Services for Preschool Age Children
Act 212, the Early Intervention System Act, entitles all preschool-age children with disabilities to appropriate early intervention services. Young children experiencing developmental delays or physical or mental disabilities are eligible for early intervention services. The Pennsylvania Department of Welfare is responsible for providing services to infants and toddlers, defined as children from birth through two years of age. For additional information, please contact the Early Learning Institute, 2500 Baldwich Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, or call (412) 837-1502. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing services to preschool-age children from ages three through five. For additional information, contact Project DART, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120, or call (412) 394-5816.
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English as a Second Language Instruction
When registering their students at Allegheny Valley, all parents/guardians will be required to fill out a Home Language Survey. Based upon the responses to this survey, those children who qualify will be referred for an “English Language Learner Assessment.” The results of this assessment will determine if a student requires English as a Second Language instruction. Parents/Guardians may not opt their children out of English Language Learner Assessment or EL instructions if found to be eligible.
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Homeless Children
Federal guidelines, as set forth in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, require that the local school identify children who are experiencing homelessness. The federal mandate, and the intention of the Allegheny Valley School District, is to ensure that homeless children and youth have access to free appropriate public education on an equal basis with other children. Children who are experiencing homelessness, including those living with others in emergency situations, may qualify for assistance with transportation, school lunch, and tutoring so that they can remain in their school of origin. If you believe your child(ren) may qualify for these services, please contact the principal of your child(ren)’s school. You may also contact the Supervisor of Pupil Services at 724-274-5300, option 3, option 3.
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Community Eligibility Program (CEP)
The Allegheny Valley School District has implemented the Community Eligibility Program (CEP). The CEP provides all students with access to FREE nutritional breakfast and lunch meals. No action is required by families. All meals will meet federal and state nutritional guidelines. Students who wish to purchase a second entree, a snack or beverage option, or just milk must pay for these selections. The CEP program does not include A'la carte items.
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Allegheny Valley School District Nondiscrimination Statement
The Allegheny Valley School District will not discriminate in its education programs, activities, or employment practices, based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry, disability, union membership, or any other legally protected classification. Announcement of this policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Employees and others involved with the District who have a complaint of discrimination or harassment or require information about accommodations for disabled individuals should contact the Superintendent of Schools by calling 724-274-5300 or writing and mailing a letter addressed to 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15024.
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Discrimination Policy & Steps to File a Complaint
The Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors declares it to be the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all students to achieve their maximum potential through the programs and activities offered in the schools regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, or handicap/disability. The Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors shall provide to all students, without discrimination, course offerings, counseling, assistance, employment, career information and assessments, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The District shall make reasonable accommodations for identified physical and mental impairments that constitute disabilities, consistent with requirements of federal and state law requirements. The Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors directs that complaints of discrimination shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations. No reprisals or retaliation shall occur as a result of good faith charges of discrimination. In order to maintain a program of nondiscrimination practices that is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors designates the Superintendent as the District’s Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall publish and disseminate this policy and complaint procedure at least annually to students, parents/guardians, employees, and the public. Nondiscrimination statements shall include the position, office address, and telephone number of the Compliance Officer.
Compliance Officer Responsibilities
The Compliance Officer is responsible to monitor the implementation of nondiscrimination procedures in the following student areas:
1. Curriculum and Materials: Review of curriculum guides, textbooks, and supplemental materials for discriminatory bias; 2. Training: Provision of training for students and staff to identify and alleviate problems of discrimination; 3. Student Access: Review of programs, activities, and practices to ensure that all students have equal access and are not segregated except when permissible by law/regulation; 4. District Support: Assurance that aspects of the school program receive such as support as to staffing and compensation, facilities, equipment, and related matters; and 5. Student Evaluation: Review of tests, procedures, guidance, and counseling materials for stereotyping and discrimination.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to complete the following duties when receiving a complaint of discrimination: 1. Inform the student or third party of the right to file a complaint and the complaint procedure. 2. Inform the complainant that he or she may be accompanied by a parent/guardian during all steps of the complaint procedure. 3. Notify the complainant and the accused of the progress at appropriate stages of the procedure. 4. Refer the complainant to the Compliance Officer if the building principal is the subject of the complaint.
The Compliance Officer is responsible to monitor the implementation of nondiscrimination procedures in the following employee areas: 1. Development of position qualifications, job descriptions, and essential job functions; 2. Recruitment materials and practices; 3. Procedures for screening, interviewing, and hiring; 4. Promotions; and 5. Disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.
