ASD File: IGE
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
PARENTAL OBJECTIONS TO SPECIFIC COURSE MATERIALS

The curriculum and course materials of the School District are designed to meet statutory requirements and include other areas of study deemed appropriate by the professional staff and the Board. The curriculum includes topics and materials that are age and ability appropriate to the students and are available for review by parents.

The Board acknowledges that from time to time individual students may be exposed to specific course materials which their parents/legal guardians find objectionable. Parents and legal guardians shall be notified, in writing, not less than two (2) weeks in advance of use of potentially objectionable curriculum course material. In such cases, the parents/legal guardians may request an exception to the specific course materials in accordance with applicable law and the following procedure.

1. The parents/legal guardians must:
a. Notify the building principal in writing of the specific course material to which they object; and
b. Provide a detailed written description or actual copy of the course material which they propose as an alternative to the District’s course material. That alternative material must meet applicable State requirements for education in the particular subject area.
c. Provide a detailed description of how and when the alternative course material will be delivered to the child at no cost to the District. The District shall have no responsibility for delivery of the alternative course material.

2. The building principal shall review the proposed alternative course material and the parent/guardian’s plan for delivery of the material. He/she shall determine whether it is appropriate and meets State requirements and consult with the classroom teacher and other staff as appropriate.

3. The building principal shall notify the parents/legal guardians as soon as practicable whether or not he/she agrees with the alternative course material and the plan for delivery of the material. Both the building principal and parents/legal guardians must agree in order for particular alternative course materials to be approved as a replacement for District course material.

4. If the building principal approves the alternative course materials and the plan for delivery, the parents/legal guardians must provide appropriate documentation of the student’s successful completion of the material. Absent such documentation, the student will not receive credit for the work.

5. If the building principal and parents/legal guardians cannot agree on alternative course materials and a plan for delivery, the Superintendent may be requested to assist in resolving the matter. In the event that there is no agreement, the District shall expect the child to continue to participate in the school’s regular curriculum.

6. In the event that the parents/legal guardians are objecting to health and physical education, including the human reproductive system and human sexual health on religious grounds, the student shall not be required to participate in the District’s regular curriculum, but may participate in an alternative program per School District Policy IHAM Health Education and Exemption from Instruction.

In accordance with State law, the names of the parents/legal guardians requesting exceptions to specific course materials and their reasons shall remain confidential.

Adopted: May 8, 2012
Revised: January 9, 2018

Legal Reference:
RSA 186:11(IX-c) and (IX-e), State Board of Education; Duties, US Constitution1232h, (c) (1) (C), Protection of Pupil Rights

ASD File: IGE-R
COURSE MATERIALS OBJECTION

I, ________________________ am the parent or guardian of, __________________
and object to the following course material:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

I have identified alternative course material and have enclosed it with this form.
My plan for delivery of alternative course material, including ensuring the District bears no additional cost for such, is as follows:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I am requesting the school to excuse my child from certain units of curriculum that are required by State law. I further understand that in lieu of receiving instruction in this unit, my child is required to receive alternative learning that is sufficient to enable my child to meet state requirements the unit. I further understand I am responsible for the delivery of the approved alternative course material and am required to submit appropriate documentation of my child’s successful completion of the material. Absent such documentation, my child will not receive credit for the work. I further understand that this objection is only valid for the school year in which it is signed and for the course material noted above and subsequent waivers may be necessary.
________________________________ __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Principal Review Date: ______________________ Disposition:

Approved                                                          Not Approved

This form is exempt from disclosure under the Right–to-Know law, RSA Chapter 91-A, and RSA 186:11, IX-e (Duties of the State Board)

ASD File: IH
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

Because education is a lifelong process, the District’s educational programs will provide both formal studies to meet the general academic needs of all students, and opportunities for individual students to develop specific talents and interests in vocational and other specialized fields, and grow toward independent learning.

The various instructional programs will be developed with the view toward maintaining balanced, integrated, and sequentially articulated curricula which will serve the educational needs of all school-aged children in the district.

The Board subscribes to the philosophy that well-developed reading and other basic skills, including ability to spell; speak well and write intelligently are essential in our society. It will adopt specific requirements to ensure that our students are sufficiently competent in these essential skills.

At all levels, provisions will be made for a wide range of individual differences in student abilities and learning rate through uses of a variety of materials, adjustments in programs, and courses adapted to special needs of students.

Each pupil, regardless of his/her occupational choice, shall be provided with the opportunity to acquire the basic skills, knowledge, attitudes, and understandings needed for living in a democracy.

