Garden Spot Middle School
(Current Version: August 2022)
About GSMS 2
School Contact Numbers 2
Office Hours 2
Administrative Team 2
School Counseling Team 2
Daily Schedules 2
Delays/Closings 3
School Safety 3
Emergency Evacuation Procedures 3
Parent Visits 3
Volunteers 4
Academics 4
Introduction 4
Departments 4
Houses 5
Grading System 5
Canvas/PowerSchool 5
Schedule Changes 5
Homeroom/Advisory/iSpartan 6
Announcements 6
Homework 6
Honor Roll 6
Interscholastic Athletic Eligibility 6
Making Up Work 7
Promotion/Retention 7
Learner Records 7
Textbooks/Computers 7
Attendance 7
Absences 7
Early Release 8
Educational Travel 8
Tardies/Early Dismissals 8
Athletic Participation 9
Attendance Improvement 9
Code of Conduct 9
Learner Code of Conduct 9
Spartan Way 10
Expectations/Responsibilities 10
Spartan Way Matrix 11
PBIS 11
Dress Code 12
Cafeteria 12
Cell Phones/Personal Electronic Devices 13
District Technology 13
Hallways 13
Lockers 14
Academic Dishonesty 14
General Guidelines 15
Restorative Practices 15
Responding to Behavior 16
Definitions of Consequences 20
Repairing the Harm 20
Due Process Learner Rights 21
Policies 24
Bullying 24
Harassment 24
Controlled Substances 24
Random Drug Testing 24
Internet/Computer Acceptable Use 24
Weapon 25
Terroristic Threat 25
Medication Policy 25
Learner Services 25
Guidance 25
Tutoring 26
Extended School Day 26
SAP 26
Safe2Say 26
Health Services 26
Education Rights of Homeless
Children/Youth 27
Alma Mater 27
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Address: 669 East Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
Website: gsms.elanco.org
Twitter/Instagram: @GardenSpotMS
School Contact Numbers
School Main Office…………………. 717.354.1560
Athletic Director…………………….. 717.354.1141
Attendance/Guidance Office………. 717.354.1562
Nurse Office………………………… 717.354.1559
Transportation Office………………. 717.354.1523
Office Hours
The Middle School office is open from 7:00 AM until
3:30 PM during the school year. The Guidance Office
is open from 7:30 AM until 3:00 PM during the
school year. If parents wish to speak with a
counselor or principal in person, parents should
make an appointment.
Administrative Team
Matthew J. Sanger, Ed.D. - Campus Principal
Robert Arrick - 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Matthew Fox, Ed.D. - 8th Grade Assistant Principal
School Counseling Team
Nancy Schwabe-Fry - 7th Grade School Counselor
Jill Bielawski - 8th Grade School Counselor
Daily Schedules
GSMS - Regular
Block
Start
End
Start
End
HR/Adv
7:30
7:45
1
7:49
8:49
2
8:53
9:53
3
9:57
10:57
4
11:01
12:01
L/iS
12:01
12:31
12:35
1:10
iS/L
12:05
12:40
12:40
1:10
5
1:14
2:14
House Adv
2:18
2:30
GSMS - Early Dismissal
Block
Start
End
HR/Adv
7:30
7:35
1
7:39
8:19
2
8:23
9:03
3
9:07
9:47
4
9:51
10:31
5
10:35
11:15
2
GSMS - 2-HR Delay
Block
Start
End
Start
End
Adv
9:30
9:35
1
9:39
10:14
2
10:18
11:03
3
11:07
11:52
L/iS
11:52
12:22
12:26
12:56
iS/L
11:56
12:26
12:26
12:56
4
1:00
1:35
5
1:39
2:14
House Adv
2:14
2:30
GSHS - Regular
Block
Start
End
Start
End
HR
7:30
7:40
1
7:40
9:00
2
9:05
10:25
L/iS
10:25
10:55
11:00
11:40
iS/L
10:30
11:10
11:10
11:40
3
11:45
1:05
4
1:10
2:30
GSHS - Early Dismissal
Block
Start
End
HR/1
7:30
8:30
2
8:35
9:25
3
9:30
10:20
4
10:25
11:15
GSHS - 2-HR Delay
Block
Start
End
Start
End
HR/1
9:30
10:25
L/iS
10:25
10:55
11:00
11:40
L/iS
10:30
11:10
11:10
11:40
2
11:45
12:35
3
12:40
1:30
4
1:35
2:30
Block
Start
End
Start
End
HR/2
9:30
10:25
L/iS
10:25
10:55
11:00
11:40
L/iS
10:30
11:10
11:10
11:40
1
11:45
12:35
3
12:40
1:30
4
1:35
2:30
Delays/Closings
Eastern Lancaster County School District
communication channels are the most reliable
resource to find information concerning school
closings or delays. This includes:
● REMIND App (Receive text or email
notifications)
● ELANCOSD Twitter account
● ELANCOSD Facebook page
● District website News/Announcements
We only contact the television and radio stations
listed below with our closing information. Other
stations may report Eastern Lancaster School
District closings and delays, but we are not
responsible for providing them with the information.
Television:
● WGAL–TV8
School Safety
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Regardless of its size and location, no school is
immune from emergencies or crises. Eastern
Lancaster County School District has been
committed to developing and implementing school
safety measures throughout the district. In addition
to having a district Crisis Response &
Communication Plan, the middle school has its own
safety program and emergency plans.
All entrances to the school from the outside are
locked at the start of homeroom each day. Once the
building is secured, visitors must ring a bell located
outside the door to the main office to enter the
secured office area. After admitting the visitor, an
administrative assistant will ask the visitor to sign
in, with a photo id, and to receive a visitor's badge.
To prepare teachers and learners to react
appropriately in an emergency, fire drills, severe
weather drills, and intruder drills are conducted
regularly.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Under certain emergency circumstances, the middle
school may be instructed to evacuate its learners to
another off-site location.
Should evacuation be necessary, parents may pick
up their learners at the evacuation site using the
normal sign-out procedures. Please wait for
communication from the school before going to the
school building.
Parent Visits
The middle school faculty and administrative staff
welcome parents to visit the school regularly. To
ensure that their visits are worthwhile, parents are
encouraged to call the school to schedule their
visits in advance. Like all visitors to the school,
parents must register at the office and must wear a
visitor’s badge before visiting a classroom.
Parent volunteers are required to obtain clearances
under Board Policy. Parents who want to schedule a
conference with a specific teacher or a team should
call the school office. All guests will be required to
present photo identification.
Volunteers
We are fortunate and appreciative to have so many
volunteers serving in our schools. Our volunteers
truly make our educational community special.
Due to new regulations (Act 153 of 2014) passed
by the General Assembly in an attempt to better
protect children from sexual predators and child
abuse, all volunteers must now obtain the same
three clearances as professional staff; FBI Federal
Criminal History Background Check and
Fingerprinting, Pennsylvania Criminal Background
Check, and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
Check. In short, any adult who visits a school to
assist with any function of the school related to
working with learners or who chaperones a field trip
in which the volunteer has responsibility for learners
must obtain the three clearances in advance of
participation. For a specific description of who
constitutes a volunteer, see Board of School
Directors Policy #916.
For more information please visit the ELANCO
website under "Community" > "Volunteer
Information."
