Phoenixville Area Middle School Student Handbook 2025-2026

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may, free of charge, request language assistance to help you understand the districts documents, programs, and procedures. Please contact your childs teacher or principal for assistance; or you may call 484-927-5006 (Spanish) or 484-927-5009 (Portuguese). Please refer to Policy No. 138.

2025-2026 A copy of this (level specific) handbook will be provided to every student at Phoenixville Area School District. It contains general school information, procedures, and regulations. Students and their families are encouraged to become familiar with the contents of this publication. It is provided as a resource and contains the most current information for the school year that was available when printed. Please be advised that some of the material might be subject to change during the school year. Students and families will be informed of such changes through other school communication formats including the school website.

Mission The district's mission is to foster an inclusive, student-focused learning environment, with community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities, that supports students in becoming critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and collaborative contributors to society. PASD's vision is to be a leading educational district that adapts and evolves, with a focus on career and post-secondary preparedness, ensuring our students are equipped with the academic and social skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Phoenixville Area Middle School (484)-927-5200 Phoenixville, PA 19460 Principal: Dr. Chamise Taylor Assistant Principal: Mr. Justin McCord School District Personnel Melissa McTiernan, Superintendent of Schools ............................. ............................................................................... 484-927-5010 Jessica Kilmetz, Ed.D., Assistant. Superintendent.......................................................................................... 484-927-5013 Frank Garritano, Ed.D., Executive Director of Schools & Safety ..................................................................................... 484-927-5039 Kate Pacitto, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum/Specialized Programs & Services ............................................... 484-927-5046 Matt Oberecker, Director of Technology..................................................................................................... 484-927-5098 Ken Gibson, Director of Operations ........................................................................................................... 484-927-5099 Sylvia Rockwood, Director of Human Resources ............................................................................................................ 484-927-5037 Jeremy Melber, PhD, Chief Financial Officer .................................................................................................................. 484-927-5020 Marty Walls, Supervisor of Special Education (5-8) ....................................................................................................... 484-927-5063 Christine Skonieczny, Ed.D., Gifted/504/Mental Health Supervisor .............................................................................. 484-927-5066 Jake Serfass, Athletic Director.484-927-5130 Student Services Jim Piano - Aramark Food Service .................................................................................................................................. 484-927-5243 Lisa Yeager / Stephanie Nattle - Transportation............................................................................................................. 484-927-5026 PAMS Vision Statement The vision of the Phoenixville Area Middle School is to inspire all students to RISE to their full potential. The PAMS community seeks to foster social, emotional, and academic success and provide students with the skills to thrive in the ever changing 21st Century.

School Board Members may be contacted by calling or writing: Phoenixville Area School District District Administration Office 386 City Line Avenue Phoenixville, PA 19460 Telephone Number: 484-927-5000 Hours: 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Email for Board of School Directors is available under School Directors on the PASD Website

The School Boards primary purpose is to formulate policy for the administration of the educational program and to supervise the business affairs of the school district. Board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. twice a month. Please access the Districts Website for an exact schedule and location of meetings as some dates may vary. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and other community members are welcome to attend. Please reference Policy No. 006 Meetings, for more information. There is no scheduled Board Meeting in July, however, they may be held on an as needed basis. The December Board Reorganization and Board Meeting are held the first Monday in December. Please check the website for more information. Policy No. 619 District Audit (Public) Policy No. 604 Budget Hearing Policy No. 621 Local Taxpayer Bill of Rights

The Phoenixville Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or handicap, age in its admissions procedures, educational programs, services, activities or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 and/or any applicable federal statute. It shall be a violation for any student or staff member to harass any student or staff member. Any student or staff member who alleges unlawful harassment may complain directly to a teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator. Any student or staff member who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have engaged in unlawful harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the School Code of Pennsylvania. Please refer to Policies No. 103, 103.1, 104, and 248. The Phoenixville Area School District will assist students who are English Language Learners to participate in all programs, services and activities. Policy No. 138. For information regarding civil rights, admissions, grievance procedures, bilingual education and accessibility of programs, services, activities, and facilities that are usable by handicapped persons, please contact the Office of the Superintendent by mail at Phoenixville Area School District, 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, 19460 or by telephone at 484-927-5000.

In compliance with state and federal law, the Phoenixville Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or costs to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the students abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information about the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected students, contact the Director of Specialized Programs & Services, by mail at 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460 or by telephone at 484-927-5060.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law requires that Phoenixville Area School District (district) obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your childs education records. Consent, however, is not required in all instances. The district may disclose appropriately designated directory information without written consent unless you have advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures. The federal law and the United States Department of Education define directory information as information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the district to include this type of information from your childs education records in certain school publications. Examples include: A playbill showing your childs role in a drama production The annual yearbook Honor roll or other recognition lists Graduation programs Sports activity sheets, i.e., such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members Directory information can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parents prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories names, addresses, and telephone listings unless parents/guardians/caretakers have advised the LEA that they do not want their childs information disclosed without their prior written consent. 1 If you do not want the district to disclose directory information from your childs education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by September 15th of each school year. The district has designated the following information as directory information: Name Participation in officially recognized activities and sports Address Telephone listing Weight and height of members of athletic teams Photograph Degrees, honors, and awards received Date and place of birth Major field of study Dates of attendance Grade level The most recent educational agency or institution attended 1 These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nations armed forces.

It is the right of all students to have an opportunity to be educated by the district, to be secure in their persons, to have their rights protected and to be treated with fundamental fairness in all matters. However, when the rights of the individual conflict with or jeopardize the rights of the student body in general, or endanger a student or any other person, it shall be the policy of the district to choose safety as the paramount concern and the rights of the individual shall yield to the degree necessary.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians/caretakers and students who reach the age of 18 (eligible students) certain rights with respect to the students education records. These rights are: 1. The right to inspect and review the students education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a written request for access. Parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will arrange for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The district is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. 2. The right to request the amendment of the students education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. Parents/guardians/caretakers should write to the school principal; clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. 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 advise them 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the students education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4 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); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials or another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The additional disclosures the school may make without parent consent are explained in the schools Student Records Plan available from the childs principal. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

The Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA), (Policy No. 235) affords parents/guardians/caretakers and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (eligible students) certain rights regarding the Phoenixville Area School Districts conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical examinations. These include the right to: Written Consent: Before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (protected information survey) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education: 1.1 Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or students parent 1.2 Mental or psychological problems of the student or students family 1.3 Sex behavior or attitudes 1.4 Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior 1.5 Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships 1.6 Legally recognized privileged relationships such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers 1.7 Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents/guardians/caretakers 1.8 Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: 2. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding 2.2 Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under Pennsylvania law 2.3 Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others Inspect upon request and before administration or use: 3.1 Protected information surveys of students 3.2 Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes 3.3 Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. (Please refer to Policy No. 105.1) The district will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents/guardians/caretakers regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The district will directly notify parents/guardians/caretakers and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The district will 5 also directly notify parents/guardians/caretakers and eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participating in: Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents/guardians/caretakers/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

In addressing pertinent concerns, parents/guardians/caretakers are urged to use the following guidelines: The classroom teacher should be contacted in situations that concern the student/teacher/classroom relationship. The school principal should be contacted if the parent cannot resolve a problem with a classroom teacher or in matters dealing with general school policies and district concerns. Policy No. 906 Public Complaint Procedures

Phoenixville Area School District uses many valuable online tools to further curricular goals, personalize learning, and meet necessary data management and reporting functions. Some of these online tools are used by teachers in the delivery of instruction and require student account creation and storage of student work to perform their intended functions. Other agencies and companies provide certain administrative and technical services and support that either requires data to be stored on their servers or access to our systems is granted to facilitate the performance of certain defined functions. The district protects student privacy in compliance with applicable federal laws and school board policies. Federal privacy laws do allow sharing of what may constitute an educational record in limited circumstances. Click here or more information about student privacy protections. Any software service provider and contractor with whom the district contracts agree to protect student privacy using all commercially reasonable means and complies with all federal laws prohibiting use of student information for commercial marketing purposes. Click here for more information about student protection from commercial marketing. Policy No. 235.1 Pupils Surveys PROCEDURE FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES (FNS) CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINTS PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF

1) Sponsor receives a Civil Rights complaint from the complainant (i.e. parent). a) Sponsor must inform complainant of Federal Civil Rights rules and regulations that have been established for protected classes. (A protected class is any person or group of people who are protected from discrimination based on): 1. Race 2. Color 3. National Origin 4. Age 5. Sex 6. Disability b) Sponsor must provide complainant the necessary information to file a complaint, which is: 1. Mailing address of the USDA: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 6 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2. USDAs Telephone/Fax numbers and Email address: (866) 632-9992 / (202) 690-7442 F/ [email protected] 3. Electronic link to file a civil rights complaint Note: If the sponsor is unsure if the complaint falls under a protected class, sponsor should provide complainant the federal complaint information. c) After providing the complainant with the information on how to file a Civil Rights complaint directly at the Federal level, the sponsor may attempt to resolve the complaint if it is a matter that can be resolved quickly. Resolving complaints in real-time at the lowest possible level is encouraged. (*Note: This is not an investigation as neither the sponsor nor the State agency has the authority to conduct complaint investigations. This is simply trying to resolve the situation if it was potentially caused by a miscommunication.) If the complainant refuses to discuss the matter, any further with the sponsor or if the matter cannot be resolved quickly, then the sponsor should: 1. reiterate the complaint filing procedures in 1) b), 2. document the complaint and actions taken (i.e., referral to Federal complaint procedures) in a Civil Rights complaint log that is separate from any other complaint log, (*Note: A separate Civil Rights complaint log is necessary due to confidentiality and privacy laws. See complaint log requirements in d) below.), and 3. notify the State agency of the discussion. (*Note: It is important for the sponsor to notify the State agency because regular communication between the sponsor and State agency is key to operating the program successfully.) If the complainant is willing to try to resolve the issue with the sponsor and a satisfactory resolution is achieved, then the sponsor should still remind the complainant (using the information in 1)b) of his/her right to file at the Federal level if necessary. (*Note: Complainants retain the right to file at the Federal level even if a resolution seems to have been reached at the sponsor level.) The sponsor needs to document the complaint and actions taken (i.e., how resolution was achieved) in a log that is separate from any other complaint log and notify the State agency of the resolution. d) Regardless of if the complainant wishes to file at the Federal level, the sponsor should document as much information as possible in their Civil Rights complaint log including, but not limited to, the following: ➢ Date Complaint Received ➢ Complainants Name ➢ Complainants Address ➢ Complainants Telephone Number ➢ Complainants Email Address ➢ Allegation of Discrimination/Issue (i.e., FNS program involved, protected class(es) involved, etc.) ➢ Date of Alleged Discriminatory Action 1. The sponsor must forward the information, within 5 days of receipt of complaint from complainant to the State agency (process depicted below): State Agency Civil Rights Coordinator State Agency Director* FNS Regional Office Civil Rights Contact FNS Headquarters Civil Rights Office Complainant 2. *State Agency level must forward complaint information, within 5 days of receipt of complaint from sponsor to the FNS regional office. 3. FNS team conducts complaint review and investigation, which includes contact with the complainant, State agency, sponsor, etc. 2) Additional Information: a) Complainants must file within 180 days of the alleged action b) Confidentiality is extremely important c) USDA complaint form: 7 ➢ USDA complaint form English version ➢ USDA complaint form Spanish version

The Phoenixville Area School District participates in an IPM Program for managing insects, rodents, and weeds. The district communicates information on the program to parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians on an annual basis. Refer to Policy No. 716 for more information.

In accordance with the EPAs Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations), School Districts are required to give annual notification stating that the Asbestos Management Plan for each Building is available for public review. This rule requires local education agencies (LEAs) to identify friable and non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) in public and private elementary and secondary schools by visually inspecting school buildings for such materials, sampling such materials if they are not assumed to be ACM, and having samples analyzed by appropriate techniques referred to in this rule. In keeping with this legislation, the School District is inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and a comprehensive management plan was developed for handling asbestos containing building material in a safe and responsible manner. Six-month periodic asbestos surveillances as well as 3 Year Re-Inspections are performed in accordance with AHERA. A copy of the asbestos management plan is currently kept in the district administration building. To review a copy, please contact Director of Operations Ken Gibson (484-927-5099) These records are available for review during the normal school business hours.

The Phoenixville Area School District uses the following procedures for locating, identifying, and evaluating specified needs of school- aged students requiring special programs or services. These procedures, as required by law, are as follows: The district, as prescribed by section 1402 of the School Code, routinely conducts screening of a childs hearing acuity in the following grades: kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11. Visual acuity is screened in every grade. Speech and language skills are screened in kindergarten and on a referral basis. Gross motor and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social-emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an ongoing basis. Specified needs from all of these screening sources are noted within the childs official file. School records are open and available to parents/guardians/caretakers and only to school officials who have legitimate need to know information about the child. Information from the records is released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization that involves written signed permission by parents/guardians/caretakers. Parents/guardians/caretakers with concerns regarding their child may contact the building principal. Communication with parents/guardians/caretakers and exceptional students shall be English or the native language of the parents/guardians/caretakers. Parental and/or teacher concerns will be referred to the building level data team at the students school to meet his or her specific needs or to document the need for further evaluation. Parents/guardians/caretakers input is welcome and is often solicited. If a student does not make progress after interventions put in place by the school data team, the school will request permission to evaluate your child to determine if special education services are required. Your informed consent in writing is required before the district can conduct the evaluation. The district will conduct the evaluation within 60 calendar days upon receipt of the Permission to Evaluate by the Department of Specialized Programs and Services. Please refer to Policy No. 113. After all the assessments are completed, an Evaluation Report will be compiled with parent involvement and will include specific recommendations for the types of intervention necessary to address the childs specified needs. Parents/guardians/caretakers will then receive the results of the multidisciplinary evaluation, and these results will be discussed. When appropriate, an Individual Education Program (IEP) will be developed indicating specialized services for the student. In addition to the parent, the Phoenixville Area School District IEP team can consist of at least three of the following district staff: the building principal, the special education teacher, and the regular education teacher(s). Other individuals at the discretion of either 8 the parent or the district may also participate. Parents/guardians/caretakers are an integral part of the IEP team and need to be physically present at the IEP meeting. The district will make every effort to ensure parent participation. The district will notify the parents/guardians/caretakers in writing, make documented phone calls, and make home visits, if necessary, to make parents/guardians/caretakers aware of the IEP conference and the need for parental participation. Upon completion of the IEP meeting, parents/guardians/caretakers will be mailed a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement for their approval or disapproval of the program. Children ages birth to five years who require or may need special education interventions or evaluations are serviced through the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Parents/guardians/caretakers should call the Intermediate Unit at 484-237-5000 and request to speak to an Early Intervention supervisor to access services. Please refer to Policy No. 113. Chapter 15/Other Protected Handicapped Students A protected handicapped student is a student who is school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to any aspect of the school program. In compliance with State and Federal Law, the Phoenixville Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the students abilities. These services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

As per Policy No. 114, the district shall provide gifted education services and programs designed to meet the individual educational needs of identified students. The district shall develop and implement a districtwide gifted education plan every six (6) years which is made available for public inspection and comment for a minimum of 28 days. The district shall provide all required notices and information to parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians of gifted students, document all consents and responses of parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, and adhere to all established timelines. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact your building principal. It is the policy of the Phoenixville Area School District not to discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, marital status, disability, Vietnam era veteran status, disabled veteran status, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI. The district also respects the right to privacy regarding all medical and health records. For information on grievance application, contact the Phoenixville Area School District, 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460, 484-927-5000.

ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) The Every Student Succeeds Act focuses on instructional methods that are proven to prepare students to succeed in college and careers. This Act of 2017 is a landmark in education reform designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of Americas schools.

The Phoenixville Area School District is committed to the academic success of all our students. To maximize staff expertise by targeting instruction, PASD has assigned teachers to specialize in Math and ELA (English Language Arts). As students move to 4th and 5th grade, they will usually have more than one individual teacher. In some instances, they may have as many as three. Typically, the Math teacher will also teach Science and Social Studies. PASD has aligned its professional development to broaden the skill sets of content specialized teachers to further enrich and support our students.

Federal regulations require school districts to disclose the professional qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals. Parents/guardians/caretakers may request this information by contacting the building principal. 9 It is the policy of the school district that all students shall be accorded the rights outlined in the law to assure appropriate collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding the individual with all confidentiality stated within the law. Policy No. 324 Personnel Files Policy No. 312 - Performance Assessment of Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Policy No. 824 Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries

In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the school district is required to give public notice regarding student records. It is the policy of the Phoenixville Area School District that student directory information may be disclosed for purposes beneficial to the student or the school district only with the approval of the district superintendent or designee. Student directory information includes name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, field of study, academic grades, participation in activities and sports, dates of attendance, awards, the most previous educational institution attended, and other similar information. Parent(s)/guardian(s) can refuse the public disclosure of any or all types of directory information by notifying the principals office in writing prior to a schools publication of its school directory. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect any accumulated information within the files. Requests must be made in writing to the school principal at least three (3) days prior to inspection. Copies of all or a portion of the records may be secured for a duplication fee of 25 per page. It is the policy of the school district that all students shall be accorded the rights outlined in the law to assure appropriate collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding the individual with all confidentiality stated within the law. Homework Guidelines Homework is an opportunity to support and enhance learning. Homework introduces, reinforces, or extends knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Homework promotes learning related behaviors that lead to independence such as time management, responsibility, organization, self-advocacy, and inquiry. Time Management: On average, homework per night should not exceed 90 minutes a night for seventh and eighth graders, unless the student is participating in accelerated courses. Additional self-selected reading time is recommended. November, December, and April breaks are reserved for time with family. Students may elect to use this time to review materials, make up work, complete projects, and enjoy recreational reading. New assignments will not be issued over these breaks by the teacher. Homework assigned over a weekend shall be considered the equivalent of a one-night daily assignment. Guidelines for Teachers: Review, discuss, and return collected homework prior to an assessment or teaching new material. Communicate and coordinate assignments with colleagues during team time so that students do not receive an overload of homework. Explain homework to the students beforehand and include the purpose, recommended study skills, and an estimated time of completion. Identify students access to online materials, answer keys, additional copies (Canvas, Office 365, and textbooks), and provide methods and instructions for use. Differentiate homework for students as needed. Grade homework on completion or accuracy as appropriate. Communicate homework expectations, policies, procedures, and the impact on the overall grade. 10 Include a suggested framework or checklist for timely completion for long-term assignments. Flexible due dates are encouraged and should be used when appropriate. Guidelines for Students: Accurately record homework assignments made in class by the teacher. Check Canvas to see individual teachers assignments and links. Seek clarification or assistance from the teacher prior to the assignment due date when a homework assignment is unclear, or if the assignment requires additional time to complete. When challenged by homework, send the teacher an email or talk to the teacher at the beginning of class. Make every effort to complete homework as assigned independently. Utilize the resources provided class notes and/or Canvas. Use specified (period 8) time provided for completing classwork and/or starting homework. Limit distractions while completing homework. Guidelines for Parents: Provide a quiet space at home for homework completion. Help your c h i l d develop time management and study skills as a way to increase productivity and manage assignments. Encourage your child to communicate with his/her teacher if t h e y a r e having difficulty or require e x t r a time to complete homework. Contact the teacher directly if further assistance is needed. Access homework on Canvas as this will be the central communication tool. It is recommended that parents encourage additional high interest reading outside the school day. Grades Grades are one of several important indicators for student achievement and the acquisition of content knowledge and academic skills. Students earn their grades according to their cumulative performance during each nine-week quarter, through performance on summative and formative assessments, homework completion, project work, and class work and participation. Teachers send home Course Syllabi at the beginning of school outlining common departmental grading practices to ensure expectations and consistency. across different classes. Teachers will contact you if a situation arises which requires your immediate attention. Should a grade drop below a70%, teacher-parent dialogue is necessary to help support the students increased performance and/or output. We strongly urge you to check the student agenda book and our online grade-book program. Skyward, our online grade program allows for consistent monitoring. Final grades for each subject are the average of all four marking periods. Report card grades are numeric and correspond to the district grading policy. The PASD has employed a ten-point grading scale.

90-100

80-89

70-79

60-69

Below 60 Students grades will be determined using the following breakdown: Common Summative: 50% of overall grade Teacher Summative: 35% of overall grade Homework: 15% of overall grade Credits Earned in Middle School Starting with the Class of 2027 and beyond, classes taken during middle school will NOT be included on a high school transcript. Students will also not earn high school credit for these courses, nor will the grade count towards the GPA. Grade Reporting Timeline Grade reporting timeline information can be found on the Phoenixville Area School District website. Appeals process for end-of-marking-period grade concerns shall be made utilizing the following: 11 Step 1- A request by the parent/guardian and/or student must be made, in writing, to the teacher within five school days after the last day of the grading term (end of Marking Period closing date), stating the exact concern(s) with the grade; a meeting with the teacher may also be requested to review criteria for grade. The student/parent must bring any relevant materials. The teacher will be granted time to review materials beyond the meeting and communicate findings back to parent/student. Step 2- Should the parent and student disagree with the teachers decision, the parent/student may make a written request to the principal, that must include relevant materials (E.G.-student work) for the grade in question. For assistance, the principal may choose to assemble a faculty council, consisting of three certified professional educators, for an independent review of student work artifacts (in question). The principal will render final judgment in writing to parent/student and teacher in a timely fashion. No further appeals may be made. Pennsylvania School Code clearly establishes that it is solely the role of the students teacher to assess a students performance and establish the grade in accordance with district and school practices. This appeals process maintains such, while allowing a student/parent a voice, as well as, ensuring that there has been adherence to guidelines through principal/committee review. At PAMS, we have programmed common, departmental criteria that encompass a variety of measurable achievement components (summative, formative, class performance, and homework) to assess a students achievement at each quarterly juncture. Honor Roll Qualifications Distinguished Honor Roll Straight A - in all academic subjects; A or B in other courses. Honor Roll All A's and B's - in all subjects. Parent Conferences Parents may make appointments for conferences with individual teachers, a team of teachers, a grade level counselor, or an administrator by calling 484-927-5200. Parents of special education students may contact their childs resource teacher directly. In addition, scheduled conference days are held in November and February; appointments can be scheduled online via Skyward. Policy No. 212 addresses this topic. Promotion Students who fail two or more major subjects or one major and two mixed media subjects may be recommended for retention. Mixed media subjects include art, health and physical education, college and career readiness, STEM, and music. A student may receive credit for subjects failed by satisfactorily completing an approved summer school program. Work of this nature is taken at the student's expense and must be approved by administration. PASD Virtual Academy Programming The PASD virtual academy programming is a learning option for some students. Partnering with the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) lessons and assignments are available online and asynchronously, allowing for students to complete work at a time convenient to them, often providing flexibility within a students activities from day to day. Students in the virtual PASD program earn a PASD diploma upon fulfilling all credit requirements and are permitted to participate in PASD extra-curricular activities. Students who are interested in attending the PASD virtual academy must complete an application process and have a positive academic and attendance record. Inquiries and applications regarding the intent to learn virtually should be through communication with the students school counselor. Schoolwork completion on the virtual platform is required and is an essential part of any learning environment. If a student demonstrates lack of progress on assignments, the learning modality will not be permitted to continue. Students will return to in- person learning and be subject to mandatory school attendance according to PA school code regulation and PASD policy. Grades and work completion of students are regularly monitored. The school counselor will be in contact with the student if grades and work completion rates are not positive to problem solve. PASD school counselors also work closely with the BVA Student Advisor to support students success. The Student Advisor supports students who need assistance with time management and academics. Students are always encouraged to ask for support if needed. 12 Requests For Educational Programming Change Any request for consideration of a potential program change or diagnostic testing MUST be made, in writing, to the principal. Curriculum Provisions Students have the right to refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture, or otherwise harm or destroy animals or any parts thereof as part of their course of instruction. Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of the right to decline to participate in an education project involving any of the above-mentioned activities. Please contact your childs principal regarding questions or concerns.

