Annual Notices

The South Park School District provides its employees, students, and guests (“users”) access to technology resources including, but not limited to, electronic communications systems, computers, computer networks, networked devices, hardware, software, internet access, mobile devices, peripherals, copiers and cameras.

The Board supports the use of the district’s technology resources to facilitate teaching and learning, to provide access to information, to aid in research and collaboration, to foster the educational mission of the district, and to carry out the legitimate business and operation of the district.

The use of the district’s technology resources is for appropriate school-related educational and operational purposes and for the performance of job duties consistent with the educational mission of the district. Use for educational purposes is defined as use that is consistent with the curriculum adopted by the district as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of students. All use for any purpose must comply with this policy and all other applicable codes of conduct, policies, procedures, and rules and must not cause damage to the district’s technology resources.

All employees and students are responsible for the lawful use of the district’s technology resources in accordance with this policy. This policy is intended to ensure that all users continue to enjoy access to the district’s technology resources and that such resources are utilized in an appropriate manner and for legitimate purposes.

Authority

The district’s technology resources are the property of the district. The district provides these resources for educational and operational purposes as stated herein and are not provided as a public access service or to provide a public forum.

The Superintendent or his/her designee is ultimately responsible for overseeing the district’s technology resources. The Superintendent will designate a network administrator who will serve as the coordinator and supervisor of the district’s technology resources and networks, and who will work with other regional and state organizations as necessary to educate users, approve activities, provide leadership for proper training for all users in the use of the district’s technology resources and the requirements of this policy.

The Superintendent or his/her designee is directed to implement Internet safety measures to effectively address the following, both through general policy and through the use of filtering technology:[1][2][3]

1. Access by minors to inappropriate or harmful content.
    
2. Safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and social networking.
    
3. Prevention of unauthorized access of district technology resources.
    
4. Prevention of unauthorized disclosure and dissemination of minors’ personal information.

Definitions

District Technology Resources - district technology resources means all technology owned, operated, and/or licensed by the district, including computers, projectors, televisions, video and sound systems, mobile devices, calculators, scanners, printers, cameras, portable hard drives, hardware, software, accounts, applications, cloud storage, routers, and networks, including the Internet.

User - User means anyone who utilizes or attempts to utilize district technology resources while on or off district property. The term includes, but is not limited to, students, staff, parents and/or guardians, and any visitors to the district that may use district technology.

Guidelines

Unauthorized Use Prohibited

All users of district technology resources are subject to this policy. All students and staff shall be notified of and provided a copy of this policy annually. Unauthorized use, utilizing another user’s district account, or exceeding one’s authorization to use district technology resources is prohibited. Nothing in this policy, however, shall prevent a Parent or Guardian from assisting his or her child with the use of the district’s technology resources, or from monitoring a student’s use of the district’s technology resources in the student’s home. 

Use of Personal Electronic Devices

The use of personal electronic devices on the district network is permitted only on designated networks. When a user connects a personal electronic device to a district network or district technology resources, this policy and its guidelines apply. Users are subject to the same levels of monitoring and access as if a district-owned device were being utilized. Users who connect a personal electronic device to a district network explicitly waive any expectation of privacy in the content exchanged over the district technology resources.

Privacy

The district reserves the right to monitor any user’s utilization of district technology resources. Users have no expectation of privacy while using district technology resources whether on or off district property. The district may monitor, inspect, copy, and review any and all usage of district technology resources including information transmitted and received via the internet to ensure compliance with this and other district policies, and state and federal law. All e-mails and messages, as well as any files stored on district technology resources may be inspected at any time for any reason. The district may decrypt and inspect encrypted internet traffic and communications to ensure compliance with this policy.

Internet Filtering and CIPA Compliance

The district utilizes content and message filters to prevent users from accessing material through district technology resources that has been determined to be obscene, offensive, pornographic, harmful to minors, or otherwise inconsistent with the district’s educational mission. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall establish a procedure for users to request that a legitimate website or educational resource not be blocked by the district’s filters for a bona fide educational purpose. Such requests must be either granted or rejected within three school days pursuant to the established procedure.[1][2][3]

The Board directs that the Superintendent or his/her designee ensure that students at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels are educated about appropriate online behavior including interacting via social networks and in chat rooms, cyber-bullying, and disclosure of personal information.