Introduction
Our goal is to provide learners with a personalized
and challenging experience that will prepare them to
be successful in a rapidly changing world. During
their time as a Spartan, we hope to establish
relationships that will never be broken. With learner
daily engagement, our school will thrive and flourish.
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We hope that this handbook will enrich their
learning experience and promote their success.
Together, as a school community of learners, staff,
and families, let us continue to work for a safe and
rigorous school experience. Hail to our Alma
Mater...
Hail to Garden Spot!
OUR THEME: Hail to Garden Spot!
OUR MISSION: Empowering learners as global
thinkers and producers.
Departments
Composed of both “core” and “elective” courses,
the middle school curriculum is intended to provide
the foundation learners will need for more specific
study in high school. Core courses for all learners
include English language arts, mathematics,
science, and social studies. Elective courses for all
learners include art, music, technology education,
foreign language, genius hour, global social
problems, and STEM. These elective courses are
designed to expose learners to the six career fields.
● Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources
● Business, Management, & Administration
● Communications & Information Systems
● Engineering, Manufacturing, & Technology
● Health Science Technology
● Human Services
All learners are required to take physical education
and health during their seventh-grade year. Also,
eighth-grade learners can choose to take physical
education and health electives. All learners may
elect to enroll in band, chorus, and/or orchestra.
Specific courses by grade can be found in the
middle school program of studies found on the
middle school website.
Houses
Learners are grouped in academic houses of
approximately 70-100 learners each. Within a
house, teachers and learners are accountable to
one another just as persons are within a family.
Houses provide teachers with an opportunity to
meet and work with the same learners during the
school day. Teachers provide valuable help during
the year in several ways. They help learners to
understand the homework, complete special
assignments, learn expectations and procedures,
and resolve certain problems that learners
encounter. Their house teachers are valuable to
have as “someone just to talk to.”
House Names: Zeus, Athena, Poseidon
Grading System
At the beginning of the school year, each teacher
will explain the grading procedures to their classes.
Those procedures will also be a part of the course
syllabus. Grades are always available on
Powerschool. All fines and other obligations must
be satisfied before the final report card is mailed.
Parents should be expecting their child to be
bringing an envelope home with the report card and
share it with them (Quarter 1-3). Report cards will
be mailed home at the end of the fourth marking
period, coinciding with the end of the school year.
Grades are computed in the following manner for
learners:
A = 93% - 100% = 4.0
A- = 90% - 92% = 3.7
B+ = 87% - 89% = 3.3
B = 83% - 86% = 3.0
B- = 80% - 82% = 2.7
C+ = 77% - 79% = 2.3
C = 73% - 76% = 2.0
C- = 70% - 72% = 1.7
D+ = 67% - 69% = 1.3
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D = 63% - 66% = 1.0
D- = 60% - 62% = 0.7
F = 59% - 50%* = 0.0
*Quarter grades will be scored no lower than 50%.
Canvas/PowerSchool
Eastern Lancaster County School District uses
PowerSchool for its learner information
management system. As a component of
PowerSchool, parents can access real-time
information regarding their child's academic
records, including grades and attendance records,
via the internet. All parents are issued a confidential
ID and password to access their child’s records
from the PowerSchool Parent Portal. It is
recommended to choose the weekly updates and
not daily. Each learner is also given a unique log-in.
For further information, please contact the learner’s
school counselor or the middle school office.
In addition to Powerschool, teachers use Canvas as
their learning management system. This is a great
resource for classroom information such as
syllabus, classroom policies and procedures,
homework, assignments, and resources. Parents
can create an account to have access to view their
learner’s courses.
For further information on how to do this please
refer to the references on the ELANCO website.
Schedule Changes
The selection of elective courses are mutually
agreed upon by the learner, parents, and school.
However, we recognize that schedule changes are
sometimes necessary. This statement is designed
to clarify school policy regarding schedule changes.
Generally, there are no schedule changes after the
last day of school from the previous year. Special
circumstances that include either of the criteria
listed below are the exceptions. Any exceptions
must be recommended by a teacher, counselor, or
building administrator and approved by the principal.
Class size and availability will play a significant role
in the approval process.
● Educational needs that have changed.
● A learner's inability to perform course
requirements as determined by the teacher,
school counselor, and principal.
● Medical issues documented by a licensed
physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Changes that meet the above criteria must be
accompanied by a personal conference with a
school counselor.
Homeroom/Advisory/iSpartan
At 7:20 AM, learners are excused from the cafeteria
to their lockers. All learners are expected to be in
their homerooms by 7:30 AM. At the start of the
homeroom period, the teacher will take attendance.
During homeroom and the end-of-the-day house-
advisory period learners and staff will be engaged in
activities that teach and reinforce executive
functioning skills, social-emotional learning, and
community building.
iSpartan of each day is utilized either for study hall
or activities such as remediation, or enrichment.
Performing music groups including band, chorus,
and orchestra rehearsals during this period.
Announcements
Announcements are posted daily on Spartan Notes
for all learners and families to access. Daily
announcements will also be made via the PA
system and/or KGSM, the middle school's tv
channel.
Homework
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The purpose of homework is to provide learners
with an opportunity to practice new learning
independent of the teacher. Homework is
developmental and increases in scope and difficulty
with the maturity of the learner.
Each middle school learner has access to a
Microsoft Outlook calendar to record assignments
and due dates for each class. Learners are also
encouraged to actively use their Canvas account
and calendar for homework as well. Parents can be
very helpful in seeing that homework is completed
each evening. Some projects are long-term and
require learners to budget time over an extended
number of days to complete the project
successfully.
Honor Roll
Honor Roll recognizes individual learner
achievement. The Honor Roll is compiled each
marking period.
To achieve Honors status, a learner must earn a
GPA between 3.25 - 3.79.
To achieve Distinguished Honors status, a learner
must earn a 3.80 or above.
Interscholastic Athletic Eligibility
To compete in any PIAA sanctioned interscholastic
athletic competition, athletes may be failing no
more than one course at any time. Upon notification
to the athletic office of a second failure, the athlete
will be ineligible to participate in any level of
competition for one week. This period of ineligibility
will begin Sunday at 12:01 AM and continue until
11:59 PM the following Saturday. Learner athletes
who have failed two or more courses for any
marking period will be ineligible for 15 school days
starting on the date the Athletic Office has been
informed of their grades. Eligibility for fall sports will
be determined by the learner athlete’s final year or
semester grades from the previous year. Athletes
ineligible to compete may still practice with the
team for the period of ineligibility. Monitoring will
start the second week of the first quarter.
Making Up Work
It is the learner's responsibility to contact teachers,
and review each teacher's Canvas course upon
return to school concerning schoolwork missed
because of absence. Learners must communicate
with their teachers within 3 days after returning to
school. Work must be completed within a
reasonable time established by individual teachers.
Promotion/Retention
When a learner fails two of the core subjects (i.e.,
English language arts, mathematics, science, social
studies), they will be recommended for retention
review by the learner's counselor, support staff,
house leader, and principal. It is highly
recommended that a learner attend summer school
to make up for failed core courses.
The school-based team will evaluate considerable
evidence including attendance, assessment data,
and any implemented targeted support helping
struggling learners improve their academic
performance when making decisions for promotion
and retention.
The principal will consider on a case-by-case basis,
requests from learner families who have failed the
year to attend summer school for make-up work.