***Please note that Skyward/Qmlativ Family Access will be unavailable from Saturday, July 26th through Monday, August 11th as PASD performs a required upgrade from the Skyward/Qmlativ student information system to Qmlativ*** All parents/guardians/caretakers of returning students are required to update their students information for the 25-26 school year in Skyward/Qmlativ. To complete the Annual Student Info Update section of Skyward/Qmlativ Family Access, go to the District website, click Parents/guardians/caretakers/Skyward/Qmlativ & Skyward/Qmlativ Login, and then Annual Student Info Update. This process confirms/updates parent, emergency contact information and health history and provides a one stop sign off for all authorizations for your child, like the Acceptable Use Policy. If you have more than one student that attends Phoenixville Area School District, this process is required for each of your children attending the District. The district administration office located at 386 City Line Avenue; Phoenixville has two internet accessible computers for your convenience. Other computers are available in the Phoenixville Community Library. When your child enters school for the first time, the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates that your childs immunization record be complete; otherwise, your child is not permitted to enter school. Please carefully review the newly revised immunization requirements that take effect August 28, 2017, on page 19 under the Health Services section of the handbook. For more information, please reference Policy No. 203. Entrance Requirements When your child enters school for the first time, the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates that your childs immunization record be complete; otherwise, your child is not permitted to enter school. Please carefully review the newly revised immunization requirements that take effect August 28, 2017, on page 19 under the Health Services section of the handbook. For more information, please reference Policy No. 203. Enrollment Of Students and Assignment Within District The Board shall enroll school age students eligible to attend district schools in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Board policy and administrative regulations. The building principal shall assign students in his/her school to appropriate grades, classes, or groups. Please refer to Policies 200 and 206 for more information. Exits And Entrances Students arriving to school before 8:05 a.m. are to enter the building through the gym entrance. Doors are opened at approximately 7:45 a.m., when adult supervision becomes available. Students may not enter the hallways before the 7:55 a.m. Bell unless they have a note signed by the teacher to whom they are reporting. Students with teacher notes or early morning activities should enter through the main office entrance. Any student reporting to school after 8:05 a.m. is to use the main entrance only and report immediately to the kiosk in the main office. Attendance Regulations Policy No. 204 addresses attendance regulations. Good school attendance is crucial for academic success. All segments of the school community, including students, are important in the operation of a successful school program. Students must assume a major role in the development of an educational environment that will help to ensure maximum learning. As such, students are responsible for knowing all the standards of behavior that are expected of them and are to act accordingly. They are 13 expected to attend school regularly, to be on time, and to be prepared for all classes. They are expected to make every effort to complete all school assignments on time and to the best of their ability. Furthermore, it is expected that all students will make valuable use of the time available to them while in school and not engage in any behavior that is disruptive to the schools educational atmosphere or adversely affects the health, safety, and/or welfare of any member of the school community. No student has the right to interfere with the educational process of any other student, and all students are to respect the rights and property of all those who are involved in the school. Since the continuity of the educational process is best served by regular classroom experiences, good attendance is an integral part of a students education. Frequent student absenteeism prohibits instruction which cannot be entirely regained. Consequently, irregular attendance is a frequent cause of student failure, in addition to being a violation of the states compulsory attendance laws. Phoenixville Area School District Policy No. 204 is designed to promote student attendance and in accordance with this policy adopts the following measures: Attendance Expectations

School begins at the time posted in the bell schedules on the schools website. Students are expected to be in their first period class prior to the first bell to avoid being marked late. Students are also expected to attend all classes that they are scheduled for every day that school is in session. Parents/guardians are to call the attendance office the evening before or morning of the day the student will be absent 484-927- 5262 or send an email mailto:[email protected]. The message should indicate the students full name, grade, reason for the absence, date, who is calling/sending email in for the absence of the student, their relationship to the student. If you are leaving a voicemail, please also leave a phone number where you can be reached. School begins at the time posted in the bell schedules at the beginning of this handbook. Students should be in school by 8:05 a.m. Students are also expected to attend all classesthat they are scheduled for every day that school is in session. Arriving even a few minutes late can be disruptive for your childs day. When a student is late to school, a note of explanation must be presented. Only students who have a signed note of illness, religious obligation or a doctors appointment will be considered excused. Lateness due to traffic, missing the bus, alarm problems, or having overslept are considered unexcused. After 5 late arrivals in a semester, a medical note will be requested for any additional late arrivals. Excessive late arrival time that is unexcused will accumulate into unlawful absences.Families have up to three (3) school daysto submit a written excuse to the attendance office following the guidelines listed above. Failure to provide a written note within three (3) school days of the absence will result in the absence being marked unexcused/unlawful. Parents may provide excuse notes for up to 10 absences per year for reasons outlined in Policy No. 204, after which a medical note is required for all additional absences. Students who miss three or more consecutive days due to illness must present a doctors note upon return to school, otherwise the absence will be marked unexcused/unlawful. Students who miss 10 or more days of school (regardless of the reason) must submit medical documentation. Medical notes must be submitted to the office physically or by email. A student is not required to see the school nurse if a doctors note is presented. The School Code states that no person excluded from school showing symptoms of a communicable disease shall be readmitted until the school nurse is satisfied that the condition is not communicable. Excuse Notes Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to make up the work which they missed as a result of their absence. For everyone (1) day of absence students have two (2) days to make up work assigned during the day of absence. Work will be considered late if it is not turned into the teacher within the timeframe listed above. A student who was absent or excluded because of a communicable or infectious disease shall be re-admitted to school by presenting a certificate signed by a physician or the school nurse to the effect that the child is free of such suspected communicable or infectious disease. Families have up to three (3) school days to submit a written excuse to the attendance office following the guidelines listed above. Failure to provide a written note within three (3) school days of the absence will result in the absence being marked unexcused/unlawful. 14 Absences for which no appropriate excuse note is received are recorded as unlawful absences per state guidelines. If 3 unlawful absences are recorded in a school year, a Final Notice of Unlawful Absence will be mailed to the parent/guardian. If additional unlawful absences are recorded following the receipt of that notice, a Student Attendance Improvement Conference will be scheduled with the parent/guardian. If absenteeism continues following a Student Attendance Improvement Conference, a citation may be filed with the District Justice for violation of Pennsylvanias Compulsory Attendance law. This can result in a fine of up to $300.00 per day plus court costs. Additionally, a referral may be made to the Countys truancy prevention program for monitoring. Per state guidelines, missing more than 10% of school days, excused or unlawful, constitutes chronic absenteeism. This may require additional conferencing with school staff to plan for attendance improvement. If a student will be away for more than 10 consecutive days, the family must contact the school in advance. At such time, the absence will either: -be approved as vacation time by the principal; and/or -the student will be temporarily withdrawn from school until the familys return. If needed, the district will make arrangements to ensure that the student can continue accessing their schoolwork online during the absence. Requests for Missed Assignments Homework and other assignments can be found on each courses Canvas page. If a student is absent from school and is unable to access this electronically, arrangements for hard copies can be made through the teacher and assigned guidance counselor. Late to School Students and parents are encouraged to recognize the importance of being punctual and support the necessity to report to school on time each day. Tardiness (absence from part of a school day) will be classified as excused or unexcused by the school administrator. Unexcused tardiness from school may be considered cumulative and translated into unexcused/unlawful absences from school and will be treated accordingly. Any student who reports to school after the end of second period will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity and athletics scheduled for that day unless permission from a building administrator is given. Students must be in school for six of eight class periods to be eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities scheduled for that day. Students who are not in the building by 8:05am are late to school and must arrive with a note from their parent/guardian for the late to be considered excused. This note can be sent electronically. Lateness that results from oversleeping, missing the bus, or transportation problems occurring as a result of using a private vehicle will count as unexcused. Excused lateness may be granted for the same reason excused absences may be granted. After five (5) excused tardies in a semester, the school will require a doctors note or other corroboration beyond a note from the parent or guardian. Failure to provide corroboration beyond the allotment for each semester will result in them being classified as unexcused or unlawful. Repeated lates to school will be addressed through the discipline code of conduct in this handbook. Late to Class Students must be in their assigned class by the time the late bell rings. Arriving in class (without a prior excuse) after the late bell will count as late. Students arriving in class after 15 minutes of class have passed will be considered absent from the entire class period, and this will be considered a class cut. Repeated lates to class will be addressed through the discipline code of conduct in this handbook. 15 Religious Obligations Absences or tardiness for Religious Observance will be excused if accompanied by a signed parent note. Request for Other Absence from School / Family Vacations The school recognizes that there are times when it becomes necessary for a parent or guardian to request that their children be absent from school for reasons other than illness. All absences caused by a trip or vacation require a pre-approval from the building principal, three (3) days prior to the date of the trip. Policy No. 204.1 states that, states that, Absences due to a family trip/vacation (consecutive or cumulative) in excess of five (5) days are unexcused absences. To submit the vacation/trip approval request, complete the Non-School Sponsored and Family Trip Form electronically on the schools website. MS ATTENDANCE PAGE Absences caused by a trip/vacation that do not have prior approval or have been denied by the principal are unlawful absences. All schoolwork must be completed within one (1) to five (5) days upon returning to school, and in compliance with all specially designed instruction or accommodations. The number of days to complete schoolwork will reflect the number of vacation days taken, unless more time is needed per teacher discretion. Assessments will not be administered prior to absences due to a family trip/vacation. Students may be excused from school attendance to participate in a family trip or educational tour at the expense of the parents when such activity is evaluated by the building principal. Students participating in these types of events are subject to direction and supervision by an adult acceptable to the building principal and to the parents of the students concerned. Absences for non-school sponsored tours or trips may not be approved for students who are failing two (2) or more subjects, for students who are on attendance improvement plans, and/or for students for whom a physicians excuse is required. If a student will be away for more than 10 consecutive days, the family must contact the school in advance. At such time, the absence will either: Be approved as vacation time by the principal; and/or The student will be temporarily withdrawn from school until the familys return. If needed, the district will make arrangements to ensure that the student can continue accessing their schoolwork online during the absence. Leaving School Early / Early Dismissal Except for an emergency or essential medical appointment, parent(s)/guardian(s) are urged not to pick up their child prior to dismissal. Early dismissals disrupt the classroom and reduce time in instruction. Students may be picked up by their parent(s)/guardian(s) or other adult designated by the parent(s)/guardian(s). Identification may be required. In the case of a custody order, no student will be released to any person except a custodial parent/guardian, unless a written note is submitted to the school office by the custodial parent. In the case of joint custody, a court order must be on file. Parents and guardians are urged to keep requests for early dismissals at a minimum. After five (5) early dismissals are accumulated each semester, a doctors note, or other corroboration that the dismissal is excusable will be required.

It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to notify the school principal of the circumstances regarding custody of the child. A Custody Form should be completed to provide the necessary information. The position of the school district is as follows: 1. When a Court establishes custody, the school-parent relationship will be maintained consistent with the decision of the Court. 2. When custody is not formally established, the school will presume the parent with whom the child resides is the parent responsible for reports, excuse forms, and authorization of any deviation from the routine transportation arrangements for the child. 3. The non-custodial parent may receive progress reports and/or review the child's permanent record by contacting the building principal.

16 The school must be notified immediately whenever the legal guardianship of a student changes. In the event of a temporary emergency, and the student is going to be under another persons care for a short period of time, the parent or legal guardian must notify the school, in writing, of the name of the person who is to assume guardianship on a temporary basis. Failure to do so could have a very serious negative impact on the schools ability to properly serve the student.

Board Policy No. 806 affirms district employees obligation to assist in identifying possible child abuse as well as victimization of students by other school employees, and to establish procedures for reporting such in compliance with law. Whenever there is reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, school officials are required by law to report these cases to county and state agencies. These agencies have the legal right to interview students at school. It is noted as a district volunteer (any level) that a mandated reporter agreement must be signed and kept on file at the district office. Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters According to Policy No. 223, non-motorized conveyances such as bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or roller-skates may be safely ridden through school property on district roads. Stunts, curb jumping, spins or other risky behavior is prohibited. Dress Guidelines Students have the right to determine their dress and appearance as long as it conforms to the approved Administrative Guideline and does not substantially and directly endanger physical health or safety, damage property or substantially disrupt activities. Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, labs, extracurricular activities, or other situations when special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student. In an effort to maintain an educationally sound, undisrupted environment, the following dress guidelines will be enforced in accordance with Board Policy No. 221. Students must wear to school every day: Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.) Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.); and Footwear. Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, or personal items that: Are pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia. Demonstrate hate group association/affiliation and/or use hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other protected groups. Intentionally show private parts (nipples, genitals, buttocks). Clothing must cover private parts in opaque (not able to be seen-through) material. Cover the students face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing/headgear worn for a religious or medical purpose); or Demonstrate gang association/affiliation. Students in violation of these guidelines will be given the opportunity to wear something appropriate. If a student refuses to wear what is provided, the parent will be asked to bring in clothing that is in compliance with the dress code. Repeated refusal to follow these guidelines will result in disciplinary consequences. Food And Drink in Classroom/Building Eating in class or hallways is not permitted, except during designated times such as first-period breakfast or with staff permission for specific needs (e.g., medical reasons or special events). . Students may use a personal water bottle during lunch and throughout the day. Students are only permitted to have water in the hallways and classrooms. No other beverages are permitted outside of the cafeteria. Containers should be sealed at all times. Water fill stations are available throughout the building.. Breakable glass containers are not permitted. 17 Severe Food Allergies Please refer to Policy No. 210.3 for information on Severe Food Allergies. Lost And Found Lost items are to be brought to the main office. Found valuables are to be returned to the main office. Please mark all of your childs belongings with their full name. Messages Please limit messages to students for emergency situations. Please help us in this regard, as we do not wish to compromise valuable instructional time. Policy Statement on Academic Honesty Any action taken with the intention of obtaining credit for work, which is not ones own, is considered academic dishonesty. The action may include but not be limited to the following: Submitting another student's work as one's own work. Obtaining or accepting a copy of tests or scoring devices. Giving or obtaining test questions or answers from a member of an earlier class. Copying from another student's test or computer file or allowing another student to copy during a test or computer program. Using materials which are not permitted during a test. Plagiarizing (presenting as one's own material copied without adequate documentation from a published source) Copying or having someone other than the student prepares the students homework, paper, project, laboratory report, computer program, or take-home test for which credit is given. Permitting another student to copy, or write another student's homework, project, report, paper, computer program, or take-home test. Accessing restricted computer files without teacher authorization. Copying materials, including computer software, in violation of the copyright law. Those who violate the provisions of the Policy Statement on Academic Honesty may be subject to penalties, including one or more of the following: A grade of zero on the assignment. Caregiver contact Additional disciplinary action per the disciplinary code. Possible suspension or restorative practices depending on the frequency/severity Information regarding violations of academic honesty will become part of the student's discipline file. Plagiarism: The unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and representation of them as one's own (Random House Webster's College Dictionary, 2000). In simpler terms, plagiarism is using someone elses words or ideas in your writing and not properly giving the other person credit. Examples of plagiarism: Copying an article from the Internet or print source and turning it in as your own paper with no quotation marks and no sources indicated. Copying parts of articles from several sources and putting them together in your own paper, with no quotation marks and no sources indicated. Paraphrasing a paragraph from a book, article, or website without indicating the source. Using a few sentences from a book, article, or website word-for-word in your paper and not using quotation marks AND indicating the source. Using the same structure, thesis, or concept that an author uses in a book, article, or website and not indicating the source. How to avoid plagiarism: When you use information from a book, article, or website, always indicate where your information came from within the text of your paper. It is NOT enough to list your sources in a bibliography attached to your paper. Even if you are paraphrasing someone else's ideas or words, you need to indicate the author in the text of your paper. 18 Avoid copying and pasting from the Internet or photocopying information from books. Instead, TAKE NOTES and keep careful track in your notes of where your information is from. Keep track in your notes of whether information is a paraphrase or a word-for-word quotation (use quotation marks for quotes) and keep track of the source and page number. Cheating: Taking OR GIVING answers or information about assignments or tests or any class related work. Examples of Cheating: Copying someone elses answers on a test. Using a crib sheet on a test without the teacher's permission. Copying someone elses homework OR letting someone copy your homework. Sharing test answers electronically during a test via cell phone, PDA, or another device. Working together on an assignment without permission. Telling a student from a later class what the test covered or specific questions. How to avoid cheating? SimpleALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS do YOUR OWN work. NEVER let someone copy your work on a test or assignment. NEVER talk about a test in the halls or at lunch, no matter how much someone begs you to spill the beans! Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools The use of AI must begin with human inquiry and end with human reflection and insight. MS/HS Student Expectations for Using Generative AI Students may only use Generative AI (such as Copilot, MagicSchool, SchoolAI, etc.) for teacher-approved assignments and educational activities. Any use outside of what is permitted by the teacher is considered academic dishonesty and is subject to the consequences outlined in this handbook. Students must: Cite all uses of AI-generated content, including paraphrased or quoted material. Never enter personal, sensitive, or private information into AI platforms. Only use District-approved tools (such as Copilot, MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Diffit, Curipod) when provided or permitted by a teacher. Understand the risks of AI bias and misinformation and think critically about AI-generated responses. Use AI as a tool to support their own thinking, not as a shortcut to bypass learning. AI and Academic Honesty Using Generative AI tools to complete work without citing the tool or without teacher permission is a form of plagiarism. Examples of misuse include: Submitting AI-generated writing without disclosure. Copying AI-generated responses word-for-word or paraphrasing without citing. Using AI to generate answers on tests, essays, or assignments when not allowed by the teacher. These are violations of academic honesty, similar to copying another students work or plagiarizing from a website. How to Properly Acknowledge AI Use When AI tools are used appropriately, students should clearly indicate: 19 Which tool was used (e.g., MagicSchool or Microsoft Copilot). What the tool was used for (e.g., to generate a summary or to brainstorm topic ideas). That the ideas or wording were AI-generated. Citation formats are available from: MLA Style Generative AI APA Style ChatGPT Consequences Any unauthorized use of AI tools may result in: A grade of zero on the assignment. Caregiver contact. Additional disciplinary action per the schools discipline code. Possible suspension or restorative practices depending on frequency/severity. Cheating and plagiarism are dishonest, wrong, not tolerated at PAMS, and are punishable under all three levels of the discipline code, depending upon severity/frequency of infraction. All work must represent your personal intellectual effort or be attributed to a third party. Based on the learning target, the teacher will indicate the level of AI use that is recommended. Anti-Bullying Policy & Procedures Olweus defines bullying as: Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself. Here at Phoenixville Area Middle School, we have a Bully Prevention Team (BPT) comprised of teachers, counselors, and administrators. BPT follows the guidelines set forth by Olweus to address reports of bullying. Please refer to Policy No. 249 for more information on anti-bullying/cyberbullying. The following steps will be used to address bullying: 1st Offense The student will meet with Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident in question. Parents may be contacted by a BPT team member. 2nd Offense The student will meet with the Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident. If the alleged bullying incident is determined to be valid, the student will meet with building administration and be disciplined in accordance with the Phoenixville Area Middle School discipline code. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student will be contacted by an Olweus Team Member. 3rd Offense The student will meet with the Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident. If the alleged bullying incident is determined to be valid, the student will meet with building administration, receivediscipline in accordance with the Phoenixville Area Middle School discipline code, and a parent meeting will be scheduled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student will be contacted by a BPT and they must attend a mandatory meeting to discuss the matter. *Depending on the nature of the incident, administrative discretion altering this process may be used on a case-by-case basis. 20 Hazing When students believe that they have been subject to hazing, the students are encouraged to promptly report the incident, orally or in writing, to the building principal or designee. Students, parents/guardians, staff, and citizens are encouraged to use the districts report form, available from the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints shall be accepted and documented. All verbal or written complaints of hazing shall always be reviewed by an administrator not in charge of the program/facility where the complaint originated. Please refer to Policy No. 247 for more information on Hazing. Standards For Victims of Violent Crimes The board adopted the standards for a student who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of the public elementary or secondary school that they attend. Please refer to Policy No. 144 for more information. Behavior Code To ensure a safe learning environment and the effective operation of the school the following is in effect for the trip to school, during school operation hours, the trip home, and extra-curricular functions. Student Arrival Students arriving prior to 8:05 a.m. should enter the building using the Gym entrance NOT the main entrance. The entrance has been established for supervision and security reasons. The only exceptions are if a student has a pre-arranged meeting or activity scheduled. Those students may use the main entrance. In addition, walkers and riders should not arrive on campus prior to 7:45 a.m. Please assist us with student arrival by adhering to and reviewing this procedure with your child. Any student reporting to school after 8:05 a.m. is to use the front door only and report immediately to the Main Office. PBIS Mission Statement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports The Phoenixville Area Middle School implements a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) system. The mission of our program is to use a systemic and individualized approach to create a positive school climate where students can achieve success academically and socially. Our system is referred to as RISE and is based on the following 4 core behavioral principles: respect, integrity, safety, and engagement. Each student will be randomly placed into a House in conjunction with our PBIS program. The purpose of the House program is to facilitate our 7 and 8 advisory program, reward large groups and further promote a sense of community at PAMS. Within each Househ are advisory groups comprised of 16 to 20 students. Students will be grouped by grade. These advisories meet weekly and work on lessons that address social emotional development, House competition and connection with the advisory teacher. Student Responsibilities Student responsibilities include regular, on-time school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, appropriate citizenship, adhering to school rules and regulations. Students share with the administration and faculty the responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of all who are involved in the education process. A student should express his/her ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following: 1. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves accordingly. Students should assume that, until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed in writing, it is in effect. 2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property. 3. Dress and groom so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes. 4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein. 5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws. 21 6. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment. 7. Attend school daily and be on time to all classes and other school functions. 8. Make up work when absent from school. 9. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by Commonwealth and local school authorities. 10. Report accurately and do not use indecent or obscene language in student newspapers, publications, projects, or written work. Philosophy The members of the professional staff of the Phoenixville Area Middle School are caring educators who are interested in helping students develop into productive citizens. Part of this development includes self-control and respect. To maintain an educational environment conducive to learning, students need to respect each other and all staff. Working with our students includes assisting them with their intellectual, social, physical, and emotional growth. The purpose of this behavior code is to help students understand the difference between desirable and undesirable behavior and instill a positive attitude and desire to behave appropriately. Students who are suspended from school, either In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension, risk losing the ability to participate and attend school functions. Behaviors deemed to be inappropriate and unacceptable will be reviewed by the school administration. Disciplinary Offenses Level One Infractions Late to class. Late to School Minor Classroom Disruptions. Unauthorized Eating/Drinking in Class/Halls. Cut Detention. Unauthorized Hallway/Lavatory Use. Dress Code Violation. Minor Bus Infraction. Minor Horseplay. Minor Inappropriate Behavior that Interferes with Instruction/PAMS Climate. Cafeteria Misconduct Unauthorized use of a cell phone (Cell Phones may not be seen nor heard during school hours) Disrespect and Insubordiantion Towards Staff and/or Peers Foul Language Misrepresentation of Work or Signatures (Plagiarism & Cheating - one-time occurrence)Consequences Warning; Teacher Detention; Administrative Detention; In-School Suspension; Removal to Student Support Room Level 2 Infractions Chronic Repeat of Level I Offenses Unauthorized Leaving Class/School Class Cut Truancy (Detention may be assigned, all other applicable Commonwealth and Pennsylvania Law will apply (P.L.30, No.14) Excessive Horseplay Inappropriate use of Computers/Technology (AUP Violation) Other, More Serious Behavior that Interferes with Instruction/PAMS Climate Minor Vandalism Chronic Repeat of Level IIoffenses Consequences Detention(s); ISS; OSS; Restoration; Confiscation Level 3 Infractions Level 3 infractions are considered punishable offenses under Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Criminal & Civil Codes; may be 22 subject to law enforcement notification. All Level 3 infractions will result in being placed on OSS and may also result in fines, arrests and/or expulsion, depending upon the circumstances of the case. Assault on a student/staff member Sexual assault Sexual harassment Indecent exposure Hate Speech Racial and/or ethnic intimidation Harassment or intimidation Fighting Minor altercation Threatening school official or student Theft and related offenses Bullying Arson and related offenses Institutional vandalism Bomb threats Terroristic threats Disorderly conduct Criminal trespass Possession, use, sale, or under the influence of a controlled substance Sale, possession, or under the influence of alcohol Cyber harassment of a child Possession, use, or sale of tobacco or vaping materials Possession of weapons Repeated Level 2 violations Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Any suspension results in exclusion from all out of school activities. The exclusion may last for a minimum of 20 days. The slate will be "wiped clean" at the end of the required period, thus giving a student the opportunity to "start fresh." If an infraction occurs at the end of a marking period, the ineligibility may last for a period of 20 days, starting the day of the infraction. Students that receive an out of school suspension are not permitted on school property during the duration of their suspension. It is the goal of the school to provide a safe and orderly educational environment for all in the building. Please be advised that when a student receives seven or more infractions of level II, level III, or any combination of these levels, we will consider that a student is not accepting the guidelines established for a safe and orderly environment. Therefore, an expulsion hearing, or placement in an alternative setting may result. Please refer to Policy No. 218 for more information on Discipline and Policy No. 233 for details of suspension and expulsion. Detention & Extended Detention Procedures: Detentions are held four afternoons per week and (Tuesday through Friday) and on Saturday mornings. Students are required to report to a detention on time and bring appropriate materials that can be used for study, etc. Students who fail to serve assigned detentions, are late to attend, or accumulate an excessive number of detentions are subject to further disciplinary action. When serving a detention, the following is expected: 1. work silently. 2. show respect to teachers and other students. 3. follow general classroom rules. In-School Suspension (ISS) and Student Support The overall purpose of the student support room is to provide an alternative to out of school suspension by providing a space in school to remediate challenging student behavior, provide opportunities for reflection, personal growth and development, and restoration of relationships. 23 1. Students will report to the main office on the day of their ISS. 2. Students will be escorted to the Student Support Room by the Student Support Assistant. 3. A statement of responsibility is to be completed by each student prior to lunch. 4. Students who are late or who have early dismissals must make up that time the following day. 5. Students will use the lavatories closest to the ISS location. Out Of School Suspension (Oss) OSS is assigned to students when all other disciplinary measures have been exhausted or behavior rises to the level of severity, where the total onus must be placed in the hands of the parent(s) to correct behavior for the safe, successful return to

Detention Notification Teachers or administrators may assign a detention to a student. They will give a 24-hour notice from the point of the infraction for the assigned detention. Threat Assessment Team Each school has a Threat Assessment Team. These teams are a part of the Act 18 legislation. Act 18 requires each school and district in the Commonwealth to have a team of professionals who will follow the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C- STAG) when assessing threats, personal or towards others. C-STAG is an approach to violence prevention that emphasizes early attention to problems such as bullying, teasing, and other forms of student conflict before they escalate into violent behavior. A five-step decision process is followed: In brief, the first two steps are a triage process in which team members investigate a reported threat and determine whether the threat can be readily resolved as a transient threat that is not a serious threat. Examples of transient threats are jokes or statements made in anger that are expressions of feeling or figures of speech rather than expressions of a genuine intent to harm someone. Any threat that cannot be clearly identified and resolved as transient is treated as a substantive threat. Substantive threats always require protective action to prevent the threat from being carried out. The remaining three steps guide the team through more extensive assessment and response based on the seriousness of the threat. If the threat is determined to be substantive, both a law enforcement investigation and a mental health assessment of the student will be conducted. The culmination of the threat assessment is the development of a safety plan that is designed to address the problem or conflict underlying the threat and prevent the act of violence from taking place. For both transient and substantive threats, there is an emphasis on helping students to resolve conflicts and minimizing the use of zero-tolerance suspensions as a disciplinary response. The Threat Assessment Team is used in conjunction with our Stop Bullying and Safe2Say programs. Anyone can and should report possible threats to the school principal or the Executive Director of Schools, Dr. Garritano Email [email protected] or Phone 484-927-5039. Please refer to Policy No. 236.1 for more information on District Threat Assessment. Lockers Each student is assigned a locker and given a locker combination, which will be used by the student until the end of the school year or otherwise leaves the school. Students are not to give combination numbers to anyone! Sharing of lockers is not permitted. Strict enforcement of locker procedures is required. The locker is the property of the Phoenixville Area School District. In the event a combination is lost, the guidance office is to be notified immediately. The school administration reserves the right to inspect lockers, desks, and other storage areas and their contents in the event that there is reasonable suspicion, to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of everyone in the school community. Please refer to Policy No. 226 for more information on Search and Seizures. Money or other valuables should not be left in school lockers, desks, or storage areas. Although reasonable attempts will be made to help student victims of theft through prudent investigation, neither the school nor the Phoenixville Area School District is responsible for any losses. Students are required to use lockers at the designated time(s) during the day. Backpacks should be placed in lockers when the students arrive to school and stay in lockers for the entire day. Students are not permitted to carry their material in backpacks 24 through the day. They will need to carry books and laptops in their arms. In physical education class, students should ALWAYS lock their items in their designated locker room lockers. Leaving items out on a bench increases the risk of theft.

