Annual Notices 2023-2024 school year

The following state and federal notifications are required to be made available to families annually. The full text of all Board of Education policies, including those identified below, is accessible HERE. If you would like a hard copy of any of these policies, please speak with your building principal.

Please check back often as all District policies and regulations are subject to change throughout the year.

Notifications Addressed in SPS Existing Written Policies
Additional Notifications

Notifications Addressed in SPS Existing Written Policies

SPS EXISTING WRITTEN POLICY
POLICY #	TOPIC
1110.1	Parent involvement
1140R	Distribution of Materials
3541.43 & 3541.43R	Transportation equipment – contract vehicles
4113, 4113R	Child Abuse/Neglect
4113, 4113R	DCF Contact Information
4115.5, 4115.5R	Concussion and head injury awareness and prevention
4118.11 / 4218.11	Non-Discrimination & Affirmative Action
4118.234	Prohibition on Recommendations for Psychotropic Drugs
5005, 5005R	Bullying Behavior in Schools
5007R	Homeless students and children in foster care.
5008, Parent-School Compact	Title I School, parent engagement
5113, 5113R, 5113A-R, APPENDIX	Attendance and Excuses
5115	FERPA
5117.2	Interdistrict magnet schools
5124	Reporting
5130, 5130R	Smoke Free Environment
5131	Rights and Responsibilities
5131, 5131R	Student behavior
5131.6, 5131.6R	Substance abuse by a minor
5132R	Acceptable use of the internet and internet safety policy
5135, 5135R	Promotion and Retention
5135.2, 5135.2R	High School Graduation requirements
5140	School Wellness
5141.1	Communicable diseases
5141, 5141R	Health and Welfare
5141.2, 5141.2R	Administration of medicines
5142	Equal access to recruiters
5144.1	Physical restraint / seclusion / exclusionary time out
5145.44 5145.44R 4000.1 4000.1R	Title IX Policy
6115	Ceremonies and observations
6146.3, 6146.3R	Grading and weighting of grades
6154	Homework
6164.2 6164.2R	Youth Suicide Prevention and Intervention
6172	Family Living. Sex Education. and Personal Safety
6175	Instruction on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Additional Notifications

