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September 2020
MARSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER – September 2020
- Sept. 1st, 2020 - Ready, Set, Goal Conferences
- Sept. 2nd, 2020 - First day of school
- Sept. 7th, 2020 - No School
- Sept. 14th & 17th - Picture Days for Students
Ready, Set, Goal Conferences will be on Tuesday September 1st. Please use “sign up genius” to book your appointment time with your student’s advisor. More information will be coming from your student's teacher on sign up. We encourage in person appointments for incoming 6th grade students, however virtual appointments can be made for all students.
If you have an in person meeting, we do require masks to be worn and social distancing to be followed.
Immunization Requirements for 2020/21 School Year
Grade |
DTP/Dtap |
Tdap |
Polio |
Hepatitis B |
MMR |
Varicella |
Grade 6-9 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
All Season 1 Sports at Marshall have been cancelled.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
ANNUAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.
The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.
The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district 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 district 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. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Board Policy 5030
STUDENTS
BULLYING PREVENTION
The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed. The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying. The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).
Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.
Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion. This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.
Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District.
Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know. All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services. Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.
The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.
Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.
This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees. It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.
Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.
Administrative Regulation 5030.1
STUDENTS
BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.
Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:
Step One
Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.
Step Two
The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.
All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.
Step Three
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision. The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final.
Consequences for Retaliation Violations
Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying
The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying. Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.
Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.
Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior.
Developing a plan to make amends for the incident.
Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.
Maintenance of Complaint Records
The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:
Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,
Date the complaint was filed,
Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,
Name and address of the respondents,
Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,
Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and
Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.
Definitions:
General Definition Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.
Discriminatory Bullying:
This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures.
Types of Bullying:
Physical: Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body. Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spiting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing.
Verbal: Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusation.
Non-verbal/Emotional: Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Bullying by Proxy: Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.
Hazing: Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
Administrative Regulation 5030.2
Students
A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.
October 2020
Marshall Middle School Newsletter October 2020
October 16 - Pink Out Day
October 21- Parent/Teacher Conferences 4 PM to 7 PM
October 22 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 8 AM to 7 PM - No School for Students
October 23 - No School for Middle School Students
October 29 - End of 1st Quarter
October 30 - No School for Secondary Schools (MS & HS)
Pink Out Day! – Each year Marshall has a school wide PINK OUT DAY, where everyone is encouraged to wear pink, for Cardinals for the Cure the date this year is 10-16-2020.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON MOVING?
If you will be moving from your current home address please contact Marshall Middle School office at 743-6226 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school. Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.
If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.
If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.
Kindergarten Enrollment
2020-2021 School Year
School District Residents
If you have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and they are not currently enrolled in a School District of Janesville Pre-school for Janesville (P4J) or Early Childhood (EC) program it is time to enroll in the Janesville Public School District. Enrollment will take place at the Educational Services Center located at 527 S. Franklin St. (administration building) in the New Student Enrollment office. You may enroll anytime during the two week period.
Weeks of December 1-4 and December 7-11
If you cannot attend the enrollment period please come in as soon as possible to enroll after December 11, 2020. Enrollment in the district is required for participation in orientation. When you enroll, you will need your child’s birth certificate for proof of age, proof of residency (top portion of a utility bill, or current lease) to determine school assignment, immunization records and photo identification. If you have questions on general enrollment, please contact the New Student Enrollment office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requests for School Transfer/Placement within the School District (yellow forms) for incoming kindergarten students should be submitted through the enrollment process. Forms are available at all schools, as well as at the Educational Services Center. If you have questions regarding this process contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The status of requests will be determined by January 15, 2021 if they are turned in by December 11th. If you have a student currently attending a school under a School Transfer/Placement within the School District, it does not automatically qualify your kindergarten student for attendance at the same school; however, siblings are generally assigned to the same school. In order for your kindergarten student to attend the same school as a sibling, you must submit a request during the Kindergarten Enrollment time frame.
If you know of a child in your neighborhood or from community activities that would be entering kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please pass this enrollment information on.
Non-District Residents
If you are a non-resident of the School District of Janesville and have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and would like your child to attend the School District of Janesville you must also apply for OPEN ENROLLMENT. The timeline for Open Enrollment is February 1 to April 30, 2021. Currently open enrolled non-residents in a P4J or EC program do not need to re-apply. If you have questions regarding the Open Enrollment process, please contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.