Field Trips Experiences out of school are an outstanding opportunity to bring real world application and social connections to the lessons learned in school. Participation on a field trip is a privilege. Safety and education are the two main concerns on a field trip. Inappropriate behavior on field trips will not be tolerated. Misbehavior will be handled in accordance with our discipline code. Any student deemed ineligible for a field trip, due to a problematic pattern of behavior, is expected to attend regular classes on the day of the trip, and a specifically tailored set of activities aligned to the same learning goals of the field trip will be provided. We will do our best to seek reimbursement of any money, which is paid by a student who becomes ineligible to participate. We cannot guarantee reimbursement unless it is refunded back to PAMS. Clubs & Intramural Sports Clubs will be available to all students before and/or after school. (Subject to budgetary funding) Interscholastic Athletics Phoenixville Area Middle School is a charter member of the Pioneer Athletic Conference. PAMS sponsors teams in baseball, basketball, cheerleading/competitive spirit, cross country, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and wrestling. Eligibility for Interscholastic and Extracurricular Participation Extracurricular activities (Interscholastic sports, clubs, school play, school musical, student government, etc.) are integral components for the education of students. All students are encouraged to enhance their educational experience by participating in activities and athletics. The students first obligation is successful completion of academic responsibilities. Interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities are open for participation to all students who meet the following eligibility guidelines: 1. Eligibility at Phoenixville Area Middle School is governed by students meeting all academic and eligibility requirements of the Phoenixville Area School District and the rules established by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). Please refer to Policy No. 123. 2. Grades will be reviewed on a weekly basis. The eligibility period shall run from Sunday to Sunday. Students who are failing two or more full year courses, or the equivalent (i.e., art and physical education), will not be eligible to participate in interscholastic competition. Students who are ineligible at the end of the marking period will be ineligible for fifteen (15) school days. Evaluation of course credits shall conform to the standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The final grades to be used at the end of each marking period are the following: (1) first marking period final average, (2) first semester final average, (3) third marking period final average, and (4) final average for the year. 3. When a student is not eligible, they cannot practice, play or attend interscholastic games or practice with the team. 4. Eligibility extends to all extra-curricular activities, including but not limited to clubs, school play, school musical, student government, etc. The same eligibility standards apply for all interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities. 5. Eligibility for participation in fall sports or extra-curricular activities is contingent upon students having met eligibility standards at the conclusion of the previous school year. Students who are ineligible at the conclusion of a school year will be ineligible for the first fifteen (15) school days of the following school year. Eligibility for fall sports will be determined by the end-of-year grade that the student receives in any given course, and not by the grade received just for the fourth marking period. Prior to the beginning of a new school year, ineligible students should not participate in practice or conditioning sessions and may not participate in scrimmages and/or games. 6. Any misconduct by participants in these activities that is sufficiently serious to warrant internal/external suspension from school will result in ineligibility for the period of suspension. Additionally, violation of the student discipline regulations or 25 related school district policies may lead to a longer period of suspension or exclusion from participation at the discretion of the building administrators. The student-athlete who is assigned to detention on a specific date in conflict with a practice/event may participate in that practice/event only after serving the detention. It is the responsibility of the student- athlete to get to the event if it is away and must have the travel release form signed by his/her parent. Please note that any team rule a coach may establish prohibiting a student-athlete to participate on the day of an assigned detention may circumvent this policy. In the case of a suspension (in-school or out-of-school), that student is ineligible to participate in practices or events during the entire suspension period, including weekend participation where applicable. Students who are suspended (in school or out of school) are not permitted to attend extracurricular events. 7. In addition to the above, students participating in interscholastic athletics must comply with the following criteria: Age limitations for participation in interscholastic athletics are those set forth by the PIAA. Students anticipating membership on any interscholastic team are encouraged to purchase the student insurance offered through the school district. Students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics must complete the PIAA CIPPE form and re-certification form. Should an athletic contest conflict with the normal school day, athletic participants are responsible for meeting class obligations set forth by teachers. Team members are totally responsible for the equipment issued to them. Team members who violate training rules established by the coaching staff and consistent with the school policy will face disciplinary action. Concussion Management The goal to ensuring the safety of students participating in the districts athletic programs is to provide guidance for prevention, detection and treatment of concussions sustained by students while participating in an athletic activity. Please refer to Policy No. 123.1 for more information. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Each school year, prior to participation in an athletic activity, every student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information Sheet that includes information about electrocardiogram testing. The school shall hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for all competitors regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and information about electrocardiogram testing. In addition to the student athletes, such meetings may include parents/guardians, coaches, other appropriate school officials, physicians, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, other appropriate medical personnel, and athletic trainers. Policy And Regulations for Athletic Team Members Drug Abuse and Alcohol The selling, providing, possession, or use of steroids or other drugs or alcohol and or off school property is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the School Districts Drug and Alcohol Policy. In addition, any student/athlete determined to be in violation of any of the above infractions on or off school property will be suspended or dismissed from the team or squad for the remainder of the season (at the discretion of the administration). The student shall also be referred to his or her schools Student Assistance Program. Any subsequent drug or alcohol violations will constitute a repeat offense and be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Phoenixville Area School District Athletic Drug and Alcohol Policy, including one year or permanent suspension from participation in athletics or cheerleading. In the case of extremely serious drug or alcohol related incidents, a student may be immediately suspended from any further participation in the athletic programs offered by the Phoenixville Area School District. Smoking/Tobacco/Vapes Smoking by student athletes is unacceptable. A violation of the smoking rule will be handled in accordance with school policy. In addition, athletes smoking in the building or off school grounds during the season may be suspended from the team for a period of time to be determined by the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach. The possession, use or sale of tobacco, nicotine, or vapor delivery products by students at any time in a District building, and on any property, buses, vans, and vehicles that are owned, leased, or controlled by the district is prohibited. The possession, use or sale of tobacco, nicotine, or vapor delivery products by students at District-sponsored activities that are held off District property is also prohibited. Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Attendance 26 All coaches will establish rules for attendance at practice. Coaches will insist on the student athlete adhering to the rules. Students who are absent from school are prohibited from participating in practices or games on the day of absence, unless having received pre- approval by the principal or athletic director. An athlete who is sent home ill or injured will not be permitted to return and participate in either practices or games later that same day. Students who report to school after 9:42 a.m. (the end of second period) will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity scheduled for that day unless presenting a doctors note excusing their lateness or having permission from a building administrator. Unlawful Actions An athlete involved in the commission of an unlawful act can expect serious disciplinary action by school officials. School Equipment School equipment is to be used in practices and contests only. Athletic team membership does not assume the privilege of wearing school property in physical education classes or in the community. Prohibition Of Anabolic Steroids The use of anabolic steroids by any pupil involved in school-related athletics, except for a valid medical purpose, is prohibited. Body- building, muscle enhancement, increasing muscle bulk or strength or the enhancement of athletic ability is not a valid medical purpose. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is included as an anabolic steroid under this policy. Education regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids is to be included in the districts drug and alcohol program. Any pupil found to be in violation of the anabolic steroid use policy is subject to the following penalties: (a) for a first violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season; (b) for a second violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season and for the following season: (c) for a third violation, permanent suspension from school athletics. To be eligible to resume participation in school athletics, there must be a medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exists. Participation in approved drug counseling, and rehabilitation program and testing are also required conditions of reinstatement into the school athletic College-Bound Athletes If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Center. The NCAA Eligibility Center will analyze your academic information and determine if you meet the NCAAs initial-eligibility requirements. The publication The Guide for The College Bound Student Athlete is available for student athletes interested in participation in athletics at the college level. Sportsmanship Athletics is a vital component of our school program; therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of all participants and spectators to embody good sportsmanship at all athletic events both home and away. All in attendance are expected to promote fair play and respectfulness toward our opponents and visiting fans. Any PAMS student, participant, or spectator, who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behavior at a sporting event, whether home or away, will be escorted from the event. Eligibility to attend any future sporting events will be at the discretion of the school administration. Sports PIAA eligibility and rules permit students to participate in interscholastic athletics when they are in grades 7 and 8. Students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics must complete the PIAA CIPPE form and re-certification form. Extracurricular Activity Attendance Students are expected to follow all school rules and the RISE Matrix when attending extracurricular events. All school rules apply during extracurricular activities and events. Students that cannot follow school rules can be denied access/participation in extracurricular activities/events. All students must be accompanied and supervised by an adult in order to attend these events, and the adult must remain with the student for the duration of the event. School Dances Dances in the Middle School are a component of the social and emotional development of the young adolescent. Dances are designed to promote healthy interaction between students in a supervised setting. 27 Admittance into the dance closes one half hour after the dance begins for the 7th and 8th grade students. Students will be denied Dance privileges for unacceptable school behavior and/or owing financial or disciplinary obligations (i.e., lost school property, fines, and detentions). It is imperative that children are picked up promptly. School staff will never leave a child unattended. Any student not picked up 20 minutes after the conclusion of a (dance) will be ineligible for the next (dance). Your child is under direct supervision of school personnel. Just as we do not release children before dismissal time without an adult, we cannot release a student from the dance early. If your child needs to leave a dance early, we must have written authorization to do so. This written authorization, signed by a parent, may be emailed, or brought to the dance. Please call the school in advance (during regular school hours) to inform us that this authorization is forthcoming. Any student leaving a dance early, without permission, will be subject to the discipline code. Entrance doors to the dance will be closed one half hour after the dance begins. Please note school dances are only for Phoenixville Area Middle School Students. Student Council Student Council elections are held in September of each year. Each advisory group will elect a representative and alternate.

Computers Our computers are an essential educational resource. Please refer to the Acceptable Use Policy signed at the beginning of the school year by student and parent. Students are responsible for the care of their laptop. Any misuse or tampering with computer equipment is a Level II violation and can rise to a Level III if the transgression(s) are considered criminal activity under the PA Criminal Code. Any damage to the laptop may also result in families being financially responsible for repairs/replacement. Esteem Team (SAP TEAM) The Middle School has a Student Assistance Program Team, whose goal is to provide a system of early identification, intervention, referral, and any appropriate school-based aftercare for students who are experiencing social, emotional, or substance abuse issues. Students may refer a friend or self-refer to the team or go directly to a team member with a concern. All referrals will be kept in strict confidence. Staff and parents may also refer a student who they feel is exhibiting signs of "at risk" behavior. These signs may include defiance, belligerence, truancy, abuse, neglect, depression, suicidal intent, or potential drug and alcohol abuse. McKinney-Vento Act Eligibility (MVA) The district serves students who are experiencing homelessness and educational disruptions per Policy No. 251. Per federal law, students who are McKinney Vento Act eligible must be provided timely enrollment and on-going supports for continuity in their educational placement. This includes unaccompanied youth when they are residing outside of the care of their parent or legal guardian. If your family has or is experiencing a loss of housing, please contact the Home and School Visitor at 484-927-5117. The Home and School Visitor will assess your eligibility and provide appropriate referrals for community resources. Supports and services include: Referrals to medical, dental, or mental health providers Food security resources Referrals to housing programs, shelters, and other emergency assistance programs Free school meals School supplies Transportation to attend school. Assistance with attaining or transferring records. Assistance engaging with district activities and events such as parent/teacher conferences and parenting trainings or programs. Families who the district determines do not meet criteria for McKinney-Vento services will receive a letter notifying them of this decision and outlining an appeal process. School Counselor: 484-927-5214 (Fax: 610-933-9034) The purpose of the school counselor program is to help students achieve their highest growth intellectually, emotionally, and socially. A childs grade level school counselor is an essential resource for any number of issues affecting their performance at 28 school: academic program, short and long-term goal setting/monitoring, social-emotional well-being. Students should obtain a pass to visit the guidance counselor. Emergency Contacts In the event that the school cannot contact a students primary parent/guardian during an emergency, the emergency contact listed in Skyward will be contacted next. Families and students are expected to keep this information up to date at all times. If you are experiencing difficulty with this process, please contact the main office.

Introduction - Health service is an important part of our school system. How well your child learns may depend on his/her physical well-being. Parents/guardians/caretakers have the first responsibility for their childrens health. A certified school nurse with the assistance of a licensed staff nurse supervises health services. All school health rooms are staffed during school hours to handle the routine administration of medication and medical emergencies. The school nurse will help by giving first aid, administering prescribed medication, notifying parents/guardians/caretakers of illness or injury that may require continued care at home, and providing education on health-related matters. These services are rendered for accidents and illnesses that occur during the school day, not for those that occur at home. School nurses work under written orders of the school physician for first aid. School nurses are prohibited by law to diagnose injuries or illness. Decisions regarding the need for medical care are the decision of a parent/guardian; therefore, a parent/guardian is always contacted to take the student home or to the doctor as the need arises. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Each student MUST have a Student Emergency Information form on file. Updates are done annually and are completed through the districts online system, Skyward/Qmlativ. These updates are required each year. This form provides vital information to assist the school in locating parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, emergency contact persons, and a family physician in the event of an emergency, and signed consent to administer certain over-the-counter medications. When it is necessary for additional medication (prescription and/or non-prescription) to be given to a student during school hours, the following procedures MUST be followed: 1. A medication consent form (PH-17-a) MUST be completed and returned to the school nurse. Forms are available in the nurses office and on PASD website under Health Services link. 2. Medication prescribed by the family physician MUST be delivered by the parent/guardian to the school nurse. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them in school. 3. A doctors written request/prescription and directions on a professionally packaged medicine container MUST accompany the medicine. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES WILL PROHIBIT THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM DISPENSING THE MEDICATION AND WILL BE

➢ The school district has established a medication policy to allow a student to be administered medication at school, on field trips or at extra-curricular activities. Please refer to Policy No. 210 for more information. When prescription/non-prescription medicine is to be given to your child other than the standing orders for Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and TUMS, form PH-17a must be completed. This form is available in the nurses office. The parent must deliver prescribed medicine to the nurse, with a doctors written request and directions. Medications are defined as: ➢ Any prescribed medication ➢ Inhalers ➢ EpiPens ➢ All over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, such eye drops, allergy medication, nasal sprays, ear drops, creams. This does not include anything that requires application by the nursing staff, such as sunscreen or bug spray if age appropriate. The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. To request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.

Before a student can receive diabetes-related care and treatment in a school setting, the student's parent/guardian shall provide written authorization for such care and instructions from the student's health care practitioner. The written authorization may be submitted as part of a student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Please refer to Policy No. 209.2 for more 29 information.

The intent of immunization regulations is to keep children healthy and in school and to minimize the chance of disease outbreaks which can cause death; seriously impair a child's learning ability; cause mental and physical disability; and cost millions of tax dollars for life-time care and special education. All children at any grade, kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial, intermediate unit, and home-schooled students, show proof of immunization before they can attend school in the Commonwealth. The certified school nurse is required to verify all students immunizations for minimum requirements, scheduling, and proper spacing. Any student in kindergarten through 12th grade may be admitted to school provisionally if evidence of at least one dose of each required vaccine is given. All immunization requirements shall be completed within 5 days of entrance to school. If not medically appropriate within 5 days, the child may provide a medical certificate on or before the fifth day scheduling the remaining doses. If the requirements are not met, the child shall risk exclusion. The new requirements for grades K through 12 starting August 28, 2017, are as follows: 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given) 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella** 3 doses of hepatitis B 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or evidence of immunity 7th through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance: 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) -first dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade -If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td ** Usually given as MMR For more information please reference Policy No. 203. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. Code CH. 23(School Immunization). Please contact the PASD social worker or school nurse if support for vaccines is needed.

Students who become ill or injured during the school day need to get a pass from their teacher to go to the nurses office. The school nurse will evaluate the concerns of students and provide services as needed. Parents/guardians/caretakers will be notified by the school nurse in the event of any illness or injury that may require outside medical attention or if students are being sent home due to illness/injury. The following guidelines should be followed when determining if he/she should stay at home. Following a nighttime bout of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever; student should stay at home and be watched for further symptoms. Fever is defined as a temperature of 100 or above without the use of fever-reducing medication. The students temperature should remain normal without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. It is also advisable for the student to stay home from school if any of the following symptoms are exhibited: Unusual skin eruptions, chills, discharge or redness of eye(s), or persistent cough. A student should not arrive at school with an injury that occurred at home to be evaluated by the school nurse. Any serious injury occurring at home must be evaluated by the students healthcare provider. ➢ Dental examinations are required upon entry into school and into kindergarten, grades 3 and 7, and for new PA entrants. ➢ For further information, please refer to Policies 203, 209, and 210.

According to Pa. Code 27.71, students may be excluded from school for these specific diseases and infectious conditions until deemed non-infectious by physician/school nurse. Impetigo Scabies Chickenpox Meningitis Scarlet fever Conjunctivitis (pink eye) Measles Shingles Diphtheria 30 Mumps Strep throat Haemophilus influenza Ringworm Trachoma Head lice* Rubella/German measles Tuberculosis Whooping cough (Pertussis)

School staff is required to report specific diseases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by contacting their county State Health Center, County Municipal Health Department or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The school nurse will notify the parent, the building principal, and local Health Department as required by PA Code Title 28, Chapter 27. The report will contain the students name, date of birth, parent/guardian contact information. The local health department staff may contact the students family to do further follow-up and investigation. A list of the PA reportable diseases. *PASD Lice Policy: A child with Head Lice (pediculosis capitis) will be excluded from school upon determination of the school nurse. Authority to send a student home is found in the PA School Health Code 27.71. Our schools follow recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics regulations regarding children infested with lice. The following procedures are in place: 1. A child suspected of having lice is examined by the school nurse. 2. If the child is found to have live head lice, he or she will be sent home to be treated. 3. If the child is found to have only nits, the child will remain in class. The childs parent or guardian will be notified that day by telephone or written note recommending prompt and proper treatment of head lice. 4. In all cases a pamphlet describing the control and treatment of head lice will be sent home with the child. Although it is preferable to consult a physician, parents/guardians/caretakers may wish to treat the child directly. For this purpose, several over-the-counter shampoo treatments are on the market and are available from most drug stores. It is recommended the treatment be repeated 7-10 days following the original treatment. This second application will help prevent a re-occurrence of head lice.

Hearing Screenings: Each year, all students in kindergarten, first, second, third grades, and some special education classes are screened for hearing loss. A referral is sent home if further evaluation is needed. Height/Weight/BMI (Body Mass Index) Percentile: In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Health Code and the Department of Health Regulations, all students in grades K-12 will have their height and weight measured annually. Based on these measurements (which can be found in Skyward/Qmlativ), students BMI and BMI percentiles will then be calculated. The results of the growth screening will be available for viewing on Skyward/Qmlativ. Please keep in mind that your childs healthcare provider is the best person to evaluate whether the results are within a healthy range. Vision: Screenings All students will be screened for near and far vision annually. Additionally, students are tested for color vision and hyperopia in first grade and depth perception in second grade. A referral is sent home if any of these screenings need further evaluation.

Annual records for all students which include mandated growth information, vision, and hearing screenings as appropriate for your childs grade level are documented. Health information will be made available for parent review and may include wellness information where appropriate.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, third grade, and seventh students with incomplete health records are required to have a dental examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a dentist at school. If completed by a family dentist, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Dental Examination form must be completed by the dentist and brought to the health room. If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school dentist, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the dental exam. Pennsylvania State Dental Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, sixth and 11th grades, and students with incomplete health records are required to have a physical examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a physician at school. 31 If completed by a private physician, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Physical Examination form must be completed by the family physician and brought to the health room. If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school physician, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the physical exam. Pennsylvania State Physical Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

Introduction - Health service is an important part of our school system. How well your child learns may depend on his/her physical well-being. Parents/guardians/caretakers have the first responsibility for their childrens health. A certified school nurse with the assistance of a licensed staff nurse supervises health services. All school health rooms are staffed during school hours to handle the routine administration of medication and medical emergencies. The school nurse will help by giving first aid, administering prescribed medication, notifying parents/guardians/caretakers of illness or injury that may require continued care at home, and providing education on health-related matters. These services are rendered for accidents and illnesses that occur during the school day, not for those that occur at home. School nurses work under written orders of the school physician for first aid. School nurses are prohibited by law to diagnose injuries or illness. Decisions regarding the need for medical care are the decision of a parent/guardian; therefore, a parent/guardian is always contacted to take the student home or to the doctor as the need arises. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Each student MUST have a Student Emergency Information form on file. Updates are done annually and are completed through the districts online system, Skyward/Qmlativ. These updates are required each year. This form provides vital information to assist the school in locating parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, emergency contact persons, and a family physician in the event of an emergency, and signed consent to administer certain over-the-counter medications. When it is necessary for additional medication (prescription and/or non-prescription) to be given to a student during school hours, the following procedures MUST be followed: 4. A medication consent form (PH-17-a) MUST be completed and returned to the school nurse. Forms are available in the nurses office and on PASD website under Health Services link. 5. Medication prescribed by the family physician MUST be delivered by the parent/guardian to the school nurse. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them in school. 6. A doctors written request/prescription and directions on a professionally packaged medicine container MUST accompany the medicine. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES WILL PROHIBIT THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM DISPENSING THE MEDICATION AND WILL BE

➢ The school district has established a medication policy to allow a student to be administered medication at school, on field trips or at extra-curricular activities. Please refer to Policy No. 210 for more information. When prescription/non-prescription medicine is to be given to your child other than the standing orders for Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and TUMS, form PH-17a must be completed. This form is available in the nurses office. The parent must deliver prescribed medicine to the nurse, with a doctors written request and directions. Medications are defined as: ➢ Any prescribed medication ➢ Inhalers ➢ EpiPens ➢ All over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, such eye drops, allergy medication, nasal sprays, ear drops, creams. This does not include anything that requires application by the nursing staff, such as sunscreen or bug spray if age appropriate. The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. To request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.

Before a student can receive diabetes-related care and treatment in a school setting, the student's parent/guardian shall provide written authorization for such care and instructions from the student's health care practitioner. The written authorization may be 32 submitted as part of a student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Please refer to Policy No. 209.2 for more information.

The intent of immunization regulations is to keep children healthy and in school and to minimize the chance of disease outbreaks which can cause death; seriously impair a child's learning ability; cause mental and physical disability; and cost millions of tax dollars for life-time care and special education. All children at any grade, kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial, intermediate unit, and home-schooled students, show proof of immunization before they can attend school in the Commonwealth. The certified school nurse is required to verify all students immunizations for minimum requirements, scheduling, and proper spacing. Any student in kindergarten through 12th grade may be admitted to school provisionally if evidence of at least one dose of each required vaccine is given. All immunization requirements shall be completed within 5 days of entrance to school. If not medically appropriate within 5 days, the child may provide a medical certificate on or before the fifth day scheduling the remaining doses. If the requirements are not met, the child shall risk exclusion. The new requirements for grades K through 12 starting August 28, 2017, are as follows: 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given) 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella** 3 doses of hepatitis B 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or evidence of immunity 7th through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance: 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) -first dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade -If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td ** Usually given as MMR For more information please reference Policy No. 203. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. Code CH. 23(School Immunization). Please contact the PASD social worker or school nurse if support for vaccines is needed.

Students who become ill or injured during the school day need to get a pass from their teacher to go to the nurses office. The school nurse will evaluate the concerns of students and provide services as needed. Parents/guardians/caretakers will be notified by the school nurse in the event of any illness or injury that may require outside medical attention or if students are being sent home due to illness/injury. The following guidelines should be followed when determining if he/she should stay at home. Following a nighttime bout of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever; student should stay at home and be watched for further symptoms. Fever is defined as a temperature of 100 or above without the use of fever-reducing medication. The students temperature should remain normal without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. It is also advisable for the student to stay home from school if any of the following symptoms are exhibited: Unusual skin eruptions, chills, discharge or redness of eye(s), or persistent cough. A student should not arrive at school with an injury that occurred at home to be evaluated by the school nurse. Any serious injury occurring at home must be evaluated by the students healthcare provider. ➢ Dental examinations are required upon entry into school and into kindergarten, grades 3 and 7, and for new PA entrants. ➢ For further information, please refer to Policies 203, 209, and 210.

According to Pa. Code 27.71, students may be excluded from school for these specific diseases and infectious conditions until deemed non-infectious by physician/school nurse. Impetigo Scabies Chickenpox Meningitis Scarlet fever Conjunctivitis (pink eye) 33 Measles Shingles Diphtheria Mumps Strep throat Haemophilus influenza Ringworm Trachoma Head lice* Rubella/German measles Tuberculosis Whooping cough (Pertussis) 1

School staff is required to report specific diseases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by contacting their county State Health Center, County Municipal Health Department or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The school nurse will notify the parent, the building principal, and local Health Department as required by PA Code Title 28, Chapter 27. The report will contain the students name, date of birth, parent/guardian contact information. The local health department staff may contact the students family to do further follow-up and investigation. A list of the PA reportable diseases. *PASD Lice Policy: A child with Head Lice (pediculosis capitis) will be excluded from school upon determination of the school nurse. Authority to send a student home is found in the PA School Health Code 27.71. Our schools follow recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics regulations regarding children infested with lice. The following procedures are in place: 5. A child suspected of having lice is examined by the school nurse. 6. If the child is found to have live head lice, he or she will be sent home to be treated. 7. If the child is found to have only nits, the child will remain in class. The childs parent or guardian will be notified that day by telephone or written note recommending prompt and proper treatment of head lice. 8. In all cases a pamphlet describing the control and treatment of head lice will be sent home with the child. Although it is preferable to consult a physician, parents/guardians/caretakers may wish to treat the child directly. For this purpose, several over-the-counter shampoo treatments are on the market and are available from most drug stores. It is recommended the treatment be repeated 7-10 days following the original treatment. This second application will help prevent a re-occurrence of head lice.

Hearing Screenings: Each year, all students in kindergarten, first, second, third grades, and some special education classes are screened for hearing loss. A referral is sent home if further evaluation is needed. Height/Weight/BMI (Body Mass Index) Percentile: In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Health Code and the Department of Health Regulations, all students in grades K-12 will have their height and weight measured annually. Based on these measurements (which can be found in Skyward/Qmlativ), students BMI and BMI percentiles will then be calculated. The results of the growth screening will be available for viewing on Skyward/Qmlativ. Please keep in mind that your childs healthcare provider is the best person to evaluate whether the results are within a healthy range. Vision: Screenings All students will be screened for near and far vision annually. Additionally, students are tested for color vision and hyperopia in first grade and depth perception in second grade. A referral is sent home if any of these screenings need further evaluation.

