Annual Public Notices
Release of Student Information: FERPA: Directory information consists of students’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, grade, class, participation, honors, and awards in officially recognized activities, weight, and height of members of athletic teams, photographs, emails, and videotapes. This information is excluded from protection from release and can be released to the public without a parent's or student's consent. A parent or student may prevent the disclosure of any or all of the directory information by returning the FERPA notice to the principal of the school the student attends, specifying the information that they wish not to be disclosed. FERPA Notices are available in all building offices and on our website and must be updated annually. You may also click above to access the notice/form.
Annual Child Find Notice:
Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services/Programs, Services for Gifted Students, and Services for Protected Handicapped Students
According to state and federal special education regulations, an annual public notice to parents of children who reside within a school district is required regarding child find responsibilities. School districts and intermediate units are required to conduct child-find activities for children who may be eligible for services via Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For additional information related to Section 504/Chapter 15 services, the parent may refer to Section 504, Chapter 15, and the Basic Education Circular entitled Implementation of Chapter 15. Also, school districts are required to conduct child-find activities for children who may be eligible for gifted services via 22 PA Code Chapter 16. For additional information regarding gifted services, the parent may refer to 22 PA Code Chapter 16. If a student is both gifted and eligible for Special Education, the procedures in IDEA and Chapter 14 shall take precedence.
This notice shall inform parents throughout the school district and intermediate unit of the child identification activities and of the procedures followed to ensure the confidentiality of information pertaining to students with disabilities or eligible young children. In addition to this public notice, each school district and intermediate unit shall publish written information in the handbook and on the website. Children ages three through twenty-one can be eligible for special education programs and services. If parents believe that their child may be eligible for special education, the parent should contact their district of residence.
Children age three through their school district’s age of beginners are also eligible if they have developmental delays or one or more of the physical or mental commissions as defined in Chapter 14 and, as a result, need Special Education and related services. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) The child’s score, on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas, or (ii) The child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests. Developmental areas include cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional, and self-help. For additional information contact the intermediate unit.
Evaluation Process
Each school district and intermediate unit has a procedure in place by which parents can request an evaluation. For information about procedures applicable to your child, contact the school which your child attends. Parents of preschool-age children, ages three through five, may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Intervention Program Administrator, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA15601-7190.
Consent
School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education and related services without the written consent of the parents. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website, www.pattan.net. Once written parental consent is obtained, the district will proceed with the evaluation process. If the parent disagrees with the evaluation, the parent can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense.
Program Development
Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible. If the child is eligible, the individualized education program (IEP) team meets, develops the program, and determines the educational placement. Once the IEP team develops the program and determines the educational placement, school district staff or intermediate unit staff will issue a notice of recommended educational placement/prior written notice. Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided. The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial placement.
Confidentiality of Information
The school districts and to some extent the intermediate unit maintain records concerning children enrolled in the school, including students with disabilities. All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality. Your consent, or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law, must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released, except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction states. One official at each participating agency must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information. Each participating agency must maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information.
For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
This notice is only a summary of the Special Education services, evaluation and screening activities, and rights and protections pertaining to children with disabilities, children thought to be disabled, and their parents. For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a public or private school child, contact the responsible entity listed below. For preschool-age children, information, screenings, and evaluations requested, may be obtained by contacting the intermediate unit.
INTERMEDIATE UNIT OFFICE
This notice shall inform parents throughout the school district and intermediate unit of the child identification activities and of the procedures followed to ensure the confidentiality of information pertaining to students with disabilities or eligible young children. In addition to this public notice, each school district and intermediate unit shall publish written information in the handbook and on the website. Children ages three through twenty-one can be eligible for special education programs and services. If parents believe that their child may be eligible for special education, the parent should contact their district of residence.
