if known)
___________________
Request Initiated By ______________________________________Telephone # _______________________________
Street Address __________________________________________Town __________________Zip
_______________
Complainant Represents: _________Self
_________Organization - Name ___________________________________________________________________
_________Other - Identify _______________________________________________________________________
1. To what in the book do you object? (Please be specific; cite pages) __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. What do you feel might be the result of reading this book? ______________________________________________________________
3. For what age group would you recommend this book? _________________________________________________________________
4. In your opinion, is there anything good about this book? _______________________________________________________________
5. Did you read the entire book? _____ If not, what parts did you read? _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. What do you believe is the theme of this book? _______________________________________________________________________
7. Are you award of the judgment of this book by literary critics?___________________________________________________________
8. What would you like your school to do about this book?
________ Do not assign it to my child
________ Send it to the Book Committee for reevaluation
9. In its place, what book of equal literary quality would you recommend that
would convey as valuable a picture and perspective of our civilization? __________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Further comments and suggestions: ________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________ ______________________________ _______________________
Signature of Complainant School
Date
The Board of Education recognizes that fundraising projects undertaken by students, school clubs and organizations provide valuable support for educational programs or school activities. At the same time, the Board is concerned for the safety and welfare of the students. The Board of Education strives to safeguard from exploitation the students, parents, staff and community.
In conducting fundraising activities, the following guidelines shall be adhered to:
1. Fundraising support shall not ordinarily be in the category of materials, equipment or activities considered basic to the educational program and normally funded annually by the school system.
2. Fundraising activities must be sponsored by a recognized school club or group. They must have the permission of the Administrator. The Administrator or his/her designee may limit all items used for fund-raisers and areas in which the fund-raiser may take place.
3. The purpose of the fundraising project shall be explained to students and parents, and shall be of direct or indirect benefit to students enrolled in the school. All participation shall be voluntary on the part of students. No child may be assigned a minimum sales quota. Every child must be afforded the benefits of school activities regardless of his/her degree of participation in the related fundraising activity.
4. There may be no more than one fund-raiser at any one time at the same grade level in each elementary school. Special care must be taken to try to avoid conflict with major fundraising activities at other schools in the system or in the community.
5. Fundraising projects in which students sell to the public off school grounds may be sponsored with the approval of the school Administrator. No child in grades K-8 may participate in out-of-school fundraising without prior written approval of parents or guardian.
6. Door-to-door sales projects undertaken by recognized school clubs or groups
shall be limited. Students in grades K-5 may not participate in school-related
door-to-door campaigns. Secondary school clubs/organizations shall normally
participate in no more than two door-to-door sales each school year.
7. Each fundraising activity must have a specific reason, monetary goal and
duration. Accurate and detailed records must be kept. These records must be
available to school officials during the fund-raiser, and a final written summary
must be filed with school officials within a reasonable time.
8. The high school Administrator shall make monthly reports about out-of-school fundraising activities to be conducted by students.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1325
Advertising in the Schools
Staff and school children shall not be employed in any manner for advertising
or otherwise promoting any commercial, political or non-school agency, individual
or organization in the schools.
Canvassing, soliciting of funds or selling of any items by any outside agency shall not be permitted on the school premises. School personnel may not participate, during school hours or on school grounds, in the solicitation of orders, the distribution of advertising material, or the collection of charges.
The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to issue a list of suggested vendors to meet district-prescribed standards, for example, for photographs or musical instruments, while allowing parents to make their own arrangements on any terms they wish, where the arrangement does not involve the use of school personnel.
A commercial photographer who is taking school photographs on school premises for a school purpose may advise students by means of a card, brochure or other appropriate device, that copies may be purchased directly from the photographer.
The solicitation of orders for and the sale of class rings on school premises is permissible if authorized by the Building Administrator, and if all prospective vendors are given full and equal opportunity to compete, and students are fully involved in the promotion and sale of such rings.
The Superintendent is hereby granted the authority to approve activities in cooperation with any individual or organization in promoting activities of general public interest which promote the education or other best interests of the students. Exhibitions in schools of any books or articles or apparatus, or films or other educational material shall be adjudged on the basis of their actual educational values.
In the case of colleges, universities, armed service agencies, corporations,
business and public service agencies, it is the policy of the Board of Education
that access to schools shall be encouraged to bring career and occupational
information to students. The Superintendent shall ensure that such activities
are carefully monitored to restrict any commercial advertisement.