Annual records for all students which include mandated growth information, vision, and hearing screenings as appropriate for your childs grade level are documented. Health information will be made available for parent review and may include wellness information where appropriate.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, third grade, and seventh students with incomplete health records are required to have a dental examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a dentist at school. If completed by a family dentist, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Dental Examination form must be completed by the dentist and brought to the health room. If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school dentist, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the dental exam. Pennsylvania State Dental Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, sixth and 11th grades, and students with incomplete health records are required to have a physical examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a physician at school. If completed by a private physician, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Physical Examination form must be completed by the family physician and brought to the health room. 2 If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school physician, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the physical exam. Pennsylvania State Physical Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link. Library The PAMS library provides students with additional resources supporting curriculum content and projects as well as recreational reading. 1. How to use the library: The library is open to all students every school day from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. To use the library students will come either with their class (for research or book exchange) or on their own-with a pass. Procedures to follow if you come with a pass: Sign the log sheet whenever you enter and leave the library. Leave passes on the desk until you are leaving the library. Make sure that either the librarian or the secretary signs your pass before you leave. 2. To check out a book or magazine: Students may check out up to 4 items for 2 weeks, with 2 renewals. There are two areas where students may return books: one inside the library at the check-out desk, and the other in the hallway outside the library. While the library does not charge fines for overdue books, students are responsible for returning all books on time. If a student loses a book, he/she is responsible for paying the replacement cost of the book. 3. Be a good library citizen! No food or drink in the library. Respect the library the books, the computers, the furniture, the learning environment. Be sure to return all overdue books and pay the replacement cost of any lost book. Consequence for not being a good library citizen: a. you will not be able to check out any library books. b. you may lose your Library computer privileges. Cafeteria Procedures Eating takes place in the lunchroom only except for first period breakfast. To make the lunchroom and other areas orderly, clean, safe, and attractive, all students are expected to: 1. Enter and take their seats. 2. Wait their turn in the food line, in an orderly fashion (students may not jump ahead of others already waiting in the lunch line). 3. Keep the table and floor areas clean and wipe tables down at the conclusion of lunch. 4. Place all trash in the proper receptacles, which have been placed throughout the lunchroom (recycle appropriate items). 5. Leave the area clean for others to use. 6. Use good table and eating manners and follow the expectations detailed in the RISE Up Matrix. 7. PAMS Faculty and administration reserves the right to assign seats in the lunchroom or provide a separate eating venue for students not consistently in compliance with rules, regulations, and procedures.

The Phoenixville Area School District buildings will be using School Pays Point of Sale System for students to purchase meals. A Point of Sale System is a computerized system for keeping record of lunch and milk purchases for all full day students. Students will utilize a designated (pin #) to purchase a lunch. Payments for cafeteria purchases can be made in advance and held in each childs individual account through your Skyward/Qmlativ Parent Access or parents/guardians/caretakers may send in cash or checks (in envelopes) at any time and in any amount. Skyward/Qmlativ access allows you to view payment history, account balances, and to track your childs purchases. If paying with a check or cash, students can present the check or cash to their teachers. Money sent to the office will be forwarded to the cafeteria for deposit into accounts. (Please be sure that your childs name and teachers name are clearly marked on the envelope.) Make checks payable to PASD Cafeteria Account. Credit card payments are also accepted through RevTrak via your Skyward/Qmlativ Food Services account. According to Policy No. 808, any elementary student whose lunch account has no remaining funds or who forget their bagged lunch or lunch money, will be served lunch. Payment for lunch should be made the next school day. Students may not purchase snacks 3 when their lunch account has a negative balance. Reasonable efforts shall be made by the District to collect unpaid school meal charges from parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians. Efforts taken in collection shall not have a negative impact on the student involved, nor on their ability to access a school meal, but shall focus primarily on the parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians responsible for providing funds for school meal purchases. Students are expected to observe rules for a safe and mannerly lunch period.

Applications for free or reduced-price lunch tickets are available at the start of each school year. To qualify, you must meet certain financial criteria, stabled by government entities. Students are expected to comply with applicable regulations for use. Please contact the Home/School Liaison for questions or concerns at 484-927-5117. Student/School Insurance A group plan for accident insurance for PASD students is available. Parents/guardians who wish to have or supplement existing insurance plans are encouraged to participate with this program. In many cases, school insurance covers medical costs not covered by a students primary insurance plan. Each year the Board of School Directors designates an insurance company to underwrite a group policy for PASD students. Literature on the plan, features of the plan, cost, and procedures for filing claims are available in each school office. While the school district is not liable for accidents that occur during the regular operation of school, all student accidents that occur at school need to be reported to the school nurse. School Store: The middle school store, operated by our Home & School parent volunteers, is in the student cafeteria and is open twice per month during lunch for the purchase of spirit and school related items.

PASD Information Line By logging onto the district website (http://www.pasd.com), parents/guardians will be informed of current information regarding the status of the districts schedule depending on conditions. Non-English-speaking residents can call the Spanish Hotline at 484-927-5006 or the Portuguese Hotline at 484-927-5009 with questions or concerns. School Closing/Late Opening Information If inclement weather or other causes should necessitate the closing of school or require a late opening, or early dismissal, students and parents will be informed of such action on the PASD website, the school district phone and email messaging system. Emergency School Closing In the event that school is closed for the day or there is an early dismissal due to an emergency, we will make every attempt to contact you directly via our automated phone & email messaging system. Students and parents are discouraged from calling the school directly, as it can interfere with other phone calls pertaining to adjusting school operations that day. Snow Emergency Numbers/Emergency Closings At times, it may become necessary to close school due to an emergency or inclement weather conditions. A message will be sent by the district Superintendent to all households. School closing announcements are also available on the Districts Website and on all district social media pages. In the case of an early dismissal, students should have an alternate location in the event their home is not accessible. Please review the arrangements for emergency dismissals with your child so that your child will know what to do in these situations. School Security All visitors are required to report immediately to the school office upon entering the school. The designated entrance is to be used. All visitors must present photo identification in order to secure a badge (visitor, volunteer, etc.) from the office before visitors are allowed in student areas. Parents/Guardians are expected to meet their children for appointments or at dismissal at the office or other designated areas and not at the classroom. All school employees will be enforcing these regulations. Doors are locked for security purposes. Threat Assessment Team 4 Each school has a Threat Assessment Team. These teams are a part of the Act 18 legislation. Act 18 requires each school and district in the Commonwealth to have a team of professionals who will follow the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C- STAG) when assessing threats, personal or towards others. C-STAG is an approach to violence prevention that emphasizes early attention to problems such as bullying, teasing, and other forms of student conflict before they escalate into violent behavior. A five-step decision process is followed: In brief, the first two steps are a triage process in which team members investigate a reported threat and determine whether the threat can be readily resolved as a transient threat that is not a serious threat. Examples of transient threats are jokes or statements made in anger that are expressions of feeling or figures of speech rather than expressions of a genuine intent to harm someone. Any threat that cannot be clearly identified and resolved as transient is treated as a substantive threat. Substantive threats always require protective action to prevent the threat from being carried out. The remaining three steps guide the team through more extensive assessment and response based on the seriousness of the threat. If the threat is determined to be substantive, both a law enforcement investigation and a mental health assessment of the student will be conducted. The culmination of the threat assessment is the development of a safety plan that is designed to address the problem or conflict underlying the threat and prevent the act of violence from taking place. For both transient and substantive threats, there is an emphasis on helping students to resolve conflicts and minimizing the use of zero-tolerance suspensions as a disciplinary response. The Threat Assessment Team is used in conjunction with our Stop Bullying and Safe2Say programs. Anyone can and should report possible threats to the school principal or the Executive Director of Schools, Dr. Garritano Email [email protected] or Phone 484-927-5039. Please refer to Policy No. 236.1 for more information on District Threat Assessment. Law Enforcement Partnership In an effort to promote and maintain school safety, the district has determined that it is necessary and reasonable to establish an ongoing partnership with local law enforcement and court authorities. When an imminent threat to the safety of students or staff occurs, and for the duration of the specific incident, law enforcement officers are, unless specifically told otherwise, authorized to act as agents of the district for the purpose of insuring safety. They may assume the same authority in dealing with students as an administrator of the school would have in such situations. No officer shall act as an agent of the district unless the officer reasonably perceives danger to any particular student, or educator, or to the student body or staff in general. The foregoing notwithstanding, if, as a result of a disciplinary infraction, an officer has reason to believe that any student, including a suspect student, staff member or other person is in danger as a result of the suspect students activity, the officer is authorized to take such action as is reasonable to minimize or dispel the danger and shall be considered to be acting on behalf of the District. Under no circumstance will the district tolerate any criminal activity from any student. When a student commits an act that could constitute commission of a crime or whenever a crime occurs on school grounds, the district will enlist the assistance of law enforcement officials in the investigation and will share all information, including otherwise confidential student information, with law enforcement officials. Further, in all matters involving arrest and prosecution the district shall share with the arresting authority and with the court system, thereafter, all information concerning the student, whether or not otherwise deemed confidential. When police request permission to interrogate a student at school, the principal shall inform the Superintendent, determine why such interrogation could not occur at the students home, and attempt to inform the students parent/guardian. Whenever the Superintendent or designee has determined that the police have a legitimate purpose in interrogating a student within the school building, the principal or a representative shall be present throughout the proceedings.

The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students, free of bullying and cyberbullying. It is the policy of the school district to maintain an educational environment in which bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment in any form are not tolerated. Policy No. 249 addresses anti-bullying/cyberbullying. A Stop-Bullying Hotline and Stop Bullying Email were established to allow students, parents/guardians/caretakers, or concerned parties to report bullying incidents or activity. Please contact your building principal regarding this policy.

When students believe that they have been subject to hazing, the students are encouraged to promptly report the incident, orally or in writing, to the building principal or designee. Students, parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, staff and citizens are encouraged to use the district's report form, available from 5 the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints shall be accepted and documented. All verbal or written complaints of hazing shall always be reviewed by an administrator not in charge of the program/facility where the complaint originated. Please refer to Policy No. 247 for more information on Hazing.

The board adopted the standards for a student who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of the public elementary or secondary school that they attend. Please refer to Policy No. 144 for more information.

The goal of the school is to provide students with a positive and enriching learning experience. Toys, games, trading cards and other play-related items or personal property must be left at home. These items pose a distraction to the teaching and learning process. The district is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, inhalants and/or alcohol as defined by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Congress of the United States or the intent to use, possess, purchase or distribute drugs, inhalants, and/or alcoholic beverages on school grounds or in connection with any planned school activity constitutes a serious danger to both the individual student and the general school populace, is viewed as one of the most serious offenses a student can commit, and is prohibited. This regulation shall not apply to those medicines or drugs prescribed by a physicians written order according to the individuals needs. In the event a student is found to use, possess, or distribute drugs, inhalants, and/or alcohol; in keeping with Board Policy No. 227 the student may be suspended for a maximum of ten (10) days. If a second offense occurs, the students name may be submitted to the Board of School Directors with a recommendation for expulsion from school. Any student found to be selling, distributing, or possessing drugs may be immediately excluded from school and expulsion proceedings promptly begun. Policy No. 222 prohibits students from possessing and using tobacco at any time in a school building, on a school bus, and on school property. Please refer to the Policy for more information.

Students, parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians and staff shall be notified at least annually, or more often if deemed appropriate by administration, about the standards and procedures in effect pursuant to this policy. The administration is authorized to conduct searches of students or their belongings, including lockers, automobiles, electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing, and other possessions in accordance with the standards set forth in this policy. Please refer to Policy No. 226 for more information.

The Phoenixville Area School District believes that the physical safety of students, employees, and visitors is essential for the proper operation of the schools and for the establishment of a positive learning environment. Therefore, in compliance with the requirements of the Gun-Free Act of 1994 any student determined to have brought a weapon to school may be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year at the Superintendents discretion. Possession of a weapon (including pocketknives) is prohibited in any Phoenixville Area School District building, or on any grounds of the Phoenixville Area School District (Policy No. 218.1). It should be noted that pocketknives, devices that have the potential to cause bodily harm (i.e., a slingshot), and toys that approximate a weapon may not be brought to school or carried on a school bus. Consequences may follow if a student has been found to have the preceding in his/her possession or is responsible for the availability of a preceding item in school or on a school bus. Electronic Devices/Cell Phones Per PASD District Electronic Device Policy #237, students are expressly prohibited from videotaping, audiotaping, or photographing any student, staff member, or school environment as well as uploading or posting them without clear and expressed permission of school officials. Any student found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary consequences and may be subject to legal action. Between the hours of 7:45 a.m. 2:53 p.m., cell phone use is prohibited. In order to maintain a learning environment that minimizes distractions, keeps students focused, and limits behavioral issues, cell phones must be off and away all day. They should not be used for any purpose, including calls, text messaging, social media, or gaming, while at school. If a student needs to make a phone call, they may use the phone in the main office. Similarly, if parents or 6 guardians need to contact their child, they may call the main office, and staff will relay a message to the student or bring them to the office to use the phone. If a student is found using a cell phone during the hours of 7:45-3:05, the following progressive discipline will be followed: 1st offense: The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the main office until the end of the day. 2nd offense: The cell phone will be confiscated, and parents/guardians will be notified. 3rd offense: The cell phone will be confiscated, and a parent/guardian meeting will be held. Administration will place confiscated electronic devices in a secure location. The school is not liable for damaged or stolen electronic devices. Fire Drills Complying with state regulations, every school building in the Phoenixville Area School District will conduct a fire drill once a month. During a drill, all staff and students will be evacuated from the building and remain a safe distance from the building until all students and staff are accounted for. By law, fire drills are held monthly. They may be announced or impromptu. It is essential that everyone clears the building using the designated routes in a quick and orderly manner, reporting to the designated evacuation staging area. Emergency ALICE and severe weather drills are also conducted at least once per year. Students and families will be given notice about ALICE and severe weather drills. Emergency Procedures Policy No. 805 refers to emergency procedures related to natural disasters, hazardous chemicals, fires, etc. The district has a disaster response and emergency preparedness plan. Emergency and evacuation drills are conducted at intervals as required by law. Evacuation/Other Emergencies The school district has developed evacuation plans for each building in the event such action must be taken to protect our students and staff. If such action is deemed necessary, the school administrators will make the necessary announcements over the public address system. All students and staff will be expected to follow the instructions given at that time. Students will not be permitted to leave school in order that the school can accurately account for all students. Additionally, evacuations may be limited in duration and the school schedule may be resumed that day. Information will be distributed to parents and the community via the PASD website and the school district phone messaging system in as timely a manner as possible. Local law enforcement will prohibit anyone except emergency vehicles from entering the campus during such an emergency. Parents are requested not to call or come to the school campus during an evacuation or other emergency. Driving to the school will cause traffic congestion that could potentially interfere with the arrival of emergency vehicles should they be needed. Parent phone calls, likewise, will tie-up phone lines at a crucial time. If circumstances warrant, students will be evacuated from the school property by school vehicles to be picked up by parents at an off-campus site. Transportation Students having the privilege of riding a school bus must conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner to and from school. The bus driver is legally responsible for the transportation of students and functions in the same manner on the bus as the teacher does in the classroom. Students may lose transportation privileges for violating bus regulations. In addition to all expectations outlined in this handbook, the following regulations apply to all students on school provided transportation. No consumption of food/beverages unless authorized by the driver. Cooperate with instructions given by the driver. Remain seated, do not be destructive of school property, and keep the bus clean. Students should not throw objects into windows or out of windows. All heads and hands must always remain in the bus. Do not use the Emergency Exit unless authorized to by the bus driver. Bus transportation is a privilege afforded to eligible students in accordance with behavioral expectations. Failure to observe district rules may result in denial of transportation. Bus information will be sent home prior to the opening of school. Students may ride only on their assigned bus. Bus rules are posted on every bus. Buses are under Video & Audio Surveillance (as per Policy No. 810). If there are problems with busing, please call the Transportation Department at the Administration Building at 484-927-5026. 7 School Property Textbooks, laptops, workbooks, reading material, lockers, team uniforms, etc. that are issued to students by the school are to be properly maintained and returned to the appropriate staff member at the end of the term/year/season. Items that are not returned or returned in damaged condition will result in a charge being assessed to the student and parent to which the property was issued. Campus Surveillance In accordance with Policy No. 810.2, to promote order, safety and security of students, staff, and property, this is notification that the School District utilizes video surveillance throughout the campus. This includes on school property, and in school buildings. (Policy No. 810.1).

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome and encouraged to visit the school for special occasions (Policy No. 907). Unauthorized persons may not roam the school building. All visitors to school buildings are required to abide by the following regulations: ➢ Report directly to the school office. ➢ Upon entering the office, inform the office staff of the nature of your visit. In order to ensure the security of our students, you will be asked to present a drivers license. This identification will be scanned into the Raptor System, which will deny entry into the building proper, any individual who is deemed potentially unsafe. A Temporary Visitor Identification Badge will be generated directly from the license and the visitor will be permitted entry beyond the main office. The Badge must be visible at all times. No personal information is shared with anyone. ➢ Unauthorized persons or those without a legitimate reason to be in the building will be asked to leave. Your cooperation in this matter will assist us in assuring the safety of your child. Please contact the school office for further information. ➢ Policy No. 707 Use of School Facilities Students must secure administrative approval prior to having a student guest with them in the building for the day. The only reason for a guest to be approved to attend your classes is if the guest student is in a position to consider attending PAHS in a future school year. Guests may be denied at any time by the building administration.

If there is a concern or observation of something that may affect the safety of the students, please notify the school principal. Policy No. 705 Safety

There are several areas of safety to be considered in fitness class: 1. All students are required to wear sneakers with tied laces. If jewelry is worn to school, the students will be asked to remove it. 2. The wearing of jewelry, which includes earrings, necklaces, watches, rings, bracelets, and other body piercing accessories, during physical activity is a safety hazard for those wearing them and for those who may come in contact with those wearing such items. It is the position of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education that jewelry is to be removed before participation in fitness classes. Concussion Management The goal to ensuring the safety of students participating in the districts athletic programs is to provide guidance for prevention, detection and treatment of concussions sustained by students while participating in an athletic activity. Please refer to Policy No. 123.1 for more information. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Each school year, prior to participation in an athletic activity, every student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information Sheet that includes information about electrocardiogram testing. The school shall hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for all competitors regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and information about electrocardiogram testing. In addition to the student athletes, such meetings may include parents/guardians, coaches, other appropriate school officials, physicians, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, other appropriate medical personnel, and athletic trainers. Please refer to Policy No. 123.2 for more information. Sportsmanship It is the duty and responsibility of all participants and spectators to embody good sportsmanship at all events both home and away. 8 All in attendance are expected to promote fair play and respectfulness toward our opponents and visiting fans. Any PAHS student, participant, or spectator, who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behavior at a sporting event, whether home or away, will be escorted from the event. Eligibility to attend any future sporting events will be at the discretion of the school administration. Smoking/Tobacco/Vape Devices Students found in use/possession of this type of substance will be processed in accordance with school policy. Students may also be suspended from their team/activity for a period of time to be determined by the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach/Advisor. Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Drug Abuse and Alcohol The selling, providing, possession, or use of steroids or other drugs or alcohol and or off school property is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the School Districts Drug and Alcohol Policy. In addition, any student/athlete determined to be in violation of any of the above infractions on or off school property will be suspended or dismissed from the team or squad for the remainder of the season (at the discretion of the administration. Any subsequent drug or alcohol violations will constitute a repeat offense, be subject to additional disciplinary consequences, and may be considered for a suspension from participation in extracurricular activities. Prohibition of Anabolic Steroids The use of anabolic steroids by any pupil involved in school-related athletics, except for a valid medical purpose, is prohibited. Bodybuilding, muscle enhancement, increasing muscle bulk or strength or the enhancement of athletic ability is not a valid medical purpose. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is included as an anabolic steroid under this policy. Education regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids is to be included in the districts drug and alcohol program. Any pupil found to be in violation of the anabolic steroid use policy is subject to the following penalties: (a) for a first violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season; (b) for a second violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season and for the following season; (c) for a third violation, permanent suspension from school athletics. To be eligible to resume participation in school athletics, there must be a medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exists. Participation in approved drug counseling, and rehabilitation program and testing are also required conditions of reinstatement into the school athletic program. Spectator Decorum 1. In order to enter athletic events and performances, middle school students need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The adult must stay with the student for the entirety of the event. 2. All students are to be seated during the game. 3. Students may not walk around the sides of the court during a basketball game or Auditorium aisles during a performance. 4. Unsportsmanlike conduct in the Gym WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Visitors ➢ Parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome and encouraged to visit the school for special occasions (Policy No. 907). Unauthorized persons may not roam the school building. All visitors must report to the main office, report their purpose for visiting and receive a visitor's pass. Visitor passes are generated by the Raptor System and require a drivers' license to be presented. No visitor will be permitted to enter the building property and be among our children unless this procedure is followed. This identification will be scanned into the Raptor System, which will deny entry into the building proper, any individual who is deemed potentially unsafe. A Temporary Visitor Identification Badge will be generated directly from the license and the visitor will be permitted entry beyond the main office. No personal information is shared with anyone. Visitors who fail to report to the main office upon entering the building may be considered trespassing. From time to time, students will ask to have friends or relatives spend a day or more in our school as a visitor. We would like to accommodate this request, but we regret that all requests will be denied for the reasons of liability and effective operation of our educational program. The PAMS staff cannot assume the responsibility of supervising/caring for students not on our official rolls.

PASD supports use of the Internet and other information technology resources to facilitate learning, teaching, and educational 9 operations. Access to and use of these resources is essential to the learning, teaching and administration that occur in our school.

This policy applies to all users (Users) of PASD computers, network connectivity, and information technology (IT Resources). Each User of IT Resources must agree to this Policy, by signing a copy of the Policy in hardcopy, prior to obtaining access to IT Resources. Additionally, all students must obtain their parents or guardians signature to this Policy granting permission to the student to use the IT Resources.

If any User has questions concerning this Policy or its content, the User should contact PASD IT personnel or a PASD administrator. IT Resources are to be used only for purposes that are lawful, authorized, have educational value to the User or enhance the Users personal growth, and are permitted by this Policy. Our goal is to give all our Users the opportunity to pursue educational and research activities in a safe and effective manner that complies with the law and regulations. Use of IT Resources The primary use of our IT Resources is reserved for those who need to access or obtain information and materials of educational value to them. Educational value means the information and/or materials must have a direct impact on the Users current educational program in which he/she is enrolled or is seeking to enroll. Entertainment or social-type activities, such as exchanging e-mail messages with friends, engaging in chat rooms, reading message boards, and other activities outside the scope of the Users educational program, do not fall under the definition of educational value. Users who use IT Resources for non- educational purposes may be responsible for any costs associated with such non-educational use. PASD may impose time restrictions on use of its IT Resources to ensure that all Users have equal opportunity for use. PASD also may create and enforce storage management procedures or revise such storage procedures, at its option. Prohibited uses Users must act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner when using the IT Resources. They must also follow this and all other PASD policies, use acceptable network etiquette, and comply with federal and state law. The following uses of our IT Resources are specifically prohibited: (a)Use in violation of any law, or governmental rule or regulation; (b)Commercial or for profit use; (c)Excessive non-work or non-school related work; (d)Product advertising or political lobbying; (e)Exchanging (by sending, receiving, or in any way participating in) any hate mail, or harassing, defamatory, offensive, fraudulent, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually-oriented, threatening, racially-offensive or illegal activities, materials or communication, or communications containing inappropriate language; (f)Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of copyrighted materials; copying, distributing, modifying, or using copyrighted materials in violation of copyright laws; (g) Accessing or obtaining (i)materials that are obscene, (ii)pornographic materials, or (iii)child pornography; (h)Access by students to material that is harmful or is determined by PASD to be inappropriate for students; (i)Quoting a personal communication by means which make it public without the original authors prior consent; (j)Intentionally obtaining or modifying files, passwords, or data belonging to other Users; impersonating another User, anonymity or using pseudonyms; (k)Loading or using unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic media. Please click here for more information about PASD Technology, including links to the Technology Handbook, Acceptable Use Policy, and district technology goals. 10

Phoenixville Area Middle School Student Handbook 2025-2026

If you have difficulty understanding English, you may, free of charge, request language assistance to help you understand the district’s documents, programs, and procedures. Please contact your child’s teacher or principal for assistance; or you may call 484-927-5006 (Spanish) or 484-927-5009 (Portuguese). Please refer to Policy No. 138.

2025-2026 A copy of this (level specific) handbook will be provided to every student at Phoenixville Area School District. It contains general school information, procedures, and regulations. Students and their families are encouraged to become familiar with the contents of this publication. It is provided as a resource and contains the most current information for the school year that was available when printed. Please be advised that some of the material might be subject to change during the school year. Students and families will be informed of such changes through other school communication formats including the school website.

Mission The district's mission is to foster an inclusive, student-focused learning environment, with community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities, that supports students in becoming critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and collaborative contributors to society. PASD's vision is to be a leading educational district that adapts and evolves, with a focus on career and post-secondary preparedness, ensuring our students are equipped with the academic and social skills necessary for success in an ever-changing world. Phoenixville Area Middle School (484)-927-5200 Phoenixville, PA 19460 Principal: Dr. Chamise Taylor Assistant Principal: Mr. Justin McCord School District Personnel Melissa McTiernan, Superintendent of Schools ............................. ............................................................................... 484-927-5010 Jessica Kilmetz, Ed.D., Assistant. Superintendent.......................................................................................... 484-927-5013 Frank Garritano, Ed.D., Executive Director of Schools & Safety ..................................................................................... 484-927-5039 Kate Pacitto, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum/Specialized Programs & Services ............................................... 484-927-5046 Matt Oberecker, Director of Technology..................................................................................................... 484-927-5098 Ken Gibson, Director of Operations ........................................................................................................... 484-927-5099 Sylvia Rockwood, Director of Human Resources ............................................................................................................ 484-927-5037 Jeremy Melber, PhD, Chief Financial Officer .................................................................................................................. 484-927-5020 Marty Walls, Supervisor of Special Education (5-8) ....................................................................................................... 484-927-5063 Christine Skonieczny, Ed.D., Gifted/504/Mental Health Supervisor .............................................................................. 484-927-5066 Jake Serfass, Athletic Director…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….484-927-5130 Student Services Jim Piano - Aramark Food Service .................................................................................................................................. 484-927-5243 Lisa Yeager / Stephanie Nattle - Transportation............................................................................................................. 484-927-5026 PAMS Vision Statement The vision of the Phoenixville Area Middle School is to inspire all students to RISE to their full potential. The PAMS community seeks to foster social, emotional, and academic success and provide students with the skills to thrive in the ever changing 21st Century.

