5000 Students

The Board of Education will endeavor to eliminate any physical barriers that affect student's access to a free or public education according to state and federal laws.

Discrimination among students attending our schools with respect to race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or disability is prohibited.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-15 Towns to maintain schools
10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited.  School attendance by five-year-olds
10-184 Duties of parents.  School Attendance Age Requirements
10-186 Duties of towns and regional school districts.  Hearing.  Appeal (re schooling for persons five and over and under twenty-one)
10-226a Pupil of racial minorities  Section 504, U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. @ 794

Adopted:  February 8, 1988
Reviewed:  April 25, 2007

View Policy 5110 

I. Statement of Policy

The Board of Education will provide transportation for students under provisions of state law and regulations. In determining the provision of transportation, the superintendent of schools shall consider the guidelines contained in this policy and shall administer the operation so as to:

1. provide for the safety of students, including consideration of hazardous conditions whether or not described in this policy;

2. provide for appropriate supervision for students while on school transportation, consistent with the Board’s student discipline policy; and

3. assist disabled students by providing appropriate specialized transportation when required by law.

II. Definitions 

1. "School transportation" means the procedure, program, or implemented plan by which a pupil is transported to and/or from school from the pupil’s residence or the assigned bus stop at public expense, whether by use of publicly owned equipment or by contract. Such transportation shall be over public roads approved and maintained by the municipality or the state of Connecticut, or private roads approved pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-220c.

2. "Walking distance" means the linear measure of a prescribed or authorized pedestrian route between the pupil's residence and the pupil’s  school from a point at the curb or edge of a public or private road nearest the pupil's residence to a point at the entrance of the school, or a safe entrance to the school grounds located within one hundred feet of the school building entrance or the bus pick-up area, or the route from the point on the public thoroughfare nearest the residence to the school bus or vehicle embarkation point established by the West Hartford Board of Education.

3. "One mile walking distance" means a reasonable measurement of a route to be traversed extending from the point of measurement at least 5,280 feet, but not more than 5,380 feet.

4. "Grade K" means kindergarten, or a school program appropriate to a beginning pupil.

5. "Hazard" means a thing or condition, as prescribed in this policy under "Hazardous Conditions" that affects the safety of pupils walking to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area.

6. "Sidewalk" means a portion of the landscape right of way approximately three feet wide, usually parallel to the traffic lanes which may be paved or unpaved, and marked by curbing, drainage ditch, grass area or fencing; apart from and independent of any white line safety markings along the street pavement.

7. "Raised walk area" means a portion of the landscape right of way approximately three feet wide, usually parallel to the traffic lanes which may be paved or unpaved, distinguished by some elevation above the street pavement level and marked by curbing, drainage ditch, grass area or fencing; apart from and independent of any painted safety markings along the street pavement.

8. “Walking route” means the route that the student is expected to travel between his/her residence to and from school and/or an assigned bus stop.

9. “Bus stop” shall be defined as a geographical location designated by the Board of Education, school administration or their designee where students can safely wait for purposes of embarking or disembarking a school bus.

10. "Pupil" means any individual of school age enrolled in a public or nonprofit private school located within the school district or contiguous school district as the case may be. 

III. Provision of Transportation

Transportation by private carrier may be provided whenever such practice is more economical than using school district-owned/leased facilities. If parents volunteer, and the administration permits, parents may be reimbursed for transportation of eligible students whenever such practice is more economical or convenient for the school district.

In determining the provision of transportation for resident public and eligible private school students, the following guidelines regarding walking distances will be considered. Distance measurements will be based on the most direct route from the student's home beginning at a point at the curb or edge of a public road or highway nearest the home to the edge of the school property or bus pickup areas. 

                                 Grade                      Limit

                                 K -5                          1 mile

                                 6-8                           1 1/2 miles

                                 9-12                         2 miles

Students living within the stated distance limits will receive transportation when, in the opinion of the Superintendent of Schools, it is in the best interests of the district to provide transportation. 

IV.   Access to Bus Stops/Transportation and Behavior

Parents and/or guardians are responsible for ensuring the safety of their children up until the point when students board the school bus or other school provided transportation, and after students get off the bus after school. This responsibility includes the selection of walking routes to/from any bus stop and/or the school building, compliance with health and safety precautions at the bus stop and along walking routes, and the provision of supervision that is appropriate to the student’s age, maturity and conditions along the walking route and/or at the bus stop at all times.

Given that bus pick up times may vary, the Board expects that parents and/or guardians will ensure that their children arrive at the bus stop in advance of any scheduled pick up time.

Students accessing school transportation are expected to behave in an appropriate manner, in accordance with all school rules and regulations.  The Board’s policies and procedures concerning student discipline shall apply to student behavior while accessing student transportation.

V. Hazardous Conditions

The administration shall consider the following guidelines for hazardous conditions when making decisions regarding the transportation of children:

1. Except as provided in Paragraph 7 of this Section, a street or road, along a designated walking route to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area, having an adjacent or parallel sidewalk or raised walk area shall be deemed hazardous when any one of the following conditions exist:

a) For pupils under age ten, or enrolled in grades K through 3:

(i) the absence of a pedestrian crossing light or crossing guard where three or more streets intersect, and a pupil is expected to cross the street; OR

(ii) street crossings where there are no stop signs or crossing guards and the traffic count during the time that pupils are walking to or from school exceeds sixty vehicles per hour at the intersection, and a pupil is expected to cross the street.

b)  For pupils over age ten, or enrolled in grades 4 through 12, the absence of a traffic light or stop signs or crossing guard at an intersection where three or more streets intersect which has a traffic count which exceeds ninety vehicles per hour during the time that pupils are walking to or from school, and such pupils are expected to cross the street;

c) For all pupils:

(i)  any street, road, or highway with speed limits in excess of forty miles per hour which does not have pedestrian crossing lights or crossing guards or other safety provisions at points where pupils must cross when going to or from school or the bus stop; OR

(ii) the usual or frequent presence of any nuisance such as open man-holes, construction, snow plowed or piled on the walk area making walkways unusable, loading zones where delivery trucks are permitted to park on walkways, commercial entrances and exits where cars are crossing walking areas at speeds in excess of five miles per hour, and the like, including such nuisances which are hazardous or attractive to children.

2.  Any street, road, or highway, along a designated walking route to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area, that has no sidewalks or raised walk areas shall be deemed hazardous if any one of the following conditions exist:

a) For pupils under age ten, or enrolled in grade K through 3:

(i) any street, road, or highway possessing a traffic count of sixty or more vehicles per hour at the time that pupils are walking to or from school; OR

(ii) any street, road, or highway possessing a speed limit in excess of thirty miles per hour.

b) For all pupils:

(i) the presence of human-made hazards including attractive nuisances, as stated in 1(c)(ii) above; OR

(ii) any roadway available to vehicles that does not have a minimum width of approximately twenty-two feet; OR

(iii) any roadway available to vehicles that, when plowed free of snow accumulations, does not have a minimum width of approximately twenty feet; OR

(iv) any street, road, or highway where the line-of-sight visibility together with posted speed limits do not permit vehicular braking/stopping in accordance with the Connecticut Drivers Manual or Department of Transportation, Division of Design Standard, or other reasonable standard.

3. Any walkway, path, or bridge, along a designated walking route to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area, in an area adjacent or parallel to railroad tracks shall be considered hazardous unless a suitable physical barrier along the entire pedestrian route is present and fixed between pupils and the track; and any crossing of railroad tracks carrying moving trains during hours that pupils are walking to or from school or to and from a designated bus pick-up area shall be deemed hazardous unless:

a) a crossing guard is present; OR

b) for pupil under age ten, an automatic control bar is present at crossings; OR

c) for pupils over age ten, a bar or red flashing signal light is operational.

4. For pupils in grades K through 4, the following conditions shall be deemed hazardous:

a) a lake, pond, stream, culvert, water-way, or bridge shall be deemed a hazard in the absence of a fence or other suitable barrier fixed between the pupil and the water; OR

b) any area adjacent to a roadway, sidewalk, or bridge, along a designated walking route to or from school and/or to or from a designated bus pick-up area,  having a drop of three or more feet per four feet of travel length on either side of the established lanes, in the absence of a fence or other suitable barrier.

5. For pupils in grades K through 8, walking to or from school or the bus stop at any time prior to one-half hour before sunrise or any time one-half hour after sunset shall be deemed hazardous.

6. For all students, walking along any street, road, walkway, sidewalk, or path designated as a walking route which passes through an area which has a history of aggressive acts of molestation resulting in actual or threatened physical harm or moral degradation during the hours when pupils ordinarily walk to or from school shall be deemed hazardous.

7. It shall not be a “hazard” or “hazardous condition” for a pupil whose residence abuts a public street, road or highway to (1) wait for the bus on the private property where the pupil resides for the school bus, until the school bus’s flashing red lights are activated to stop traffic so that the student can enter onto or cross the public street, road or highway to get on a school bus; or (2) exit a school bus that is stopped on the public street, road or highway, when the bus’s flashing red lights are activated to stop traffic so that the pupil can enter onto or cross such street, road or highway to access the private property where the pupil resides.

VI. Applicability and Exceptions

1. This policy is applicable to public road approved and maintained by the municipality or state of Connecticut, or private roads approved for passage of school transportation vehicles in accordance with C.G.S. Section 10-220c.

2. Special Education pupils and pupils eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act shall be judged on an individual basis, and appropriate transportation provided.

3. The Superintendent of Schools may grant an exception to any guideline set forth in this policy where a peculiar condition or combination or conditions renders such condition(s) a hazard based upon reasonable judgment; or where under the circumstances, other conditions exist under which the safety of students necessitates a variance with the guidelines within this policy.

VII. Complaint Procedure

1. All complaints concerning school transportation safety shall be made in writing to the Superintendent of Schools or designee. The Superintendent or designee shall maintain a written record of all such complaints, and shall conduct appropriate investigations of the allegations in a timely manner. The investigation shall include 1) the review of the complaint raised with appropriate personnel responsible for transportation of students and 2) the opportunity for the parent or other person making the complaint to meet with the Superintendent to discuss the complaint and any possible resolution thereof. 

2. Annually, within thirty (30) business days of the end of the school year, the Superintendent of Schools or designee shall provide the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (“Commissioner”) with a copy of the written record of complaints received during the previous twelve (12) month period. 

3. The Superintendent of Schools or designee shall make a written report of the circumstances of any accident within the Board’s jurisdiction and knowledge, involving a motor vehicle and any pedestrian who is a student, which occurs at a designated school bus stop or in the immediate vicinity thereof, to the Commissioner within ten (10) business days thereafter on a form prescribed by the Commissioner.

4. If a complaint covered by Section 10-186 of the Connecticut General Statutes is not resolved by the Superintendent, the Superintendent shall inform parent or guardian, or an emancipated minor or a pupil eighteen years of age or older, of the right to request a hearing regarding the complaint.  Such hearing, if requested, shall be held in accordance with Section 10-186 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as it may be amended from time to time.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re: school attendance.  Hearings.  Appeals to state board.  Establishment of hearing board.  Readmission.  Transfers.

10-187 Appeal from finding of hearing board.

 10-220 Duties of boards of education.

10-220c Transportation of children over private roads.  Immunity from Liability.

10-221c Development of policy for reporting complaints regarding school transportation safety.

10-273a Reimbursement for transportation to and from elementary and secondary schools.

10-280a Transportation for students in non-profit private schools outside school district.

10-281 Transportation for pupils in nonprofit private schools within school district.

14-275 Equipment and color of school buses.

14-275b Transportation of mobility impaired students.

14-275c Regulations re: school buses and motor vehicles used to transport special education students.

Adopted: December 21, 1987
Reviewed: February 22, 2017
Revised: November 1, 2022

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability in any program receiving Federal financial assistance. Similarly, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“Title II” or “ADA”) prohibits discrimination against individuals with a disability by state and local governments.  To be protected under Section 504 and the ADA (“collectively, “Section 504/ADA”), an individual must (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; (2) have a record of such an impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. 

In order to fulfill its obligation under Section 504/ADA, the West Hartford Public Schools (the “District”) recognize a responsibility to avoid discrimination in policies and practices regarding its personnel, students, parents/guardians and members of the public who participate in school sponsored programs, which may require reasonable modifications to such policies and practices.  In this regard, the District prohibits discrimination against any person with a disability in any of the services, programs or activities of the school system. 

The District has specific responsibilities under Section 504 to identify, evaluate and provide an educational placement for students who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The District’s obligation includes providing access to a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”) for students determined to be eligible under Section 504/ADA. Under Section 504, FAPE is defined as the provision of regular or special education and related services that are designed to meet the individual educational needs of a student with a disability as adequately as the needs of students without disabilities are met, and that are provided without cost (except for fees similarly imposed on nondisabled students/parents). 

