TC-9000-1

9000—GENERAL PUBLIC AND ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONS

9001 School Community Relations

Goals and Objectives

9010 Informing the Public and Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

School-Sponsored Information Media

9020 News Media Relations (Cf. 9190)

News Releases

News Conferences and Interviews

9060 Information and Campaigns

Use of Students

9100 Board-Community Relations

Community Involvement in Decision-Making

Community Activities and Performances

9170 Solicitations

Solicitations in Schools

Solicitation of Students

Solicitation by Students

9190 Interviews with Students

9230 School Volunteers

9250 Use of District Facilities (Cf. 3340)

9290 Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities

Definition of Disturbances or Disorders

9300 Tobacco Products On/In District Premises

Notification

9350 Public Gifts and Bequests

Gifts to Schools

Income From Gifts and Bequests

Students’ Gifts to the School

9370 Free Materials Distribution in Schools

Political Campaign Materials

Special Interest Materials

SN Includes advertising in school publications, on school property and sponsored advertising of school events

Dissemination of Religious Materials

9380 Advertising on District Property

TC-9000-2

9400 Visitors to the Schools

Public/Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Visitors to the Schools

9410 Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Visitation of Classrooms

9450 Complaints

9470 Loitering - Unauthorized Persons

9520 School-Community Cooperation

9570 Relations With Law Enforcement and Investigating Authorities

9670 Relations With Federal Governmental Authorities

9710 Relations With Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Organizations (Cf. 9730)

9730 Relationship With Booster Organizations (Cf. 9710)

9820 Intermediate District Relations

9840 Student Teaching and Internships

9855 Dual Enrollment and Credit

Credits and Grade Reporting

9920 School Accreditation

9001 School Community Relations 9001

Goals and Objectives

Educational public relations is a planned and systematic two-way process of communication between the Board, the District, and its internal and external publics. Its program serves to stimulate a better understanding of the role, objectives, accomplishments and needs of the organization. Educational public relations is a management function which interprets public attitudes, identifies the policies and procedures of an individual organization with the public interest and executes a program of action to encourage public involvement and to earn public understanding and acceptance.

The Board shall, through its staff:

· Keep the patrons of the District regularly informed through available channels of communication on policies, programs, problems, and planning of the school system;

· Invite the advice and counsel of the District patrons; and

· Solicit input of the District patrons through advisory committees selected from the community and appointed by the Board.

The Board seeks to establish a satisfactory working relationship with all governmental, educational and private agencies having an interest in the operation of all public schools and whose goals are compatible with those of the District.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9010 Informing the Public and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) 9010

The Board supports the right of the community to know about programs, services, policies and administrative operations of the District. The Superintendent shall develop procedures and techniques for ensuring an open line of communication, subject to legal restrictions, between the staff and District residents.

The Board believes that it is essential for parent(s)/guardian(s) to be regularly informed of their students’ progress in school. Principals and school personnel are encouraged to use a variety of means to keep District parent(s)/guardian(s) informed about student academic achievement as well as student programs and activities.

School-Sponsored Information Media

The Superintendent and staff are encouraged to use all available school sponsored media, such as publications, radio, and television, to keep the goals, programs, achievements, and needs of the schools before the public.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9020 News Media Relations (Cf. 9190) 9020

The Board shall cooperate fully with all responsible news media representatives in order that the public may be more fully informed about the operations of its schools.

News Releases

Routine news and information concerning school events and programs may be released to the press by or with the approval of the administrator of the school or program concerned. All other news releases prepared for public distribution under the auspices of the District by employees or students of the District must have the approval of the Superintendent prior to release. Exceptions shall be writings of athletic events, recreation or community education activities, and school social events that relate only to a particular school.

News Conferences and Interviews

All news conferences and interviews will be scheduled in such a manner that they do not disrupt the regular learning activities of the schools.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9020-R News Media Relations 9020-R

News Releases

The Superintendent shall prepare copies of school news releases approved by his/her office for any member of the Board upon request.