This policy will insure that students have the opportunity to develop intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and aesthetic appreciation in the school years in such a manner that they may be used throughout a lifetime.

The following ten educational goals are intertwined; no one goal stands in isolation from the rest. They will help to define performance objectives for learners, identify tasks to be performed by teachers in giving life to those objectives, and help to determine means for evaluating learners’ progress toward the goals. These goals express the quest for quality, reaching for the ideal and reality in education and the District’s instructional programs.
1. Physical and Emotional Well-Being: Education should contribute to the learner’s physical and emotional well-being, especially to a sense of personal worth and to a capacity for influencing one’s own destiny–self discipline, self respect, and self control.
2. Basic Communication Skills: Education should develop in each learner the basic skills needed for communication, perception, evaluation, and conceptualization of ideas. Among the most important skills are reading, writing, speaking, listening, problem solving, creative and critical thinking, and computational skills.
3. Effective Use of Knowledge: Education should provide for each learner access to our cultural heritage, stimulate intellectual curiosity, and promote intellectual development.
4. Capacity and Desire for Lifelong Learning: Education should foster and stimulate in each learner the natural desire for lifelong learning and should develop the skills necessary to fulfill the desire.
5. Citizenship in a Democratic Society: Education should provide each learner with knowledge of
understanding of how our society functions in theory and in practice. “Citizenship” means the privileges, duties, and responsibilities of citizenship; appreciation and respect for civic and social institutions of the United States; and knowledge of the organization and operation of municipal, county, state, and federal government.
6. Respect for the Community: Education should provide each learner with knowledge and experience which contribute to an understanding of human similarities and differences and which advance mutual respect for humanity and for the dignity of the individual.
7. Occupational Competence: Education should provide the learner with the skills, experience, attitudes and guidance for initial job placement; it is even more important for the learner to develop a capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
8. Understanding of the Environment: Education should provide each learner with knowledge and understanding of the social, physical, and biological worlds and the balance with environmental issues, and should develop attitudes and behavior leading to intelligent use of the environment.
9. Creative Interests and Talents: Education should provide each learner with varied opportunities to nurture interests, to discover and to develop natural talents, and to express values and feelings through various media.
10. Individual Values and Attitudes: Education should expand and advance truth and honesty with self and others; fairness, integrity and justice; respect and human worth; responsibility to oneself and to others; community service; and responsible citizenship.

Regulatory References: NH Code of Administrative Rules, Section Ed 306.04 (a), (b), (j), (k)(4-6), Policy Development: Meeting the instructional needs of each student with different talents

Adopted: June 13, 2006

ASD File: IHAK
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHARACTER AND CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

The faculty and staff will have the responsibility for integrating into the curriculum, as appropriate, the following principles:

1. Democratic societies are free societies based on law, and a democratic government is established by majority vote.

2. Problems are solved through facts, reason and orderly processes.

3. We are a nation bound by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.

4. A free society requires respect for persons, property, principles, and for self.

5. Individuals have dignity and worth.

6. A democratic society affords the following rights to individuals:
a. Individuals have the right to learn and the freedom to achieve.
b. Individuals have the right to work, to pursue an occupation, and to gain satisfaction from personal efforts.
c. Individuals have the right to personal liberties.
d. Individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background, or disability, have the right to equal opportunity.

7. Individuals in a democratic society have the following responsibilities:
a. Individuals have a responsibility to the group as well as to the total society.
b. Individuals should be tolerant of another’s beliefs and should have freedom to express their own.
c. Individuals are responsible for their own actions, and should exercise self-discipline where and when appropriate.

Teaching in the area of character and citizenship will take place throughout the K-8 program.

Adopted: December 8, 1993
Adopted: November 14, 2000
Revised: January 13, 2009
Reviewed: January 9, 2018

Legal References:
NH Admin Rules Sec. Ed 306.04(a)(5), 306.04(i) Character and Citizenship

ASD File: IHAL
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION

The First Amendment to the Constitution provides both freedom of religion and prohibition against the establishment of religion by the government. The Auburn School District, as an agency of the government, shall be neutral with respect to religious beliefs and also shall not engage in any activity that either disparages or advocates religion. The Auburn School District shall treat religions within the educational context in an open, forthright way consistent with the pluralistic nature of our community.

Adopted: November 14, 2000
Adopted: June 12, 2001

ASD File: IHAM
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEALTH EDUCATION AND EXEMPTION FROM INSTRUCTION

Consistent with Department of Education requirements, health and physical education including the human reproductive system and human sexual health, will be included in the instructional program.