School Board Members may be contacted by calling or writing: Phoenixville Area School District District Administration Office 386 City Line Avenue Phoenixville, PA 19460 Telephone Number: 484-927-5000 Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Email for Board of School Directors is available under School Directors on the PASD Website

The School Board’s primary purpose is to formulate policy for the administration of the educational program and to supervise the business affairs of the school district. Board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. twice a month. Please access the District’s Website for an exact schedule and location of meetings as some dates may vary. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and other community members are welcome to attend. Please reference Policy No. 006 – Meetings, for more information. There is no scheduled Board Meeting in July, however, they may be held on an as needed basis. The December Board Reorganization and Board Meeting are held the first Monday in December. Please check the website for more information. Policy No. 619 – District Audit (Public) Policy No. 604 – Budget Hearing Policy No. 621 – Local Taxpayer Bill of Rights

The Phoenixville Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or handicap, age in its admissions procedures, educational programs, services, activities or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 and/or any applicable federal statute. It shall be a violation for any student or staff member to harass any student or staff member. Any student or staff member who alleges unlawful harassment may complain directly to a teacher, guidance counselor, or administrator. Any student or staff member who is found, after appropriate investigation, to have engaged in unlawful harassment shall be subject to disciplinary action consistent with the School Code of Pennsylvania. Please refer to Policies No. 103, 103.1, 104, and 248. The Phoenixville Area School District will assist students who are English Language Learners to participate in all programs, services and activities. Policy No. 138. For information regarding civil rights, admissions, grievance procedures, bilingual education and accessibility of programs, services, activities, and facilities that are usable by handicapped persons, please contact the Office of the Superintendent by mail at Phoenixville Area School District, 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, 19460 or by telephone at 484-927-5000.

In compliance with state and federal law, the Phoenixville Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or costs to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for “protected handicapped” students are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information about the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected students, contact the Director of Specialized Programs & Services, by mail at 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460 or by telephone at 484-927-5060.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law requires that Phoenixville Area School District (“district”) obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. Consent, however, is not required in all instances. The district may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent unless you have advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures. The federal law and the United States Department of Education define directory information as information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the district to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include: • A playbill showing your child’s role in a drama production • The annual yearbook • Honor roll or other recognition lists • Graduation programs • Sports activity sheets, i.e., such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members Directory information can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – names, addresses, and telephone listings – unless parents/guardians/caretakers have advised the LEA that they do not want their child’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. 1 If you do not want the district to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the district in writing by September 15th of each school year. The district has designated the following information as directory information: • Name • Participation in officially recognized activities and sports • Address • Telephone listing • Weight and height of members of athletic teams • Photograph • Degrees, honors, and awards received • Date and place of birth • Major field of study • Dates of attendance • Grade level • The most recent educational agency or institution attended 1 These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation’s armed forces.

It is the right of all students to have an opportunity to be educated by the district, to be secure in their persons, to have their rights protected and to be treated with fundamental fairness in all matters. However, when the rights of the individual conflict with or jeopardize the rights of the student body in general, or endanger a student or any other person, it shall be the policy of the district to choose safety as the paramount concern and the rights of the individual shall yield to the degree necessary.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents/guardians/caretakers and students who reach the age of 18 (“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 of the day the school receives a written request for access. Parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will arrange for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The district is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students to review the records. Schools may charge a fee for copies. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents/guardians/caretakers or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record they believe is inaccurate or misleading. Parents/guardians/caretakers should write to the school principal; clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. 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 advise them 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 consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 4 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); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials or another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. The additional disclosures the school may make without parent consent are explained in the school’s Student Records Plan available from the child’s principal. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

The Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA), (Policy No. 235) affords parents/guardians/caretakers and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (“eligible students”) certain rights regarding the Phoenixville Area School District’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical examinations. These include the right to: • Written Consent: Before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education: 1.1 Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent 1.2 Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family 1.3 Sex behavior or attitudes 1.4 Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior 1.5 Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships 1.6 Legally recognized privileged relationships such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers 1.7 Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents/guardians/caretakers 1.8 Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility • Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of: 2. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding 2.2 Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under Pennsylvania law 2.3 Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others • Inspect upon request and before administration or use: 3.1 Protected information surveys of students 3.2 Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes 3.3 Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum. (Please refer to Policy No. 105.1) The district will develop and adopt policies, in consultation with parents/guardians/caretakers regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes. The district will directly notify parents/guardians/caretakers and eligible students of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes. The district will 5 also directly notify parents/guardians/caretakers and eligible students, such as through U.S. Mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of participating in: • Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution • Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education • Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. Parents/guardians/caretakers/eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

In addressing pertinent concerns, parents/guardians/caretakers are urged to use the following guidelines: • The classroom teacher should be contacted in situations that concern the student/teacher/classroom relationship. • The school principal should be contacted if the parent cannot resolve a problem with a classroom teacher or in matters dealing with general school policies and district concerns. • Policy No. 906 – Public Complaint Procedures

• Phoenixville Area School District uses many valuable online tools to further curricular goals, personalize learning, and meet necessary data management and reporting functions. Some of these online tools are used by teachers in the delivery of instruction and require student account creation and storage of student work to perform their intended functions. Other agencies and companies provide certain administrative and technical services and support that either requires data to be stored on their servers or access to our systems is granted to facilitate the performance of certain defined functions. The district protects student privacy in compliance with applicable federal laws and school board policies. Federal privacy laws do allow sharing of what may constitute an educational record in limited circumstances. Click here or more information about student privacy protections. • Any software service provider and contractor with whom the district contracts agree to protect student privacy using all commercially reasonable means and complies with all federal laws prohibiting use of student information for commercial marketing purposes. Click here for more information about student protection from commercial marketing. • Policy No. 235.1 – Pupils Surveys PROCEDURE FOR FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICES (FNS) CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINTS PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF

1) Sponsor receives a Civil Rights complaint from the complainant (i.e. parent). a) Sponsor must inform complainant of Federal Civil Rights rules and regulations that have been established for protected classes. (A protected class is any person or group of people who are protected from discrimination based on): 1. Race 2. Color 3. National Origin 4. Age 5. Sex 6. Disability b) Sponsor must provide complainant the necessary information to file a complaint, which is: 1. Mailing address of the USDA: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 6 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 2. USDA’s Telephone/Fax numbers and Email address: (866) 632-9992 / (202) 690-7442 F/ [email protected] 3. Electronic link to file a civil rights complaint Note: If the sponsor is unsure if the complaint falls under a protected class, sponsor should provide complainant the federal complaint information. c) After providing the complainant with the information on how to file a Civil Rights complaint directly at the Federal level, the sponsor may attempt to resolve the complaint if it is a matter that can be resolved quickly. Resolving complaints in real-time at the lowest possible level is encouraged. (*Note: This is not an investigation as neither the sponsor nor the State agency has the authority to conduct complaint investigations. This is simply trying to resolve the situation if it was potentially caused by a miscommunication.) If the complainant refuses to discuss the matter, any further with the sponsor or if the matter cannot be resolved quickly, then the sponsor should: 1. reiterate the complaint filing procedures in 1) b), 2. document the complaint and actions taken (i.e., referral to Federal complaint procedures) in a Civil Rights complaint log that is separate from any other complaint log, (*Note: A separate Civil Rights complaint log is necessary due to confidentiality and privacy laws. See complaint log requirements in d) below.), and 3. notify the State agency of the discussion. (*Note: It is important for the sponsor to notify the State agency because regular communication between the sponsor and State agency is key to operating the program successfully.) If the complainant is willing to try to resolve the issue with the sponsor and a satisfactory resolution is achieved, then the sponsor should still remind the complainant (using the information in 1)b) of his/her right to file at the Federal level if necessary. (*Note: Complainants retain the right to file at the Federal level even if a resolution seems to have been reached at the sponsor level.) The sponsor needs to document the complaint and actions taken (i.e., how resolution was achieved) in a log that is separate from any other complaint log and notify the State agency of the resolution. d) Regardless of if the complainant wishes to file at the Federal level, the sponsor should document as much information as possible in their Civil Rights complaint log including, but not limited to, the following: ➢ Date Complaint Received ➢ Complainant’s Name ➢ Complainant’s Address ➢ Complainant’s Telephone Number ➢ Complainant’s Email Address ➢ Allegation of Discrimination/Issue (i.e., FNS program involved, protected class(es) involved, etc.) ➢ Date of Alleged Discriminatory Action 1. The sponsor must forward the information, within 5 days of receipt of complaint from complainant to the State agency (process depicted below): State Agency Civil Rights Coordinator State Agency Director* FNS Regional Office Civil Rights Contact FNS Headquarters Civil Rights Office Complainant 2. *State Agency level must forward complaint information, within 5 days of receipt of complaint from sponsor to the FNS regional office. 3. FNS team conducts complaint review and investigation, which includes contact with the complainant, State agency, sponsor, etc. 2) Additional Information: a) Complainants must file within 180 days of the alleged action b) Confidentiality is extremely important c) USDA complaint form: 7 ➢ USDA complaint form English version ➢ USDA complaint form Spanish version

The Phoenixville Area School District participates in an IPM Program for managing insects, rodents, and weeds. The district communicates information on the program to parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians on an annual basis. Refer to Policy No. 716 for more information.

In accordance with the EPA’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763, Subpart E of the Code of Federal Regulations), School Districts are required to give annual notification stating that the Asbestos Management Plan for each Building is available for public review. This rule requires local education agencies (LEAs) to identify friable and non-friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) in public and private elementary and secondary schools by visually inspecting school buildings for such materials, sampling such materials if they are not assumed to be ACM, and having samples analyzed by appropriate techniques referred to in this rule. In keeping with this legislation, the School District is inspected by EPA accredited inspectors and a comprehensive management plan was developed for handling asbestos containing building material in a safe and responsible manner. Six-month periodic asbestos surveillances as well as 3 Year Re-Inspections are performed in accordance with AHERA. A copy of the asbestos management plan is currently kept in the district administration building. To review a copy, please contact Director of Operations Ken Gibson (484-927-5099) These records are available for review during the normal school business hours.

The Phoenixville Area School District uses the following procedures for locating, identifying, and evaluating specified needs of school- aged students requiring special programs or services. These procedures, as required by law, are as follows: The district, as prescribed by section 1402 of the School Code, routinely conducts screening of a child’s hearing acuity in the following grades: kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11. Visual acuity is screened in every grade. Speech and language skills are screened in kindergarten and on a referral basis. Gross motor and fine motor skills, academic skills, and social-emotional skills are assessed by classroom teachers on an ongoing basis. Specified needs from all of these screening sources are noted within the child’s official file. School records are open and available to parents/guardians/caretakers and only to school officials who have legitimate “need to know” information about the child. Information from the records is released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization that involves written signed permission by parents/guardians/caretakers. Parents/guardians/caretakers with concerns regarding their child may contact the building principal. Communication with parents/guardians/caretakers and exceptional students shall be English or the native language of the parents/guardians/caretakers. Parental and/or teacher concerns will be referred to the building level data team at the student’s school to meet his or her specific needs or to document the need for further evaluation. Parents/guardians/caretakers’ input is welcome and is often solicited. If a student does not make progress after interventions put in place by the school data team, the school will request permission to evaluate your child to determine if special education services are required. Your informed consent in writing is required before the district can conduct the evaluation. The district will conduct the evaluation within 60 calendar days upon receipt of the Permission to Evaluate by the Department of Specialized Programs and Services. Please refer to Policy No. 113. After all the assessments are completed, an Evaluation Report will be compiled with parent involvement and will include specific recommendations for the types of intervention necessary to address the child’s specified needs. Parents/guardians/caretakers will then receive the results of the multidisciplinary evaluation, and these results will be discussed. When appropriate, an Individual Education Program (IEP) will be developed indicating specialized services for the student. In addition to the parent, the Phoenixville Area School District IEP team can consist of at least three of the following district staff: the building principal, the special education teacher, and the regular education teacher(s). Other individuals at the discretion of either 8 the parent or the district may also participate. Parents/guardians/caretakers are an integral part of the IEP team and need to be physically present at the IEP meeting. The district will make every effort to ensure parent participation. The district will notify the parents/guardians/caretakers in writing, make documented phone calls, and make home visits, if necessary, to make parents/guardians/caretakers aware of the IEP conference and the need for parental participation. Upon completion of the IEP meeting, parents/guardians/caretakers will be mailed a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement for their approval or disapproval of the program. Children ages birth to five years who require or may need special education interventions or evaluations are serviced through the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Parents/guardians/caretakers should call the Intermediate Unit at 484-237-5000 and request to speak to an Early Intervention supervisor to access services. Please refer to Policy No. 113. Chapter 15/Other Protected Handicapped Students A protected handicapped student is a student who is school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to any aspect of the school program. In compliance with State and Federal Law, the Phoenixville Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

As per Policy No. 114, the district shall provide gifted education services and programs designed to meet the individual educational needs of identified students. The district shall develop and implement a districtwide gifted education plan every six (6) years which is made available for public inspection and comment for a minimum of 28 days. The district shall provide all required notices and information to parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians of gifted students, document all consents and responses of parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, and adhere to all established timelines. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact your building principal. It is the policy of the Phoenixville Area School District not to discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, marital status, disability, Vietnam era veteran status, disabled veteran status, religion, national origin, creed, ancestry, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, or employment as required by Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI. The district also respects the right to privacy regarding all medical and health records. For information on grievance application, contact the Phoenixville Area School District, 386 City Line Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460, 484-927-5000.

ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) The Every Student Succeeds Act focuses on instructional methods that are proven to prepare students to succeed in college and careers. This Act of 2017 is a landmark in education reform designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America’s schools.

The Phoenixville Area School District is committed to the academic success of all our students. To maximize staff expertise by targeting instruction, PASD has assigned teachers to specialize in Math and ELA (English Language Arts). As students move to 4th and 5th grade, they will usually have more than one individual teacher. In some instances, they may have as many as three. Typically, the Math teacher will also teach Science and Social Studies. PASD has aligned its professional development to broaden the skill sets of content specialized teachers to further enrich and support our students.

Federal regulations require school districts to disclose the professional qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals. Parents/guardians/caretakers may request this information by contacting the building principal. 9 It is the policy of the school district that all students shall be accorded the rights outlined in the law to assure appropriate collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding the individual with all confidentiality stated within the law. Policy No. 324 – Personnel Files Policy No. 312 - Performance Assessment of Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent Policy No. 824 – Maintaining Professional Adult/Student Boundaries

In accordance with the “Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974,” the school district is required to give public notice regarding student records. It is the policy of the Phoenixville Area School District that student directory information may be disclosed for purposes beneficial to the student or the school district only with the approval of the district superintendent or designee. Student directory information includes name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, field of study, academic grades, participation in activities and sports, dates of attendance, awards, the most previous educational institution attended, and other similar information. Parent(s)/guardian(s) can refuse the public disclosure of any or all types of directory information by notifying the principal’s office in writing prior to a school’s publication of its school directory. Parent(s)/guardian(s) may inspect any accumulated information within the files. Requests must be made in writing to the school principal at least three (3) days prior to inspection. Copies of all or a portion of the records may be secured for a duplication fee of 25¢ per page. It is the policy of the school district that all students shall be accorded the rights outlined in the law to assure appropriate collection, maintenance, and dissemination of information regarding the individual with all confidentiality stated within the law. Homework Guidelines Homework is an opportunity to support and enhance learning. Homework introduces, reinforces, or extends knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. Homework promotes learning related behaviors that lead to independence such as time management, responsibility, organization, self-advocacy, and inquiry. Time Management: • On average, homework per night should not exceed 90 minutes a night for seventh and eighth graders, unless the student is participating in accelerated courses. Additional self-selected reading time is recommended. • November, December, and April breaks are reserved for time with family. Students may elect to use this time to review materials, make up work, complete projects, and enjoy recreational reading. New assignments will not be issued over these breaks by the teacher. • Homework assigned over a weekend shall be considered the equivalent of a one-night daily assignment. Guidelines for Teachers: • Review, discuss, and return collected homework prior to an assessment or teaching new material. • Communicate and coordinate assignments with colleagues during team time so that students do not receive an overload of homework. • Explain homework to the students beforehand and include the purpose, recommended study skills, and an estimated time of completion. • Identify students’ access to online materials, answer keys, additional copies (Canvas, Office 365, and textbooks), and provide methods and instructions for use. • Differentiate homework for students as needed. • Grade homework on completion or accuracy as appropriate. • Communicate homework expectations, policies, procedures, and the impact on the overall grade. 10 • Include a suggested framework or checklist for timely completion for long-term assignments. • Flexible due dates are encouraged and should be used when appropriate. Guidelines for Students: • Accurately record homework assignments made in class by the teacher. • Check Canvas to see individual teachers’ assignments and links. • Seek clarification or assistance from the teacher prior to the assignment due date when a homework assignment is unclear, or if the assignment requires additional time to complete. • When challenged by homework, send the teacher an email or talk to the teacher at the beginning of class. • Make every effort to complete homework as assigned independently. • Utilize the resources provided – class notes and/or Canvas. • Use specified (period 8) time provided for completing classwork and/or starting homework. • Limit distractions while completing homework. Guidelines for Parents: • Provide a quiet space at home for homework completion. • Help your c h i l d develop time management and study skills as a way to increase productivity and manage assignments. • Encourage your child to communicate with his/her teacher if t h e y a r e having difficulty or require e x t r a time to complete homework. Contact the teacher directly if further assistance is needed. • Access homework on Canvas as this will be the central communication tool. • It is recommended that parents encourage additional high interest reading outside the school day. Grades Grades are one of several important indicators for student achievement and the acquisition of content knowledge and academic skills. Students earn their grades according to their cumulative performance during each nine-week quarter, through performance on summative and formative assessments, homework completion, project work, and class work and participation. Teachers send home Course Syllabi at the beginning of school outlining common departmental grading practices to ensure expectations and consistency. across different classes. Teachers will contact you if a situation arises which requires your immediate attention. Should a grade drop below a70%, teacher-parent dialogue is necessary to help support the student’s increased performance and/or output. We strongly urge you to check the student agenda book and our online grade-book program. Skyward, our online grade program allows for consistent monitoring. Final grades for each subject are the average of all four marking periods. Report card grades are numeric and correspond to the district grading policy. The PASD has employed a ten-point grading scale.

90-100

80-89

70-79

60-69

Below 60 • Students’ grades will be determined using the following breakdown: • Common Summative: 50% of overall grade • Teacher Summative: 35% of overall grade • Homework: 15% of overall grade Credits Earned in Middle School Starting with the Class of 2027 and beyond, classes taken during middle school will NOT be included on a high school transcript. Students will also not earn high school credit for these courses, nor will the grade count towards the GPA. Grade Reporting Timeline Grade reporting timeline information can be found on the Phoenixville Area School District website. Appeals process for end-of-marking-period grade concerns shall be made utilizing the following: 11 Step 1- A request by the parent/guardian and/or student must be made, in writing, to the teacher within five school days after the last day of the grading term (end of Marking Period closing date), stating the exact concern(s) with the grade; a meeting with the teacher may also be requested to review criteria for grade. The student/parent must bring any relevant materials. The teacher will be granted time to review materials beyond the meeting and communicate findings back to parent/student. Step 2- Should the parent and student disagree with the teacher’s decision, the parent/student may make a written request to the principal, that must include relevant materials (E.G.-student work) for the grade in question. For assistance, the principal may choose to assemble a faculty council, consisting of three certified professional educators, for an independent review of student work artifacts (in question). The principal will render final judgment in writing to parent/student and teacher in a timely fashion. No further appeals may be made. Pennsylvania School Code clearly establishes that it is solely the role of the student’s teacher to assess a student’s performance and establish the grade in accordance with district and school practices. This appeals process maintains such, while allowing a student/parent a voice, as well as, ensuring that there has been adherence to guidelines through principal/committee review. At PAMS, we have programmed common, departmental criteria that encompass a variety of measurable achievement components (summative, formative, class performance, and homework) to assess a student’s achievement at each quarterly juncture. Honor Roll Qualifications Distinguished Honor Roll Straight A - in all academic subjects; A or B in other courses. Honor Roll All A's and B's - in all subjects. Parent Conferences Parents may make appointments for conferences with individual teachers, a team of teachers, a grade level counselor, or an administrator by calling 484-927-5200. Parents of special education students may contact their child’s resource teacher directly. In addition, scheduled conference days are held in November and February; appointments can be scheduled online via Skyward. Policy No. 212 addresses this topic. Promotion Students who fail two or more major subjects or one major and two mixed media subjects may be recommended for retention. Mixed media subjects include art, health and physical education, college and career readiness, STEM, and music. A student may receive credit for subjects failed by satisfactorily completing an approved summer school program. Work of this nature is taken at the student's expense and must be approved by administration. PASD Virtual Academy Programming The PASD virtual academy programming is a learning option for some students. Partnering with the Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) lessons and assignments are available online and asynchronously, allowing for students to complete work at a time convenient to them, often providing flexibility within a students’ activities from day to day. Students in the virtual PASD program earn a PASD diploma upon fulfilling all credit requirements and are permitted to participate in PASD extra-curricular activities. Students who are interested in attending the PASD virtual academy must complete an application process and have a positive academic and attendance record. Inquiries and applications regarding the intent to learn virtually should be through communication with the students’ school counselor. Schoolwork completion on the virtual platform is required and is an essential part of any learning environment. If a student demonstrates lack of progress on assignments, the learning modality will not be permitted to continue. Students will return to in- person learning and be subject to mandatory school attendance according to PA school code regulation and PASD policy. Grades and work completion of students are regularly monitored. The school counselor will be in contact with the student if grades and work completion rates are not positive to problem solve. PASD school counselors also work closely with the BVA Student Advisor to support students’ success. The Student Advisor supports students who need assistance with time management and academics. Students are always encouraged to ask for support if needed. 12 Requests For Educational Programming Change Any request for consideration of a potential program change or diagnostic testing MUST be made, in writing, to the principal. Curriculum Provisions Students have the right to “refuse to dissect, vivisect, incubate, capture, or otherwise harm or destroy animals or any parts thereof as part of their course of instruction.” Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified of the right to decline to participate in an education project involving any of the above-mentioned activities. Please contact your child’s principal regarding questions or concerns.