Staff members shall observe the following procedure when releasing information to the news media, except in regard to athletic events, recreation or community education activities, and school social events:

1. If a staff member is approached by the news media concerning a feature story or program peculiar to that staff member or building, a request for approval shall be made to the building Principal, who shall request authorization from the Superintendent;

2. If a staff member wishes to initiate a feature story for the news media, he/she should discuss the story with the building Principal. If it is agreed that the project will be pursued, the Principal shall seek the Superintendent’s approval. If the Superintendent approves, he/she shall contact the appropriate media representative(s) or authorize the Principal to do so; and

3. Teachers are asked not to contact the media directly, but to work through the building Principal on all news releases or feature stories.

9060 Information and Campaigns 9060

All information campaigns of the District shall be under the direction of the Superintendent. District funds shall not be used in millage campaigns.

Use of Students

Students shall not be used by the Board in any capacity to implement any information program of the District except that notes, attendance center announcements or related information may be sent home via students.

Any information to be distributed by students should have the approval of the office of the Superintendent.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9100 Board-Community Relations 9100

The Superintendent shall seek ways to involve citizens in the work of the school and to stimulate citizens to know more about the schools.

Community Involvement in Decision-Making

The Board shall inform the community about, and may involve the patrons of the District in, the decision-making process. Ideas may be solicited from community patrons in curriculum, program design and delivery, policies, career development, citizenship, funding, and other matters as the Board deems necessary.

Community Activities and Performances

The Board encourages all students to participate in community activities insofar as such activities do not conflict with their school duties.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9170 Solicitations 9170

All persons seeking to sell, solicit, or display an item relating directly to expenditures of District funds to any school employee on school premises must first secure permission from the building Principal or Superintendent before any appointment is made. All such appointments approved by the Superintendent or building Principal shall be held before or after regular school hours. All other solicitations of, or by, District employees are prohibited except where expressly approved by the Superintendent.

The Board discourages all solicitations of and by staff members during regular school hours.

The Board discourages all solicitations of and by students during regular school hours.

Solicitations in Schools

Except as approved by the building Principal, commercial firms shall not be permitted to solicit students during school hours in attendance centers or on school grounds.

Solicitations from organizations outside the school are forbidden.

All special sales projects by students are subject to the approval of the Board. This policy shall include sale of advertising, magazines and merchandise.

Commercial schools, colleges or other agencies shall be permitted to meet with seniors or solicit prospective students only when the invitation and arrangements are approved by the building Principal. Counseling of students relative to continuation of their schooling or to job placement by outside organizations shall be handled through the guidance department under the supervision of the guidance counselor.

Solicitation of Students

Solicitation of students by anyone within the schools or on school grounds for any cause is prohibited. This prohibition includes the selling of tickets to students for any purpose or cause other than for a school sponsored activity.

9170 Solicitations 9170-2

Solicitation by Students

Solicitations by students within the schools or on school grounds for any cause is prohibited except as they relate to school-sponsored activities.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9170-R Solicitations 9170-R

Agents, solicitors and salesmen shall not be permitted to take time of teachers or students from normal student or teaching activities.

The students and faculty of the District shall not be used to promote commercial or private financial interests, either through direct sales or through promotion of competitive goods or services.

This rule applies to those activities, promotions and sales originating outside the school. Exception to this rule as written above shall be made in the case of jointly sponsored school activities and school-sponsored parent-teacher activities.

Materials and projects submitted for consideration under this rule must be made in writing to the Superintendent. Requests shall be considered in light of good taste, appropriateness and the proposal’s direct contribution to the educational values in the school. Consideration shall be given at all times against unreasonably added work and responsibility for staff members.

Any individuals or organizations violating the policy on solicitations shall be reported to the Board by the Superintendent. Violators may be denied further access to school premises by Board action.

Solicitations of Staff Members

All vendors must secure permission from the building Principal to interview a school employee on District property. If any vendor violates this procedure, he/she may be barred from making appointments with school employees. The Principal may also recommend to the Superintendent not to purchase products or other such items from said vendor. If a vendor violates Board policy and is subsequently barred from soliciting in the school system, the Superintendent shall send appropriate notices to each building Principal.

9170-R Solicitations 9170-R-2

The notice will include the name of the vendor, his/her company and reasons for and length of the suspension. The Superintendent may bar a vendor from soliciting sales from District employees for a period of time not to exceed 12 months from the date of suspension. Said notice will be sent to the vendor in question and to his/her immediate employer. The rights of the vendor may be restored, at a time sooner, upon petition by the vendor to the Board.