If a student‘s parents/guardians disagree with the decisions made by the professional staff of the District with respect to the identification, evaluation or educational placement of their child, such parents/guardians have a right to request an impartial due process hearing.

In addition, a student or parent/guardian of a student may also file an internal grievance/complaint on these issues or any other type of discrimination on the basis of disability by or within the District by utilizing the grievance/complaint procedures outlined in the Administrative Regulations Regarding Students and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of Americans with Disabilities Act associated with this policy, and/or may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”):

Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office
U.S. Department of Education
8th Floor
5 Post Office Square
Boston, MA  02109- 3921
(617) 289-0111

Anyone who wishes to file a grievance/complaint with the District, or who has questions or concerns about this policy, should contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator for the West Hartford Public Schools Public Schools, at phone number 860-233-5269.

Legal References:  

29 U.S.C. §§ 705, 794

34 C.F.R. Part 104

42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

28 C.F.R. Part 35                              

Protecting Students with Disabilities, Frequently Asked Questions About Section 504 and the Education of Children with Disabilities, Office for Civil Rights (March 17, 2011), available at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html

Dear Colleague Letter, United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (January 19, 2012)

Supporting Students with Disabilities and Avoiding the Discriminatory Use of Student Discipline Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Office for Civil Rights (July 2022), available at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/504-discipline-guidance.pdf?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term

Adopted: December 21, 1987
Reviewed: February 22, 2017
Revised: November 1, 2022

The West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) seeks to foster a safe and positive learning environment for all students. Board employees will restrict the use of physical restraint and seclusion of students to emergency situations, in accordance with this policy and accompanying administrative regulations and applicable law. Physical restraint or seclusion of a student may be necessary in an emergency situation to maintain the safety of the student or another individual. The Board also regulates the use of exclusionary time out in accordance with this policy and accompanying regulations and applicable law.

The Board authorizes the Superintendent or his/her designee to develop and implement administrative regulations in accordance with this policy and applicable law. The Board of Education mandates compliance with this policy and the associated administrative regulations at all times. Violations of this policy and/or associated administrative regulations by a Board staff member or other individual working at the direction of, or under the supervision of, the Board, may result in disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination of employment status and/or termination of contract for services.

Nothing within the associated administrative regulations shall be construed to interfere with the Board’s responsibility to maintain a safe school setting, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220. Under no circumstances shall employees or individuals under the supervision of the Board use corporal punishment with students or physically manage students for purposes of discipline.

Legal References:

Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-76b
Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-76d
Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-236b
Conn. Gen. Stat. §§53a-18 to 53a-22
Reg. Conn. State Agencies. §§10-76b-5 to 10-76b-11

Other References:

Restraint and Seclusion: Resource Document, United States Department of Education, available at http://www2.ed.gov/policy/seclusion/restraints-and-seclusion-resources.pdf.

Understanding the Laws and Regulations Governing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion, Connecticut State Department of Education (July 2018).

Guidance Related to Recent Legislation Regarding Restraint and Seclusion, Connecticut State Department of Education (Revised, July 2018).

Adopted: December 20, 2022

Parents have some flexibility concerning entry ages for their children. District schools shall be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five on or before the first day of January of any school year. Exceptions from routine admission may be made by the school principal on the basis of supporting evidence from physical and psychological examinations.

The parent or person having control of a child five years of age shall have the option of not sending the child to school until the child is six years of age. The parent or person having control of a child six years of age shall have the option of not sending the child to school until the child is seven years of age. The parent or person shall exercise such option by personally appearing at the school district office and signing an option form. The district shall provide the parent or person with information on the educational opportunities available in the school system.

(cf. 6280 - Special Education)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-15 Towns to maintain schools
10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited.  School attendance by five-year-olds. 
10-76a-10-76g re special education
10-184 Duties of parents (re mandatory schooling for children ages five to sixteen, inclusive) 
10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance.  Hearings.  
10-233a-10-233f inclusive, re suspend, expel, removal of pupils
10-233k Notification of school officials of potentially dangerous students (as amended by P.A. 01-176)
10-261 Definitions
State Board of Education Regulations
10-76a(1) General definitions (c),(d),(q), (t)
10-76d (7) Admission of student requiring special education (referral)
10-204a Required immunizations (as amended by P.A. 98-243)
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11431, et seq.

Adopted: March 21, 1988
Reviewed: April 25, 2007

Board policy concerning the admission and attendance of non-resident students in West Hartford public schools is guided by state law, and the Board's interest in maintaining stability for the student and his or her classmates when reasonable.

A non-resident child may enroll in West Hartford schools under the following conditions:

1. When he/she lives in West Hartford with a relative or non-relative and the following conditions prevail:

a. that the placement is permanent;
b. is provided without pay; and
c. not for the sole purpose of obtaining school accommodations.

2. On a tuition basis in special education programs when the local enrollment is below the established desirable class size and by mutual agreement.

3. On a tuition basis for classes of the West Hartford Summer School.

4. When a student is enrolled through the auspices of Project Choice.

A child who becomes a non resident subsequent to his or her enrollment in the district may continue to attend West Hartford schools under the following conditions: 

1. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent in order to prevent a deleterious interruption of students' educational program within a given school when the family has moved from West Hartford.

2. With the approval of the Superintendent of Schools, a high school student who has completed at least one full school year in a West Hartford high school may be permitted to complete the remaining full school years at that high school on a tuition basis if his/her parents move from West Hartford; except that, with the approval of the Superintendent of Schools, a student who has completed at least the sophomore and junior years in a West Hartford high school when his/her parents move from West Hartford may be permitted to complete the senior year tuition free.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
4-17e through 4-185 Uniform Administrative Procedure Act
10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance. Hearings. Appeals to state board. Establishment of hearing board.
10-253 School privileges for students in certain placements and temporary shelters.

Adopted: March 21, 1988
Reviewed: May 1, 2007

Regular and punctual student attendance in school is essential to the educational process. Connecticut state law places responsibility for assuring that students attend school with the parent or other person having control of the child. To assist parents and other persons in meeting this responsibility, the Board of Education (the “Board”), through its Superintendent, will adopt and maintain procedures to implement this policy. 

In addition, the Board takes seriously the issue of chronic absenteeism. To address this issue, the Board, through its Superintendent, will adopt and maintain procedures regarding chronic absenteeism in accordance with state law.

Legal References: 

Public Act No. 22-47

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-220

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-184

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-186

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198a

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198b

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198c

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198d

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198e

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-198f 

Connecticut State Department of Education, Guidelines for Reporting Student Attendance in the Public School Information System, January 2008

Connecticut State Board of Education Memorandum, Definitions of Excused and Unexcused Absences (June 27, 2012)

Connecticut State Department of Education, Guidelines for Implementation of the Definitions of Excused and Unexcused Absences and Best Practices for Absence Prevention and Intervention (April 2013)

Connecticut State Department of Education, Reducing Chronic Absence in Connecticut’s Schools: A Prevention and Intervention Guide for Schools and Districts (April 2017)

Connecticut State Department of Education Memorandum, Youth Service Bureau Referral for Truancy and Defiance of School Rules (February 22, 2018)

Connecticut State Department of Education, Youth Service Bureau Referral Guide (February 2018)

Connecticut State Department of Education Memorandum, Mental Health Wellness Days (January 24, 2022)

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Revised: May 25, 2077
Revised: November 15, 2022

The disciplinary policies of the West Hartford school system are intended to protect the rights of all West Hartford students.  Primary among those is the right to a safe school environment and one that is most conducive to the learning process.  The board respects that students have rights they do not relinquish upon entry to school. However, disruptive or destructive activities that interfere with the primary mission of the schools to teach will not be tolerated.

An authorized member of the administrative staff may suspend a student from school privileges or from transportation services whose conduct on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school hours is violative of a publicized policy of the Board of Education, or is seriously disruptive of the educational process or endangers persons or property, or whose conduct off school grounds is violative of a publicized policy of the Board and is seriously disruptive of the educational process.

Expulsion

The Board of Education may expel any student whose conduct on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school hours, is violative of a publicized policy of the Board or is seriously disruptive of the educational process or endangers persons or property or whose conduct off school grounds is violative of such policy and is seriously disruptive of the educational process provided that a formal hearing is held under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-177 through 4-180 plus 10-233d.

Mandatory Expulsion: It shall be the policy of the Board to expel a student for one full calendar year if the Board finds that the student (a) on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, during or outside school hours, was in possession of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921, as amended, from time to time, or deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or martial arts weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, as amended; (b) off school grounds was in possession of such a firearm in violation of Conn. Gen. State. § 29-35 or did possess and use such a firearm, dangerous instrument or weapon in the commission of a crime; or (c) on or off school grounds offered for sale or distribution a controlled substance as defined in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-240(9) whose manufacture, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting or possessing with intent to sell or dispense, offering or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Sections 21a-277 and 21a-278.  The Board may modify the period of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

A person is in violation of Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-35 as defined in section 53a-3, as amended, if he/she is in possession of a deadly weapon or firearm without proper permit authorizing 
such possession consistent with federal and state statutes.  As used in this paragraph, a firearm means (1) any weapon that will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (2) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (3) a muffler or silencer; or (4) any destructive device (any explosive, incendiary, poisonous gas, bomb, rocket, missile, mine, grenade or similar device, or any weapon (other than a shotgun or shotgun shell particularly suited for sporting purposes) that will or may be converted to expel a projectile by explosive or other propellant having a barrel with a bore of more than ½" in diameter).  A deadly weapon means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged, or a switchblade knife, gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon or metal knuckles.  Dangerous instrument means any instrument, article or substance, which, under the circumstances in which it is used or attempted or threatened to be used, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury and includes a vehicle.  Martial arts weapon means a nunchaku, kama, kasari-fundo, octogon sai, tonfa or chinese star.

Mandatory Expulsion: In keeping with the intent of the federal Gun Free Schools Act, it shall be the policy of the Board to expel a student for one full calendar year for bringing a weapon to school.  For the purposes of this paragraph, a weapon is defined to mean (1) any weapon that will, is designed to, or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (2) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; (3) a muffler or silencer; or (4) any destructive device (any explosive, incendiary, poisonous gas, bomb, rocket, missile, mine, grenade or similar device, or any weapon (other than a shotgun or shotgun shell particularly suited for sporting purposes) that will or may be converted to expel a projectile by explosive or other propellant having a barrel with a bore of more than ½" in diameter.)  The Board may modify the period of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
4-177 through 4-180 Contested Cases.  Notice.  Record.
10-233a through 10-233f Suspension and expulsion of students (in general), as amended by P.A. 95-304 and P.A. 96-244.
21a-240(9) Definitions.
21a-277 Controlled Substances.
21a-278 Controlled Substances.
29-35 Definitions.
53a-3 Definitions.
53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds. 18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.

GOALS 2000: Education America Act, Pub. L. 103-227.
Title III - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence).

Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.
P.L. 105-17 The Individuals with Disabilities Act, Amendment of 1997.
Kyle P. Packer PPA Jane Packer  v. Thomaston Board of Education.
20 U.S.C. Section 7114, No Child Left Behind Act.

Adopted:  February 8, 1988
Revised:  November 12, 1996
Reviewed:  April 25, 2007

Enrollment Out of Attendance Zone within West Hartford

A.  A child may attend a school in an attendance zone other than the one in which he/she resides, provided that:

1. transfer is authorized by the superintendent upon the recommendation of the professional staff.
2. permission is granted by the superintendent upon the written request of the parent when it can be demonstrated that remaining in his/her own school would be detrimental to the best interest of the child.

B-1.  Middle and high school students whose families move during the school year to another attendance zone in the town may with the approval of the superintendent continue in the school in which they are enrolled for the remainder of that school year provided the students have completed one semester (or 90 days) in the middle school or one semester (or 90 days) in the senior high school.

If the student has completed two years or more at a given middle school or a high school, the student may, with the approval of the superintendent, complete his/her middle or high school career at that school.

B-2.  Elementary school students who have completed the penultimate (fourth) grade at the elementary school whose families move to another attendance zone in the town may, with the approval of the superintendent, continue in that school for the remainder of their elementary school career.

Revised:  November 19, 1996
Reviewed: April 25, 2007

The Board encourages international studies.  To that end it allows foreign exchange students on one-year J-I visas, who are residing with families in the community to enroll on a non-tuition basis in the West Hartford Public Schools.  Students who apply must not have the equivalent of a high school diploma from a foreign school system.  Students who are accepted are not eligible to receive a diploma.  Further they must meet those criteria established by the administration in the areas of language competency, residency and deportment.  Only foreign exchange students sponsored by organizations screened by the administration will be accepted. The Board may limit the number of students at each high school who may be accepted for any school year.

Students entering the United States on F-1 visas may enter the local school system, only upon payment of the full, unsubsidized public education costs before entering the United States.  Further, students on F-1 visas may remain in the United States for no more than twelve (12) months.  The local district is prohibited by law from waiving the tuition fee of students on F-1 visas.

