Fowler Public Schools

FOWLER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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Legal Assurances

Consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Act of 2004 (IDEA) regulation at 34 CFR § 300.309, the Michigan Criteria for Determining the Existence of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), May 2010 and all other applicable federal and state regulatory requirements, policies and procedures, each school district is required to publicly post the process used in the determination of a Specific Learning Disability.  Consistent with this requirement Waldron Elementary/Middle School and Fowler High School use the following process in the determination of a Specific Learning Disability:

The district uses a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses process for the determine of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in all district elementary and secondary buildings K-12  in the areas of oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading skill, reading fluency skills, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, and mathematics problem solving*.   As a component of the evaluation process the following must be included in the evaluation and eligibility determination:

  1. The student does not achieve adequately for the student’s age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified at 34 CFR §300.309(a)(1)(i) when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate* for the student’s age or State-approved grade-level standards; and
  2. The student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined by the MET to be relevant to the identification of a SLD, using appropriate assessments, consistent with the IDEA Evaluation Procedures and Additional Requirements for Evaluations and Reevaluations. 

Under the Pattern of Strengths and Weakness approach, progress monitoring data collected as a part of Response to Intervention (RTI) will be utilized as a component of this evaluation. 

*The USDOE notes that appropriate instruction has the following characteristics: Scientifically research based, provided by qualified personnel, student progress data is systematically collected and analyzed. 

For more detailed information about the SLD evaluation process, please visit the CCRESA website for a copy of the SLD guidelines.

Personally Identifiable Information

Public Law 93.390 states: “An education agency or institution may disclose personally identifiable information from the educational records of a student who is in attendance at the institution or agency if that information has been designated as directory information.”

(45CFR 99.37(a))

Accordingly, the following is designated as directory information with respect to all past and present students of the Fowler Public Schools:

  1. Name
  2. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
  3. Dates of attendance
  4. Honors and rewards received
  5. The most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
  6. Yearbook pictures and school related photographs

If you as a parent do not want this type of personally identifiable information made part of publicity, newsletters, yearbooks, and newspaper publications, please send a letter of notification designating the specific categories of directory information you do not want released with respect to your child.

In accordance with this law, a parent of a student currently in attendance in the Fowler Public Schools has ten (10) days from the date of this notice to notify the school district in writing.

Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM)

In brief, the IPM plan clearly defines the procedures necessary to apply pest control methods of school. The applicant must use the following checklist:

  1. Site evaluation
  2. Inspection
  3. Monitoring
  4. Determine pest biology
  5. Consider all available methods
  6. Take action steps

Over the course of the school year, during appropriate application times, the maintenance department may apply a variety of pest control methods. If you live in close proximity of the school and wish to be notified of any applications, contact the superintendent’s office at 593-2296 as soon as possible. 

The use of pesticides in schools must be done in accordance with an Integrated Pest Management Program which complies with Regulation 637, Rule 14 of the Michigan Pesticide Act, PA 171. The Fowler district IPM plan is in accordance with the state law and available to the public by requesting a copy from the superintendent’s office. Each school building has a copy for reference for interested staff and students.

Notice to parent about Human Sexuality and Reproductive Health Curriculum

The Board of Education has established a program of instruction in sex education. As a component of the sex education program, reproductive health is offered in identified courses.

According to law (PA 226 of 1977), parents have the right to review the materials to be used in these courses. The local board of education, in compliance with state statute, has made the materials available for parents to review. Any parent who wishes to do so may contact the high school at 989-593-2250 or Waldron at 989-593-2160 to make arrangements for review of the materials.

Students in grades 4-8 and grade 10 will be eligible to participate in these courses. By law, parents have the right to excuse their children from participation in the reproductive health portion of the class.

Any parent wishing to exercise his/her right to excuse a student without penalty from instruction in reproductive health should please send written notice to Waldron Elementary or Fowler High School, PO Box 408, Fowler, MI 48835 before the scheduled instruction time. TOBACCO USE PROHIBITED.

Michigan law prohibits smoking in all buildings owned by public schools around the state. This includes not only the classroom buildings, but also any other buildings such as bus garages, maintenance buildings, or administrative buildings.

In addition to the buildings, the grounds also have restrictions. TOBACCO USE IS PROHIBITED on the grounds at all times, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This law applies to students, staff and visitors. Violators will be subject to a criminal misdemeanor penalty, punishable by a fine up to $50.

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications

Free and reduced lunch and milk applications will be sent home with your son or daughter during the first week of school. It is essential that you complete the application and return it to the office immediately. Not only is this part of the eligibility process, but it also affects the number of dollars the district receives for the Title and At-Risk programs. If you are not comfortable receiving free or reduced price lunch, please apply anyway. The result will be more dollars for classroom instruction. If you have any further questions, please call the superintendent at 989-593-2296.