9190 Interviews with Students 9190

Any representative of the news media seeking to interview any student during regular school hours must first gain the approval of the building Principal or designated representative.

The building Principal shall regulate all interviews with students so that such interviews do not interfere with the educational activities of the students involved.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9230 School Volunteers 9230

The District encourages the use of volunteers in the schools to enhance its educational programs.

Volunteers shall serve only in an auxiliary capacity under the direction and supervision of certified school personnel.

To maintain a safe and educationally appropriate environment for all students, volunteers are expected to abide by the District’s policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.

At the discretion of the Superintendent or his/her designee, prospective volunteers may be required to undergo a criminal history check and/or an unprofessional conduct background check as described in Policy 5175. If necessary, the District shall bear the full cost of the inquiries.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1204a

9250 Use of District Facilities (Cf. 3340) 9250

The Board encourages the use of physical facilities under its control by groups and organizations that have as their objective educational programs and community welfare. Buildings and facilities should be available to the public as widely as the regular school programs will permit.

These regulations are designed to provide wide community use of facilities under Board jurisdiction with the necessary restrictions. Building facilities must be places where children and adults can develop desirable and responsible citizenship. The community has invested a great deal in buildings, and the buildings will be available whenever the regular school or programs are not impaired by such use.

While the Board has always adopted an attitude of service, it must be remembered that service does cost money, and budgetary consideration must be realized. Practical economies dictate that the community use of buildings should not be at the detriment of the regular school programs.

The Board will permit the use of school facilities when such permission has been requested in writing by a responsible organization or a group of citizens and has been approved by the Superintendent.

District facilities shall be available for the uses listed below. When there are competing interests for the use of facilities, approval will be given according to the following priorities:

Category 1: School District Uses

A. Uses directly related to the schools, the school program, and the operation of the schools, including meetings of employee groups.

9250 Use of District Facilities 9250-2

B. Uses and groups indirectly related to the schools. (Community Education/school-affiliated programs/community groups, approved school partnerships, PTA's, DARE, etc.

C. Departments or agencies of the municipal government

Category II:

Formal non-profit community groups and organizations, primarily comprised of District residents, providing educational, social, cultural, religious, or recreational activities for members of the Kalkaska community at large.

Category III:

Organizations/groups from outside the District, commercial users, private for-profit businesses or vendors.

The use of District grounds and facilities shall not be granted for any purpose which is prohibited by law.

Should all or any part of the District's community be struck by a disaster, the Board shall make District grounds and/or facilities available, at no charge, for the housing, feeding, and care of victims or potential victims when requested by local, state, or federal authorities. The Superintendent should meet with the disaster preparedness team to establish a disaster preparedness plan in order to ensure that proper procedures are established to minimize confusion, inefficiency, and description of the educational program.

9250 Use of District Facilities 9250-3

The Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the granting of permission to use District facilities, including a schedule of fees. Such guidelines are to include the following:

A. Each user may be required to present evidence of the purchase of organizational liability insurance to the limit prescribed by District administrative guidelines.

B. Use of school equipment in conjunction with the use of school facilities must be requested specifically in writing and may be granted by the procedure by which permission to use facilities is granted. The users of school equipment must accept liability for any damage or loss to such equipment that occurs while it is in their use. Where rules so specify, no item of equipment may be used except by a qualified operator.

C. Users shall be liable financially for damage to the facilities and for proper supervision.

No liability shall attach to the District, any employee, officer, or member of the District, specifically as a consequence of permitting access to these facilities.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 333.12601 et seq.; AG Opinion #6460; Lamb’s Chapel v Center Moriches Union Free School District

9290 Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities 9290

The Board shall, to the full extent of its legal powers, ensure that every student and adult has an opportunity to attend school activities without fear or harm of injury to person or property. The Board shall not allow persons with disruptive intent to endanger the safety of students, school personnel or other adults; to damage school property; to interfere with school activities or the educational process; or to attempt to close the schools.

Disorder and disruption of school activities shall not be tolerated, and persons attempting such action shall be held accountable. When it becomes necessary to protect students, personnel, patrons and property, the Board shall seek the enforcement of all laws and prosecution of those who violate the law. Violation of any law and/or city ordinance shall be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency, prosecutor and courts for proper disposition.