***Please note that Skyward/Qmlativ Family Access will be unavailable from Saturday, July 26th through Monday, August 11th as PASD performs a required upgrade from the Skyward/Qmlativ student information system to Qmlativ*** All parents/guardians/caretakers of returning students are required to update their student’s information for the ’25-’26 school year in Skyward/Qmlativ. To complete the Annual Student Info Update section of Skyward/Qmlativ Family Access, go to the District website, click “Parents/guardians/caretakers/Skyward/Qmlativ & Skyward/Qmlativ Login”, and then “Annual Student Info Update”. This process confirms/updates parent, emergency contact information and health history and provides a one stop sign off for all authorizations for your child, like the Acceptable Use Policy. If you have more than one student that attends Phoenixville Area School District, this process is required for each of your children attending the District. The district administration office located at 386 City Line Avenue; Phoenixville has two internet accessible computers for your convenience. Other computers are available in the Phoenixville Community Library. When your child enters school for the first time, the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates that your child’s immunization record be complete; otherwise, your child is not permitted to enter school. Please carefully review the newly revised immunization requirements that take effect August 28, 2017, on page 19 under the Health Services section of the handbook. For more information, please reference Policy No. 203. Entrance Requirements When your child enters school for the first time, the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates that your child’s immunization record be complete; otherwise, your child is not permitted to enter school. Please carefully review the newly revised immunization requirements that take effect August 28, 2017, on page 19 under the Health Services section of the handbook. For more information, please reference Policy No. 203. Enrollment Of Students and Assignment Within District The Board shall enroll school age students eligible to attend district schools in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, Board policy and administrative regulations. The building principal shall assign students in his/her school to appropriate grades, classes, or groups. Please refer to Policies 200 and 206 for more information. Exits And Entrances Students arriving to school before 8:05 a.m. are to enter the building through the gym entrance. Doors are opened at approximately 7:45 a.m., when adult supervision becomes available. Students may not enter the hallways before the 7:55 a.m. “Bell” unless they have a note signed by the teacher to whom they are reporting. Students with teacher notes or early morning activities should enter through the main office entrance. Any student reporting to school after 8:05 a.m. is to use the main entrance only and report immediately to the kiosk in the main office. Attendance Regulations Policy No. 204 addresses attendance regulations. Good school attendance is crucial for academic success. All segments of the school community, including students, are important in the operation of a successful school program. Students must assume a major role in the development of an educational environment that will help to ensure maximum learning. As such, students are responsible for knowing all the standards of behavior that are expected of them and are to act accordingly. They are 13 expected to attend school regularly, to be on time, and to be prepared for all classes. They are expected to make every effort to complete all school assignments on time and to the best of their ability. Furthermore, it is expected that all students will make valuable use of the time available to them while in school and not engage in any behavior that is disruptive to the school’s educational atmosphere or adversely affects the health, safety, and/or welfare of any member of the school community. No student has the right to interfere with the educational process of any other student, and all students are to respect the rights and property of all those who are involved in the school. Since the continuity of the educational process is best served by regular classroom experiences, good attendance is an integral part of a student’s education. Frequent student absenteeism prohibits instruction which cannot be entirely regained. Consequently, irregular attendance is a frequent cause of student failure, in addition to being a violation of the state’s compulsory attendance laws. Phoenixville Area School District Policy No. 204 is designed to promote student attendance and in accordance with this policy adopts the following measures: Attendance Expectations

• School begins at the time posted in the bell schedules on the school’s website. • Students are expected to be in their first period class prior to the first bell to avoid being marked late. • Students are also expected to attend all classes that they are scheduled for every day that school is in session. Parents/guardians are to call the attendance office the evening before or morning of the day the student will be absent 484-927- 5262 or send an email mailto:[email protected]. The message should indicate the student’s full name, grade, reason for the absence, date, who is calling/sending email in for the absence of the student, their relationship to the student. If you are leaving a voicemail, please also leave a phone number where you can be reached. School begins at the time posted in the bell schedules at the beginning of this handbook. Students should be in school by 8:05 a.m. Students are also expected to attend all classesthat they are scheduled for every day that school is in session. Arriving even a few minutes late can be disruptive for your child’s day. When a student is late to school, a note of explanation must be presented. Only students who have a signed note of illness, religious obligation or a doctor’s appointment will be considered excused. Lateness due to traffic, missing the bus, alarm problems, or having overslept are considered unexcused. After 5 late arrivals in a semester, a medical note will be requested for any additional late arrivals. Excessive late arrival time that is unexcused will accumulate into unlawful absences.Families have up to three (3) school daysto submit a written excuse to the attendance office following the guidelines listed above. Failure to provide a written note within three (3) school days of the absence will result in the absence being marked unexcused/unlawful. Parents may provide excuse notes for up to 10 absences per year for reasons outlined in Policy No. 204, after which a medical note is required for all additional absences. Students who miss three or more consecutive days due to illness must present a doctor’s note upon return to school, otherwise the absence will be marked unexcused/unlawful. Students who miss 10 or more days of school (regardless of the reason) must submit medical documentation. Medical notes must be submitted to the office physically or by email. A student is not required to see the school nurse if a doctor’s note is presented. The School Code states that no person excluded from school showing symptoms of a communicable disease shall be readmitted until the school nurse is satisfied that the condition is not communicable. Excuse Notes • Students are responsible for making arrangements with their teachers to make up the work which they missed as a result of their absence. For everyone (1) day of absence students have two (2) days to make up work assigned during the day of absence. • Work will be considered late if it is not turned into the teacher within the timeframe listed above. • A student who was absent or excluded because of a communicable or infectious disease shall be re-admitted to school by presenting a certificate signed by a physician or the school nurse to the effect that the child is free of such suspected communicable or infectious disease. • Families have up to three (3) school days to submit a written excuse to the attendance office following the guidelines listed above. Failure to provide a written note within three (3) school days of the absence will result in the absence being marked unexcused/unlawful. 14 Absences for which no appropriate excuse note is received are recorded as unlawful absences per state guidelines. If 3 unlawful absences are recorded in a school year, a Final Notice of Unlawful Absence will be mailed to the parent/guardian. If additional unlawful absences are recorded following the receipt of that notice, a Student Attendance Improvement Conference will be scheduled with the parent/guardian. If absenteeism continues following a Student Attendance Improvement Conference, a citation may be filed with the District Justice for violation of Pennsylvania’s Compulsory Attendance law. This can result in a fine of up to $300.00 per day plus court costs. Additionally, a referral may be made to the County’s truancy prevention program for monitoring. Per state guidelines, missing more than 10% of school days, excused or unlawful, constitutes chronic absenteeism. This may require additional conferencing with school staff to plan for attendance improvement. If a student will be away for more than 10 consecutive days, the family must contact the school in advance. At such time, the absence will either: -be approved as vacation time by the principal; and/or -the student will be temporarily withdrawn from school until the family’s return. If needed, the district will make arrangements to ensure that the student can continue accessing their schoolwork online during the absence. Requests for Missed Assignments Homework and other assignments can be found on each course’s Canvas page. If a student is absent from school and is unable to access this electronically, arrangements for hard copies can be made through the teacher and assigned guidance counselor. Late to School Students and parents are encouraged to recognize the importance of being punctual and support the necessity to report to school on time each day. Tardiness (absence from part of a school day) will be classified as excused or unexcused by the school administrator. Unexcused tardiness from school may be considered cumulative and translated into unexcused/unlawful absences from school and will be treated accordingly. Any student who reports to school after the end of second period will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity and athletics scheduled for that day unless permission from a building administrator is given. Students must be in school for six of eight class periods to be eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities scheduled for that day. Students who are not in the building by 8:05am are late to school and must arrive with a note from their parent/guardian for the late to be considered excused. This note can be sent electronically. Lateness that results from oversleeping, missing the bus, or transportation problems occurring as a result of using a private vehicle will count as unexcused. Excused lateness may be granted for the same reason excused absences may be granted. After five (5) excused tardies in a semester, the school will require a doctor’s note or other corroboration beyond a note from the parent or guardian. Failure to provide corroboration beyond the allotment for each semester will result in them being classified as unexcused or unlawful. Repeated lates to school will be addressed through the discipline code of conduct in this handbook. Late to Class Students must be in their assigned class by the time the late bell rings. Arriving in class (without a prior excuse) after the late bell will count as late. Students arriving in class after 15 minutes of class have passed will be considered absent from the entire class period, and this will be considered a class cut. Repeated lates to class will be addressed through the discipline code of conduct in this handbook. 15 Religious Obligations Absences or tardiness for Religious Observance will be excused if accompanied by a signed parent note. Request for Other Absence from School / Family Vacations The school recognizes that there are times when it becomes necessary for a parent or guardian to request that their children be absent from school for reasons other than illness. All absences caused by a trip or vacation require a pre-approval from the building principal, three (3) days prior to the date of the trip. Policy No. 204.1 states that, states that, “Absences due to a family trip/vacation (consecutive or cumulative) in excess of five (5) days are unexcused absences.” To submit the vacation/trip approval request, complete the Non-School Sponsored and Family Trip Form electronically on the school’s website. MS ATTENDANCE PAGE Absences caused by a trip/vacation that do not have prior approval or have been denied by the principal are unlawful absences. All schoolwork must be completed within one (1) to five (5) days upon returning to school, and in compliance with all specially designed instruction or accommodations. The number of days to complete schoolwork will reflect the number of vacation days taken, unless more time is needed per teacher discretion. Assessments will not be administered prior to absences due to a family trip/vacation. Students may be excused from school attendance to participate in a family trip or educational tour at the expense of the parents when such activity is evaluated by the building principal. Students participating in these types of events are subject to direction and supervision by an adult acceptable to the building principal and to the parents of the students concerned. Absences for non-school sponsored tours or trips may not be approved for students who are failing two (2) or more subjects, for students who are on attendance improvement plans, and/or for students for whom a physician’s excuse is required. If a student will be away for more than 10 consecutive days, the family must contact the school in advance. At such time, the absence will either: • Be approved as vacation time by the principal; and/or • The student will be temporarily withdrawn from school until the family’s return. If needed, the district will make arrangements to ensure that the student can continue accessing their schoolwork online during the absence. Leaving School Early / Early Dismissal Except for an emergency or essential medical appointment, parent(s)/guardian(s) are urged not to pick up their child prior to dismissal. Early dismissals disrupt the classroom and reduce time in instruction. Students may be picked up by their parent(s)/guardian(s) or other adult designated by the parent(s)/guardian(s). Identification may be required. In the case of a custody order, no student will be released to any person except a custodial parent/guardian, unless a written note is submitted to the school office by the custodial parent. In the case of joint custody, a court order must be on file. Parents and guardians are urged to keep requests for early dismissals at a minimum. After five (5) early dismissals are accumulated each semester, a doctor’s note, or other corroboration that the dismissal is excusable will be required.

It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to notify the school principal of the circumstances regarding custody of the child. A Custody Form should be completed to provide the necessary information. The position of the school district is as follows: 1. When a Court establishes custody, the school-parent relationship will be maintained consistent with the decision of the Court. 2. When custody is not formally established, the school will presume the parent with whom the child resides is the parent responsible for reports, excuse forms, and authorization of any deviation from the routine transportation arrangements for the child. 3. The non-custodial parent may receive progress reports and/or review the child's permanent record by contacting the building principal.

16 The school must be notified immediately whenever the legal guardianship of a student changes. In the event of a temporary emergency, and the student is going to be under another person’s care for a short period of time, the parent or legal guardian must notify the school, in writing, of the name of the person who is to assume guardianship on a temporary basis. Failure to do so could have a very serious negative impact on the school’s ability to properly serve the student.

Board Policy No. 806 affirms district employees’ obligation to assist in identifying possible child abuse as well as victimization of students by other school employees, and to establish procedures for reporting such in compliance with law. Whenever there is reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, school officials are required by law to report these cases to county and state agencies. These agencies have the legal right to interview students at school. It is noted as a district volunteer (any level) that a mandated reporter agreement must be signed and kept on file at the district office. Bicycles, Skateboards, Scooters According to Policy No. 223, non-motorized conveyances such as bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or roller-skates may be safely ridden through school property on district roads. Stunts, curb jumping, spins or other risky behavior is prohibited. Dress Guidelines Students have the right to determine their dress and appearance as long as it conforms to the approved Administrative Guideline and does not substantially and directly endanger physical health or safety, damage property or substantially disrupt activities. Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, labs, extracurricular activities, or other situations when special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student. In an effort to maintain an educationally sound, undisrupted environment, the following dress guidelines will be enforced in accordance with Board Policy No. 221. Students must wear to school every day: • Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.) • Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.); and • Footwear. Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, or personal items that: • Are pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia. • Demonstrate hate group association/affiliation and/or use hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other protected groups. • Intentionally show private parts (nipples, genitals, buttocks). Clothing must cover private parts in opaque (not able to be seen-through) material. • Cover the student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing/headgear worn for a religious or medical purpose); or • Demonstrate gang association/affiliation. Students in violation of these guidelines will be given the opportunity to wear something appropriate. If a student refuses to wear what is provided, the parent will be asked to bring in clothing that is in compliance with the dress code. Repeated refusal to follow these guidelines will result in disciplinary consequences. Food And Drink in Classroom/Building Eating in class or hallways is not permitted, except during designated times such as first-period breakfast or with staff permission for specific needs (e.g., medical reasons or special events). . Students may use a personal water bottle during lunch and throughout the day. Students are only permitted to have water in the hallways and classrooms. No other beverages are permitted outside of the cafeteria. Containers should be sealed at all times. Water fill stations are available throughout the building.. Breakable glass containers are not permitted. 17 Severe Food Allergies Please refer to Policy No. 210.3 for information on Severe Food Allergies. Lost And Found Lost items are to be brought to the main office. Found valuables are to be returned to the main office. Please mark all of your child’s belongings with their full name. Messages Please limit messages to students for emergency situations. Please help us in this regard, as we do not wish to compromise valuable instructional time. Policy Statement on Academic Honesty Any action taken with the intention of obtaining credit for work, which is not one’s own, is considered academic dishonesty. The action may include but not be limited to the following: • Submitting another student's work as one's own work. • Obtaining or accepting a copy of tests or scoring devices. • Giving or obtaining test questions or answers from a member of an earlier class. • Copying from another student's test or computer file or allowing another student to copy during a test or computer program. • Using materials which are not permitted during a test. • Plagiarizing (presenting as one's own material copied without adequate documentation from a published source) • Copying or having someone other than the student prepares the students’ homework, paper, project, laboratory report, computer program, or take-home test for which credit is given. • Permitting another student to copy, or write another student's homework, project, report, paper, computer program, or take-home test. • Accessing restricted computer files without teacher authorization. • Copying materials, including computer software, in violation of the copyright law. Those who violate the provisions of the Policy Statement on Academic Honesty may be subject to penalties, including one or more of the following: • A grade of zero on the assignment. • Caregiver contact • Additional disciplinary action per the disciplinary code. Possible suspension or restorative practices depending on the frequency/severity Information regarding violations of academic honesty will become part of the student's discipline file. Plagiarism: The unauthorized use of the language and thoughts of another author and representation of them as one's own (Random House Webster's College Dictionary, 2000). In simpler terms, plagiarism is using someone else’s words or ideas in your writing and not properly giving the other person credit. Examples of plagiarism: Copying an article from the Internet or print source and turning it in as your own paper with no quotation marks and no sources indicated. • Copying parts of articles from several sources and putting them together in your own paper, with no quotation marks and no sources indicated. • Paraphrasing a paragraph from a book, article, or website without indicating the source. • Using a few sentences from a book, article, or website word-for-word in your paper and not using quotation marks AND indicating the source. • Using the same structure, thesis, or concept that an author uses in a book, article, or website and not indicating the source. How to avoid plagiarism: • When you use information from a book, article, or website, always indicate where your information came from within the text of your paper. It is NOT enough to list your sources in a bibliography attached to your paper. Even if you are paraphrasing someone else's ideas or words, you need to indicate the author in the text of your paper. 18 • Avoid copying and pasting from the Internet or photocopying information from books. Instead, TAKE NOTES and keep careful track in your notes of where your information is from. • Keep track in your notes of whether information is a paraphrase or a word-for-word quotation (use quotation marks for quotes) and keep track of the source and page number. Cheating: Taking OR GIVING answers or information about assignments or tests or any class related work. Examples of Cheating: • Copying someone else’s answers on a test. • Using a crib sheet on a test without the teacher's permission. • Copying someone else’s homework OR letting someone copy your homework. • Sharing test answers electronically during a test via cell phone, PDA, or another device. • ”Working together” on an assignment without permission. • Telling a student from a later class what the test covered or specific questions. How to avoid cheating? • Simple—ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS do YOUR OWN work. NEVER let someone copy your work on a test or assignment. NEVER talk about a test in the halls or at lunch, no matter how much someone begs you to spill the beans! Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools The use of AI must begin with human inquiry and end with human reflection and insight. MS/HS Student Expectations for Using Generative AI • Students may only use Generative AI (such as Copilot, MagicSchool, SchoolAI, etc.) for teacher-approved assignments and educational activities. Any use outside of what is permitted by the teacher is considered academic dishonesty and is subject to the consequences outlined in this handbook. Students must: · Cite all uses of AI-generated content, including paraphrased or quoted material. · Never enter personal, sensitive, or private information into AI platforms. · Only use District-approved tools (such as Copilot, MagicSchool, SchoolAI, Diffit, Curipod) when provided or permitted by a teacher. · Understand the risks of AI bias and misinformation and think critically about AI-generated responses. · Use AI as a tool to support their own thinking, not as a shortcut to bypass learning. AI and Academic Honesty • Using Generative AI tools to complete work without citing the tool or without teacher permission is a form of plagiarism. Examples of misuse include: · Submitting AI-generated writing without disclosure. · Copying AI-generated responses word-for-word or paraphrasing without citing. · Using AI to generate answers on tests, essays, or assignments when not allowed by the teacher. • These are violations of academic honesty, similar to copying another student’s work or plagiarizing from a website. How to Properly Acknowledge AI Use • When AI tools are used appropriately, students should clearly indicate: 19 · Which tool was used (e.g., “MagicSchool” or “Microsoft Copilot”). · What the tool was used for (e.g., “to generate a summary” or “to brainstorm topic ideas”). · That the ideas or wording were AI-generated. • Citation formats are available from: • MLA Style – Generative AI • APA Style – ChatGPT Consequences • Any unauthorized use of AI tools may result in: · A grade of zero on the assignment. · Caregiver contact. · Additional disciplinary action per the school’s discipline code. · Possible suspension or restorative practices depending on frequency/severity. Cheating and plagiarism are dishonest, wrong, not tolerated at PAMS, and are punishable under all three levels of the discipline code, depending upon severity/frequency of infraction. All work must represent your personal intellectual effort or be attributed to a third party. Based on the learning target, the teacher will indicate the level of AI use that is recommended. Anti-Bullying Policy & Procedures Olweus defines bullying as: “Bullying is when someone repeatedly and on purpose says or does mean or hurtful things to another person who has a hard time defending himself or herself.” Here at Phoenixville Area Middle School, we have a Bully Prevention Team (BPT) comprised of teachers, counselors, and administrators. BPT follows the guidelines set forth by Olweus to address reports of bullying. Please refer to Policy No. 249 for more information on anti-bullying/cyberbullying. The following steps will be used to address bullying: 1st Offense – The student will meet with Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident in question. Parents may be contacted by a BPT team member. 2nd Offense – The student will meet with the Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident. If the alleged bullying incident is determined to be valid, the student will meet with building administration and be disciplined in accordance with the Phoenixville Area Middle School discipline code. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student will be contacted by an Olweus Team Member. 3rd Offense – The student will meet with the Bullying Prevention Team (BPT) Member to discuss the incident. If the alleged bullying incident is determined to be valid, the student will meet with building administration, receivediscipline in accordance with the Phoenixville Area Middle School discipline code, and a parent meeting will be scheduled. The parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student will be contacted by a BPT and they must attend a mandatory meeting to discuss the matter. *Depending on the nature of the incident, administrative discretion altering this process may be used on a case-by-case basis. 20 Hazing When students believe that they have been subject to hazing, the students are encouraged to promptly report the incident, orally or in writing, to the building principal or designee. Students, parents/guardians, staff, and citizens are encouraged to use the district’s report form, available from the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints shall be accepted and documented. All verbal or written complaints of hazing shall always be reviewed by an administrator not in charge of the program/facility where the complaint originated. Please refer to Policy No. 247 for more information on Hazing. Standards For Victims of Violent Crimes The board adopted the standards for a student who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of the public elementary or secondary school that they attend. Please refer to Policy No. 144 for more information. Behavior Code To ensure a safe learning environment and the effective operation of the school the following is in effect for the trip to school, during school operation hours, the trip home, and extra-curricular functions. Student Arrival Students arriving prior to 8:05 a.m. should enter the building using the Gym entrance NOT the main entrance. The entrance has been established for supervision and security reasons. The only exceptions are if a student has a pre-arranged meeting or activity scheduled. Those students may use the main entrance. In addition, walkers and riders should not arrive on campus prior to 7:45 a.m. Please assist us with student arrival by adhering to and reviewing this procedure with your child. Any student reporting to school after 8:05 a.m. is to use the front door only and report immediately to the Main Office. PBIS – Mission Statement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports The Phoenixville Area Middle School implements a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) system. The mission of our program is to use a systemic and individualized approach to create a positive school climate where students can achieve success academically and socially. Our system is referred to as RISE and is based on the following 4 core behavioral principles: respect, integrity, safety, and engagement. Each student will be randomly placed into a “House” in conjunction with our PBIS program. The purpose of the House program is to facilitate our 7 and 8 advisory program, reward large groups and further promote a sense of community at PAMS. Within each Househ are advisory groups comprised of 16 to 20 students. Students will be grouped by grade. These advisories meet weekly and work on lessons that address social emotional development, House competition and connection with the advisory teacher. Student Responsibilities Student responsibilities include regular, on-time school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work, appropriate citizenship, adhering to school rules and regulations. Students share with the administration and faculty the responsibility to develop a climate within the school that is conducive to wholesome learning and living. No student has the right to interfere with the education of his fellow students. It is the responsibility of each student to respect the rights of all who are involved in the education process. A student should express his/her ideas and opinions in a respectful manner. It is the responsibility of the students to conform to the following: 1. Be aware of all rules and regulations for student behavior and conduct themselves accordingly. Students should assume that, until a rule is waived, altered, or repealed in writing, it is in effect. 2. Volunteer information in matters relating to the health, safety, and welfare of the school community and the protection of school property. 3. Dress and groom so as to meet fair standards of safety and health, and not to cause substantial disruption to the educational processes. 4. Assist the school staff in operating a safe school for all students enrolled therein. 5. Comply with Commonwealth and local laws. 21 6. Exercise proper care when using public facilities and equipment. 7. Attend school daily and be on time to all classes and other school functions. 8. Make up work when absent from school. 9. Pursue and attempt to complete satisfactorily the courses of study prescribed by Commonwealth and local school authorities. 10. Report accurately and do not use indecent or obscene language in student newspapers, publications, projects, or written work. Philosophy The members of the professional staff of the Phoenixville Area Middle School are caring educators who are interested in helping students develop into productive citizens. Part of this development includes self-control and respect. To maintain an educational environment conducive to learning, students need to respect each other and all staff. Working with our students includes assisting them with their intellectual, social, physical, and emotional growth. The purpose of this behavior code is to help students understand the difference between desirable and undesirable behavior and instill a positive attitude and desire to behave appropriately. Students who are suspended from school, either In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension, risk losing the ability to participate and attend school functions. Behaviors deemed to be inappropriate and unacceptable will be reviewed by the school administration. Disciplinary Offenses Level One Infractions • Late to class. • Late to School • Minor Classroom Disruptions. • Unauthorized Eating/Drinking in Class/Halls. • Cut Detention. • Unauthorized Hallway/Lavatory Use. • Dress Code Violation. • Minor Bus Infraction. • Minor Horseplay. • Minor Inappropriate Behavior that Interferes with Instruction/PAMS Climate. • Cafeteria Misconduct • Unauthorized use of a cell phone (Cell Phones may not be seen nor heard during school hours) • Disrespect and Insubordiantion Towards Staff and/or Peers • Foul Language Misrepresentation of Work or Signatures (Plagiarism & Cheating - one-time occurrence)Consequences Warning; Teacher Detention; Administrative Detention; In-School Suspension; Removal to Student Support Room Level 2 Infractions • Chronic Repeat of Level I Offenses • Unauthorized Leaving Class/School • Class Cut • Truancy (Detention may be assigned, all other applicable Commonwealth and Pennsylvania Law will apply (P.L.30, No.14) • Excessive Horseplay • Inappropriate use of Computers/Technology (AUP Violation) • Other, More Serious Behavior that Interferes with Instruction/PAMS Climate • Minor Vandalism • Chronic Repeat of Level IIoffenses Consequences Detention(s); ISS; OSS; Restoration; Confiscation Level 3 Infractions Level 3 infractions are considered punishable offenses under Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Criminal & Civil Codes; may be 22 subject to law enforcement notification. All Level 3 infractions will result in being placed on OSS and may also result in fines, arrests and/or expulsion, depending upon the circumstances of the case. • Assault on a student/staff member • Sexual assault • Sexual harassment • Indecent exposure • Hate Speech • Racial and/or ethnic intimidation • Harassment or intimidation • Fighting • Minor altercation • Threatening school official or student • Theft and related offenses • Bullying • Arson and related offenses • Institutional vandalism • Bomb threats • Terroristic threats • Disorderly conduct • Criminal trespass • Possession, use, sale, or under the influence of a controlled substance • Sale, possession, or under the influence of alcohol • Cyber harassment of a child • Possession, use, or sale of tobacco or vaping materials • Possession of weapons • Repeated Level 2 violations Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Any suspension results in exclusion from all out of school activities. The exclusion may last for a minimum of 20 days. The slate will be "wiped clean" at the end of the required period, thus giving a student the opportunity to "start fresh." If an infraction occurs at the end of a marking period, the ineligibility may last for a period of 20 days, starting the day of the infraction. Students that receive an out of school suspension are not permitted on school property during the duration of their suspension. It is the goal of the school to provide a safe and orderly educational environment for all in the building. Please be advised that when a student receives seven or more infractions of level II, level III, or any combination of these levels, we will consider that a student is not accepting the guidelines established for a safe and orderly environment. Therefore, an expulsion hearing, or placement in an alternative setting may result. Please refer to Policy No. 218 for more information on Discipline and Policy No. 233 for details of suspension and expulsion. Detention & Extended Detention Procedures: Detentions are held four afternoons per week and (Tuesday through Friday) and on Saturday mornings. Students are required to report to a detention on time and bring appropriate materials that can be used for study, etc. Students who fail to serve assigned detentions, are late to attend, or accumulate an excessive number of detentions are subject to further disciplinary action. When serving a detention, the following is expected: 1. work silently. 2. show respect to teachers and other students. 3. follow general classroom rules. In-School Suspension (ISS) and Student Support The overall purpose of the student support room is to provide an alternative to out of school suspension by providing a space in school to remediate challenging student behavior, provide opportunities for reflection, personal growth and development, and restoration of relationships. 23 1. Students will report to the main office on the day of their ISS. 2. Students will be escorted to the Student Support Room by the Student Support Assistant. 3. A statement of responsibility is to be completed by each student prior to lunch. 4. Students who are late or who have early dismissals must make up that time the following day. 5. Students will use the lavatories closest to the ISS location. Out Of School Suspension (Oss) OSS is assigned to students when all other disciplinary measures have been exhausted or behavior rises to the level of severity, where the total onus must be placed in the hands of the parent(s) to correct behavior for the safe, successful return to

Detention Notification Teachers or administrators may assign a detention to a student. They will give a 24-hour notice from the point of the infraction for the assigned detention. Threat Assessment Team Each school has a Threat Assessment Team. These teams are a part of the Act 18 legislation. Act 18 requires each school and district in the Commonwealth to have a team of professionals who will follow the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C- STAG) when assessing threats, personal or towards others. C-STAG is an approach to violence prevention that emphasizes early attention to problems such as bullying, teasing, and other forms of student conflict before they escalate into violent behavior. A five-step decision process is followed: In brief, the first two steps are a triage process in which team members investigate a reported threat and determine whether the threat can be readily resolved as a transient threat that is not a serious threat. Examples of transient threats are jokes or statements made in anger that are expressions of feeling or figures of speech rather than expressions of a genuine intent to harm someone. Any threat that cannot be clearly identified and resolved as transient is treated as a substantive threat. Substantive threats always require protective action to prevent the threat from being carried out. The remaining three steps guide the team through more extensive assessment and response based on the seriousness of the threat. If the threat is determined to be substantive, both a law enforcement investigation and a mental health assessment of the student will be conducted. The culmination of the threat assessment is the development of a safety plan that is designed to address the problem or conflict underlying the threat and prevent the act of violence from taking place. For both transient and substantive threats, there is an emphasis on helping students to resolve conflicts and minimizing the use of zero-tolerance suspensions as a disciplinary response. The Threat Assessment Team is used in conjunction with our Stop Bullying and Safe2Say programs. Anyone can and should report possible threats to the school principal or the Executive Director of Schools, Dr. Garritano Email— [email protected] or Phone – 484-927-5039. Please refer to Policy No. 236.1 for more information on District Threat Assessment. Lockers Each student is assigned a locker and given a locker combination, which will be used by the student until the end of the school year or otherwise leaves the school. Students are not to give combination numbers to anyone! Sharing of lockers is not permitted. Strict enforcement of locker procedures is required. The locker is the property of the Phoenixville Area School District. In the event a combination is lost, the guidance office is to be notified immediately. The school administration reserves the right to inspect lockers, desks, and other storage areas and their contents in the event that there is “reasonable suspicion,” to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of everyone in the school community. Please refer to Policy No. 226 for more information on Search and Seizures. Money or other valuables should not be left in school lockers, desks, or storage areas. Although reasonable attempts will be made to help student victims of theft through prudent investigation, neither the school nor the Phoenixville Area School District is responsible for any losses. Students are required to use lockers at the designated time(s) during the day. Backpacks should be placed in lockers when the students arrive to school and stay in lockers for the entire day. Students are not permitted to carry their material in backpacks 24 through the day. They will need to carry books and laptops in their arms. In physical education class, students should ALWAYS lock their items in their designated locker room lockers. Leaving items out on a bench increases the risk of theft.