To make arrangements to attend summer school,
learners should contact their school counselor.
Learner Records
Each learner has a cumulative file that includes
grades, test scores, and attendance records of their
school career. Those records are available for review
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by parents with the assistance of the school
counselor. To see a child’s records, parents should
contact their child’s school counselor.
Textbooks/Computers
Learners are responsible for the safekeeping and
care of all textbooks and equipment (computers)
issued to them on loan at the opening of the school
year or upon their enrollment. All textbooks must be
kept covered. Learners are expected to use the
case provided for their computer as well. At the end
of the school year or upon a learner's withdrawal
from school, learners are required to return all
books and equipment. Learners will be assessed an
amount equivalent to the item’s replacement value
for anything not returned or damaged.
Absences
Upon return to school from an absence, the learner
will be required to submit a valid excuse card/note
to the attendance officer. It will be the learner's
responsibility to visit the attendance office before
7:30 AM and get to Homeroom on time. All excuse
cards/notes for absences that were not
pre-approved should be turned in to the attendance
office upon return to school. A learner will have
three (3) days to turn in a properly completed
excuse. If not turned in, the absence will be
declared unexcused.
For more information see district website.
LAWFUL ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL:
● Illness, including if a student is dismissed
by designated district staff during school
hours for health-related reasons.
● Obtaining professional health care or
therapy service rendered by a licensed
practitioner of the healing arts in any state,
commonwealth, or territory.
● Quarantine.
● Family emergency.
● Recovery from an accident.
● Required court attendance.
● Death in the family.
● Participation in a project sponsored by a
statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or
combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior
written request.
● Participation in a musical performance in
conjunction with a national veterans’
organization or incorporated unit, as defined
in law, for an event or funeral.
○ The national veterans’ organization
or incorporated unit must provide the
student with a signed excuse, which
shall include the date, location, and
time of the event or funeral.
○ The student shall furnish the signed
excuse to the district prior to being
excused from school.
● Observance of a religious holiday observed
by a bona fide religious group, upon prior
written request from the person in parental
relation.
● Non school-sponsored educational tours or
trips if the following conditions are met:
○ The person in parental relation
submits the required documentation
for excusal prior to the absence,
within the appropriate time frame.
○ The student's participation has been
approved by the Superintendent or
designee.
○ The adult directing and supervising
the tour or trip is acceptable to the
person in parental relation and the
Superintendent.
● College or postsecondary institution visit,
with prior approval.
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● Other urgent reasons that may reasonably
cause a student’s absence, as well as
circumstances related to homelessness and
foster care.
UNLAWFUL ABSENCES:
● Non-Approved Travel Forms
● Invalid/forged signature.
● Failure to turn in a written excuse from a
parent or guardian within three (3) days of
the absence.
● Missed bus/car problems.
See the ELANCO website for more information and
copies of the forms.
Early Release
All children will be released from the office. The
person picking up a child will need to sign the child
out and present a photo ID. Please remember to
send a note to the school office if parents plan on
having someone other than themselves pick the
learner up from school. Non-custodial parents also
need a note and ID.
Educational Travel
The ELANCO School District recognizes that, from
time to time, learners may have the opportunity to
participate in pre-planned trips and educational
experiences during the regular school year. Upon
receipt of a prior written request from the parents or
guardians of the learners involved, learners may be
excused from school attendance to participate in
educational tours or trips. The determination of
each request will be made on the following: prior
attendance records, previous requests, and the
frequency of such requests.
An educational travel form should be submitted at
least two days before the date of departure.
Learners will be limited to 5 days of educational
travel per year. Customarily, any days exceeding the
5 allotted days will be counted as unexcused or
illegal absences. However, the building principal will
always make the final decision if additional days can
be granted. Please remember that a separate form
should be signed for each child with the Eastern
Lancaster County Schools.
Click here for Travel Form.
Tardies/Early Dismissals
It is important for children to develop good habits
and to learn that school is important. We need all
parents to set a good example by having their
children arrive at school on time, not taking their
children out early, and not allowing their children to
miss school unless they are ill or there is a family
emergency. Please try to arrange doctor’s visits or
family errands after school hours. We cannot teach
your children unless they are here. Every minute is
important.
Athletic Participation
All learner athletes must adhere to the Eastern
Lancaster County School District attendance
procedure AND the Garden Spot Athletic
Department attendance procedure as stated below.
● No learner may participate in a
school-sponsored contest if they do not
attend the required practice(s).
● Learner athletes must be in school by 8:00
AM to be eligible to compete in a contest or
practice that day. The only exceptions to this
rule are:
○ The learner athlete brings in a
written doctor or dentist excuse
(must still be in attendance for at
least one-half of the day)
○ Has a pre-approved travel form for a
college visitation, educational leave,
or drivers test
○ Death in the family
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● Unless legally excused, a learner must be in
school attendance the entire day of a
contest or practice to participate in that
contest or practice.
● Learners who have a nurse’s or doctor’s
excuse from physical education activities
may not participate in practices or contests
for the duration of the excuse.
● Learners missing 20 or more days of school
will be deemed ineligible
○ To regain eligibility, a learner must be
in attendance for at least 45 school
days following the 20th absence.
Attendance Improvement
Good attendance in school is crucial for a child to
reach their full potential. We are aware that illness,
injury, or family emergencies sometimes occur that
prohibit learners from attending school. Each
learner’s attendance will be recorded daily. In order
to communicate with families, a letter will be sent
home after 5 and 10 days of absences have been
reached. Once a learner reaches 10 days total of
absences a doctor’s excuse will be required for
each additional absence to be excused. Letters will
also be sent home when the learner is unlawfully
absent from school and parents may be invited to
participate in a Student Attendance Improvement
Conference (SAIC).
Learner Code of Conduct
It is the goal of the Garden Spot Middle School to
provide a positive educational environment for every
learner. This requires an understanding of an
adherence to acceptable standards of respectful
behavior that will allow learning to take place in the
classroom. Every learner is entitled to an education,
and the right to be free of a climate that disrupts
the educational environment of others.
The Garden Spot Learner Code of Conduct
establishes a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that
endangers the safety of the school and/or disrupts
the educational experience for other learners. Every
learner must follow all of the expectations of the
Learner Code of Conduct before, during, and after
school. The Code applies to learners in school
buildings, on school grounds, at school-related
activities, and on the way to and/or from school.
Learners must follow these rules on buses or vans
that bring them to school or take them home. The
Code also applies to learners off school grounds
(i.e. field trips, work crews, internships, etc.) when
the conduct may reasonably be expected to
undermine or disrupt the proper disciplinary
authority of the school or endanger the safety of a
member of the school community.
The home shares the responsibility in the education
of our youth; parents and caregivers should be sure
to know and understand the Learner Code of
Conduct.
The Garden Spot Middle School will follow a
progressive discipline model, which tracks learner
discipline throughout the entire school year. This
Code of Conduct provides definitions of behavior
offenses. Some definitions include examples. These
examples are not intended to be an exhaustive list;
the behaviors covered by the definitions include, but
are not limited to the examples given.
The safety and security of all school children are our
highest priorities, and we are committed to
providing a safe learning environment. Parents who
have questions or concerns should contact the
principal.
We intend to provide corrective instruction to
learners who do not meet behavioral expectations.