Prosecution of those causing disorder, disruption or disturbances on school property will be conducted under existing city, county and state laws and ordinances.

The Board recognizes the right of peaceful dissent providing that dissent does not infringe upon the rights of others. Further, exercising that right encourages open and constructive communication that may lead to improvement and betterment of school activities.

In accordance with administrative guidelines to be developed by the Superintendent, Principals shall be held responsible for providing for the safety and welfare of students and adults and the protection of school property from damages or injury by any person or groups of persons.

Definition of Disturbances or Disorders

For the purpose of this section, state statutes covering disturbance of the peace or disorderly conduct shall be used as a basis for prosecution.

9290 Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities 9290-2

Any city, county, or township ordinance in effect at the time of any disturbance at a school activity shall be used by the Board to aid in the prosecution of any individual or groups of individuals responsible for such disturbance.

Upon conviction of any disturbance or disorderly conduct, the individual or groups of individuals will be barred by Board action from attending any District-sponsored activity or event held on school property. The length of the ban shall be determined by the Board and shall be based on the seriousness of the act or disturbance. The Board authorizes its staff members to enforce the ban, if any, by any reasonable force including calling law enforcement officials to aid them in carrying out their assigned duty.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9290-R Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities 9290-R

General Procedures

The following guidelines are for the use by Principals in the event of disturbances, disorder or demonstration on or near the school site and apply to both students and adults.

The final decision for determining the nature of assistance needed at a disturbance, disorder or demonstration is the responsibility of the school Principal. In the absence of the Principal, the determination is to be made by the assistant Principal or the person designated to be in charge of the building or activity.

The school administration and staff are responsible for handling any student or problems caused by adults. The Superintendent shall be notified immediately of any serious problem at the school. The Principal shall seek the advice of the Superintendent, as well as inform him/her of any decisions and progress toward resolving the problem.

In the event disturbances are caused by adults or non-students, the appropriate law enforcement officials shall be called for assistance. The chief administrative police officer or his/her designee should be alerted ahead of time when problems are suspected. Such official shall direct the activities of the police at the scene of any disturbance. The Principal shall serve as liaison when police are on the scene.

Specific Procedures

In the event of a disturbance or disorder, the Principal shall make an immediate assessment of the situation to determine the danger or potential danger to students, personnel, patrons or school property. If there is apparent danger to any of the above, steps shall be taken immediately to reduce or eliminate the danger by whatever means necessary as granted under the Principal’s authority to discipline or maintain crowd control. The Principals shall decide upon a course of action and, to the extent possible, inform the school staff so that all can cooperate in carrying out that decision.

9290-R Crowd Control at School Sponsored Activities 9290-R-2

The Principal “on the scene” and in charge shall maintain a “log” in which are listed the date, time and nature of each incident, the names of persons involved and a description of action taken.

Whenever the situation requires the assistance of the police, the Principal or his/her designee shall request such assistance. Police action will be determined by police officials and their assessment of the situation.

The Board wishes to emphasize that any persons who create disturbances or disorders at any school activity shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The Principal “on the scene” and in charge shall sign the necessary complaint papers or encourage available witnesses of the act to do so. In any event, a complaint will be signed. The Board’s attorney shall take whatever action is necessary to expedite proceedings to prosecute anyone causing a disturbance at a school function.

9300 Tobacco Products On/In District Premises 9300

Tobacco products shall not be used by any person in District buildings or on District property, except in outdoor areas after 6:00 p.m. on school days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and non-school days.

Notification

Copies of the smoking and tobacco-free products policy shall be distributed to all employees and made available to all students and visitors and shall be published in student and staff publications.

Approved: March 10, 2003

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 333-12601 et seq.; AG Opinion #5336; 750.473

9350 Public Gifts and Bequests 9350

The Board will consider the acceptance of gifts from the public.

Gifts to Schools

All gifts given to the schools will become the property of the District.

The Superintendent is authorized to accept gifts to the District, and others whom he/she may designate will be authorized to accept gifts for particular schools, on behalf of the Board.

In instances where the Superintendent or his/her designee doubts the appropriateness or usefulness of an offered gift, the gift may be declined or the matter may be referred to the Board.