Public School Open Enrollment Timelines
The State of Wisconsin has announced the application period for open enrollment (also known as public school choice) begins in February for the following school year. Open Enrollment laws permit children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
The open enrollment application period for the 2021-2022 school year is from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021. Parents are encouraged to apply on-line at dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Although on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district after February 1, 2021 and must be delivered (hand-delivery is recommended) to the nonresident school district during the application period. Paper applications to attend Janesville must be submitted to the Open Enrollment Specialist in the New Student Enrollment Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 30th (a postmark does not constitute timely submission). Applications turned in prior to February 3rd will be returned as not valid and must be resubmitted after February 1st, but before April 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment in a requested school or program is subject to space and other limitations and is not guaranteed. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Habitual truancy may result in recommendation for the student to return to their home district.
Under School District of Janesville board policy, students who attended the district under open enrollment the previous year are not required to reapply for the following school year.
An application is required for each sibling in the family. For example, if a family has one child in elementary school that has been approved for open enrollment and a new student entering kindergarten next year, the student entering kindergarten must apply for open enrollment in order to attend the School District of Janesville.
Parents will be informed in June whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied. The student’s school or program placement will be provided in June.
If you have questions, please contact the Open Enrollment Specialist at 743-5152.
Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas
Due to Move:
If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue). Complete the form and return it to the school office.
Due to Parent Choice:
If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2020-2021), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow). Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only. Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2020. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office. If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
ANNUAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.
The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.
The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district 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 district 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. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Board Policy 5030
STUDENTS
BULLYING PREVENTION
The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed. The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying. The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).
Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.
Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion. This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.
Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District.
Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know. All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services. Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.
The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.
Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.
This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees. It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.
Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.
Administrative Regulation 5030.1
STUDENTS
BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.
Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:
Step One
Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.
Step Two
The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.
All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.
Step Three
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision. The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final.
Consequences for Retaliation Violations
Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying
The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying. Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.
Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.
Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior.
Developing a plan to make amends for the incident.
Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.
Maintenance of Complaint Records
The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:
Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,
Date the complaint was filed,
Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,
Name and address of the respondents,
Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,
Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and
Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.
Definitions:
General Definition Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.
Discriminatory Bullying:
This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures.
Types of Bullying:
Physical: Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body. Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spiting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing.
Verbal: Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusation.
Non-verbal/Emotional: Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Bullying by Proxy: Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.
Hazing: Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
Administrative Regulation 5030.2
Students
A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.
November 2020
December 2020
Marshall Middle School Newsletter
December 2020
Dear Marshall Families,
Well we made it until November 16th before needing to pivot to virtual instruction. It would appear that students did much better with an established live instructional schedule each day. If you have suggestions on how we could improve upon our virtual instruction please share with me via email or phone. Continually striving to improve is all anyone can really ask!
In November, our Redwings coordinated a hat, mitten and glove drive to benefit the homeless. Thank you to all the families who help bring a little warmth to those in need this winter.
I want to give a big thank you to our students and families who participated in our fall fundraiser. We had a very successful first time sale and raised $4,200.00 for our Positive Behavior and Intervention Support program (PBIS). The money raised will go to offer incentives to our students for meeting building improvement goals and for recognizing excellence such as our new monthly “Wall of Perseverance” which recognizes students for going the entire month without a missing assignment. Again, thank you for without your participation we could not offer these programs.
Dec. 02, 2020 - Pinnacle Fundraiser - Drive Up and Pick Up Your Orders in the MMS front parking lot from 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Winter Break
December 23, 2020 - January 3rd, 2021
Virtual Learning Resumes January 4th
January 2021
Marshall Middle School Newsletter
January 2021
January 4, 2021 - Resume Distance Learning
January 14, 2021 - End of 1st Semester
January 15, 2021 - No School For MMS Students
January 18, 2021 - MLK Day – No School
January 25, 2021 - Star Testing Begins
Best Wishes from all the Marshall Cardinal Staff and Students on your retirement for Mrs. Ries at the end of semester! Mrs. Ries has served our community well with kindness, compassion and dedication to helping the students lucky enough to have worked with her. She will be missed by the Cardinal community!
Please Welcome our new Physical Education Teacher
“Hello everyone! My name is Aly Hopson and I am so excited to be a part of the Marshall Middle School Staff! I am a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. I am a Parker HS alumni as well. I look forward to working alongside all of you. Please feel free to stop by the gym to say hi!”