Contracts which purport to authorize private individuals or corporations to
promote the sale of products and services through commercial advertisements
aimed at public school students are expressly prohibited.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the authority of the Board of Education under law to authorize the broadcast of high school games and other events by radio and TV stations even though the broadcast is commercially sponsored.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
A. Use of School Facilities Encouraged - The East Windsor Board of Education
encourages community use of designated school facilities as long as such use
does not interfere with school programs and activities or increase costs for
heat and utilities.
B. Private or Corporation Gain Limited - School facilities may not be used for the promotion of any commercial interest or private or corporate gain other than by a duly organized and recognized charity, except by a majority vote of the East Windsor Board of Education.
C. Groups Prohibited From Use - No school facilities may be used by any individual, group or society which advocates a social or political change by violence or revolution.
D. Rules in Effect for Use of Facilities - The use of alcoholic beverages on school property is not permitted. Gambling “for cash” is not permitted. The Board of Education reserves the right to determine the need for liability insurance by the applying organization, the need for police protection and traffic control, the need for a cafeteria representative when any cafeteria facilities are to be used, the need for custodian(s), and the need for the applicant-organization to be registered with the State Tax Department.
E. Application for Use of School Facilities - Applications for the use of school facilities may be obtained at the office of the Principal of the school for which use is requested, or from the office of the Director of Support Services. Attached to each application is a copy of rules and regulations governing use of school facilities. Anyone using school facilities is expected to abide by established rules and regulations.
F. Limitation on Sectarian Instruction - Permission shall not be granted for
the purpose of giving sectarian instructions or dissemination of religious doctrine
during the school day. To further provide for the separation of church and state,
use of school facilities for sectarian purposes may not begin until fifteen
minutes after dismissal of students has occurred in such school.
G. Use of School Facilities by Non-East Windsor Organizations - Any group or
organization whose mailing address is outside of East Windsor, or the majority
of whose members are not local residents, must have its request for use of school
facilities approved by a majority Board of Education.
H. Charges for use of School Facilities - A fee schedule school facilities and/or custodial supervision shall be established by the administration, approval by the Board of Education.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-239 Use of school facilities for other purposes.
PA 97-290 An Act Enhancing Educational Choices and Opportunities
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
Rules and Regulations for the Use of East Windsor Public School Facilities for other than Regular School Purposes
1. All East Windsor Public School buildings and grounds are under the direct control of the Board of Education for all activities outside of school hours and for the regular school program. Use of East Windsor Public School facilities by groups or individuals shall be permitted pursuant to Board Policy 1330. Applications for the use of public school facilities must be submitted to the Board of Education on the form prescribed for that purpose, and must define the facilities requested and the purpose and nature of the activity for which the facilities are to be used. Organizations applying for school facilities use will authorize an agent (or agents) to enter into an agreement to hold the organization responsible for damage or loss of property arising, from the organization's use of the designated facilities.
2. Use of buildings will be limited to the High School except in unusual situations as determined by the Director of Support Services.
3. Building temperatures will not be increased to accommodate evening or weekend use of buildings or facilities.
4. The Board of Education reserves the right to authorize an assigned custodian (or any duly appointed agent) to supervise the conduct of activity of participants and to halt the activity when found to be in violation of these rules and regulations or conditions stipulated on the application.
5. The Director of Support Services of the East Windsor Public Schools shall be the agent for the Board of Education and shall determine the conditions applicants must meet before permission is granted for the use of the facilities and the fee to be paid for use of such facilities.
6. Conditions controlled by the agent of the Board of Education shall include: the need for liability insurance by the applying organization, the need for police protection and traffic control; the need for a cafeteria representative when any cafeteria facilities are to be used, the need for custodian(s), and the need for the applicant-organization to be registered with the State Tax Department.
7. A custodial fee shall be charged whenever facilities are used outside of the regular workday of custodians assigned to the school in use.
8. When an applicant organization is scheduled to pay both a rental fee and
a custodial fee, the agent for the Board of Education may waive part of the
payment of either fee if, in his or her judgment, the total amount is excessive.
9. All rental fees, custodial fees, and cafeteria representative fees due shall be paid directly to the East Windsor Public Schools. A minimum cafeteria and/or custodian fee of two (2) hours will be charged. Fees for required policemen shall be payable directly to the East Windsor Police Department.