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Spartan Way
Expectations/Responsibilities
Behavioral expectations revolve around The Spartan
Way – Doing what’s right / Doing our best / Doing
for others. Ultimately, we expect mutual respect
where learners and adults take responsibility and
are accountable for their actions.
Responsibilities of Everyone
● Maintain the school climate while on
campus by being: Responsible, Respectful,
and Cooperative
● Be aware of and clearly communicate the
expectations for learners and staff.
● Motivate learners to follow our high
expectations through positive reinforcement.
Responsibilities of Administrators
● Implement the Learner Code of Conduct and
all behavioral procedures in a fair and
consistent manner.
● Inform all school personnel, parents, and
learners of behavioral expectations and
policies.
● Review and act upon requests from school
personnel concerning violations.
● Use professional judgment to prevent minor
incidents from becoming major problems.
Responsibilities of Teachers
● Maintain a learning environment that
provides for academic success.
● Teach and positively reinforce rules and
regulations concerning learner conduct.
● Hold learners accountable for disorderly
conduct in school/on school grounds.
● Address rule violations with multiple
strategies.
● Use professional judgment to prevent minor
incidents from becoming major problems.
Responsibilities of Learners
● Comply with school rules and climate
expectations including the Learner Code of
Conduct and the ELANCO Learner Calendar
Handbook.
● Respect the authority of all school personnel
and the rights of other learners.
● Comply with the School District’s
attendance, dress code, zero tolerance, and
bullying policies.
● Behave in a manner that focuses on
academic success.
● Be responsible and accountable for following
rules.
Responsibility of Parents, Advocates, and Guardians
● Respect and support school rules and
regulations.
● Respect and support the policies of the
Eastern Lancaster County School District.
● Recognize that school personnel must
enforce rules and regulations. Teach the
child to respect the rights of others.
● Emphasize the importance of being prepared
for school and the adherence to school rules
to foster academic success.
Spartan Way Matrix
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The Matrix is a simple visual tool displaying the
established school-wide Rules, Routines, and
Expectations. It is a critical foundation for
establishing consistency among adults and is the
main tool that provides positive examples of the
behavioral learning standards for the different
settings or routines of the school day. Expectations
are stated positively, describing what we want
learners to do.
PBIS
PBIS is a proactive approach Garden Spot Middle
School uses to improve school safety and promote
positive behavior. The focus of PBIS is prevention,
not punishment.
With PBIS, the staff teaches learners positive
behavior strategies through the use of the Spartan
Way Matrix, just as they would teach about any
other subject.
PBIS recognizes that learners can only meet
behavior expectations if they know what the
expectations are. Everyone learns what’s
considered appropriate behavior. And they use a
common language to talk about it. Throughout the
school day — in class, at lunch, and on the bus —
learners understand what’s expected of them.
Dress Code
All learners are expected to follow the Garden Spot
Middle School Dress Code and dress in a manner of
appearance that would not cause a disturbance,
distract, interfere with the instructional program, or
constitute a health or safety hazard. The secondary
administration will make the final decision as to
what is considered proper and improper attire.
Learners will not be able to return to class until they
are in complete compliance with the dress code.
Below is a list of our expectations:
● No hoods or hats
● Immediately upon entering the building, hats
and hoods need to be removed.
● No undergarments should ever be visible
● Clothing with drug, alcohol, or weapons
references are not permitted
● Shorts that expose any part of the buttocks
are not permitted
● All shirts/blouses/tops must cover the
entire front and back of the torso, armpit to
armpit, and must also touch the top of the
pants/skirts/shorts when the learner is
seated or standing or performing any other
school-related activities (such as raising
their hand)
First Offense
● Warning given if the learner is respectful to
make necessary adjustments to be in
compliance with dress code. Learners will
not be able to return to class until they are
in complete compliance with the dress code.
Second and Subsequent Offenses
● After-school detention and/or in-school
suspension and parent contact made by an
administrator for non-compliance. Learners
will not be able to return to class until they
are in complete compliance with the dress
code.
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Cafeteria
Arrival and Dismissal:
Lunch groups are dismissed to the main cafeteria at
the time designated on the bell schedule. Learners
may go to lavatories before reporting to the main
cafeteria.
Learners are required to place books in their
lockers before attending lunch. Learners will be
dismissed from the cafeteria by the cafeteria
monitor in charge. Learners will not be excused until
their table and eating area are clean. Learners will
leave the cafeteria at the end of the period via the
doors of the cafeteria.
Breakfast:
Breakfast may be purchased using cash or a
prepaid debit account. Breakfast operates as a
“grab and go” concept and is served from 7:20 –
7:30 AM. Learners may take the purchased items
back to their Homeroom to be eaten during the
morning announcements if permitted by the teacher.
Breakfast will not be served on days that school is
delayed due to inclement weather.
Purchase of Lunch:
Lunch may be purchased using cash or a prepaid
debit account. Checks may be deposited into
cafeteria accounts. Learners are requested not to
present monetary denominations larger than twenty
(20) dollars in order to expedite the lunch process.
Learners are not permitted to take food or drinks
out of the cafeteria during or after lunch unless they
are permitted to eat in the courtyard or in a
teacher's classroom.
Note - Food may not be delivered to learners during
lunch periods or throughout the day.
Cell Phones/Personal Electronic Devices
Learners' cell phones/personal electronic devices
(PEDs) must remain in their locker during the school
day (7:30-2:30), which includes homeroom,
iSpartan, and classes. Cell phones/PEDs are
required to remain in the locker unless otherwise
approved by an administrator.
Learners are permitted to use cell phones/PEDs
during lunch, before school hours, and after school
hours as long as it does not:
● Disrupt school activities and instruction
● Violate any other board or school policies
● Violate state or federal law
Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the
cell phone/PED to the school office.
First Offense:
● Cell phone/PED will be confiscated.
Learners can pick up the device at the end
of the school day.
Second and Subsequent Offense:
● Parents or guardians will be required to pick
up the phone/PED. A behavior plan may be
developed for the learner to check the
phone/PED in the office each morning or
required to keep the device at home. For
repeated offenses, learners will receive
additional consequences up to and including
suspension.
When a learner refuses to turn over their cell
phone/PED to any staff member they may be
assigned additional discipline consequences that
may include suspension from school.
Please note that it is unacceptable, and in some
cases illegal, to take pictures or video record a
learner or staff member without their consent and
will result in more significant consequences.
District Technology
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Learners who misuse district technology (e.g.
computer, email accounts, internet access, etc.) or
violate district Internet and computer use policies
are subject to disciplinary action by the school,
suspension or probation of learner computer use,
and prosecution under the law.
Hallways
Hallway Travel
● Classrooms will be limited to one learner out
at a time when possible (including the
nurse, bathroom, office, guidance, tech
support, etc.)
● There are many learners in the hallways
during passing time, and it is important that
we are all respectful of each other during
this time. Running, jumping, horseplay,
pushing, shoving, slapping, and yelling are
all unacceptable behaviors that will not be
permitted.
Passes
● Hallway travel will not occur during the first
and last 5 minutes of the instructional
period.
● During classroom time, teachers have the
right to question why they want to leave and
make a decision if it is an appropriate time.
If there are considerations that the teacher
should be aware of, please share them with
the teachers so they can be understanding.