Ms. Hopson recently completed her student teaching during the 2nd quarter here at Marshall. As she stated, she is a SDJ alumni and we are proud to have her as a Cardinal.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON MOVING?
If you will be moving from your current home address please contact Marshall Middle School office at 743-6226 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school. Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.
If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.
If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.
Kindergarten Enrollment
2020-2021 School Year
School District Residents
If you have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and they are not currently enrolled in a School District of Janesville Pre-school for Janesville (P4J) or Early Childhood (EC) program it is time to enroll in the Janesville Public School District. Enrollment will take place at the Educational Services Center located at 527 S. Franklin St. (administration building) in the New Student Enrollment office. You may enroll anytime during the two week period.
Weeks of December 1-4 and December 7-11
If you cannot attend the enrollment period please come in as soon as possible to enroll after December 11, 2020. Enrollment in the district is required for participation in orientation. When you enroll, you will need your child’s birth certificate for proof of age, proof of residency (top portion of a utility bill, or current lease) to determine school assignment, immunization records and photo identification. If you have questions on general enrollment, please contact the New Student Enrollment office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requests for School Transfer/Placement within the School District (yellow forms) for incoming kindergarten students should be submitted through the enrollment process. Forms are available at all schools, as well as at the Educational Services Center. If you have questions regarding this process contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The status of requests will be determined by January 15, 2021 if they are turned in by December 11th. If you have a student currently attending a school under a School Transfer/Placement within the School District, it does not automatically qualify your kindergarten student for attendance at the same school; however, siblings are generally assigned to the same school. In order for your kindergarten student to attend the same school as a sibling, you must submit a request during the Kindergarten Enrollment time frame.
If you know of a child in your neighborhood or from community activities that would be entering kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please pass this enrollment information on.
Non-District Residents
If you are a non-resident of the School District of Janesville and have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and would like your child to attend the School District of Janesville you must also apply for OPEN ENROLLMENT. The timeline for Open Enrollment is February 1 to April 30, 2021. Currently open enrolled non-residents in a P4J or EC program do not need to re-apply. If you have questions regarding the Open Enrollment process, please contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.
Public School Open Enrollment Timelines
The State of Wisconsin has announced the application period for open enrollment (also known as public school choice) begins in February for the following school year. Open Enrollment laws permit children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
The open enrollment application period for the 2021-2022 school year is from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021. Parents are encouraged to apply on-line at dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Although on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district after February 1, 2021 and must be delivered (hand-delivery is recommended) to the nonresident school district during the application period. Paper applications to attend Janesville must be submitted to the Open Enrollment Specialist in the New Student Enrollment Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 30th (a postmark does not constitute timely submission). Applications turned in prior to February 3rd will be returned as not valid and must be resubmitted after February 1st, but before April 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment in a requested school or program is subject to space and other limitations and is not guaranteed. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Habitual truancy may result in recommendation for the student to return to their home district.
Under the School District of Janesville board policy, students who attended the district under open enrollment the previous year are not required to reapply for the following school year.
An application is required for each sibling in the family. For example, if a family has one child in elementary school that has been approved for open enrollment and a new student entering kindergarten next year, the student entering kindergarten must apply for open enrollment in order to attend the School District of Janesville.
Parents will be informed in June whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied. The student’s school or program placement will be provided in June.
If you have questions, please contact the Open Enrollment Specialist at 743-5152.
Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas
Due to Move:
If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue). Complete the form and return it to the school office.
Due to Parent Choice:
If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2020-2021), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow). Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only. Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2020. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office. If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
ANNUAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing to her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.
The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.
The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district 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 district 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. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Board Policy 5030
STUDENTS
BULLYING PREVENTION
The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed. The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying. The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).
Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.
Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion. This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.
Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District.
Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know. All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services. Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.
The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.
Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.
This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees. It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.
Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.
Administrative Regulation 5030.1
STUDENTS
BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.
Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:
Step One
Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.
Step Two
The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.
All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.
Step Three
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision. The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final.
Consequences for Retaliation Violations
Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying
The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying. Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.
Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.
Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior.
Developing a plan to make amends for the incident.
Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.
Maintenance of Complaint Records
The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:
Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,
Date the complaint was filed,
Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,
Name and address of the respondents,
Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,
Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and
Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.