10. Specific restrictions in the use of public school facilities are:
a. Organizations owing money to the Board of Education for previous school facilities use will not be eligible for future school facilities use until that indebtedness is removed.
b. Alcoholic beverages will not be brought onto school property or consumed thereon.
c. No food or refreshments are to be served or consumed unless specifically allowed on the application form when approved.
d. Smoking of any kind is not permitted on school property by anyone at any time.
e. The facility is to be used only on the date specified and for the purposes listed on the application.
f. Should the applicant organization decide to cancel use of a school facility, for reasons other than inclement weather, it must notify the Director of Support Services of the East Windsor Public Schools twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting date or a two (2) hour custodian fee may be charged, where appropriate.
g. When school is canceled due to inclement weather or other emergencies, use of such facilities is also canceled for that day.
h. Use of school owned equipment, such as musical instruments, audio-visual equipment, office machines and equipment, is not permitted.
i. Supplies or equipment belonging to the applicant organization may not be stored on school property.
11. Religious Services in the Schools
School facilities may be leased temporarily for the conducting of religious services and religious instruction by church groups already established in the Town of East Windsor. Such rental will only be granted when the religious organization so concerned is confronted with a situation of an emergency nature because of lack of facilities, and will only be given with the understanding that the religious organization must immediately undertake steps to provide for its own facilities within a limited time.
Each request for the use of such facilities shall state the nature of the emergency and the probable duration of same. Such request may be granted for not more than one fiscal year (usually from July 1 through June 30) and the leasee shall be responsible for submitting quarterly reports to the Board describing progress being made in solving the emergency so that the Board can make decisions regarding the continuance of such rental.
General Limitations, etc.:
a. Facilities will be rented to approved organizations only when a majority of the members are residents of the Town of East Windsor and who agree to be responsible for any damage to equipment or buildings.
b. Under no condition will any organization or group alter or change the electrical circuits or panel boxes in the schools rented.
c. Decorations will not be pinned on stage drapes and curtains, nor will painting of scenery or background be permitted on the stager nor will moving of pianos or other furniture by applicant be permitted unless special permission is granted.
d. Nothing shall be sold, raffled, gambled or, in general, run during the leasee’s use of the building which could be interpreted as a fundraising activity for that organization, unless approved by the Board of Education in advance.
Group I
Activities conduct for the direct benefit of school children, Board of Education sponsored activities, and official Town of East Windsor meetings:
a. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4?H Clubs, Brownies, etc.
b. PTO sponsored activities.
c. School programs, plays, concerts, athletic events under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools.
d. Approved community organizations which present children's activities, e.g., Halloween or other town or school programs.
e. Groups raising scholarship money for East Windsor students through Grade 12.
f. Recreation programs for school children and adults sponsored by the Community Groups.
g. Official town meetings, public hearings, etc.
h. Adult education programs.
i. Volunteer Fire Department community events.
j. East Windsor alumni groups.
Group II
Other educational or recreational activities by East Windsor community groups.
a. Dancing classes, dramatic classes, physical fitness classes, etc.
b. East Windsor education or recreation groups not under the supervision of the Park and Recreation Department or the Board of Education.
Group III
East Windsor community organizations whose activities are unrelated to school, children, or education.
a. Women's and men's service clubs and/or fraternal organizations.
b. Religious groups.
c. Political groups.
Group IV
All other organizations and all non-East Windsor organizations or groups.
Fee Schedule Per Day or Portion of Day
Facility Group I Groups II & III Group IV
Classroom No Rental Fee $4.00 $45.00
Cafeteria No Rental Fee $10.00 $90.00
Kitchen No Rental Fee $10.00 $90.00
Auditorium,
Jr./Sr. H.S. No Rental Fee $25.00 $210.00
Auditorium
I. S. No Rental Fee $10.00 $150.00
Gymnasium No Rental Fee $10.00 $180.00
Auxiliary Gym
Jr./Sr. H.S. No Rental Fee $10.00 $180.00
Shower Rooms Not available for community use
Hourly Fee Schedule for Assigned Personnel
Custodian $30.00 per hour per person (4 hour minimum)
Cafeteria Employee $22.00 per hour per person (3 hour minimum)
Police Officer Fee schedule determined by direct contact with
the East Windsor Police Department.