Instruction must be appropriate to grade level, course of study, and development of students. The Superintendent will require that faculty members who present this instruction receive continuing in-service training, which includes appropriate teaching strategies and techniques.

Parents/guardians will have the right to inspect and review health and physical instruction materials that will be made reasonably accessible to parents/guardians and others to the extent practicable.

Parents/guardians shall be notified by e-mail, other written means, website/social media postings or phone call, not less than two (2) weeks in advance of use of the curriculum course material to be used for instruction of health and physical education, that the material is available for inspection at the school. The notice will identify and provide contact information for the member of staff or faculty whom a parent or guardian should contact to arrange an opportunity to inspect the curriculum course material.

Opt-Out Procedure and Form
Parents/guardians, or students over eighteen years of age, who do not want their child to participate in a particular unit of health or physical education instruction for religious reasons or religious objections, are allowed to have their child opt-out of such instruction.

Parents/guardians who wish to have their child opt-out of such instruction are required to complete the district opt-out form and state the particular unit of the curriculum in which the student is not to participate. Any student who is exempted by request of the parent/guardian under this policy may be given an alternative assignment sufficient to meet state requirements for health education. The alternative assignment will be provided by the health or physical education teacher in conjunction with the Principal.

Parents/guardians who do not want their child to participate in a particular unit of health or physical education must complete a Health or Physical Education Opt-Out Form. Opt-Out Forms are available from either the health education teacher or the Principal.

Opt-out requests must be submitted annually and are valid only for the school year in which they are submitted.

Adopted: June 9, 2009
Revised: January 9, 2018

Legal References: NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.40, Health Education Program, NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 306.41, Physical Education Program, RSA 186:11, IX-b, Notice to Parents/Guardian Required, RSA 186:11, IX-b, Heath and Sex Education, US Constitution 1232h, (c) (1) (C), Protection of Pupil Rights Appendix IHAM-R, Health Education Exemption: Opt-Out Form

ASD File: IHAM-R
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTION EXEMPTION
OPT-OUT FORM

I, ________________________ (parent/guardian) request that my child, __________________
be excused from participating in certain units of health or physical education instruction due to religious reasons or religious objections.

I request that the District waive the class attendance of my child in a class or courses on the following subjects/units:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

Please identify the grade level, class, and building. ___________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.

I understand that I am requesting the school to excuse my child from certain units of curriculum that are required by state law. I further understand that in lieu of receiving instruction in this unit of health or physical education, my child may be required to receive alternative learning in health or physical education that is sufficient to enable my child to meet state requirements for health education. I further understand that this opt-out exemption is only valid for the school year in which it is signed and subsequent waivers may be necessary.

________________________________ __________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Administrator Signature

Date Received ______________

This form is exempt from disclosure under the Right –to-Know law, RSA Chapter 91-A, and RSA 186:11, IX-e (Duties of the State Board)

Adopted: June 9, 2009
Revised: January 9, 2018

ASD File: IHBA
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROGRAMS FOR PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES

The district shall provide a free, appropriate public education and necessary related services to all children with disabilities residing within the district, required under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act.

It is the intent of the district that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to children with disabilities provided in state statutes which govern special education. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the district shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students’ identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice and opportunity for the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the students’ parent(s)/guardian(s), representation by counsel, and review procedure.

The district recognizes its obligation to provide an education for all students determined to be educationally disabled and in need of special education and related services. This obligation shall begin when a student reaches three years of age and shall continue until the student’s 22nd birthday or until such time as he/she receives a high school diploma, whichever occurs first, or until the child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team determines that the child no longer requires special education in accordance with federal and state law. At the discretion of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee, students who reach the age of 22 during the academic year may be allowed to complete the remainder of the school year.

Legal Reference: 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., 34 C.F.R. § 300 et seq., RSA 186-C NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 1100, SB 394 and HB 1513.
Adopted: November 9, 1976
Adopted: November 14, 2000
Revised: November 10, 2009, February 14, 2023

ASD File: IHBA-R
See also IHBA
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

School Districts are required to provide and guarantee special procedural safeguards with respect to special education matters. However, those procedure are established via federal and state law. They are not matters of local board policy or local administrative regulations.