Definitions:
General Definition Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.
Discriminatory Bullying:
This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures.
Types of Bullying:
Physical: Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body. Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spitting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing.
Verbal: Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusations.
Non-verbal/Emotional: Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Bullying by Proxy: Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.
Hazing: Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
Administrative Regulation 5030.2
Students
A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.
February 2021
Marshall Middle School Newsletter February 2021
February 1 - Star Testing - Math Begins
My name is Alice Dose. I am the newest member of the special education team at Marshall Middle School. I have been a special education teacher for 20+ years. I have lived in many communities in Wisconsin and Illinois. I am looking forward to supporting MMS. I am coming here from the Youth Service Center and TATE program. My own kids attended Marshall, even playing basketball and football for the Cardinals. Many of you may remember them. I am,myself, a Marshall Cardinal from a LONG time ago, even swam on the swim team.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON MOVING?
If you will be moving from your current home address please contact Marshall Middle School office at 743-6226 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school. Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.
If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.
If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.
Kindergarten Enrollment
2020-2021 School Year
School District Residents
If you have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and they are not currently enrolled in a School District of Janesville Pre-school for Janesville (P4J) or Early Childhood (EC) program it is time to enroll in the Janesville Public School District. Enrollment will take place at the Educational Services Center located at 527 S. Franklin St. (administration building) in the New Student Enrollment office. You may enroll anytime during the two week period.
Weeks of December 1-4 and December 7-11
If you cannot attend the enrollment period please come in as soon as possible to enroll after December 11, 2020. Enrollment in the district is required for participation in orientation. When you enroll, you will need your child’s birth certificate for proof of age, proof of residency (top portion of a utility bill, or current lease) to determine school assignment, immunization records and photo identification. If you have questions on general enrollment, please contact the New Student Enrollment office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requests for School Transfer/Placement within the School District (yellow forms) for incoming kindergarten students should be submitted through the enrollment process. Forms are available at all schools, as well as at the Educational Services Center. If you have questions regarding this process contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The status of requests will be determined by January 15, 2021 if they are turned in by December 11th. If you have a student currently attending a school under a School Transfer/Placement within the School District, it does not automatically qualify your kindergarten student for attendance at the same school; however, siblings are generally assigned to the same school. In order for your kindergarten student to attend the same school as a sibling, you must submit a request during the Kindergarten Enrollment time frame.
If you know of a child in your neighborhood or from community activities that would be entering kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please pass this enrollment information on.
Non-District Residents
If you are a non-resident of the School District of Janesville and have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and would like your child to attend the School District of Janesville you must also apply for OPEN ENROLLMENT. The timeline for Open Enrollment is February 1 to April 30, 2021. Currently open enrolled non-residents in a P4J or EC program do not need to re-apply. If you have questions regarding the Open Enrollment process, please contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.
Public School Open Enrollment Timelines
The State of Wisconsin has announced the application period for open enrollment (also known as public school choice) begins in February for the following school year. Open Enrollment laws permit children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
The open enrollment application period for the 2021-2022 school year is from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021. Parents are encouraged to apply on-line at dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Although on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district after February 1, 2021 and must be delivered (hand-delivery is recommended) to the nonresident school district during the application period. Paper applications to attend Janesville must be submitted to the Open Enrollment Specialist in the New Student Enrollment Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 30th (a postmark does not constitute timely submission). Applications turned in prior to February 3rd will be returned as not valid and must be resubmitted after February 1st, but before April 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment in a requested school or program is subject to space and other limitations and is not guaranteed. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Habitual truancy may result in recommendation for the student to return to their home district.
Under the School District of Janesville board policy, students who attended the district under open enrollment the previous year are not required to reapply for the following school year.
An application is required for each sibling in the family. For example, if a family has one child in elementary school that has been approved for open enrollment and a new student entering kindergarten next year, the student entering kindergarten must apply for open enrollment in order to attend the School District of Janesville.
Parents will be informed in June whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied. The student’s school or program placement will be provided in June.
If you have questions, please contact the Open Enrollment Specialist at 743-5152.
Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas
Due to Move:
If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue). Complete the form and return it to the school office.
Due to Parent Choice:
If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2020-2021), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow). Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only. Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2020. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office. If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
ANNUAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing to her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.
The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.
The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district 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 district 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. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.