Field Trips Experiences out of school are an outstanding opportunity to bring real world application and social connections to the lessons learned in school. Participation on a field trip is a privilege. Safety and education are the two main concerns on a field trip. Inappropriate behavior on field trips will not be tolerated. Misbehavior will be handled in accordance with our discipline code. Any student deemed ineligible for a field trip, due to a problematic pattern of behavior, is expected to attend regular classes on the day of the trip, and a specifically tailored set of activities aligned to the same learning goals of the field trip will be provided. We will do our best to seek reimbursement of any money, which is paid by a student who becomes ineligible to participate. We cannot guarantee reimbursement unless it is refunded back to PAMS. Clubs & Intramural Sports Clubs will be available to all students before and/or after school. (Subject to budgetary funding) Interscholastic Athletics Phoenixville Area Middle School is a charter member of the Pioneer Athletic Conference. PAMS sponsors teams in baseball, basketball, cheerleading/competitive spirit, cross country, field hockey, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, and wrestling. Eligibility for Interscholastic and Extracurricular Participation Extracurricular activities (Interscholastic sports, clubs, school play, school musical, student government, etc.) are integral components for the education of students. All students are encouraged to enhance their educational experience by participating in activities and athletics. The students’ first obligation is successful completion of academic responsibilities. Interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities are open for participation to all students who meet the following eligibility guidelines: 1. Eligibility at Phoenixville Area Middle School is governed by students meeting all academic and eligibility requirements of the Phoenixville Area School District and the rules established by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). Please refer to Policy No. 123. 2. Grades will be reviewed on a weekly basis. The eligibility period shall run from Sunday to Sunday. Students who are failing two or more full year courses, or the equivalent (i.e., art and physical education), will not be eligible to participate in interscholastic competition. Students who are ineligible at the end of the marking period will be ineligible for fifteen (15) school days. Evaluation of course credits shall conform to the standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The final grades to be used at the end of each marking period are the following: (1) first marking period final average, (2) first semester final average, (3) third marking period final average, and (4) final average for the year. 3. When a student is not eligible, they cannot practice, play or attend interscholastic games or practice with the team. 4. Eligibility extends to all extra-curricular activities, including but not limited to clubs, school play, school musical, student government, etc. The same eligibility standards apply for all interscholastic athletics and extra-curricular activities. 5. Eligibility for participation in fall sports or extra-curricular activities is contingent upon students having met eligibility standards at the conclusion of the previous school year. Students who are ineligible at the conclusion of a school year will be ineligible for the first fifteen (15) school days of the following school year. Eligibility for fall sports will be determined by the end-of-year grade that the student receives in any given course, and not by the grade received just for the fourth marking period. Prior to the beginning of a new school year, ineligible students should not participate in practice or conditioning sessions and may not participate in scrimmages and/or games. 6. Any misconduct by participants in these activities that is sufficiently serious to warrant internal/external suspension from school will result in ineligibility for the period of suspension. Additionally, violation of the student discipline regulations or 25 related school district policies may lead to a longer period of suspension or exclusion from participation at the discretion of the building administrators. The student-athlete who is assigned to detention on a specific date in conflict with a practice/event may participate in that practice/event only after serving the detention. It is the responsibility of the student- athlete to get to the event if it is away and must have the travel release form signed by his/her parent. Please note that any team rule a coach may establish prohibiting a student-athlete to participate on the day of an assigned detention may circumvent this policy. In the case of a suspension (in-school or out-of-school), that student is ineligible to participate in practices or events during the entire suspension period, including weekend participation where applicable. Students who are suspended (in school or out of school) are not permitted to attend extracurricular events. 7. In addition to the above, students participating in interscholastic athletics must comply with the following criteria: • Age limitations for participation in interscholastic athletics are those set forth by the PIAA. • Students anticipating membership on any interscholastic team are encouraged to purchase the student insurance offered through the school district. • Students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics must complete the PIAA CIPPE form and re-certification form. • Should an athletic contest conflict with the normal school day, athletic participants are responsible for meeting class obligations set forth by teachers. • Team members are totally responsible for the equipment issued to them. • Team members who violate training rules established by the coaching staff and consistent with the school policy will face disciplinary action. Concussion Management The goal to ensuring the safety of students participating in the district’s athletic programs is to provide guidance for prevention, detection and treatment of concussions sustained by students while participating in an athletic activity. Please refer to Policy No. 123.1 for more information. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Each school year, prior to participation in an athletic activity, every student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information Sheet that includes information about electrocardiogram testing. The school shall hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for all competitors regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and information about electrocardiogram testing. In addition to the student athletes, such meetings may include parents/guardians, coaches, other appropriate school officials, physicians, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, other appropriate medical personnel, and athletic trainers. Policy And Regulations for Athletic Team Members Drug Abuse and Alcohol The selling, providing, possession, or use of steroids or other drugs or alcohol and or off school property is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the School District’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. In addition, any student/athlete determined to be in violation of any of the above infractions on or off school property will be suspended or dismissed from the team or squad for the remainder of the season (at the discretion of the administration). The student shall also be referred to his or her school’s Student Assistance Program. Any subsequent drug or alcohol violations will constitute a repeat offense and be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in the Phoenixville Area School District Athletic Drug and Alcohol Policy, including one year or permanent suspension from participation in athletics or cheerleading. In the case of extremely serious drug or alcohol related incidents, a student may be immediately suspended from any further participation in the athletic programs offered by the Phoenixville Area School District. Smoking/Tobacco/Vapes Smoking by student athletes is unacceptable. A violation of the smoking rule will be handled in accordance with school policy. In addition, athletes smoking in the building or off school grounds during the season may be suspended from the team for a period of time to be determined by the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach. The possession, use or sale of tobacco, nicotine, or vapor delivery products by students at any time in a District building, and on any property, buses, vans, and vehicles that are owned, leased, or controlled by the district is prohibited. The possession, use or sale of tobacco, nicotine, or vapor delivery products by students at District-sponsored activities that are held off District property is also prohibited. Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Attendance 26 All coaches will establish rules for attendance at practice. Coaches will insist on the student athlete adhering to the rules. Students who are absent from school are prohibited from participating in practices or games on the day of absence, unless having received pre- approval by the principal or athletic director. An athlete who is sent home ill or injured will not be permitted to return and participate in either practices or games later that same day. Students who report to school after 9:42 a.m. (the end of second period) will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activity scheduled for that day unless presenting a doctor‘s note excusing their lateness or having permission from a building administrator. Unlawful Actions An athlete involved in the commission of an unlawful act can expect serious disciplinary action by school officials. School Equipment School equipment is to be used in practices and contests only. Athletic team membership does not assume the privilege of wearing school property in physical education classes or in the community. Prohibition Of Anabolic Steroids The use of anabolic steroids by any pupil involved in school-related athletics, except for a valid medical purpose, is prohibited. Body- building, muscle enhancement, increasing muscle bulk or strength or the enhancement of athletic ability is not a valid medical purpose. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is included as an anabolic steroid under this policy. Education regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids is to be included in the districts’ drug and alcohol program. Any pupil found to be in violation of the anabolic steroid use policy is subject to the following penalties: (a) for a first violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season; (b) for a second violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season and for the following season: (c) for a third violation, permanent suspension from school athletics. To be eligible to resume participation in school athletics, there must be a medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exists. Participation in approved drug counseling, and rehabilitation program and testing are also required conditions of reinstatement into the school athletic College-Bound Athletes If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and you wish to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Center. The NCAA Eligibility Center will analyze your academic information and determine if you meet the NCAA’s initial-eligibility requirements. The publication “The Guide for The College Bound Student Athlete” is available for student athletes interested in participation in athletics at the college level. Sportsmanship Athletics is a vital component of our school program; therefore, it is the duty and responsibility of all participants and spectators to embody good sportsmanship at all athletic events both home and away. All in attendance are expected to promote fair play and respectfulness toward our opponents and visiting fans. Any PAMS student, participant, or spectator, who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behavior at a sporting event, whether home or away, will be escorted from the event. Eligibility to attend any future sporting events will be at the discretion of the school administration. Sports PIAA eligibility and rules permit students to participate in interscholastic athletics when they are in grades 7 and 8. Students who wish to participate in interscholastic athletics must complete the PIAA CIPPE form and re-certification form. Extracurricular Activity Attendance Students are expected to follow all school rules and the RISE Matrix when attending extracurricular events. All school rules apply during extracurricular activities and events. Students that cannot follow school rules can be denied access/participation in extracurricular activities/events. All students must be accompanied and supervised by an adult in order to attend these events, and the adult must remain with the student for the duration of the event. School Dances Dances in the Middle School are a component of the social and emotional development of the young adolescent. Dances are designed to promote healthy interaction between students in a supervised setting. 27 Admittance into the dance closes one half hour after the dance begins for the 7th and 8th grade students. Students will be denied Dance privileges for unacceptable school behavior and/or owing financial or disciplinary obligations (i.e., lost school property, fines, and detentions). It is imperative that children are picked up promptly. School staff will never leave a child unattended. Any student not picked up 20 minutes after the conclusion of a (dance) will be ineligible for the next (dance). Your child is under direct supervision of school personnel. Just as we do not release children before dismissal time without an adult, we cannot release a student from the dance early. If your child needs to leave a dance early, we must have written authorization to do so. This written authorization, signed by a parent, may be emailed, or brought to the dance. Please call the school in advance (during regular school hours) to inform us that this authorization is forthcoming. Any student leaving a dance early, without permission, will be subject to the discipline code. Entrance doors to the dance will be closed one half hour after the dance begins. Please note school dances are only for Phoenixville Area Middle School Students. Student Council Student Council elections are held in September of each year. Each advisory group will elect a representative and alternate.

Computers Our computers are an essential educational resource. Please refer to the “Acceptable Use Policy” signed at the beginning of the school year by student and parent. Students are responsible for the care of their laptop. Any misuse or tampering with computer equipment is a Level II violation and can rise to a Level III if the transgression(s) are considered criminal activity under the PA Criminal Code. Any damage to the laptop may also result in families being financially responsible for repairs/replacement. Esteem Team (SAP TEAM) The Middle School has a Student Assistance Program Team, whose goal is to provide a system of early identification, intervention, referral, and any appropriate school-based “aftercare” for students who are experiencing social, emotional, or substance abuse issues. Students may refer a friend or self-refer to the team or go directly to a team member with a concern. All referrals will be kept in strict confidence. Staff and parents may also refer a student who they feel is exhibiting signs of "at risk" behavior. These signs may include defiance, belligerence, truancy, abuse, neglect, depression, suicidal intent, or potential drug and alcohol abuse. McKinney-Vento Act Eligibility (MVA) The district serves students who are experiencing homelessness and educational disruptions per Policy No. 251. Per federal law, students who are McKinney Vento Act eligible must be provided timely enrollment and on-going supports for continuity in their educational placement. This includes unaccompanied youth when they are residing outside of the care of their parent or legal guardian. If your family has or is experiencing a loss of housing, please contact the Home and School Visitor at 484-927-5117. The Home and School Visitor will assess your eligibility and provide appropriate referrals for community resources. Supports and services include: • Referrals to medical, dental, or mental health providers • Food security resources • Referrals to housing programs, shelters, and other emergency assistance programs • Free school meals • School supplies • Transportation to attend school. • Assistance with attaining or transferring records. • Assistance engaging with district activities and events such as parent/teacher conferences and parenting trainings or programs. Families who the district determines do not meet criteria for McKinney-Vento services will receive a letter notifying them of this decision and outlining an appeal process. School Counselor: 484-927-5214 (Fax: 610-933-9034) The purpose of the school counselor program is to help students achieve their highest growth intellectually, emotionally, and socially. A child’s grade level school counselor is an essential resource for any number of issues affecting their performance at 28 school: academic program, short and long-term goal setting/monitoring, social-emotional well-being. Students should obtain a pass to visit the guidance counselor. Emergency Contacts In the event that the school cannot contact a student’s primary parent/guardian during an emergency, the emergency contact listed in Skyward will be contacted next. Families and students are expected to keep this information up to date at all times. If you are experiencing difficulty with this process, please contact the main office.

Introduction - Health service is an important part of our school system. How well your child learns may depend on his/her physical well-being. Parents/guardians/caretakers have the first responsibility for their children’s health. A certified school nurse with the assistance of a licensed staff nurse supervises health services. All school health rooms are staffed during school hours to handle the routine administration of medication and medical emergencies. The school nurse will help by giving first aid, administering prescribed medication, notifying parents/guardians/caretakers of illness or injury that may require continued care at home, and providing education on health-related matters. These services are rendered for accidents and illnesses that occur during the school day, not for those that occur at home. School nurses work under written orders of the school physician for first aid. School nurses are prohibited by law to diagnose injuries or illness. Decisions regarding the need for medical care are the decision of a parent/guardian; therefore, a parent/guardian is always contacted to take the student home or to the doctor as the need arises. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Each student MUST have a Student Emergency Information form on file. Updates are done annually and are completed through the district’s online system, Skyward/Qmlativ. These updates are required each year. This form provides vital information to assist the school in locating parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, emergency contact persons, and a family physician in the event of an emergency, and signed consent to administer certain over-the-counter medications. When it is necessary for additional medication (prescription and/or non-prescription) to be given to a student during school hours, the following procedures MUST be followed: 1. A medication consent form (PH-17-a) MUST be completed and returned to the school nurse. Forms are available in the nurse’s office and on PASD website under Health Services link. 2. Medication prescribed by the family physician MUST be delivered by the parent/guardian to the school nurse. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them in school. 3. A doctor’s written request/prescription and directions on a professionally packaged medicine container MUST accompany the medicine. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES WILL PROHIBIT THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM DISPENSING THE MEDICATION AND WILL BE

➢ The school district has established a medication policy to allow a student to be administered medication at school, on field trips or at extra-curricular activities. Please refer to Policy No. 210 for more information. When prescription/non-prescription medicine is to be given to your child other than the standing orders for Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and TUMS, form PH-17a must be completed. This form is available in the nurse’s office. The parent must deliver prescribed medicine to the nurse, with a doctor’s written request and directions. Medications are defined as: ➢ Any prescribed medication ➢ Inhalers ➢ EpiPens® ➢ All over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, such eye drops, allergy medication, nasal sprays, ear drops, creams. This does not include anything that requires application by the nursing staff, such as sunscreen or bug spray if age appropriate. The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. To request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.

Before a student can receive diabetes-related care and treatment in a school setting, the student's parent/guardian shall provide written authorization for such care and instructions from the student's health care practitioner. The written authorization may be submitted as part of a student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Please refer to Policy No. 209.2 for more 29 information.

The intent of immunization regulations is to keep children healthy and in school and to minimize the chance of disease outbreaks which can cause death; seriously impair a child's learning ability; cause mental and physical disability; and cost millions of tax dollars for life-time care and special education. All children at any grade, kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial, intermediate unit, and home-schooled students, show proof of immunization before they can attend school in the Commonwealth. The certified school nurse is required to verify all students’ immunizations for minimum requirements, scheduling, and proper spacing. Any student in kindergarten through 12th grade may be admitted to school provisionally if evidence of at least one dose of each required vaccine is given. All immunization requirements shall be completed within 5 days of entrance to school. If not medically appropriate within 5 days, the child may provide a medical certificate on or before the fifth day scheduling the remaining doses. If the requirements are not met, the child shall risk exclusion. The new requirements for grades K through 12 starting August 28, 2017, are as follows: • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given) • 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella** • 3 doses of hepatitis B • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or evidence of immunity 7th through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance: • 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) -first dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade -If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required • 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td ** Usually given as MMR For more information please reference Policy No. 203. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. Code CH. 23(School Immunization). Please contact the PASD social worker or school nurse if support for vaccines is needed.

Students who become ill or injured during the school day need to get a pass from their teacher to go to the nurse’s office. The school nurse will evaluate the concerns of students and provide services as needed. Parents/guardians/caretakers will be notified by the school nurse in the event of any illness or injury that may require outside medical attention or if students are being sent home due to illness/injury. The following guidelines should be followed when determining if he/she should stay at home. • Following a nighttime bout of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever; student should stay at home and be watched for further symptoms. Fever is defined as a temperature of 100° or above without the use of fever-reducing medication. The student’s temperature should remain normal without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. It is also advisable for the student to stay home from school if any of the following symptoms are exhibited: • Unusual skin eruptions, chills, discharge or redness of eye(s), or persistent cough. • A student should not arrive at school with an injury that occurred at home to be evaluated by the school nurse. Any serious injury occurring at home must be evaluated by the student’s healthcare provider. ➢ Dental examinations are required upon entry into school and into kindergarten, grades 3 and 7, and for new PA entrants. ➢ For further information, please refer to Policies 203, 209, and 210.

According to Pa. Code 27.71, students may be excluded from school for these specific diseases and infectious conditions until deemed non-infectious by physician/school nurse. • Impetigo • Scabies • Chickenpox • Meningitis • Scarlet fever • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Measles • Shingles • Diphtheria 30 • Mumps • Strep throat • Haemophilus influenza • Ringworm • Trachoma • Head lice* • Rubella/German measles • Tuberculosis • Whooping cough (Pertussis)

School staff is required to report specific diseases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by contacting their county State Health Center, County Municipal Health Department or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The school nurse will notify the parent, the building principal, and local Health Department as required by PA Code Title 28, Chapter 27. The report will contain the student’s name, date of birth, parent/guardian contact information. The local health department staff may contact the student’s family to do further follow-up and investigation. A list of the PA reportable diseases. *PASD Lice Policy: A child with Head Lice (pediculosis capitis) will be excluded from school upon determination of the school nurse. Authority to send a student home is found in the PA School Health Code 27.71. Our schools follow recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics regulations regarding children infested with lice. The following procedures are in place: 1. A child suspected of having lice is examined by the school nurse. 2. If the child is found to have live head lice, he or she will be sent home to be treated. 3. If the child is found to have only nits, the child will remain in class. The child’s parent or guardian will be notified that day by telephone or written note recommending prompt and proper treatment of head lice. 4. In all cases a pamphlet describing the control and treatment of head lice will be sent home with the child. Although it is preferable to consult a physician, parents/guardians/caretakers may wish to treat the child directly. For this purpose, several over-the-counter shampoo treatments are on the market and are available from most drug stores. It is recommended the treatment be repeated 7-10 days following the original treatment. This second application will help prevent a re-occurrence of head lice.

• Hearing Screenings: Each year, all students in kindergarten, first, second, third grades, and some special education classes are screened for hearing loss. A referral is sent home if further evaluation is needed. • Height/Weight/BMI (Body Mass Index) Percentile: In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Health Code and the Department of Health Regulations, all students in grades K-12 will have their height and weight measured annually. Based on these measurements (which can be found in Skyward/Qmlativ), students’ BMI and BMI percentiles will then be calculated. The results of the growth screening will be available for viewing on Skyward/Qmlativ. Please keep in mind that your child’s healthcare provider is the best person to evaluate whether the results are within a healthy range. • Vision: Screenings All students will be screened for near and far vision annually. Additionally, students are tested for color vision and hyperopia in first grade and depth perception in second grade. A referral is sent home if any of these screenings need further evaluation.

Annual records for all students which include mandated growth information, vision, and hearing screenings as appropriate for your child’s grade level are documented. Health information will be made available for parent review and may include wellness information where appropriate.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, third grade, and seventh students with incomplete health records are required to have a dental examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a dentist at school. • If completed by a family dentist, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Dental Examination form must be completed by the dentist and brought to the health room. • If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school dentist, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the dental exam. • Pennsylvania State Dental Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, sixth and 11th grades, and students with incomplete health records are required to have a physical examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a physician at school. 31 • If completed by a private physician, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Physical Examination form must be completed by the family physician and brought to the health room. • If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school physician, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the physical exam. • Pennsylvania State Physical Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

Introduction - Health service is an important part of our school system. How well your child learns may depend on his/her physical well-being. Parents/guardians/caretakers have the first responsibility for their children’s health. A certified school nurse with the assistance of a licensed staff nurse supervises health services. All school health rooms are staffed during school hours to handle the routine administration of medication and medical emergencies. The school nurse will help by giving first aid, administering prescribed medication, notifying parents/guardians/caretakers of illness or injury that may require continued care at home, and providing education on health-related matters. These services are rendered for accidents and illnesses that occur during the school day, not for those that occur at home. School nurses work under written orders of the school physician for first aid. School nurses are prohibited by law to diagnose injuries or illness. Decisions regarding the need for medical care are the decision of a parent/guardian; therefore, a parent/guardian is always contacted to take the student home or to the doctor as the need arises. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Each student MUST have a Student Emergency Information form on file. Updates are done annually and are completed through the district’s online system, Skyward/Qmlativ. These updates are required each year. This form provides vital information to assist the school in locating parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, emergency contact persons, and a family physician in the event of an emergency, and signed consent to administer certain over-the-counter medications. When it is necessary for additional medication (prescription and/or non-prescription) to be given to a student during school hours, the following procedures MUST be followed: 4. A medication consent form (PH-17-a) MUST be completed and returned to the school nurse. Forms are available in the nurse’s office and on PASD website under Health Services link. 5. Medication prescribed by the family physician MUST be delivered by the parent/guardian to the school nurse. Students are not permitted to carry medications with them in school. 6. A doctor’s written request/prescription and directions on a professionally packaged medicine container MUST accompany the medicine. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PROCEDURES WILL PROHIBIT THE SCHOOL NURSE FROM DISPENSING THE MEDICATION AND WILL BE

➢ The school district has established a medication policy to allow a student to be administered medication at school, on field trips or at extra-curricular activities. Please refer to Policy No. 210 for more information. When prescription/non-prescription medicine is to be given to your child other than the standing orders for Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, and TUMS, form PH-17a must be completed. This form is available in the nurse’s office. The parent must deliver prescribed medicine to the nurse, with a doctor’s written request and directions. Medications are defined as: ➢ Any prescribed medication ➢ Inhalers ➢ EpiPens® ➢ All over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements, such eye drops, allergy medication, nasal sprays, ear drops, creams. This does not include anything that requires application by the nursing staff, such as sunscreen or bug spray if age appropriate. The Pennsylvania Public School Code, Section 1414.2(g) allows parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians to request an exemption to the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector for their student. To request this exemption, contact the school nurse to make an appointment to discuss this decision, review and sign the opt-out form.

Before a student can receive diabetes-related care and treatment in a school setting, the student's parent/guardian shall provide written authorization for such care and instructions from the student's health care practitioner. The written authorization may be 32 submitted as part of a student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Please refer to Policy No. 209.2 for more information.

The intent of immunization regulations is to keep children healthy and in school and to minimize the chance of disease outbreaks which can cause death; seriously impair a child's learning ability; cause mental and physical disability; and cost millions of tax dollars for life-time care and special education. All children at any grade, kindergarten through 12th, including all public, private, parochial, intermediate unit, and home-schooled students, show proof of immunization before they can attend school in the Commonwealth. The certified school nurse is required to verify all students’ immunizations for minimum requirements, scheduling, and proper spacing. Any student in kindergarten through 12th grade may be admitted to school provisionally if evidence of at least one dose of each required vaccine is given. All immunization requirements shall be completed within 5 days of entrance to school. If not medically appropriate within 5 days, the child may provide a medical certificate on or before the fifth day scheduling the remaining doses. If the requirements are not met, the child shall risk exclusion. The new requirements for grades K through 12 starting August 28, 2017, are as follows: • 4 doses of tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis* (1 dose on or after the 4th birthday) • 4 doses of polio (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given) • 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella** • 3 doses of hepatitis B • 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or evidence of immunity 7th through 12th Grade ADDITIONAL immunization requirements for attendance: • 2 doses meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) -first dose is given 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade -If the dose was given at 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required • 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) * Usually given as DTP or DTaP or DT or Td ** Usually given as MMR For more information please reference Policy No. 203. Pennsylvania's school immunization requirements can be found in 28 PA. Code CH. 23(School Immunization). Please contact the PASD social worker or school nurse if support for vaccines is needed.

Students who become ill or injured during the school day need to get a pass from their teacher to go to the nurse’s office. The school nurse will evaluate the concerns of students and provide services as needed. Parents/guardians/caretakers will be notified by the school nurse in the event of any illness or injury that may require outside medical attention or if students are being sent home due to illness/injury. The following guidelines should be followed when determining if he/she should stay at home. • Following a nighttime bout of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or fever; student should stay at home and be watched for further symptoms. Fever is defined as a temperature of 100° or above without the use of fever-reducing medication. The student’s temperature should remain normal without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours prior to returning to school. It is also advisable for the student to stay home from school if any of the following symptoms are exhibited: • Unusual skin eruptions, chills, discharge or redness of eye(s), or persistent cough. • A student should not arrive at school with an injury that occurred at home to be evaluated by the school nurse. Any serious injury occurring at home must be evaluated by the student’s healthcare provider. ➢ Dental examinations are required upon entry into school and into kindergarten, grades 3 and 7, and for new PA entrants. ➢ For further information, please refer to Policies 203, 209, and 210.

According to Pa. Code 27.71, students may be excluded from school for these specific diseases and infectious conditions until deemed non-infectious by physician/school nurse. • Impetigo • Scabies • Chickenpox • Meningitis • Scarlet fever • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) 33 • Measles • Shingles • Diphtheria • Mumps • Strep throat • Haemophilus influenza • Ringworm • Trachoma • Head lice* • Rubella/German measles • Tuberculosis • Whooping cough (Pertussis) 1

School staff is required to report specific diseases to the Pennsylvania Department of Health by contacting their county State Health Center, County Municipal Health Department or by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH. The school nurse will notify the parent, the building principal, and local Health Department as required by PA Code Title 28, Chapter 27. The report will contain the student’s name, date of birth, parent/guardian contact information. The local health department staff may contact the student’s family to do further follow-up and investigation. A list of the PA reportable diseases. *PASD Lice Policy: A child with Head Lice (pediculosis capitis) will be excluded from school upon determination of the school nurse. Authority to send a student home is found in the PA School Health Code 27.71. Our schools follow recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics regulations regarding children infested with lice. The following procedures are in place: 5. A child suspected of having lice is examined by the school nurse. 6. If the child is found to have live head lice, he or she will be sent home to be treated. 7. If the child is found to have only nits, the child will remain in class. The child’s parent or guardian will be notified that day by telephone or written note recommending prompt and proper treatment of head lice. 8. In all cases a pamphlet describing the control and treatment of head lice will be sent home with the child. Although it is preferable to consult a physician, parents/guardians/caretakers may wish to treat the child directly. For this purpose, several over-the-counter shampoo treatments are on the market and are available from most drug stores. It is recommended the treatment be repeated 7-10 days following the original treatment. This second application will help prevent a re-occurrence of head lice.