Children age three through their school district’s age of beginners are also eligible if they have developmental delays or one or more of the physical or mental commissions as defined in Chapter 14 and, as a result, need Special Education and related services. Developmental delay is defined as a child who is less than the age of beginners and at least three years of age and is considered to have a developmental delay when one of the following exists: (i) The child’s score, on a developmental assessment device, on an assessment instrument which yields a score in months, indicates that the child is delayed by 25% of the child’s chronological age in one or more developmental areas, or (ii) The child is delayed in one or more of the developmental areas, as documented by test performance of 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on standardized tests. Developmental areas include cognitive, communicative, physical, social/emotional, and self-help. For additional information contact the intermediate unit.
Evaluation Process
Each school district and intermediate unit has a procedure in place by which parents can request an evaluation. For information about procedures applicable to your child, contact the school which your child attends. Parents of preschool-age children, ages three through five, may request an evaluation in writing by addressing a letter to the Early Intervention Program Administrator, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA15601-7190.
Consent
School entities cannot proceed with an evaluation or with the initial provision of special education and related services without the written consent of the parents. For additional information related to consent, please refer to the Procedural Safeguards Notice which can be found at the PaTTAN website, www.pattan.net. Once written parental consent is obtained, the district will proceed with the evaluation process. If the parent disagrees with the evaluation, the parent can request an independent educational evaluation at public expense.
Program Development
Once the evaluation process is completed, a team of qualified professionals and the parents determine whether the child is eligible. If the child is eligible, the individualized education program (IEP) team meets, develops the program, and determines the educational placement. Once the IEP team develops the program and determines the educational placement, school district staff or intermediate unit staff will issue a notice of recommended educational placement/prior written notice. Your written consent is required before initial services can be provided. The parent has the right to revoke consent after initial placement.
Confidentiality of Information
The school districts and to some extent the intermediate unit maintain records concerning children enrolled in the school, including students with disabilities. All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality. Your consent, or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law, must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released, except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21. Each participating agency must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction states. One official at each participating agency must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information. Each participating agency must maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information.
For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
This notice is only a summary of the Special Education services, evaluation and screening activities, and rights and protections pertaining to children with disabilities, children thought to be disabled, and their parents. For more information or to request evaluation or screening of a public or private school child, contact the responsible entity listed below. For preschool-age children, information, screenings, and evaluations requested, may be obtained by contacting the intermediate unit.
INTERMEDIATE UNIT OFFICE
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit
102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-7190
724-836-2460
SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE
102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-7190
724-836-2460
SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE
Franklin Regional School District
Newlonsburg Administrative Center
Richard E. Regelski, Jr., Director of Special Education
3170 School Road, Murrysville, PA 15668-1553
724-327-5456, ext. 7615
The school district or intermediate unit will not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, creed, marital status, or because a person is a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. No preschool, elementary, or secondary school pupil enrolled in a school district or intermediate unit shall be denied equal opportunity to participate in age and program-appropriate instruction or activities due to race, color, handicap, creed, national origin, marital status, or financial hardship.
3170 School Road, Murrysville, PA 15668-1553
724-327-5456, ext. 7615
The school district or intermediate unit will not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, handicap, creed, marital status, or because a person is a disabled veteran or a veteran of the Vietnam era. No preschool, elementary, or secondary school pupil enrolled in a school district or intermediate unit shall be denied equal opportunity to participate in age and program-appropriate instruction or activities due to race, color, handicap, creed, national origin, marital status, or financial hardship.
Entrance Requirements: The minimum age for entering school is five years of age on or before September 1st for Kindergarten and six years of age on or before September 1st for first grade. State guidelines for immunizations must be adhered to for all students entering school. See the Franklin Regional website for policy details.
Absence: Attendance (Policy 204): The Board requires that school-age students enrolled in District schools attend school regularly, in accordance with state laws. The Board considers the following conditions as permissible excused absences from school: personal illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, approved religious holidays, approved educational travel, school-sponsored activities, school-sponsored athletic and/or extracurricular events, college visits with official documentation from the college admissions office, and other urgent reasons with approval.