Monitoring

District technology resources shall be periodically monitored to ensure compliance with this and other district policies including monitoring of users’ online activities. The network administrator designated by the Superintendent shall ensure that regular monitoring is completed pursuant to this section. However, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, shall also implement procedures to ensure that district technology resources are not utilized to track the whereabouts or movements of individuals, and that remotely activated cameras, audio, and/or location tracking are not utilized except where necessary to recover lost or stolen district technology, or to help locate a student or staff member in the event of an emergency.  

District Provided Resources

District technology resources may be assigned or allocated to an individual user for his or her use (e.g., individual e-mail accounts, laptop computers, etc.) Despite being allocated to a particular user, the technology resources remain the property of the district and may be revoked, suspended, restricted, or inspected at any time to ensure compliance with this and other district policies. Users do not have an expectation of privacy in any district provided technology resource or any of its contents.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence websites, applications, and tools may only be used on District Technology Resources in accordance with the district’s Artificial Intelligence Policy, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

General Prohibitions

The following uses of district technology resources are prohibited:

1. Use of technology resources to violate the law, facilitate illegal activity, or encourage others to do so.
    
2. Use of technology resources to violate any other district policy.
    
3. Use of technology resources to engage in any intentional act that might threaten the health, safety, or welfare of any person or persons.
    
4. Use of technology resources to cause, or threaten to cause harm to others or damage to their property.
    
5. Use of technology resources to bully, or to communicate terroristic threats, discriminatory remarks, or hate.[9][10][11][12]
    
6. Use of technology resources to communicate words, photos, videos, or other depictions that are obscene, indecent, vulgar, rude, profane, or that advocate illegal drug use.
    
7. Use of technology resources to create, access, or to distribute obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, pornographic, harassing, or terroristic materials, firearms, or drug paraphernalia.[13]
    
8. Use of technology resources to attempt to interfere with or disrupt district technology systems, networks, services, or equipment, including, but not limited to, the propagation of computer “viruses” and “worms”, Trojan Horse, and trapdoor program codes.
    
9. Altering or attempting to alter other users’ or system files, system security software, system or component settings, or the systems themselves, without authorization.
    
10. The attempted physical harm or attempted destruction of district technology resources.
     
11. Use of technology resources in a manner that jeopardizes the security of the district’s technology resources, or in a manner that attempts to circumvent any system security measures.
     
12. Use of technology resources to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, and/or data belonging to other users or to the district.
     
13. Use that conceals or attempts to conceal a user’s identity, including the use of anonymizers, or the impersonation of another user.
     
14. Unauthorized access, interference, possession, or distribution of confidential or private information.
     
15. Using technology resources to send any district information to another party, except in the ordinary course of business as necessary or appropriate for the advancement of the district’s business or educational interests.
     
16. Use of technology resources to commit plagiarism or other academic dishonesty, including unauthorized use of artificial intelligence in contravention of a clear notice that such use is not permitted.
     
17. Installing, loading, or running software programs, applications, browser extensions, or utilities not explicitly authorized by the district technology staff.
     
18. Installing unauthorized computer hardware, peripheral devices, network hardware, or system hardware onto technology resources.
     
19. Copying district software without express authorization from a member of the district’s technology staff.[4]
     
20. Use of technology resources for commercial purposes.
     
21. Use of technology resources for political lobbying or campaigning, not including student elections (e.g. student government, club officers, homecoming queen, etc.)
     
22. Use of district technology resources to tether or otherwise connect to a non-district-owned device to access an unfiltered and/or unmonitored internet connection.
     
23. The use of proxies or other means to bypass internet content filters and monitoring.
     
24. The use of technology resources to gamble.
     
25. Unauthorized access into a restricted system or changing settings or access rights to a restricted system or account.
     