Regulation approved: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1330
Form
East Windsor Public Schools
East Windsor, Connecticut
Application for the Use of Public School Facilities
Note: Application for use of school facilities shall be submitted not less
than fourteen (14) days before the day for which application is made.
Date
I/We hereby apply on behalf of (organization)
for permission to use in the school building
on (date) from to for the following purpose:
Additional facilities requested: chairs tables
other (describe)
I/We request permission to serve refreshments, i.e.
Admission charged: Yes______ No______ Liability Insurance Policy copy attached: Yes______ No ______
I/We (organization) by (sponsor)
(title) hereby agree to indemnify and save harmless the Town of East Windsor, the East Windsor Board of Education, their agents, employees and elected officials from and against all damages, expenses and claims which the Town of East Windsor, the East Windsor Board of Education, their agents, employees and elected officials may suffer because of the use of the “above named” facilities by (organization).
I/We further agree to be responsible for the payment of the fees as shown on the fee schedule attached to this application, and any and all additional costs or fees incurred in complying with the aforementioned rules and regulations.
I/We have read and understand the rules and regulations established by the Board of Education governing the use of public schools and agree to comply with said rules and regulations.
Applicants:
Printed or Typed Name of Sponsor Title Telephone #
Address Signature
Fees: Rental $__________Custodian $__________ Cafeteria Representative $__________ Police $__________
Total fee to be paid within thirty (30) days following subject event. Total Fee $
This application approved by:
Building Administrator Director of Support Services
The following rules shall apply to all facilities operated by the Board of Education.
As used here, “smoke” or “smoking” shall mean the lighting
or carrying of a lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or similar device, or use of
tobacco substance.
Smoking of any kind is not permitted in any building or transportation vehicle under the direction of the Board of Education at any time. Smoking of any kind is not permitted on school property by any one at any time. If violated by a non-East Windsor student, he/she will be warned to cease. If she/he persists, he/she will be prohibited from East Windsor school property for ten (10) days.”
(cf. 1120 - Board of Education Meetings)
(cf. 4118.231 - Drug-Free Workplace)
(cf. 5131.1 - Bus Conduct)
(cf. 5131.6 - Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
21a-242 Schedules of controlled substances.
19a - 342 Smoking prohibited in certain places.
Regulation approved: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1340
Access to School Procedures and Materials
Ideas, operating procedures, records, and publications developed in or for the school system may be made available to individuals, outside non-profit or profit organizations for use or distribution. Request for such information must be in writing to the Superintendent, and the school system has seven business days to provide such information.
Records containing privileged or confidential information about staff or students will be restricted to the extent permitted by law in the interests of the person or persons involved.
A reasonable charge may be made for copying available records.
(cf. 5125 Student Records)
(cf. 4112.6 Certified Personnel Records)
(cf. 4212.6 Non?Certified Personnel Records)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
1-15 Application for copies of public records. Certified copies. Fees.
1-16 Photographic reproduction of documents.
1-210 Access to public records. Exempt Records.
1-211 Access to computer?stored records.
1-214 Public employment contracts as public record.
1-225 Meetings of government agencies to be public.
1-226 Recording, broadcasting or photographing meetings.
1-206 Denial of access to public records or meetings. Notice. Appeals.
1-240 Penalties.
1-20b Record of an arrest as public record.
10-15B Access of parent of guardians to student’s records. Inspection and subpoena of school or student records.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1411
Relations Between Other Governmental Agencies and Schools
Relations Between Schools and Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Introduction
Administrative personnel in the East Windsor Public School System shall cooperate with local law enforcement authorities at all times, including the East Windsor Police, the Connecticut State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other agencies of proper jurisdiction. At the same time, school officials shall be mindful of the constitutional rights of students and take all steps necessary to ensure that these rights are upheld. In this connection, whenever possible, law enforcement business should be conducted off of school grounds and during non-school hours without the involvement of school officials.
Notification of Police in Emergency and Non-emergency Situations
In an emergency situation, contact shall be made with the East Windsor Police Department, in a timely fashion, by telephone. The Superintendent shall be notified afterward. The names of witnesses shall be noted and the crime scene secured.
In all non-emergency situations, the police shall be contacted only after the Superintendent and building administrator have agreed to take such action.
