2110 - COMMUNITY - MEDIA COVERAGE
PUBLICATIONS, RADIO AND TELEVISION
The Board invites and welcomes the active participation of newspapers, magazines, radio, television and other mass media in promoting the cause of good education in our District and elsewhere.
Suggestions and advice from representatives of such media on how best to facilitate the flow of information to them by the Board and personnel of the school system will be welcomed.
Newscasts, spot announcements, sports and other school activity coverage, and programs dealing with the schools must be presented in the public interest. No identification of the schools with the promotion of any commercial or political enterprise will be permitted.
It is the responsibility of the principal to be advised of and to supervise all radio and television presentations made in the individual school. If such presentations involve more than the current school program, or if they could have implications for the school system, the principal shall inform the Superintendent of their nature and seek his advice and approval.
Students who represent the school through such media should have prior permission from the principal, who should obtain full information concerning the presentation.
The principal may assign to some individual the responsibility for preparing news release drafts. The principal shall review and approve releases concerning all worthwhile school activities. Faculties should be informed that suggestions for such releases must be channeled through the principal.
A faculty member will edit school newspapers for accuracy of statements before publications.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2120 - COMMUNITY - BOARD MEETINGS
The regular and special monthly meetings of the Board are open to the public and representatives of the press, except as provided by law. All votes, however, shall be cast in public.
The Board welcomes participation of interested organizations and individuals.
Representatives of all legitimate news media are urged to attend all meetings of the Board. Meeting announcements, agendas, summaries of the minutes for each meeting, and other related supporting documents will be furnished legitimate news media upon request.
The Superintendent, administrators, and others as may be necessary will be available for interview by press representatives.
In its dealing with the press, the interviews will be frank and open, recognizing the privilege of the press to public newsworthy information.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2130 - COMMUNITY - SCHOOL USE OF MEDIA COVERAGE
The Superintendent and his/her staff are encouraged to use all available methods of communication, such as publications, radio and TV, to keep the goals, programs, achievements and needs of the schools before the public. Further, it is the Board's opinion that citizens who are adequately informed will vote more constructively in school elections.
The administration is responsible for all informational services to and from the public, except for such matters as the Board may from time to time wish to deal with publicly itself.
Materials for system-wide distribution will be developed in the district office and carry the approval of the Superintendent or his or her designee. Copies of such materials are to be given to members of the Board.
All news releases concerning the school system, except the reports of athletic games shall be cleared through the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.
The principal is responsible for the preparation and distribution of news releases concerning the activities within his/her building, and for seeing that they are cleared with the district office.
The Principal of each school site is responsible for routine school announcements to parents such as those concerning closing of school, PTA meetings, clothing and fund drives, lunch tickets, etc. He or she will keep a file copy of all such releases for needed future reference.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2210 - COMMUNITY - ADVISORY COMMITTEES
It shall be the practice of the Grand County School District to invite and use individuals from the community as members on District approved committees where their membership is appropriate. The committees will be of a planning and advisory nature.
The membership of all committees, including the District Steering Committee, shall be approved by the Grand County Board of Education.
All advisement by any committee is subject to the Board’s consideration, amendment, acceptance or rejection.
Committees should strive for a balance between educational and community members.
Community members should represent a broad spectrum of the community, including parents, business representatives, public agency representatives, and other individuals with an interest and/or expertise relevant to the committee on which they are invited to serve.
Community members serving on District committees will have an equal vote (one person, one vote) and are eligible to serve in the capacity of officers on those committees.
Adopted: 5-16-96; Revised 02-18-04 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2220 - COMMUNITY - VISITS TO SCHOOLS
The Board and staff of the school district welcome members of the community and other interested persons to visit our schools. School improvements often come from suggestions originating in such visits.
The Superintendent is authorized to establish such regulations as will:
1. encourage visitors to observe our schools;
2. provide for appropriate hospitality for visitors;
3. channel expressions of approval as well as constructive criticism to the Board; and
4. insure that such visits will enhance the effect of the educational program rather than hinder it. Board members who visit schools of their own volition have no more authority than any other citizen. Board members have authority only in regularly called meetings of the Board, or when delegated specific tasks by Board action.