Legal References: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act of 1996
Connecticut General Statutes:
10-27 International studies, exchange programs.  Advisory committee. 

Adopted:  September 19, 1988
Revised:  April 25, 2007

While the Board of Education recognizes that parents have the right to request a change of grade for their child, student grade placement shall be determined at the school level by the appropriate administrator. The decision shall be based on the student's general achievement, and the mental, physical, emotional and social maturity of the child.

Students will normally progress from grade to grade or level to level. Exceptions may be made when, in the judgment of the certified staff, such exceptions are in the best educational interest of the students. In the case of an exception, the parent or guardian will be notified and will have an opportunity to discuss the decision with a member(s) of the professional staff. The final decision for class placement will rest with the school authorities

Legal reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-221(b) Boards of Education to prescribe rules

Adopted: March 21, 1988
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

Reports will be made to parents or guardians periodically by teachers through conferences and written reports. The teacher will discuss with the parent or guardian his/her evaluation of each student's progress. Final assessment and grading of student performance will be the sole responsibility of the teacher.

The administration will create a system to assign grades to students.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-15b Access of parent or guardian to student's records

Adopted: December 8, 1992
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

The Board of Education encourages the professional staff to maintain a set of criteria and procedures for presenting suitable awards to students for scholarship and distinguished service in any school activity. In all cases, the relationship between the award and the relevant goal or goals of the schools should be pointed out.

The professional staff is authorized to review and approve, or reject, proposed trophies, prizes, scholarships or other awards from non-school donors.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

In order to satisfy the high school graduation requirements within West Hartford Public Schools, a student must have satisfactorily completed the prescribed courses of study, demonstrated proficiency in basic skills identified by the West Hartford Board of Education and satisfied the legally mandated number and distribution of credits required to graduate from high school.

Required Coursework and Credits for Graduation

The West Harford Board of Education conforms with state law regarding credits for graduation from high school.

Classes Graduating in 2018 to 2022

For classes graduating in 2018 to 2022, the following 21.5 credits are required:

English 4 units

Mathematics 3 units

Science 2 units inclusive of 1 unit in physical science and 1 unit of life science

Physical Education 1.75 units inclusive of 1.5 units of physical education and .25 units of health education

Social Studies 3 units Inclusive of 1 unit of U.S. History, 1 unit in World Civilization, and ½ unit in American Government

Arts or Vocational Education 1 unit

Electives 7 units

Classes Graduating in 2023 and Thereafter

For classes graduating in 2023 and thereafter, the following 25 credits are required:

Humanities 9 units

English 4 units

Social Studies 3 units Inclusive of 1 unit of U.S. History, 1 unit of World History, and ½ unit of American Government

Arts 0.5 unit

World Languages 1 unit

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) 9 units

Mathematics 3 units

Science 3 units Inclusive of 1 unit of physical science and 1 unit of life science

Wellness 2 units Inclusive of 1 unit of physical education and 1 unit of health education

Mastery-Based Diploma Assessment 1 unit

Electives 4 units                        

A student who presents written documentation from a physician or advanced practice registered nurse stating that participation in physical education is not advisable because of the physical condition of the student, shall be excused from the physical education requirement. In such a case, another subject must be substituted.

Any student who is deaf or hearing impaired may be exempted from any world language graduation requirement if the student’s parent or guardian requests such exemption in writing.

A credit is defined as not less than the equivalent of a forty (40) minute class period for each school day of a school year except for a credit or part of a credit toward high school graduation earned (1) at an institution accredited by the Board of Regents for Higher Education or Office of Higher Education or regionally accredited, (2) through on-line coursework that is completed satisfactorily in accordance with Board policy, or (3) through a demonstration of mastery based on competency and performance standards, in accordance with guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education.

Only courses taken in grades nine to twelve inclusive, and that are in accordance with the state-wide subject matter content standards, adopted by the State Board of Education, shall satisfy the above graduation requirements, except that the Board will grant a student credit:

High school graduation credit will be granted to students for courses successfully completed in grades 7 or 8 so long as the primary focus of the course corresponds directly to the subject matter of a specified course requirement at the high school level.

Demonstration of Proficiency in Basic Skills

In addition to meeting the coursework and credit graduation requirements listed above, to graduate high school, each student must demonstrate proficiency in the basic skills.

Mathematics: students will solve problems, explain their reasoning, and justify solutions.     Students will also demonstrate fluency in conceptual understanding or core mathematical content.

Literacy: students read and comprehend complex texts independently demonstrating proficiency in summarizing, identifying author’s purpose, text structure, main idea and evidence.

Science: students plan and conduct and investigation or investigate a case study to answer and identify problems; students analyze data to identify patterns / trends and construct an explanation using evidence.

Students may demonstrate proficiency in the basic skills described above by achieving satisfactory results on the following:

State or nationally recognized assessments for mathematics, literacy, and science or a portfolio of student work.

Graduation During Period of Expulsion

A student may graduate during an expulsion period if the Board determines that the student has completed the necessary credits required for graduation.

Legal References:

Public Act No. 21-144, An Act Implementing Recommendations of the Department of Education
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-14n
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-16b
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-221a
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-223a

Adopted: June 17, 2003
Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Revised: February 7, 2012
Revised: February 20, 2019
Revised: December 20 2022

Vandalism by Minors

The parent or guardian of any unemancipated minor who willfully cuts, defaces or otherwise injures in any way any property, real or personal, belonging to the school district shall be held liable for all such damages up to the maximum amount allowed under state law.

The liability provided under Connecticut General Statutes 52-572 does not relieve the minor(s) of personal liability for such damage or injury. This liability of the parent for damages done by a minor child is in addition to any other liability which exists in law.

Vandalism by an Adult Student

An adult student shall be held personally liable for any damage done to any property, real or personal, belonging to the school district. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action.

NOTE: Although not vandalism, the parent or guardian of a minor child shall also be held liable for all property belonging to the school system lent to the pupil and not returned upon demand of the school system. The student may also be subject to disciplinary action.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
52-572 Parental liability for torts of minors.
10-221(c) Board of Education to prescribe rules, policies and procedures.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

Students – Conduct

Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs

Student Smoking and Other Tobacco Use and Possession

In accordance with the law and to promote the health and well-being of all, the Board of Education prohibits all students from smoking or using tobacco or tobacco products or from using electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products (that may or may not include nicotine) anywhere in school buildings and buses, on school grounds, in the vicinity of the school, or at school-sponsored activities.

Tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, or smokeless tobacco. Nicotine includes, but is not limited to, nicotine, nicotine delivery systems or vapor products, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances.

Alcohol and Drugs

Students may not use, possess, sell, or distribute alcohol or any controlled drug anywhere in school buildings, on school grounds, in the vicinity of the school, or at school-sponsored activities.

Use, possession, sale or distribution of alcohol or controlled drugs in other settings, including private homes, may also be grounds for disciplinary action, at the discretion of the district administration. Unless otherwise required by state statute, such disciplinary action will be progressive, will be accompanied by support and education, will include an appeals process, and will be applied uniformly to participants and members in all student activities.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-221(d): Policy statement on drugs
19a-342: Smoking prohibited 21a-240: Definitions
53-198: Smoking in school buses prohibited

Revised: January 7, 1997
Revised: September 7, 2010
Revised: May 5, 2015
Reviewed: February 22, 2017

Policy Statement

The West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) is required by Connecticut law to prescribe rules for the management and discipline of its schools. In keeping with this mandate, the unlawful use, sale, distribution or possession of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, as defined in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240, or alcohol on or off school property or during any school-sponsored activity is prohibited. It shall be the policy of the Board to take positive action through education, counseling, discipline, parental involvement, medical referral, and law enforcement referral, as appropriate, in the handling of incidents in the schools involving the unlawful possession, distribution, sale or use of substances that affect behavior.

Definitions

(1) Controlled Drugs: means those drugs which contain any quantity of a substance which has been designated as subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act, or which has been designated as a depressant or stimulant drug pursuant to federal food and drug laws, or which has been designated by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection pursuant to C.G.S. Section 21a-243, as having a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect upon the higher functions of the central nervous system and as having a tendency to promote abuse or psychological or physiological dependence, or both. Such controlled drugs are classifiable as amphetamine-type, barbiturate-type, cannabis-type, cocaine-type, hallucinogenic, morphine-type and other stimulant and depressant drugs. C.G.S. Section 21a-240(8).  

(2) Controlled Substances: means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in schedules I to V, inclusive, of the Connecticut controlled substance scheduling regulations adopted pursuant to C.G.S. Section 21a-243. C.G.S. Section 21a-240(9). 

(3) Professional Communication: any communication made privately and in confidence by a student to a professional employee of such student's school in the course of the professional employee's employment. C.G.S. Section 10-154a(a)(4). 

(4) Professional Employee: means a person employed by a school who "(A) holds a certificate from the State Board of Education, (B) is a member of a faculty where certification is not required, (C) is an administration officer of a school, or (D) is a registered nurse employed by or assigned to a school." C.G.S. Section 10-154a(a)(2).

(5) Drug Paraphernalia: means any equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing or concealing, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing any controlled substance into the human body, including but not limited to all items specified in C.G.S. Section 21a-240(20)(A), such as "bongs," pipes, "roach clips," miniature cocaine spoons, cocaine vials, and any object or container used, intended or designed for use in storing, concealing, possessing, distributing or selling controlled substances. C.G.S. Section 21a-240(20)(A).

Procedures 

(1) Emergencies.

If an emergency situation results from drug or alcohol use, the student shall be sent to the school nurse or medical advisor immediately. The parent or designated responsible person will be notified. 

(2) Prescribed Medications.

Students may possess and/or self-administer medications in school in accordance with the Board’s policy concerning the administration of medication in school.   

Students taking improper amounts of a prescribed medication, or otherwise taking medication contrary to the provisions of the Board’s policy on the administration of medication, will be subject to the procedures for improper drug or alcohol use outlined in this policy. 

(3) Voluntary Disclosure of Drug/Alcohol Problem (Self-Referral). 

The following procedures will be followed when a student privately, and in confidence, discloses to a professional employee in a professional communication information concerning the student's use, possession, distribution or sale of a controlled drug, controlled substance or alcohol. 

(a) Professional employees are permitted, in their professional judgment, to disclose any information acquired through a professional communication with a student, when such information concerns alcohol or drug abuse or any alcohol or drug problem of such student. In no event, however, will they be required to do so. C.G.S. Section 10-154a(b).

(b) Any physical evidence obtained from such student through a professional communication indicating that a crime has been or is being committed by the student must be turned over to school administrators or law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but no later than two calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Employees are encouraged to contact the school administrator immediately upon obtaining physical evidence. In no case, however, will such employee be required to disclose the name of the student from whom the evidence was obtained. C.G.S. Section 10-154a(b).

(c) Any professional employee who has received a professional communication from a student may obtain advice and information concerning appropriate resources and refer the student accordingly, subject to the rights of the professional employee as described in paragraph (a) above. 

(d) If a student consents to disclosure of a professional communication concerning the student's alcohol or drug problem, or if the professional employee deems disclosure to be appropriate, the professional employee should report the student's name and problem to the school's building administrator or designee who shall refer the student to appropriate school staff members for intervention and counseling.

(4) Involuntary Disclosure or Discovery of Drug/Alcohol Problems.

When a professional employee obtains information related to a student from a source other than the student's confidential disclosure, that the student, on or off school grounds or at a school sponsored activity, is under the influence of, or possesses, uses, dispenses, distributes, administers, sells or aids in the procurement of a controlled drug, controlled substance, drug paraphernalia or alcohol, that information is considered to be involuntarily disclosed. In this event, the following procedures will apply.

(a) The professional employee will immediately report the information to the building administrator or designee. The building administrator or designee will then refer the student to appropriate school staff members for intervention and counseling.

(b) Any physical evidence (for example, alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia) obtained from a student indicating that a crime has been or is being committed by the student must be turned over to the building administrator or designee or to law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but no later than within two calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. C.G.S. Section 10-154a(b). Because such evidence was not obtained through a professional communication, the name of the student must be disclosed to the building administrator or designee.

(c) Search and Seizure of Students and/or Possessions: A professional employee who reasonably suspects that a student is violating a state/federal law or a school substance abuse policy must immediately report such suspicion to the building administrator or designee. The building administrator or designee may then search a student's person or possessions connected to that person, in accordance with the Board's policies and regulations if the administrator or designee has reasonable suspicion from the inception of the search that the student has violated or is violating either the law or a school substance abuse policy.

Any physical evidence obtained in the search of a student, or a student's possessions, indicating that the student is violating or has violated a state or federal law must be turned over to law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but not later than within three calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. C.G.S. Section 10-154a(c). All school employees are encouraged to contact the school administration immediately upon obtaining physical evidence.  