26. The use of encryption software that has not been previously approved by the district.
     
27. Sending unsolicited mass email messages, also known as spam.
     
28. Scanning the district’s technology resources for security vulnerabilities

Copyright

The illegal use of copyrighted materials is prohibited. Any data uploaded to or downloaded from the network shall be subject to fair use guidelines and applicable laws and regulations.[4][5]

District Website

The district shall establish and maintain a website and shall develop and modify its web pages to present information about the district under the direction of the Superintendent or designee. All users publishing content on the district’s website shall comply with this and other applicable district policies.

Delegation of Responsibility

Users shall not copy or download information from the district website and disseminate such information on unauthorized web pages without authorization from the building principal.

Limitation of Liability

Consequences for Inappropriate Use of District Technology

Violations of this policy may result in the temporary or permanent revocation of a user’s right to access district technology resources or the imposition of restrictions on an individual user’s access. Additionally, students may be subject to other forms of disciplinary actions for violations of this policy and/or local, state, and/or federal law.[6][7][8]

The Superintendent shall develop procedures, in cooperation with the district technology staff, for the acceptable use of all district technology resources, including, but not limited to: software, hardware, electronic devices, servers, and networks.

The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the services it provides through its various technology resources. The district is not responsible, and will not be responsible, for any damages, including loss of data, resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained through the district's technology resources is at the user's own risk. 

Legal

1. 20 U.S.C. 7131

2. 47 U.S.C. 254

3. 24 P.S. 4604

4. Pol. 814

5. 17 U.S.C. 101 et seq

6. Pol. 218

7. Pol. 233

8. Pol. 317

9. Pol. 103

10. Pol. 104

11. Pol. 249

12. Pol. 247

13. Pol. 237

24 P.S. 4601 et seq

47 U.S.C. 254

18 Pa. C.S.A. 2709

Pol. 113.1

Pol. 220

Pol. 816

Pol. 824

The South Park School District recognizes that bullying of students has a negative effect on the educational environment of its schools. Students who are bullied, intimidated or fearful of other students may not be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the school district. Bullying of a student by another student is strictly prohibited on school property, in school buildings, on school buses, and at school-sponsored events and/or activities whether occurring on or off campus.

Read The Full Bullying/Cyberbullying Policy

All district employees, independent contractors, and volunteers are required to comply with identification and reporting requirements for possible child abuse, as well as training requirements for recognition and reporting of child abuse as to comply with the Child Protective Services Law and School Code. School employees, independent contractors, and volunteers shall make a report of suspected child abuse if they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse circumstances:

• The school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer comes into contact with a child in the course of their employment, occupation, and the practice of a profession or
• through a regularly scheduled program, activity, or service.
• The school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of the child.
• A person makes a specific disclosure to a school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse.
• An individual fourteen (14) years of age or older makes a specific disclosure to a school employee, independent contractor, or volunteer that s/he has committed child abuse.

Read the Full Child Abuse Policy

SOUTH PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 
SPECIAL EDUCATION 
PARENTAL INFORMATION NOTICE 

PROCEDURES TO LOCATE, IDENTIFY, AND EVALUATE STUDENTS 

As prescribed by section 1402 of the School Code, the South Park School District routinely conducts a visual acuity screening for all students at each grade level and a hearing acuity in kindergarten and grades 1, 2, 3, 7 and 11. Speech and language skills are screened for all students in kindergarten, for all newly enrolled students, as well as on a referral basis. Gross motor and fine motor, and academic skills, and social/emotional development are continuously assessed by classroom teachers. A Home Language Survey is completed for all students at registration to screen for English as a Second Language services. Specific needs from screening are recorded in the child's official file. Screening information may be used by the Student Assistance Program (SAP) Team at each school to plan, implement, and monitor appropriate interventions. Screening information may also indicate a need for further evaluation. Parents and Guardians that have concerns about their student may contact the school Principal, Assistant Principal, or School Counselor to request a screening or SAP Team referral, or may contact the School Psychologist for consideration of additional evaluations that may be needed for their child.  