The Interrogation of Students
Interrogations of students by law enforcement officials on school property or during school hours should normally be discouraged. In the event that it becomes necessary to interrogate one or more students during school hours on school property, the following rules shall apply:
1. Every attempt will be made to contact the parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian is not available, an Administrator will be present while the interrogation takes place.
2. The Building Administrator shall make every effort to notify the Superintendent before the interrogation begins and shall always notify the Superintendent after the interrogation is held.
3. Although the responsibility lies with the law enforcement agency involved, before any interrogation commences, the building administrator should take all possible steps to ensure that the student(s) and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) are advised of their right to be represented by counsel, where applicable, and, if they are unable to afford counsel, that counsel may be appointed to represent the student. In addition, the student should be advised that he/she is not required to be interrogated and will not be penalized for not speaking.
4. If possible, interrogations shall be scheduled during periods of time when classes or examinations are not being held and/or other educational functions involving the student are not taking place.
The Apprehension of Students
Before any student is removed from school by law enforcement authorities, identification of the law enforcement official shall be required by the building Administrator. In addition, the parent(s) or guardian(s) should be notified. Written records of all activity shall be maintained. Except in emergencies involving a direct threat to public health and safety, arrest warrants should not be served upon students on school property.
Searches
No law enforcement official may conduct a search of a student locker or of a student on school property (except in cases involving imminent danger) either with or without school involvement unless a valid search warrant has been obtained and presented to school authorities.
Student lockers are the property of the East Windsor School System, not of the individual student. As such, administrators are authorized to have all students open lockers periodically.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules.
53a-185 Loitering in or about school grounds: Class C Misdemeanor
54-76j Disposition upon adjudication as youthful offender.
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1411.1
Local Units - Police Department
Cooperation with Police Department Officials in Cases of Drug and Alcohol Use
A. Referral of Students
Any student suspected of using drugs or alcohol while the responsibility of the East Windsor Public School System shall be referred to the Building Administrator or the school nurse who shall immediately notify the Building Administrator.
B. Procedure for Parental Involvement
The Building Administrator shall determine, to the best of his/her ability, if the student is involved in the use of drugs or alcohol. If the Administrator determines that there is any type of involvement with drugs or alcohol, parents shall be notified as follows:
1. In the event of suspected drug or alcohol involvement, parents will be asked to come to the school immediately to discuss the problem.
2. The student may be suspended from school for up to ten (10) days, and the Police Department may be notified.
C. Procedure for Police Department Involvement
Depending on the nature of the student’s involvement, the Administrator will recommend to the Police Department whether or not further action should be taken by the police. The Police Department will make the final determination on a course of action to be followed based on the information supplied by school officials and previous experience with the student.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
Section 10-220(d) Boards of Education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
East Windsor, Connecticut
1700
Otherwise Lawful Possession of Firearms on School Property
Notwithstanding the otherwise lawful possession of firearms defined in Section
53a?3 in or on the real property comprising school district property by persons
who hold a valid state or local permit to carry a firearm and would otherwise
legally traverse school property with an unloaded firearm for the purpose of
gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting or for other lawful
purposes, such entry onto school property by these persons for these purposes
is prohibited by the Board of Education.
The issuance of a permit to carry a pistol or revolver does not authorize the possession or carrying of a pistol or revolver on school district property. Connecticut State Law prohibits such possession on school district property.
The Board allows the lawful possession of a firearm or deadly weapon at a school-sponsored activity held on school property or elsewhere when such possession is deemed a critical part of the activity, such as at a school sponsored rifle club. Such possession must be strictly regulated and appropriately supervised by school personnel at the activity. The manner in which the firearm or deadly weapon is brought to and from the activity must insure that the weapon or dangerous instrument is not carried on school busses or available to students at any time other than during the approved activity.
(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion/Exclusion/Removal)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
29-28 Permit for sale at retail of pistol or revolver. Permit to carry a pistol or revolver. Confidentiality of name and address of permit holder. (as amended by PA 98-129)
29-33 Sale, delivery or transfer of pistol and revolvers. Documentation requirements. Waiting period. Exempted transactions. Penalty. (as amended by PA 98-129)
52a-3 Definitions.
53a-217b Possession of a weapon on school grounds: Class D felony. (as amended by PA 01-84)
Policy adopted: May 3, 2000 EAST WINDSOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Policy revised: January 7, 2003 East Windsor, Connecticut