● During class, if learners are in the hallway,
they must have an e-hallpass and physical
pass.
● Whenever learners are given an e-hallpass
to go somewhere it is expected that they
report to where they asked to go and not be
in locations outside of where they were given
permission to be. When learners are
finished in that area they are expected to
return to their assigned location. Being
outside of their assigned location, or the
location they were given permission to go to,
is considered skipping and will result in
consequences aligned with not being where
they are supposed to be.
Lockers
Each learner is assigned a locker, which is the
property of the school and subject to inspection and
search. ITEMS OF VALUE SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT
TO SCHOOL. The school assumes no responsibility
and will not reimburse learners for any personal
article, equipment or cash that is lost or stolen
from any locker. Each learner is to:
● Use only the locker assigned to the them;
● No learner should allow another person to
use a locker or to learn the combination.
● Lockers must be kept clean and orderly.
● Each learner is responsible for any damage
to the lock and/or locker. Problems should
be reported to the Assistant Principal.
Each learner is reminded to plan locker stops.
Picking up materials from one's locker is not an
excuse for lateness to class or to a study hall. It is
expected that learners only access their lockers at
the beginning of the school day, before/after lunch,
and at the end of the school day.
Search of learner locker
Any learner involved in drug/alcohol incidents or
suspected of a violation of school rules or state
laws, shall be deemed to have consented to the
search of their locker. If the school has suspicion
that any locker is being used improperly for the
storage of contraband, a substance or object the
possession of which is illegal, or any material that
poses a threat to the health, welfare or safety of the
school population, a search will be conducted, per
district policy. General searches will occasionally be
made when authorized by the principal, the
Superintendent, or the Board of School Directors.
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Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty is defined as follows:
● Copying, emailing, or duplicating
assignments, documents or other materials
with the intent of presenting any such items
as “original work”.
● The exchange of school assignments
between learners by printout, digital transfer,
or other means with the intent of submitting
the received assignment as “original work”.
● Possessing formulas, codes, or keywords,
answers on their person while taking a test
when prohibited.
● Using or possessing hidden and/or
unauthorized reference sheets or aids during
a test.
● Using programmed materials in electronic or
battery-operated devices when prohibited.
● Exchanging answers with others when
prohibited (either giving or receiving
answers).
● Taking, stealing, and/or using an
assignment from someone else and
submitting it as their own.
● Giving an assignment or document to
someone else for the purpose of submitting
it as their own.
● Submitting material (written, designed, or
prepared by someone else) without properly
identifying the author/artist name and/or
source (e.g. plagiarizing or submitting work
created by internet sources, family, friends,
or tutors.)
● Taking credit for group work when little or no
personal contribution towards the collective
work is in violation of the established
assignment criteria.
● Not following additional specific guidelines
for academic honesty or integrity as
established by department, class, or
teacher.
● Unauthorized acquisition, use, and/or
distribution of test materials or answer
sheets. (Automatic 3rd offense
consequences)
● Unauthorized use of teacher computer files
and grading programs. (Automatic 3rd
offense consequences)
The following actions will be taken in regard to
learners in violation of this policy:
First Offense
● Teacher calls the parent to explain the
specifics of the incident. If warranted after
the phone call, a parent conference is
scheduled including the teacher, parent,
administrator, and school counselor.
● Teacher uses discretion to determine how
best to have the learner make up the work
● A referral is placed in the learner's
disciplinary file.
Second Offense
● Learner receives no credit for the
assignment until an agreement is reached
between teacher and the learner.
● A parent conference is scheduled including
teacher, parent, administrator, and school
counselor.
● Learner serves 1 day of after-school
detention and may be assigned reteaching
protocol.
● A referral is placed in the learner's
disciplinary file.
Third and Subsequent Offense
● Learner receives no credit for the
assignment until an agreement is reached
between the teacher and the learner
● A parent conference is scheduled including
the teacher, parent, administrator, and
school counselor.
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● Learner serves 1 day of in-school
suspension and may be assigned reteaching
protocol.
● A referral is placed in the learner's
disciplinary file.
General Guidelines
A discipline problem, as defined for the purpose of
these guidelines, refers to any interruption to the
educational process.
Teachers have the responsibility of handling most
discipline problems either individually or with the
support of the administrative team. Many problems
can be
resolved effectively when parents are informed in
the early stages of the problem. When the learner
continues to disrupt the learning environment even
after parents have intervened, then one of the
school administrators becomes involved.
When a discipline problem occurs with a substitute
teacher and/or guest of the school, the
consequences will be increased.
There are certain circumstances in which a behavior
problem is so severe or repeated minor infractions
and violations of the Learner Code of Conduct that,
with the approval of the superintendent, may result
in a referral to an Alternative Education Program if
all efforts to refer and implement in-school supports
are unproductive.
Restorative Practices
As a community of educators, we believe that
building relationships with learners is paramount to
their success. This includes building collaborative
relationships with learners and their families, so
together we can partner to ensure learner success.
The ultimate goal of restorative practices and
school discipline is to build inclusive school
communities that allow learners to remain actively
engaged in learning and minimize the time taken
from instruction and learning. We need the support
of all stakeholders, especially our families, to make
this goal a reality.
Our intentions for restorative practices and
discipline are aligned with the following objectives:
Provide learners with ample opportunities to change
behavior and nurture/restore relationships.
● Provide a program that is progressive and
restorative by design.
● Provide an understanding of appropriate
though varied administrative responses to
discipline referrals, and concerns.
● Provide learners, parents/guardians, and
school personnel with clearly stated
advanced knowledge of the courses of
action to be followed in handling discipline
matters.
● Provide professional learning and support to
employ strategies and actions that align with
the principles of a democratic society.
From Falmouth High School (MA)
Responding to Behavior
Behavioral incidents will be handled on an individual
and case-by-case basis.
Infractions of school expectations are organized in
two levels ranging from least to most serious: minor
and major incidents.
Discipline incidents that are low-level intensity and
do not threaten bodily harm to others or create a
hostile environment to the school community are
considered minor incidents and should be
addressed in the classroom setting.
Discipline incidents that severely interfere with the
learning and safety of others are of a threatening or
harmful nature and/or are legal violations are
considered major incidents and warrant
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administrative intervention and will be addressed
accordingly.
The following chart outlines the examples,
procedures, and consequences aligned with major
and minor infractions. The examples listed are not
exhaustive.
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Level
Examples
Procedures
Consequences
MINOR 1
Minor misbehavior on the
part of the learner which
impedes orderly
classroom procedures or
interferes
with the orderly operation
of the school
● public display of
affection,
● dress code
● violation, general
classroom
misconduct,
● food or drink
outside the
cafeteria, excluding
water,
● non-defiant failure
to follow directions,
● lying,
● academic
misconduct
● The individual
teacher or
academic team will
usually address
Minor 1 offenses.
● A proper, accurate
record of the
offense and the
disciplinary action
taken will be
maintained by the
teacher or team.
● Parental contact is
made.
● Teachers/teams will
assign a
consequence or
consequences that
may include:
● a verbal reprimand,
● special assignment,
● teacher detention,
● counseling,
● withdrawal of
privileges,
● loss of hall pass, or
● learner contract.