Visitors are to be made to feel welcome. They should check in with the school office.
SOLICITING
There shall be no solicitation of teachers or pupils on personal matters on the school premises by salesmen or agents. All persons who enter the school buildings while school is in session in either of the foregoing two categories are to be asked by the principal to schedule their visits after school hours.
TOBACCO
1. Tobacco use by parents and visitors on any school property , in school vehicles, and at school-sponsored functions away from school property is prohibited. In the event a parent or visitor violates this policy they will be informed of the policy and of state law, and asked to adhere to it. Repeated violations by the same individual will result in referral to law enforcement by school administrators.
2. No tobacco advertising will be permitted in any form in school buildings, at school functions, or in school publications. Endorsement or sponsorship in any form of any school-related event by tobacco companies is strictly prohibited.
3. Parents and visitors to schools or on school property are encouraged to support and follow the same policy applicable to students and employees: clothing and other articles of attire worn at school or on school property may not display advertisements for, endorsements of, or implications of tobacco, tobacco companies, or tobacco use in any form.
4. The sale, delivery, transfer or distribution of tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia in any form, by a parent, or visitor, to anyone under age 19 is strictly prohibited on or in school buildings or school property, or at any school-sponsored activity.
Adopted: 5-16-95; Revised: 3-19-03 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2230 - PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC - COMMUNITY COUNCILS
The Board of Education recognizes the value of involving parents as partners in the education of their children. Such involvement promotes open communication and unity of purpose, and encourages a shared responsibility in meeting the educational needs of the students.
Along with encouraging parental support in school activities, involvement as volunteers and resources to enhance curriculum, and in attendance at SEOP, SEP, and parent teacher conferences, the Board also recognizes the value of parental insight into issues related to school improvement planning, goal setting, curriculum, discipline, student activities, student safety, etc.
It is therefore the policy of the Board of Education that each school shall establish and maintain a school community council to provide for a cooperative means of improving the educational programs and conditions within the school.
MEMBERSHIP
Each school community council shall consist of school employees, including the school's principal, and parents or guardians of students who are attending the school, except for parents or guardians who are employed at the school.
Each school community council for a high school shall have six parent or guardian members and five employee members, including the principal.
Each school community council for a school other than a high school shall have four parent or guardian members and three employee members, including the principal.
A school community council may have a larger or smaller membership provided that the number of parent and guardian members exceeds the number of employee members and there are at least two employee members on the council.
SELECTION OF MEMBERS
Each employee member, except the principal, shall be elected by a majority vote of the employees and serves a two-year term beginning July 1. The principal shall serve as an ex officio member with full voting privileges.
Each parent or guardian member shall be elected at an election held at the school by a majority vote of those voting at the election and serves a two-year term beginning July 1.
Only parents or guardians of students attend the school may vote at the election.
A parent or guardian of a student qualifies to be a candidate for election to a school community council if at any time during the parent's or guardian's initial term of office, the student will be enrolled at the school.
Any parent or guardian of a student who meets the qualifications of this section may file or declare himself/ herself as a candidate for election to a school community council.
Written notice of the elections shall be given at least two weeks prior to the elections.
Council members may serve up to three successive terms.
Results of the elections held shall be made available to the public upon request. If a parent or guardian position on a school community council remains unfilled after an election is held, the other parent and guardian members of the council shall appoint a parent or guardian who meets the qualifications to fill the position.
If an employee position on a school community council remains unfilled after an election is held, the other employee members of the council shall appoint an employee to fill the position.
Initial terms shall be staggered so that no more than 50% of the council members stand for election in any one year.
The principal may appoint council members if employees or parents/guardians do not request an election for their respective groups.
Each school community council shall elect a chair and vice chair from its parent/guardian members and elected employee members. No more than one parent/guardian member or elected employee member may at the same time serve as an officer specified.
