Annual Notifications

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.

[INFORMATION TO BE ADDED — FERPA RIGHTS NOTIFICATION]

Add the district’s full FERPA notification addressing the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education. Include the appropriate district contact and policy link.

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 https://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.

Corporal Punishment and Emergency Interventions

The District prohibits the use of corporal punishment, aversive interventions, and seclusion. The District authorizes the limited use of timeout and physical restraint in schools to address student behaviors subject to conditions in law, regulation, and this policy. Corporal punishment as a means of discipline will not be used against a student by any teacher, administrator, officer, employee, or agent of this District. Whenever a school employee uses physical force against a student, the school employee will immediately report the situation to the building principal or designee, who will, within the same school day, make a report to the Superintendent describing in detail the circumstances and the nature of the action taken. The Superintendent will submit a written report semi-annually to the Commissioner of Education, with copies to the Board, by January 15 and July 15 of each year, setting forth the substance of each written complaint about the use of corporal punishment received by the District authorities during the reporting period, the results of each investigation, and the action, if any, taken by the school authorities in each case. Click here to view the board policy on corporal punishment and emergency interventions.

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.

Click here for a DASA Complaint Form

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.

Drowning Prevention, Water Safety, and Safe Swimming Information

In accordance with New York State law, beginning with the 2026–27 school year, school districts will provide parents and/or guardians of students with information on drowning prevention, water safety, and safe and healthy swimming. In compliance with state requirements, Hornell City School District has made this information available on its website in a clearly visible and accessible location. On our website, you will find resources on drowning prevention, water safety, and safe swimming information. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review these materials with their children to help promote safe practices in and around water.

New York State Department of Health Resources

Safe and Healthy Swimming
Safe Swimming Tip Card
Translated resources are also available through the New York State Department of Health.

The New York State Department of Health develops and periodically updates these educational resources.

Internet-Enabled Device Policy

The District consulted with local stakeholders, including employee organizations representing each bargaining unit, parents, and students, to develop this policy to prohibit the use of Internet-enabled devices by students during the school day on school grounds. This policy aims to ensure that students remain focused on their academic responsibilities throughout the school day, which includes all instructional and non-instructional periods such as homeroom, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

“Internet-enabled devices” means and includes any smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or other device capable of connecting to the Internet and enabling the user to access content on the Internet, including social media applications.

“Internet-enabled devices” does not include:

Non-Internet-enabled devices such as cellular phones or other communication devices not capable of connecting to the Internet or enabling the user to access content on the Internet.
Internet-enabled devices supplied by the District, charter school, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) that are used for an educational purpose.

“School day” means the entirety of every instructional day as required by subdivision 7 of the Education Law Section 3604 during all instructional time and non-instructional time, including but not limited to homeroom periods, lunch, recess, study halls, and passing time.
“School grounds” means in or on or within any building, structure, athletic playing field, playground, or land contained within the real property boundary line of a district elementary, intermediate, junior high, vocational, or high school, a charter school, or a BOCES facility.

Student Requirements

Students are required to:

Refrain from using personal electronic devices anywhere on school grounds during the school day (as defined above), unless explicitly authorized by a teacher or supervising adult for a specific educational purpose.
Turn off or set personal electronic devices to airplane mode during the school day.
Store personal electronic devices in lockers, designated classroom holders, or personal bags for the duration of the school day, as directed by school staff.

Exceptions

Exemptions to this policy will be granted, as determined appropriate by the district, for students who are determined to require device access for:

Medical reasons/management of a student’s healthcare.
Language translation needs/services.
Educational accommodations as specified in the student’s Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans.
Student caregivers who are routinely responsible for the care and well-being of a family member and whom a school psychologist, school social worker, or school counselor has determined need such access during the school day.
Other reasons required by law.

On-Site Storage of Internet-Enabled Devices Including Cell Phones

Students must store their Internet-enabled devices in their lockers during the school day.

Methods for Parents to Contact Students During the School Day

To accommodate necessary communication, parents or persons in parental relation may use the following methods to contact their student during school hours while adhering to this policy:

Parents/guardians should contact the school office for any urgent need to communicate with their children during the school day, as directed by the building principal.

Student Discipline for Accessing Internet-Enabled Devices During the School Day

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary or remedial action, as determined appropriate by the district, such as potential confiscation of devices, lunch detention, in accordance with district guidelines.