Interventions are designed by the SAP Team to provide for a child's learning including their academic, sensory, physical, speech, social, and behavioral needs, so that students can be successful in the general education curriculum and programming. If a student does not demonstrate progress, then a parent/guardian may be asked for informed consent so that the School District may conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation. The multidisciplinary evaluation is a process of gathering information and completing assessments necessary to design a program for a child's educational needs. Parent input is requested and tests, interviews, and other assessments are conducted by teachers and education specialists as necessary to obtain information about a student's educational strengths and needs. A parent or guardian may request in writing that the school district initiate a screening or evaluation of their child if there are concerns at any time. The reason for referral should be stated in the letter and it should be submitted to the School Psychologist.  
  
Once the evaluation is completed an Evaluation Report (ER) is prepared. The ER includes findings from school records, observations, and assessment data, information about the child's strengths and needs, a statement as to whether a child is exceptional, and if so, specific recommendations necessary to best inform subsequent educational programming. The ER is distributed to team members for review and signature, and a meeting is offered to the team to discuss findings. The School District will then notify and invite parents, guardians, and students in writing, or through a series of documented telephone calls or home visits, of the opportunity to participate in an educational/team meeting during which the multidisciplinary evaluation will be discussed and any subsequent educational programming developed. The educational team may consist of the following members: the parents/guardians, the student, a school principal/assistant principal, a special education teacher, a general education teacher, the school psychologist, school social worker, and/or school counselor, the director of special education, and other teachers or educational specialists as necessary and appropriate based on a student’s presenting needs. The parents/guardians, and students, if age 14 or older, are required to discuss transition planning for any students identified with a school-age disability.

In advance of the IEP meeting procedural safeguards are provided to families that describe rights and protections afforded to parents and students related to identification, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities. These include the parent and guardian rights to be notified about a student's program, progress, and any substantive changes in programming and/or placement, the right to approve or reject programs and evaluation, and the right to privacy of educational records. If a student is determined to be eligible for special education support and services the educational team will develop a written Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP includes information about the student’s present levels of academic and functional performance, strengths, needs, and identifies annual goals and objectives. The IEP also includes modifications, any needed related services, and outlines for accommodations. Upon completion of the meeting and development of the IEP the parents and/or guardians are presented with a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) which indicates level, type, and placement where services will be provided. Parents/Guardians may choose to agree or disagree with the educational recommendation of the NOREP. There is an opportunity to resolve disagreements through informal meetings, conferences, mediation, a pre-hearing conference, or due process hearing.  
  
Information regarding student services, special education, and programs offered through South Park School District is available upon request from the building Principals or the Interim Director of Special Education, Kathleen Wooddell, at 412-532-0036. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES 

The South Park School District provides special education programming and related services to meet the needs of students identified with school-age disabilities. The school district also provides programs and services to students identified as gifted. The following types of services/supports are available for student placement, either at a school building located in or outside the school district: learning support, emotional support, life skills support, speech and language support, physical support, autistic support, multiple disability support, and gifted support. Children with disabilities are supported based on individual needs. The individualized programs and services that are provided to eligible students are determined through the student’s IEP team. In addition, psychological, counseling, speech and language, hearing, gifted, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, orientation/mobility, and vision support services are available at each school building. Students who require supports and programming outside of what can be offered at South Park may attend programming in approved private schools and licensed private school settings as determined appropriate by the IEP team. However, the District makes every effort to provide supplemental aides and services to maintain student’s access to general education classes and non-disabled peers within comprehensive school settings. All services and programs are offered to the child at the South Park School District's expense.  

PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTS 

In compliance with state and federal law, the South Park School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities. These aids, services, and accommodations may include, but are not limited to, specialized transportation, modified equipment, adjustments in the student's program, or the
administration of needed medication. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program. These services and protections for "protected handicapped students" are distinct from those applicable to all disabled students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. 
For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact Kathleen Wooddell, Interim Director of Special Education, South Park School District, 2001 Eagle Pride Lane, South Park, PA 15129 (Phone: 412-532-0036). 