The Board welcomes gifts of books and other materials to school libraries provided that they meet the same standards of selection as those applied to the purchase of library materials.

Income From Gifts and Bequests

Income derived from gifts and bequests shall be credited, if possible, to the fund requested by the donor. If the request of the donor cannot be fulfilled, the gift or bequest shall be deposited in the capital fund of the District or any other fund specified by the Board.

Students’ Gifts to the School

Student organizations, with prior approval of the organization’s sponsor and building Principal, may donate a portion of the organization’s funds to a school or to the District for specific purposes enumerated by them. Such donations must have final approval of the Superintendent or the Board depending on the size of the gift or its potential use.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9370 Free Materials Distribution in Schools 9370

The Board reserves the right to refuse distribution of any material by outside individuals or groups to the students of the District.

Political Campaign Materials

In order to further citizenship training, the Board encourages responsible use of political materials for use in the appropriate classroom setting. Subject to the approval of the Superintendent, each building Principal shall establish rules and regulations governing the distribution of political campaign materials in the school building during election campaigns in order to afford opportunity for all viewpoints to be considered. No student shall be forced to participate in the distribution or receipt of any political materials.

Special Interest Materials

The Principal of each building shall establish rules and regulations governing the distribution of special interest materials in the building.

Dissemination of Religious Materials

Materials that have a religious content may be made available to students during non-instructional time. The District shall impose content neutral, time, place, and manner restrictions on the dissemination of religious materials to ensure that students are aware that the materials are not being endorsed or sponsored by the District.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9380 Advertising on District Property 9380

The Board recognizes that business and cultural organizations make available for public use information which is of value in advancing student education. This information may not be made available through other sources.

The facilities, the staff or the students of the District shall not be used in any manner to advertise or promote commercial, cultural, organizational or other non-school interests except that the District may:

1. Utilize films and other instructional aids furnished by private sources when the advertising content is reasonable in the judgment of the Principal of the school involved;

2. Cooperate through announcements and distribution of program material with nonprofit community organizations that supplement the school program when such cooperation will not interfere with the school program;

3. Permit participation on a student option basis in essay, art, science, and similar contests sponsored by outside interests when such activities parallel the curriculum and contribute to the educational program;

4. Release promotional material for non-school athletic and cultural events only through appropriate school departments;

5. Accept, but not actively solicit, limited advertising on extracurricular activity schedules and programs at the discretion of the Principal of the school involved; or

6. Permit other exceptions when, in the judgment of the Superintendent, students of the District will benefit. The Superintendent may refer specific cases to the Board for decision

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9400 Visitors to the School 9400

All school buildings shall be posted so as to require all visitors to first make their presence known to the appropriate building Principal before proceeding to contact any other person in the building or on the grounds.

Any person who visits a building and/or grounds of the District will be under the jurisdiction of the building Principal who shall be responsible for developing rules and regulations governing the presence of visitors in the buildings.

The Principal has the authority to request aid from any law enforcement agency if any visitor to the District’s buildings or grounds refuses to leave or creates a disturbance. Violation of this rule may lead to removal from the building or grounds and denial of further access to the building or grounds. Violators of this Board policy and its rules may be subject to governmental trespass laws.

Public/Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Visitors to the Schools

The Board encourages the public and parent(s)/guardian(s) to visit the District’s schools, departments and classrooms and directs the Superintendent to establish appropriate rules, regulations and guidelines.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) visits shall be made in accordance with the following guidelines:

· Parent(s)/Guardian(s) visits shall be scheduled with the teacher and the building Principal.

· The Principal or designated representative shall accompany the parent(s)/guardian(s) on the visit if the parent so desires.

· Such visits are for the purpose of becoming acquainted with school instruction, programs, personnel, operation and/or the facility.

· Parent(s)/Guardian(s) shall refrain from giving directions or making evaluations of personnel or operating procedures during their visits.

9400 Visitors to the School 9400-2

· If a school visit leaves a parent(s)/guardian(s) with a concern, this concern should be discussed with the building Principal or Superintendent.

