Access to Student Records/Privacy | APPR | Board Policies | Child Abuse Hotline | Code of Conduct | DASA | Districtwide School Safety Plan | Non-Discrimination Policy Statement | Smart Schools Investment Plan | ARP-ESSER
Access to Student Records/Privacy
The Hornell CSD is committed to protecting the privacy and security of students, teachers and administrator data. Click here to view the Parent Bill of Rights for Student Data Privacy and Security.
Directory Information
The District has the option under FERPA of designating certain categories of student information as “directory information.” The Board directs that “directory information” include a student’s:
- Name
- ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used by a student for purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems (only if the ID cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the student’s identity)
- Address (except information about a homeless student’s living situation, as described below)
- Telephone number
- Date and place of birth
- Major course of study
- Participation in school activities or sports
- Weight and height if a member of an athletic team
- Dates of attendance
- Degrees and awards received
- Most recent school attended
- Grade level
- Photograph
- E-mail address
- Enrollment status
Information about a homeless student’s living situation will be treated as a student educational record, and will not be deemed directory information. A parent/guardian or eligible student may elect, but cannot be compelled, to consent to release of a student’s address information in the same way they would for other student education records. The District’s McKinney-Vento liaison will take reasonable measures to provide homeless students with information on educational, employment, or other postsecondary opportunities and other beneficial activities.
Social security numbers or other personally identifiable information will not be considered directory information.
Once the proper FERPA notification is given by the District, a parent/guardian or student will have 14 days to notify the District of any objections they have to any of the “directory information” designations. If no objection is received, the District may release this information without prior approval of the parent/guardian or student for the release. Once the student or parent/guardian provides the “opt-out,” it will remain in effect after the student is no longer enrolled in the school district.
The District may elect to provide a single notice regarding both directory information and information disclosed to military recruiters and institutions of higher education.
Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)
New York State Education Law requires each classroom teacher and school principal to receive an annual professional performance review (APPR) that results in a composite effectiveness score and rating. All parents/guardians have the right to obtain the APPR quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once they are available. To initiate this request, please contact the building principal for the school your child attends.
- To obtain teacher scores, parents or legal guardians must complete a school-specific teacher score request form to schedule an appointment with the principal’s office in their child’s school to view the releasable information. Upon arrival, the parent or legal guardian must present valid identification to confirm his or her relationship to the student. Either a school building principal or instructional administrator will share the releasable information and provide a handout explaining the information in accordance with education law.
- To obtain principal scores, parents or legal guardians must complete the principal score request form to schedule an appointment with the superintendent’s office to view the releasable information. Upon arrival, the parent or legal guardian must present valid identification to confirm his or her relationship to the student. Either the superintendent of schools or an assistant superintendent will share the releasable information and provide a handout explaining the information in accordance with education law. Please note: The principal score request form is not school-specific; you may request ratings information for all of your child(ren)’s principals using the same request form.
Teachers and principals will be notified when parents request their scores but will not be told who made the request. An appeal of the APPR by the teacher or principal will delay providing this information until such time as the appeal is concluded.
All school districts in New York are required to adopt and submit to the state an APPR plan for teachers and school principals or risk losing a portion of their state aid. To access Hornell CSD’s most recently approved APPR plan, please contact the district’s curriculum office.
Board Policies
View the Hornell CSD Board Policy manual here.
Child Abuse Hotline
If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/cps/.
Code of Conduct
The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and orderly school environment. Responsible behavior by students, teachers, district personnel, parents and other visitors is essential to achieving this goal. Unless otherwise noted, the Code of Conduct applies to anyone on school property or attending a school function. View the complete Code of Conduct here.
Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
The goal of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) is to provide students with a safe, supportive educational environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment and bullying. Some of the law requirements include: establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies, creating school training programs and including a course in civility, citizenship and character education in the curriculum for every grade level. Learn more about the Hornell CSD DASA policy here.
Districtwide School Safety Plan
Emergencies and violent incidents in school districts are critical issues that require comprehensive planning and training. The New York State Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law requires school districts to develop a school safety plan to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and natural/manmade disasters and to facilitate the coordination of state, local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies.
- Click here to view the Districtwide School Safety Plan.
- Click here to view the Remote Learning Plan.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
The Hornell City School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, military status or any other protected status in its educational programs, employment or any other activities. As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, the district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated groups. Further, it is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against any individual because that person filed a complaint, opposed any unlawful practice or testified or assisted in an investigation or proceeding. Any inquiries and complaints regarding non-discrimination in the district may be referred to: Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Sex/Handicap Discrimination, Kathleen Johnston, SESS Director, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054.
Find more on the Title IX and Sex Discrimination on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Smart Schools Investment Plan
The Smart Schools Bond Act (SSBA) was approved by New York State voters in 2014 and authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure to improve learning and opportunity for students throughout the State.
The SSBA requires that a district submits a Smart Schools Investment Plan before any funds may be made available for the program.
ARP-ESSER
The American Rescue Plan (ARR) Act was signed into law in March of 2021. The Funds were provided to help safely reopen and sustain the operations of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on students.