EDUCATION RECORDS/PRIVACY RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS 

The South Park School District and its employees are required by federal law, and state and federal rules and regulations to protect the rights of students. The foundation of these rights comes from federal legislation entitled Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendment). There are also state rules and regulations regarding regular and special education students' rights, including those related to privacy. All students are protected by the State regulations contained in Chapter 12, known as Students: Rights and Responsibilities. 

The basic assurance of the above-mentioned laws, rules, and regulations is that information about students cannot be disclosed without written parental consent. There are three different categories of information maintained by the school including education records, personally identifiable information, and directory information. Educational records consist of information directly related to a student, which are maintained by an educational agency. Personally identifiable information includes the student's name, the name of the parents or other family members, and a personal identifier or a list of personal characteristics that would make the student's identity easily traceable. Education records and personally identifiable information cannot be disclosed or released without written parent consent or, if a student is over 18, without student consent. 

School records are always open and available to parents, as well as to those school officials with a legitimate need to know. Information from school records may be released to other persons or agencies only with appropriate authorization that requires written, signed permission from parents. Communication with parents and exceptional students shall be in their native language. 

Information that can be released without consent is called directory information. Directory information refers to information contained in an educational record of a student which would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The School District designates which information is labeled as directory information. It shall include the following: the student's name, address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height, membership on athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution that the student attended. Parents have the right to refuse to let the School District release directory information pertaining to their child. If you refuse to permit the School District to release any or all directory information pertaining to your child, your objection must be received by the District in writing. 

Disclosure of information means to permit access to, or the release, transfer, or other communication of education records, or the personally identifiable information contained in these records, to any party, by any means, including oral, written, or electronic means. This means that information about a student cannot be shared even in conversation without permission, and applies to South Park School District personnel who do not have an educationally relevant reason to possess such knowledge of the student. 
Written parental consent is necessary for disclosure of personally identifiable information and educational records. The consent must:

1. Specify the records that may be disclosed, 
2. State the purpose of the disclosure, and 
3. Identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made.

Furthermore, South Park School District must maintain a written record of disclosure for the parents to inspect in case information has been released. 

• If a student transfers to another school system, records will be forwarded to the new school upon receipt of written notification of enrollment. Parental permission is not required. 
• A high school transcript will be released to post-secondary educational institutions or prospective employers only upon a parent's and/or student’s written authorization. 
• A copy of the school district education records policy is located in the Principal's office of each school, as well as the District Administrative Offices and is available for inspection upon written request. 

The District's policy on student records which is in compliance with Pennsylvania State Board of Education regulations and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records until age of majority (21). These rights are: 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. 
   • Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. 
   • Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. 
   • One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. 
   • A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. 
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: 

Family Policy Compliance Office 
U.S. Department of Education 
400 Maryland Avenue, SW 
Washington, DC 20202-4605 

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY 

The South Park School District, an equal opportunity employer, will not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, physical handicap, or union membership. This policy of nondiscrimination extends to all other legally protected classifications. Publication of the policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1978, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For more information, contact the South Park Title IX Coordinator, Ms. Chelsea Campolongo at 412-655-3111.
 

The Board declares it to be the policy of this district to provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs offered in the schools regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or handicap/disability. 

The South Park School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, pregnancy or handicap/disability. The district shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws including Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Any person who believes that s/he has been subjected to discrimination shall report all incidents of such conduct to Chelsea Campolongo, Title IX Coordinator, 2005 Eagle Ridge Drive, South Park, PA 15129 or by calling (412) 655-3111.

The Board shall enroll school age students eligible to attend district schools, in accordance with Board policy, laws and regulations.

Read The Full Enrollment in District Policy

Read the Full Kindergarten Enrollment Policy

As required by the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)] and the Every Student Succeeds Act [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)], parents/guardians have a right to know the professional qualifications of their children’s teacher(s). This is to inform you of your right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:

• Whether the State of Pennsylvania has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches.
• Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency permit or other provisional status through which state licensing criteria have been waived.
• The teacher’s college major, whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees.
• Whether any instructional aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child, and if they do, their qualifications.