SPS NOTIFICATIONS
FACIILITIES
TOPIC	NOTIFICATIONS
Indoor Air Quality	In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §10-220, the Stamford Board of Education provides a uniform inspection and evaluation of indoor air quality for every school building constructed, extended, renovated, or replaced on or after January 1, 2003. The results of this inspection and evaluation procedure are available for public inspection. For more information, please call the Board of Education, Facilities Department, 3rd floor, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford Government Center. Please contact (203) 977-4525 to schedule an appointment.
Green Cleaning	The Stamford Board of Education has implemented a green cleaning program for the cleaning and maintenance of all school buildings and facilities in the district. As part of this program, no parent, guardian, teacher, or staff member may bring into any school facility any consumer product which is intended to clean, deodorize, sanitize, or disinfect. The school district's green cleaning program, including a list of products used, the location of those products in the school buildings and facilities, and the schedule of when such cleaning products are applied, is available for public inspection. For more information, please contact the Board of Education, Facilities Department, 3rd floor, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford Government Center. Please contact (203) 977-4525 to schedule an appointment.
Pest Management	INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN NOTIFICATION Pursuant to Connecticut Public Act 99-165 (An Act Concerning Notice of Pesticide Applications at Schools and Day Care Centers), parents or guardians of children in any school may register for prior notice of pesticide application at their school. Each school is required to maintain a registry of persons requesting such notice. To obtain more information about the pre-notification registry, please contact the Board of Education, Facilities Department, 3rd floor, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford Government Center. Please contact (203) 977-4525 to schedule an appointment.
Asbestos Notification	In compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), this district has performed inspections of each of our school buildings for asbestos containing building materials. The inspection findings and asbestos management plans are on file and available for inspection by members of the public at that school’s office during regular hours. Copies of all of the plans are also available for inspection by appointment during business hours at the Board of Education, Facilities Department, 3rd floor, 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford Government Center. Please contact (203) 977-4525 to schedule an appointment.
PUBLIC AFFIARS OFFICE
TOPIC	NOTIFICATIONS
Military Recruiters	Release of Information to Military Recruiters School districts are legally obligated to provide military recruiters or institutions of higher education, upon request, with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers, and other directory information of secondary school students, unless a parent/guardian or eligible student objects in writing to such disclosure. Such objection must be in writing and shall be effective for one year. All such objection must be delivered to the Stamford Public Schools Office of Research at 888 Washington Boulevard, Stamford, CT 06905. See also Policy 5115.
ESSA: Title I School, parent engagement	Each school community posts information regarding Title I and parent engagement opportunities on their website. Please reach out to individual building administration for additional details.
Student Privacy; Surveys	The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires school districts to adopt policies regarding student surveys, instructional materials, physical examinations which are not legally required and not necessary to protect immediate health and safety of student or others, and personal information used for marketing. Parents must be offered an opportunity to opt out their child from these activities. Parents must be notified of the student privacy policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year and within a reasonable time period after any substantial change is made to the policy. The U.S. Department of Education recommends that districts also post their PPRA notices on their websites. 20 U.S.C. § 1232h. (c)(2)(A).
Non-Discrimination	Stamford Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all qualified persons. Stamford Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information & testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Stamford Public Schools provides equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Stamford Public Schools does not unlawfully discriminate in employment against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Stamford Public Schools prohibits Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. For further information, visit the US Department of Education website or call (800) 421-3481 Inquiries and reports regarding Stamford Public Schools’ nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Christopher Soules Executive Director of Human Resources and Talent Development Title IX Coordinator/Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Coordinator Stamford Public Schools 888 Washington Blvd 5th Floor Stamford, CT 06901 (203) 977-4975
Notice of rights and remedies under CGS §10-4a and §10-4b.	Notice of rights and remedies under Connecticut General Statutes §10-4a and §10-4b.A resident of a local or regional school district, or parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the public schools of such school district who has been unable to resolve a complaint with the local board of education may file a written complaint with the Commissioner of Education alleging the failure or inability of such board of education to implement the educational interests of the state. The complaint must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the complainant. The Commissioner of Education must make a complaint form available. The Commissioner may order an investigation if the Complaint is found to be substantial. After review of the investigation report, the State Board of Education may either dismiss the complaint or order an inquiry (including a hearing and a final decision). If the State Board of Education finds that the local board of education has failed or is unable to make reasonable provision to implement the educational interests of the state, the State Board of Education shall take action as allowed by relevant statute and/or regulation. For additional information see Connecticut General Statues section 10-4a and section 10-4b and associated regulations.
Media Release	Parent / Guardian permission for student participation in media event and media release content forms are provided via the students PowerSchool account.
Notice of Non-Discrimination	NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT. Stamford Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all qualified persons. Stamford Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment Annual Actions & Notices Ver. 07/26/2023 17 practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information & testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. Stamford Public Schools provides equal access to Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. Stamford Public Schools does not unlawfully discriminate in employment against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Stamford Public Schools prohibits Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination. For further information, visit the US Department of Education website or call (800) 421-3481, or contact INSERT NAME AND CONTACT INFO HERE FOR WHO TO CALL AT SPS - EDHR? 8. HIPPA R