Legal Reference:  20 U.S.C.§ 1415

Adopted: November 9, 2010
Revised: December 13, 2016
Revised: January 10, 2017

ASD File: IHBAA
See also IHBA
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
EVALUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITIES

All evaluation requirements for children with learning disabilities will be evaluated consistent with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. All staff, students, parents and other interested persons are directed to the New Hampshire Department of Education Special Education Policies and Procedures Handbook.

Adopted: November 10, 2009
Revised: February 14, 2017, January 10, 2023

Legal References:
Code of Admin. Ed. Rules, Section
NH Evaluation Requirements for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities 1107.02(b)

ASD File: IHBG
AUBURN SCHOOL DISTRICT
HOME EDUCATION INSTRUCTION

Parents who are residents of the district wishing to home educate their child(ren) shall conform
to all applicable laws and rules of the State Board of Education regarding home education.
Students with home education programs may participate in curricular activities at school subject
to availability.

Home Education is an alternative to compulsory attendance at a public or private school and is an
individualized form of instruction in accordance with New Hampshire RSA 193-A and Department
of Education Rule Part 315 (Ed 315). Parents or guardians may establish a home education
program for any child, including one who is an “educationally disabled child” as defined under
RSA 186-C:2, I, whether or not such child is previously enrolled in a school of the District. When
and how parents/guardians determine to commence a home education program, and other
choices the parents/guardians make, determine whether and the extent to which the District will
have responsibilities relative to the home educated child(ren).

This policy is intended to help District personnel and home education families within the District
understand those responsibilities based upon the family’s choices. Nothing in this policy,
however, should be understood to infringe upon the parent’s/guardian’s right under the
applicable statutes or Department of Education rules.

A. Parent/Guardian Selection of a Participating Agency.

1. Selection of a Participating Agency. One of the most significant decisions the
parents/guardians make relative to a home education program is the selection of a
“participating agency” for home education program notification and support. This
decision will also largely govern the District’s obligations during the home education
program.

The parent/guardian decides which participating agency to select, from the following:
a. The Commissioner of the Department of Education;
b. The resident district Superintendent (“District”); or
c. The head of a nonpublic school.

The selected participating agency shall work with the parents/guardians upon request to
meet the essential requirements of a home education program as set out in RSA 193-
A:4, I.

2. Changing Participating Agency. At any time, the parents/guardians may select a
different, valid, participating agency. To do so, the parents/guardians must provide
notice to the new participating agency in the same manner as outlined in Section B.2,
below.

3. District Obligations Relative to Selection of Participating Agency. If the selected
participating agency is the resident district Superintendent, the District shall provide
evaluation services as discussed in Section C, below. If the resident district
Superintendent is not selected as the participating agency, the District may, but is not
obligated to, provide evaluation services. However, the District shall, “work with parents
upon request to meet the requirements of [RSA 193-A:4]. (See RSA 193-A:4, II,
emphasis added.)

B. Notices for Commencement of Home Education Program.

1. Notice For Students Withdrawing from District. State school attendance laws apply to
each student unless and until a parent/guardian commences a home education program.
Similarly, the District’s attendance policies apply to all students enrolled in schools of the
District.

Accordingly, when a parent/guardian of a child who is enrolled in a school of the District
wishes to begin a home education program for the child, Ed Rule 315.05 (b) requires
that on or before the date home education program begins, the parent/guardian must
advise the Superintendent of the child’s withdrawal from the District. The notice of
withdrawal may be made in person, via telephone, email or other writing, at the
parent/guardian’s election.

2. Written Notice of Program Required. In addition to the less formal notice required for a
child being withdrawn from the District, RSA 193-A and Ed 315 both require that the
parent/guardian provide written notice of the commencement of a home education
program to the selected participating agency. The District only receives this notice if the
parents/guardians are selecting the Superintendent as the participating agency.

The only information required in this written notice of commencement is listed in RSA
193-A:5, II: the names, addresses, and birth dates of all children who are participating in
the home education program. The parents/guardians shall also provide contact
information and update the notification information as necessary. If selected by the
parents/guardians as the participating agency, the Superintendent of the resident district
shall acknowledge receipt of the notification of commencement of home education within
14 days of receiving such notification, along with a request for any information required
by RSA 193-A:5, II that was not included in the original notice.

3. No Annual Notice Required. Once established, the home education program remains in
effect unless terminated pursuant Ed 315.06. The parent/guardian is not required to
provide annual notification of continuation of a home education program.