(5) Consequences for the Use, Sale, Distribution or Possession of Controlled Drugs, Controlled Substances, Drug Paraphernalia or Alcohol. 

(a) Any student in the [    ] Public Schools using, consuming, possessing, being under the influence of, manufacturing, distributing, selling or aiding in the procurement of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or alcohol either on or off school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, except as such use or possession is in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 21a-408a through 408q, is subject to discipline up to and including expulsion pursuant to the Board's student discipline policy. On and after January 1, 2022, a student shall not face greater discipline, punishment or sanction for the use, sale, or possession of cannabis on school property than a student would face for the use, sale, or possession of alcohol on school property, except as otherwise required by applicable law. 

(b) In conformity with the Board’s student discipline policy, students may be suspended or expelled for drug or alcohol use off school grounds if such drug or alcohol use is considered seriously disruptive of the educational process. In determining whether the conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the Administration and the Board may consider, among other factors: 1) whether the drug or alcohol use occurred within close proximity of a school; 2) whether other students from the school were involved; and 3) whether any injuries occurred. 

(c) If a school administrator has reason to believe that any student was engaged, on or off school grounds, in offering for sale or distribution a controlled substance (as defined by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-240(9)), whose manufacturing, distribution, sale, prescription, dispensing, transporting, or possessing with intent to sell or dispense, offering or administering is subject to criminal penalties under Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 21a-277 and 21a-278, the administrator will recommend such student for expulsion, in accordance with Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-233d(a)(2) and the Board’s student discipline policy.

(d) Students found to be in violation of this policy may be referred by the building administrator to an appropriate agency licensed to assess and treat drug and alcohol involved individuals. In such event, assessment and treatment costs will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.  

(e) A meeting may be scheduled with appropriate school staff members for the purpose of discussing the school's drug and alcohol policy with the student and parent or guardian. 

(f) Law enforcement officials may be contacted by the building administrator in the case of suspected involvement in the use, sale or distribution of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or alcohol. 

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes:

June Special Session, Public Act No. 21-1, An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis

Section 10-154a            

Section 10-212a                 

Section 10-221                   

Sections 10-233a through 10-233f

Section 21a-240                             

Section 21a-243

Section 21a-408a through 408q

Adopted: November 15, 2022

Policy Statement

The West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) participates in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (“CIAC”). In accordance with CIAC participation rules and the Board’s obligation under state and federal law, the Board prohibits the unauthorized use, sale, distribution or possession of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, performance enhancing substances or alcohol during any school-sponsored athletic activity, whether occurring on or off school property. It shall be the policy of the Board to take positive action through education, counseling, discipline, parental involvement, medical referral, and law enforcement referral, as appropriate, in the handling of incidents by student athletes involving the possession, distribution, sale or use of substances that affect behavior, including performance-enhancing substances. This policy applies to all student athletes participating in school-sponsored athletics, whether or not such athletes are participating in CIAC controlled activities.

Definitions

(1) Controlled Drugs: means those drugs which contain any quantity of a substance which has been designated as subject to the federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq., or which has been designated as a depressant or stimulant drug pursuant to federal food and drug laws, or which has been designated by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-243, as having a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect upon the higher functions of the central nervous system and as having a tendency to promote abuse or psychological or physiological dependence, or both. Such controlled drugs are classifiable as amphetamine-type, barbiturate-type, cannabis-type, cocaine-type, hallucinogenic, morphine-type and other stimulant and depressant drugs. Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240(8).

(2) Controlled Substances: means a drug, substance or immediate precursor in schedules I to V, inclusive, of the Connecticut controlled substance scheduling regulations adopted pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sections 21a-243 and 21a-240(9).

(3) Drug Paraphernalia: means any equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing or concealing, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing any controlled substance into the human body, including but not limited to all items specified in Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240(20)(A), such as "bongs," pipes, "roach clips," miniature cocaine spoons, cocaine vials, and any object or container used, intended or designed for use in storing, concealing, possessing, distributing or selling controlled substances. Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-240(20)(A).

(4) Performance Enhancing Substances: means any anabolic steroid, hormone or analogue, diuretic or other substance designed to enhance a student’s performance in athletic competition, except when used under the care and direction of a licensed medical professional and only then in the manner prescribed by the medical professional and manufacturer’s recommendations

(5) Professional Communication: means any communication made privately and in confidence by a student to a professional employee of such student's school in the course of the professional employee's employment. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(a)(4).

(6) Professional Employee: means a person employed by a school who (A) holds a certificate from the State Board of Education, (B) is a member of a faculty where certification is not required, (C) is an administration officer of a school, or (D) is a registered nurse employed by or assigned to a school. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(a)(2).

(7) Student Athlete: means any student participating in an extracurricular school-sponsored athletic activity, whether interscholastic or intramural, including but not limited to student athletes who are participating in CIAC controlled activities.

Procedures

(1) Discretionary Nature of Student Athletics.

The Board sponsors athletic programs as part of its extracurricular program. The opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as student athletics is a privilege, not a right. The Board may remove students from participation in athletics activities in its discretion.

(2) Emergencies.

If an emergency situation results from the use of drugs, performance enhancing substances or alcohol, the student athlete shall be sent to the school nurse or medical advisor immediately, or emergency medical personnel will be notified. The parent or designated responsible person will also be notified as soon as possible.

(3) Prescribed Medications.

The parent or guardian of any student athlete who is required to take any prescribed medication during student athletic activities shall so inform the school nurse or the person designated to act in the absence of a nurse. Such prescribed medication will then be administered to the student athlete under the supervision of the school nurse or designee in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-212a and the applicable regulations and in accordance with any Board policies and regulations concerning medication administration, except as provided below.

Student athletes taking improper amounts of a prescribed medication, or taking a prescribed medication without proper notification and supervision of the school nurse or designee, will be subject to the procedures for improper drug or alcohol use outlined in this policy.

Student athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular use of performance enhancing substances for therapeutic purposes shall not be considered to be in violation of this policy when such substances are properly prescribed and taken by the student athlete in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-212a and the applicable regulations and in accordance with any Board policies and regulations concerning medication administration.

Student athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating the need for regular, palliative use of marijuana shall not be considered to be in violation of this policy when such substance is properly prescribed and taken by the student athlete in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Sections 21a-408a through 408q. Under no circumstances shall the school nurse or designee administer to the student, or permit the palliative use of marijuana by the student, on a school bus, school grounds or property, in public places or in the presence of persons under the age of eighteen.

(4) Voluntary Disclosure of Drug/Alcohol Problem (Self-Referral).

The following procedures will be followed when a student athlete privately, and in confidence, discloses to a professional employee in a professional communication information concerning the student's use, possession, distribution or sale of a controlled drug, controlled substance or alcohol.

(a) Professional employees are permitted, in their professional judgment, to disclose any information acquired through a professional communication with a student, when such information concerns alcohol or drug abuse or any alcohol or drug problem of such student athlete. In no event, however, will they be required to do so. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(b).

(b) Any physical evidence obtained from such student athlete through a professional communication indicating that a crime has been or is being committed by the student athlete must be turned over to school administrators or law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but no later than two calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Employees are encouraged to contact the school administrator immediately upon obtaining physical evidence. In no case, however, will such employee be required to disclose the name of the student athlete from whom the evidence was obtained. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(b).

(c) Any professional employee who has received a professional communication from a student athlete may obtain advice and information concerning appropriate resources and refer the student athlete accordingly, subject to the rights of the professional employee as described in paragraph (a) above.

(d) If a student athlete consents to disclosure of a professional communication concerning the student athlete's alcohol or drug problem, or if the professional employee deems disclosure to be appropriate, the professional employee should report the student athlete's name and problem to the school's building administrator or designee who shall refer the student athlete to appropriate school staff members for intervention and counseling.

(5) Involuntary Disclosure or Discovery of Drug/Alcohol Problems.

When any school staff member, or a coach or volunteer responsible for or involved in student athletic programs, obtains information related to a student athlete from a source other than the student athlete's confidential disclosure, that the student athlete, on or off school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, is unlawfully under the influence of, or unlawfully possesses, uses, dispenses, distributes, administers, sells or aids in the procurement of a controlled drug, controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, performance enhancing substances or alcohol, that information is considered to be involuntarily disclosed. In this event, the following procedures will apply.

(a) The staff member, coach or volunteer will immediately report the information to the building administrator or designee. The building administrator or designee will then refer the student athlete to appropriate school staff members for intervention and counseling.

(b) Any physical evidence (for example, alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or performance enhancing substances) obtained from a student athlete indicating that a crime has been or is being committed by the student athlete must be turned over to the building administrator or designee or to law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but no later than within two calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(b). The name of the student athlete must be disclosed to the building administrator or designee.

(c) Search and Seizure of Students and/or Possessions: A staff member, coach or volunteer who reasonably suspects that a student athlete is violating a state/federal law, school substance abuse policy or this chemical health policy must immediately report such suspicion to the building administrator or designee. The building administrator or designee may then search a student athlete's person or possessions connected to that person, in accordance with the Board's policies and regulations if such employee has reasonable suspicion from the inception of the search that the student athlete has violated or is violating either the law, a school substance abuse policy, or this chemical health policy.

Any physical evidence obtained in the search of a student athlete, or a student athlete's possessions, indicating that the student athlete is violating or has violated a state or federal law must be turned over to law enforcement officials as soon as possible, but not later than within three calendar days after receipt of such physical evidence, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-154a(c). All school employees are encouraged to contact the school administration immediately upon obtaining physical evidence.

(6) Consequences for the Use, Sale, Distribution or Possession of Controlled Drugs, Controlled Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, Performance Enhancing Substances or Alcohol.

(a) Any student athlete in the West Hartford Public Schools using, consuming, possessing, being under the influence of, manufacturing, distributing, selling or aiding in the procurement of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, performance enhancing substances or alcohol, either on or off school property, or at a school-sponsored activity, except as such use or possession is in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Sections 21a-408a through 408q, is subject to discipline up to and including expulsion pursuant to the Board's student discipline policy. On and after January 1, 2022, a student shall not face greater discipline, punishment or sanction for the use, sale, or possession of cannabis on school property than a student would face for the use, sale, or possession of alcohol on school property, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

(b) Student athletes found to be in violation this policy may be referred by the building administrator to an appropriate agency licensed to assess and treat drug and alcohol involved individuals. In such event, assessment and treatment costs will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

(c) A meeting may be scheduled with appropriate school staff members for the purpose of discussing the school's drug and alcohol policy and this chemical health policy with the student athlete and parent or guardian.

(d) Law enforcement officials may be contacted by the building administrator in the case of suspected involvement in the use, sale or distribution of controlled drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, performance enhancing substances or alcohol.

(e) A student athlete found by the administration to have violated this policy may, in the discretion of school administrators, be suspended from play for short or long term periods, or may have student athletic participation privileges revoked.

(f) A student athlete found by the administration to have used performance enhancing substances shall receive a minimum penalty of revocation of athletic participation privileges for one hundred eighty (180) days. The Board shall report the violation to the CIAC.

(g) The Board recognizes that the CIAC may impose additional sanctions on student athletes participating in CIAC controlled activities who are found to have violated this policy.    

(7) Prohibition on the Promotion or Dispensing of Performance Enhancing Substances by School Staff Members, Coaches or Volunteers.

(a) No school staff member, coach or volunteer responsible for or involved in student athletic programs shall dispense any drug, medication (prescription or non-prescription), or food supplement to any student athlete except under the supervision of the school nurse or designee in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-212a and the applicable regulations, and in accordance with any Board policies and regulations concerning medication administration.

(b) No school staff member, coach or volunteer responsible for or involved in student athletic programs shall encourage the use of any drug, medication (prescription or non-prescription), or food supplement in a manner not described by the manufacturer.

(c) No school staff member, coach or volunteer responsible for or involved in student athletic programs shall supply, recommend, or knowingly permit student athletes to use any drug, medication (prescription or non-prescription), or food supplement for the specific purpose of enhancing their athletic performance.

(d) A school staff member, or coach responsible for or involved in student athletic programs, who violates the terms of this policy shall be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. The Board may also report violations of this policy by employees to parents of student athletes and/or state and local authorities.

(e) The Board shall immediately terminate a volunteer responsible for or involved in student athletic programs who violates the terms of this policy. The Board may also report violations of this policy by volunteers to parents of student athletes and/or state and local authorities.

(8) Publication of Chemical Health Policy to School Staff Members, Coaches, Volunteers and Student Athletes.

(a) The Board shall publish this chemical health policy to all school staff members, coaches and volunteers responsible for or involved in student athletic programs.

(b) The Board shall publish this chemical health policy to all student athletes and their parents/guardians.