A school community council may create subcommittees or task forces to:
- Advise or make recommendations to the council; or
- Develop all or part of plans required as part of the community council duties.
Any plan or part of a plan developed by a subcommittee or task force shall be subject to the approval of the school community council.
A school community council may appoint individuals who are not council members to serve on a subcommittee or task force, including parents, school employees, or other community members.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Each school community council shall:
- Develop a school improvement plan in accordance with Utah Code 53A-1a-108.5;
- Develop the School Land Trust Program in accordance with Utah Code 53A-16-101.5;
- Assist in the development and implementation of a staff professional development plan as provided by Section 53A-3-701;
- Develop a child access routing plan in accordance with Section 53A-3-402; and
- Advise and make recommendations to school administrators regarding the school and its programs and other issues relating to the community environment for students.
The school community council shall limit its scope to local school issues and individual school concerns. Issues relating to district policy, budget, hiring, laws, and ethics are not within the purview of the school community councils. The council shall not become involved with problems or complaints concerning individual students or employees.
The school community council shall function as a resource to the school principal. The council shall provide a sounding board for the community and the school by discussing issues and helping to solve school problems. It shall provide input, suggestions and recommendations to the school administration for school improvement.
Approved: 9-18-02 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2240 - COMMUNITY - VOLUNTEERS
In order to provide opportunities for schools to use the services of volunteers, and in order to protect the volunteers, students, staff and the School District, building principals are directed to establish, supervise and adhere to practices outlined in this policy.
- Basic Requirement: Each volunteer shall complete, sign and submit to the building principal a Volunteer Application form provided through the school office.
- Clearance: The principal shall grant clearance to each applicant based on information provided in the Volunteer Application.
- Application: The Volunteer Application shall include:
- Identification information (name, address, phone number, workplace, work phone number, email, name of volunteer's student and teacher/advisor if applicable);
- Areas of interest regarding volunteer work;
- A commitment from the applicant that he or she shall not utilize the volunteer position to gain unsupervised access to students, directly or indirectly, outside of the school setting (other than to children of whom the applicant has lawful custody);
- A commitment from the applicant that he or she shall observe confidentiality in regards to any information gained while working with students' records and/or while working with students; understanding if a student shares information relating to acts of abuse or child endangerment, the applicant shall report this information immediately to the building principal; and
- At least three references, of which one must be local.
- Supervision of Volunteers: Each volunteer shall be supervised by a School District employee.
- The supervising employee shall check volunteer activities at least twice each period/hour.
- Should the nature of a school activity require more flexible supervision, the supervising School District employee shall contact the building principal for permission. Also see "Background Check."
- Volunteer Sign In/Out: When entering or leaving a school, volunteers shall sign in and out at the school office, noting the time in and the time out.
- Volunteer Identification: Volunteers shall wear a name tag or identification placard while in the school building.
- Background Check: Volunteers who work outside of District supervisory requirements (supervision contact twice per period/hour), or volunteers who transport students outside the direct supervision of a School District employee, must undergo background checks.
Adopted: 10-16-02
* GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT *
Moab, Utah
2250 - COMMUNITY - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Overview:
Grand County School District acknowledges parent involvement as vital to the success of students. The District is committed to providing
the coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to assist schools in assuring effective parent involvement. The District
recognizes that students whose backgrounds include economic disadvantage, disability, English as a second language, limited literacy or
minority influences may require support unique to their learning circumstances. Parents play an essential role in meeting these diverse needs.
Purpose:
In order to provide staff and parents concise information regarding the many ways in which parents can become involved in student learning,
each principal is charged with the oversight of developing and implementing a Parent Volunteer Guide for his or her building.
Compliance:
This policy establishes District compliance with requirements set forth in Federal Law - Parent Involvement,
Title I, Sec. 1118, 20 Utah State Code (U.S.C.) Sec. 6319 (1999).
Scope:
Each school, regardless of Title I status, shall jointly develop with, and distribute to, parents of enrolled students a written Parent Volunteer Guide
(Guide), agreed on by parent, staff and administrative representation. The Guide shall, as practical, be provided in a language the parent can understand.