Board Policy 5030
STUDENTS
BULLYING PREVENTION
The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed. The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying. The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).
Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.
Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion. This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.
Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District.
Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know. All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services. Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.
The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.
Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.
This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees. It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request.
Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedures.
Administrative Regulation 5030.1
STUDENTS
BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.
Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:
Step One
Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.
Step Two
The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.
All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.
Step Three
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision. The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final.
Consequences for Retaliation Violations
Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying
The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying. Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.
Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.
Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior.
Developing a plan to make amends for the incident.
Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.
Maintenance of Complaint Records
The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:
Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,
Date the complaint was filed,
Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,
Name and address of the respondents,
Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,
Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and
Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken.
Definitions:
General Definition Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.
Discriminatory Bullying:
This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures.
Types of Bullying:
Physical: Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body. Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spitting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing.
Verbal: Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusations.
Non-verbal/Emotional: Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Bullying by Proxy: Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.
Hazing: Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
Administrative Regulation 5030.2
Students
A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.
March 2021
Marshall Middle School Newsletter
March 2021
Important Dates
- March 3 – Spring Conferences - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- March 4 – Spring Conferences - 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- March 4 & 5 – No School for Students
- March 8-12 - Harry Potter Spirit Week
- March 12 - Harry Potter Activity Day -
- Dress up as your favorite character
- March 22-26 – Spring Break
- March 29 - School Resumes
- March 31 - End of 3rd Quarter
New Staff
My name is Peyton Attig and I am a student teacher intern from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I am fulfilling my student teaching requirements at Marshall this spring as I co-teach and teach a class on my own in the area of 6th grade math! In May, I will graduate from Whitewater with a degree in Special Education. I am so excited to have this opportunity to learn and grow at Marshall this spring! At Whitewater I am a member of the NCAA Women's Bowling team and I am also a co-captain on the team as well. I have also bowled a perfect 300 game which is pretty cool too. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my beagle, Spike and also my family and friends. I chose to pursue a degree in education because I love to help students grow and become confident in their academic abilities. My goal is to make an impact no matter how big or how small in a student's life every day!
Hello! I am Jacquelyn Schimke. I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and I am majoring in Special Education with a concentration in Intellectual Disabilities. I went into Special Education shortly after getting my son diagnosed with ASD. Prior to going to school, I served seven years in the active duty Army. I am currently in my 10th year in the service and take a lot of honor and pride in serving the country. In my free time I like to bake, workout, travel and binge watch movies! I enjoy working with middle school students and I am looking forward to building a solid relationship with my students, fellow staff, and all parents/guardians.I am very eager to be here at Marshall. I will be taking over the Math STRATS class for 6th and 7th grades in the mornings and I will be co-teaching with Amy Pakes in 7th grade math. I am confident that I will bring structure, a new perspective and a listening ear to my classroom. I enjoy working with middle school students and I’m looking forward to building a solid relationship with my students, fellow staff, and all parents/guardians.
April 2021
Newsletter - April 2021
Important Dates:
April 01: No School for MS & HS Students – Staff PD Work Day
April 02: Good Friday - No School for Students and Staff
Season 5 Sports: April 19, 2021 to May 27, 2021
Boys Soccer - 8th Grade
Girls Soccer - 8th Grade
Co-Ed Track - 7th & 8th Grades
Co-Ed Intramural Tennis 6th - 8th Grades - (1 or 2 days a week)
Sports Questions Please Email Athletic Director mtollefsrud@janesville.k12.wi.us
ARE YOU PLANNING ON MOVING?
If you will be moving from your current home address, please contact Marshall Middle School office at 743-6226 as soon as possible to determine what paperwork you will need to fill out for your child to continue attending his/her current school. Please note: if you are moving to an address outside the School District of Janesville in most cases your child is eligible to continue attending the School District of Janesville as long as you complete the appropriate paperwork within the required timeline.
If you have any questions about school placement for a particular address, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The New Student Enrollment Office is open year round.
If you are the parent of an elementary student and will be moving over the summer months when the elementary schools are closed, please contact Open Enrollment Specialist Deen Hartley at 743-5152 or the New Student Enrollment Office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 to complete the appropriate paperwork.