Posting and Translation of Policy

The District will post this policy in a clearly visible and accessible location on its website. Translations of the policy into the 12 most common non-English languages spoken by limited-English proficient individuals in the state will be provided upon request by a student or other persons in parental relation to a student.

Reporting and Mitigation Action Plan

Beginning September 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the District will publish an annual report on its website detailing enforcement of this policy within the District in the prior school year. This report will include non-identifiable demographic data of students who have faced disciplinary action for non-compliance and analysis of any demographic disparities in enforcement of this policy. If a statistically significant disparate enforcement impact is identified, the report will include a mitigation action plan.

District Internet-Enabled Device Policy and Annual Enforcement Report

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, Julie Smith, Intermediate School Principal, 120 Raider Rd. Hornell, NY 14843.

Find more on the Title IX and Sex Discrimination on the U.S. Department of Education website.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

PPRA defines the rules states and school districts must follow when administering tools like surveys, analyses, and evaluations funded by the US Department of Education to students. It requires parental approval to administer many such tools and ensures that school districts have policies in place regarding how the data collected through these tools can be used. The link to the school policy can be found by clicking here.

Public Access to Records (FOIL)

Access to District records will be consistent with the rules and regulations established by the New York State Committee on Open Government and will comply with all the requirements of the New York State Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The Superintendent, subject to the approval of the Board, will designate a Records Access Officer who will have the duty of coordinating the District’s response to public requests for access to records.

Any requests for public records can be sent to the Records Access Officer, Kim Bacon.
To ensure efficient processing of your application, please provide the following information:

Requester’s name, address, telephone number, and email address.
A reasonable description of the records sought, containing specific information, which will allow the District to identify and locate the records.
The requester’s preference to inspect/review records, copy records, or both.

The District’s Records Access Officer can either:

Approve the request;
Deny the request, stipulating the legal reasons for denial;
Approve the request in part and deny the request in part (i.e., some of the requested materials are released, and some are withheld, or certain information is deleted for privacy reasons or other legal reasons), specifying the legal reasons for the denied portions thereof;
Give notice of an extension of time needed to fulfill the request.

Appeal of a Denial
Any person denied access to a record may appeal within 30 days in writing to:

Superintendent of Schools
120 Raider Road

Hornell, NY 14843

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 submit a Smart Schools Investment Plan before any funds may be made available for the program.

View Hornell’s Smart Schools 2022-2025 Instructional Technology Plan here.

[ADDITIONAL LINKS TO BE ADDED, IF APPLICABLE — Approved Smart Schools Investment Plans]

Student Protection Procedures

In accordance with New York State Education Law § 3201-b, the Hornell City School District has established procedures to ensure that all students have equal access to a free public education, regardless of their actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status. These procedures provide protections for students and families and establish guidelines for how the District will respond to requests from immigration authorities.

The District is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environment for all students and families and will implement these procedures consistent with applicable New York State requirements.

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Hornell City School District will collaborate with parents and other members to help students participating in Title I programs reach their full academic potential and to improve the District’s overall academic quality. As part of its collaboration, the District will conduct outreach; plan and implement programs, activities, and procedures for parent and family member engagement; and consult meaningfully with parents and family members. The parent and family engagement policy will be accessible to parents and community members by means including but not limited to: district website, hard copies upon request, and informational events hosted by each building.

Click here to view the district policy

Title IX

The District is committed to creating and maintaining education programs and activities which are free from discrimination and harassment. This policy addresses complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, made under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations (Title IX). It is just one component of the District’s overall commitment to maintaining a discrimination- and harassment-free educational and work environment. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a district that receives federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities or when making employment decisions. The District adopts this policy as part of its effort to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment. The District will promptly respond to reports of sex discrimination, ensure that all investigations are conducted within a reasonably prompt time frame and under a predictable fair grievance process that provides due process protections to complainants and respondents, and impose sanctions and implement remedies when warranted.

Inquiries about this policy or the application of Title IX may be directed to the District’s Title IX Coordinator(s), the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education, or both.

Click here to view the district Title IX policy

Click here to view Title IX training materials from GST BOCES

Click here for a Title IX complaint form

Juliana Smith, Title IX Coordinator
120 Raider Road
Hornell, NY 14843
Phone: (607) 324-1302