The Guide shall describe the means by which the school implements strategies necessary for successful parent involvement at the site.
Each principal shall oversee the development and maintenance of the Guide based on requirements of U.S.C. compliance code. Each year, parent, staff
and administration shall conduct an evaluation of the Guide in an effort to increase parent participation in the school by identifying barriers to parent
participation. School improvement strategies shall then be designed by these constituencies to overcome or mitigate perceived barriers.
Description:
Each school's Guide shall include at least the following:
Methods used to keep parents informed of, and assisted in understanding, expected State, District and school academic standards;
Means by which parents will be provided materials and training to help them work with their children to improve achievement in
all curricular areas;
School outreach and communication practices that promote parent/school partnership in student learning;
Descriptions of efforts to coordinate interagency and interschool practices that train parents in how to promote student achievement from home
(i.e. working collaboratively with Head Start, after school programs, extra-curricular programs, interagency planning meetings, etc.);
Procedures for parents to submit input to the school regarding practices and procedures. This may be done via scheduled input meetings,
surveys, home notes, parent response requests, etc.
In Title I schools, parameters governing the school-parent compact;
In Title I schools, a written description of how the school complies with State and Federal requirements for parent involvement.
See Standard Operating Procedures - POLICY 2250 - PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT -
Parent Volunteer Guide Checklist
Adopted: 08-19-09
* GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT *
Moab, Utah
2310 - COMMUNITY - SCHOOL/COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS - PTA/PTSA
The Parent/Teacher or Parent/Teacher/Student Associations in our schools are viewed by the Board as sincerely interested in and staunch supporters of public education in the district.
The Board endorses the purposes of the PTA/PTSA:
2. to raise the standards of home life;
3. to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth;
4. to bring into close relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the training of the child; and
5. to develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for every child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2320 - COMMUNITY - AREA/STATE/REGION/NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS & SCHOOLS
The schools for several reasons will maintain membership by staff in recognized associations, including:
2. access to the communication media of such associations, such as newsletters, periodicals, and advisory services; and
3. representation in actions affecting education in general and our school district in particular.
The Superintendent is authorized to budget funds for such memberships, and for paying the costs of adequate participation of staff in the activities of such associations to achieve the purposes listed above.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2330 - COMMUNITY - NON-PUBLIC/OTHER EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS & SCHOOLS
The Board recognizes the need and the worth of cooperative relationships with private schools. It encourages members of the school staff to work with their counterparts in private schools on educational matters within the framework established by the statutes and State regulations.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2340 - COMMUNITY - EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY LIFE
Regular attendance at service club meetings is encouraged; provided such attendance does not interfere with the duties of the employee.
Participation in parent study groups and workshops is a part of the obligation of administrators.
Employees are requested to secure correct and complete information from their principals about the schools in order to represent them effectively.
A classroom teacher's major responsibility is to the students in his or her class. Classroom teachers may not accept community responsibilities if such duties require that time be taken from the regularly scheduled classroom time unless approved in advance by the Superintendent.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah
2350 - COMMUNITY - EMPLOYEE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
Any school employee may join the political party of his or her choice, except one that advocates the forceful overthrow of the government, and take active part in the affairs of his or her party. He or she may endorse candidates for political office and actively support moves for the adoption of those issues in which he or she believes. It must be understood, however, that no partisan political activity shall be carried on during the hours school is in session or while the employee is on duty at his or her school assignment.
Any school employee may become a candidate for a public or political office. In case of election or appointment to such an office, it shall be the policy of the Board of Education to grant the employee a leave of absence during the term of his or her office, provided the office requires the employee to be absent from his or her school assignment. If the office does not require absence from school, the Board shall pay the regular salary to the employee provided there is no interference with his or her school responsibilities. The Board of Education, together with the employee, shall determine the extent of interference and agree upon the amount of salary to be paid to the employee while he occupies the public office.
Adopted: 5-16-95 * GRAND COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT * Moab, Utah