• Hearing Screenings: Each year, all students in kindergarten, first, second, third grades, and some special education classes are screened for hearing loss. A referral is sent home if further evaluation is needed. • Height/Weight/BMI (Body Mass Index) Percentile: In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Health Code and the Department of Health Regulations, all students in grades K-12 will have their height and weight measured annually. Based on these measurements (which can be found in Skyward/Qmlativ), students’ BMI and BMI percentiles will then be calculated. The results of the growth screening will be available for viewing on Skyward/Qmlativ. Please keep in mind that your child’s healthcare provider is the best person to evaluate whether the results are within a healthy range. • Vision: Screenings All students will be screened for near and far vision annually. Additionally, students are tested for color vision and hyperopia in first grade and depth perception in second grade. A referral is sent home if any of these screenings need further evaluation.

Annual records for all students which include mandated growth information, vision, and hearing screenings as appropriate for your child’s grade level are documented. Health information will be made available for parent review and may include wellness information where appropriate.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, third grade, and seventh students with incomplete health records are required to have a dental examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a dentist at school. • If completed by a family dentist, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Dental Examination form must be completed by the dentist and brought to the health room. • If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school dentist, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the dental exam. • Pennsylvania State Dental Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania School Act, all students in kindergarten/first, sixth and 11th grades, and students with incomplete health records are required to have a physical examination. This mandate can be completed privately or by a physician at school. • If completed by a private physician, the cost is the responsibility of the parent, it can be completed within one year prior to the start of the school year the exam is required, and a Private Physical Examination form must be completed by the family physician and brought to the health room. 2 • If parents/guardians/caretakers choose to have their child examined by the school physician, consent must be given to the school by checking the appropriate box on Skyward/Qmlativ Annual Student information update or by completing a consent form prior to the physical exam. • Pennsylvania State Physical Examination forms can be found in any health room or printed from the school website at www.pasd.com under your individual school health link. Library The PAMS library provides students with additional resources supporting curriculum content and projects as well as recreational reading. 1. How to use the library: The library is open to all students every school day from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. To use the library students will come either with their class (for research or book exchange) or on their own-with a pass. Procedures to follow if you come with a pass: Sign the log sheet whenever you enter and leave the library. Leave passes on the desk until you are leaving the library. Make sure that either the librarian or the secretary signs your pass before you leave. 2. To check out a book or magazine: Students may check out up to 4 items for 2 weeks, with 2 renewals. There are two areas where students may return books: one inside the library at the check-out desk, and the other in the hallway outside the library. While the library does not charge fines for overdue books, students are responsible for returning all books on time. If a student loses a book, he/she is responsible for paying the replacement cost of the book. 3. Be a good library citizen! No food or drink in the library. Respect the library – the books, the computers, the furniture, the learning environment. Be sure to return all overdue books and pay the replacement cost of any lost book. Consequence for not being a good library citizen: a. you will not be able to check out any library books. b. you may lose your Library computer privileges. Cafeteria Procedures Eating takes place in the lunchroom only except for first period breakfast. To make the lunchroom and other areas orderly, clean, safe, and attractive, all students are expected to: 1. Enter and take their seats. 2. Wait their turn in the food line, in an orderly fashion (students may not jump ahead of others already waiting in the lunch line). 3. Keep the table and floor areas clean and wipe tables down at the conclusion of lunch. 4. Place all trash in the proper receptacles, which have been placed throughout the lunchroom (recycle appropriate items). 5. Leave the area clean for others to use. 6. Use good table and eating manners and follow the expectations detailed in the RISE Up Matrix. 7. PAMS Faculty and administration reserves the right to assign seats in the lunchroom or provide a separate eating venue for students not consistently in compliance with rules, regulations, and procedures.

The Phoenixville Area School District buildings will be using School Pay’s Point of Sale System for students to purchase meals. A Point of Sale System is a computerized system for keeping record of lunch and milk purchases for all full day students. Students will utilize a designated (pin #) to purchase a lunch. Payments for cafeteria purchases can be made in advance and held in each child’s individual account through your Skyward/Qmlativ Parent Access or parents/guardians/caretakers may send in cash or checks (in envelopes) at any time and in any amount. Skyward/Qmlativ access allows you to view payment history, account balances, and to track your child’s purchases. If paying with a check or cash, students can present the check or cash to their teachers. Money sent to the office will be forwarded to the cafeteria for deposit into accounts. (Please be sure that your child’s name and teacher’s name are clearly marked on the envelope.) Make checks payable to “PASD Cafeteria Account.” Credit card payments are also accepted through RevTrak via your Skyward/Qmlativ Food Services account. According to Policy No. 808, any elementary student whose lunch account has no remaining funds or who forget their bagged lunch or lunch money, will be served lunch. Payment for lunch should be made the next school day. Students may not purchase snacks 3 when their lunch account has a negative balance. Reasonable efforts shall be made by the District to collect unpaid school meal charges from parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians. Efforts taken in collection shall not have a negative impact on the student involved, nor on their ability to access a school meal, but shall focus primarily on the parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians responsible for providing funds for school meal purchases. Students are expected to observe rules for a safe and mannerly lunch period.

Applications for free or reduced-price lunch tickets are available at the start of each school year. To qualify, you must meet certain financial criteria, stabled by government entities. Students are expected to comply with applicable regulations for use. Please contact the Home/School Liaison for questions or concerns at 484-927-5117. Student/School Insurance A group plan for accident insurance for PASD students is available. Parents/guardians who wish to have or supplement existing insurance plans are encouraged to participate with this program. In many cases, school insurance covers medical costs not covered by a student’s primary insurance plan. Each year the Board of School Directors designates an insurance company to underwrite a group policy for PASD students. Literature on the plan, features of the plan, cost, and procedures for filing claims are available in each school office. While the school district is not liable for accidents that occur during the regular operation of school, all student accidents that occur at school need to be reported to the school nurse. School Store: The middle school store, operated by our Home & School parent volunteers, is in the student cafeteria and is open twice per month during lunch for the purchase of spirit and school related items.

PASD Information Line By logging onto the district website (http://www.pasd.com), parents/guardians will be informed of current information regarding the status of the district’s schedule depending on conditions. Non-English-speaking residents can call the Spanish Hotline at 484-927-5006 or the Portuguese Hotline at 484-927-5009 with questions or concerns. School Closing/Late Opening Information If inclement weather or other causes should necessitate the closing of school or require a late opening, or early dismissal, students and parents will be informed of such action on the PASD website, the school district phone and email messaging system. Emergency School Closing In the event that school is closed for the day or there is an early dismissal due to an emergency, we will make every attempt to contact you directly via our automated phone & email messaging system. Students and parents are discouraged from calling the school directly, as it can interfere with other phone calls pertaining to adjusting school operations that day. Snow Emergency Numbers/Emergency Closings At times, it may become necessary to close school due to an emergency or inclement weather conditions. A message will be sent by the district Superintendent to all households. School closing announcements are also available on the District’s Website and on all district social media pages. In the case of an early dismissal, students should have an alternate location in the event their home is not accessible. Please review the arrangements for emergency dismissals with your child so that your child will know what to do in these situations. School Security All visitors are required to report immediately to the school office upon entering the school. The designated entrance is to be used. All visitors must present photo identification in order to secure a badge (visitor, volunteer, etc.) from the office before visitors are allowed in student areas. Parents/Guardians are expected to meet their children for appointments or at dismissal at the office or other designated areas and not at the classroom. All school employees will be enforcing these regulations. Doors are locked for security purposes. Threat Assessment Team 4 Each school has a Threat Assessment Team. These teams are a part of the Act 18 legislation. Act 18 requires each school and district in the Commonwealth to have a team of professionals who will follow the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (C- STAG) when assessing threats, personal or towards others. C-STAG is an approach to violence prevention that emphasizes early attention to problems such as bullying, teasing, and other forms of student conflict before they escalate into violent behavior. A five-step decision process is followed: In brief, the first two steps are a triage process in which team members investigate a reported threat and determine whether the threat can be readily resolved as a transient threat that is not a serious threat. Examples of transient threats are jokes or statements made in anger that are expressions of feeling or figures of speech rather than expressions of a genuine intent to harm someone. Any threat that cannot be clearly identified and resolved as transient is treated as a substantive threat. Substantive threats always require protective action to prevent the threat from being carried out. The remaining three steps guide the team through more extensive assessment and response based on the seriousness of the threat. If the threat is determined to be substantive, both a law enforcement investigation and a mental health assessment of the student will be conducted. The culmination of the threat assessment is the development of a safety plan that is designed to address the problem or conflict underlying the threat and prevent the act of violence from taking place. For both transient and substantive threats, there is an emphasis on helping students to resolve conflicts and minimizing the use of zero-tolerance suspensions as a disciplinary response. The Threat Assessment Team is used in conjunction with our Stop Bullying and Safe2Say programs. Anyone can and should report possible threats to the school principal or the Executive Director of Schools, Dr. Garritano Email— [email protected] or Phone – 484-927-5039. Please refer to Policy No. 236.1 for more information on District Threat Assessment. Law Enforcement Partnership In an effort to promote and maintain school safety, the district has determined that it is necessary and reasonable to establish an ongoing partnership with local law enforcement and court authorities. When an imminent threat to the safety of students or staff occurs, and for the duration of the specific incident, law enforcement officers are, unless specifically told otherwise, authorized to act as agents of the district for the purpose of insuring safety. They may assume the same authority in dealing with students as an administrator of the school would have in such situations. No officer shall act as an agent of the district unless the officer reasonably perceives danger to any particular student, or educator, or to the student body or staff in general. The foregoing notwithstanding, if, as a result of a disciplinary infraction, an officer has reason to believe that any student, including a suspect student, staff member or other person is in danger as a result of the suspect student’s activity, the officer is authorized to take such action as is reasonable to minimize or dispel the danger and shall be considered to be acting on behalf of the District. Under no circumstance will the district tolerate any criminal activity from any student. When a student commits an act that could constitute commission of a crime or whenever a crime occurs on school grounds, the district will enlist the assistance of law enforcement officials in the investigation and will share all information, including otherwise confidential student information, with law enforcement officials. Further, in all matters involving arrest and prosecution the district shall share with the arresting authority and with the court system, thereafter, all information concerning the student, whether or not otherwise deemed confidential. When police request permission to interrogate a student at school, the principal shall inform the Superintendent, determine why such interrogation could not occur at the student’s home, and attempt to inform the student’s parent/guardian. Whenever the Superintendent or designee has determined that the police have a legitimate purpose in interrogating a student within the school building, the principal or a representative shall be present throughout the proceedings.

The Board strives to provide a safe, positive learning climate for students, free of bullying and cyberbullying. It is the policy of the school district to maintain an educational environment in which bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment in any form are not tolerated. Policy No. 249 addresses anti-bullying/cyberbullying. A Stop-Bullying Hotline and Stop Bullying Email were established to allow students, parents/guardians/caretakers, or concerned parties to report bullying incidents or activity. Please contact your building principal regarding this policy.

When students believe that they have been subject to hazing, the students are encouraged to promptly report the incident, orally or in writing, to the building principal or designee. Students, parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians, staff and citizens are encouraged to use the district's report form, available from 5 the building principal, or to put the complaint in writing; however, oral complaints shall be accepted and documented. All verbal or written complaints of hazing shall always be reviewed by an administrator not in charge of the program/facility where the complaint originated. Please refer to Policy No. 247 for more information on Hazing.

The board adopted the standards for a student who becomes a victim of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of the public elementary or secondary school that they attend. Please refer to Policy No. 144 for more information.

The goal of the school is to provide students with a positive and enriching learning experience. Toys, games, trading cards and other play-related items or personal property must be left at home. These items pose a distraction to the teaching and learning process. The district is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

The use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, inhalants and/or alcohol as defined by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Congress of the United States or the intent to use, possess, purchase or distribute drugs, inhalants, and/or alcoholic beverages on school grounds or in connection with any planned school activity constitutes a serious danger to both the individual student and the general school populace, is viewed as one of the most serious offenses a student can commit, and is prohibited. This regulation shall not apply to those medicines or drugs prescribed by a physician’s written order according to the individual’s needs. In the event a student is found to use, possess, or distribute drugs, inhalants, and/or alcohol; in keeping with Board Policy No. 227 the student may be suspended for a maximum of ten (10) days. If a second offense occurs, the student’s name may be submitted to the Board of School Directors with a recommendation for expulsion from school. Any student found to be selling, distributing, or possessing drugs may be immediately excluded from school and expulsion proceedings promptly begun. Policy No. 222 prohibits students from possessing and using tobacco at any time in a school building, on a school bus, and on school property. Please refer to the Policy for more information.

Students, parents/guardians/caretakers/guardians and staff shall be notified at least annually, or more often if deemed appropriate by administration, about the standards and procedures in effect pursuant to this policy. The administration is authorized to conduct searches of students or their belongings, including lockers, automobiles, electronic devices, purses, backpacks, clothing, and other possessions in accordance with the standards set forth in this policy. Please refer to Policy No. 226 for more information.

The Phoenixville Area School District believes that the physical safety of students, employees, and visitors is essential for the proper operation of the schools and for the establishment of a positive learning environment. Therefore, in compliance with the requirements of the “Gun-Free Act of 1994” any student determined to have brought a weapon to school may be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year at the Superintendent’s discretion. Possession of a weapon (including pocketknives) is prohibited in any Phoenixville Area School District building, or on any grounds of the Phoenixville Area School District (Policy No. 218.1). It should be noted that pocketknives, devices that have the potential to cause bodily harm (i.e., a slingshot), and toys that approximate a weapon may not be brought to school or carried on a school bus. Consequences may follow if a student has been found to have the preceding in his/her possession or is responsible for the availability of a preceding item in school or on a school bus. Electronic Devices/Cell Phones Per PASD District Electronic Device Policy #237, students are expressly prohibited from videotaping, audiotaping, or photographing any student, staff member, or school environment as well as uploading or posting them without clear and expressed permission of school officials. Any student found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary consequences and may be subject to legal action. Between the hours of 7:45 a.m. – 2:53 p.m., cell phone use is prohibited. In order to maintain a learning environment that minimizes distractions, keeps students focused, and limits behavioral issues, cell phones must be off and away all day. They should not be used for any purpose, including calls, text messaging, social media, or gaming, while at school. If a student needs to make a phone call, they may use the phone in the main office. Similarly, if parents or 6 guardians need to contact their child, they may call the main office, and staff will relay a message to the student or bring them to the office to use the phone. If a student is found using a cell phone during the hours of 7:45-3:05, the following progressive discipline will be followed: • 1st offense: The cell phone will be confiscated and kept in the main office until the end of the day. • 2nd offense: The cell phone will be confiscated, and parents/guardians will be notified. • 3rd offense: The cell phone will be confiscated, and a parent/guardian meeting will be held. Administration will place confiscated electronic devices in a secure location. The school is not liable for damaged or stolen electronic devices. Fire Drills Complying with state regulations, every school building in the Phoenixville Area School District will conduct a fire drill once a month. During a drill, all staff and students will be evacuated from the building and remain a safe distance from the building until all students and staff are accounted for. By law, fire drills are held monthly. They may be announced or impromptu. It is essential that everyone clears the building using the designated routes in a quick and orderly manner, reporting to the designated evacuation staging area. Emergency ALICE and severe weather drills are also conducted at least once per year. Students and families will be given notice about ALICE and severe weather drills. Emergency Procedures Policy No. 805 refers to emergency procedures related to natural disasters, hazardous chemicals, fires, etc. The district has a disaster response and emergency preparedness plan. Emergency and evacuation drills are conducted at intervals as required by law. Evacuation/Other Emergencies The school district has developed evacuation plans for each building in the event such action must be taken to protect our students and staff. If such action is deemed necessary, the school administrators will make the necessary announcements over the public address system. All students and staff will be expected to follow the instructions given at that time. Students will not be permitted to leave school in order that the school can accurately account for all students. Additionally, evacuations may be limited in duration and the school schedule may be resumed that day. Information will be distributed to parents and the community via the PASD website and the school district phone messaging system in as timely a manner as possible. Local law enforcement will prohibit anyone except emergency vehicles from entering the campus during such an emergency. Parents are requested not to call or come to the school campus during an evacuation or other emergency. Driving to the school will cause traffic congestion that could potentially interfere with the arrival of emergency vehicles should they be needed. Parent phone calls, likewise, will tie-up phone lines at a crucial time. If circumstances warrant, students will be evacuated from the school property by school vehicles to be picked up by parents at an off-campus site. Transportation Students having the privilege of riding a school bus must conduct themselves in a quiet and orderly manner to and from school. The bus driver is legally responsible for the transportation of students and functions in the same manner on the bus as the teacher does in the classroom. Students may lose transportation privileges for violating bus regulations. In addition to all expectations outlined in this handbook, the following regulations apply to all students on school provided transportation. • No consumption of food/beverages unless authorized by the driver. • Cooperate with instructions given by the driver. • Remain seated, do not be destructive of school property, and keep the bus clean. • Students should not throw objects into windows or out of windows. • All heads and hands must always remain in the bus. • Do not use the Emergency Exit unless authorized to by the bus driver. Bus transportation is a privilege afforded to eligible students in accordance with behavioral expectations. Failure to observe district rules may result in denial of transportation. Bus information will be sent home prior to the opening of school. Students may ride only on their assigned bus. Bus rules are posted on every bus. Buses are under Video & Audio Surveillance (as per Policy No. 810). If there are problems with busing, please call the Transportation Department at the Administration Building at 484-927-5026. 7 School Property Textbooks, laptops, workbooks, reading material, lockers, team uniforms, etc. that are issued to students by the school are to be properly maintained and returned to the appropriate staff member at the end of the term/year/season. Items that are not returned or returned in damaged condition will result in a charge being assessed to the student and parent to which the property was issued. Campus Surveillance In accordance with Policy No. 810.2, to promote order, safety and security of students, staff, and property, this is notification that the School District utilizes video surveillance throughout the campus. This includes “on school property,” and in school buildings.” (Policy No. 810.1).

Parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome and encouraged to visit the school for special occasions (Policy No. 907). Unauthorized persons may not roam the school building. All visitors to school buildings are required to abide by the following regulations: ➢ Report directly to the school office. ➢ Upon entering the office, inform the office staff of the nature of your visit. In order to ensure the security of our students, you will be asked to present a driver’s license. This identification will be scanned into the Raptor System, which will deny entry into the building proper, any individual who is deemed potentially unsafe. A Temporary Visitor Identification Badge will be generated directly from the license and the visitor will be permitted entry beyond the main office. The Badge must be visible at all times. No personal information is shared with anyone. ➢ Unauthorized persons or those without a legitimate reason to be in the building will be asked to leave. Your cooperation in this matter will assist us in assuring the safety of your child. Please contact the school office for further information. ➢ Policy No. 707 – Use of School Facilities Students must secure administrative approval prior to having a student guest with them in the building for the day. The only reason for a guest to be approved to attend your classes is if the guest student is in a position to consider attending PAHS in a future school year. Guests may be denied at any time by the building administration.

If there is a concern or observation of something that may affect the safety of the students, please notify the school principal. Policy No. 705 – Safety

There are several areas of safety to be considered in fitness class: 1. All students are required to wear sneakers with tied laces. If jewelry is worn to school, the students will be asked to remove it. 2. The wearing of jewelry, which includes earrings, necklaces, watches, rings, bracelets, and other body piercing accessories, during physical activity is a safety hazard for those wearing them and for those who may come in contact with those wearing such items. It is the position of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education that jewelry is to be removed before participation in fitness classes. Concussion Management The goal to ensuring the safety of students participating in the district’s athletic programs is to provide guidance for prevention, detection and treatment of concussions sustained by students while participating in an athletic activity. Please refer to Policy No. 123.1 for more information. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Each school year, prior to participation in an athletic activity, every student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign and return the acknowledgement of receipt and review of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Warning Signs Information Sheet that includes information about electrocardiogram testing. The school shall hold an informational meeting prior to the start of each athletic season for all competitors regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest and information about electrocardiogram testing. In addition to the student athletes, such meetings may include parents/guardians, coaches, other appropriate school officials, physicians, cardiologists, pediatric cardiologists, other appropriate medical personnel, and athletic trainers. Please refer to Policy No. 123.2 for more information. Sportsmanship It is the duty and responsibility of all participants and spectators to embody good sportsmanship at all events both home and away. 8 All in attendance are expected to promote fair play and respectfulness toward our opponents and visiting fans. Any PAHS student, participant, or spectator, who demonstrates unsportsmanlike behavior at a sporting event, whether home or away, will be escorted from the event. Eligibility to attend any future sporting events will be at the discretion of the school administration. Smoking/Tobacco/Vape Devices Students found in use/possession of this type of substance will be processed in accordance with school policy. Students may also be suspended from their team/activity for a period of time to be determined by the Principal, Athletic Director, and Coach/Advisor. Please refer to Policy No. 222 for more information on Tobacco and Vaping. Drug Abuse and Alcohol The selling, providing, possession, or use of steroids or other drugs or alcohol and or off school property is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the School District’s Drug and Alcohol Policy. In addition, any student/athlete determined to be in violation of any of the above infractions on or off school property will be suspended or dismissed from the team or squad for the remainder of the season (at the discretion of the administration. Any subsequent drug or alcohol violations will constitute a repeat offense, be subject to additional disciplinary consequences, and may be considered for a suspension from participation in extracurricular activities. Prohibition of Anabolic Steroids The use of anabolic steroids by any pupil involved in school-related athletics, except for a valid medical purpose, is prohibited. Bodybuilding, muscle enhancement, increasing muscle bulk or strength or the enhancement of athletic ability is not a valid medical purpose. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is included as an anabolic steroid under this policy. Education regarding the dangers of anabolic steroids is to be included in the district‘s drug and alcohol program. Any pupil found to be in violation of the anabolic steroid use policy is subject to the following penalties: (a) for a first violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season; (b) for a second violation, suspension from school athletics for the remainder of the season and for the following season; (c) for a third violation, permanent suspension from school athletics. To be eligible to resume participation in school athletics, there must be a medical determination that no residual evidence of steroids exists. Participation in approved drug counseling, and rehabilitation program and testing are also required conditions of reinstatement into the school athletic program. Spectator Decorum 1. In order to enter athletic events and performances, middle school students need to be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The adult must stay with the student for the entirety of the event. 2. All students are to be seated during the game. 3. Students may not walk around the sides of the court during a basketball game or Auditorium aisles during a performance. 4. Unsportsmanlike conduct in the Gym WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

Visitors ➢ Parent(s)/guardian(s) are welcome and encouraged to visit the school for special occasions (Policy No. 907). Unauthorized persons may not roam the school building. All visitors must report to the main office, report their purpose for visiting and receive a visitor's pass. Visitor passes are generated by the Raptor System and require a drivers' license to be presented. No visitor will be permitted to enter the building property and be among our children unless this procedure is followed. This identification will be scanned into the Raptor System, which will deny entry into the building proper, any individual who is deemed potentially unsafe. A Temporary Visitor Identification Badge will be generated directly from the license and the visitor will be permitted entry beyond the main office. No personal information is shared with anyone. Visitors who fail to report to the main office upon entering the building may be considered trespassing. From time to time, students will ask to have friends or relatives spend a day or more in our school as a visitor. We would like to accommodate this request, but we regret that all requests will be denied for the reasons of liability and effective operation of our educational program. The PAMS staff cannot assume the responsibility of supervising/caring for students not on our official rolls.

PASD supports use of the Internet and other information technology resources to facilitate learning, teaching, and educational 9 operations. Access to and use of these resources is essential to the learning, teaching and administration that occur in our school.

This policy applies to all users (“Users”) of PASD computers, network connectivity, and information technology (“IT Resources”). Each User of IT Resources must agree to this Policy, by signing a copy of the Policy in hardcopy, prior to obtaining access to IT Resources. Additionally, all students must obtain their parent’s or guardian’s signature to this Policy granting permission to the student to use the IT Resources.

If any User has questions concerning this Policy or its content, the User should contact PASD IT personnel or a PASD administrator. IT Resources are to be used only for purposes that are lawful, authorized, have educational value to the User or enhance the User’s personal growth, and are permitted by this Policy. Our goal is to give all our Users the opportunity to pursue educational and research activities in a safe and effective manner that complies with the law and regulations. Use of IT Resources – The primary use of our IT Resources is reserved for those who need to access or obtain information and materials of educational value to them. “Educational value” means the information and/or materials must have a direct impact on the User’s current educational program in which he/she is enrolled or is seeking to enroll. Entertainment or social-type activities, such as exchanging e-mail messages with friends, engaging in chat rooms, reading message boards, and other activities outside the scope of the User’s educational program, do not fall under the definition of “educational value.” Users who use IT Resources for non- educational purposes may be responsible for any costs associated with such non-educational use. PASD may impose time restrictions on use of its IT Resources to ensure that all Users have equal opportunity for use. PASD also may create and enforce storage management procedures or revise such storage procedures, at its option. Prohibited uses – Users must act in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner when using the IT Resources. They must also follow this and all other PASD policies, use acceptable network etiquette, and comply with federal and state law. The following uses of our IT Resources are specifically prohibited: (a)Use in violation of any law, or governmental rule or regulation; (b)Commercial or for profit use; (c)Excessive non-work or non-school related work; (d)Product advertising or political lobbying; (e)Exchanging (by sending, receiving, or in any way participating in) any hate mail, or harassing, defamatory, offensive, fraudulent, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually-oriented, threatening, racially-offensive or illegal activities, materials or communication, or communications containing inappropriate language; (f)Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of copyrighted materials; copying, distributing, modifying, or using copyrighted materials in violation of copyright laws; (g) Accessing or obtaining (i)materials that are obscene, (ii)pornographic materials, or (iii)child pornography; (h)Access by students to material that is harmful or is determined by PASD to be inappropriate for students; (i)Quoting a personal communication by means which make it public without the original author’s prior consent; (j)Intentionally obtaining or modifying files, passwords, or data belonging to other Users; impersonating another User, anonymity or using pseudonyms; (k)Loading or using unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic media. “Please click here for more information about PASD Technology, including links to the Technology Handbook, Acceptable Use Policy, and district technology goals.” 10