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes:

June Special Session, Public Act No. 21-1, An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis   

Section 10-154a
Section 10-212a 
Section 10-221
Section 21a-240
Section 21a-243
Sections 21a-408a through 408q

2021-2022 CIAC Handbook, Section 4.12.E (Chemical Health Policy and Regulations), available at https://www.casciac.org/pdfs/ciachandbook_2122.pdf

Adopted: December 20, 2022

The Board of Education recognizes that each student has his or her personal style of dress and grooming. As such, the rights of students regarding their appearance will not be interfered with except when their choice disrupts the educational process or creates disorder by containing offensive or obscene language or symbols oriented towards violence, sex, drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or degrades any gender, cultural, religious, or ethnic values.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

Except as hereinafter noted, no weapons or dangerous instruments shall be permitted on any school premises, in, about or on school buses, nor at any school-sponsored activity, on or off school premises, except that police officers may carry weapons in performance of their duty. Further, weapons or dangerous instruments may be brought to school by persons licensed to carry such only when authorized by the principal when it pertains to an educational activity scheduled by the administration. In these instances the weapons must be cased, and the Superintendent's office must be informed prior to the event.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
53-206 Carrying and sale of dangerous weapons
53a-3 Definitions
53a-217b Possession of a weapon on school grounds

Adopted: March 25, 1991
Reviewed: May 15, 2007

Students

I. PURPOSE

The West Hartford Board of Education is dedicated to promoting and maintaining a positive learning environment where all students are welcomed, supported, and feel socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically safe in school.

II. BULLYING PROHIBITED

A. Bullying is prohibited on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased, or used by a local or regional board of education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased, or used by the local or regional board of education.

B. Bullying is also prohibited outside of the school setting if such bullying results in any of the following: (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

C. Any form of discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying is strictly prohibited.

III. DEFINITIONS

A. “Bullying” means (1) the repeated use by one or more students of a written, oral, or electronic communication, such as cyberbullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district, or (2) a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, that:

(a) Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student’s property,
(b) Places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property,
(c) Creates a hostile environment at school for such student,
(d) Infringes on the rights of such student at school, or
(e) Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, a written, oral, or electronic communication or physical gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic, such as
race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental, or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

B. “Cyberbullying” means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile devices or any electronic communications.

C. “Mobile electronic device” means any hand-held or other portable electronic equipment capable of providing data communication between two or more individuals, including, but not limited to, a text messaging device, a paging device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, equipment that is capable of playing a video game or a digital video disk, or equipment on which digital images are taken or transmitted.

D. “Electronic communication” means any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photo-electronic, or photo-optical system.

E. “Hostile environment” means a situation in which bullying among students is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of the school climate.

F. “Out of the school setting” means at a location, activity, or program that is not school related, or through the use of an electronic device or a mobile electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education.

G. “Safe School Climate Coordinator” means the individual appointed by the Superintendent of Schools from existing staff who is responsible for:

1. Implementing the district’s Safe School Climate Plan;

2. Collaborating with the safe school climate specialists, the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying in the schools of the district.

3. Providing data and information, in collaboration with the Superintendent of Schools of the district, to the State Department of Education regarding bullying, in accordance with state law; and

4. Meeting with the safe school climate specialists at least twice during the school year to discuss issues relating to bullying in the school district and to make recommendations concerning amendments to the district’s Safe School Climate Plan.

H. “Safe School Climate Specialist” means the principal of each school, or the principal’s designee, who is responsible for:

1. Investigating or supervising the investigation of reported acts of bullying in the 
school in accordance with the district’s Safe School Climate Plan;

2. Collecting and maintaining records of reports and investigations of bullying in the school; and

3. Acting as the primary school official responsible for preventing, identifying, and responding to reports of bullying in the school.

I. “School employee” means

1. A teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by a local or regional board of education or working in a public elementary, middle, or high school; or

2. Any other individual who, in performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in a public elementary, middle, or high school, pursuant to a contract with the local or regional board of education.

J. “School climate” means the quality and character of school life with a particular focus on the quality of the relationships within the school community between and among students and adults.

IV. SAFE SCHOOL CLIMATE PLAN

The district’s Safe School Climate Plan consists of this policy as well as the administrative regulations developed by the Superintendent of Schools to implement this policy. This policy clarifies the legal mandates regarding the district’s response to bullying in its schools. The administrative regulations shall address the broader topic of school climate and may incorporate the National School Climate Standards or other applicable evidence-based standards. Revisions to any part of the Safe School Climate Plan shall be approved by the Board of Education.

A. Reporting Procedures

1. Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying may report the matter to any school employee. Students may anonymously report acts of bullying to school employees.
    
2. Parents or guardians of students may also file written reports of suspected bullying.
    
3. School employees who witness acts of bullying or receive reports of bullying are required to orally notify the safe school climate specialist (or another school administrator if the safe school climate specialist is unavailable), not later than one school day after such school employee witnesses or receives a report of bullying, and to file a written report not later than two school days after making such oral report.

B. Investigation

1. The safe school climate specialist shall investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying and ensure that such investigation is completed promptly after receipt of any written reports and that the parents or guardians of the student alleged to have committed an act or acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of the student against whom such alleged act or acts were directed receive prompt notice that such investigation has commenced.
    
2. The safe school climate specialist shall review any anonymous reports. No disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
    
3. The investigator shall assess whether there is a necessity to take immediate measures to prevent further allegations of bullying or retaliation of any kind while the investigation is pending.
    
4. The investigator shall remind involved parties that any form of discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying is strictly prohibited.
    
5. After a prompt investigation, the investigator should ascertain whether the alleged conduct occurred and whether such conduct constitutes bullying as defined by this policy.

C. Response to Verified Acts of Bullying

1. If it is determined that bullying has occurred, the school will take prompt corrective action that is reasonably calculated to stop the bullying and prevent any recurrence of such behavior. As part of such remedial action, the offender may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, one or a combination of the following: counseling, awareness training, warning, reassignment, transfer, suspension, or expulsion.
    
2. Each school shall notify the parents or guardians of students who commit any verified acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were directed not later than forty-eight hours after the completion of the investigation. This notification shall include a description of the response of school employees to such acts and any consequences that may result from the commission of further acts of bullying.
    
3. Each school is required to invite the parents or guardians of a student [who commits any verified act of bullying and the parents or guardians of the student] against whom such act was directed to a meeting to communicate to such parents or guardians the measures being taken by the school to ensure the safety of the student against whom such act was directed and policies and procedures in place to prevent further acts of bullying. This invitation shall include a description of the response of school employees to such acts and any consequences that may result from the commission of further acts of bullying. 
    
4. Each school is required to invite the parents or guardians of a student who commits any verified act of bullying to a meeting, separate and distinct from the meeting in section 3 above, to discuss specific interventions undertaken by the school to prevent further acts of bullying.
    
5. A student safety support plan shall be developed for any student against whom an act of bullying was directed. The plan shall address safety measures that the school will take to protect such students against further acts of bullying.
    
6. Case-by-case interventions shall be developed to address repeated incidents of bullying against a single individual or recurrently perpetrated bullying incidents by the same individual that may include both counseling and discipline.
    
7. The principal of a school, or designee, shall notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when such principal, or designee, believes that any acts of bullying constitute criminal conduct.

D. Prevention and Intervention Strategy
Students shall be provided with a variety of prevention and intervention strategies which may include, but are not limited to:

1. Implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports process or another evidence-based model approach for safe school climate or for the prevention of bullying identified by the State Department of Education;
    
2. School rules prohibiting bullying, harassment, and intimidation and establishing appropriate consequences for those who engage in such acts;
    
3. Adequate adult supervision of outdoor areas, hallways, the lunchroom and other specific areas where bullying is likely to occur; 
    
4. Inclusion of grade-appropriate bullying education and prevention curricula in kindergarten through high school;
    
5. Individual interventions with the bully, parents, and school employees, and interventions with the bullied child, parents, and school employees;
    
6. School-wide training related to safe school climate;
    
7. Student peer training, education and support;
    
8. Promotion of parent involvement in bullying prevention through individual or team participation in meetings, trainings and individual interventions;
    
9. Culturally competent school-based curriculum focusing on social-emotional learning, self-awareness and self-regulation.

For purposes of this section, “interventions with the bullied child” includes referrals to a school counselor, psychologist or other appropriate social or mental health service, and periodic follow-up by the safe school climate specialist with the bullied child.

E. Documentation and Record Keeping

1. Safe school specialists shall establish a procedure for each school to:

a. Document and maintain records relating to reports and investigations of bullying in such school.

b. Maintain a list of the number of verified acts of bullying in such school and make such list available for public inspection. The public list must not contain any personally identifiable information about any student or information that might reasonably lead to the identification of any student.

2. The district’s safe school climate coordinator shall annually report the number of verified acts of bullying in the district’s schools to the Department of Education in such manner as prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.

F. Training

1. All school employees must annually complete training on the prevention, identification, and response to bullying and the prevention of and response to youth suicide. The training will be provided to teachers, administrators, and pupil personnel who hold the initial educator, provisional educator, or professional educator certificate via in-service training. All other school employees shall receive such training as provided by the State Department of Education.
    
2. As part of the prevention and intervention strategies, schools may also implement school-wide training related to safe school climate and student peer training, education, and support.

G. Safe School Climate Committee
For the school year commencing July 1, 2012, and each school year thereafter, the principal of each school shall establish a committee (or designate at least one existing committee in the school) to be responsible for developing and fostering a safe school 
climate and addressing issues relating to bullying in the school. Such committee shall include at least one parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the school appointed by the school principal. Parents or guardians who serve on such committee shall not participate in the activities described in subparagraphs (1) and (2) below or any other activity that may compromise the confidentiality of a student. The safe school climate committee of each school shall:

1. Receive copies of completed reports following investigations of bullying;

2. Identify and address patterns of bullying among students in the school;

3. Review and make recommendations to amend school policies relating to bullying;

4. Review and make recommendations to the district safe school climate coordinator regarding the district’s safe school climate plan based on issues and experiences specific to the school;

5. Educate students, school employees, and parents and guardians of students on issues relating to bullying;

6. Collaborate with the district safe school climate coordinator in the collection of data regarding bullying, in accordance with the law;

7. Perform any other duties as determined by the school principal that are related to the prevention, identification, and response to school bullying for the school.

H. Periodic Assessment of School Climate

1. On and after July 1, 2012, and biennially thereafter, each school in the district shall complete an assessment using the school climate assessment instruments, including surveys, approved and disseminated by the State Department of Education so that the state can monitor bullying prevention efforts over time and compare each district’s progress to state trends.
    
2. Assessment tools may also be used by Safe School Climate Committees to review and make recommendations for revisions to the district’s Safe School Climate Plan.

I. Notice Requirements

1. At the beginning of each school year, each school will provide all school employees with a written or electronic copy of the school district’s Safe School Climate Plan.
    
2. Students and the parents or guardians of students shall be notified at the beginning of each school year of the process by which students may make reports of bullying.
    
3. Students shall be provided with notice of the definitions of bullying, cyberbullying, and the potential consequences of engaging in such acts by the inclusion of language in student codes of conduct concerning bullying.
    
4. The district’s Safe School Climate Plan shall be made available on the Board’s and each individual school’s Internet web-site and ensure that such plan is included in the school district’s publication of rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for schools, and in all student handbooks.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited
46a-58 Deprivation of rights
10-145a Certificates of qualification
10-145o Teacher education and mentoring program
10-220a In-service training
10-222d Policy on bullying behavior
10-222g Prevention and intervention strategy re: bullying
` 10-222h Analysis of bullying policies
P.A. 11-232 “An Act Concerning the Strengthening of Bullying Laws” 
United States Code:
20 U.S.C. 1400 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
20 U.S.C. 1681 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
29 U.S.C. 794 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
42 U.S.C. 2000d Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
42 U.S.C. 12101 Americans with Disabilities Act

Adopted: February 4, 2003
Revised: November 21, 2006
Revised: January 20, 2009
Revised: December 20, 2011 
Reviewed: May 19, 2015

The West Hartford Public Schools (the “district”) recognize that food allergies, glycogen storage disease (“GSD”) and diabetes 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 student suffer an allergic reaction while at school. The district is also committed to appropriately managing and supporting students with glycogen storage disease and diabetes. The district further recognizes the importance of collaborating with parents, adult students (defined as students age eighteen (18) and older) 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 the student’s food allergy, glycogen storage disease or diabetes, as developmentally appropriate. To this end, the district adopts the following guidelines related to the management of life-threatening food allergies, glycogen storage disease, and diabetes for students enrolled in district schools.

I. Identifying Students with Life-Threatening Food Allergies, Diabetes and/or Glycogen Storage Disease

Early identification of students with life-threatening food allergies, diabetes and/or glycogen storage disease is important. The district therefore encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with life-threatening food allergies to notify the school of the allergy, providing as much medical documentation about the extent and nature of the food allergy as is known, as well as any known effective treatment for the allergy. The district also encourages parents/guardians of students and adult students with GSD and diabetes to notify the school of the disease, providing as much medical documentation about the type of GSD or diabetes, nature of the disease, and current treatment of the student.