Upon returning from an absence, a written excuse must be presented within three (3) school days and should include the student’s name, the date of the absence, the reason for absence, and the signature of the parent/guardian. If an excuse is not provided by the third day of return, the absence will be considered unexcused. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative excused absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) days may require an excuse from a licensed physician. Any unexcused absence for students of compulsory school age is also unlawful.
Students in all grades may be excused from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip not sponsored by the District if the parent/guardian submits a written request for excusal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed trip and it is approved by the building principal. No more than one (1) educational trip and/or five (5) days of absence for educational travel will be granted to any one student in a given school year. Students will be required to make up any work and/or tests missed during an educational trip.
Students who are not inside their classrooms when school begins are considered tardy. All
students who are tardy to school will require a written excuse from home that includes the student’s name, date of tardiness, the reason for tardiness, and the signature of the parent/guardian.
If a child is absent from school for more than one day, homework assignments may be obtained by calling the school office before the start of the first teaching period. These assignments may be picked up at the end of the day. Assignments requested at other times will be available the following day.
Withdrawals and Transfers: Students withdrawing or transferring from school must first notify the school office. Students must be 17 years of age or older to withdraw or 16 years of age with a legal work permit and parental permission. Under no circumstances will school records be given to the student. A formal request must be made by the new school district for records to be forwarded.
Absence: Attendance (Policy 204): The Board requires that school-age students enrolled in District schools attend school regularly, in accordance with state laws. The Board considers the following conditions as permissible excused absences from school: personal illness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, approved religious holidays, approved educational travel, school-sponsored activities, school-sponsored athletic and/or extracurricular events, college visits with official documentation from the college admissions office, and other urgent reasons with approval.
Upon returning from an absence, a written excuse must be presented within three (3) school days and should include the student’s name, the date of the absence, the reason for absence, and the signature of the parent/guardian. If an excuse is not provided by the third day of return, the absence will be considered unexcused. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative excused absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) days may require an excuse from a licensed physician. Any unexcused absence for students of compulsory school age is also unlawful.
Students in all grades may be excused from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip not sponsored by the District if the parent/guardian submits a written request for excusal at least ten (10) days in advance of the proposed trip and it is approved by the building principal. No more than one (1) educational trip and/or five (5) days of absence for educational travel will be granted to any one student in a given school year. Students will be required to make up any work and/or tests missed during an educational trip.
Students who are not inside their classrooms when school begins are considered tardy. All
students who are tardy to school will require a written excuse from home that includes the student’s name, date of tardiness, the reason for tardiness, and the signature of the parent/guardian.
If a child is absent from school for more than one day, homework assignments may be obtained by calling the school office before the start of the first teaching period. These assignments may be picked up at the end of the day. Assignments requested at other times will be available the following day.
Withdrawals and Transfers: Students withdrawing or transferring from school must first notify the school office. Students must be 17 years of age or older to withdraw or 16 years of age with a legal work permit and parental permission. Under no circumstances will school records be given to the student. A formal request must be made by the new school district for records to be forwarded.
Armed Services List: Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the Senior High Counseling Center is required to provide, in the spring of each year, a list of juniors, their addresses, and phone numbers, to the various branches of the U.S. Military Services. However, as mentioned above, students can request to have their names removed from the military list.
Visitation Policy: Those wishing to visit or to discuss school business are expected to schedule a conference or observation through the office of the Principal in order to arrange a time agreeable to both. School-age visitors will not be permitted to accompany students to classes. Classroom observations can be scheduled only if students are enrolled at Franklin Regional.
Early Dismissal: Students requesting to be excused from school before regular dismissal time must bring an excuse from home stating the time and reason for early dismissal, and transportation arrangements. Students may be excused early only for doctor or dentist appointments or extreme emergency. Early excuses are issued in the office only and must be obtained before the start of the school day. In case of a sudden emergency, the parent may make arrangements through the school office at that time. In addition to the excuse from the parent, students are required to bring an appointment notice of visit either when the excuse is written or upon return to school. Copies of the detailed school attendance policies are available in each school office and on the Franklin Regional website.