C. Evaluation & Assessment.

Under RSA 193-A:6, II, parents/guardians are required to provide for an annual educational
evaluation for home educated children that documents “educational progress at a level
commensurate with the child’s age and ability.” Both the statute and Ed 315.08 provide
several options for parents/guardians to meet the statutory evaluation requirements, and the
parents/guardians are free to select their preferred method.

1. Evaluation with Assistance from the District. If the District is selected as the participating
agency, the District must provide evaluation services upon request of the
parent/guardian. If the District is not selected as the participating agency, the
District may aid in evaluation, but is not required to do so.

Parents/guardians seeking to utilize evaluation services through the District should
contact the Superintendent’s office as soon as practicable to ensure adequate time to
prepare any necessary materials and accommodations.

While the parent/guardian may select any evaluation method outlined in RSA 193-A:6, II,
as well as any other method agreed to by the parent/guardian and the participating
agency, two methods merit further note:

a. State or Local Assessment Provided by the District. If the evaluation method is a
state or local assessment provided by the District, the parent/guardian must notify
the Superintendent in writing as soon as practicable to provide the District adequate
time to prepare and obtain the testing materials and prepare any necessary
accommodations. Under this election, the District will not charge a fee for providing
or administering the test. Reasonable academic proficiency is deemed demonstrated
if the composite results place the child at or above the fortieth percentile.

b. Portfolio Review. If the District is the selected participating agency, the
parent/guardian may request the District to perform a portfolio review, for which the
District may charge a fee.

c. Other “Valid Measurement Tool”. When the District is the participating agency, the
parent/guardian and Superintendent may mutually agree upon any other valid
measurement tool(s). A non-exclusive list of examples may be found in Ed
315.08(e).

2. Evaluation Independent of the District. As outlined in RSA 193-A:6, II, the
parent/guardian may collaborate with the participating agency to find a mutually agreed
upon method of evaluation as described in Ed 315.08(d) – (f).

D. Reports and Records.

1. Parent/Guardian Requirements. RSA 193-A:6, I requires the parent/guardian to maintain
a portfolio of records and materials relative to the home education program. The
portfolio shall consist of a log which designates by title the reading materials used, and
also samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed
by the child. Such portfolio, which at all times remains the property of the parent, shall
be preserved by the parent for 2 years from the date of the ending of the instruction.

Parents/guardians need only provide the evaluation results/portfolio to the District to the
extent necessary to demonstrate proficiency in order to participate in school programs,
and co/extra-curricular activities as provided under RSA 193-A:6, III, and Ed
315.07(b). See also Board policy JJJ-R.

2. District Requirements.

a. District as Participating Agency. On October 1 of each year, the District shall notify
the Commissioner of the number of children for whom the Superintendent was
selected as a participating agency since the previous year’s report.
The District should maintain record of a student’s enrollment and withdrawal from
the school in the same manner as it would for a student transferring to another
district. The District should maintain a record of its status as the participating agency
for as long as it holds that status. While the parent/guardian keeps any portfolios
and assessments conducted outside the District, the District should maintain record
of any involvement it has in assessments as it would for any other student.

b. District Not as Participating Agency. The District should maintain record of the
student’s enrollment and withdrawal from the school in the same manner as it would
for a student transferring to another district.

E. Re-enrollment into School District & Notice of Termination of Home Education Program.
Parents deciding to re-enroll their children into the School District following a period of home
education will make arrangements with the Principal for an evaluation to determine
appropriate placement in the District’s program. Placements will be consistent with section B
of Board policy JJJ governing home education and other non-enrolled district student
program placements, and are subject to the same appeal process.

Parents should be attentive that when re-enrolling a student, there may be discrepancies
between the home education level of achievement and the scope and sequence of the
District’s curriculum.

Also, in the event that a parent/guardian terminates a home education program, the
parent/guardian is required under RSA 193-A:5, III to provide written notice within 15 days
of the termination to either the N.H. Commissioner of Education, the resident district
superintendent, or the non-public school principal.

F. Graduation/Diplomas.

The School Board will not award certificates or diplomas to home educated students.
Students must enter the regular school program and complete all necessary graduation
requirements of the District and the state to be eligible for a certificate or diploma.

G. Participation in School Curricular and Co/Extra-curricular Activities.

Information regarding the participation of home education students (as well as students of
nonpublic or of public charter schools) in District curricular and co/extra-curricular programs
is found in Board policy JJJ.

Legal References:
RSA 193-A, 193:1, RSA 193:1-a, and 193:1-c; NH Admin Rules, Sec. Ed 315

Adopted: November 14, 2000
Revised: November 10, 2009, August 22, 2023