Students with life-threatening food allergies and diabetes are virtually always students with disabilities and should be referred to a Section 504 team, which will make a final determination concerning the student’s eligibility for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”). The Section 504 team may determine that the only services needed are in the student’s Individualized Health Care Plan (“IHCP”) and/or Emergency Care Plan (“ECP”); in that case, the IHCP and/or ECP will also serve as the student’s Section 504 plan. The Section 504 team will also ensure that parents receive appropriate notice and are informed of their rights under Section 504, including their right to request an impartial hearing if they disagree with the provisions in the Section 504 plan.

Students with GSD and less severe food allergies should be referred to a Section 504 team if there is reason to believe that the student’s GSD or food allergy substantially limits a major life activity. To determine whether a food allergy is severe enough to substantially limit a major life activity, the team should consider the impact on the student when the student has been exposed to the allergen and has not yet received treatment.

Major life activities include, but are not limited to:

(i) Caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, sitting, reaching, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, interacting with others, and working; and

(ii) The operation of a major bodily function, including functions of the immune system, special sense organs and skin; normal cell growth; and digestive, genitourinary, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, hemic, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive functions. The operation of a major bodily function includes the operation of an individual organ within a body system.

II.  Individualized Health Care Plans and Emergency Care Plans

1. If the district obtains medical documentation that a student has a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes, the district shall develop an IHCP for the student. Each IHCP should contain information relevant to the student’s participation in school activities.

2. The IHCP shall be developed by a group of individuals, which shall include the parents, the adult student, if applicable, and appropriate school personnel. Such personnel may include, but are not limited to, the school nurse, school or food service administrator(s), classroom teacher(s) and the student, if appropriate. The school may also consult with the school’s medical advisor, as needed.

3. IHCPs are developed for students with special health needs or whose health needs require daily interventions. The IHCP describes how to meet the student’s health and safety needs within the school environment and should address the student’s needs across school settings. Information to be contained in an IHCP should include a description of the functional health issues (diagnoses); student objectives for promoting self-care and age-appropriate independence; and the responsibilities of parents, school nurse and other school personnel. The IHCP may also include strategies to minimize the allergic student’s risk for exposure. For the student with life-threatening food allergies, GSD, or diabetes, the IHCP may include strategies designed to ameliorate risks associated with such disease and support the student’s participation in the classroom. IHCPs for such students may include considerations such as:

a. classroom environment, including allergy-free considerations, or allowing the student with GSD or diabetes to have food/dietary supplements when needed;

b. cafeteria safety;

c. participation in school nutrition programs;

d. snacks, birthdays and other celebrations;

e. alternatives to food rewards or incentives;

f. hand-washing;

g. location of emergency medication;

h. who will provide emergency and routine care in school, including monitoring of    continuous glucose monitor (CGM) alerts as may be appropriate, in school;

i. risk management during lunch and recess times;

j. special events;

k. field trips, fire drills and lockdowns;

l. extracurricular activities;

m. school transportation;

n. the provision of food or dietary supplements by the school nurse, or any     school employee approved by the school nurse;

o. staff notification, including substitutes, and training; and

p. transitions to new classrooms, grades and/or buildings.

4. The IHCP should be reviewed annually, or whenever there is a change in the student’s ECP, changes in self-monitoring and self-care abilities of the student, or following an emergency event requiring the administration of medication or the implementation of other emergency protocols.

5. For a student with a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes, the IHCP shall not prohibit a parent or guardian, or a person designated by such parent or guardian, to provide food or dietary supplements to a student with a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes on school grounds during the school day.

6. In addition to the IHCP, the district shall also develop an ECP for each student identified as having a life-threatening food allergy. The ECP is part of the IHCP and describes the specific directions about what to do in a medical emergency. For the student with a life-threatening food allergy, the ECP should include the following information:

a. The student’s name and other identifying information, such as date of birth, grade and photo;

b. The student’s specific allergy;

c. The student’s signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction;

d. The medication, if any, or other treatment to be administered in the event of  exposure;

e. The location and storage of the medication;

f. Who will administer the medication (including self-administration options, as appropriate);

g. Other emergency procedures, such as calling 911, contacting the school nurse, and/or calling the parents or physician;

h. Recommendations for what to do if the student continues to experience symptoms after the administration of medication; and

i. Emergency contact information for the parents/family and medical provider.

7. In addition to the IHCP, the district shall also develop an ECP for each student identified as having GSD and/or diabetes. The ECP is part of the IHCP and describes the specific directions about what to do in a medical emergency. For the student with GSD or diabetes, the ECP should include the following information, as may be appropriate:

a. The student’s name and other identifying information, such as date of birth, grade and photo;

b. Information about the disease or disease specific information (e.g., type of GSD or diabetes);

c. Whether the student uses a CGM, and how the CGM will be monitored in school;

d. The student’s signs and symptoms of an adverse reaction (such as hypoglycemia);

e. The medication, if any, or other treatment to be administered in the event of an adverse reaction or emergency (e.g., Glucagon or insulin)

f. The location and storage of the medication;

g. Who will administer the medication (including self-administration options, as appropriate);

h. Other emergency procedures, such as calling 911, contacting the school nurse, and/or calling the parents or physician;

i. Recommendations for what to do if the student continues to experience symptoms after the administration of medication; and

j. Emergency contact information for the parents/family and medical provider.

8. In developing the ECP, the school nurse should obtain current medical documentation from the parents/family and the student’s health care provider, including the student’s emergency plan and proper medication orders. If needed, the school nurse or other appropriate school personnel, should obtain consent to consult directly with the student’s health care providers to clarify medical needs, emergency medical protocols and medication orders.

9. A student identified as having a life-threatening food allergy, GSD, or diabetes is entitled to an IHCP and an ECP, regardless of the student’s status as a student with a disability, as that term is understood under Section 504, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”).

10. The district shall ensure that the information contained in the IHCP and ECP is distributed to any school personnel responsible for implementing any provisions of the IHCP and/or ECP, and that any procedures in the IHCP and/or ECP comply with the district’s policies and procedures regarding the administration of medications to students.

11. When making eligibility determinations under Section 504 and/or the IDEA, schools must consider the student’s needs on an individualized, case-by-case basis.

III. Training/Education

1. The district shall provide appropriate education and training for school personnel regarding the management of students with life-threatening food allergies, GSD and diabetes. Such training may include an overview of life-threatening food allergies, GSD and diabetes; prevention strategies; IHCPs and ECPs; monitoring of blood glucose alerts transmitted by the CGM of the student to a dedicated receiver, tablet/smartphone application, or other appropriate technology during the school day and during school-sponsored activities; and food safety and sanitation. Training shall also include, as appropriate for each school (and depending on the specific needs of the individual students at the school), training in the administration of medication with cartridge injectors (e.g., epi-pens), and/or the specific preventative strategies to minimize the risk of exposure to life-threatening allergens and prevent adverse reactions in students with GSD and diabetes (such as the provision of food or dietary supplements for students). School personnel will be also be educated on how to recognize symptoms of allergic reactions and/or symptoms of low blood sugar, as seen with GSD and diabetes, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Staff training and education will be coordinated by the Director of Nursing]. Any such training regarding the administration of medication shall be done in accordance with state law and Board policy.

2. Each school within the district shall also provide age-appropriate information to students about food allergies, GSD and diabetes, how to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and/or low blood sugar emergency and the importance of adhering to the school’s policies regarding food and/or snacks.

IV. Prevention

Each school within the district will develop appropriate practices to minimize the risk of exposure to life-threatening allergens, as well as the risks associated with GSD and diabetes. Practices that may be considered include, but are not limited to:

1. Encouraging handwashing;

2. Discouraging students from swapping food at lunch or other snack/meal times;

3. Encouraging the use of non-food items as incentives, rewards or in connection with celebrations;

4. Training staff in recognizing symptoms of anaphylaxis and hypoglycemia; and

5. Planning for school emergencies, to include consideration of the need to access medication, food and/or dietary supplements.

V. Communication

1. As described above, the school nurse shall be responsible for coordinating the communication among parents, a student’s individual health care provider and the school regarding a student’s life-threatening allergic condition, GSD and/or diabetes. School staff responsible for implementing a student’s IHCP will be notified of their responsibilities and provided with appropriate information as to how to minimize risk of exposure and/or alterations in blood sugar levels and how to respond in the event of such emergency.

2. Each school will ensure that there are appropriate communication systems available within each school (e.g., telephones, cell phones, walkie-talkies) and for off-site activities (e.g., field trips) to ensure that school personnel are able to effectively respond in case of emergency.

3. The district shall develop standard letters to be sent home to parents, whenever appropriate, to alert them to food restrictions within their student’s classroom or school.

4. All district staff are expected to follow district policy and/or federal and state law regarding the confidentiality of student information, including medical information about the student.

5. The district shall make the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes available on the Board’s website or the website of each school under the Board's jurisdiction.

6. The district shall provide annual notice to parents and guardians regarding the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes. Such notice shall be provided in conjunction with the annual written statement provided to parents and guardians regarding pesticide applications in the schools.

VI. Monitoring the District’s Plan and Procedures

The district should conduct periodic assessments of its Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes. Such assessments should occur at least annually and after each emergency event involving the administration of medication to a student with a life-threatening food allergy, GSD or diabetes to determine the effectiveness of the process, why the incident occurred, what worked and what did not work.

The Superintendent shall annually attest to the Department of Education that the District is implementing the Management Plan and Guidelines for Students with Food Allergies, Glycogen Storage Disease and/or Diabetes.

Legal References:

State Law/Regulations/Guidance:

Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-212a Administration of medications in schools, at athletic events and to children in school readiness programs.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-212c Life-threatening food allergies and glycogen storage disease: Guidelines; district plans.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-220i Transportation of students carrying cartridge injectors.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §10-231c Pesticide applications at schools without an integrated pest management plan. Prior notice.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §19a-900 Use of cartridge injectors by staff members of before or after school program, day camp or day care facility.

Conn. Gen. Stat. §52-557b “Good samaritan law.” Immunity from liability for emergency medical assistance, first aid or medication by injection. Immunity from liability re: automatic external defibrillators. School personnel not required to administer or render emergency first aid or administer medication by injection.

Regs. Conn. State Agencies §10-212a-1 through 10-212a-7 Administration of Medication by School Personnel

Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Connecticut Schools (Includes Guidelines for Managing Glycogen Storage Disease), Connecticut State Department of Education (Updated 2012).

Federal Law:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. §794

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.

Adopted: December 20, 2022

View Policy 5610 Administration of Student Medications in the Schools

The Board requires evidence of state-required immunizations prior to enrollment in a West Hartford Public School. Failure to provide such evidence shall mean the student will not be enrolled.

Exceptions' Immunization requirements shall be satisfied if a student:

1. presents a certificate from a physician or a local health agency stating that initial immunizations have been given to the student and additional immunizations are in process under guidelines and schedules specified by the Commissioner of Public Health; or
2. presents a certificate from a physician stating that in the opinion of the physician, immunization is medically contraindicated because of the physical condition of the student; or
3. presents a statement from the parents or guardian of the student that such immunization would be contrary to the religious beliefs of the student; or
4. in the case of measles, mumps or rubella, presents a certificate from a physician or the Director of Health in either West Hartford or the student's previous town of residence stating that the student has had a confirmed case of such disease; or
5. in the case of hemophilus influenzae type B has passed his/her fifth birthday; or
6. in the case of pertussis, has passed his/her sixth birthday.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statues:
10-204a Required immunizations.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Reviewed: June 20, 2007

The Board requires a health assessment prior to the pupil's initial enrollment in a West Hartford Public School.  Subsequent to the initial enrollment the Board shall require each pupil enrolled in the public schools to have health assessments in grades six or seven and nine or ten.  Additional health assessments may be required at the discretion of the Board's medical advisor.  Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in exclusion.

Health assessment requirements are waived if the parent or legal guardian of the pupil or the pupil (if he or she is an emancipated minor or is eighteen years of age or older) notifies the school personnel in writing that the parent, guardian or pupil objects on religious grounds.

No record of any pupil's medical assessment may be open to the public.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes:
10-205 Appointment of school medical advisors
10-206 Health assessments
10-206a Free health assessments
10-207 Duties of medical advisors
10-208 Exemption from examination or treatment
10-209 Records not to be public.  
              Provisions of reports of schools.
10-214 Vision, audiometric and postural screenings.
              When required; notification of parents re defects; 
              record of results.

Adopted:   October 15, 1990
Reviewed:  June 4, 1996
Reviewed:  November 18, 2008

 

The West Hartford Public School District is committed to providing school environments which promote and protect children’s health, well-being and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.  This commitment is demonstrated through the West Hartford Board of Education’s policy of promoting the health and well-being of district students.