All teachers and paraprofessionals are highly qualified. If you would like to receive specific information about your child’s teachers or paraprofessionals, contact your school’s principal. 

More information is provided on the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  These rights are:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the district receives a request for access. Requests should be submitted in writing to your child’s principal and should identify the records you wish to inspect.
• The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents/guardians or eligible students who wish to ask the district to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent/guardian or eligible student, the school will notify the parent/guardian or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent/guardian or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.
• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202.

For more information about FERPA, please contact your building principal or the South Park School District Administration Office at (412) 655-3111.

You may apply for free or reduced price school meal any time during the school year. 

More Information

The Board prohibits hazing in connection with any student activity or organization regardless of whether the conduct occurs on or off school property or outside of school hours. No student, parent/guardian, coach, sponsor, volunteer, or district employee shall engage in, condone, or ignore any form of hazing. Students who believe they, or others, have been subjected to hazing are encouraged to promptly report such incidents to the building principal.

Read The Full Hazing Policy

In compliance with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as reauthorized in 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the South Park School District is attempting to identify all children within the district that may be experiencing homelessness.

The term homeless children and youth is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes individuals who are in the following situations.

• Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
• Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations or similar settings;
• Living in substandard housing (no running water or working utilities, infestations, etc.)

Children who are experiencing homelessness may qualify for assistance with free school lunch, school supplies/materials, tutoring and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin throughout the duration of their homeless episode.

If you believe your child(ren) may qualify for this service, please contact Dan Sivak If your living situation changes during the school year, and you and your children become homeless, please be sure to contact the school. We will work with you so that your child(ren)’s education is disrupted as little as possible.

Eligible students have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
• Enroll in the local school or continue attending the school of origin
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students

More Information

The South Park School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our goal is to protect every student from pesticide exposure by using an IPM approach to pest management. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school building and grounds an unfavorable habitat for theses pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school building and grounds to detect any pests that are present. The pest monitoring team consists of our building maintenance, office and teaching staff and includes our students. Pest sightings are reported to our IPM coordinator who evaluates the “pest problem” and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pest, etc.

From time to time, it may be necessary to use chemicals to manage a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals are used, the school will try to use the least toxic product when possible. (Applications will be made only after normal school hours.) Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.

All parents or guardians of students enrolled in the affected school will receive notification via a flyer distributed to students at the school three days prior to spraying. Parents or guardians of students who may be more susceptible to pesticide spray may be placed on the school notification registry. Students on the registry will receive notification via direct mail. If you would like to be placed on the registry, please notify the principal of your child’s school in writing. Each year the District will prepare a new notification registry.

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem (ex. stinging insects), notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification in writing. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products, self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, and gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids, and swimming pool maintenance chemicals.

If you have any questions, please contact your building principal or Mr. Jason Giuntini, IPM coordinator, at (412) 655-3111 or jason.giuntini@sparksd.org. 

This policy, including the rules, regulations and guidelines, is a coordinated effort by the South Park School District to openly and effectively respond to the potential and current uses and abuses of drugs, alcohol and mood-altering substances by students.

It is our goal that South Park School District will be free of drugs and alcohol and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning.

The primary responsibility of the South Park School District is the education of its students. Students have the right to a safe, secure and peaceful school environment. Students and staff are protected from harm and supported by a climate conducive to learning. Collaboration between members of the entire school, parents/guardians and the community is critical to this prevention effort. 

Read The Full Substance Abuse Policy

The South Park School District receives funds from the federal government under the Every Student Succeeds Act. These funds are used in a variety of ways to provide additional help to students in greatest academic need. The law also requires that districts receiving these funds must, upon request, provide to military recruiters, colleges and universities access to the names, addresses and telephone listings of secondary students.

Parents/guardians who do not want their student’s information to be released by South Park High School to military recruiters, colleges, universities and/or institutions of higher learning should submit a written request to Mr. Justin Dellarose, High School principal.