Kindergarten Enrollment 2020-2021 School Year
School District Residents
If you have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and they are not currently enrolled in a School District of Janesville Preschool for Janesville (P4J) or Early Childhood (EC) program it is time to enroll in the Janesville Public School District. Enrollment will take place at the Educational Services Center located at 527 S. Franklin St. (administration building) in the New Student Enrollment office. You may enroll anytime during the two-week period.
Weeks of December 1-4 and December 7-11
If you cannot attend the enrollment period please come in as soon as possible to enroll after December 11, 2020. Enrollment in the district is required for participation in orientation. When you enroll, you will need your child’s birth certificate for proof of age, proof of residency (top portion of a utility bill, or current lease) to determine school assignment, immunization records and photo identification. If you have questions on general enrollment, please contact the New Student Enrollment office at 743-5072 or 743-5153 during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Requests for School Transfer/Placement within the School District (yellow forms) for incoming kindergarten students should be submitted through the enrollment process. Forms are available at all schools, as well as at the Educational Services Center. If you have questions regarding this process contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152. The status of requests will be determined by January 15, 2021 if they are turned in by December 11th. If you have a student currently attending a school under a School Transfer/Placement within the School District, it does not automatically qualify your kindergarten student for attendance at the same school; however, siblings are generally assigned to the same school. In order for your kindergarten student to attend the same school as a sibling, you must submit a request during the Kindergarten Enrollment time frame.
If you know of a child in your neighborhood or from community activities that would be entering kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year, please pass this enrollment information on.
Non-District Residents
If you are a non-resident of the School District of Janesville and have a child turning 5 (five) years old prior to September 1, 2020 and would like your child to attend the School District of Janesville you must also apply for OPEN ENROLLMENT. The timeline for Open Enrollment is February 1 to April 30, 2021. Currently open enrolled non-residents in a P4J or EC program do not need to re-apply. If you have questions regarding the Open Enrollment process, please contact Deen Hartley at 743-5152.
Public School Open Enrollment Timelines
The State of Wisconsin has announced the application period for open enrollment (also known as public school choice) begins in February for the following school year. Open Enrollment laws permit children to attend a public school in a school district other than the one in which they live.
The open enrollment application period for the 2021-2022 school year is from February 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021. Parents are encouraged to apply on-line at dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Although on-line application is recommended, paper applications may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction or any school district after February 1, 2021 and must be delivered (hand-delivery is recommended) to the nonresident school district during the application period.
Paper applications to attend Janesville must be submitted to the Open Enrollment Specialist in the New Student Enrollment Office no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 30th (a postmark does not constitute timely submission). Applications turned in prior to February 3rd will be returned as not valid and must be resubmitted after February 1st, but before April 30th at 4:00 p.m.
Enrollment in a requested school or program is subject to space and other limitations and is not guaranteed. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent. Habitual truancy may result in recommendation for the student to return to their home district.
Under the School District of Janesville board policy, students who attended the district under open enrollment the previous year are not required to reapply for the following school year.
An application is required for each sibling in the family. For example, if a family has one child in elementary school that has been approved for open enrollment and a new student entering kindergarten next year, the student entering kindergarten must apply for open enrollment in order to attend the School District of Janesville.
Parents will be informed in June whether their open enrollment applications have been approved or denied. The student’s school or program placement will be provided in June. If you have questions, please contact the Open Enrollment Specialist at 743-5152.
Request for School Transfer/Placement (Intra District Transfers) within the School District of Janesville Attendance Areas
Due to Move:
If you move within the School District of Janesville during the school year and wish to remain at your current school, please ask the school office for a Request to Remain in Current School Following Move to New Attendance Area Form (blue). Complete the form and return it to the school office.
Due to Parent Choice:
If you wish to apply to have your student transferred/placed in another school within the district next school year (2020-2021), please ask the school office for a School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow). Completed forms will be accepted from December 1 through December 13, 2020 only. Submit your Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District Form (yellow) to your home school attendance area office. Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/ Placement Within the School District will be notified of approval or disapproval by January 15, 2020.
Parents applying for a Request for School Transfer/Placement Within the School District for incoming
Kindergarten students will be notified of approval or non-approval after they have enrolled their child during the Kindergarten Enrollment period with the New Student Enrollment Office. If you have questions, please contact the school office of your home school attendance area.
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JANESVILLE ANNUAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES
Upon request, the School District of Janesville is required to evaluate a child for eligibility for special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability, and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.