In furtherance of this policy, the Board directs the West Hartford Public Schools Health Advisory Council to annually review any available state or federal guidance on wellness issues and to assist in formulating recommendations for specific goals and guidelines aimed at promoting lifelong wellness practices among district students.  The Health Advisory Council will include parents, teachers, students, school food service provider representatives, school administrators, nurses, a representative of the Board of Education and members of the public.

The Board also directs the administration to develop, in collaboration with the Health Advisory Council, Administrative Regulations on the following:

1. Goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school-based activities that are designed to promote student wellness;
    
2. Nutrition guidelines for all foods available to students at each school during the school day with the objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood and adolescent obesity;
    
3. Assurances that guidelines for school meals are at least as restrictive as regulations and guidance set by the USDA;
    
4. A plan for measuring the implementation of this wellness policy, including the designation of one or more persons charged with operational responsibility for ensuring that each school meets the local wellness policy standards.

Legal Reference:  42 U.S.C. § 1751

Adopted:  May 16, 2006

It is the policy of the West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) to promote the health and well-being of district students by encouraging healthy lifestyles including promoting physical exercise and activity as part of the school day.

For the purposes of this policy, a “school employee” is defined as (1) a teacher, substitute teacher, school administrator, school superintendent, guidance counselor, school counselor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, physician, school paraprofessional or coach employed by the Board or working in the district schools, or (2) any other individual who, in the performance of his or her duties, has regular contact with students and who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the district schools pursuant to a contract with the Board. 

I. Deprivation of Physical Exercise Period or Undirected Play Period as a Form of Discipline

For elementary school students, the Board includes a time of not less than twenty (20) minutes in total, during the regular school day, to be devoted to physical exercise, except that a planning and placement team (“PPT”) may develop a different schedule for students requiring special education and related services.

The administration may include additional time, beyond the twenty minutes required for physical exercise, devoted to undirected play during the regular school day for elementary school students.

In an effort to promote physical exercise and undirected play, the Board prohibits school employees from disciplining elementary school students by preventing them from participating in the full 20 minutes of time devoted to physical exercise or additional time devoted to undirected play during the regular school day, except in accordance with this policy or as determined by a student’s Section 504 team or PPT.

A. Physical Exercise Period

School employees may prevent or otherwise restrict a student from participating in the entire time devoted to physical exercise in the regular school day as a form of discipline only under the following circumstances:

1) When a student poses a danger to the health or safety of other students or school personnel; or

2) If there are two or more periods devoted to physical exercise in a school day, then when the prevention or restriction of physical exercise is limited to the period devoted to physical exercise that is the shortest in duration, provided that the student still participates in at least twenty minutes of physical exercise in a school day.

School employees may prevent or restrict a student from participating in the entire time devoted to physical exercise in the regular school day as a form of discipline, in accordance with this policy, only one time during a school week, unless the student is a danger to the health or safety of other students or school personnel.

School employees may not prevent or restrict a student from participating in the entire time devoted to physical exercise in the regular school day if such prevention or restriction is related to the student’s failure to complete school work on time or to the student’s academic performance. 

This policy distinguishes between a) discipline that is imposed before the time devoted to physical exercise begins and b) discipline imposed during such time devoted to physical exercise or methods used to redirect a student’s behavior during such time. School personnel may impose discipline during time devoted to physical exercise as a result of student’s behavior during such time, if such discipline is in accordance with Board policies and procedures. School personnel may also use methods to redirect a student’s behavior, in the event such behavior warrants redirection, during the time devoted to physical exercise. For clarity, the prohibition against preventing or restricting a student’s participation in the time devoted to physical exercise shall apply to student conduct that occurs prior to the physical exercise time, rather than during the physical exercise time. 

B. Undirected Play Period

School employees may not discipline elementary school students by preventing them from participating in the full time devoted to undirected play, if any, during the regular school day, except when a student poses a danger to the health or safety of other students or school personnel, or as determined by a student’s Section 504 team or PPT.

II.  Prohibition on Compulsion of Physical Activity as a Form of Discipline

For all students, the Board prohibits school employees from disciplining students by requiring students to engage in physical activity as a form of discipline during the regular school day. 

III. Disciplinary Action for Failure to Follow Policy

Any employee who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment. Any contracted individual who provides services to or on behalf of students enrolled in the district and who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy may be subject to having the individual’s contract for services suspended by the district.

Legal References:

Connecticut General Statutes:

§ 10-221o  Lunch periods. Recess. Boards to adopt policies addressing limitation of physical exercise

§ 10-221u Boards to adopt policies addressing the use of physical activity as discipline

Public Act No. 22-81 “An Act Expanding Preschool and Mental and Behavioral Services for Children”

Adopted: December 15, 1998
Revised: March 20, 2012
Revised: November 1, 2022

Nurses, teachers and other staff members shall provide first aid treatment of pupils in emergency situations. In an emergency that does not require treatment of pupils by a physician, the school nurse shall give or supervise first aid treatment of pupils, whenever possible.

In an emergency requiring treatment of pupils by a physician, the parent shall be reached at once. If it is not possible to get in touch with the parents, the student's physician or school medical advisor or another licensed physician shall be called upon to administer treatment.

Students who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association are not prohibited from providing emergency assistance to other students or staff.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-207 Duties of medical advisors
10-212 School nurses and nurse practitioners. 
Administration of medications by parents or legal
guardians on school grounds.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Revised: December 2, 2008

Students - Welfare

It shall be the responsibility of the school nurse to report to the parent or guardian any pupil having symptoms of a communicable disease and to arrange with the principal for the return of the pupil to his/her home.  Teachers shall cooperate in reporting any such symptoms to the school nurse.  Pupils having any of the communicable diseases listed in the accompanying regulation shall be excluded from school and shall be readmitted to school in accordance with said regulation.

Children excluded from school with any of the health problems in the accompanying regulation must be evaluated by the school nurse before returning to the classroom.  Parents shall be notified if recovery is not complete.  Other children in the family who have not had the disease may attend school.  The school nurse shall watch for symptoms.

(cf. 5310 - Admissions)

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-212 School nurses and nurse practitioners. Administration of medications by parents or guardians on school grounds.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Revised:  December 2, 2008

There is no evidence to support the notion that the HIV virus can be transmitted through ordinary school or household activities, e.g., coughing, sneezing, hugging, sharing of utensils or food, or shaking hands.

The anonymity of individuals with HIV infection or AIDS is protected by law.  Moreover, individuals with HIV infection or AIDS are protected from discrimination by both federal and state laws.  Neither attendance at school nor employment may be denied to an individual with HIV infection or AIDS.  It is the policy of the District that no student or staff member with HIV infection or AIDS may be prohibited from attending school/ employment unless there is an immediate risk of injury or harm to the individual or to others.

Because the diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS is a confidential matter between the individual student and his or her physician, the District may be unaware of the diagnosis.  Consequently, the school district has implemented a procedure of 'universal precautions' which protects all students and staff from contact with blood and body fluids of others.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student
10-207 Duties of medical advisors
10-209 Records not to be public
10-210 Notice of disease to be given parent or guardian
19a-221 Quarantine of certain persons
19a-581-585 AIDS testing and medical information
20 U.S.C. 7906, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

Adopted: March 21, 1988
Reviewed:  June 4, 1996
Revised:  December 2, 2008

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) - Exemption

Parents or guardians may exempt their children from those units of classroom instruction which deal with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Students 18 years of age may exempt themselves from those units of classroom instruction. The request must be made in writing to the Principal.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-19 Teaching about alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, drugs and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. 
Training of personnel.

Adopted: May 8, 1989
Reviewed: January 25, 1993
Reviewed: November 18, 2008

Students - Welfare

The Board of Education shall provide sports accident insurance coverage for all middle and senior high school students participating in the interscholastic and intramural athletic programs.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Revised:  May 4, 2010

The West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) has adopted a uniform child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault response policy and reporting procedure in connection with the implementation of its sexual assault and abuse prevention and awareness program.  

I. Procedures for Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault  

A. Students, or any individuals, may make written or verbal reports of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault to any school employee. For purposes of this policy, a “child” shall be considered any student enrolled in the Board’s schools, except for those enrolled only in an adult education program who are over the age of eighteen (18). The Safe School Climate Specialist or designee for the school in which the student is enrolled shall be notified of the report and shall cause such reports to be reviewed and actions taken consistent with this policy.

B. School employees who receive a report of child sexual assault and/or abuse and have reasonable cause to suspect or believe that a child has been sexually abused and/or assaulted shall report such suspicion to the appropriate authority in accordance with Board Policy 5680, pertaining to REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF CHILDREN OR REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES.

II. Procedures for Review of Reports of Child Sexual Abuse and/or Assault  

A. The Safe School Climate Specialist or designee for the school in which the student is enrolled shall be responsible for reviewing any reports of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. In the event that the suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault has not yet been reported to the appropriate authority in accordance with Board Policy 5680 pertaining to REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF CHILDREN BY ANYONE OR SEXUAL ASSAULT OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, the Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall promptly cause such a report to be made. 

B. If/when such report alleges that a school employee, as defined by Conn. Gen. Stat § 53a-65, is the perpetrator of child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault, the Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall immediately notify the Superintendent of Schools or designee, who shall immediately notify the child's parent or guardian that a report has been made to the appropriate authorities in accordance with Board Policy 5680 pertaining to REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF CHILDREN OR REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF STUDENTS.

SCHOOL EMPLOYEES. The notification requirement shall not apply if a parent or guardian is the individual suspected of perpetrating the child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. If either a Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) investigation or a police investigation is pending pertaining to the report of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault, the Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall obtain the permission of DCF and/or the police department conducting the investigation prior to informing the parents/guardians of the report.

C. The Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall offer to meet with the student and the parents or guardians of the student about whom a report of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault has been made, in order to discuss the District’s support procedures, including but not limited to: 1) actions that child victims of sexual abuse and/or sexual assault and their families may take to obtain assistance, 2) intervention and counseling options for child victims of sexual abuse and/or assault, and 3) access to educational resources to enable child victims of sexual abuse and/or sexual assault to succeed in school. 

D. In the event that the report of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault alleges that another student enrolled in the District is the perpetrator of the sexual abuse and/or sexual assault, the Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall also take appropriate action to investigate or cause such a report to be investigated, and appropriate remedial actions taken, in accordance with Board Policy 5680 pertaining to REPORTS OF SUSPECTED ABUSE OR NEGLECT OF CHILDREN OR REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT OF STUDENTS BY SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, Board Policy 5550, pertaining to Bullying Prevention and Intervention, and Board Policy 5691 Title IX/Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment. In the event either a DCF investigation or a police investigation is pending pertaining to the report of suspected child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault, the Safe School Climate Specialist shall coordinate investigatory activities with DCF and/or the police in order to minimize the number of interviews of any child or student victim of sexual assault and share information with other persons authorized to conduct an investigation of child abuse or neglect, as appropriate and permitted by law. 

E. The Safe School Climate Specialist or designee shall develop a student support plan for anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. The report of suspected sexual abuse and/or assault need not be verified prior to the implementation of a support plan. The elements of the support plan shall be determined in the discretion of the Safe School Climate Specialist or designee, and shall be designed to support the student victim’s ability to access the school environment.

III. Support Strategies

A. Child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault can take many forms and can vary dramatically in the nature of the offense and the impact the behavior may have on the victim and other students. Accordingly, there is no one prescribed response to child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault. 

B. The following sets forth possible interventions and supports which may be utilized to support individual student victims of child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault:

1. Referral to a school counselor, psychologist or other appropriate social or mental health service. 

2. Encouragement of the student victim to seek help when feeling overwhelmed or anxious in the school environment.

3. Facilitated peer support groups.

4. Designation of a specific adult in the school setting for the student victim to seek out for assistance.

5. Periodic follow-up by the Safe School Climate Specialist and/or Title IX Coordinator with the victim of sexual abuse and/or assault.

C. The following sets forth possible interventions and supports that may be utilized systemically as prevention and intervention strategies pertaining to child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault: 

1. School rules prohibiting sexual abuse and sexual assault and establishing appropriate consequences for those who engage in such acts. 

2. School-wide training related to prevention and identification of, and response to, child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault.

3. Age-appropriate educational materials designed for children in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, regarding child sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention that will include information pertaining to, and support for, disclosures of sexual abuse and sexual assault, including but not limited to:

(a) the skills to recognize child sexual abuse and sexual assault, boundary violations and unwanted forms of touching and contact, and the ways offenders groom or desensitize victims; and  

(b) strategies to promote disclosure, reduce self-blame and mobilize bystanders. 

4. Promotion of parent involvement in child sexual abuse and sexual assault prevention and awareness through individual or team participation in meetings, trainings and individual interventions. 