The South Park School District promotes and communicates student achievements and activities through district publications and the media. Students may be interviewed, photographed and/or recorded on video and their names may appear for use in district publications, on the district’s website, on the district’s social media pages, on South Park Community TV, in local newspapers or on television. Names of students may appear in district publications, the district’s website, the district’s social media pages, on South Park Community TV,  in local newspapers or on local television. Students are also identified by name when appropriate to the use of the photograph or video footage.

Photos and/or videos will be taken unless a note from the student’s parent/guardian is sent to the school office stating you do not want your child’s photo and/or name to be used. The request will be in effect for that school year only and can be changed by submitting a written request to the school office.

The board reserves the right to authorize its employees to inspect a student’s locker when such employee has reason to believe that the locker is improperly used for the storage of contraband, a substance or object the possession of which is illegal, or any material which poses a hazard to the safety and good order of the schools. Generalized and random locker and vehicle searches (including canine sniff searches) are authorized and may be made without notice and require no particular presence of an illegal substance, such reaction shall constitute reasonable individualized suspicion so as to permit a search of the individual’s locker or vehicle. Drug sniffing dogs will not be used to search a student’s individual person.

The Board of School Directors authorizes the use of metal/weapon detection scanning systems and devices, including walk-through units and handheld wands, for the regulation of entry of students, staff, and/or the general public into school facilities and school-sponsored activities, whether on or off school grounds, under the direction of the Superintendent.

Read the Full Searches Policy

All district property, facilities, buses, and athletic fields are no smoking/no tobacco areas. This applies to all persons and includes all tobacco types.

The South Park School District carefully selects systems and online resources that uphold the privacy of students and staff. When using third-party platforms that offer digital content, tools, or immersive experiences, it may be necessary to provide certain personally identifiable information - such as a student's name and email address - to ensure proper functionality.

Under federal law titled Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), websites must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The law permits school districts to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of all of its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent given directly to the website. If the site or service does not collect your student's personal information, COPPA does not apply to the site or service.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is a U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, giving parents (and eligible students) rights to access, amend, and control disclosure of those records. If an app used by a school district is described as "FERPA compliant," it means the app is designed and operated in a way that safeguards student data and aligns with FERPA’s requirements for protecting educational records.

Through the TrustEd Apps Program, 1EdTech regularly vets the privacy policies and regulatory compliance of hundreds of edtech companies of all types using an open standard privacy rubric designed and utilized by 1EdTech members. TrustEd Apps gives institutions and suppliers a helping hand to reduce the time and worry spent determining whether a particular edtech tool meets today's expectations in data privacy.

The following list of applications are approved (in part or in whole) for teachers at South Park to use with their students for learning. These apps appear to comply with both COPPA and FERPA regulations and can be made available to students in the District. Access is determined by grade level, ensuring students only use content that is aligned to their academic needs. Anything not on this list is neither supported nor managed by the District.

Click here to view third-party apps.

The Board prohibits any district student from communicating terroristic threats directed at any student, employee, Board member, community, or school building. Since it is impossible to know with any certainty whether a threat is going to be carried out, the district always treats threats in a serious manner and acts as though the person may carry out the threat. These matters require prompt, discreet, and responsible action.

Read The Full Threats Policy

The use of video and audio recording equipment supports efforts to maintain discipline and to ensure the safety and security of all students, staff, contractors, and others being transported on district-owned, operated, or contracted school buses or school vehicles. The district shall comply with the provisions of federal and state law and regulations regarding student record requirements as applicable to the district’s use and disclosure of recordings.

Recordings considered part of a student’s educational record shall be maintained in accordance with established student record procedures governing access, review, and disclosure of student records.

Read the Full Transportation Audio & Video Policy

Students are prohibited from possessing and bringing weapons and/or replicas of weapons into any district building, onto school property, to any school-sponsored activity, and into any public vehicle providing transportation to school or a school-sponsored activity or while the student is coming to or from school.

Read the Full Weapons Policy