The Complaint Procedures are as follows:
1. Reporting: A student or third party who believes he or she has been subject to conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy is encouraged to immediately report the incident to the building principal. A school employee who suspects or is notified that a student has been subject to conduct that constitutes a violation of this policy shall immediately report the incident to the building principal. If the building principal is the subject of the complaint, the student or third party shall report the incident directly to the Compliance Officer. The complainant or reporting employee is encouraged to use the report form available from the building principal, but oral complaints shall be accepted. 2. Investigation: Upon receiving a complaint of discrimination, the building principal shall immediately notify the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer shall authorize the building principal to investigate the complaint unless the building principal is the subject of the complaint or is unable to conduct the investigation. The investigation may consist of individual interviews with the complainant, the accused, and others with knowledge relative to the incident. The investigator may also evaluate any other information and materials relevant to the investigation. The obligation to conduct this investigation shall not be negated by the fact that a criminal investigation of the incident is pending or has been concluded. 3. Investigative Report: The building principal shall prepare a written report within fifteen (15) days unless additional time to complete the investigation is required. The report shall include a summary of the investigation, a determination of whether the complaint has been substantiated as factual or whether it is a violation of this policy and a recommended disposition of the complaint. Findings of the investigation shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the Compliance Officer. 4. District Action: If the investigation results in finding that the complaint is factual and constitutes a violation of this policy, the District shall take prompt, corrective action to ensure that such conduct ceases and will not recur. Disciplinary actions shall be consistent with Student Codes of Conduct, Allegheny Valley Board of School Directors' policies, District procedures, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal laws.
The appeal procedures are as follows:
1. If the complainant is not satisfied with a finding of no violation of the policy or with the corrective action recommended in the investigation report, he or she may submit a written appeal to the Compliance Officer within fifteen (15) days. 2. The Compliance Officer shall review the investigation and the investigation report and may also conduct a reasonable investigation. 3. The Compliance Officer shall prepare a written response to the appeal within fifteen (15) days. Copies of the response shall be provided to the complainant, the accused, and the building principal who conducted the initial investigation.
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Public Complaints
In accordance with School Board Policy 906 and NCLB, the Allegheny Valley School Board welcomes inquiries, suggestions, and constructive criticism regarding the District’s programs, personnel, operations, and facilities. Any parent/guardian, student, resident, or community group shall have the right to present a request, suggestion, or complaint.
Attempts to resolve public concerns and complaints of District residents shall begin with informal, direct discussions among the affected parties, following the District organizational structure and established guidelines below. Any requests, suggestions, or complaints directed to individual Board members and/or the Board shall be referred to the Superintendent for consideration and action.
NCLB Complaint Procedures
Complaints alleging violations of law in the District’s administration of NCLB education programs shall be processed in accordance with the following procedure. The complaint must be filed with the District as a written, signed statement that identifies: 1. Alleged NCLB violation; 2. Facts supporting the alleged violation; 3. Supporting documentation, such as information on discussions, correspondence, or meetings with the District regarding the complaint. Complaints shall be referred to the Director of Student Achievement, who will notify the Superintendent or designee.
The Director of Student Achievement will conduct an independent investigation. When the investigation is completed, the Director of Student Achievement will prepare a report with a recommendation for resolving the complaint. The Director of Student Achievement will submit the report to the Superintendent or designee, who will determine whether further investigation is required and/or the District’s final response.
The Director of Student Achievement will ensure that the resolution of the complaint is implemented. The time period between receipt and resolution of a complaint will not exceed sixty (60) calendar days unless circumstances require additional time. Either party may appeal the final resolution to the Pennsylvania Department of Education: Division of Federal Programs, PA Department of Education, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333.
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Right To Know Act
Request for Public Records of the Allegheny Valley School District must be submitted in writing on the Allegheny Valley Right To Know Request form located on the District website at www.avsdweb.org. On the top navigation bar, under District Services, bottom of the drop-down menu, click on “Right To Know.” The form can be downloaded from this page. Requests may be submitted in person, via mail, via fax, or via email to: Dr. Hamsini Rajgupal, Business Manager, Allegheny Valley School District, 300 Pearl Avenue, Cheswick, PA 15014, 724-274-5300, 724-274-8040 (fax), or hrajgupal@avsdweb.org (email). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Open Records http://openrecords.state.pa.us 717-346-9903.
AVSD Public Notice Publication