Board members who have students in the schools and therefore have parental/guardian opportunities to converse with their student’s teacher, counselor or administrator shall make it clear that they are speaking and/or visiting as a parent(s)/guardian(s) and not as a member of the Board.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9410 Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Visitation of Classrooms 9410

The Board recognizes the central role parent(s)/guardian(s) play in the education of their children, and supports active parental/guardian involvement in the educational process. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their child’s instructors. To familiarize themselves with their child’s learning environment, parent(s)/guardian(s) are also encouraged to come to planned conference evenings, school open houses, and visitation days.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may also visit their child’s classes on other days, subject to the approval of school administration and the following guidelines. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are asked to understand the Board’s responsibility to safeguard the learning environment for all students, and be sensitive to the disruption that can be caused by having strangers frequently observe the classroom and place demands on teacher time. The Board also has an obligation to protect the privacy rights of all students and their families by ensuring that the frequency of visitations by one parent/guardian does not allow that parent/guardian to develop inappropriate knowledge of the behavior or academic progress of other students.

The Board adopts the following regulations for parent(s)/guardian(s) visitations:

1. All parent(s)/guardian(s) visitations are subject to the approval of the school Principal, who is charged by the Board with the responsibility of guaranteeing the learning environment and privacy of students.

2. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) desiring to visit a classroom shall make a request in writing to the Principal no later than two days prior to the date of the visit. The Principal should consult with the teacher and respond to the parent(s)/guardian(s) in a timely manner.

3. Visitors are required to check in at the school office prior to the start of the class which they wish to observe, and to follow individual school procedures for visitor sign-in, passes, escorts, etc.

9410 Parental Visitation of Classrooms 9410-2

4. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) in classrooms are there as guests and are asked to behave as quiet observers of classroom activities, unless specifically requested otherwise by the classroom teacher. Visitors should arrive before the start of class and stay until the class is dismissed.

5. Except on special open house or visitation days arranged by the Superintendent, no more than two visitors shall be permitted in a classroom on any given day.

6. To protect the privacy of other students, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a student are limited to two classroom visits per marking period, and agree to keep any information gained on the behavior or performance of other students strictly confidential.

7. Visitation shall not be allowed during tests or other student examination/evaluation.

8. Teachers are expected to use the time between classes for preparation, meetings with students, and discussion with colleagues. Visiting parent(s)/guardian(s) are to refrain from using classroom observations for impromptu parent(s)/guardian(s)-teacher conferences either during or outside of class time. An appointment should be made with the teacher if the parent(s)/guardian(s) wishes to discuss their child’s educational progress. Teachers shall at all times refrain from discussing the behaviors or achievement of other students with visiting parent(s)/guardian(s).

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who fail to abide by these regulations or who intentionally disrupt the educational process of the school may be asked to leave and/or be denied permission for future visits.

The Superintendent shall ensure that the provisions of this policy are published in the appropriate handbook(s) and that copies are provided to visitors.

Depending on provisions in the collective bargaining agreement, some items in this model policy may have negotiation/labor relations implications.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9450 Complaints 9450

The Board welcomes constructive criticism to improve the District and/or the educational program. All complaints should be resolved at the lowest possible level.

The proper channeling of most complaints is as follows:

1. Teacher or staff;

2. Principal;

3. Superintendent;

4. Board of Education.

Any complaint about the District, including instruction, discipline, District personnel policy, procedure, or curriculum should be referred through proper administrative channels before it is presented to the Board for consideration and action.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9470 Loitering - Unauthorized Persons 9470

Unauthorized persons loitering on or about any school building or on school grounds shall be asked to leave the premises. Any such person failing to leave the premises shall be considered guilty of disorderly conduct or trespassing and the law enforcement officers shall be notified and requested to remove the individual from the building or grounds.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9520 School-Community Cooperation 9520

The Board recognizes that many governmental agencies and community organizations, while not primarily concerned with education, play a definite role in education.

Therefore, it will be the desire of the Board to establish positive working relationships with all other public and private organizations which contribute to the education process and to the general welfare of the citizens of the community.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9570 Relations With Law Enforcement and Investigating Authorities 9570

Cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students, for maintaining a safe environment in the District schools, and for safeguarding all school property.