Remote Parent Teacher Conferences	Parents have the option of attending any parent-teacher conference by telephonic, video or other conferencing platform. Please reach out to your building administration for additional details or to submit a request.
STUDENT SERVICES
TOPIC	NOTIFICATIONS
5141.25 – Students with Special Healthcare Needs (Food Service)	Students with Special Health Care Needs (life threating food allergies) The Stamford Public Schools recognizes that food allergies may be life threatening. For this reason, the district is committed to developing strategies and practices to minimize the risk of accidental exposure to life threatening food allergens and to ensure prompt and effective medical response should a child suffer an allergic reaction while at school. The district further recognizes the importance of collaborating with parents and appropriate medical staff in developing such practices and encourages strategies to enable the student to become increasingly proactive in the care and management of his or her food allergy, as developmentally appropriate. Under state law, children with life-threatening food allergies may be entitled to an individualized heath care plan, regardless of the child’s status as a child with a disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Stamford Public Schools has developed guidelines for managing students with life-threatening food allergies. For more information, please see Policy #5141.25, and please contact the Food Service Director at (203) 977-4732, and your building principal.
Meal Eligibility Notification	STAMFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAS BEEN APPROVED TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTHY BREAKFAST AND LUNCH TO ALL STUDENTS DURING THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR. Stamford Public Schools will no longer be accepting Free/Reduced Meal applications. The district has chosen to participate in the Community Eligibility Program. More information can be found at https://www.stamfordpublicschools.org/departments/chartwells-dining-services
SPS Lunch Charging Policy	"The district is pleased to provide access to free meals for all students this year. Please know that in order for families to receive other benefits associated with certain eligibility criteria, such as reduced AP Testing fees, camps, etc., families must complete the application. More details can be found on the Free and Reduced information page on the District Website."
Modification of meal services for students with disabilities.	Meal modifications for student with disabilities. To request modifications to meal services to accommodate children with disabilities, contact both the Food Services Director at (203) 977-4732 and your building principal.
Notice of availability of alternative education programs	The Department of Access & Opportunity (formally School Development) is committed to developing programs that ensure each student has access to, and is engaged in, rigorous and relevant learning opportunities that prepare them to become productive contributing members of society. Information about Alternate Educational Options can be found HERE.
10-4a & 10-4b	Notice of rights and remedies under Connecticut General Statutes §10-4a and §10-4b. A resident of a local or regional school district, or parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the public schools of such school district who has been unable to resolve a complaint with the local board of education may file a written complaint with the Commissioner of Education alleging the failure or inability of such board of education to implement the educational interests of the state. The complaint must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the complainant. The Commissioner of Education must make a complaint form available. The Commissioner may order an investigation if the Complaint is found to be substantial. After review of the investigation report, the State Board of Education may either dismiss the complaint or order an inquiry (including a hearing and a final decision). If the State Board of Education finds that the local board of education has failed or is unable to make reasonable provision to implement the educational interests of the state, the State Board of Education shall take action as allowed by relevant statute and/or regulation. For additional information see Connecticut General Statues section 10-4a and section 10-4b and associated regulations.
Availability of Tech/VoAg	Parents/guardians and students are hereby informed of the availability of (1) vocational, technical and technological education and training at technical high schools, and (2) agricultural sciences and technology education at regional agricultural science and technology education centers. For additional information you may contact your student’s school counseling department.
Teacher & Para qualifications	Parents/guardians have the right to request information at the beginning of the school year about whether the student’s teacher has met state qualifications (certification) and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher is providing instruction; whether the teacher is under an emergency or other provisional status, and whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline covered by the teacher’s certification. Parents/guardians have the right to know whether their children are provided services by a paraprofessional and such person’s qualifications.
COVID	The name and contact information of the COVID-19 Health and Safety Compliance Liaison is to be posted on the district website
Safe School Climate	The Board has adopted a school climate policy (Policy 5131.914*) and a policy prohibiting bullying behavior (Policy 5005). The SPS Safe School Plan can be found HERE. The Plan should be read in conjunction with the above policies and their associated regulations.
Student Data Privacy Act	Information concerning contracts between the Board and outside vendors that implicates student data privacy is available on the Stamford Public Schools website. Within five business days of executing a contract with a software contractor or information storage contractor that involves student personally identifiable information, the Board of Education will post notice of such contract on the Board’s website. Contracts to share or provide access to student information, student records or student-generated content with a contractor may be found on the District’s website at https://www.stamfordpublicschools.org/departments/finance-and-purchasing/student-data-privacy
Student Data Privacy Act: Notice of Security Breach	Within two business days of receiving notification that a breach of security resulted in the unauthorized release, disclosure or acquisition of student information, the District will advise the affected student, parents/guardians electronically and will post notice of the breach on the District's website.

District Coordinator: Title IX, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) & Age Discrimination Act	The Title IX Coordinators for the District are: Christopher Soules, Executive Director of Human Resources and Talent Development Stamford Public Schools 888 Washington Blvd. Stamford, CT 06901 (203) 977-4105
District Coordinator: Section 504 & COVID-19 Liaison	Michael S. Fernandes, Ed.D. Associate Superintendent for Intervention & Student Support Stamford Public Schools 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901 mfernandes@stamfordct.gov (203) 977-5684
District Coordinator: Safe School Climate	Mike Meyer Director of Community & Family Engagement Stamford Public Schools 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06901 mmeyer@stamfordct.gov 203-977-5620
SCHOOL-BASED COORDINATORS The principal of each school serves as the School’s Safe School Climate Specialist and Title IX Coordinator.
State of Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF) Careline: 1-800-842-2288