MINOR 2
Misbehavior whose
frequency or seriousness
tends to
disrupt the learning
climate of the school
● Unmodified Minor 1
offenses,
● failure to serve
teacher detention,
● tardies to school or
class,
● misconduct outside
the classroom, i.e.,
in the hallway,
cafeteria, or at
school activities,
● bus conduct
● The administrator
and/or office
support team will
usually address
Minor 2 offenses.
● A proper, accurate
record of the
offense and the
disciplinary action
taken will be
maintained by the
administrator.
● Parental contact is
made.
● Administrators will
assign a
consequence or
consequences that
may include:
● a parent
conference,
● learner contract,
● loss of hall pass,
● loss of school
privileges,
● suspension of bus
riding privileges,
● temporary removal
from class,
● after-school
detention,
● activity restriction,
● extended school
day,
● restitution,
● in-school
suspension (1-5
days) or
● out-of-school
suspension (1-5
days).
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Level
Examples
Procedures
Consequences
MAJOR 1
Acts against persons or
property whose
consequences
do not seriously endanger
the health or safety of
others
● Unmodified Minor 2
offenses,
● bus misconduct,
● truancy,
● possession of
tobacco/nicotine
products,
● insubordination,
● disrespectful
speech,
● open defiance of
authority,
● theft (under
$10.00),
● minor vandalism
(under $10.00),
● fighting,
● violation of Internet
Acceptable Use
Policy,
● vandalism to
computer or
computer files,
● leaving school
without permission,
● forgery of notes or
passes,
● excessive tardies to
school,
● profanity,
● obscene gestures,
● possession of
prohibited
● electronic devices,
● distribution of
offensive materials,
● and harassment
● The administrator
initiates disciplinary
action after
investigating the
infraction and, if
necessary,
conferring with staff
on appropriate
consequences.
● The administrator
then meets with the
learner and
contacts the parent
either via a
discipline referral
form or by phone to
explain the
misconduct and the
resulting
consequence.
● Depending upon the
severity of the
incident, the
administrator may
make a referral to
the Superintendent.
● A proper and
accurate record of
the offense and the
disciplinary action
taken will be
maintained by the
administrator.
● If the property is
damaged,
restitution is
required.
● Temporary removal
from class,
● learner schedule
change,
● detention,
● withdrawal of
Internet privileges,
● withdrawal of
computer privileges,
● alternative
education program,
● in-school
● suspension,
● out-of-school
suspension,
● administrative
hearing,
● board hearing,
● expulsion,
● law enforcement
● agency contact,
referral to Learner
Assistance Team as
appropriate,
● suspension of bus
riding privileges for
bus misconduct
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Level
Examples
Procedures
Consequences
MAJOR 2
Acts which result in
violence to another’s
person or
property or which pose a
direct threat to the safety
of
others.
● Unmodified Major 1
misconduct,
● possession, sale,
or use of a
controlled
substance (alcohol,
drugs, drug
paraphernalia,
look-alike drugs),
● arson, extortion,
bomb/bomb
threats,
● possession of
weapons or replicas
of weapons, false
fire alarms,
● indecent exposure,
● criminal trespass,
● inappropriate
touching,
● striking an
employee of the
school district,
● theft (over $10.00),
major vandalism
(over $10.00),
● assault,
● fighting (depending
on severity),
● stealing,
● any violation of
Pennsylvania’s
Criminal Code not
previously covered.
● The administrator
verifies the offense,
confers with staff
as necessary, and
meets with the
learner.
● The parents are
notified, and the
learner is removed
from the classroom
and/or school
environment.
● School officials
contact law
enforcement
agencies and assist
in prosecuting the
learner as
warranted.
● Referral of drug and
alcohol policy
violations are made
to the Student
Assistance
Program.
● A complete and
accurate report is
submitted to the
building principal
and shared with the
superintendent as
necessary.
● Board hearing,
expulsion,
● Alternative
Education Program,
● in-school
suspension (3-10
days),
● out-of-school
suspension (3-10
days),
● law enforcement
officials contacted,
● mandatory referral
of controlled
substance violators
to the Student
Assistance Team.
● Any learner who is
suspended for more
than three days out
of school may not
return to school
without an in-school
parent conference
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Definitions of Consequences
Restricted Lunch (RL)
An administrator or teacher may assign a learner to
RL to modify their behavior. RLs are held during
lunch and iSpartan. Learners must bring academic
work with them to RL.
Should the learner be absent on the day of RL, they
must make up that RL on the first available date
upon their return to school.
Failure to attend an assigned RL will result in the
assignment of after-school detention. Failure to
serve either of these consequences may result in
assignment to ISS in addition to a reassignment of
the detentions.
After School Detention (ASD)
An administrator or teacher* may assign a learner
to detention to modify their behavior.
Administration-assigned detentions are held after
school from 2:30 until 4:00 PM. Learners must
bring academic work with them to detention. An
activity bus is available after detention to transport
learners home. At least one day’s notice will be
given to the learner assigned to detention.
Should the learner be absent on the day of
detention, they must make up that detention on the
first available date upon their return to school.
Failure to attend assigned detention will result in
the assignment of additional detention, for a total of
two. Failure to serve either of these detentions may
result in assignment to ISS in addition to the
reassignment of the detentions.
*Teacher-assigned detentions are held after school
from 2:30 until 2:45 PM with the teacher and then
are transitioned to after-school detention until 4:00
PM.
In-School Suspension (ISS)
A learner assigned to ISS is placed in a restricted
environment away from other learners. The learner
works on assignments provided by the classroom
teachers. Learners who choose not to follow ISS
expectations are either assigned additional ISS time
or are suspended out of school.
Learners who are assigned to the in-school
suspension may not participate in or attend
after-school, evening, or weekend activities until
they have completed their ISS assignment.
Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
In the most serious cases of learner misconduct,
the administration assigns out-of-school suspension
which means exclusion from school and school
activities. OSS is assigned for one to ten
consecutive school days. No learner shall be
suspended without due process.
In those cases where the learner is suspended out
of school and where the parents cannot be notified
or transportation is not available, the learner is
assigned to ISS for the remainder of the school day
on which the OSS consequence is assigned.
During the period of OSS, parents are to assume
responsibility for the learner. For suspensions that
exceed three days, a parent conference with the
administrator will be required in order for the learner
to be reinstated to the school.
Learners on OSS may not be on any school district
property, and, therefore may not participate in or
attend any after-school, evening, or weekend
school-related events until they are reinstated in
school.
Repairing the Harm
A follow-up procedure that reconnects with the
learner following disciplinary actions in an attempt
to repair any harm caused by the situation and
restore a positive relationship and connection to the
school.
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Reconnect involves scheduling a time to meet with
the learner following a negative interaction and/or
delivery of a disciplinary consequence. It is pivotal
to reconnect with the learner because all too often
learners experience negative interactions with the
adults but there is no scheduled follow-up time to
repair and restore the relationship and connection
to the school.
Repair involves the staff’s attempt to fix or
remediate any harm or damage done to the
relationship between the adults and the learner. To
repair the relationship, it is important to
communicate to the learner that the staff is willing
to let go of the previous behavior and start fresh (a
do-over). To repair harm or damage it is important to
validate the learner's motive (wanted to talk to a
peer about something important), feeling (frustrated
with being called a name by another learner), or
function (avoiding academic work by taking a break)
underlying the problem behavior. To do this, one
simply needs to acknowledge that one understands
that it can be.