A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made. Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Ms. Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services, School District of Janesville, at 608-743-5061, or by writing to her at 527 S. Franklin Street, Janesville, WI 53548
CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINEDTHROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES
The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children. The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find. This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities. This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.
The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities. Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health. This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services. Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.
The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.
"Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
"Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
"Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
"Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:
The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask The School District of Janesville to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the 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.
The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district 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 district 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. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
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 is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605
Board Policy 5030 STUDENTS BULLYING PREVENTION
The School District of Janesville Board of Education strives to provide an educational environment where every student feels safe, respected and welcomed. The Board also strives to provide an educational environment where every staff member can serve students in an atmosphere that is free from significant disruptions and obstacles that impede learning and performance. Bullying can have harmful social, physical, psychological and/or academic effects for those who engage in these behaviors, victims of such behaviors, and bystanders who observe acts of bullying. The District prohibits any form of bullying behavior by students towards other students, school employees, volunteers, or any other person(s).
Bullying includes aggressive or hostile behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power between the bully and the bullied. Bullying is a form of victimization and is not necessarily a result of or part of an on-going conflict. Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress or property damage. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, behaviors motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor including sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, color, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Bullying may also be motivated by any other distinguishing factor such as gender identity, physical appearance, or social, economic or family status.
Examples of acts of bullying include physical intimidation, force or assault, humiliation, sexual or racist remarks, extortion, verbal or written threats, taunting, put downs, name calling, threatening or menacing looks or gestures, spreading cruel rumors, and social exclusion. This includes acts of cyber-bullying that involve sending or posting inappropriate, insulting or threatening messages or images through electronic communication systems such as the Internet, e-mail, cell phones or other personal devices.
Bullying is prohibited on District grounds, at District-related activities, or on transportation to and from school or District-sponsored activities. Harassing bullying behavior is prohibited in all educational environments, regardless of whether the facility or location is owned, leased, or otherwise used or provided by the District.
Acts of bullying that originate off school premises and outside of the school’s control may be subject to the provisions of this policy and related procedures if the conduct is determined to be substantially disruptive to the educational process and the day-to-day operations of a school. This includes, but is not limited to, threats made outside of school hours that communicate intent to be carried out during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or on any vehicles used for transportation to and from school and school-sponsored activities.
All complaints about bullying shall be promptly investigated. The District shall respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as practicable and in a manner consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, take appropriate action, and conform to discovery or disclosure requirements. Disclosure of information related to the complaint shall be made only to those with a legitimate need to know. All records generated as a result of the complaint and appeal processes shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
If the investigations find bullying has occurred, school officials shall take prompt and necessary action up to and including behavioral interventions and support, disciplinary action, and/or referral to law enforcement officials or social services. Consequences shall be unique to the nature of the behavior, the developmental level of the student, and the history of problem behaviors. Remedial measures shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent other occurrences, and protect the victim.
The District shall also take appropriate action against any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior.
Employees found to have facilitated or participated in bullying behavior against students or to have been aware that bullying was taking place and failed to report the behavior are considered to be in violation of the prohibition expressed by this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action.
This policy shall be distributed annually to all students enrolled in the School District, parents/guardians, and all District employees. It shall also be distributed to organizations in the community having cooperative agreements with the schools. The District shall provide a copy of the policy to any person upon request. Records shall be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for violations of this policy in accordance with established procedure
Administrative Regulation 5030.1 STUDENTS BULLYING COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
It is the responsibility of all students, school staff members, parents/guardians and other concerned individuals who observe or become aware of acts of bullying to report such acts to an administrator or other school staff member.
Complaints that involve bullying related to one or more of the characteristics or factors protected by state and federal nondiscrimination laws shall be processed in accordance with established “Student Discrimination Complaint Procedures.” All other complaints of bullying shall be processed in accordance with the following procedures:
Step One: Any claims of bullying shall be presented to the principal or designee. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator. Complaints against the principal shall be filed with the District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator shall be filed with the Board president. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information shall be reported in writing and shall include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates using the applicable district incident report form.
Step Two: The school official receiving the complaint shall conduct a prompt investigation to verify the facts to determine the validity and seriousness of the incident. Parents/guardians shall be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The school official shall arrange necessary interviews with all concerned parties. The school official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents/guardians, as appropriate, in writing when the investigation is concluded.