The behavior of students outside of school hours and away from the school grounds is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) rather than the educational system. A student under suspicion of having committed a misdemeanor or crime at times or places outside the jurisdiction of the school authorities, is entitled to the guidance, assistance and protection of the parent(s)/guardian(s). Police questioning of students in the schools and during school hours should be undertaken only after the parent(s)/guardian(s) have been duly notified and are present.

Because of the nature of such investigation and because of the statutory authority bestowed upon the Department of Social Services in regard to the investigation of child abuse, authorized agents of said department with proper identification shall be permitted to talk with students in school. Arrangements shall be made by the building Principal, with the interview being conducted in the presence of the Principal or his/her designated representative.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 722.628

9670 Relations With Federal Governmental Authorities 9670

The Board shall make every effort to keep its members informed of federal legislative proposals that affect schools. The Board may take positions on such issues and communicate such positions to congressmen and U.S. senators either directly or through its state association. Copies of positions sent to congressmen and U.S. senators may be sent to the Michigan Association of School Boards as a matter of record. The Board shall encourage its members to take an active role in influencing federal legislation affecting schools.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9710 Relations With Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Organizations (Cf. 9730) 9710

Each parent(s)/guardian(s) organization should request official recognition by the Board, and in so doing, present its purposes and goals, along with its constitution and bylaws, to assist the Board in its deliberations as to whether or not the organization should be recognized as a bona fide community/school group supported by the Board. Once recognized, such organizations shall work closely with the Board and school personnel in the buildings or the departments which they represent in any projects carried on for the benefit of the school or school programs.

The Board encourages active support and cooperation with parent(s)/guardian(s) organizations by administrators, teachers and other employee groups.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9730 Relationship With Booster Organizations (Cf. 9710) 9730

All school associated organizations, such as booster groups, which are formed to promote and assist in the financing of a given activity for the improvement of student education, shall be approved and recognized by the Board. These organizations must keep on file in the Superintendent’s office a record of officers, bylaws, mailing addresses and other pertinent information.

Booster organizations shall handle their own accounting and bookkeeping procedures and maintain their own separate accounts for income and expenditures.

All purchases by such organizations shall be billed directly to them and sent to their mailing addresses and not to the schools or the District.

Equipment and material purchased by these organizations and presented to the school shall become the property of the school and under the control of the Board.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

9820 Intermediate District Relations 9820

The Board is committed to cooperating with the Intermediate School District in special programs and services provided by such Districts. The Superintendent shall assume the responsibility of evaluating the various programs and services provided, alerting the Board to such services and recommending to the Board participation in various services and programs. Guidance to the Board shall be given by: (1) the educational value to students; (2) the effect on the efficiency of operation of the school system; and (3) the economic factors involved in relationship to the service and the District’s budget.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 380.624

9840 Student Teaching and Internships 9840

The Board recognizes the student teacher program as an important aspect of a future teacher’s education. Therefore, the Board will cooperate with institutions of higher education in training student teachers.

All persons involved in this program must recognize that the first and primary responsibility of the District is to the students within its schools. If at any time a student teacher become unacceptable, the District reserves the right to refuse the student teacher further teaching experience within the District.

Approved: February 13, 2002

Reviewed:

LEGAL REF: MCL 380.1531b

9840-R Student Teaching and Internships 9840-R

When placing student teachers and interns in the District, the Superintendent and staff shall:

1. Provide for placement of student teachers and interns with outstanding teachers who shall serve as supervisors;

2. Protect students from being overexposed to student teaching, and teachers from excessive supervisory responsibilities toward student teachers and interns;

3. Ensure placement of student teachers and interns without regard to race, color, sex, age, creed, national origin or handicap; and

4. Make provisions with higher education institutions to provide for cooperative selection of students to be placed in the District’s schools.

Student Teacher Selection

Prospective student teachers shall complete a standard application form and be interviewed by the building Principal who shall determine whether or not the student is acceptable.

Supervising Teacher Selection

The building Principal shall be responsible in determining those teachers on staff who may be designated as supervising teachers. This shall be done with the prior approval of the teaching staff.

The duties and responsibilities of supervising teachers and building Principals regarding student teachers and interns can be found in the appropriate staff/faculty handbooks on file in the District and school offices.

If at any time a student teacher or intern becomes unacceptable, the District reserves the right to refuse that student teacher or intern further teaching experience within the District.