Restore involves welcoming the learner back to the
class and encouraging the learner that he can be
successful in class. When one spends the time to
successfully reintegrate the learner into the class
and ensure that continued efforts are made to
restore the relationship with the learner, it
decreases the future likelihood of problem behavior.
From Dr. Clayton Gook and Diana Wright)
Due Process Learner Rights
Due Process
All learners shall be treated fairly and honestly in
resolving grievances and complaints, and in the
consideration of any suspension or expulsion. All
learners have the right to fair and reasonable
treatment of their learner grievances and discipline
by school officials.
Learner Conference Procedures
● Inform the learner of the reason for the
conference.
● Give the learner an opportunity to respond
to the allegation(s).
● Discuss the learner's behavior and ways to
correct it.
● Inform the learner of corrective action
and/or next steps.
● Document behavior and intervention.
Parent Conference Procedures
● Notice of conference may be provided to the
parent/caregiver via one of the following
mediums: phone, text, writing, or
hand-delivered to the home, sent certified
mail, faxed, emailed, or sent by other
reasonable means to reach the
parent/caregiver.
● When a learner is suspended out of school
for more than 5 consecutive days, a parent
conference may be required and attempts
will be made to make sure the meeting is
held in a timely manner.
● At the conference, the parent may request to
review the learner's record.
● Discuss the learner's behavior and ways to
correct it.
● Inform parents of further disciplinary action
(if applicable).
Suspension Procedures
According to Pennsylvania State Law, a suspension
is defined as the denial to a learner of the right to
attend school and take part in any school function
for any period of time up to 10 days. For the
purposes of this Learner Code of Conduct, a
suspension will be classified into two categories:
Short-term and Long-term.
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Short-Term Suspension is an exclusion from school
and/or any school activity or function for a period of
5 school days or less. Learners who are suspended
shall meet with the principal or designee prior to the
suspension. During the conference, the learner has
the right to the procedures described under the
Learner Conference Procedures outlined in this
Learner Code of Conduct.
Long-Term Suspension is an exclusion from school
and/or any school activity or function for a period of
6 to 10 school days. Learners who are given a
long-term suspension shall have a learner
conference and the possibility of a parent
conference. If warranted, during the parent
conference, the learner and parent have the right to
the procedures described under the Parent
Conference Procedures outlined in the Learner Code
of Conduct. In some cases, a parent conference
with the building principal may be required prior to
the learner's return.
Transfer Hearing Procedures
The Alternative Education (AEDY) setting provides
learners with high-quality educational programs and
support that prepare, ensure, and empower all
learners to achieve their full intellectual and social
potential. Learners not meeting with success due to
a pattern of disruptive behavior and/or serious
violations of the Learner Code of Conduct may be
referred to an AEDY placement.
Any learner referred for a transfer to an AEDY
placement may also be suspended and provided the
procedures indicated in the Suspension Procedures
outlined in this Code of Conduct.
Expulsion Procedures
According to Pennsylvania State Law, expulsion is
defined as an exclusion from school and any school
activities for more than 10 school days. Learners
that have committed an offense that is subject to
expulsion will also be suspended and have the right
to the procedures indicated under Suspension
Procedures outlined in this Learner Code of
Conduct.
In addition, learners will receive an Expulsion
Hearing. (Learners/Parents can agree to waive their
right to an Expulsion Hearing should one be offered
by the administration.) The learner may be
represented by counsel at an Expulsion Hearing. In
addition, the learner has the right to:
● Present witnesses;
● Request and cross-examine District
witnesses; and
● Review learner records in advance
In the event that a learner is being considered for
expulsion, an informal hearing will be held to
determine if the learner poses a threat to the
school community. If the hearing officer determines
that the learner cannot remain in their regular
classroom setting pending a formal expulsion
hearing, an interim assignment will be provided.
Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY)
The Eastern Lancaster County School District has a
number of learners who experience difficulty coping
with the general education program. These learners
often fail to learn and disrupt the learning
environment for their fellow learners. AEDY is
proposed to meet the needs of said at-risk learners
who are not able to succeed in the regular
education setting. Criteria to determine which
program will be best for a learner are considered.
Learners may be eligible for enrollment in AEDY if
they exhibit the following behaviors or other
unacceptable behaviors:
● Disregard for school authority, including
persistent violation of school policies and
rules;
23
● Display of or use of controlled substances
on school property or during school-affiliated
activities;
● Violent or threatening behavior on school
property or during school-affiliated activities;
● Possession of a weapon on school property,
as defined under 18 Pa. C.S. Ṩ 912 (relating
to possession of a weapon on school
property);
● Commission of a criminal act on school
property or during school-affiliated activities;
● Misconduct that would merit suspension or
expulsion under school policy.
Learners are placed in the program on the
recommendation of the building administration. A
meeting of parents and the learner takes place with
the school administrator. The learner is informed of
the program’s structure.
Discipline for Learners with Disabilities
The District may suspend learners with disabilities
and cease educational services for up to 10
consecutive school days or 15 cumulative school
days in one school year without providing special
education procedural safeguards. The District will
provide the following safeguards for learners
referred for expulsion, transfer to an AEDY setting
for discipline reasons, or suspension for more than
10 days, or for more than 15 cumulative days:
● Written notice to the parent/guardian of the
recommended disciplinary action and the
date of an Individualized Education Program
(IEP) meeting.
● A team shall convene a Manifestation
Determination meeting within 72 hours of
the misconduct with the parents having been
invited.
● During the IEP meeting, the IEP team shall
review the learner's most current evaluation
and the learner's IEP and placement to
determine whether the learner's misconduct
is related to the learner's disability. The
misconduct is not related to the learner's
disability if (i) the current IEP was
appropriate and implemented; and (ii) the
disability does not impair the learner's
ability to understand the consequences of
their behavior and control their behavior.
● If the learner's behavior is not a
manifestation of the disability, school
officials may apply the Uniform Discipline
Code, taking into consideration the learner's
special education and disciplinary records.
In no event, however, may the learner be
suspended without providing appropriate
educational services for more than five (5)
consecutive or fifteen (15) cumulative school
days in a school year. A Notice of
Recommended Educational Placement
(NOREP) must be issued with the results of
this determination.
● The IEP team shall review and revise, if
necessary, the behavior intervention plan or,
as necessary, complete a functional
behavior assessment and intervention plan
to address the misconduct.
● The IEP team shall determine the
appropriateness of an interim alternative
educational setting, and as indicated,
include in the IEP those services and
modifications that will enable the learner to
continue to participate in the general
curriculum and address the behavior so that
it will not recur.
● The IEP team shall issue a NOREP with the
results of the Manifestation Determination.
Police Involvement
There are times when the secondary administration
may need to refer discipline issues to the police or
the ELANCO School Resource Officer (SRO). Please
refer to the ELANCO District Handbook for detailed
information concerning police involvement.
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For complete ELANCO policies please reference the
ELANCO's policy website.
Bullying
Eastern Lancaster County School District is
committed to providing all learners with a safe,
healthy, and civil school environment in which all
members of the school community are treated with
mutual respect, tolerance, and dignity. The School
District recognizes that bullying creates an
atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from
the safe environment necessary for learner
learning, and may lead to more serious violence.