All findings related to the complaint shall be reported in writing to the Director of Student Services. When it is determined that a student participated in bullying behavior, the report to the Director of Student Services shall include notification of the consequences and/or interventions to be imposed including, but not limited to warnings, exclusion from certain areas of the school, detentions, behavioral interventions, suspension, expulsion, and referral to law enforcement officials and/or social services.
Step Three: If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal, or other school official conducting the initial investigation, he/she may appeal the decision by giving written notice to the District Administrator or next highest level or authority within five (5) days after the receipt of the written decision. The District Administrator or other school official shall schedule and hold a meeting with the involved parties within fifteen (15) days. The District Administrator or other school official shall, within five (5) days after the meeting, deliver a written response to the complainant and to the accused. The decision at this step shall be final.
Consequences for Retaliation Violations
Any student or District employee who retaliates against any person who makes a good-faith report of alleged bullying, or against any person who testifies, assists, or participates in an investigation or hearing related to such behavior, shall be subject to disciplinary actions and/or referral to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.
Interventions for Students Involved in Bullying
The District will make available evidence-based resources and comprehensive research-based programs to address bullying. Program support may include coaching, training, reporting templates, surveys and evaluation tools, staff training, student skill training, restorative justice, and program-implementation support.
Students Who Have Been Bullied Will Be Supported by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Offered ongoing support with the goal of restoring self-esteem and self-confidence.
Students Who Have Bullied Will Be Helped by:
Being offered an opportunity to discuss the experience with a guidance counselor/student services specialist/social worker or other staff member of their choice.
Identifying the bullying behavior and the need to change the behavior.
Developing a plan to make amends for the incident.
Informing parents/guardians to help change the attitude and behavior of the student.
Maintenance of Complaint Records
The maintenance of complaint records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records shall be kept for each complaint filed and, at a minimum, include the following:
Name and address of the complainant and his/her title or status,
Date the complaint was filed,
Specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the complainant,
Name and address of the respondents,
Levels of processing followed, and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each level,
Summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved, and
Determination of the facts, statement of the final resolution, and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action taken
Definitions:
General Definition Bullying:
Bullying is defined as any conscious, willful, or deliberate acts, or attempted acts, through the use of words, images, gestures or other physical actions, including electronically transmitted acts, that are intended to cause physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, or impact the learning environment. Bullying is sometimes distinguished from harassment when the behavior involves repeated incidents and involves an imbalance of power.
Discriminatory Bullying:
This occurs when acts of bullying are related to, or motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic or factor that includes sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, color, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability or handicap. Such incidents shall be handled in accordance with the district’s student nondiscrimination policies and procedures.
Types of Bullying:
Physical: Physical bullying involves harmful actions against a person’s body. Examples include, but are not limited to: shoving, striking, kicking, tripping, choking, pinching, poking, spitting, biting, hair-pulling, hazing, excessive tickling, and inappropriate touching. This also involves interfering with another person’s property and stealing.
Verbal: Verbal bullying involves speaking to a person or about a person in a way that is derogatory, unkind or hurtful. Examples include but are not limited to: teasing, name-calling, insulting or inappropriate remarks, threatening, spreading rumors, and making discriminatory remarks or false accusations.
Non-verbal/Emotional: Non-verbal bullying refers to behaviors that upset, exclude, or embarrass others. Examples include, but are not limited to: intentionally leaving a person out of a game or activity, extortion, manipulating friends, ostracizing, pressuring peers, making rude gestures such as poking out tongue or staring, writing hate notes about a person that will be upsetting to that person.
Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of any electronic communication device to convey a message in any form (text, image, audio, video, e-mail, cell phones, pager service or website postings) that defames, intimidates, harasses or is otherwise intended to harm, insult or humiliate another in a deliberate, repeated or hostile and unwanted manner under a person’s true or false identify. In addition, any communication of this form that disrupts or prevents a safe and positive educational or working environment may also be considered cyberbullying.
Bullying by Proxy: Bullying by proxy occurs when someone engages in such behavior through another person or on behalf of another person.
Hazing: Hazing includes bullying behavior directed against another student or students for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, class, club or team sponsored or supported by a school or the school district regardless of students’ willingness to participate. Prohibited acts may include, but are not limited to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
Administrative Regulation 5030.2 Students
A bullying incident report is available at any time in the main office at Marshall Middle School.