The Fowler Public Schools, located at 700 S. Main St., Fowler, MI 48835, will receive and use federal funds and USDA donated foods. No person, because of race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subject to discrimination in our United States Department of Agriculture donated food and child nutrition programs.

Civil Rights, Title VI, and Section 504 - Non Discrimination Policy

Civil Rights Compliance – Any person who believes he/she has been discriminated against should write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or contact Superintendent Patrick O’Rourke, Fowler Public Schools, PO Box 407, Fowler, MI 48835.

Non-Discrimination Policy – It is the policy of Fowler Public Schools that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight, or marital status, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination during any program, activity, or employment. Any person who believe he/she has been discriminated against should contact Superintendent, Patrick O’Rourke, Fowler Public Schools, PO Box 407, Fowler, MI 48835.

Notification of Designated Employee as Title VI, and section 504 coordinator

The federal government has made provisions to ensure that no person is discriminated against on the basis of sex, religion, race, color, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status or handicap. In order to protect these rights and assure compliance, the Fowler Public Schools has appointed Patrick O’Rourke as Coordinator of Title IX, Section 504, and Title VI. Any person who believes he/she has been discriminated against should contact Superintendent, Patrick O’Rourke, Fowler Public Schools, PO Box 408, Fowler, MI 48835.

Title VI & Section 504 Complaint/Grievance Procedure

Grievance/Complaint Procedures of the Title VI the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:

Section I: If any person believes that the Fowler Public School District, or any part of the school, has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of (1) Title VI of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, and (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, he/she may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the local Civil Rights Coordinator, Patrick O’Rourke, Fowler Public Schools, 700 S. Main St., Fowler, MI 48835.

Section II: The person who believes he/she has a valid basis for the grievance shall discuss the grievance informally and on a verbal basis with the local Civil Rights Coordinator, who shall investigate the complaint and reply with an answer to the complaint. If the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and/or the Secretary of Agriculture.

Title VI & Section 504 Complaint/Grievance Procedure

The Board of Education of the Fowler Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educaton program or activity, and is require by Title IX and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner.  The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment.  The District’s Title IX Coordinator(s) is/are:

Paul Minns
Elementary/Middle School Principal
989-593-2160
11214 W Kent St, Fowler, MI 48835
pminns@fowlerschools.net

Terese Pline
District Business Manager
989-593-2296
700 S Main St, Fowler, MI 48835
plinet@fowlerschools.net

Any inquires about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s), the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Comprehensive Training

Title IX Grievance Procedure

The Board has adopted a grievance process that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that is prohibited by Title IX and/or its implementing regulations. The grievance process is included in Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities, which is available at www.fowlerschools.net.  The grievance process specifically addresses how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of Sexual Harassment, and how the District will respond.

Communication Process

Questions, concerns and ideas routinely arise during the school year. This outline is provided to assist in communication with the appropriate person.

  1. Questions or concerns regarding instructional practices should go to the teacher first. A discussion should be scheduled with the principal if you still have questions after talking with the teacher.
  2. Questions or concerns should be directed to the administrator or director who has responsibility in the area of concern.
  3. A conference with the superintendent is most appropriately held if questions or concerns have not been adequately addressed at earlier levels.
  4. The final level of contact with the district about a question or concern is the Board of Education.

Immunization Process

The following is a description of the immunization requirements as set by the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health.

  1. All entering students from age 4-18 must show evidence of having received two doses of vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) with one dose administered after the first birthday, unless there is laboratory evidence of immunity.
  2. New students are required to have received the appropriate four doses of vaccine of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, whooping cough (DTP), and polio. All entering students must show a booster dose of diphtheria if it has been ten years since the last dose was administered.
  3. Effective January 1, 2002, three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required.
  4. When presented with anything but a medical or religious exemption from immunization requirements, the administrator must obtain the consent of the director of local public health office to recognize the exemption and admit the student. All parents are encouraged to review their child’s immunization record. If records do not meet the requirements, please contact your family physician or the local department of public health.

Board Policy on Medications

Before any medication or treatment may be administered to any student during school hours, the board shall require the written prescription from the child’s physician accompanied by the written authorization of the parent. In cases where non-prescribed medication is necessary, the school may dispense such medication only upon proper authorization by the parent. These documents shall be on file in the principal’s office.

Only medication in its original prescription bottle, labeled with the date of the prescription, student’s name, and exact dosage will be administered. Staff of students authorized in writing by their physician and parents may administer medication or treatment, but only in the presence of another adult. In cases where non-prescribed medications are necessary, the school may dispense such medication only upon the proper authorization by the parents.Staff members are to administer medication or treatment only in the presence of another adult, except in the case of an emergency that threatens the life or health of the student.