5. Respectful and supportive responses to disclosures of child sexual abuse and/or sexual assault by students.

6. Use of peers to help ameliorate the plight of victims and include them in group activities.

7. Continuing awareness and involvement on the part of students, school employees and parents with regard to prevention and intervention strategies. 

IV. Safe School Climate Specialists

The Safe School Climate Specialists for the District are:

The principal or principal’s designee at each building.

V. Community Resources

The Board recognizes that prevention of child sexual abuse and sexual assault requires a community approach. Supports for victims and families will include both school and community sources. The national, state and local resources below may be accessed by families at any time, without the need to involve school personnel.

A. National Resources: 

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Resource Center
http://www.missingkids.com/Publications
333 John Carlyle Street, Suite #125, Alexandria, Virginia 22314-5950|
24-hour call center: 1-800-843-5678

• The online resource center contains publications on child safety and abuse prevention, child sexual exploitation, and missing children.

National Children’s Advocacy Center
www.nationalcac.org
210 Pratt Ave., Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Telephone: (256) 533-5437

National Child Traumatic Stress Network
www.nctsn.org
NCCTS — Duke University 
1121 West Chapel Hill Street Suite 201 
Durham, NC 27701 
Telephone: (919) 682-1552 

• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers general information on childhood trauma, including information on child sexual abuse. 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center
http://www.nsvrc.org/projects/multilingual-access/multilingual-access
2101 N. Front Street
Governor’s Plaza North, Building #2
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Toll Free Telephone: 877-739-3895

• The resource center includes multilingual access. 

Darkness to Light
http://www.d2l.org
1064 Gardner Road, Suite 210
Charleston, SC 29407
National Helpline: (866) FOR-LIGHT
Administrative Office: (843) 965-5444

• Darkness to Light is a grassroots national non-profit organization to educate adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. 

B. Statewide Resources:

Department of Children and Families
http://www.ct.gov/dcf/site/default.asp
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06106

Child Abuse and Neglect Careline:
1-800-842-2288|
Telephone, Central Office: (860) 550-6300

• DCF is the Connecticut agency responsible for protecting children who are abused or neglected.
• FAQs About Reporting Suspected Abuse and Neglect are available at: http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=2534&Q=314388&dcfNav=|

The Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
http://EndSexualViolenceCT.org/
96 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
24-hour toll-free hotline: 1-888-999-5545 English/1-888-568-8332 Espaňol
Telephone: (860) 282-9881

• The alliance is a statewide coalition of community-based sexual assault crisis services programs working to end sexual violence through victim assistance, public policy advocacy, and prevention education training. Each member center provides free and confidential 24/7 hotline services in English and Spanish, individual crisis counseling, support groups, accompaniment and support in hospitals, police stations, and courts, referral information, and other services to any in need.
• To find a Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence member program please visit: http://endsexualviolencect.org/who-we-are

Connecticut Children’s Alliance
www.ctchildrensalliance.org
75 Charter Oak Ave Suite 1-309
Hartford, Connecticut 06106
Phone: (860) 610-6041

• CCA is a statewide coalition of Child Advocacy Centers and Multidisciplinary Teams.

Connecticut Network of Care
http://connecticut.networkofcare.org
–  Connecticut Network of Care is an online information portal listing programs and support groups for sexual assault and abuse in Connecticut. 

C. Local Resources: 

[Local resources will vary depending on the district’s location; many State-level resources indicate applicable regional offices and programs.] 

Legal References:

Conn. Gen. Stat § 17a-101b  Report by mandated reporter. Notification of law enforcement agency when allegation of sexual abuse or serious physical abuse. Notification of person in charge of institution, facility or school when staff member suspected of abuse or neglect.

Conn. Gen. Stat § 17a-101q  State-wide sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention program

Adopted: June 18, 1990
Revised: December 2, 2008
Revised: November 15, 2022

The West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) recognizes that suicide is a complex issue and that schools are not mental health treatment centers. School personnel may recognize a potentially suicidal youth and, in such cases, may make a preliminary determination of level of risk. The Board directs the school staff to refer students who come to their attention as being at risk of attempting suicide for professional assessment and treatment services outside of the school.

The Board recognizes the need for youth suicide prevention procedures and will establish programs to assist staff to identify risk factors, intervention procedures, and procedures for referral to outside services. Training will be provided for teachers and other school staff and students to provide awareness and assistance in this area.

Any Board employee who has knowledge of a suicidal threat, attempt or ideation must immediately report this information to the building principal or his/her designee, who will, in turn, notify the appropriate Pupil Personnel Services staff,  the designated Crisis Intervention Team, and the Student Assistance Team, with administrative assistance, if necessary, will contact the student's family and appropriate resources outside and within the school system.  Information concerning a student's suicide attempt, threat or risk will be shared with others to the degree necessary to protect that student and others. 

Legal Reference:

Connecticut General Statutes § 10-221(e) 

Adopted: June 18, 1990
Revised: May 1, 2010
Revised: November 1, 2022

It is the policy of the West Hartford Board of Education (the “Board”) for the West Hartford Public Schools (the “District”) that any form of sex discrimination or sexual harassment is prohibited in the Board’s education programs and activities, whether by students, Board employees or third parties subject to substantial control by the Board. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates and the Board is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations (“Title IX”) and Connecticut law not to discriminate in such a manner. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex includes discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Students, Board employees and third parties are required to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of students, employees and third parties. Any student or employee who engages in conduct prohibited by this Policy shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion or termination, respectively.

For conduct to violate Title IX, the conduct must have occurred in an education program or activity of the Board; the conduct must have occurred within the United States of America; and the complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity of the Board. Conduct that does not meet these requirements still may constitute a violation of Connecticut law or another Board policy.

The Superintendent of Schools shall develop Administrative Regulations implementing this Policy and in accordance with Title IX and Connecticut law (the “Administrative Regulations”).

Sex discrimination occurs when a person, because of the person’s sex, is denied participation in or the benefits of any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. 

Sexual harassment under Title IX means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following: (1) An employee of the Board conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the Board on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);

(2) Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the Board’s education programs or activities; or

(3) “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

Sexual harassment under Connecticut law means conduct in a school setting that 1) is sexual in nature; 2) is unwelcome; and 3) denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s educational program.  Sexual harassment can be verbal, nonverbal or physical.  Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment. 

Reporting Sex Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

It is the express policy of the Board to encourage victims of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment to report such claims. Students are encouraged to report complaints of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment promptly in accordance with the appropriate process set forth in the Administrative Regulations. The Board directs its employees to respond to such complaints in a prompt and equitable manner. The Board further directs its employees to maintain confidentiality to the extent appropriate and not tolerate any reprisals or retaliation that occur as a result of the good faith reporting of charges of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Any such reprisals or retaliation will result in disciplinary action against the retaliator, up to and including expulsion or termination as appropriate.

Any Board employee with notice of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment allegations shall immediately report such information to the building principal and/or the Title IX Coordinator, or if the employee does not work in a school building, to the Title IX Coordinator.

The West Hartford Public Schools administration (the “Administration”) shall provide training to Title IX Coordinator(s), investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process (as set forth in the Administrative Regulations), which training shall include but need not be limited to, the definitions of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, the scope of the Board’s education program and activity, how to conduct an investigation and grievance process, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias. The Administration shall make the training materials used to provide these trainings publicly available on the Board’s website. The Administration shall also periodically provide training to all Board employees on the topic of sex discrimination and sexual harassment under Title IX and Connecticut law, which shall include but not be limited to when reports of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment must be made. The Administration shall distribute this Policy and the Administrative Regulations to staff, students and parents and legal guardians and make the Policy and the Administrative Regulations available on the Board’s website to promote an environment free of sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

The Board’s Title IX Coordinators are the Executive Director of Human Resources and the  Director of Pupil Services . Any individual may make a report of sex discrimination and/or sexual harassment to any Board employee or directly to the Title IX Coordinator using any one, or multiple, of the following points of contact:

OFFICE ADDRESS

The Executive Director of Human Resources
Town Hall
50 South Main Street, Suite 408
West Hartford, CT 06107

Director of Pupil Services
Town Hall
50 South Main Street, Suite 426
West Hartford, CT 06107

TELEPHONE NUMBER

860-561-6694 (Human Resources)
860-561-6906 (Director of Pupil Services)

Any Board employee in receipt of allegations of sex discrimination or sexual harassment, or in receipt of a formal complaint, shall immediately forward such information to the Title IX Coordinator. Students may also make a report of sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination to the U.S. Department of Education: Office for Civil Rights, Boston Office, U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA  02109-3921 (Telephone (617) 289-0111). 

Students may also make a report of sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, 450 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT 06103-1835 (Telephone: 860-541-3400 or Connecticut Toll Free Number: 1-800-477-5737).

Legal References:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681, et seq.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 34 C.F.R § 106.1, et seq.

Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District, 524 U.S. 274 (1998)

Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 526 U.S. 629 (1999)

Conn. Gen. Stat. § 10-15c - Discrimination in public schools prohibited.

Adopted: December 19, 1994
Reviewed: November 18, 2008
Revised: November 1, 2022

Students' Civil & Legal Responsibilities 

Board policy seeks to protect the school community in two ways: first, to insure that school authorities have the tools necessary to protect everyone's safety, including students, faculty, staff, and volunteers; and second, to protect the rights of students.

School administrators must be sensitive to the needs of students as well as police in matters of questioning and apprehension. Reasonable efforts should be made to cooperate with police seeking to question or apprehend a student for a serious offense or who is suspected of involvement in acts of violence. If a police officer must question a student on school premises, the administration shall immediately make every effort to inform the student's parents or legal guardian of the situation.

Adopted: February 8, 1988
Revised: May 4, 2010

Students – Civil & Legal Responsibilities

Search & Seizure

Desks, School Lockers, and Automobiles

Desks and school lockers are property of the schools. Parking personal vehicles is a privilege afforded to students. The right to inspect desks and lockers assigned to students, and personal automobiles parked on school property may be exercised by school officials to safeguard students, their property and school property, with reasonable care for the Fourth Amendment rights of students.

The exercise of that right to inspect also requires protection of each student’s personal privacy and protection from coercion. An authorized school administrator may search a student’s locker, desk, or personal automobile parked on school property under the following conditions:

1. There is reason to believe that the student’s desk, locker, or personal automobile contains contraband material.
    
2. The probable presence of contraband material poses a serious threat to the maintenance of discipline, order, safety, and health in the school.
    
3. The student has been informed in advance that school board policy allows desks, lockers, and personal automobiles parked on school property to be inspected if the administration has reason to believe that materials injurious to the best interests of students and the school are contained therein.

A student may be searched if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. The scope of the search must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and the nature of the infraction. Breathalyzers and Passive Alcohol Screening Devices Use of breathalyzers and other passive alcohol screening devices may be used only on the express authorization of the Superintendent, in accordance with such procedures as the Superintendent may devise.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statute:

10-221 Boards of Education to prescribe rules, policies, and procedures New Jersey v. T.L.O., 469 U.S. 325 (1985). Safford Unified School District #1 v. Redding, 129 S.Ct. 2633 (2009)

Revised: February 26, 1992
Revised: October 6, 2009
Revised: February 21, 2018

Students - Civil & Legal Responsibilities

The intent of the Board's policy is to encourage student expression in school sponsored, classroom, and other activities.

The Board of Education recognizes that students have the right to express themselves verbally, in writing, and by posting of materials in the schools.  Such expressions shall be subject to review by the appropriate authority to determine that the content and the form are not obscene, libelous, vulgar or substantially disruptive to the educational process.

Legal Reference: Tinker v. Des Moines Independent
Community School District, 
393 U.S. 503 (1969).
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeir,
494 U.S. 260 (1988). 

Adopted:  March 21, 1988
Revised:   June 6, 2006 

Students

In accordance with the Connecticut Statutes 10-230(c), the Board of Education shall ensure that a period of time is set aside each school day for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. This policy shall not be construed to require any person to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statues:
10-230(c) Pledge of Allegiance

Adopted: December 3, 2002
Reviewed: October 19, 2010

In accordance with federal law, the Board of Education adopts, in consultation with parents, the following provisions related to student privacy. 

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education shall establish attendance lines for schools within the Town, revising such boundaries from time to time as necessary to balance enrollments in the various schools. Children shall attend the school in the attendance zone in which they reside except as provided in the regulations of this manual.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes:
10-15 Towns to maintain schools
10-15c Discrimination in public schools prohibited.  
            School attendance by five-year olds
10-184 Duties of parents
10-186 Duties of local and regional boards of education re school attendance.  Hearings.  Appeals to state board. Establishment of hearing board.
10-233a-10-233f re: suspension, expulsion, removal of pupils
State Board of Education Regulations:
10-76a-1 General definitions (c), (d), (q), (t)

Adopted:   February 8, 1988
Reviewed:  November 18, 2008