Title IX: The Franklin Regional School District complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities, which it operates. This policy includes employment and admission to such programs and activities. For further information, including information on how to submit a complaint, please visit the District website under School Board/Policy Manual/Policies 103, 103.1, and 104.
Graduation Requirements: The Pennsylvania Department of Education regulates graduation requirements through guidelines provided in Chapter 4 of the School Code. Franklin Regional students must successfully complete 24 credits and a culminating project to qualify for graduation. Please refer to Franklin Regional School Board Policy under Graduation Requirements and the Senior High School Program of Studies booklet for more details. Both documents are located on the District website.
Tests and Examinations:
· Vision/Growth/BMI: All grade levels yearly
· Hearing: K-3, 7,11, and any student in any grade with a history of hearing loss or for whom there are no past records.
· Medical Examinations: K or 1, 6,11, and students with no health records or those not
· completed by the family physician.
· Dental Screenings: K, 1, 3, 7 and students with no dental records or those not completed by the family dentist.
· Scoliosis Screening: 6, 7
· Parents will be notified of the results. Questionable results will be re-screened before notification.
· Private physical and dental examinations may be done up to one year before entry into the specified grade. Please check with the School Nurse for details.
Sports Physicals: A physical dated June 1st or later is required each academic school year to participate in a PIAA sport. The physical must be completed on the PIAA Section 6 form. Forms need to be completed and on file with the Athletic Office prior to the 1st day of the season. Registration through Family ID is also required in order to participate in a sport.
Visitation Policy: Those wishing to visit or to discuss school business are expected to schedule a conference or observation through the office of the Principal in order to arrange a time agreeable to both. School-age visitors will not be permitted to accompany students to classes. Classroom observations can be scheduled only if students are enrolled at Franklin Regional.
Early Dismissal: Students requesting to be excused from school before regular dismissal time must bring an excuse from home stating the time and reason for early dismissal, and transportation arrangements. Students may be excused early only for doctor or dentist appointments or extreme emergency. Early excuses are issued in the office only and must be obtained before the start of the school day. In case of a sudden emergency, the parent may make arrangements through the school office at that time. In addition to the excuse from the parent, students are required to bring an appointment notice of visit either when the excuse is written or upon return to school. Copies of the detailed school attendance policies are available in each school office and on the Franklin Regional website.
Title IX: The Franklin Regional School District complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities, which it operates. This policy includes employment and admission to such programs and activities. For further information, including information on how to submit a complaint, please visit the District website under School Board/Policy Manual/Policies 103, 103.1, and 104.
Graduation Requirements: The Pennsylvania Department of Education regulates graduation requirements through guidelines provided in Chapter 4 of the School Code. Franklin Regional students must successfully complete 24 credits and a culminating project to qualify for graduation. Please refer to Franklin Regional School Board Policy under Graduation Requirements and the Senior High School Program of Studies booklet for more details. Both documents are located on the District website.
Tests and Examinations:
· Vision/Growth/BMI: All grade levels yearly
· Hearing: K-3, 7,11, and any student in any grade with a history of hearing loss or for whom there are no past records.
· Medical Examinations: K or 1, 6,11, and students with no health records or those not
· completed by the family physician.
· Dental Screenings: K, 1, 3, 7 and students with no dental records or those not completed by the family dentist.
· Scoliosis Screening: 6, 7
· Parents will be notified of the results. Questionable results will be re-screened before notification.
· Private physical and dental examinations may be done up to one year before entry into the specified grade. Please check with the School Nurse for details.
Sports Physicals: A physical dated June 1st or later is required each academic school year to participate in a PIAA sport. The physical must be completed on the PIAA Section 6 form. Forms need to be completed and on file with the Athletic Office prior to the 1st day of the season. Registration through Family ID is also required in order to participate in a sport.