Therefore, the School Board will not tolerate bullying
by district learners.
Harassment
The Board prohibits all forms of unlawful
harassment of learners and third parties by all
district learners and staff members, contracted
individuals, vendors, volunteers, and third parties in
the schools. The Board encourages learners and
third parties who have been harassed to promptly
report such incidents to the designated employees.
The Board directs that complaints of harassment
shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action
be taken when allegations are substantiated.
Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained,
consistent with the district's legal and investigative
obligations. No reprisals nor retaliation shall occur
against individuals as a result of their good faith
charges of harassment or cooperation with the
investigation of harassment complaints.
For more information reference Board Policy 248.
Controlled Substances
Eastern Lancaster County School District and the
School Board recognizes that the abuse of
controlled substances is a serious problem with
legal, physical and social implications for the whole
school community. As an educational institution, the
schools shall strive to prevent the abuse of
controlled substances.
Random Drug Testing
The Eastern Lancaster County School District
recognizes that drugs and alcohol have a serious
and deleterious effect on learners’ motivation,
memory, judgment, coordination, reaction time, and
overall performance. Long-term use of these
substances can compound these problems and
negatively affect learners academically, physically,
and emotionally. The school district wants to provide
a legitimate reason for learners to refuse to
consume or use drugs and alcohol and provide
assistance to learners who have problems with
these substances.
Internet/Computer Acceptable Use
The Eastern Lancaster County School District has a
very clear and specific policy. Learners may not use
Eastern Lancaster County School District computers
for access to the Internet or e-mail without a signed
agreement on file and the approval and supervision
of a teacher or School District staff member.
Weapon
The Board prohibits learners from possessing and
bringing weapons and look-alike weapons into any
school district buildings, onto school property, to
any school-sponsored activity, and onto any public
vehicle providing transportation to school or a
school-sponsored activity or while the learner is
coming to or from school.
For more information reference Board Policy 218.1.
Terroristic Threat
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The Board prohibits any district learner from
communicating terroristic threats directed at any
learner, employee, Board member, community
member, school building, school facility, or school
vehicle.
For more information reference Board Policy 218.2.
Medication Policy
The Eastern Lancaster County School District
recognizes that, under certain circumstances, it is
necessary for learners to receive medication during
school hours. Whenever possible, medication
should be given to learners at home, before or after
school. Medication administration will follow,
whenever possible, the procedure described on the
medication form. The “Medication Administration
Consent Form” needs to be filled out completely
prior to the administration of medication. The form
can be found on our school website or from the
school nurse.
Prescription medications must be delivered in the
original container with the label prepared by the
pharmacist or physician and will be administered in
accordance with the direction of a physician and
written permission from the parents. Any medication
that is a controlled substance (such as Ritalin)
must be delivered to the school by the
parent/guardian.
Over-the-counter medication must be delivered in
the original container with the directions and
expiration date clearly legible, and will be
administered according to the labeled instructions
with written parental consent and for not more than
five (5) days. If the medication is to be administered
for longer than 5 days, a physician’s order is
required along with written consent.
Learners are expected to come to the health room
at the appropriate time to take the medication.
All requests for medication administration must be
renewed at the beginning of each school year.
All medication must be kept in the nurse's office.
Specific prescribed medication (inhalers and
EpiPens) may be carried by the learner only after
proper paperwork is complete and the nurse gives
permission.
The nurse is authorized to administer or decline to
administer medication based on best nursing
practice.
Guidance
Two full-time, certified school counselors serve
middle school learners, parents, and teachers.
Functioning as learners advocates, the counselors
provide both individual and group counseling. The
school counselors are available to help learners
with their problems, whether problems are
school-related, vocational, social, or personal in
nature. If a learner's counselor is unavailable when
a learner
asks to see them, the learner should request a
guidance pass from the secretary.
Counselors also are responsible for learner
orientation, scheduling, and new learner-parent
consultation.
Tutoring
After-school (CrossNet) tutoring is available by
request on certain days of the week. After-school
tutoring is a volunteer-staffed tutoring program
provided for learners from 2:30 until 4:00 PM
weekly. For additional information, contact the
learner’s school counselor.
Extended School Day
When learners are not prepared for class, do not
complete homework or are otherwise academically
deficient, teachers may assign extended school
days. An extended school day provides an
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opportunity for learners to catch up on work under
supervision. If a learner chooses not to attend
extended school days, additional consequences will
be assigned.
Extended School Day will be held on certain days
from 2:30 until 4:00 and activity buses are
available for transportation home.
Parents may also request their child to stay for an
extended school day by contacting their child’s
school counselor.
SAP
SAP is a program that identifies learners who are
having school-related difficulties because of either
substance abuse issues or mental health issues.
Composed of a core team of trained school
personnel, the learner assistance team refers
learners and their families to those community
agencies that can offer assistance and support.
Referrals to the Student Assistance Program may
be made by parents, teachers, or individual learners
by contacting any of the school counselors or the
school nurse.
Safe2Say
Safe2Say Something (S2SS) is an anonymous
reporting system for school-related concerns. The
S2SS program enables learners to report
something to protect themselves, their classmates,
and the community and to help prevent violence,
suicides, or threats. We strongly encourage learners
to talk to trusted adults about their concerns;
however, if a learner is not in school or does not
have an adult they can tell, they can choose to
report their concerns through the S2SS program.
There are 3 ways to submit a tip in S2SS:
● The Mobile App(Safe2Say Something PA)
● Website – Safe2SayPA.org
● Hotline – 1-844-SAF2Say
Health Services
It is the intent of the school health program to
provide health counseling, appraisal, screening,
referral, and follow-up through program planning,
development, and evaluation.
The primary purpose of the Eastern Lancaster
County School District’s school health program is
the optimal maintenance, promotion, protection,
and improvement of learner, staff, and community
health. The school health program personnel
collaborate with learners, parents, educators, staff
members, and other community resources to assist
the learner to develop competence to confidently
cope with the complexities of life. The program is
designed to assure a safe, healthy environment that
is conducive to learning, and to provide professional
care for those who become ill or injured while at
school.
The school health program is no substitute for the
health care which parents should provide for
children. Rather than relieving parents’
responsibilities, this program is established to
encourage individuals to utilize the services of a
private physician, dentist, optometrist, and/or
community health agency.
More information can be found on the ELANCO
website under "Departments" > "Nurse/Health
Services."
Education Rights of Homeless Children/Youth
Any resident child that becomes a “homeless child”
may continue attending their current school when
the child’s family becomes homeless. Homeless
learners are defined as individuals lacking a fixed,
regular, and nighttime residence which can include
the following conditions:
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A. Sharing housing with other persons due to
loss of housing or economic hardship
B. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or
camping grounds due to lack of alternative
adequate accommodation
C. Living in emergency, transitional, or
domestic violence shelters
D. Abandoned
E. Living in cars, parks, public spaces, or other
places not designed for or ordinarily used as
regular sleeping accommodations for human
beings
F. Living as migratory children in above
conditions
G. Living as runaway child
H. Living as school age unwed mothers in
homes for unwed mothers if they have no
other accommodations
Hail to our school of blue and gray,
To thee we give our praise,
Our honor and our loyalty,
For all our joyous days.
The friendship that we've made anew
Shall never be forgot
Hail to our Alma Mater
Hail to Garden Spot!
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